Heritage Pointe of Teaneck visits the Cherry Blossom Festival

Ten residents turned out for the trip to Branch Brook Park in Newark, NJ on Wednesday, April 22nd for the Cherry Blossom Festival. Branch Brook Park, the first official park in the United States, is on the registries of historic parks both nationally and in New Jersey. As it was the last day of the festival and with the recent rain, we felt very fortunate to see as many blossoms as we did and even enjoyed walking through the some of the pink petals that blanketed the ground like a magical spring snowfall. With so many paths to walk through and benches to sit on our journey introduced us to a few friendly international visitors who were also there to take in the spectacle of 2,000 Cherry Blossom trees. This can be similarly compared to the festival in Washington D.C. Just as magnificent, but only a short 30 minute drive from Teaneck, NJ.

Climate Change and National Parks

Our environment is changing and it is affecting many of the areas we have grown to love, including some national parks. Experts say that some national parks, both their landscapes and their wildlife, are being threatened by global warming. If you are planning a trip to a national park, it may be a good idea not to wait.

AARP.com has release a recent article about the effects of climate change on the future of eight national parks. Click here to read the full article.

World Renowned Aging/Retirement Expert to Speak at Princeton Windrows

Internationally acclaimed expert in the study of aging and retirement, Ronald J. Manheimer, Ph.D. will share his 30 years of expertise in an upcoming presentation in Princeton. Consultant, scholar, author and lecturer, Manheimer will examine the opportunities and paths to create a fulfilling and rewarding lifestyle in today’s new retirement landscape, from finding fresh ways to staying creative and resourceful to deepening relationships with others.

Manheimer is the Executive Director of the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement (NCCCR), an award-winning lifelong learning, leadership, research and community service program of the University of North Carolina in Asheville. He is a Research Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of North Carolina, a Fellow of the university’s Institute on Aging in Chapel Hill and a former director of Older Adult Education for The National Council on Aging, Inc. in Washington, D.C. He has consulted to companies including UBS, ING, and Met Life.

Manheimer will present “Creating the Retirement Lifestyle You Want” from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 28th at Princeton Windrows independent lifestyle community at 2000 Windrow Drive in Princeton. The presentation is free and open to the public. To attend the event, please RSVP to Patti Jo Robinson at Princeton Windrows at 800-708-7007 or at: probinson@princetonwindrows.com. Refreshments will be served.

Through a highly interactive process, Manheimer will present realistic examples of how people are finding meaning and value in a new and longer life stage for which there are few role models. He will explore resources for personal rejuvenation and service to others. A national expert on lifelong learning, he will share his observations on how learning may take new forms and lead to a stronger sense of community with others in life’s second half.

Keep Your Mind Sharp with 50 Brain Exercise Ideas

To stay sharp, our entire body needs exercise. This includes our brain. Intellectual wellness is the focus of a recent article by AARP.org “50 Ways to Boost Your Noodle.” Did you know that dancing is a brain-power activity? That many video game consoles offer trivia and brain teaser games to keep your mind moving? That scanning your eyes to the left and right can activate rarely used parts of the brain that can spur brain cell growth? Learn about these tips and more at AARP.org. Click here to read the entire article.

Fairleigh Dickinson University "Elder Law" Course to be Held at Heritage Pointe

Starting April 15, Heritage Pointe of Teaneck will host a Fairleigh Dickinson University adult education course titled “Elder Care: Legal Issues” on Wednesday evenings from 6:15 to 9:30 p.m.

Increases in the elderly population have resulted in new and complex issues and concerns that impact everyone. These issues include making decisions for the elderly, caregiving, maintaining self-sufficiency or assisted living accommodations, and home and estate planning.

The “Elder Care: Legal Issues” course, which will be held Wednesday evenings through July 1, will explore topics such as informed consent, decision making capabilities, legal issues related to death and dying, privacy rights, geriatric services and finding, age discrimination, and family law issues. In addition to lectures, the course will include case studies, and discussions.

The class is open to area seniors and begins on Wednesday April 15 at 6:15 p.m. at Heritage Pointe of Teaneck, located at 600 Frank W. Burr Blvd. in Teaneck, N.J. There is a $250.00 audit fee for senior adults and a short application.For more information, please contact Lorraine Nienstedt, Assistant Director for the School of Administrative Science at Fairleigh Dickinson University at 201-692-7172.

Heritage Pointe Travels to Japan

In 2009, the Well by Design program at Heritage Pointe is traveling around the world. Each month features a different county, with special presentations, events, lectures and a theme dinner tied into the culture and food of the featured country.

In April, Heritage Pointe travels to Japan. Residents will enjoy a trip to the Newark Museum to explore the exhibit Court Ladies and Courtesans: Private Worlds in Old Japan.

Well by Design brings you to see the Cherry Blossoms with a trip to Branch Brook Park. The cherry blossom (sakura) is the symbolic flower of Japan. It has been celebrated for many centuries and holds a very prominent position in Japanese culture.

Residents will enjoy lunch at Mt. Fuji, a Japanese Steakhouse in Hasbrouck Heights. And, Japan will be featured at our theme dinner on April 23rd. Prior to the dinner starting, the Kaoru Watanabe Ensemble will delight residents and guests with their Japanese sounds, specializing in the bamboo flute. Then, Heritage Pointe’s Chef Jay Cervone will feature his own Japanese-inspired cuisine for residents and guests at our monthly theme dinner.

Would you like to join us on our voyage to Japan this April? If so, send us an email.

Douzo meshiagare!

The Heritage of Green Hills is in the News

Channel 69 News featured a segment on the opening of the Heritage on Tuesday, March 24th. The segment included interviews with residents Betty Thompson and Mary Law as well as an interview with Executive Director, Chris Romick. Reporter Karin Mallett asked the residents about the impact of the economy on selling their homes. In reply, Betty Thompson stated her home had sold and Mary Law had not yet put her home on the market but believes her home will sell without issue. Chris Romick was also asked for his thoughts on how the economy is affecting sales and move ins. His reply - there is a slight affect on sales but, not significant. And sales are really popping now. Our first residents are moving in steadily. To watch the entire segment, click here.

The Reading Eagle also featured a story about the opening of the Heritage on Wednesday, March 25th. The story discussed the timing of the community, details about the amenities and offerings and the affect of the housing market. to read the complete story, click here.