Chet and Ruth Musser were both born with green thumbs and cannot imagine life without gardening. They have spent countless hours tilling, planting, weeding, watering, and most importantly, enjoying the veggies they grow every year.
When they decided it was time to downsize and to move into a retirement community, they realized that they may no longer have a garden at their new home. However, the Mussers are thrilled to have found the best of both worlds at Chapel Pointe’s Pointe Place neighborhood.
They moved into a brand new 1,000-square-foot townhome with amenities like high speed internet, 24/7 medical help at the push of a button, home maintenance, and lawn care. They may also connect with friends and family in the Pointe Place Community Center, meet new people at Chapel Pointe events, and enrich their lives with Carlisle’s unique culture offerings. All Pointe Place residents benefit from these services and amenities, while enjoying total independence.
The Mussers were drawn to Pointe Place because of its proximity to two of their four children and because the community felt like family. Chet has preached in the Chapel Pointe’s Henry Chapel and often visited residents when he was the visitation pastor at Immanuel Alliance Church. “When visiting other facilities, they all felt just like big businesses, where Chapel Pointe seemed like a family,” Ruth said.
“Knowing that we are in good hands and can very easily get more skilled care if we need it is very reassuring,” Ruth pointed out. Pointe Place residents are a part of the Chapel Pointe family, so Chapel Pointe promises them a full continuum of care to meet their needs no matter what the future holds.
Also, thanks to the benevolence fund, they never have to fear running out of funds and having to leave their home.
One thing the Mussers love about living at Pointe Place is being able to keep a garden through the Dickinson College Community Garden. The 10-by-10-foot garden plot that they rent from Dickinson is conveniently located just a half a mile from their townhome. This is the perfect distance for Chet and Ruth to walk every day and enjoy some exercise and fresh air.
Gardening provides the Mussers with all kinds of vegetables and they know that no fertilizers, pesticides, or preservatives were used on any of their crops. Chet and Ruth make their own ketchup (You can try their recipe to the right!), pickles, applesauce, pickled beets, and canned fruits every year. Making these for themselves is not only enjoyable for the couple, but they are able to save money and eat healthier as well.
“Gardening is an outlet, a way to clear one’s mind and to get some exercise and fresh air,” Chet said. For the Mussers, gardening offers therapeutic benefits, keeping their minds, souls, and bodies healthy.
The move to Pointe Place was an easy choice for Chet and Ruth Musser. Not only do they have community among the Chapel Pointe family, with the promise of more intensive care if it is ever needed; but they also enjoy their independence and continuing the activities they love, like gardening.