john knox village of florida Archives - Page 2 of 5

Give Yourself the Best Gift Ever: Peace of Mind

December 3, 2025/in Blog

Kim Ali
JKV VP of Sales & Marketing

A Message from Kim Ali, VP of Sales & Marketing

As we gather with loved ones this holiday season, many of us naturally reflect on family, health, and what the future may hold. One of the most meaningful gifts you can give—both to yourself and to those who care about you—is the comfort of knowing your future is secure.

At John Knox Village, my mission is to guide individuals through the many senior living options available and to help them understand the tremendous advantages of choosing a Life-Plan Community, also known as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).

This year has reminded all of us how quickly circumstances can change. With so much uncertainty—from fluctuating markets to world events—it’s only natural to want stability and reassurance.

That’s why now is the time to put a plan in place that protects your financial security and ensures you’ll always have the care you need.

If you’re exploring your options, you may be wondering:

• Who will support me if I need extra help?
• What will long-term care cost?
• What if my spouse and I need different types of care?
• Will I have enough resources to last my lifetime?

A Life-Plan Community provides clear, comforting answers. It offers predictable costs, guaranteed access to higher levels of care, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re prepared for whatever the future brings.

At JKV—South Florida’s premier CCRC—you’ll find Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing right on campus available when, and if, you need them. Our residents also feel confident knowing that under the leadership, warmth and vision of our new CEO, Melissa Honig, the community has a bright future.

But what truly sets JKV apart is the lifestyle with incredible amenities right on the JKV campus:

A 350-seat Cultural Arts Center with high-caliber performances
Seven exceptional restaurants led by Johnson & Wales University-trained Chef Pete Murphy
An Aquatic Complex that’s home to two resort pools and pickleball courts
Art and music studios
A fitness center with 50 classes a week, led by fitness professionals
A personal technology classroom with a dedicated Technology Engagement Coordinator
And more than 100 monthly programs focused on lifelong learning and joyful connection

Most importantly, JKV is a community filled with kind, supportive, welcoming people who quickly become friends.

If you’ve ever thought about securing your future—or if your family has encouraged you to explore your options—this is the moment to act. There is no greater relief than knowing you have a plan in place.

We would love to talk with you, answer your questions, and help you explore the beautiful living options available at JKV.

Contact us for a visit, or a no-pressure conversation to get more information. Come see why giving yourself the gift of peace of mind might be the best decision you make this year.

Beyond Real Estate: What You’re Really Buying At JKV

Once you’ve realized that John Knox Village could be the perfect fit for you or a loved one, the next essential step is to connect with a Life Plan Consultant.

More often than not, the first question is: “What will this real estate transaction cost me?” It’s not uncommon for prospective residents to be surprised when they learn that they aren’t simply purchasing an apartment or villa.

The upfront Entrance Fee you pay secures you an all-inclusive Life-Care contract. This ensures that any future healthcare needs will be met right here on our 70-acre campus. You’re not just purchasing real estate; you’re investing in your peace of mind.

If your health changes and you require assistance, it’s all included: Assisted living, supportive memory care, skilled nursing—everything’s covered. You will have access to all levels of care without having to worry about extensive costs down the line.

Nearly 1,000 residents enjoy the vibrant community life at JKV, from the many and varied activities and friendships, to the support that comes from being surrounded by people who understand the journey of aging.

It’s not just about a home. You’re choosing a lifestyle, a community, and a promise of care.

We’re happy to answer any questions and tell you more about how living at JKV provides you with future financial security and an incredible lifestyle in a community you’ll be glad to call your home.

Resident Spotlight: Christopher Carnrick Champions for Deaf Culture, Teaches ASL to JKV Residents

November 13, 2025/in Blog

John Knox Village resident Christopher Carnrick, who grew up in Lubbock, Texas, was able to hear until the age of 10. Although he had always been an A+ student, his academic performance declined so aggressively, it led to his placement in special education classes.

It was then discovered he was profoundly deaf, a result of contracting measles. Driven by a desire to communicate and connect with others, Christopher began learning American Sign Language (ASL) at age 16, ultimately enabling him to work effectively with interpreters and fully engage in both social and professional life.

