How James and Ellen Lin Brought Tradition to The Towers
After traveling the world, living in different cities, and truly making their mark globally, James and Ellen Lin were looking forward to enjoying sunny weather and beautiful surroundings in their retirement. They moved to The Towers in October 2025, noting that in addition to that sunny weather and beauty, they were delighted to find convenience, safety, activities, golf, tennis, swimming, and dining at their new home.
Soon, they found another perk of life at The Towers – welcoming and diverse neighbors who were always willing to share, learn about, and take part in new traditions.
Finding Home Around the Globe
The Lins came to The Towers after living in various cities throughout the world, including New York City and Sugar Land, Texas. But their story begins in Taiwan, where James set himself apart from a young age as a vibrant student leader who was destined to do great things. After earning a Ph.D. in Computer Science, James went on to create a career serving as a top executive at several internationally recognized high-tech companies, along with finding a passion in education, serving as an adjunct professor in multiple prominent universities.
James and Ellen married and grew their family, putting community involvement and education at the forefront of their legacy. Today, their family includes 3 sons, 2 daughters-in-law, and 5 grandchildren.
Bringing Home to The Towers
The amenities, weather, and beauty drew the Lins to The Towers, but they also appreciated the fact that being a part of the greater Laguna Woods Village community gave them the opportunity to enjoy more than 40 clubs and other amenities that allowed them to grow their social circle. Since moving in, the Lins have taken part in many activities and events throughout the community. “Residents have access to exercise equipment as well as free yoga every weekday, Taiji twice a week, karaoke, dancing, and other activities every day,” says James. “Moving to The Towers is the best decision of our lives,” says Ellen. “We have truly fallen in love with the community.”
Of course, life at The Towers is more than activities, clubs, and sunshine. The true heartbeat of the community is the residents who live there. The Lins felt welcomed instantly and quickly became a part of the community by making friends of all ages, backgrounds, and cultures.
“There are a little over 300 residents at The Towers,” says James. “Remarkably, more than 20% of Towers residents are over 90 years old, and more than 5% are over 100 years old.” While The Towers doesn’t claim to be a modern-day fountain of youth, there is a lot to be said about socialization and the support system that neighbors become for one another.
In addition, everyone is welcome at The Towers, with the community valuing thoughtful living and maintaining a culture free from discrimination of age, race, or gender. “Diverse cultural practices are respected,” says James.
In February 2026, the Lins decided they would like to share more of their traditions with their neighbors, who had been so welcoming to them. Together, they artistically decorated the fireplace in Hearth Room 2 on the first floor of The Towers to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The Lins included decorations to welcome the Year of the Horse that included blessings and greetings written in golden Chinese characters on red paper, along with fireworks.
The Chinese blessings and their English translations are:
- 歡樂家園 Happy Homes at the Towers
- 新年快樂 Happy New Year!
- 祥瑞門庭 May your home be blessed with auspiciousness,
- 福 good fortune,
- 馬到成功 success in everything you do,
- 萬事如意 and, all your wishes come true!
Residents at The Towers were intrigued and excited about the addition of Lunar New Year traditions. While many had known of or celebrated the Lunar New Year in the past, this felt different as it was a way to get to know the Lins even better. “Many residents were excited and chatted with us,” says Ellen. “This was the first time the residents experienced the Lunar New Year atmosphere in The Towers’ shared spaces. Residents took photos and liked to see the translations of the Chinese (Taiwanese) characters.”
Always Sharing and Learning
James and Ellen look forward to continuing to share their traditions and culture with their neighbors, and they love learning about other cultures and traditions as well. “The happiest thing about being in The Towers is being able to enjoy our ideals for retirement with our fellow residents, devoting ourselves wholeheartedly and finding joy in it,” says James.
We know the Lins will continue to find joy in retirement, just like other residents at The Towers. Here’s to celebrating others and seeking joy and connection at every activity, meal, and interaction!