The Glebe

Clyde and Karen Carter’s calendars are so full of appointments, commitments and dates saved for their granddaughters that it is often difficult to reach them in their cottage at The Glebe. Both are ordained ministers in the Church of the Brethren who regularly preach in area churches as well as Vesper Services at The Glebe. Clyde keeps a full schedule of meetings as a Trustee of Bridgewater College in Bridgewater, VA, as well as being a Trustee of the Botetourt County Council of Weekday Religious Education and Pastoral Counselors. Both enjoy their time as dedicated grandparents as they often keep one of their granddaughters while she is not in school.

Karen comes from a family with deep traditions in the arts. In addition to her involvement with the Church, she enjoys theatre, music, art, photography, crafts, flowers and bird watching. “We enjoy hiking together and often hike trails on and around the Appalachian Trail, but we do have our separate interests,” says Karen. “While Clyde is away for his Trustee meetings, I enjoy going to the theatre, yet I don’t go alone, I go with my friends from The Glebe” says Karen. Clyde has his office and Karen lovingly tends her “Pride Room”, an enclosed sun-room, where an abundance of beautiful plants and flowers bloom all year long.

Karen says, “I was initially concerned about fitting in at The Glebe, not being Baptist, but we found ourselves warmly welcomed and have found many friends that share our interests.” “My other great surprise was that I found downsizing from our home wasn’t as difficult as I had feared!” “I decided having room for our piano was a higher priority than our formal dining room. Now, I have found it a relief not having a formal dining room. When we want to entertain friends and family for a meal, we use the private dining room at The Glebe. Moving to The Glebe has been a very freeing experience for me.”

“We felt it was important that we made this decision while we were both young and together so we could partici- pate in all the activities we enjoy,” says Clyde. The couple explained their children welcomed their choice to move to The Glebe as a gift more important than the inheritance of a house. The Carter’s plan to enjoy their new home, affectionately dubbed “The Claren” for many years to come and recommend to anyone considering a retirement community to “Do it while you’re able to do a lot of fun and interesting things. Don’t wait for something to happen.”