Testimonials

A few words from some of Mallard Landing's residents and families…

"As a daughter, I value knowing that my parents are in a community of friends who look out for each other, have access to care when they may need it, live in a very safe community and a comfortable home that is well maintained by a great staff."
– Kathleen Case, Columbia, Maryland

"We were looking to move from our home for almost four years before we decided to move to Mallard Landing. We like the fact that our yard work is done for us, we don't have to cook every night, and the people are great. The Mallard Landing staff does a good job with the activities by accommodating so many of our interests."
– Dr. and Mrs. William Morgan, originally from Salisbury, Maryland

"I had a deposit in another retirement community but I'm glad I chose Mallard Landing instead. I like the exercise program, the dining and the congenial people. I play bridge, attend the knitting group, and come to the events. All of my expectations were met - I'm very happy here."
– Vi Rodgers, originally from Ocean City, Maryland

"At my age, my house was too much to take care of. My daughter lived in Salisbury, and I wanted to be near her plus have a social life. I looked at a couple of other places, but I didn't like their refund arrangements. My apartment is beautiful and I have a nice view. I like to bake for my friends, go to Bible Study, play bingo and attend all the activities."
– Marion Warfield, originally from Pennsylvania

The following is a reprint from an article in the
Guide to Retirement Living Spring 2006 issue:

When Paul and Bertha Hooper moved to New Hampshire, they thought they had found the ideal retirement destination. Before ultimately deciding to head north, they had debated on several locations. The couple had plenty of potential areas to consider. They have been married for 60 years and during that time, they have moved every four or five years.

Paul’s career as a Fishery Biologist with the Fishery and Wildlife Service took the couple and their three children around the country. In addition to living in a variety of locations, Paul got the opportunity to visit federal lands in almost every state—including Alaska. “I loved the job, especially the work in the field,” he says. Spending his career outside, he says, was “like a vacation.” He continues, “People pay thousands of dollars to go on trips and have the experiences I had on the job.”

Bertha, a self-described “professional mother,” had her hands full with the couple’s son and two daughters. She recalls, “I was always busy making a home in the new places we moved.” The entire family benefited from the opportunity to experience so many different communities. Bertha notes that because of their lifestyle the children were “prepared for the big move to college when the time came.”

After 23 years with the Fishery and Wildlife service, Paul retired and the Hoopers made the move to New Hampshire. The couple quickly became involved in the local community and loved living in the country. They did not, however, like shoveling snow, raking leaves, or maintaining the large property. Paul explains, “The snow just got too deep, and we knew we needed to find a second place to retire.” Despite this realization, it took the encouragement of their children to get the Hoopers motivated to move once again.

“Our girls started sending us information about retirement communities,” says Bertha. Eventually, the couple narrowed their search to six communities and set out to tour each one. The trip took them from Southern New Jersey to Virginia Beach. Mallard Landing, an independent living community in Salisbury, MD was their final stop on this whirlwind tour. Bertha admits, “By the time we got to Mallard Landing, we were tired, and we wanted to go home.”

Not wanting to cancel their appointment, the couple followed through with the tour. “We walked into the house, and I thought ‘This is my home,’” says Bertha. After the tour, the couple went home to make a decision. They sorted through an extensive list of pros and cons while choosing their second retirement home. Ultimately, they chose Mallard Landing because of the beautiful homes and active lifestyle it offers.

While preparing for a move, they Hoopers received information from Mallard Landing that included a calendar. They were browsing the calendar for interesting events when they noticed two familiar names listed in the anniversary section. The names were those of friends they had lost contact with nearly 40 years prior. Winston and Mary Sibert, now residents of Mallard Landing, had been close friends of the Hoopers. Winston had even served as the best man in their wedding.

Over the course of many years and many moves, the couples had lost touch. Initially, the Hoopers thought the similar names must be a coincidence. During their next visit to the community, they inquired about the Siberts and learned that they were their old friends, and, even more surprising, were about to be their next door neighbors. Paul remembers, “When we finally went next door to introduce ourselves, none of us even recognized each other.”

With their long-time friends next door, the Hoopers are eager to settle into their new home. After all of the unpacking and decorating is complete, they are looking forward to getting involved in some of the many activities that are available. “Everyone is so friendly, and the accommodations are great. It has been a really great move,” says Bertha. A recent happy hour for Bertha’s 80 th birthday found the couple mingling with family and new friends, as well as a couple of very old friends.
– Paul and Bertha Hooper

When Bill and Shirley Mortimer made the decision to move to a retirement community, they realized how important it was for them to choose the right place. That is why they visited communities in Florida, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. They went on tours; they had lunch; they stayed overnight; they even placed deposits on several units.

The couple was amazed by the wide array of choices available. “Some had small campuses, while others were extremely large. Accommodations ranged from tight and cramped to five-star, which felt like staying in a huge hotel,” says Bill. Shirley adds, “Activity programs at the communities varied from little or none to extremely busy calendars run by large staffs.”

After a long search, the Mortimer’s found Mallard Landing, an independent living community, in Salisbury, MD. “When we approached Mallard Landing, we felt it was the right size, with condominium-style apartments that satisfied our wants and needs,” they remember.

Having finally found the perfect community, the couple was anxious to move in. “The staff at Mallard Landing provided plenty of assistance to make our transition swift and smooth,” Bill relates.

Bill and Shirley quickly became involved in their new community. They have found their new neighbors to be “like family,” and that has really helped them adjust. They have gotten to know many of their fellow residents and are enjoying becoming a part of the close-knit community.

Bill concludes, “Both Shirley and I enjoy living in our condominium apartment; we feel like it’s been our home for a long time. We are involved in the wonderful activities here, and the surroundings are great. Our campus is beautiful, making life here even more enjoyable. We are home!”
– Bill and Shirley Mortimer

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