It’s a warm, peaceful Tuesday afternoon at Friends Village, Paxson Campus. On the front porch, Doris, 92, sits quietly, sipping a drink and reading a book. A storyteller, she greets me with a warm smile, and I sit beside her.
When I ask what first made her feel at home, she doesn’t hesitate. “The residents,” she says with a twinkle in her eye. For Doris, adjusting to life here wasn’t easy.
“When I hit my 90s, I suddenly found myself with two bosses—my daughters!” She laughs. Letting go of independence was difficult, but in time she appreciated the calm and care of her new home. “Peace and tranquility,” she adds.
Inside the main hall, I arrive just in time for the end of the music session with Andy. Every Tuesday afternoon, residents gather to enjoy a curated playlist—singing, dancing, or simply listening. The space fills with light, laughter, and familiar melodies.
I asks a few residents about their experiences.
Mary says that before she moved in, she often felt lonely. “Now it’s nice to get up and have someone to talk to,” she smiles.
John, who’s lived here seven years, agrees. “Socializing and love,” he says, “are the best parts.”
Joey, who sat quietly with his eyes closed during the session, shares this is his favorite part of the week. The music helps him reflect and relax.
Christine, a resident for four years, says she felt at home immediately. “I love that it’s central to everything in Newtown,” she says. “Everything is just a short walk away.” When asked to describe Friends Village in one word, she answers: “A gem. Its uniqueness makes it special.”
As the afternoon winds down, it’s clear Friends Village offers more than a place to live. Whether the comfort of quiet conversation or the joy of music and community, it’s a place where residents feel seen, supported, and at home. To learn more or schedule a visit, contact Barbara Heverly at 215-968‑3346 ext. 108 or email bheverly@friends‑village.org, and visit our website at www.friends-village.org.
