It’s Stitching Heaven for Fredericka Manor’s Sewing Circle

They're known at Fredericka Manor as "those magical sewing ladies with the flashing scissors and flying needles." And after an 18-month hiatus because of the pandemic, the Fredericka Manor sewing circle is back in action! You could say these highly skilled stitchers have come together under a common thread - their love of sewing. Currently there are about 20 members in the circle with a core group of six. Their specialty is making minor garment repairs or alterations for their fellow res…

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Up in the Air with Fredericka Manor Resident Frank Frazier

In the 1940s, one-hour flying lessons in San Antonio, Texas, cost $8. Frank Frazier, a teenager at the time, saved what he could, and whenever he managed to accumulate $4, took a half-hour lesson in a Cub airplane. He flew solo for the first time at age 16."I just wanted to be up in the air," the Fredericka Manor resident said. He didn't simply love flying, however -- he also excelled at it. Within 15 years of that first solo flight, he had served as a decorated Air Force pilot in the Korean…

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Demystifying Resident Contracts

For people who are considering moving to a community, many of the benefits are obvious: a beautiful location, friendly neighbors, great amenities, and supportive staff. But moving to a senior community is a big decision, and one that can raise many questions - especially when it comes to signing a contract or resident agreement. The resident agreement may seem imposing at first, but it also holds the answers to many questions prospective residents may have, such as: What's included and n…

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It’s Growing Time at Fredericka Manor

Residents grow, harvest and share at community garden In fertile patches of land at Fredericka Manor, residents have created their own little pieces of paradise. Roses, geraniums, sweet peas, corn, pumpkins, petunias, irises, fresh herbs and lavender are in bloom now, some rooted in the earth and neatly ringed with stones or springing forth from raised beds. Fredericka Manor's community garden is alive with color and fragrance!  The serene patch of land nestled between the bocce …

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Take Me Out to the Dart Baseball Game

Fredericka Manor residents relish their time on the diamond with competitive and fun play They go by colorful monikers like ... "The Commissioner," "The Ace," "The Rookie" and "Ms. October." Like their baseball counterparts, they play to win but have plenty of fun. These appropriately named men and women are part of a group of athletes of all abilities who gather regularly to compete and pay tribute to an impressive, nearly 60-year tradition at Fredericka Manor - dart baseball.   The eq…

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Living in Color at Fredericka Manor with Resident Linda Wright

I think spring and summer are the most beautiful times of the year at Fredericka Manor Retirement Community. The community is alive with color, bird song and sweet fragrances. It's my favorite time to work in my garden and at the resident community garden. The best part is when I see other gardeners by my side enjoying what we love. It's just a great time to appreciate living here, the San Diego sunshine and the world around us. About two years ago, I moved to a lovely cottage here with …

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Fredericka Manor’s Phone Tree Keeps Residents Connected During the Pandemic

Throughout the pandemic, Fredericka Manor resident Grace Johnson has stayed socially engaged with family and friends. She also makes sure her fellow residents stay connected  - by creating a phone tree to help them keep in touch. When Fredericka Manor Executive Director Craig Summer suggested a resident phone tree at the beginning of quarantine, Grace immediately volunteered to organize it. All callers are residents including Fredericka Club board members and committee chairs. Intereste…

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We Love Fredericka Manor, Pandemic or Not

We moved to Fredericka Manor in January 2019 and could have never imagined then, that 18 months later, we would be in the middle of a pandemic. One thing we know for sure is that by making the move when we did, is surely paying off for us now. While we miss "normal" socializing that usually comes with living here, we are very happy in such a beautiful, safe, and well-maintained community. Without a doubt, we feel we are in a safer and more enjoyable environment than had we stayed in our …

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Butterflies Find a Home at Fredericka Manor

His nickname may be Hoppy, but to many at Fredericka Manor, Howard Weiss is also affectionately known as the "butterfly whisperer," a well-suited moniker that describes his passion for saving the community's dwindling monarch population. "Butterflies have always been native to Fredericka Manor," Hoppy says. "The community's lush landscape is perfect for a butterfly waystation and safe house. Just like us, they are a sign of freedom. Within the first ten seconds of flight, butterflies lea…

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Craig Sumner: From Landscaper to Fredericka Manor Executive Director

Fredericka Manor Executive Director Craig Sumner remembers when he first applied for a position at the Chula Vista community, how he initially did not get the job and how a visit to the barber may have helped launch his successful career. Craig was born in Preston, England, but at a young age, he moved with his family to Chula Vista, where he attended Rosebank Elementary School, just a few blocks east of Fredericka Manor. "I was studying at Southwestern College and was looking for par…

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