Village Concepts Retirement Communities

Charlee Glock-Jackson
Published in Cities Unite South Sound publication, June 2012

Over the past 20-plus years, Sound Vista Village has been the home of choice for many of Gig Harbor’s senior citizens. It’s one of 14 “Village Concepts” retirement centers in the Northwest built by the Brown family of Federal Way, according to Sound Vista Village manager Susan Pfundt-O’Neill.

Sound Vista Village offers both independent and assisted living for its residents.

“We have 36 comfortable apartments, all on one level,” Pfundt-O’Neill said. “We’re in a peaceful, wooded setting with a lovely courtyard and a great view of the harbor.

“Our location is so convenient. We’re right on the Cushman Trail so it’s a very walkable neighborhood and easy to get to the downtown waterfront and all the shops and restaurants.

“It’s a cozy, friendly place with lots of opportunities to get to know you fellow residents. And we know everybody’s name,” she added with a smile.

Nearly everyone on staff has been with the company for 10 years or longer.

There are other things to like about Sound Vista Village, as well: pets are welcome and the food is all homemade and served restaurant style. “Our cook is always looking for new ideas and even uses our residents’ own home recipes,” Pfundt-O’Neill said.

Residents never lack for interesting activities. For example, once a month, students from Artondale Elementary School visit Sound Vista Village to work on special school projects with residents.

Frequent trips are scheduled to interesting places. “We recently went to Vashon Island and to the Spring Fair in Puyallup. At the Fair we had a personal tour of the horse show, which we all really liked,” she said. “We also have lots of picnics when the weather cooperates.”

There are comedy nights, weekly movies and programs that highlight the history of the Gig Harbor community. “I’m from a six-generation fishing family and I fished in Alaska with my family, so I’m especially interested in the history of the commercial fishermen in the Northwest,” she said.

There are also activities to keep residents fit and healthy: exercise classes, yoga and aromatherapy classes and even a “brain vitality” program that Pfundt-O’Neill developed for the parent company.

“The human brain never stops learning and making new connections,” she said. “Trying new things, being flexible and fit helps your brain grow. So a lot of our guest speakers and field trips try to underline that philosophy.”

Weekly yoga classes, walking groups, “Brain Vitality” lectures and “move to music” activities keep residents active and alert. “We try to create a positive learning and growing lifestyle for all our residents,” she said.

The garden beds near the courtyard are another example of that philosophy. “We grow tomatoes and herbs and other veggies in our raised beds and many of our residents really enjoy working in the garden.”

Residents can choose from studio and one bedroom floor plans, all with affordable monthly rates.

For residents who have special needs, personalized assistance is available.

To learn more, or to schedule a visit and complimentary meal, call (253) 851-9929.

Pictured: Sound Vista Village residents Novella, Vera, and Mary enjoy a picnic.