In 1986, while living in Seattle, Washington, Christopher decided to open a Mexican restaurant, “Speedy Gonzales,” as the city’s first restaurant catering to the hearing-impaired. The restaurant broke new ground by installing the city’s first direct TTY (teletypewriter) phone line, “524-TACO,” enabling deaf customers to order home-delivered food with unprecedented ease and independence. Speedy Gonzales became a vibrant hub for the deaf, fostering community, connection and setting a new standard of inclusiveness. The restaurant became so well-known, it was repeatedly covered in area newspapers.

Christopher’s advocacy and leadership continued to the point he was recruited by Washington Governor Mike Lowry, to serve as a Business Relations Consultant for 10 years. In this role, he drew upon his lived experiences and provided insight to support people with disabilities in securing meaningful employment opportunities, working to dismantle barriers and enhance workplace inclusion.

His career then continued in hospitality for three decades in Seattle, Salt Lake City, and finally in Spain, where he lived with his husband, Arthur. There, they opened a supper club and wrote and published two cookbooks, Dinner for 6 at 8:00 and Kitchen Disasters, Solutions and Substitutions.

After his father’s death, they moved to Naples, Florida, to be close to Christopher’s mother. It was there they decided to find the right Life-Plan Retirement Community in which to retire. They looked at 12 communities throughout the state and determined over two years ago that John Knox Village in Pompano Beach would be their perfect home.

Upon requests from residents, Christopher began teaching a four-week basic American Sign Language series, instructing others how to sign simple phrases and sentences. As an ASL instructor, he brings a unique perspective on the practical approaches shaped by his journey. His teaching methods incorporate the strategies he developed while learning the language as a teenager.

According to residents, Christopher is “a natural-born leader. He quickly engages everyone to participate, and each lesson builds upon the previous one,” says Joe P.

Scooter H. says, “I loved his class. He was very informative, had good pacing, and was patient with everyone. He was so funny, we had a lot of laughs while learning.”

Rafael M. adds, “He gave us practical information that I actually had the opportunity to use with a person from the deaf community.”

And did we mention that Christopher also performs stand-up comedy? His list of talents never seems to end! He performed at the John Knox Village Resident Talent Show and recently headlined an evening at the Fort Lauderdale Improv Theater.

Christopher is just one of the many extraordinary residents who call John Knox Village home.

Carnrick at Fort Lauderdale Improv

Why John Knox Village?
For more than 50 years, John Knox Village has set the gold standard for all-inclusive, resort-style living that empowers older adults to live life to the fullest—at every stage of retirement. The community emphasizes whole-person wellness with state-of-the-art fitness facilities, world-class programming, delicious dining, and much more.

Residents enjoy peace of mind with unlimited access to on-campus healthcare professionals, 24/7 care, and comprehensive long-term care benefits. There are no time or financial limits on healthcare services, making JKV a smart, secure choice for the future.

Want to Learn More?
Come see what John Knox Village has to offer.

We invite you to learn more and experience our breathtaking campus, astounding amenities, the exceptional team, and our remarkable residents who are all part of what makes JKV extraordinary. Contact us today to schedule a personal tour or have a no-pressure conversation with one of our Life-Plan Consultants.

William Kelly, JKV CFO selected as Man of Influence

JKV in the News: William Kelly, a Man of Influence

November 7, 2025/in News

Lifestyle Magazine, October 2025

William Kelly, JKV’s Chief Financial Officer was selected by Lifestyle Magazine as a Man of Influence as part of their feature story, spotlighting changemakers who are shaping our world. This honor aims to introduce us to leaders in the community who make a difference in South Florida business and community involvement.

As the Chief Financial Officer at John Knox Village, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Pompano Beach, Florida, Bill sees the residents as an extension of his own family. It is of the utmost importance to him that JKV residents not only have a place to live, but a place where they can thrive with a lifestyle filled with connection, security, and purpose.

