Rod Link and his wife, Anne, recently moved to Monarch Landing Senior Living Community in Naperville. He is learning woodworking. Provided by Monarch Landing
It’s a good thing he retired. Because, given everything he’s doing now, it’s hard to find time to work. “We’re always busy with activities and traveling,” Rod Link said. He and his wife, Anne, moved to Monarch Landing Senior Living Community in Naperville 10 months ago. They have been very happy and busy ever since.
Prior to his retirement, Rod ran his family’s Rockford manufacturing company, RJ Link International, Inc., where he continues to serve as Chairman of the Board. When Rod retired, he and Anne moved to Marco Island, but returned last year to be closer to family.
“We looked for, researched, and interviewed about five senior living communities in the area. We found Monarch Landing to be very welcoming. The culture here was a perfect fit for us. It was clear that it was a friendly, warm, welcoming place,” Rod said.
“We play water volleyball, ride bikes on Prairie Pass, go to performances and lectures, and join travel groups,” he said.
One of Rod’s favorite pastimes is his new hobby of woodturning. This craft uses a wood lathe and hand tools to create symmetrical shapes. These can be bowls, platters, vases, etc.
“I was looking for a hobby, something to do. I thought woodworking sounded interesting, so I thought I’d give it a try.” He enrolled at the Chicago School of Woodworking to learn the craft.
“It was great. It’s a great school. At first we didn’t even know how to use the tools, but they taught us and demonstrated and we learned,” he said.
Monarch Landing has a great woodworking shop with lots of space and lots of tools and supplies.
“We used to have a wood lathe, but it wasn’t working anymore. I called Geralen (factory operations manager) and said, “The lathe we’re using is broken, so we need a new lathe.” “I need it,” he said. Can you help me? ” Monarch Landing stepped up and delivered even more than I expected. They paid for the entire cost of the new lathe. I was hoping they could help with some of it. That’s all I asked for. They actively participated and paid in full,” he said.
Rod is really enjoying his new hobby. “I like creativity and I like working with my hands. It’s relaxing and I can concentrate on what I’m doing. Two or three hours can go by without much effort,” he says. I did. Rod spends many hours each week making beautiful wooden items. “Every piece I’m working on right now is my favorite.”
Another of the Links’ favorite hobbies is traveling, something that living in Monarch Landing has made convenient and encouraging. They know they won’t have to worry about security or maintenance issues while we’re away.
“We moved last December and then we stayed for a month, until the second week of January, and it was a no-brainer,” Rod said.
The Lynx’s decision to move to Monarch Landing was “a great one. It was timely. We made good friends,” he said. “The staff are friendly, very helpful and approachable. The food is great. The newly renovated gathering space is perfect for socializing and having fun. We are really happy here.”
Monarch Landing
Monarch Landing is a life plan community located on a scenic campus in Naperville, Illinois. Named “One of the Best Places to Live and Retire in America” by Modern Maturity Magazine and “The Best City for Early Retirement” by Kiplinger Magazine.
Monarch Landing offers independent living and promotes a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. The Springs at Monarch Landing offers memory assisted living, respite care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing services to provide a complete continuum of care for seniors.
Monarch Landing is owned by Senior Care Development and managed by Life Care Services. For more information, please visit www.WelcomeToMonarchLanding.com or www.TheSpringsatMonarchLanding.com.