From the moment someone new moves into the building, Peabody Place in Franklin provides a vibrant retirement community with activities ranging from social clubs to exercise groups and field trips. Residents here remain active and engaged, living life to the fullest. Those who call the senior living facility “home” continuously find ways to contribute to the community offerings.

The Monitor sat down with seven residents to learn more about the ways they stay active — mentally, physically and socially — and create meaning in retirement.

Cindy Spain, 72

Three years ago when Spain came to Peabody Place, she walked around the property and realized the windows of each apartment could use something more. She decided to create a circular flower garden outside each window, offering residents the chance to watch the flowers grow and thrive from their own apartments. This spring, she’s excited to see the first tulips bloom.

Last year, she also planted a vegetable garden that yielded fresh tomatoes that Spain shared with other residents.

“As the flowers grow, I think I’m growing too, in my spirit,” said Spain. “It keeps me alive. It makes me feel happy.”

Doris Weinberg, 92

If there’s a freshly baked treat nearby the coffee station in the lobby of the senior living facility, it’s usually one of Weinberg’s. She loves to bake, especially sugary confections, and shares her creations with everyone around her.

Once a week, Weinberg brings cookies or cakes to the dining room. Her fellow residents say they cannot pass them up — her treats are just too delicious.

“I have a sweet tooth,” she admits. “It keeps me going.”

When not baking, she writes poems.

There are two books of her poems residing around the building.

Debbie Gray, 69

Gray, a former librarian, transitioned to independent living with her husband last October.

However, her love for books and storytelling never faded. Today, she volunteers to read to children at the Sanbornton Public Library and the Jennie Blake Elementary School in Hill.

Bringing both her voice and her guitar, Gray makes storytime engaging.

She said that reading to children isn’t just about giving — it’s also about experiencing the joy they bring in return.

“The best part is seeing the smiles on their faces and just they’ll say things to you that make your heart happy,” said Gray. “They’re usually receptive, and you can just be yourself.”

John Benham, 86

Benham used to serve on the board at Peabody Place and was a key member of the building committee, which he helped shape into the entity it is today. Though no longer in an official role, he remains deeply involved, continuing his lifelong passion for community building.

“It’s just like the continuation of what I did all my life,” said Benham. “It keeps you active.”

One of his contributions is the Friday morning breakfasts he started to give residents a chance to come together, connect and foster a stronger sense of community.

“I like to gather people,” said Benham. “This place needs to be open and friendly like any place in the city, and it is.”

Pat Tingley, 85

Tingley arrived at Peabody Place with her piano — not just because she loves playing but also as a way to keep her fingers moving. This helps with a condition that causes her fingers to bend toward her palm.

Every Friday afternoon during cocktail hour, Tingley takes her place at the piano and begins to play, filling the room with music. Over time, a sing-along group formed around her, turning these gatherings into a cherished tradition.

Tingley plays a variety of tunes for her fellow residents to sing. Even poetry written by residents finds its way into the music.

“It’s very exhilarating for me,” said Tingley. “It’s just nice playing in the background.”

Elisabeth Hurd, 72

Hurd joined Peabody Place in November, bringing with her a background as a professor of social work and a political advocate. She serves as a voice for residents in the senior living facility, ensuring that those with cognitive challenges have their concerns heard by management.

“I’m in a leadership role, which I never expected to be at this point in my career here,” said Hurd. “I try to listen to what people are concerned about, worried about, and so forth.”

Now 72, she said she’s found an unexpected joy in this chapter of her life, thanks to the supportive community and management at Peabody Place.

“You can find happiness in aging,” she said. “I truly did not expect it.”

Gene Mockabee, 84

Mockabee, an author and former electrical engineer who served as a pastor for 45 years, now leads the writers’ group at the senior living facility.

These days, he also enjoys sharing old-time radio show programs with residents at Peabody Place.

In addition to a passion for words, Mockabee, along with his wife, has always enjoyed a love of ice cream. Recently, the couple bought an ice cream maker for the senior living community — but not just any machine. They chose a hand-cranked one over a motorized version.

“We always found at the churches that gathering together and taking turns cranking the thing, you tell stories, meet people and it’s just more fun,” said Mockabee. “So we crank it out in the morning and then let it season for a few hours, and then have the social in the afternoon.”

Clayton Bushman, 94

Bushman, the oldest alumnus of Franklin High School, is a regular at the town parade each year, where he rides in a convertible. He also co-leads the Peabody Place Poets.

Beyond his participation in these activities, residents at the senior living facility always feel welcomed whenever they cross paths with Bushman.

“He’s an ambassador, helping us to feel comfortable. Just by sitting there, he would smile,” said Gray. “If you go over, he’ll just hold your hand and say hello, and some days, that’s what you need.”

Sruthi Gopalakrishnan can be reached at sgopalakrishnan@cmonitor.com.