Bill reflects on his own grandmother, who in the last few years of her life was homebound, and only had company when someone came to visit. He wishes she could have had the support of a community like John Knox Village where she could have been surrounded by friends, engaged in purposeful activities, and had the assurance that her healthcare needs would have been met.

Whenever he is faced with a decision at work, he asks himself: “What would I want for my grandmother?”

In his words, Bill says, “I feel truly fortunate that every day I get to give back by helping create an environment that makes life better for many residents we serve. It’s more than just a job — it’s an opportunity to honor the people who came before us and ensure they live with dignity, joy, and security.”

Read the full story here.

William is one of the exceptional leaders at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, Florida. We invite you to learn more and experience our breathtaking campus, astounding amenities, our outstanding team, and the remarkable residents who are all part of what makes JKV extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a personal visit.

Entry into Nautilus Bar at John Knox Village

Andrew Rugge/Perkins Eastman

JKV Wins Platinum Award for Innovative Dining Design

November 5, 2025/in News

Environments For Aging, October 17, 2025

by Robert McCune | Editor

Trends: What’s Driving Dining in Senior Living?

Dining spaces in senior living communities are evolving to provide not just a meal, but an experience that’s designed to fuel connection and belonging. “Dining is such an important part of everyone’s lives…and it’s a large piece of the social life of residents on a senior living campus,” says Brandon Dilla, a senior associate at Perkins Eastman.

At John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, Florida, a campus redevelopment started with adding two new luxury residential towers and event space before an opportunity arose to also improve and expand the community’s dining offering as part of an “experience district.” At the time, the luxury independent and assisted living community had a small cafe and one main cafeteria-style dining building, which “wasn’t really giving residents the choice they are looking for in their community,” says Dilla, who was the architectural designer and project manager.

During the phased project, the design team replaced the main cafeteria with five distinct restaurant-style venues that support residents’ desire to choose what and where they eat. The project took home the top Platinum Award in Environments in Aging’s 2025 Dining Competition.

The refreshed dining offerings also connect to the experience district’s social, cultural, fitness and residential components via pedestrian pathways along the lake, creating a heart of activity on campus, Dilla says. “The evolution of dining into a more experiential environment isn’t something that’s going to go away, he says. “Communities are working to step up their game as they reposition their offerings for future residents.”

Read the full story here.

We invite you to learn more and experience our breathtaking campus, astounding amenities, the exceptional team, and our remarkable residents who are all part of what makes JKV extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a personal tour.

JKV resident at on-site vaccine clinic getting a COVID vaccine

JKV Brings COVID and Flu Vaccines On-Site to Protect Residents and Staff

October 31, 2025/in News

TAPinto Pompano Beach, October 10, 2025

by Jeff Yastine | Editor

POMPANO BEACH — As fall and winter approach, John Knox Village is continuing its proactive health measures by offering on-site COVID-19 and flu vaccines to residents and employees.

Bob Atkins, a Vietnam veteran, was one of the 400 residents who were registered for the event: “I’ve always gotten the flu shot, my wife and I, every year, so I think it’s important,” he said. “The ease of getting the shot here, so close, I can walk right over and get it.”

At the onset of the pandemic, John Knox Village was among the first communities in Florida to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Douglas Folsom, COO of John Knox Village, said that since then, the organization continues to raise awareness among residents about the importance of staying up to date on vaccinations.

“We’ve brought the vaccine to the community. We bring our flu shots to the community. Why? Because we want to make it convenient for our employees and our residents,” he said. “When COVID hit, we really made a conscious effort to protect not only our employees, but also our residents. Our job here is to protect our residents and take care of them.”

Read the full story here.

We invite you to learn more and experience our breathtaking campus, astounding amenities, the exceptional team, and our remarkable residents who are all part of what makes JKV extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a personal tour.

Jennifer Stevens, VP of Healthcare at John Knox Village

JKV in the News: Jennifer Stevens, a Woman of Influence

October 24, 2025/in News

Lifestyle Magazine, September 2025

Jennifer Stevens, JKV’s Vice President of Healthcare was selected by Lifestyle Magazine as a Woman of Influence as part of their feature story, spotlighting changemakers who are shaping our world. This honor aims to introduce us to leaders in the community who make a difference in South Florida business and community involvement.

