Pines Village resident profile: Irene Malasto

If you ask Irene Malasto to describe herself, the first thing she will say is, “I’m an open book.” It’s no mystery book – but it certainly is a romance, a thriller, and a heartwarming history.

Born Irene Karlawsky in Detroit, Michigan, she was just nine months old when her parents moved to Decatur, Illinois. An only child, Irene had the complete attention of Mom and Dad, took piano lessons, studied ballet, and always did her homework. By the time she was sixteen, Irene became interested in something new.

“Well, about that age you notice boys,” Irene says with a laugh. “And I did.”

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Pines Village family profile: Greg & Carol Costakis

A wise man once said, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." While some residents of Pines Village Retirement Communities come from as few as five miles away, it is a journey nonetheless -- for the families, as well as the resident.

And what a journey it is -- a logistical, psychological, familial voyage that must cover a lot of terrain. The journey often begins with the realization that home ownership has lost its appeal or its financial sense (often both), or that social life is lacking, or that burdens on family are cumbersome and impractical.

"It is definitely a process," admits Greg Costakis, whose mother Dorothy moved to Pines Village in 2010. "It’s not an overnight decision."

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Pines Village board of directors profile: Erica Passauer

Erica Passauer wears many hats. A mother, a lender, and a community volunteer, she leads a busy life. But even though it is one more responsibility for her, Erica relishes her role as a board member of Pines Village Retirement Communities.

Like many who visit Pines Village years before they'll enjoy retirement, Erica admits her first reaction was, "Hey, I want to live here!"

"Pines Village has the tag line "We Celebrate Life." And it's true. It's a beautiful place and people really do come here to live, to stay active, to enjoy new pursuits and meet new people."

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The Hazel Hannell Collection was unveiled at Pines Village on March 20, 2011. This permanent gallery of legendary Porter County artist Hazel Hannell is open to the public Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The Hazel Hannell Collection is now on exhibit at the Washtington, DC headquarters of LeadingAge, the national association for not-for-profit organizations involved in aging services. The Collection will return to its permanent home at Pines Village in early July.