Page 12 - June Prime

Innovation Drives Events at

Phoebe’s Chestnut Ridge at Rodale

Even though ground hasn’t yet been broken
for Phoebe’s Chestnut Ridge at Rodale
retirement community in Emmaus, future
residents are already getting to know each
other and making connections through
Phoebe-hosted programs and events
designed with COVID-19 safety in mind.
The future retirement community will
transform the former Rodale corporate
campus into a wellness-focused
residential destination for people ages
60 and older. Existing facilities will be
adapted into apartments with spacious
floor plans, and all construction will
prioritize limiting disturbance of existing
green space. The project will even utilize
some of the campus’s current, unique
features, including the walking and biking
trails once used by Rodale employees.

Normally, Phoebe hosts large events to
allow future residents to mingle. But 2020
and the beginning of 2021 have been native plants popping up along the trail. Sinkovits says. “One woman teaches
anything but normal. Phoebe staff rose to They identified a few birds, and learned Broadway tap. It can be adapted to being
the challenge and reimagined get-togethers how to recognize their unique calls. The seated, or you can stand…so we put
with an emphasis on meeting health and group also enjoyed hearing some handy this out to future residents and asked
safety guidelines. That meant switching to wilderness survival tips along the way. if anyone wants to join a tap group; I
more outdoor and virtual events over the mean, what a great way to get exercise!”
last year, says Lifestyle Specialist Karen Shannon Jones of Girlfriends Art
Sinkovits—and it’s been a switch that future Clique led a Spring Painting Party for Another future resident is an author, which
th
Chestnut Ridge residents have embraced. future residents on May 11 . Paint and fit in perfectly with Chestnut Ridge’s
supplies were provided, and everyone monthly book club. “We recently read her
A webinar on decluttering using the enjoyed the opportunity for creativity novel, and then had a meet and greet with
KonMari Method, popularized by the and fellowship as they painted a pretty her, which was an added treat,” Sinkovits
Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo, flower design on a wooden serving tray.
was a big hit for folks preparing to move
to Chestnut Ridge. “Downsizing can feel On May 21, 40 future residents enjoyed an
really overwhelming if you don’t have a outdoor concert featuring SweetLife, the duo
roadmap,” says webinar host Amanda of Matt and Carol Frigm. SweetLife treated
Jefferson, who owns Indigo Organizing the audience to a set of ‘60s and ‘70s songs.
and is a KonMari professional speaker. Delicious appetizers from Sayre Mansion
“The KonMari Method works wonders were a major highlight of the evening.
for people who are ready to de-clutter In addition to all of the other special activities
but who have no idea where to start.” that have been going on, a new Senior

The monthly bingo game, held in the Wellness Series created opportunities
former Rodale cafeteria because of its large for future residents to safely mingle while
size (and held virtually over the fall and participating in fun, educational activities.
winter), has also remained popular. Prizes The series, held on Thursdays at 10:30am, says. The book club is “held in a very
kicked off on May 6 with a seated yoga
The Morning Call gourmet food items, candy, and more. week was a Zumba Gold class with Maria large multipurpose room we have. Some
have included wine, gift cards, flowers,
class led by Sara Massey. The following
members will call in if they’re not comfortable
Now, as warmer weather has arrived
Tavares. Other events in the series included
joining in person. Each month, a different
Valley,
in
Lehigh
the
is
everyone
classes on fall prevention, the importance
looking forward to a new normal with
which introduces us to a variety of genres.”
renewed excitement – and the Phoebe of healthy eating, spirituality and health, future resident gets to choose a book,
and mindfulness-based meditation. These
| team bring future to residents together. educational sessions were presented by The Phoebe team continues to find safe,
continues
Sunday, June 6, 2021 Early on the morning of May 4, a group Future residents are also helping with innovative ways to bring future residents
opportunities
find
experts from Phoebe Ministries’ staff.
to
together and highlight the unique options
and
at
offered
amenities
Chestnut
of future residents gathered for a hike
events by bringing their own creativity
Ridge at Rodale. For more information,
to the table. “There are a lot of talented
at South Mountain Preserve. The hike
was led by an expert from the Wildlands
610-632-8408.
Conservancy. The group learned about people who are going to live here, who have visit chestnutridgeatrodale.org or call
a variety of interests and backgrounds,”
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