Resident Spotlight

  • A Year After Disaster: Ruth and Maggie Thriving at AlmaVia of Camarillo

    A Year After Disaster: Ruth and Maggie Thriving at AlmaVia of Camarillo

    Ruth Cook was an unlikely celebrity. Before the Woolsey fire, she had lived quietly in her Seminole Springs home for more than 40 years. Her daily companion was her beloved dog, Maggie. The fire changed everything. Rescued by two off-duty sheriff’s deputies, Ruth was evacuated with Maggie but had trouble finding a shelter that would……

  • Resident Spotlight: John Hurford

    Resident Spotlight: John Hurford

    Following a distinguished career in mechanical engineering, a resident of AlmaVia of San Rafael is earning accolades in a very different field: oil painting. Resident John Hurford, a native of Southern California and an AlmaVia resident since November 2017, began pursuing oil painting after his early retirement to stimulate his creativity and keep his mind……

  • Mercy Residents Embrace Creativity in Recent Cabaret Club Performance

    “What good is sitting alone in your room? Come hear the music play. Life is a cabaret, old chum. Come to the cabaret.” – Cabaret by Liza Minelli Embracing these words, Conly Basham, expressive arts therapist in training and former New York City actress, shared her love of theatre and artistic expression with Mercy Retirement……

  • San Rafael Resident Has a Poetic Way with Words

    San Rafael Resident Has a Poetic Way with Words

    AlmaVia of San Rafael resident Marcia Rafinski is actively involved with a number of social opportunities throughout our community. The licensed psychotherapist has always enjoyed reading, writing and creating poetry. We’re proud to share her latest work, Spring, which will be published in the upcoming issue of California Assisted Living Association’s News & Views magazine. Spring……

  • Artistic Projects Bring Engagement, Beauty to AlmaVia of San Rafael

    Artistic Projects Bring Engagement, Beauty to AlmaVia of San Rafael

    For people who love art, the hallways and common spaces at AlmaVia of San Rafael provide a feast for the eyes. Artistically talented residents create a continual rotation of new works that add color and beauty to the community. Working both individually and with a local artist who facilitates a class in the community twice……

  • A Day in the Life of Senior Living Resident Skip Sahlin

    A Day in the Life of Senior Living Resident Skip Sahlin

    From fitness classes to movie nights, there’s never a dull moment at Mercy Retirement & Care Center. Skip Sahlin starts his day just the way he likes—with a warm breakfast, a brief Mass, some light exercise and a hands-on art class where he can release some of his creative energy. Sahlin, a former baker, moved……

  • Sister Act: Siblings Stay Together in Oakland Assisted Living

    Sister Act: Siblings Stay Together in Oakland Assisted Living

    Two sets of sisters discover community life is even more fulfilling when they stick together. Bringing along comforts from home can help ease the transition to a senior living community. In some cases, those comforts may be framed photographs, heirlooms or a favorite piece of art. For a lucky few, it may be a sibling.……

  • An AlmaVia of Camarillo Resident’s Legacy of Love

    An AlmaVia of Camarillo Resident’s Legacy of Love

    Clark Hunter grows his faith by sharing it. There are two unwavering loves in Clark Hunter’s life: a sweet, simple song and his steadfast Catholic faith. Hunter has lived at AlmaVia of Camarillo for a little over a year, bringing with him his spiritual legacy and his 25 years of experience as a lay minister……

  • World Traveler Settles in San Francisco Senior Housing

    World Traveler Settles in San Francisco Senior Housing

    After decades of traveling the globe, this resident is happy to call AlmaVia home. Roberta Levy has been a world traveler since she was born. The daughter of a Marine, Roberta spent most of her childhood moving across the globe. Though she is now happily settled at AlmaVia of San Francisco, Roberta hasn’t lost any……

  • Resident Spotlight: Barbara Johnson, AlmaVia of San Francisco

    Resident Spotlight: Barbara Johnson, AlmaVia of San Francisco

    Resident Spotlight: Barbara Johnson, AlmaVia of San Francisco. Barbara Johnson came to AlmaVia of San Francisco after a long, successful career as an author. Born in Aberdeen, Wash., she knew from a young age what she wanted to be, even if it meant going against the wishes of her mother, who insisted she study to……