In September, there’s a feeling of back to school in the air. Anticipation for a fresh year of learning inspires our Creative Living programs. New classes, lectures and community partnerships make lifelong learning part of every ECS community.

“In the fall we do a deep dive into lifelong learning,” says Jackie Stevens, ECS Regional Director of Creative Living. Jackie oversees the Creative Living content at our communities in Southern California, and ensures that all our residents have a wealth of events and activities to enjoy.

The Covington

An ECS independent living community in Orange County with luxury senior apartments.

“We have several new community partnerships coming this fall,” says Tracy Beam, Director of Creative Living at The Covington. “Soul Rapha will be joining us for various activities.” Their diamond art project invites participants to create art through cross-stitch and paint-by-numbers, incorporating rhinestones. They also lead sing-alongs. Another partner, Dance 4 Joy focuses on spiritual and physical wellness through dance. They will offer residents a variety of interactive performances through their programs.

The Bowers Museum, in Santa Ana, California, is a new community partner. The largest and one of the oldest museums in Orange County, its vision is to celebrate world cultures through the arts. In advance of a visit to the newest exhibit, a docent from the museum will come to The Covington and share additional insight on the exhibit.

We look forward to a representative from the Archives at Cal State Fullerton coming to The Covington to discuss the history of Orange County; as well as a representative from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory making a presentation on the “Ladies of Mars”, the women who contributed to the exploration of the red planet. In addition, the community will celebrate Oktoberfest with a social gathering featuring a well loved polka band along with tasty appetizers and cocktails.

The Canterbury

A sophisticated senior living community in the Los Angeles South Bay.

“We will be welcoming several new community partners this fall,” says Diana Ernandes, Director of Creative Living.

A highly anticipated new partnership is with Encore Theater Group of The South Bay. Their mission is to build community and transform lives through the performing arts. Residents will be attending performances of this innovative troupe.

The PV Symphonic Band, a group of musicians of all ages and professions, will be performing at The Canterbury this fall. And resident Lynn Knudsen will offer a range of activities including improv, chair dancing, and Reader’s Theater.

There are several distinguished series anticipated this year. “We will have a speaker from the LA Maritime Museum coming to talk about the history of the Los Angeles Harbor,” Diana says. The community will also be welcoming Erik Jay, a photographer who captures images of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Erik is available to residents through The Canterbury’s partnership with Peninsula Friends of The Library.

Omnilore is a nonprofit partner that organizes study groups reflecting the interests of the Canterbury residents, which we are excited to partake in.

Dr. Toby Hooper will be leading a series on the Greek Myths of The Odyssey and The Iliad this Fall.

In addition, the residents run “Everyone Has a Story,” in which each month a guest speaker talks about their experiences. “And there is so much more going on here,” Diana says.

MonteCedro

An ECS eight-acre community in Altadena offering a wealth of opportunities for events and activities.

“There is so much going on this fall at MonteCedro,” says Jackie Stevens. Early in September, one of the community’s residents, Tom Brunkow, will be presenting a 12-part series on Life Worth Living, by Miroslav Volf, Matthew Croasmun, Ryan McAnnally-Linz. It’s a book that has had a profound impact on him, and he will be discussing a chapter a week through the fall.

Camerata Pacifica will perform and join residents for lunch. In their 35th year, the group draws on the finest chamber musicians to deliver live and dynamic performances. Other musical events include the Pasadena Conservatory returning with their well known concert pianist series.

“One of our residents, Lila Sandin, has just published a book entitled Becoming Lila. She will be reading from her book and signing copies,” Jackie says. Additionally, author Sue Hodson will be coming to MonteCedro to read from her book I Promise You.

There are a wealth of talks and lectures planned for the fall. On Wednesdays, a new series of documentaries will be shown, each one with a discussion following the screening. In addition, Cal State Los Angeles is a creative living partner. They offer a Lifelong Learning program through which Andrew Winnick, professor emeritus, will visit to deliver a lecture.

Around Hallowe’en, the communities will be celebrating ECS Senior Fitness Day. At MonteCedro there will be a Spook-tacular walk followed by a partnership lecture from the Carnegie Observatories. “It’s a day for both the body and the mind,” Jackie says.

Jackie is exceptionally proud of the Creative Living programs across all ECS communities because they “give residents an opportunity to live life to the fullest, whatever that means to them.” She is thrilled that there are so many activities for a range of interests, so every resident can find something that appeals to them. In fact, many residents say that there are so many activities to choose from, they don’t have enough time in the day to take advantage of them all.

With Choice, Creativity, Connection and Confidence, ECS delivers lifelong learning. The Creative Living program continues to stand out as a vibrant example of the opportunities available to seniors in Southern California through independent life plan community living. We are pleased to facilitate the best in cultural, social and educational content so that residents may actively pursue their passions while also discovering new ones.

About Us

ECS is a leader in Southern California Senior Living and has been at the forefront of creating exceptional communities and services for seniors since 1923. With an enduring, nonprofit legacy of honor, compassion, generosity, and integrity, we put people first. Our independent living communities are proudly nonprofit.
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