Barb D’Onofrio

An Audubon, Pennsylvania native, Barb watched Shannondell rise up and transform the retirement landscape, literally and figuratively. So, when she retired after more than three decades as a teacher, Barb attended one of the Lunch & Learns at Shannondell. The fitness and aquatics center peaked her interest, but it was the variety of provided services like housekeeping, maintenance and dining that sold her. After 32 years in a large single family home, she was ready to shed those chores and focus on her own desires. Or, so she thought.

Q:
As a Audubon native, what’d you think when you first saw Shannondell rising up on Egypt Road?

Barb:
Like a lot of people my age, I think my first thought was it looks nice, but it’s not for me.

Q:
A common reaction. So what changed your mind?

Barb:
Well, I became a caregiver for relatives who lived nearby. It opened my eyes to the importance of both planning for one’s future care and staying active and healthy longer. That’s why I was so attracted to what Shannondell offered; you know, the health care and these great fitness programs.

Q:
So, the wellness and fitness facilities at Shannondell drew you in?

Barb:
They did. I had belonged to a fitness club years ago and I walked and had some free weights at home, but I never could find the time, while teaching, to exercise. I probably got more of a workout trying to keep up with all the responsibilities of a large family home of 32 years. You know; the lawn, the leaves, the gutters, the snow, the roof, broken appliances. There was always something that needed doing. (laughing) I guess that was my exercise regimen.

Q:
At least you have a sense of humor about it.

Barb:
I do now that I don’t have to worry about any of that stuff any more. Now, when a light bulb is out, I pick up the phone and they come and take care of it.

Q:
Which leaves you time to take better care of yourself.

Barb:
You bet. Not only do I have a fitness center and indoor pool I can walk to without stepping outside, but I also have my own fitness trainer, Michelle, who works with me. I swim laps two days a week, work out with the machines and do power walks around the community.

Q:
And have you noticed a difference in your health?

Barb:
I’m healthier and stronger since I moved to Shannondell. When I came here I was taking a medication for osteopenia. After a year living at Shannondell, they took me off the drug. That’s how much of a difference it’s made.

Q:
Let’s talk a little about the difference you’ve made in the lives of others since you moved here. I hear you helped to spearhead getting a polling place here at Shannondell. Tell me about that.

Barb:
I’ve always been involved in local politics, volunteering for candidates and working the polls. When I saw the difficulty some Shannondell residents were experiencing while standing in polling lines, braving the elements at the local school, I got involved with Lea Bertha and Glenn Landis to get a polling place approved here at Shannondell. We appealed to the Montgomery county commissioners and got it passed. Now, it’s easier for residents to not only vote, but also stay up to date with the candidates and their platforms.

Q:
How do you mean?

Barb:
As a committee person of one of the political parties at Shannondell, my job is to introduce candidates to the residents and give them an opportunity to ask questions and better understand who really has their best interests at heart.

Q:
I assume you were busy this past fall, then.

Barb:
Busy as a bee. And we’re already gearing up for the next election. You’ll really need to do your homework before that one.

Q:
Spoken like a true teacher.

Read other interviews with Shannondell residents by clicking on the names below:

Back to the top