Resident Develops New Hobbies in Retirement at Monarch Landing Senior Living Community in Naperville

It’s a good thing he’s retired because, with everything he’s doing now, it’d be hard to find any time to work. “We’re always busy with activities and travel,” said Rod Link. He and his wife Anne moved to Monarch Landing senior living community in Naperville ten months ago. They’ve been happily very busy ever since.

Before retiring, Rod ran RJ Link International Inc.,  a manufacturing company in Rockford that his family owns and for which he continues serving as the Chairman of the Board.  When Rod retired, he and Anne moved to Marco Island but returned last year to be closer to family.

“We looked and searched and did interviews at about five senior living communities in the area. We found Monarch Landing to be very welcoming. It was obvious to us that the culture here would fit us. It’s a friendly, warm, and welcoming place to be,” Rod said.

“We play water volleyball, take bike rides on the Prairie Path, go to performances and lectures, and participate in the travel group,” he said.

Among Rod’s favorite pastimes is his new hobby of woodturning. The craft uses a wood lathe and hand tools to create symmetrical shapes. These can become bowls, platters, vases and more. “I’d been looking for a hobby, something to do. I thought woodturning would be interesting, so I decided to give it a try,” he said. He enrolled in the Chicago School of Woodworking to learn the craft. “It was excellent. It’s a great school. I started out not even knowing how to handle tools, but they taught and demonstrated, and we learned,” he said.

Monarch Landing has an incredible woodshop with a lot of space, and many tools and supplies. “There had been a wood lathe, but it was no longer functioning. I called Geralene (Plant Operations Director) and said, ‘The lathe we have is broken, and we need a new one. Are you able to help?’ Monarch Landing stepped up and did way more than I expected. They covered the full cost of a new lathe. I had thought they’d help with part of it; that’s all I asked for. They stepped up and paid for all of it,” he said.

Rod is enjoying his new hobby tremendously. “I like the creativity, and I like working with my hands. It’s relaxing, and I can get involved in what I’m doing. Two or three hours go by in nothing flat,” he said. Rod spends hours every week creating lovely wooden items. ”Whichever piece I’m currently working on at any one time is my favorite.”

One of the Links’ other favorite pursuits is traveling, and living at Monarch Landing has made that convenient and reassuring. They know that they don’t have to worry about security or having any maintenance issues while we’re gone. “We moved in December of last year, and then the second week of January left for a month. It was so easy,” said Rod.

The Links’ decision to move to Monarch Landing was “an excellent one. It was timely. We’ve made good friends,” he said. “The staff is friendly, very helpful and approachable. The food is excellent. The newly renovated gathering spaces are fun for socializing and happy hours. We’re really happy here.”

Monarch Landing

Monarch Landing is a Life Plan Community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois-named “one of America’s best places to live and retire” by Modern Maturity, and “the best city for early retirement” by Kiplinger. Monarch Landing offers independent living, promoting a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors.  The Springs at Monarch Landing offers memory supported assisted living, respite care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing services, thus providing complete continuing care for seniors. Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services®. For additional information visit www.WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or www.TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.