As the leader of the healthcare team at John Knox Village, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Pompano Beach, Florida, she has inspired the healthcare team to not only care for JKV’s residents, but to also get to know them deeply as individuals.

As a serving member on the Board of Trustees for LeadingAge Southeast, representing CCRCs in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi, Jennifer is able to participate in the annual legislative session in Tallahassee, engaging directly with Florida senators and representatives to help shape policies that impact older adult healthcare.

Read the full story here.

Jennifer is one of the exceptional leaders at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, Florida. We invite you to learn more and experience our breathtaking campus, astounding amenities, our outstanding team, and the remarkable residents who are all part of what makes JKV extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a personal visit.

Meet the Experts at JKV: Chief Financial Officer Bill Kelly

September 16, 2025/in Blog

One of the many things that sets John Knox Village of Florida apart from other senior living communities is the dedication and expertise of our team members. We are proud to introduce our newly appointed Chief Financial Officer, William “Bill” Kelly, CPA, who brings more than a decade of senior living experience to JKV.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, with a master’s degree in accounting, Bill began his career in senior living in 2011. Before joining JKV, he served as Director of Finance for almost 10 years at Harbour’s Edge, a Lifespace Community in Delray Beach. Bill first came to JKV in 2021 as Controller, a role he had served for four years before stepping into the Chief Financial Officer position in July 2025.

With a forward-looking vision, Bill is committed to strengthening JKV’s financial foundation and ensuring long-term sustainability. His priorities include:

Strengthening financial resilience.
Building cash reserves, maintaining strong operating margins, and ensuring resources are strategically aligned with long-term community needs.
Harnessing technology and automation.
Leveraging AI tools, software, and streamlined billing processes to drive efficiency and accuracy across operations.
Enhancing financial reporting accuracy.
Providing timely, transparent, and reliable reports that support informed decision-making and maintain trust with stakeholders.
Investing in infrastructure and innovation.
Ensuring capital projects and technology upgrades position JKV to meet the expectations of future generations of residents.

Bill’s leadership style is rooted in transparency, accessibility, and stewardship.

“When I think about the work I do, I always come back to my grandmother,” he shares. “In the last few years of her life, she was homebound. I wished so much she could have had a place like John Knox Village — a community where she could be surrounded by friends, engaged in meaningful activities, and assured that her healthcare needs would be met.”

He adds, “That’s why the mission of John Knox Village means so much to me. Here, our residents don’t just have a place to live — they have a lifestyle filled with connection, security, and purpose. Whenever I’m faced with a decision, I see our residents as an extension of my own family and ask myself: ‘What would I want for my grandmother?”

Outside of work, Bill is a true Floridian. He enjoys fishing, surfing, golfing, spending time with his college friends, and celebrating the holidays with his family in Tampa.

Bill is just one of the many experts who make the experience of living at JKV unparalleled.

At JKV, financial strength and stability are among the top considerations for residents choosing a Life-Plan Continuing Care Retirement Community. With Bill’s vision and leadership, JKV continues its 58-year tradition of innovation, ensuring that today’s residents — and future generations — enjoy the peace of mind, security, and vibrant lifestyle that define our community.

More Than a Move—A Lifestyle Upgrade

For more than 50 years, JKV has set the standard for delivering an all-inclusive, resort-style lifestyle tailored to every stage of retirement. The community offers world-class fitness programs, state-of-the-art amenities, delicious and healthy dining, and countless activities designed to promote overall well-being. Residents enjoy peace of mind with unlimited access to on-campus healthcare services, 24/7 EMTs, and security. Plus, with no time or financial limits on long-term care benefits, a Life-Plan contract at JKV provides a fiscal safety net and an unparalleled quality of life.

We invite you to experience the vibrant community, world-class amenities, and remarkable residents, and exceptional team members who all make John Knox Village extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a visit.

