SYLVIA ROMAN

The decision to live at Pine Run Retirement Community “was quite simple,” according to Sylvia Roman. Driving along Ferry Road, “I saw it and said, ‘that’s where we’re going,’ ” she recalls of her initial impression of the beautiful setting. A tour of the campus included a stop in the Craft Barn, where her trained artist’s eye caught sight of a dormant kiln.

As an accomplished ceramicist, the promise of a creative place where she could continue her artistic passion “makes Pine Run more of a home for me,” she notes. While preparations took place for their move to Pine Run, Sylvia volunteered to lend her expertise to update and repair the kiln with assistance from her husband, Robin. With the kiln restored, Sylvia began teaching weekly pottery classes, and watched the progress on their cottage renovations from steps away. “We love it here,” says Sylvia.

An Ideal Setting

Among many highlights of living at Pine Run, the historic Craft Barn provides a light-filled space where residents follow all kinds of creative and artistic pursuits such as painting, pottery, crafts, and woodworking. An annual art show, open to Bucks County artists 55 and older, is also hosted in this artists’ haven.

The landscape at Pine Run provides a tranquil and beautiful setting for daily living. For those drawn to nature, inspiration is in abundant supply. Nature is a predominant theme in Sylvia’s body of work, and she has won numerous awards for her signature Japanese Raku pottery which uses all of nature’s elements—earth, fire, air, and water—in its creation.

The natural beauty of Pine Run’s campus also inspired the design for the new Community Center, affectionately known as the “Hub,” which opened to residents this past September with highlights such as graceful new dining and community activity spaces. Phase II of construction is underway, and once complete will offer a pool and state-of-the-art auditorium.

The Expansion

The expansion and renewal of Pine Run Retirement Community is a signature priority of One Vision: The Campaign for Doylestown Health, a comprehensive philanthropic campaign that reaches across the Doylestown Health network of care.

The new Community Center “is really lovely,” shares Sylvia, “and it’s a unique visual contrast to have the historic and newest buildings on campus side by side.” Inspired by the overall campus enhancements and renewal taking place, Sylvia and her husband gave a generous gift to the One Vision campaign in support of Pine Run, with the renovation and rejuvenation of the Craft Barn space as top of mind.

The opportunity to renovate the Craft Barn “has moved from the idea phase to something we can accomplish sooner because of the early support of the Romans,” says Maria Santangelo, Executive Director of Pine Run Retirement Community. “The vitality of this community comes from the energy and the investment of time, talent and resources of our Villagers,” she continues. “We are so excited for this next phase of growth and it’s even more meaningful because it’s being supported by philanthropy”

“We hope the Craft Barn will emerge as a destination for visitors and families when they come to campus,” says Maria. With a rich history, the building when renovated “can be restored to its Bucks County roots, thanks to the Romans and other donors through gifts to the One Vision campaign,” she notes.

“We are already enjoying these beautiful enhancements to campus and with our gift we will extend them to our creative space, too,” Sylvia notes. Sharing her passion for art with others is important to Sylvia, and this gift “will help that happen,” she shares. “Art is a part of me—my donation to life.”

Join Us

Join Us and Make a Gift Today. For more information about One Vision and giving opportunities at Pine Run Retirement Community, please contact the Doylestown Health Foundation Office at 215.345.2009 or gifts@dh.org.

About Pine Run Retirement Community

Pine Run Retirement Community in Doylestown has 272 cottages and 24 apartments situated on a beautiful 43-acre campus. Also located on the campus are the Pine Run Health Center, which offers rehabilitation services and 90 skilled nursing beds. The Garden, a 40-bed, secure dementia neighborhood, is located on the top floor of the five-story Health Center. The Willows neighborhood offers an intimate setting for end-of-life care, including palliative, comfort and hospice services. An additional 107-bed personal care residence, Pine Run Lakeview, is located on Lower State Road in Doylestown.

Article appears in the Doylestown Health Spring 2019 Dialogue