An old African proverb says, “Tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” No better words can describe Don and Meg Smith’s thoughtful retirement planning. Married for 46 years, Don and Meg knew they wanted to retire in their 50s so they could enjoy years of good health and give back to the community.
A path to Wilmington
Both upstate New York natives, the couple lived in Corning, New York, where Meg was manager for Corning, Inc., and Don was a police officer for the city. Meg occasionally traveled to Wilmington, North Carolina, for business so their interest in Wilmington as a second home grew.
Upon retirement, the couple maintained a home in New York and Wilmington for years. “It got to be too much work maintaining two households,” Meg shared. Finally, in 2006, the couple moved to Leland, North Carolina, and they now live in a one-story home overlooking a golf course.
Always planning
An avid golfer, Don loves their home’s location, but what he doesn’t enjoy is maintaining nearly an acre of land and the never-ending list of chores. When several friends from church attended a Trinity Landing information session, Don and Meg took notice. The conversation prompted the Smiths to tour several area Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)—and the soon-to-be-built Trinity Landing.
“I came away from Trinity Landing with a good feeling,” Don said. “I liked that it was associated with Lutheran Services Carolinas.” He also appreciates Trinity Landing’s nearness to everything Wilmington has to offer. Meg likes the idea of moving to a newly built community and the connection to Trinity Grove.
However, their decision to move to Trinity Landing was really about planning. “While we love the concept of living near the water and the community’s many amenities, it’s really about the peace of mind should something happen to one of us,” Don explained.
A circle of friends
When Don and Meg move to Trinity Landing, they’ll join several other couples from church who seek active adult living. The couple also believes social interaction is an important part of wellness and anticipate Trinity Landing will deliver on all dimensions of well-being. “Trinity Landing staff is already hosting events for its future residents to get to know each other,” Meg shared. “I think that’s a great thing.”
Indeed, Don and Meg see endless opportunities to cultivate new friendships at Trinity Landing. “The community will have around 200 residences, so that’s at least 200 new people to meet,” Don explained.
A look forward
When Trinity Landing opens in 2022, Don and Meg will find themselves settling into the new community and their Currituck apartment home. As self-proclaimed “professional volunteers,” they will likely be candidates for resident-driven committees at Trinity Landing. Don is a volunteer on his church’s finance committee, and Meg, a church greeter, is also an assistant treasurer for the Daughters of the American Revolution, North Carolina chapter. And when not volunteering, Don may hunt around for more golf courses to play, and Meg may find herself in Trinity Landing’s spectacular pool.
For the Smiths, tomorrow does belong to them as their decision to move to Trinity Landing, Wilmington’s premier coastal waterfront CCRC, will fulfill their plans and dreams. If you’re interested in planning a bright future, call 910-398-9400 or click here to schedule an appointment with us.
Please send me information on priceing I sent a check off today $100.00 my daughter lives near by on Loder ave my husband and I have been at trinty grove me for rehab he passed Dec 29 here at va home thank you so much
Marjorie, thanks for reaching out! We’ll be on the lookout for the check, and email you with more information.