Author: villaggioslo

Mia Mitchell Simmons, a fourth generation Californian, was raised in Pasadena along with her younger brother, spending family summers on the Little Island of Balboa, and graduating from Whittier College. Mia and her husband Robert moved to Los Osos from Santa Monica in 1979. Robert was a tenured professor at CSULA, so he commuted from Los Osos. Mia worked locally as an office manager for a small architectural firm, then in Sierra Vista Hospital’s business office, and finally for a local law firm. When Robert took an early retirement from CSULA, and began his consulting practice both locally and in the Western United States, Mia managed his office. Mia is a Certified Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner. She enjoys traveling to visit family and friends in California, the Mid-West, and East Coast. She dabbles in writing poetry, practices Tai Chi, is passionate about interior design and taking care of her garden. She is a member of Villaggio’s Volunteer Committee and enjoys attending many of the Villaggio events. Since Robert’s passing in 2013, Mia wasn’t sure where she ultimately wanted to live, until a friend sent her a Villaggio email newsletter. With all the amenities and activities Villaggio has to offer, Mia is looking forward to living in SLO and starting a new chapter of her life at Villaggio.

In 1995 Tom and Polly met at the right time in their lives, fell in love and decided to walk together into their future. Their differences appear obvious: a farm girl from Iowa meets a city boy from L.A.; a disciplined nurse paired with a creative, spontaneous music teacher. Yet, their commonalities are powerful and compelling: curious minds; love of travel; interests in music; caring and nurturing personalities; strong family ties, and a need to “give back” to a world that gave them so much. They serve the less fortunate through programs at the church they attend. Polly is very active in the Friends of the Elephant Seal docent program organized in San Simeon, sings with the church choir, and regularly plays bridge. Tom plays chess and still plays his viola, on occasion. He is a Lion and serves the local community through that organization. Tom remains active as a “string music judge” for youthful musicians and volunteers for state and national music organizations. Their overseas travels have taken them to Canada, Mexico, Europe, New Zealand, Australia, and Africa. They make a yearly trip to Iowa for the large family Thanksgiving, and Tom’s family meet in Pismo Beach each Veteran’s Day; and with their children and grandchildren residing in Washington D.C. and family in New Jersey, there are also periodic trips to the east coast. The Tatton’s feel the greatest gift they can give their daughter is to take care of their own future – A worry-free journey residing in an active lifestyle environment is what they believe Villaggio can provide.