12 November . 2024
Featured Ambassadors: Jeff & Mary Hirschmann
The atmosphere of Tehaleh is composed of dreams, hopes, and wonder. Neighbors who moved from all over the region, from all over the country decided to put stakes down in this glorious part of the Northwest. Not just for its proximity to the outdoors, but for the people who create the welcoming atmosphere in this growing town. Bring what you will, and the community will return it in its own special way.
Jeff and Mary Hirschmann, who moved to Tehaleh in 2015 have built a foundation in the Tehaleh community and have been loving this new adventure ever since. “Tehaleh was a surprise for us,” says Jeff Hirschmann, reminiscing about their early days in the community. When they first arrived, there were fewer roads, less meandering trails, and a sense that something great had begun to blossom.
The Hirschmanns have seen this pastoral sketch transform into a living, breathing community before their eyes. What was once undeveloped land has turned into a haven that has captured their hearts, without ever sacrificing the peace and quiet that initially allured them. “It’s very tranquil. It was a very special place in both of our hearts right off the bat,” Jeff adds.
That small town feeling
Tehaleh is a "small town" filled with incredible people. Jeff and Mary are fond of Tehaleh’s multi-generational flexibility: combining the perks of a 55+ community alongside the vibrancy of a larger and diverse neighborhood. As Jeff points out, “Most other 55+ communities don’t have anything like this. You’re stuck off in the corner someplace, and you know, good luck to you.” Instead, Tehaleh’s Trilogy community offered them a dynamic living situation that has balanced their desire for comfort as well as a connection to younger families.
Mary Hirschmann, who works as a substitute teacher in the local elementary schools, has been able to witness young kids growing up in the community. “I’ve been here for nine years now, and I saw Tehaleh Heights be built and opened,” she says. “I started at Bonney Lake and narrowed it down to three schools. It’s fun!” Being a positive part of the kids’ learning experiences has introduced Mary to many parents and educators within the community.
She jokes, “I even get my grandkids fix because our grandkids are in Reno and Ohio.”
Fostering positive change in this neck of the woods
Mary’s role as a substitute teacher is an integral part of her connection to the community. One day she may be teaching 5th graders, another with special education students, and her enthusiasm for working with children is palpable.
Seeing the offerings available to parents, like Watch Dogs, has made school a more family-oriented space. Watch Dogs invites dads to spend time in their children's classrooms, assisting with activities, yard duty, and lunchtime, allowing them to be hands-on participants in their kids' education.
Mary notes the differences between how schools in Tehaleh are different than the schools of previous generations: the activities are much more interactive and engage the students in a creatively fulfilling way. From STEM classes that allow kids to track salmon in the spring to art programs run by talented parent volunteers, these opportunities welcome the natural environment as well as community members in a way that feels like meaningful change in young kids’ lives.
Jeff has found his own fun ways to contribute too. His work with the Bonney Lake Food Bank has been particularly rewarding. “I’ve watched it go from a not-so-endearing facility to something that’s very special today,” Jeff says. “It’s clean, wonderful, and welcoming. People actually stop by thinking it’s a regular market.” His commitment to the food bank has only grown, and he’s proud of how it has evolved to meet the community’s needs, offering services like food lockers for those unable to visit during regular hours.
As neighbors like Jeff and Mary have moved to Tehaleh, so have many new ideas and plans for so much of the community. Being involved here you can witness and experience progress.
A fresh social life at Trilogy
Living in Trilogy has not only given Jeff and Mary access to beautiful homes and surroundings, but it has also provided them with a thriving social circle. Through Trilogy’s Trilogy Serves initiative, the couple stays engaged in the community, participating in everything from men’s luncheons to service projects.
“People who move here are looking for the next portion of their life and want to be around like-minded people,” Jeff explains. “We didn’t want to be isolated; we wanted to be part of a larger community.”
One key aspect of Trilogy’s charm is its perfect blend of relaxation and activity. “There’s something for everybody up here,” Jeff says, listing off the various recreational activities available, from parks and walking trails to pools and pickleball courts.
Encouraging the future.
Jeff and Mary's role as Ambassadors in Tehaleh has offered them a unique vantage point to witness the neighborhood's remarkable growth. By welcoming new residents and answering questions from curious families, they’ve not only shared their own positive experiences but also had the privilege of watching Tehaleh evolve from a quiet, undeveloped area into a thriving, vibrant community.
"It's been amazing," Jeff says, reflecting on how their position has allowed them to interact with people from all over, each bringing fresh energy to the neighborhood. As Ambassadors, they’ve played an active part in helping others settle in while experiencing firsthand the expansion of schools, homes, and social opportunities in Tehaleh. For Jeff and Mary, being involved from the ground up has made the rapid growth of the area feel even more personal and rewarding.
For now, Jeff and Mary are content in knowing they’ve found the perfect place to spend this chapter of their lives—surrounded by nature, friends, and a thriving community that they helped shape.
If you want to get involved in the wonderful Tehaleh community, reach out to us and we will help you find the next greatest step in your journey.