Written by Independent Living Engagement Coordinator Kelsey Cornnell
A sunshine of a resident! If you attend Left Right Center, Happy Hour, or the Stitches Club, you probably have been blessed with meeting one of our newest residents. Mrs. JoAnn Haick moved into Arbor Terrace on the first of February. She is often easily spotted sharing her beautiful, friendly smile and a warm greeting in the hallways or dining hall.
JoAnn was born and raised in Huntington Park, CA. She had a wonderful and happy childhood filled with summer snacks made from frozen Kool-Aid and popsicle sticks, walking around on stilts made from string and tuna cans, and deliveries from the ice truck. JoAnn had one sister, with whom, she notes, she did not get along with as children because her sister “was perfect and [she] was not.” However, they grew up much closer and started to see each other at least once a year for a 2-week-long trip. They traveled somewhere new each time to places such as New York, St. Simons, Canada, and even a Jewish ElderHostel. If you think that is adventurous, just wait to hear the rest.
JoAnn attended college at the University of Arizona, after which she moved with her husband to the Yucca Valley in the desert of California where they raised a family of three children: Cindy, Susy, and Bill. Her husband was a professional golfer while JoAnn worked briefly as a dental assistant. Aside from work and raising a family, JoAnn filled her time with quilting and spinning. She remarks that she was always interested in sheep ever since she had the opportunity to bring a lamb home overnight when she was in kindergarten. JoAnn is also an incredibly skilled painter. If you ever have an opportunity to see some of her work, though she speaks humbly about her talent, you will be thoroughly impressed.
Joann met her second husband, retired Marine, Robert Haick, in Yucca Valley. From there they moved to Gold Beach, Oregon where they built a home together and lived a full and adventurous life. Her husband introduced her to camping and fishing. She also took up basket weaving and canning salmon and peaches. They later moved to Washington, where JoAnn nurtured her garden filled with string beans, raspberries, blueberries, and apples. She enjoyed making applesauce from the fresh apples with her Squeezo Kitchen Aid (which once cost her $5, but now is about $200). They lived on 7.5 acres, so JoAnn loved to ride around enjoying the outdoors on their John Deere.
It is no understatement that JoAnn has many wonderful stories to tell. Just upon first impression, you can see how much of a wonderful addition she is to our arbor family. Mrs. JoAnn is happy to call Arbor her home. Be sure to say hello and hear some of the wonderful stories from our kind, friendly, adventurous, and talented new neighbor.
To learn more about our engaging activities at Arbor Terrace Peachtree City visit our website at ArborPTC.com or call 770-632-5823 to schedule a tour.
