A life full circle

Some might say that Linda McCaig defines a life that’s come full circle. The Friendship Village of South Hills resident, along with her husband, Don, was introduced to the continuing care community when it opened in the South Hills in October 1984.Linda began working at Friendship Village of South Hills as the activity director for the independent living residents. “Together, we explored their interests and created many fun activities and trips, as well as various intellectual opportunities,” she explained.
A few years later, Linda became the marketing director, which was her chance to meet prospective residents and help them with their decision to choose Friendship Village, located on Boyce Road in Upper St. Clair, as their new home.
“My best ‘sales technique’ was to introduce them to our welcoming residents,” she said. “One of the best parts of my job was to hear them say how happy they were about their decision to move in!”
That sales technique worked so well that Friendship Village is now the place that she and Don call home.
Friendship Village of South Hills offers spacious 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom senior apartments or a 2-bedroom carriage home that come free from chores, repair or upkeep. The community features several amenities, including a garage, easy access parking and scheduled transportation, as well as a library, workshop, art studio, billiards and computer rooms. A garden encourages meetups, new friendships and friendly conversation. For the Pittsburgh sports fan, the community boasts a new pub and TV, and fitness fanatics will enjoy the newly expanded fitness center. Let’s not forget to include the 24/7 security to provide peace of mind.
“People often ask if it was easy for me to decide to move here,” she said. “And honestly, the decision to move at any time, at any age, is probably never easy for anyone! But the one question I was most often asked was what is the right age to move. Of course, that number is different for everyone. And actually, my husband and I moved about one year before we had planned, mainly because we liked the apartment we were offered. So, really, there is no one ‘magic’ age.”
According to Linda, the “when” may have been a bit unplanned, but there was never any question about the “where.”
“We always knew we would move to Friendship Village, just as I was as a team member,” she noted.
You don’t even have to take this marketing director’s word for it.
Friendship Village in Upper St. Clair recently was named a Center for Successful Aging, an honor bestowed by Masterpiece Living. Friendship Village was the only community in Pennsylvania to be recognized. Linda said that there are only 21 recognized communities in the United States, and criteria for the award includes involvement by the residents and team members in intellectual, spiritual, physical, and social activities, all of which helps to offer a vibrant lifestyle on a day-to-day basis.
“My husband and I have found Friendship Village to be just right for our retirement,” Linda said. “It’s environment is warm and friendly and contains a wide variety of interesting and fun activities. When it’s your turn to make a move, please come for a visit … you might want to stay!”