About a decade ago, Mom decided that she was ready to move to a senior community. With Signal Hill having no such facility, she grieved over having to leave the city she had called home for more than 50 years.
Looking at several options, Mom quickly made up her mind and chose to move to Bixby Knolls Towers (BKT). She made her choice based on proximity to our home and office, and found that shopping was easily accessible. Ten years, later, Mom is still a resident and declares that she is very content with her beautiful apartment.
For those who were not aware of the details about BKT, located at 3737 Atlantic Ave. in Bixby Knolls, it is owned by the nonprofit organization Retirement Housing Foundation (RHF). According to a recent press release, RHF was started by two clergymen from the United Church of Christ and a layperson who, with $7,000, started with a dream that has grown to include BKT and 180 other communities throughout the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, serving more than 20,000 older adults, persons with disabilities and low-income families.
[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Screen-Shot-2015-10-26-at-2.03.26-PM.png” align=”right” lightbox=”on” caption=”BKT Residents Choir singing “Oh, What a Beautiful Morning” with former Long Beach Mayor Tom Clark ” captionposition=”right”] BKT, now operating for two score and 10 years, celebrated its 50th anniversary two days ago on Oct. 14. Also celebrating a milestone, RHF recently celebrated its 55th anniversary. To commemorate the occasions, BKT hosted a luncheon event Wednesday at their facility.
Attending the event were corporate employees such as President and CEO Dr. Laverne Joseph, as well as numerous residents.
Not wanting to miss the festivities, I happily attended the afternoon event. Looking around the party room/lobby, I was tickled to see former Long Beach mayors Tom Clark and Eunice Sato, who both call BKT home. Current Long Beach 7th District Councilmember Roberto Uranga was also on hand to present the administrators proclamations from himself as well as Mayor Robert Garcia.
A good time was had by all, especially Mom.
