Rowntree Gardens

07/26/2025

It's Christmas in July at Rowntree Gardens 🎄Our community members play White Elephant and had a visit from Santa! They also got to enjoy some Christmas tunes by Randy Taylor!

07/15/2025

Looking for a career with purpose? Join our dedicated team serving seniors with devotion and compassion. Use the link below for more information!

Join our caring team at Rowntree Gardens—where your heart for service can grow into a meaningful, rewarding career in a supportive community.

07/12/2025

VETERAN OF THE MONTH
Ernie Maunders was born 100 years ago (no, this is not a typo). He is mentally sharp with a keen sense of humor and an eagerness to share his story. Ernie was born in the village of Bedmond in Hertfordshire, England, a rural area still described as picturesque.

At the age of 16, Ernie experienced his first war scare. His family was in an air raid shelter buried in their garden when loud whistles and crashes woke them up. His father, seeing that the house was intact, told them to go back to sleep but, a short time later, a Sergeant ordered them to evacuate. It turns out that an unexploded bomb had fallen onto a tree 30 feet away, splitting the tree in two.

Just before his 18th birthday, Ernie volunteered for the Royal Air Force (RAF) and was part of the Air Training Corps (ATC). There, he became so proficient in Morse Code that the instructor had him teach the class. Ernie also received specialized training in the RAF College. During World War II, the college was closed and its facilities were used as a flying training school. All crew of British airplanes were required to have at least a Sergeant’s rank and the pilot a rank above that. Ernie believes that, if he had not volunteered for the RAF, he would have been “called up” to serve.

One of Ernie’s closest calls came when he was taking part in an exercise program in North Park, London. A German V-1 bomb (nicknamed Buzz Bomb) exploded 300 yards away from him and his group killing one man and injuring several others.

After the war, Ernie headed the Transportation Dept. in Germany for 18 months. He could hardly believe that he was now supporting a country he had just recently fought and bombed.

Ernie’s wife, Ruth, was also in the RAF and they unofficially met while sending and receiving Morse Code messages. But, to be sure, the meeting of the heart happened on the dance floor. Yes, Ernie could dance!

When Ruth’s parents immigrated to the U.S., Ernie and Ruth did also. They chose to make the trip on a cruise ship called The Queen Mary. They were married for 73 years and raised three children that Ernie calls “the pride of my life.”

Sergeant Ernie Maunders, thank you for your service.

07/11/2025

Daily Blessing Awards recipient is Debbie A.

Debbie A. began her career at Rowntree Gardens on March 28, 2000. She started as a full time Caregiver and by July 9, 2001 she was promoted to Team Leader. She then went on to get her C.N.A. and transferred to the Health Center on February 13, 2003.

Debbie has always been an excellent worker. She has outstanding relationships with co-worker, supervisors and shows great respect and wonderful care to our community members. She was nominated by a community member because she is so kind and caring, always there to help and answer questions. She made a difficult situation so much better for this community member!

Debbie lifts people up with her smile, positive attitude and actions. She has dedicated so many years helping and caring for our community at Rowntree Gardens. She is an excellent example and truly deserves to be called a Daily Blessing to all he encounters!

07/08/2025

We love PAWS 🐶🐾💕

Let’s talk about Noodles! 12 years of service and still going strong! 💪

This incredible Chihuahua/Beagle mix has been brightening lives as part of our PAWS therapy program for over a decade. At nearly 15 years old, he’s proof that age is just a number when it comes to spreading joy!

What makes him special: 🎯 The moment his handler puts on that PAWS t-shirt, he’s ready for action 🗣️ He starts with excited vocals, then transforms into his calm “working mode” 🏢 From healthcare facilities like Carmel Village, Rowntree Gardens, and Merrill Gardens to college campuses and corporate offices 🕵️ His legendary sniffing skills turn every food hunt into entertainment gold - at corporate wellness events, employees can’t stop laughing at his animated antics!

After 12 years together, this dynamic duo shows us what dedication looks like. Every visit is still his highlight, and his enthusiasm never dims.

Thank you to all our PAWS volunteers and their four-legged partners who bring comfort, joy, and healing to our Orange County community every single day. ❤️

07/05/2025

Happy 4th of July! Rowntree Gardens Annual 4th of July Parade!

07/04/2025

We were thrilled to welcome the FBC San Antonio Mission Youth Choir to Rowntree Gardens for an amazing concert! Thank you for visiting us and for sharing your beautiful music—we truly enjoyed every moment!

07/03/2025

Our Memory Care community members had a fantastic time enjoying a delightful BBQ in the gardens! The sizzling sounds and mouthwatering aromas filled the air as everyone gathered to savor delicious food and share laughter in the sunshine. It was a wonderful afternoon of connection and joy!

06/30/2025

Come and experience the joy of live music with us in our beautiful courtyard TOMORROW, JULY 1st! We’re thrilled to host The Huntington Beach Concert Band for an unforgettable concert. Don’t miss out on this fantastic evening filled with great tunes and community spirit!

06/26/2025

Come and experience the joy of live music with us in our beautiful courtyard! We’re thrilled to host The Huntington Beach Concert Band for an unforgettable concert. Don’t miss out on this fantastic evening filled with great tunes and community spirit!

06/18/2025

We're on the lookout for caring and enthusiastic individuals to join our wonderful team! If this sounds like you, we’d love for you to check out our website and apply today. We can’t wait to meet you!

So Many Ways to Make a Difference Across our beautiful campus, you’ll find dedicated Rowntree Gardens employees bringing joy, comfort, and dignity to our community members. Whether you have related […]