Nancy Foster

Nancy Foster and her husband are founding members of Shannondell. Growing up in nearby Norristown, Nancy watched Shannondell come out of the ground, literally. She looked forward to shedding the headaches of caring for a large, aging home and was ready to “be waited on.” for a change. She was also looking forward to making new friends and trying new things. Little did she know, though, that one of those “new things” would have her practicing improvisation, reading scripts, rehearsing scenes, singing in Trios’ and loving every minute.

Q:
So, how do you know a place like Shannondell is the right move before it’s even built?

Nancy:
Instinct, I guess. I don’t know. The people were so nice and the plans and home designs and floor plans were just what we were looking for. Even before it was built, you could tell it was like nothing else in this area. I mean, you could fit three or four other communities’ clubhouses into either one of Shannondell’s fabulous Ashcroft or Bradford clubhouses. There was simply no comparison.

Q:
And your children thought?

Nancy:
….we were nuts (laughing). If they could have seen me improvising in Acting Class this morning, they’d probably bring it back up. Actually, our children (and grandchildren) love Shannondell. They admit it has completely changed their idea of retirement living; for the better.

Q:
So, I assume Shannondell lived up to your expectations once you moved here.

Nancy:
It has. Although, it was interesting to be one of the first residents to move in here. You know, they were still working on this and that, still working out the kinks, still staffing. It was during those early days, watching how management responded to us, that we knew we made the right decision. They (Shannondell management) did whatever it took to make sure we were not only comfortable, but they also surprised us with trips to nearby restaurants, bars, concerts and other things. They set the bar high and, to this day, continue surprising us (for the better), as residents.

Q:
And I hear you’ve grown (your schedule) right along with the community?

Nancy:
Who’ve you been talking to? Well, I stay busy. That’s for sure. Before we moved here, I walked in the park with my husband. Now, I’m doing machines and water aerobics in the Aquatics & Fitness Center three times a week. I’m also doing tap, ballet and, get this, belly dancing. We’re having a belly dancing show in the Performing Arts Theater in a couple of weeks.

If you would have told me ten years ago I would be up on a stage, today, in front of hundreds of people belly dancing, I would have cracked up.

Q:
But it wasn’t belly dancing that led you to the stage, right?

Nancy:
No. I guess you could say I was bitten by the acting bug.

Q:
Bitten by or smitten with?

Nancy:
Both. I had never acted in my life, and through a colleague at Lily Pulitzer, I met the director of the King of Prussia Players, one of the resident theater groups at The Shannondell Performing Arts Theater. And, well, one thing led to another and the next thing I knew, I was in the Chorus of The Music Man. You know, 76 Trombones, Harold Hill, River City. I was the only Shannondell resident in the musical, and I had a blast!

Q:
And that led to others?

Nancy:
It did. Let’s see, Dracula, which was an interesting follow up to a Meredith Willson musical, and more recently Annie. Robb Hutter works with our Actors’ Studio (resident) group. We read plays and prepare shows. We also take trips to Walnut Street Theater, Kimmel Center and Broadway shows in New York.

Q:
So, Broadway beckons?

Nancy:
As a training ground, only (smiling). It’s so inspiring to see these professionals who can do it all, sing, dance and act, and make it look so easy.

Q:
But you know it’s not.

Nancy:
Kevin Bacon once said, “A good director creates an environment, which gives the actor the encouragement to fly.” And today, at Shannondell, I’m flying.

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

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