Four times a year, residents at Vi at Palo Alto check their mailboxes and find the newest issue of C’est La Vi, a magazine by residents, for residents. Filled with personal essays, photography, poetry, artwork, fun facts and historical explorations, the publication is an embodiment of the vibrancy, warmth and diversity of the community’s residents.
Few people understand the spirit of Vi at Palo Alto better than Marlene Dunwoodie, one of the first people to move to the community in 2005.
Thirteen years ago, Marlene and a small group launched a monthly newsletter to share news and events. Over time, it evolved into a polished 16-page quarterly magazine with a nine-person editorial board. The team—led by Marlene as the magazine’s editor—now meets regularly to choose themes, review submissions and shape each issue. At the time of this writing, they are working on their 81st edition.
Residents on the board have varying levels of experience. “I learn as I go,” said Marlene, whose only previous experience was editing a PTA newsletter. “There were no computers then!”
For Board Member Joanne Arfin, who studied journalism at the University of Washington and worked at a newspaper after college, C’est La Vi rekindled a passion. “I’ve always enjoyed writing. It’s fun to bring that back again in retirement,” she said.
Assistant Editor Jeff Breslow never considered himself a writer and was taken aback when his friend Marlene asked if he would consider joining the board and contributing his own pieces to the magazine.
“Marlene helped me write my first couple of articles,” said Jeff. “I fell in love with it immediately.”
The board has become a tight-knit and passionate group that balances one another's skills and editorial duties: Jeff proofreads, suggests ideas and writes; Marlene organizes content, keeps track and ensures quality.
“Marlene and I started calling C’est La Vi our second family,” said Jeff. “You really feel so great working on something together.”
It takes a community
The impact of the magazine extends far beyond the board: It's a true community effort. “The best part about C’est La Vi is that anybody can contribute,” said Joanne.
Submissions come from residents across Vi at Palo Alto, ranging from seasoned writers to those putting pen to paper for the first time.
Behind the scenes, Lifestyle Director CJ Jones plays a critical role, lending design expertise, managing production and ensuring each issue looks polished and professional.
“I enjoy working with the residents and finding a way to make it all come together,” said CJ. “Our working relationship is such a gift.”
A catalyst for conversation
Over the years, the magazine has tackled a wide range of topics. Some are deeply personal, while others are lighthearted, fun and nostalgic.
One of the most beloved recurring features is the “New Residents” page, which helps break the ice for neighbors and put a face to a name. “It makes them feel at home… If you see them in the elevator, you can say hello,” said Joanne.
Other stories have sparked important and vulnerable conversations, like an issue devoted to residents’ decisions to stop driving. The candid reflections in the issue helped neighbors share experiences and offer support to one another.
And some issues inspire pure fun. Recently, a story written from the perspective of residents’ dogs sparked a new tradition. “We now have the ‘yappy hour,’ a weekly gathering of dogs,” Jeff laughed.
According to CJ, the level of participation and connection is what makes C’est La Vi unique. “There is always an invitation to submit, and you hear from different residents as writers,” she said. “It is a window into their experiences and histories that they get to share on their own terms.”
Joy in every issue
For residents, the magazine is something to look forward to, a reminder of the talents and stories that make the community special.
And the joy extends beyond Vi at Palo Alto—residents often send copies to friends and family to keep them up to date on the latest news.
Joanne summed it up: “People read it and enjoy it, and they really look forward to it. It brings the community together.”
Get a glimpse of the extraordinary residents who make up the Vi at Palo Alto community by reading the latest issue of C’est La Vi.
Glad to be connected!
We're so glad you reached out!
We’ll be in touch soon to share expert insights and resident perspectives that we hope are helpful, and one of our team members will also be reaching out to answer any questions you may have.