Janice and Joanne, identical twins, were raised in a German American household in a German American neighborhood in Queens, NY. An interest in their cultural heritage as young students, inspired them to study abroad in Germany. The experience of travelling across Europe created fond memories and set the stage for an interesting future.
Not surprisingly, both went on to teach German as well as Spanish and Russian in the Public High Schools in Queens, New York for 34 years.
Once they retired from public school teaching, they continued to find joy by volunteering to teach German to retired teachers as part of the United Federation of Teachers Retiree Programs. Their classes were well-attended, and participants enjoyed the experience. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 shutdowns, they were forced to stop teaching their beloved language.
Janice and Joanne have both lived in New York city for their entire lives but spent the 40 years preceding their move to Ithaca on Staten Island.
As they began to plan for their future, a search on Google for Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC) led them to this unfamiliar town in the Finger Lakes called Ithaca, New York. Without a prior connection to Ithaca, they decided to participate in a “Try Us” stay in June of 2022. They “quickly fell in love with the area’s rural atmosphere and the warmth of both the employees and residents at Kendal at Ithaca.”
A little over a year later, they packed their belongings and moved into a lovely two-bedroom apartment. The most challenging aspect of the move was “downsizing from two homes and leaving friends behind.” When asked what helped ease the transition, they noted the “overall friendliness of the community and the welcoming German lunch group they met during their try us stay.” They continue to value their German-speaking lunch group which has helped them feel at home.
Janice and Joanne, with a few other residents, helped establish a pub singing group at Kendal at Ithaca. What started as a small gathering has grown into a lively ensemble of up to twenty members. As you walk by, it’s hard not to smile and tap your foot to their familiar tunes, which include classics from the British Invasion, Broadway musicals, and folk music.
Janice and Joanne have fully embraced life at Kendal at Ithaca. They have successfully navigated Kendal and the surrounding community, thanks to the kindness of residents who shared their local knowledge and offered personal tours of the area. Having recently joined the new resident welcome team, Janice and Joanne “are excited to help newcomers acclimate to their new surroundings and welcome them to the community.”
Thanks, Janice & Joanne, we are glad you found us!