After a rough year of navigating their way through the pandemic, things are changing.

Covenant Living at the Shores residents were mostly isolated in their homes on the Mercer Island campus during that time, but were treated to the “daily wave” march past their abodes led by executive director Bob Howell, having their meals delivered to their doorsteps and more.

Howell and his staff kept the residents at the independent retirement living community — positioned on the shores of Lake Washington — safe and apprised of the ever-changing scenario in COVID 19 times.

Fast-forward to the present day with the state nearly fully open again: the 271 residents and staff were vaccinated on campus, and life on the 700-foot site is getting back to normal.

On June 21, a plethora of residents were present for a gathering to mark the community’s 40th anniversary in Fellowship Hall.

“The residents are really excited to celebrate, and we have a lot of history to share. It took a lot to get us here,” said Victoria Wenick, director of philanthropy for the community, which is located on Fortuna Drive. “We truly create joy for our residents. It’s neighbors helping neighbors. It’s really a very tight-knit community and everyone really cares for one another.”

A glance at the community’s history reveals that Covenant Retirement Communities purchased the property in 1978 and The Shores officially joined the Covenant Living family in 1981. Presently, Covenant Living owns and operates 17 senior living communities in nine states.

At the anniversary ceremony, three former executive directors from the 1990s through the 2000s — Ronald Bergstrom, Anne Arakaki Lock and Bruce Erickson — joined Howell on stage to discuss their Covenant Living memories with interviewer and chaplain Greg Asimakoupoulos. The four past and present administrators sported leis around their necks to display the Hawaii “Aloha spirit” and family atmosphere.

During Bergstrom’s years as administrator, the community’s health center was added in 1997 with skilled nursing for 43 residents.

“It was so helpful to be here and to have people be open to coming up with ideas — not only the folks at central office, but certainly people that lived here and then staff,” he said. “You never felt alone in terms of me doing it. It was a collaborative effort that I think was blessed in many ways.”

Following her years as administrator, Arakaki Lock has spent her time working with King County youth.

“It’s all about relationships. Sometimes you just don’t know where to start, what to do, but with each person, you just develop that relationship and all things will fall into place,” she said about the leadership skills she grasped onto at Covenant Living that have proven to be beneficial throughout her career.

Erickson’s parents resided at Covenant Living and his father was a pastor in the Seattle area. He thanked Covenant Living, “Not only for the care of my parents, but the care of me, too, when I came. That’s always what it’s been to come to a community — to accept a call, and God has something in store for me and for my entire family when we accept that call.”

Howell, who will retire from the Covenant Living helm at the end of July, praised the staff for its dedication and perseverance and the residents for their unity during the pandemic. He said the entire Covenant Living crew was able to stay the course throughout 2020-21.

“The greater sense (is) that the community is more important than any one individual,” said Howell, noting that he’ll miss the relationships he’s formed with the people at Covenant Living.

Howell is the eighth administrator in The Shores/Covenant Living’s history. Leader Arnold Kruse served from 1978-81 and was followed by John Brontsema, Frank Ferris and Gary Carlson. Rev. Gilbert Otteson and his wife Judith were the first residents at The Shores in 1978.

Current resident Bernice Dye, who began her stay at Covenant Living 25 years ago, appreciates how everyone cares about each other in the community.

“This place is like an oasis in the middle of chaos. I just love living here,” she said with a smile.

Past administrators Bruce Erickson, Ronald Bergstrom and Anne Arakaki Lock visit with current administrator Bob Howell at the Covenant Living at the Shores 40th anniversary celebration on June 21. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo

Anne Arakaki Lock, Bruce Erickson, interviewer/chaplain Greg Asimakoupoulos, Ronald Bergstrom and Bob Howell are situated on stage during the Covenant Living at the Shores 40th anniversary celebration on June 21. Andy Nystrom/ staff photo