A welcome home in Delphi
By Jenna Buehler Comet writer-intern

Settling in Eighty-five-year-old Marie Carr, originally from Lafayette, sits on her porch and talks about her Friday move into Water Tower Place on the south side of Delphi. "My house is handicap accessible, but I don't consider myself handicapped," explained Carr. Comet photo by Jenna Buehler

Drive by the new rental housing development for active adults 55 and older, Water Tower Place, located on the south side of Delphi near the intersection of U.S. 421 and Armory Road, and receive a "welcome home." That is what Water Tower Place resident Marie Carr has been waiting to hear for a long time.

"I am a small town girl myself," said Carr. "Lafayette was getting too big for me. I love it here. I hardly see a car go by."

Carr said she is thoroughly enjoying her new safe home and excited to have a chance to catch up on crocheting and melodica playing.

According to the center's temporary manager, Susan Gaines, Carr is one of 11 eager residents who moved into the facility this month.

"We have people say it is a nice place to live," Gaines said. "We have some who get together out on their porch and watch the stars out at nine o'clock at night. Another gentlemen said he never thought he'd be able to live in a place like this. We're happy to provide them with something new."

Gaines said aside from answering phones, processing applications and collecting, it is rewarding to visit with residents.

"Mostly I get to address little issues, like when residents lock themselves out of their home. It's rewarding - I even had a resident bring me ham and fried potatoes the other day," she said.

Socialization is a large aspect of the Water Tower Place. There is much anticipation for the new senior clubhouse coming in the fall. The center will include a billiard, computer, and exercise room, kitchen, and community center for gatherings.

Apartments surrounding the clubhouse location are rapidly gaining residency. And that is not an accident.

According to Carr, "everything will happen at the clubhouse."

Gaines said potential residents are able to apply and move in within two to five days, after income and assets are verified.

"People chose Water Tower Place because it is something new, affordable, and it is like being in the country but still being in town."

For more information about Water Tower Place, contact Area IV Agency on the Aging at (765) 447-7683, or call the Water Tower Place office at (765) 564-4400. 3