Resident Story: Rollie King

By Rachel M. Anderson, Contributing Writer

(Minnetonka, MN) – Rollie King, 75, was one of the first people to move into Avidor Minnetonka when the community opened its doors in Sept. 2020. She says she is happy to have found a place that is the perfect fit for her during her retirement years.

“I had been waiting for something like this for a long time,” she said.

After retiring from her job as a Hennepin County probation officer 13 years ago, King moved from a condominium in Minnetonka to an apartment complex in Minneapolis that was close to the lake and shopping. “I had high hopes, but it never felt like home,” she said. “I never really felt like I fit into the community.”

King had made the decision to move to a 55 plus active adult community where she’d have opportunities to socialize with fellow retirees earlier this year. Having lived in Minnetonka previously, when she learned about Avidor Minnetonka she decided the time had come to move back.

“Avidor Minnetonka is a wonderful place for active, healthy people like me. There is something to do here every day, and it feels like resort living but you’re not on vacation. You’re home,” said King, who especially enjoys having access to having a concierge at the front desk, to a swimming pool and hot tub, and a workout room right downstairs from her apartment.

She is also close to everything she needs. Ridgedale Mall is right across the parking lot. There are several banks within walking distance; a Hennepin County Service Center and library on the opposite side of Ridgedale Drive; and a Target and Lunds/Byerlys grocery store on the other side of Plymouth Road.

“I love living here,” said King, who says she has made a lot of friends since moving in.

“It’s great to be able to start up a conversation with a neighbor I recognize every day, and everyone who works here is so nice.”

King says Avidor Minnetonka is also a place she feels safe in the Age of Covid. “Everyone wears masks all the time. The residents and staff social distance as much as they can; and they are always cleaning the counters and common areas. I feel comfortable with what they do,” she said.

Safe and social has been the Avidor way from the start. All Avidor associates have completed coronavirus testing per CDC guidelines. They wear masks at all times and use other protective gear when appropriate; and they do frequent temperature checks.

In addition, surfaces are routinely wiped down throughout the day, and specialized fog equipment is used to sanitize public spaces. “We’re doing our best to be socially conscious and keep everyone safe without making it feel like a restrictive environment,” said Jeanne Oosthuizen, Community Director, Avidor Minnetonka. “We are still offering all of the amenities that drew people to the community, just in a different way.”

The daily happy hours are still happening, though participants are asked to wear masks and maintain social distance. The onsite fitness center remains open and onsite daily fitness classes are still being offered. “The space where classes are offered is large enough that everyone has been able to social distance. We have not had to place restrictions on the number of people participating,” said Oosthuizen.

“The community is to die for. It’s like living at a resort. I’m living the good life. That’s what it’s like here,” said King.