Video displaying scenes from The Terraces of Boise, a HumanGood Life Plan Community in Boise, Idaho

Holli and Walter

A Community Embraced by Canine Companions

Holli and Walter give new meaning to dog lovers.

When they considered moving to a Life Plan Community, one of the most significant deciding factors when choosing The Terraces of Boise was the beautiful on-campus dog park and the inviting surrounding neighborhoods to exercise their two rescue golden retrievers, Annie and Penny. Fondly known as the “Golden Girls” on campus, Annie and Penny have become beloved members of The Terraces community.

Holli, a trained recreational therapist with a background in animal-assisted therapy, spent her second career supervising 40 volunteers and 40 dogs at a hospital in California. Her expertise and passion for therapy dogs have seamlessly integrated into her life at The Terraces.

“Annie and Penny are both natural-born therapy dogs,” Holli says. “Their open-heartedness and friendly demeanor bring joy and energy to everyone they meet.”

Holli and her Golden Girls make regularly scheduled visits to residents of assisted living and memory support and engage in one-on-one interactions with those in independent living who seek companionship. Their daily jaunts to the dog park and walks in the surrounding neighborhoods not only provide exercise and stimulation for the dogs but also foster a sense of community among the residents.

Beyond her work with the dogs, Holli is deeply involved in various community activities both within and outside The Terraces. She partners with another resident to make quilts for residents in skilled nursing and recently delivered quilts to those in hospice. Additionally, they created a special quilt to raise money for Alzheimer’s research, showcasing their commitment to giving back to the community.

Holli is also a member of the local Audubon Society and the Quilt Guild. She participates in “Stories to Stitches,” a group that reads books and creates small quilts to depict the stories.

Walter facilitates the classical music appreciation group and loves capturing the beauty of the community’s picturesque surroundings through photography.

Holli and Walter’s move to The Terraces of Boise has not only enhanced their quality of life but also enriched the lives of those around them. With Annie and Penny by their side, Holli and Walter have found a community where their passions and love for dogs can flourish, making The Terraces a place where the spirit of companionship thrives.

Joel

Finding Joy in the Music

Joel shares his many talents with everyone. A retired mortgage banking executive and lifelong musician, Joel finds joy in pursuing his passion for the saxophone, which he has played since the age of 14. He brings his talents and passions to his life at The Terraces of Boise.

His love for community bands and jazz groups has followed him across various places throughout his life, including New Jersey, the Hudson Valley of New York, Cleveland and now Boise, Idaho. Currently, Joel plays in four bands within the greater Boise community: the Kings of Swing, The Midnight Jazz Cats, The Switch in Time Jazz Orchestra and the Boise Community Band.

What makes Joel’s story even more remarkable is the generational legacy of saxophonists in his family. His son, Adam, a staff psychologist at the VA Medical Center, is also a professional musician. His grandson, Jacob, a music education major at the University of Idaho, also plays the saxophone. All three generations live locally, allowing them to spend quality time together, share their love of music and even swap instruments from time to time!

Joel also occasionally performs for his fellow residents at The Terraces, which is always a welcomed treat. His involvement at The Terraces goes beyond his musical contributions. He serves on the resident council as secretary and is a member of the activities and lifestyle committee. His participation in the Lively Lit group allows him to read poetry and song lyrics out loud, enriching the cultural fabric of the community. Joel is active in many pursuits at The Terraces, from lively social events to captivating murder mystery dinners.

Joel exemplifies how a lifelong passion can continue to thrive at any age. His dedication to music, coupled with his active involvement in the community, has made him a cherished resident of The Terraces. Living his best life, surrounded by family and fellow residents, Joel is a testament to the enriching power of music and the importance of community.

Terri

From 9 to Thrive

Terri is living her best life at The Terraces of Boise as she continues to work full-time running her business while enjoying the freedom of living in the community. She is an executive leadership coach and published author of Simple Shifts.

“The fact that I can continue working in a career I love, but also have the ability to not worry about maintaining a home and cooking my meals is so freeing,” says Terri. Her job allows her the opportunity to interact with many clients, but she also finds time to socialize and be involved at The Terraces. 

Terri is currently the Chairperson of the Resident Council and plays the popular game Mahjong with a group of friends. She also finds time to volunteer at The Cove, the on-campus thrift shop. It makes Terri happy when residents and team members find good deals on furniture and other treasures.

She also stays involved with the greater Boise community. She was a former board member of Woman and Children’s Alliance (WCA) and now serves on their HR committee. The WCA, a leading organization in Boise, has been at the forefront of providing services to those healing from domestic abuse and sexual assault.

“Living here has given me the time and space I was looking for in this next chapter of my life,” adds Terri. “It was important to me that I find ways to take good care of myself while continuing to do what I love. 

Terri takes advantage of the beautiful outdoor spaces as she walks five miles a day, rides her bike and weight trains. 

Terri added, “And I can’t say enough about the food. The dining here is a 5-star experience. There are many different meal selections, and the food is delicious and healthy. I am thriving at The Terraces, and I truly feel spoiled living here!”

Jeanne and Wayne

Exercising Social and Political Skills

Jeanne and Wayne Auer hold the distinction of being the first couple to move to The Terraces of Boise in 2015. Since then, they have become indispensable members of the community, utilizing their extensive social and professional skills to enhance the lives of their fellow residents.

With a background in accounting, financial planning and management, Jeanne has seamlessly transferred her skills to manage The Cove, The Terraces’ on-site shop. Her dedication to this role is evident as she continually seeks ways to optimize operations and ensure that the proceeds benefit the Residents Council. “The Cove serves as a unique space where both residents and team members can shop, which brings me immense satisfaction and joy,” says Jeanne.

Beyond her work at The Cove, Jeanne is an active member of several committees. She serves on the CARE committee, organizing events and parties for assisted living, skilled nursing and residents of the memory support neighborhood. Additionally, Jeanne serves on The Terraces of Boise Foundation Committee, which focuses on raising funds for the long-term health and benevolence of the community. Her involvement doesn’t stop there; Jeanne participates in yoga, ladies’ night out events and weekly happy hours. 

Wayne’s role at The Terraces is equally vital. He manages the furniture side of The Cove business, overseeing a small section where people can donate and purchase furniture. Wayne takes charge of making minor repairs, advertising items for sale and meeting potential buyers -- a role that keeps him incredibly busy.

Wayne’s connection to Boise State University runs deep — he was a scholarship athlete and spent more than 50 years officiating sports. He remains active on the nearby pickleball court and organizes matches for residents. He is also a member of the Terraces’ Resident Council.

Jeanne and Wayne exemplify the spirit of community involvement and dedication. Their efforts not only enrich their own lives but also significantly contribute to the vibrancy of The Terraces of Boise.