Doug Folsom, John Knox Village Chief Operating Officer

What JKV’s Chief Operating Officer, Doug Folsom Learned at the 2025 LeadingAge Southeast Conference

August 21, 2025/in Blog

The 62nd Annual LeadingAge Southeast Convention & Exposition was a premier event for senior living professionals, offering opportunities to learn, network, and explore the latest innovations shaping the industry.

Held in Orlando, Florida, the conference left JKV Chief Operating Officer Doug Folsom energized and inspired.

“This year’s conference was amazing,” Folsom said. “The sessions I attended—covering everything from industry trends, dining innovations, and strategic planning, to the rapid growth of artificial intelligence in healthcare, legal considerations, and preparing future leaders—impressed me beyond measure.”

Fresh Ideas and Future Goals
Folsom said the conversations he had with other industry leaders sparked new ideas for enhancing resident life at JKV.

“Traditionally, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) have been among the last to adopt new AI and technology tools,” Folsom said. JKV’s leadership team aims to change that by exploring the purchase of smartwatches for all residents — devices that could help prevent falls, monitor blood pressure, and automatically alert healthcare staff to potential concerns.

“We want to prevent potential problems rather than passively wait for something to happen,” Folsom explained.

The Role of Education—At All Levels
Another key takeaway for Folsom was the importance of education—not only for leadership and staff but also for JKV’s 11-member Board of Directors.

“The Board needs to understand forward-thinking for the long-term, not just day-to-day living at JKV,” he said. “We need a broader scope of what the future is bringing to our industry.”

A Commitment to Stewardship
The conference left Folsom so motivated that he is now seeking additional educational opportunities in the industry, both to attend and potentially present at. Drawing on his experience as JKV’s former CFO, he remains acutely aware of the financial responsibilities facing the senior living industry.

“As always, I believe in being a good steward of our residents’ finances,” Folsom said.

At John Knox Village, the insights gained from conferences like LeadingAge Southeast fuel our ongoing commitment to excellence. By embracing innovation, investing in education at every level, and staying ahead of industry trends, we remain focused on enhancing the quality of life for our residents today and for generations to come. Whether through exploring new technologies like AI and smart health devices, reimagining wellness programs, or continually refining our operations, JKV is dedicated to leading with vision, compassion, and innovation—ensuring that our community and its residents continue to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

More Than a Move — A Lifestyle Upgrade
For more than 58 years, John Knox Village of Pompano Beach, Florida, has set the gold standard for all-inclusive, resort-style living that empowers older adults to live life to the fullest—at every stage of retirement. The community emphasizes whole-person wellness with state-of-the-art fitness facilities, world-class programming, delicious dining, and much more. Residents enjoy peace of mind with unlimited access to on-campus healthcare professionals, 24/7 care, and comprehensive long-term care benefits. There are no time or financial limits on healthcare services—making JKV a smart, secure choice for the future.

Want to Learn More?

We invite you to experience the vibrant community, world-class amenities, remarkable residents, and exceptional team members who all make John Knox Village extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a visit.

About LeadingAge Southeast
Founded in 1963 as a not-for-profit corporation, LeadingAge Southeast serves members in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Its mission is simple: To expand possibilities for aging through advocacy, education, and service. Based in Tallahassee, Florida, the association represents more than 250 communities, over 500 facilities, and 140+ business associates, serving hundreds of thousands of seniors across the region. Members benefit from up-to-date regulatory guidance, educational opportunities, legislative advocacy, group purchasing, and peer networking.

senior man petting a maltese dog as part of canine assisted therapy

JKV in the News: Canine Assisted Therapy Brings Its Furry Friends to John Knox

August 12, 2025/in News

The New Pelican, August 7, 2025

by Michael d’Oliveira | Editor

The dogs of Canine Assisted Therapy (CAT) visit the residents at John Knox Village twice a month, bringing joy to the residents living in JKV’s Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing homes.

“When you pet a dog for 15 minutes, it lowers blood pressure and cortisol (stress hormones),” said Rosemary Blumberg, a certified therapeutic recreation therapist. Blumberg brings Toby, her golden doodle, on regular visits to senior care facilities, hospitals, libraries, and other places around the county where people might benefit from pet therapy.

