BELLA VISTA — Owned by its 59 members, the Plaza Senior Cooperative is part of Bella VIsta which has a population of over 26,000 in the lovely foothills of the Boston Mountains. Members live a caring and carefree lifestyle within 30 miles of the University of Arkansas and within 25 miles of the regional airport.

“Our mission is to provide a safe and healthy environment for active, independent seniors age 55 and over so that they may enjoy their senior years in a totally carefree, vital, enjoyable and caring community,” says Stacie Collins, Manager.

Members at The Plaza enjoy healthy activities and support from one another. It provides a healthy active lifestyle for seniors who no longer face the hassles of home ownership, home maintenance, taxes and insurance. They can relax and enjoy the unique, living environment that the Plaza offers. They can enjoy staying active, both physically and mentally, while sharing their life experiences, talents and social lives with each other.

The cost to the member depends on the size of the unit and its share of the master mortgage. The cost covers everything but the phone and includes taxes, insurance, utilities, maintenance, POA dues and replacement reserve. Upon death, membership is sold and the proceeds go to individual estates. The Plaza also assists with financing memberships and selling member homes.

Member Ed Delk turned 81 this January. A former attorney

and the past president of The Plaza Cooperative board, he is one of Collins’ ‘go to’ guys at the Plaza. “I call him

‘The Answer Man,’” says Collins. “He’s full of wisdom, has a great sense of humor and is just a big help to us all.

Once a new member arrives here, they stay!” says Collins. “They discover that their every need is met.”

The Plaza is located on 1 Highlands Crossing Drive in Bella Vista. Call Stacie Collins Monday through Friday

from 1 - 5 p.m., (479) 876-1877. Or, visit www.theplazainbellavista.com.

Community, Pages 12 on 02/09/2011