The residents of Querencia at Barton Creek are celebrating a milestone as the retirement community reaches its 10-year anniversary. The community has touched the lives of many families, and those who work and live there are proud of the success. For residents who were some of the first to call Querencia home, they have shared countless experiences over the past 10 years. For each of these charter members, the anniversary is a unique opportunity to look back on the fond memories of their first days as residents of Querencia. Today, they continue making new memories as they explore life and everything the senior living community has to offer. Most recently, residents and staff enjoyed various events and activities throughout the community’s anniversary week, including a talent show, choir concert and an evening of dinner and dancing to commemorate the special occasion. With the observance of the anniversary, residents and team members are looking back on what brought them to Querencia with hope and excitement for the future.
“My husband Bob and I moved into Querencia on July 12, 2007 as charter members,” said Jean Durkee, resident of Querencia. “When we first heard the plans for the new community we knew it would be the perfect change for us. As soon as we arrived, everything was a new and exciting adventure, and everything was taken care of, which allowed us to relax and enjoy our time together. Bob always said it was like living on a cruise ship that didn’t rock and didn’t dock. Every day was a holiday full of new experiences and friends, and it’s surprising to look back and think that it’s really been 10 years. Querencia has been an incredible place to call home.”
For the Durkees, Querencia seemed to be the natural fit for the couple, as they were both quite active and immediately signed up to join various resident committees, including the Resident Council and the Plant Operation and Landscape committee to continue serving others and become more involved in their new home. Additionally, the activities and events hosted through the community’s lifestyles department allowed for memories to be made laughing with friends and celebrating holidays and other momentous occasions. Durkee fondly remembers the very first of the community’s many events, when Bevo himself made the trip from the University of Texas to the community. Jean was even able to hop up on the longhorn for a photo, which ended up being the couple’s Christmas card that first year. Bob Durkee passed away in December 2011, four years after moving into Querencia. However, Jean knows that in many ways Bob had prepared for this when they moved into the community.
“I believe he always knew that I would be well taken care of here at Querencia,” said Durkee. “I am surrounded everyday by a loving and caring group of friends who make me feel safe, comfortable and at home. I’m incredibly fortunate to live in a place where I am encouraged to grow and live life to the fullest each day. The last 10 years have been absolutely incredible, and I can’t wait to see where the road leads next.”
Nadia Sharp, director of lifestyles at Querencia, started at Querencia the day the doors first opened on June 18, 2007 as lifestyles coordinator. According to Sharp, at the time she had no idea what she was getting herself into or what the future would hold. The only thing that was certain was that the people who had interviewed her were friendly and passionate about what Querencia was going to be, and it was with this knowledge that she took the plunge and never looked back. It didn’t take long for her to realize she was where she belonged. Once she got to know the residents, heard their stories, learned their backgrounds and got to know their families there was a sense of purposeful connection to the community. She took a job and turned it into a passion that continues to thrive today.
“Over the last 10 years the residents and team members here at Querencia have become my second family,” said Sharp. “My daughter, who is four years old, loves to visit Querencia. I know she enjoys her time here because she can see what a magical place it is. Being able to share Querencia with my own family has been extremely special. Querencia is more than just a retirement community, it’s a place that we can all call home.”
“Having the opportunity to celebrate our community and the residents has been a wonderful experience,” said Nate Weyand, executive director of Querencia at Barton Creek. “An anniversary is a time to reflect on the joys of the past and see how you’ve grown, with a look to the bright future ahead. Celebrating our 10th anniversary was the perfect way for us to thank our residents and staff members for what they make possible and remind them of everything that is still ahead. We are lucky to have a community that treats each other like family and provides support and compassion. If the last 10 years are any indication of what the future holds, I can’t wait to see what’s ahead.”
