When Joe moved to Arbor View Senior Living in January 2024, he was looking for more than just a new home—he was seeking community, support and stability.
After 21 years in his Gunbarrel condominium, a neighbor’s flooding disaster forced Joe to act quickly. Coupled with his declining health and the challenges of living with Parkinson’s disease, he urgently needed a new living arrangement and knew it was time for a change.
Though the move came sooner than expected, Joe had already been considering senior living. He toured several communities, including Arbor View in Arvada, and even returned for a Fall Festival, where the warm welcome left an impression. A thoughtful Christmas card from a team member further reinforced the genuine care he felt there. So, when the time came to find a new home, Arbor View was his first call.
“It’s the best value compared to other communities,” Joe said. “The staff is phenomenal—helpful, friendly, and top-notch.”
Joe first moved into a studio, but within a week, a one-bedroom residence became available, allowing for a smooth transition. His private, ground-level apartment with a walk-out patio was comfortable, but it was the warm, friendly community that quickly made him feel at home.
Originally from Pella, Iowa—famous for the iconic Pella windows on display throughout Arbor View—Joe spent his youth embracing a free-spirited rock-n-roll lifestyle. From performing in high school theater to playing in cover bands to working as a painter and woodworker, Joe’s life was one of adventure and creativity. He earned his associate’s degree in television and radio production from Pikes Peak Community College, along with his bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Colorado. Joe retired from a successful career in television in 2017, but his passion for storytelling and creativity has remained a defining part of his life.
Today, Joe is very involved at Arbor View, an unofficial ambassador who embodies the spirit of a vibrant retirement community. He maintains close friendships with neighbors Jan, Joyce, Dale, and Tredena, who share his enthusiasm for bringing residents together through fun and spontaneous activities. The friends gather for meals in the dining room and brainstorm new ways to keep residents engaged, ensuring that everyone feels included.
Whether it’s organizing quirky events like placing Peggy Sue, the Halloween skeleton, in unusual spots, hiding the Elf on the Shelf, or putting on the Groundhog Day skit, Joe and Jan’s theater backgrounds are the driving force behind many of the resident-led activities at Arbor View. Joe credits Jan as the energy behind it, saying he’s simply there to lend a hand.
With support from the Life Enrichment Team, Joe and Jan’s collaboration culminated in last summer’s “Woodstock” anniversary celebration, a playful nod to the iconic music festival. Though Joe wasn’t on stage performing, his behind-the-scenes contributions—like making Kool-Aid, baking brownies (“not the fun kind,” he joked), and screening the original film—highlight the kind of inclusive, joyful atmosphere that senior living communities like Arbor View foster.
In that spirit, Arbor View recently introduced a Resident Ambassador Program designed to help new residents feel welcomed into the community. The initiative pairs new residents with volunteer ambassadors who will guide them through the transition process and beyond. The goal is to make settling in smoother and more enjoyable, ensuring new residents feel at home and connected.
Despite his initial reservations about senior living, Joe quickly realized that community life offers much more than a place to live—it provides built-in friendships, camaraderie and support. At Arbor View, Joe truly feels at home, and he’s even considering making his role as resident ambassador official.
Ready to see if Arbor View Senior Living is the perfect ‘role’ for your future? Come backstage, meet stars like Joe, and discover how we “stage” activities to fit your script. Call 303-268-4747 or visit arborviewsl.com to schedule your personalized tour today—your next act awaits!
