MC Cos. will celebrate the 104th birthday of a longtime resident. Bess Berk has lived at The Place at the Fountains at Sun City in Arizona since 1997, nearly as long as the community has existed.
Berk said her journey at the Fountains began when she and her late husband started searching for a new place as maintaining their home became too much. “We looked for a long time. My son found it and was very impressed, and I loved it. My first lease was dated May 1, 1997,” she told MC Cos.
The Place at the Fountains at Sun City, which was built in 1996, was acquired by MC Cos. in 2008. The property is one of MC Cos.’ three independent living 55-plus communities and has 182 units.
It remains Sun City’s only true multifamily apartment complex, as most of the area’s housing options are single-family homes or condominiums, MC Cos. noted.
Berk made her way to Arizona with her husband, who hated the cold and found a job through an old friend. She was born in 1921 in Green Bay, Wisconsin; was the oldest of eight siblings; and is a mother of 10. Today, Berk lives on her own and enjoys watching television in her apartment.
While she enjoys her independent lifestyle, Berk has made many friends in the community. A few years ago, her neighbors threw her a surprise birthday party on her patio, and they’ve been celebrating with her every year since.
“I am very comfortable, happy with what I’ve got, and, I think for my money, I’m getting the most out of my buck,” she said. She appreciates the staff who has been welcoming and quick to respond to her needs.
Berk will turn 104 on June 26 and plans to celebrate with her 10 children who will be traveling across Arizona and from Texas and California.
“MC Cos. is proud to honor Bess’ milestone,” said Brian Kearney, chief operating officer. “To celebrate, we’re happy to present Bess with a personal letter signed by MC’s owners and executives, chocolates, flowers, and free rent for her birthday month.”
