Don & Ann Fink: “We Love It Here”
Don and Ann Fink have always been fond of Roanoke and are happy they became residents after retirement.
For Don and Ann Fink, Roanoke was the only place they would consider for retirement.
They have nothing but positive things to say about Roanoke. From the quality of healthcare to the big-city amenities, the Finks think Roanoke can’t be beat.
“We love our life here,” says Ann. “And we’re so thankful for God’s many blessings.”
The Finks moved to Roanoke after Don retired as a civil engineer from U.S. Steel. After living in several big cities, such as Chicago and Pittsburgh, they were anxious to get back to their roots. Growing up, both considered Roanoke a “big city,” but it turned out to be just the size they needed in retirement.
“From the time I was a kid, I thought Roanoke was #1,” Don says. “Living in Wythe County, it was beyond our imagination.”
Now, they laud not only the surrounding beauty of the mountains, but also the top-notch medical care, number of churches, the greenways and parks, variety of restaurants and entertainment venues.
“I like that this area brings in entertainment that you don’t have to go to New York for,” Don says.
Not big travelers – especially since most of their family lives in the vicinity – the couple is content with local activities. Ann takes a watercolor painting class at Virginia Western Community College. Members of First Baptist Church, the two enjoy volunteering as well, filling shoeboxes for Samaritan’s Purse’s Operation Christmas Child or stuffing stockings for the Salvation Army. Ann also volunteers for Baptist Friendship House, where she helps lead Bible studies for women.
Family, they say, always comes first. Both passionate about cooking thanks to influences bestowed on them by parents and grandparents, they invite family members over for dinner every week.
The Finks are also big fans of the infamous Roanoke Star. People they met all over the country who had been to Roanoke always recalled seeing the star.
“When you’re coming in to town on 581, it’s good to see the star shining,” Ann says. “You know you’re home.”
Susan Koch & Jim Huizenga: Roanoke is Just the Right Size
Susan Koch and Jim Huizenga say Roanoke is a friendly community.
The Shenandoah Valley had visual appeal, but for Susan Koch and her husband Jim Huizenga, Roanoke had the whole package.
Having lived in Roanoke during some pre-retirement years, Susan Koch and Jim Huizenga knew the area offered ample amenities ideal for any age. So when it was time to retire, the couple wanted to at least be close to the city.
“I had made so many trips between Northern Virginia and Roanoke” during the working years, Huizenga says, and first thought the Shenandoah Valley would become home. “But that fantasy didn’t last too long because there were things in the city we wanted to have nearby.”
“I didn’t want to be too far from the grocery store and a swimming pool,” Koch adds. “Roanoke is not too big, not too small. It’s big enough to be interesting, and small enough to be friendly.”
The two made their move in 2004, quickly becoming involved in numerous activities and organizations, and meeting new friends. Both joined the Greater Raleigh Court Civic League, an organization that preserves the character of a community Koch and Huizenga have grown to love.
“Part of what we were looking for when we moved was a mixed community with people of all ages,” Koch says, “and that’s why we like Raleigh Court. It also has sidewalks, so there’s a lot of interaction among neighbors, and we have block parties.”
“It has a nice feel to it, “ Huizenga adds. “We were able to buy a nice house amenable for renovations at a better cost than it would be in Northern Virginia.”
They also see great things happening in Roanoke that make them even more pleased with their decision to move here.
“I feel like Roanoke is on the cusp of something good,” Koch says.
Both point to progress in the city schools, growth of downtown living options, popularity of the greenways and expansion of programs within the library system. Koch serves on the Roanoke Public Library Advisory Board.
