Residents
& Family: Testimonials
We asked our residents: Of all the many benefits that you anticipated
upon moving to a CCRC (continuing care retirement community), which
benefit was the most unexpected? Here is a sampling of what
they shared.
 |
Cynny and Ed Babbott enjoy
a refreshing glass of iced tea on their comfortable porch overlooking
the surrounding Somerset Hills countryside. |
Helen Sward
Chatham Twp.
"Something that never occurred to me earlier is the importance
of a good support group. With family members scattered far and wide,
my Fellowship Village family - residents and staff alike - provide a
warm and caring environment. Such unity is a vital ingredient for my
feeling of contentment."
Ardath W. Burks
Bound Brook
“In 1996, when I moved into my one-story apartment in Fellowship
Village, in an outside wing; I felt as though I owned a private cottage.
Several miles of walking paths around the extensive grounds of the Village
offer sights of a large and small pond, with all kinds of waterfowl
stopping off; deer, foxes, and rabbits scurrying in the underbrush and
stands of trees nearby; always with a cool breeze making the warmest
day comfortable. Nonetheless, we are only a mile or so from super highways
pointing to Morristown, Somerville and New York. I have yet to see a
similar CCRC with such an excellent location."
Carol and Jim Gentles
Bernardsville
"We were used to a rather isolated lifestyle. We lived on a secluded
piece of property and could not see our surrounding neighbors. We usually
ate our dinner while watching the TV news. Although we had many friends,
we had to leave our home, or invite them to our home, to see anyone.
We looked forward to more people and more company, but did not expect
to love the companionship so much! Every dinner is now special with
interesting conversation. Every trip to the community center is a time
to visit with someone we meet in the halls, at the mailbox or in the
dining room. Fellowship Village is perfectly named."
Helen and Paul Mallon
Basking Ridge
“What truly was unexpected, was the depth of the new friendships
we made after our arrival. Within this community we have found some
people who could only be described as priceless gems. We have been enriched
by these newer friends, and our sense of being among a caring network
of kind people has added increased joy to our lives."
 |
Lois LaVanture waters
the flower boxes on her porch during one of the many hot summer
days in July. |
Bill Williams
Scotch Plains
"The benefit that I never expected is the many caring and motivated
people that I have met and learned about since moving to the Village.
And when my birthday came up I was made to feel like a celebrity!"
Ed and Cynny Babbott
New Vernon
"While we anticipated a warm reception as we moved into Fellowship
Village, we were unprepared for the universal genuine welcome we experienced
from our fellow residents. Whether we had known a resident prior to
our move or whether we met him or her for the first time in the halls,
in the café, or at the mailbox, we were made to feel truly welcomed
and accepted as an integral part of this special community. We found
that same friendliness among the Fellowship Village staff as we worked
through with them some major renovations to our apartment prior to our
moving in. Nothing was too much trouble or too difficult for their consider-it-done
attitude. We feel truly fortunate to be living at Fellowship Village."
Evelyn and Paul Welzmiller
Basking Ridge
"What unexpected thing happened to us as we moved into the community
last August? We were on our way to the Operations Dept. at Fellowship
Village, located on the lower level of the community center, to have
our I.D. pictures taken for our upcoming move the following day. My
husband lost his footing, falling and hitting his head on the basement
floor. Within minutes we were in receipt of the most compassionate care
and attention from the Fellowship Village nursing staff. Subsequently,
the local ambulance, Liberty Corner Rescue Squad, arrived and took him
to Morristown Memorial Hospital for observation. Next day, our daughter
and I came with the moving van. Upon entering our cottage we found a
note on the kitchen counter telling us lunch was in the refrigerator.
That was just one of the many kindnesses imparted to us since we joined
the community.
P.S. My husband returned a few days later and is just fine."
 |
Bill Williams gets in
shape for his next biking trip. His last trip took him and fellow
resident, Marv Lyons, on a Bike and Barge Trip to Holland and
Iceland. |
Lois LaVanture
Morris Plains
"Since I was moving not too far from my home of 50 years, I felt
that I should be able to continue with my many activities. And for a
while I did! But I soon found out that I had to give up a few in order
to make time for the many new ones that had captured my interest here.
The special attention showed us by the Dining Staff is so welcome. Each
holiday is honored with decorations, entertainment, live music for dancing
and fitting menus. They go ‘all out’ to please us!
To see me so happy here and to know that I am being well cared for,
is a joy to my family. That, in itself, is a big plus. I'm just
a Happy Camper."
Bob and Marion Stoll
Chatham Township
"The most unexpected benefit? Probably the fine new neighbors we’ve
gotten to know over these past six years. They've become a wonderful
support group. Also the host of activities, trips, programs etc.
P. S. How could we forget the Marketing Staff. We love you!"
 |
Jim and Carol Gentles
enjoy a relaxing afternoon on their screened-in porch overlooking
the pond and the willows. |
Nan Rogers
Berkeley Heights
"When I finally was ready to make the move from my home of 57 years
to Fellowship Village, I did so with happiness and some apprehension.
Would the move be right for me?
After the boxes were unpacked and my apartment began to take shape
I looked for friendships; really not knowing what to expect.
Fellowship Village has been well named. My Webster Dictionary gives
two meanings for Fellowship, ‘(1) Friendly relationship existing
among persons (2) A group with similar interests.’ Both meanings
are true here. The people who make Fellowship Village home are most
caring, and I found many with interests that matched mine. The people
who make up the staff are very helpful and caring too; such a wonderful
combination. It makes for much personal happiness. Fellowship Village
is a great place to live."
Support Programs Available
Fellowship Village invites the general public to attend monthly support
groups for the following:
- Parkinson's Disease
- Alzheimer's Caregivers
- Arthritis
- Bereavement
Contact Denise Mizerek at (908) 580-3842 for dates, times and locations.
A Value-Added Alternative
Senior Living Option
If moving into the independent part of the community at Fellowship
Village is no longer a viable option, possibly due to health or safety
concerns, there is another alternative! Individuals 62+ can move to
Park Place Assisted Living at Fellowship Villageas a private pay resident.
Residency offers access to the Wellness Center with four community physicians
available; a skilled nursing center on site (based on availability);
indoor heated lap pool/spa and fitness center; a well appointed courtyard
park/picnic area and a 72 acre campus with bike and walking paths for
riding or strolling. Call for more details on permanent or short-term
stays at Park Place Assisted Living at Fellowship Village.
Fellowship Voice Editor
Denise Mizerek
Vice President of Community Relations
|
