Ms. Dorothy Mesta, “Mayor” of Joseph W. King Senior Center

Last month I had the opportunity of visiting some of our properties and meeting some of our co-workers in Washington DC. The highlight of my day was a tour of the Joseph W. King Senior Center where I had the pleasure of meeting one of the sweetest tenants, Ms. Dorothy Mesta.

Ms. Mesta says the kitchen is her favorite place in her
apartment. She was just getting ready to make
sweet potato pies when we came to visit.

 

Ms. Mesta was the first tenant to move into J.W. King when it opened in 2006, and she states that she has enjoyed every moment of her time there for the last 6 years. Also a member of First Rock Baptist Church, Ms. Mesta has lived in the area for 20 years. “I raised my kids here. This [neighborhood] is home to me!” she said. While residing at J.W. King, Ms. Mesta has been a part of many activities, including the grandparents group that volunteers in the day care center downstairs. She said that she loved working there, especially with the babies.

The residents at J.W. King also appreciate the local police department, which makes a point of checking in at the building regularly and holding meetings to discuss safety issues with residents. There is an active Tenants’ Association in the building that organizes monthly coffee gatherings for the tenants and has been instrumental in getting a speed bump for the road out front as well as street sweepers for the area.

It is clear that the appreciation between residents and staff is mutual. Mr. Eldon Hall, the Regional Property Manager, introduced us to Ms. Mesta, and their friendly banter ranged from Redskins vs. Ravens fanaticism to Ms. Mesta’s door decorations and closet organization.

Ms. Mesta, we wish you many more wonderful years at J.W. King and I will be waiting for that blanket you said you would make for me!   

- Sanchia Gomez