Mary and Peter Zimmermann Enjoy the Freedom of Doing What They Love

Peter Zimmermann enjoys savoring a cup of coffee as he watches the world awaken through the large windows of his lanai. When he's checking the news online, his wife Mary joins him for a light breakfast. 

The Zimmermanns couldn't imagine a better start to their day than being in their comfortable apartment home at Siena Lakes, the Erickson Senior Living community in Naples, Fla.

"The best part of living here is the freedom--to do whatever I want, whenever I want to do it," says Peter. 

Mary adds, "Peter's right--it's the freedom. You can be as active or as quiet as you want to be."

Most of the time, though, the Zimmermanns are on the go! Since moving to Siena Lakes three years ago, the couple has made the most of their carefree lifestyle by utilizing the community's industry-leading amenities and participating in numerous clubs and activities.

Enjoyable mornings 

After breakfast, Peter--who's earned the nickname of "Mayor" from some of his neighbors for his community involvement--heads to a Resident Advisory Council (RAC) meeting or a meeting for one of the three RAC subcommittees he sits on. 

"He can't help himself. He's always been a volunteer," says Mary, with a laugh.

In addition to starting a men's bridge group, Peter also practices his swing using the on-campus golf simulator.

Mary also keeps a busy schedule, taking balance and strength classes in the fitness center and going for walks with friends around campus. When the summer heat becomes too intense, they continue their routine via the community's climate-controlled walkways. 

A book club she started has now been meeting for three years, and she enjoys playing mah-jongg as well. More recently, she began learning a new skill from a neighbor who's an expert basket weaver. 

"I wanted to get fancy, so I made a wine cooler!" Mary says.

Out and about

Around noon, the Zimmermanns enjoy lunch in their apartment home--often leftovers from dinner in one of the community's restaurants the night before.

"The portions here are so big--it's always two meals," says Mary.

They volunteer at St. John's Episcopal Church nearby and with the Literacy Volunteers of Collier County. Peter sits on the Board of Directors and Mary teaches English as a Second Language (ESL) and preparation for citizenship tests.

Whenever the couple leaves their apartment home for a busy, back-to-back afternoon, they never have to worry about maintenance. If a light bulb needs to be replaced or a faucet starts to leak, they just make a call to General Services. 

"We don't have to worry about fixing the roof, gardening, cutting the grass, housekeeping, or painting the walls. We don't even have to be home when the repair people come," says Mary. "We just get to live and spend our time how we want!"

And when the couple wants to travel, they just close their door and go because they know their apartment home is safe and secure at Siena Lakes.

Valuable feedback

The Resident Services team at Siena Lakes works hard to ensure that the community continues to provide the services, amenities, and infrastructure that residents value most.

"We hold Resident Services Committee meetings to discuss and receive feedback on past, current, and future activities, events, clubs, and programs," says Resident Services Manager Matt Verborn. "Residents give us their ideas and we try our best to make them happen."

As a result, residents always have a robust calendar of events and activities to choose from. 

Relaxing evenings

In the evenings, Mary will often cook a meal in their spacious kitchen. On others, the Zimmermanns enjoy cocktail hour and dinner out with neighbors.

"We frequent The Gulf, the restaurant which is closest to us. We like to eat outside there," says Peter.

Every couple of weeks, they join friends at Chianti's and share a more formal meal on campus.

In the winter, Peter and Mary will occasionally enjoy a night out at local theater Broadway performances. Last spring, they attended an opera. 

'Love it here'

Above it all, they have found that the best aspect of life at Siena Lakes is the people. 

"We love it here. Residents and staff are kind, sweet, and eager to help," says Mary.

Peter agrees. "The other thing that I've noticed are the smiles. Everybody is really happy here!"

To learn more about the benefits of moving to a maintenance-free community, request more information today.