Phil leans over the green felt, focused on the cue ball. For the Meadowview of Clive resident, his longtime love for pool is unmistakable. This scene was made possible by the Timeless Dreams initiative that honors residents’ hopes, passions and lifelong wishes at the senior living community in Clive, Iowa.

Phil’s enthusiasm for the game has always brought people together, and that same energy helped inspire a meaningful new tradition at Meadowview of Clive.

Idea Leads to Pool Outing

When leaders at the Meadowview of Clive senior living community were establishing a fledgling men’s group, they were looking for a way to bring men together.

“We got together and Phil, who is the most avid pool player of the group, suggested going to a pool hall,” says Justin, the director of health services at the community. “We ran with that the next month.”

Meadowview of Clive staff and three residents took an outing to a small, quiet bar with a pool table in Waukee. It was a big hit, leading to more men getting together for subsequent outings.

“That pushed us to want to have somewhere to practice here,” Justin says.

The growing interest made it clear that a dedicated space on campus would enrich the group even further.

Pool Outing Leads to Timeless Dream

Seeing how much joy these outings brought, the team began thinking bigger.

Thanks to a grant, the assisted living community was able to purchase a pool table and dart board for the newly dedicated “Cue Room.”

And, considering the pool outings were Phil’s ideas in the first place, the Meadowview of Clive team decided they should honor him with a Timeless Dream, making him the guest of honor for the unveiling of the new community space. Family and friends joined in on the celebration.

The unveiling created a moment of pride and connection for Phil, as well as for the community members who had watched the idea grow from a simple suggestion into a brand-new amenity.

Moments that Matter

The timeless dream meant a lot for Phil, whose affinity for billiards goes back to his days as an active member of a pool hall in Pella, Iowa.

“Back when Phil had his own Pool Hall, they were all men only. Phil loves to play pool,” says Phil’s wife, Marilyn. “Sometimes he will miss shots on purpose just to keep playing with someone. He doesn’t care about winning; he just loves to play the game. “

It meant a lot for Justin and his coworkers to be able to provide that moment for Phil and many moments to come.

“It is very fulfilling to see somebody get something back that they haven’t had for years; something they really enjoyed in their younger days,” Justin says. “We get to live through them a little bit and live that with them.”

For the Meadowview of Clive team, Phil’s celebration serves as a reminder of why meaningful, personalized experiences are at the heart of their life enrichment programming.

Experience Life at Meadowview of Clive

If you’re looking for independent living, assisted living or memory care where yourself or a loved one can thrive, consider Meadowview of Clive. Schedule a personal visit today to explore the Cue Room, meet our team and experience the difference an engaged and supportive senior living community can make.