Mt. Juliet’s Del Webb Lake Providence Residents Enjoy Living and Giving
BY SUE SIENS
The sprawling Del Webb developement is anchored by a 24,000 square foot clubhouseWhat will you do in the second half of your life? How about “anything you want to!” That’s true especially for residents of the Del Webb Lake Providence (DWLP) community.
This impressive active adult residential development was created by Pulte Homes to offer the homeowners a lifestyle that enhances recreation, health and wellness, social interaction, education, community involvement, and most importantly, lots of fun. And all of this is in a beautiful, safe and secure environment.
Photo by Aerial Innovations of TN Inc compliments of Pulte Group
When you pull through the gated entrance, you can’t miss the spectacular 24,000 sq. ft. clubhouse. The clubhouse and surrounding grounds offer amenities that rival many five-star resorts. It includes an indoor and outdoor pool and spa, aerobics studio, fitness center and indoor walking track, arts and crafts room, meeting room, and multi-purpose ballroom. Outside, residents enjoy beautiful lawns for events and relaxation, the 15 acre lake for fishing and paddleboats, walking trails, and an outdoor sports complex with tennis, pickleball, basketball, and more. And we cannot leave out the community garden with more than 75 raised beds, initially built by Pulte and the Landscape Committee, and now managed by the Garden Club.
The community’s Lifestyles Director, Shari Arnold, is like the captain of a luxury cruise ship. She and her fellow staff members navigate the daily activities and management of the development for the more than 1,700 residents, with the assistance of a Board of Directors made up of homeowners, and numerous committees and community activities operated by dozens of resident volunteers. Shari says, “My job is to provide our residents with a lifestyle experience that enhances the quality of their lives, by offering a safe, enriching environment, and activities for fun, education, and recreation. It’s rewarding to see that many of my friends here are living healthier and happier lives.”
A Louisiana native, Arnold previously worked for Gaylord Entertainment and the Grand Ole Opry, and is employed by First Service Residential, management services provider at Del Webb.
FRIENDS, FUN, FITNESS… AND FOOD!
The amenities at Del Webb Lake Providence are fabulous, but what makes the community really special is the people.
Del Webb homeowners can be as active or relaxed as they choose, and enjoy the interests and activities that they enjoy most. Whether married or single, the safe and friendly, family-like atmosphere provides the opportunity for residents to stay young at heart. DWLP has more than 80 organized clubs and active groups that meet, sharing their knowledge, abilities, and creativity. Whatever the interest, there is the opportunity to share in arts and crafts, fitness and sports, social clubs, dining and dancing, books and learning, hobbies, cards and games, travel, and volunteerism. (See our list of some of the recreational activities, clubs, and volunteer activities.)
And for all of the residents, there are community events throughout the year, including concerts by the lake, with major stars like Ronnie Milsap and the Oak Ridge Boys, sporting events, holiday events, and parties for many occasions. The community especially enjoys activities which honor the veterans, with a very patriotic Veterans Day. There are frequent Lunch and Learn educational luncheons with guest speakers, block parties, and almost all of the activities have one thing in common…food!
Del Webb softball team
Many residents admit to gaining a few pounds after moving to Lake Providence despite all of the activity, because they never miss an opportunity to combine food, fellowship and fun.
NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED VOLUNTEERISM
It’s no wonder that the team of Del Webb’s Lake Providence volunteers has been awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award. Hundreds of volunteers actively help local non-profits, community projects, schools, ministries, veterans and military families, sports and recreation programs, community safety, and the local fire fighters. Lake Providence has a special relationship with one local school, Rutland Elementary, where residents have adopted the school and provide volunteers for the school’s needs, and activities throughout the school year.
ACTIVE LIVING
Before moving to Del Webb, Ron Williams had a stroke that partially impaired his vision. He said he immediately felt safe crossing the streets in Lake
Del Webb residents Ron Williams & Bud McRee Providence, and within a few minutes he and his wife knew, “This is where we want to be.” Williams, also a local realtor, drives his classic custom red golf cart most of time. He is active in many sports activities, including Del Webb’s softball team and pickleball competitions, a popular sport, similar to tennis. Williams noted that it’s the perfect place for baby boomers to retire. Fellow resident Bud McRee chimed in that, “Del Webb is an excitement community, not a retirement community.” Both Bud and Ron participate in the TN Senior Olympics, along with about 60 other residents that Pulte sponsored in the Del Webb Senior Olympics competitions. Bud was among 20 participants who went to the national competition, where he won a silver medal in pickleball. In the TN Senior Olympics, Del Webb residents competed in biking, running, swimming, javelin throwing, Del Webb residents pickleball, cycling, tennis, and table tennis, just to name a few! They brought home 5 silver medals and numerous top 15 finishes. The Del Webb athletes are also active in promoting Senior Olympic events throughout the community, working in partnership with Mt. Juliet Parks and Recreation. (To learn more about the TN Senior Olympics visit: www.TNSeniorOlympics.com.)
HAVING FUN
Del Webb residents Susan & Colin Perkins – Wine ClubSusan and Colin Perkins moved to Lake Providence after living 19 years in Franklin, TN. Susan said, “Until you live here and get to experience it, you can’t understand. It’s like Disneyworld for seniors! We have caring neighbors, who are now our friends. There is every opportunity to have a great life here, and find people to enjoy doing the things you do. There is something here for everyone.” Susan and Colin started what is now one of the community’s most popular clubs, the Wine Club. The club boasts more than 180 members, who bring wine and food once a month to meetings, with a fun theme selected ahead of time.
