Community News

 

	Forty years of marriage, seven grandchildren, a thriving collection of houseplants, and a passion for building community, Suzanne Nelson has truly found her place in Sonoma Verde.   Suzanne and her husband, Elijah, better known as Lige, have been married for 40 years and are enjoying retirement surrounded by family, friends, and the vibrant neighborhood they now call home. Together, they have three grown children and seven grandchildren, making proximity to family an important part of their next chapter. I met Suzanne many years ago at a bookclub and then with the gardening club she is always smiling and eager to lend a hand when it comes to volunteering in Sonoma Verde. She most recently helped hand out flyers for a town hall meeting ensuring that everyone knew about the event and I see her walking, out on her bike and engaging with neighbors all the time.    Before settling in Sonoma Verde, the couple lived in Garland, where Suzanne built a successful career in consumer packaged goods sales. Her final seven years were spent with Cabot Creamery Co-op, selling cheese and dairy products to supermarket chains and distributors.   These days, retirement looks a little different, and a lot more fun.   "I love traveling with my husband instead of for work," Suzanne said. "I enjoy spending time with our kids and grandkids, reading, gardening, working out, playing Bunco, and volunteering through our church food pantry and women's ministry."   Her mornings often begin with coffee on her porch swing, followed by a workout or a few household projects. Afternoons are filled with grandchildren, friends, or volunteer activities, while evenings might include Bible study, Bunco, or unwinding with Lige.
Pictured: Suzanne, Lige, and Family

 

The Nelsons weren't originally searching for Sonoma Verde. In fact, they stopped by to view a specific home model that wasn't yet available in another community.

 

But something changed the moment they drove through the neighborhood.

 

"We liked the feel of the neighborhood, the quiet area, and of course, the proximity to our grandkids," Suzanne said. "I knew it was the right fit when we were driving through after looking at the models."

 

At this stage of life, they wanted a new single-story home in a peaceful setting that still offered convenient access to shopping, recreation, and family. Sonoma Verde checked every box.

 

Ask Suzanne what she loves most about Sonoma Verde, and she is quick to say: the people.

 

"The connectedness of our community and neighborhood activities are amazing," she said. "We're close to berry farms, wineries, and everything Rockwall has to offer."

 

She describes Sonoma Verde as "fun and self-sustaining," noting that she rarely has to leave the neighborhood to enjoy the things she loves.

 

"Whether it's a workout, pool time, Bunco, book club, gardening club, our new 55+ group, or HOA events, there's always something happening. I love being able to buy fresh bread, borrow spices, give away unused items, and share information through our Sonoma Verde Facebook page."

 

The amenities are another favorite, especially the community pool, the neighborhood pond, and the wooded trail near their home.

 

For Suzanne, one of the greatest gifts is something many people take for granted: peace and quiet.

 

"I love being able to go on a walk and not hear traffic in the background," she said.

 

Suzanne's involvement in the 55+ Active Adult Club began when she saw a newsletter  announcement.

 

"I read about it in the Sonoma Verde newsletter, called Jenny Russell, and told her I was interested," she said. "We scheduled the first meetup soon after."

 

The club has provided opportunities to meet new people and build meaningful friendships. It was through the group that Suzanne met Sheila Knittle, who introduced her to the amenity center workout classes.

 

For anyone hesitant to join in on a workout, Suzanne offers some encouragement:

 

"It's challenging, but a lot of fun, you can do more than you think!"

 

Suzanne's love of gardening began in childhood alongside her father.

 

"I have great memories of picking berries and eating fresh peas right off the vine," she said.

 

Today, her pride and joy includes 26 houseplants and a thriving tomato garden. Through Sonoma Verde's Garden Club, she's learned new techniques for growing vegetables and enjoys sharing advice with fellow residents.

 

Her best tip?

 

"Start small. Focus on mastering two or three things at most."

 

The Sonoma Verde Book Club has introduced Suzanne to new authors, genres, and friendships.

 

"I love reading new authors and sharing our love of books, and of course, the wine and food!" she laughed.

 

Her favorite genres include historical fiction, time travel, autobiographies, and coming-of-age stories. Some memorable reads include The Women, Where the Crawdads Sing, and The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue.

 

For Suzanne, book clubs create something much bigger than discussions about literature.

 

"They help us find things in common, appreciate different points of view, and learn new things together."

 

Suzanne is excited about Sonoma Verde's future, especially the new amenity center and increased opportunities for residents to help shape community events.

 

She would love to see more low-cost, adults-only activities, including a daytime "unbook club" where neighbors discuss whatever they're currently reading, along with progressive dinners and block parties.

 

As for her personal bucket list, the adventures continue.

 

A European river cruise, dog sledding, and visiting all 50 states and America's major national parks are still on the horizon, and she's getting close to checking them all off.

 

When asked what she would tell someone considering a move to Sonoma Verde, Suzanne didn't hesitate.

 

"It's a true community, a city within a city."

 

And judging by her full calendar, growing friendships, and deep involvement in neighborhood life, it's a place where both she and Lige have truly put down roots.