“The biggest benefit is that he brings smiles to people’s faces…It makes them happy,” says Blumberg. “It brings up a lot of emotions.”

“You can feel the magic of the moment when these dogs walk into the room — faces light up, energy shifts, and there’s an instant sense of connection. It’s a beautiful reminder of the comfort and joy animals bring to our lives,” wrote Jackie Ducci, the founder of The Human-Animal Alliance, in an email.

Said John Knox Village resident Will about the visit to John Knox, “It was a treat.”

Read the full story here.

We invite you to learn more and experience our breathtaking campus, astounding amenities, the exceptional team, and our remarkable residents who are all part of what makes JKV extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a personal tour.

Meet the Experts at JKV: Jennifer Stevens, VP of Healthcare, Leading the Charge for Senior Care Excellence at JKV and Beyond

July 30, 2025/in Blog

In an era where the healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, Jennifer Stevens, Vice President of Healthcare at John Knox Village (JKV), has become a beacon of leadership and advocacy in the senior living sector. With an unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for older adults, Stevens is not only a key figure at JKV, but also a respected thought leader among Florida’s Life-Plan Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs).

Stevens’ extensive experience and dedication have propelled JKV to the forefront of senior care in South Florida. Under her guidance, JKV has earned accolades for its high standards of care, with a comprehensive range of services. JKV’s proactive approach to meeting the diverse needs of its residents has solidified its reputation as a leader in the field.

Stevens has been a strong voice for maintaining adequate government funding to ensure that essential services for older adults remain accessible.

In addition to her role at JKV, Stevens also serves on the Board of Trustees for LeadingAge Southeast, where she is a passionate advocate for senior living communities across Florida. LeadingAge Southeast is a regional association dedicated to supporting nonprofit senior living and aging services organizations in the southeastern United States. It is a part of LeadingAge, a national association that represents nonprofit providers of aging services across the country.

Through her involvement with LeadingAge, Stevens engages directly with state legislators, working to shape policies that impact the senior living industry. One of her key legislative achievements was her successful efforts to delay a bill that could have imposed regulatory overreach on CCRCs. Stevens, along with colleagues from LeadingAge Southeast and the Florida Life Care Association (FLiCRA), lobbied to revise the bill’s language, preventing potential harm to CCRCs and their residents.

Her advocacy doesn’t stop there. Stevens is deeply invested in the financial stability of long-term care services, particularly in relation to Medicare and Medicaid funding. Having engaged directly with state representatives, she has been a strong voice for maintaining adequate funding to ensure that essential services for older adults remain accessible.

“Cutting reimbursement for Medicaid would be devastating and leave many seniors without the support they need,” she warns, emphasizing the critical role that policy decisions play in the sustainability of senior care services.

At JKV, Stevens continues to innovate and push for the highest standards of care. Her leadership ensures that JKV adapts to the ever-changing needs of seniors, providing a full spectrum of care that includes Gardens West (assisted living), Seaside Cove (long-term care), The Woodlands (short- and long-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing), Home Health (in-home care), and Wellness Nursing (preventative care).

Through her tireless efforts, Stevens has shaped JKV into a community that not only prioritizes the health and well-being of its residents but also serves as a model for excellence in the senior care industry. Her work continues to inspire and empower those in the field, championing a future where older adults receive the dignity, resources, and care they deserve. Jennifer is just one of the many experts who make the experience of living at JKV unparalleled.

More Than a Move—A Lifestyle Upgrade

For more than 50 years, JKV has set the standard for delivering an all-inclusive, resort-style lifestyle tailored to every stage of retirement. The community offers world-class fitness programs, state-of-the-art amenities, delicious and healthy dining, and countless activities designed to promote overall well-being. Residents enjoy peace of mind with unlimited access to on-campus healthcare services, 24/7 EMTs, and security. Plus, with no time or financial limits on long-term care benefits, a Life-Plan contract at JKV provides a fiscal safety net and an unparalleled quality of life.

We invite you to experience the vibrant community, world-class amenities, and remarkable residents, and exceptional team members who all make John Knox Village extraordinary. Contact us today to learn more and schedule a visit.

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