GIVING BACK
Brenda Burgett The Love Bear Ministry
Two of the hundreds of Lake Providence volunteers who dedicate a great deal of their time helping others are Brenda Burgett and Barbara Graves. Brenda started the non-profit, The Love Bear Ministry, to brighten the day for children and adults in distress. The ministry provides thousands of stuffed animals as an act of love to hurting people, to hospitals, other non-profits, veteran’s families, disaster survivors, etc. New teddy bears and stuffed animals may be donated by contacting Brenda at ladyburgett@att.net.
Barbara Graves, also known as Grandma Rutland, is an active volunteer at Rutland Elementary, Lake Providence’s adopted school. She and the other volunteers help feed more than 110 children takehome meals through the back-pack program, provide school supplies, mentoring and reading assistance, a clothes closet, lunch room monitors, and field trip chaperones. They provide library books, sponsor children in need at Christmas, provide Thanksgiving meals, and have a trunk-or-treat at Halloween. Barbara says, “Lake Providence is a peaceful place. I leave my worries at the gate. There are so many ways to serve, and activities to enjoy. It is true adult living, for 50 year olds and 90 year olds.”
Mt Juliet City Manager, Kenny Martin, notes that, “Del Webb and its residents have been a tremendous blessing to our community and county. The passion of the residents and willingness to volunteer or even take on major projects has been amazing. The love for community, willingness to shop locally by supporting city and county businesses and desire to help whenever needed has been a breath of fresh air.
Barbara Graves, Rutland Elementary School Volunteer
Since the majority of Del Webb residents are retired or semiretired, they are always willing to volunteer and share their knowledge which is impressive to say the least. I can’t imagine our community without Del Webb and its residents and appreciate them for all they do for our/their community.”
SAFETY & SAILING
Safety and security is one of the bonuses of living in Lake Providence. The Safety Committee, chaired by resident volunteer RickCampen, helps to improve, maintain and monitor safety with block captains, security cart volunteers, and neighborhood watch. The committee works in partnership with Mt. Juliet Police and Fire Departments. Lake Providence volunteers were instrumental in securing support for the new Mt. Juliet Fire Hall, and provided a mobile rehab unit for firefighters and emergency workers to use during fire and emergency calls. They also help with traffic control and security for special events, like the “Geezer Gatta.”
Rick Campen Safety Committee ChairmanAnother volunteer hat that Rick wears is helping to organize the Geezer Gatta (short for regatta). These fun sailboat races are a favorite for the residents to come out and watch. Participants also come from other states and countries to operate the radio-controlled sailboats, and stay in the homes of local residents. These mini sailboats can travel as fast as 50 mph, and competition can be fierce.
LIVING & GIVING:
Here’s a sampling of the Del Webb Lake Providence recreational activities, clubs, and volunteer efforts.
Arts & Crafts: crafts, digital photography, scrapbooking, crochet, painting, newsletter group, knitting, quilting, sewing
Fitness & Sports: zumba, baseball, softball, basketball, pickleball, bocce ball, water aerobics, tai chi, tennis, line dance, biking, yoga, golf, hiking, cycling, walking, volleyball
Social: ballroom dance, men’s club, women’s club, single’s club, widow/widowers, community theatre, dinner club, Rotary, Kiwanis, veteran’s group, Red Hat Society, wine club, music
Books & Learning: Bible study, book club, diet and nutrition, computers, investment club
Hobbies: model boat, civil war club, cat club, coin club, computer club, cooking club, crazy for cars, Del Webb singers, fishing, gardening, genealogy, history/geography club
Cards & Games: billiards, bingo, board games, bowling, bridge, bunko,b canasta, cribbage, euchre, chess, ping-pong, poker Road & Travel: travel club, cruising, motorcycle club, Road Scholar
Volunteer Opportunities: American Cancer Society/Relay for Life, Brooks House, Fire station #1 & #3, Rehab unit, Goodwill Industries, American Red Cross, MDA Kids for Camp, Wounded Warrior Project, TN National Guard families (gift cards), Mt. Juliet Help Center, Wilson County Animal Shelter, Knit & Crochet for Charity, The Love Bear Ministry, Rutland Elementary School, Restore/Habitat for Humanity, Lantern Lane Farms, Dress for Success (women’s career clothing), Gear for Career (men’s success clothing), Haiti projects, Box Top for Education, Cell Phones for Soldiers, Empower Me Day Camp, Home Safe of Wilson County, Lion’s Club (eyeglasses), Ronald McDonald House Charities, Veterans Home, Wilson County CASA, Wilson County Salvation Army, United Way of Wilson County, Joseph’s Storehouse, Niven’s & McFarlin-Veterans home, Timberline Campground, AMVETS, Thistle Farms, Charis Health Center, SCAN (Sr. Citizens Awareness Network), Hands on Nashville
WANT TO KNOW MORE?
Del Webb Lake Providence is located at 1100 Del Webb Blvd. near Providence Mall and I-40 in Mount Juliet.
It is for adults who have reached that special age of 55.
For more information, visit their website at www.delwebb.com/communities/tn/mt-juliet/lake-providence
call (615) 773-2535 sales center (615) 758-4614 clubhouse or email Shari.Arnold@fsresidential.com