Blog

Emotional Attachment to Columbia Area Strong and Growing

According to the Soul of the Community Study:   social offerings (fun places to gather), openness (how welcoming a place is) and basic services (community infrastructure) are the most important factors in emotionally connecting metro-Columbia residents to where they live.

The rich lifestyle, relaxed pace and temperate climate make Columbia a leading U.S. retirement destination.  In 2009, the city was named one of Money Magazine’s “25 Best Places to Retire” and was one of  U.S.  News Group’s 10 “Best Affordable Places to Retire.”  And for the sixth consecutive year, Still Hopes received Columbia Metropolitan Magazine’s “Best Of” Award for Active Adult/Retirement Communities.

Schedule a tour today and see for yourself why the Columbia area continues to be the best place to retire in the south!  803-739-5040  or visit the Still Hopes website.

Still Hopes is Going Green

Still Hopes is committed to the conservation and improvement of the environment.  Residents, staff and trustees work together to provide an eco-friendly community. From planting gardens to recycling paper and inkjet cartridges, Still Hopes has joined the effort to save our planet.

Resident Charlie Davis has been a driving force in Still Hopes’ efforts to “Go Green.”   As Manager of the Southeastern Division of Parke Industries for over ten years, Charlie worked with state-of-the-art energy efficient lighting.

Charlie implemented a program to reduce the use of electricity by replacing standard light bulbs with longer lasting and more energy efficient compact florescent bulbs. This reduced the amount of electricity used and time spent by the maintenance department changing bulbs. “Ultimately, the plan equals cost-savings and energy efficiency,” stated Charlie.

Charlie also saw to it that light timers were installed in mail rooms, storage areas, restrooms, and residents’ apartments (by request) to ensure that electricity was not wasted.

Still Hopes has really focused on cutting resident costs and protecting the environment,” stated Plant Operations Director Sam Weathers.  “We partnered with Sonoco to implement a recycling program for Buildings 5 and 6, installed a cardboard baler to properly dispose of boxes and other cardboard products and employed sustainable gardening practices across the campus.”

In addition, Still Hopes is proud to be recognized as a Certified Wildlife Habitat, providing food, water and cover for wildlife animals and a place to raise their young.  “Our efforts to go green have only begun,” stated Sam.

Stay up-to-date with all the activities at Still Hopes.   Visit our new website and join our e-list.