theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 24 or more than 60 years, Heath Village has been a place where people come not simply to live, but to thrive. Nestled amid natural beauty and shaped by a spirit of connection, our community has long stood as a trusted choice for those seeking an active, engaging, and maintenance-free lifestyle. Today, we are proud to share an exciting new chapter in that story: the expansion of independent living on our West Campus. Directly across the street from our main campus, this thoughtfully planned expansion will add 140 new residences, including 84 apartments and 56 villas, designed to offer comfort, flexibility, and convenience. Whether you are drawn to the ease of apartment living or the privacy and space of a villa, these new homes will reflect the same attention to quality and livability that has defined Heath Village for decades. At the heart of the West Campus will be a 24,000-square-foot clubhouse, providing a vibrant gathering place for residents. This dynamic hub will include a state-of-the-art fitness studio, an art studio for creative exploration, a welcoming pub, a full-service restaurant, and additional spaces designed for socializing, learning, and relaxation. More than just a building, the clubhouse will serve as a natural As we look ahead, this expansion is not a departure from who we are, more a natural evolution. It honors our 60-year legacy while embracing the future with intention and care. The West Campus represents growth rooted in experience, designed to serve both long-time admirers of Heath Village and those just beginning to discover what makes our community so special. We are excited to welcome new neighbors, new ideas, and new energy as Heath Village continues to grow. With this expansion, we reaffirm our commitment to providing a lifestyle defined by choice, connection, and the confidence that comes from living in a community built to support you—today and for years to come. extension of the lifestyle our residents value— active, connected, and enriched by shared experiences. This expansion is designed to beautifully complement Heath Village’s already robust array of amenities. Residents will continue to enjoy favorites such as our existing restaurants and pub, heated saltwater pool, gardens and greenhouse, woodworking shop, and an impressive selection of outdoor activities including shuffleboard, pickleball, bocce, and tennis courts. Meandering walking trails weave throughout the campus, inviting daily movement and moments of quiet reflection in a picturesque setting. What has always set Heath Village apart is our seamless blend of natural beauty and maintenance-free living. Here, residents are free from the worries of home upkeep, allowing more time to focus on passions, friendships, and new pursuits. The West Campus expansion builds on this promise, offering modern residences surrounded by landscapes that celebrate the changing seasons and the tranquility of our environment. Equally important is the flexibility this expansion provides. Recognizing that no two lifestyles are the same, Heath Village offers both rental and entrance fee options, empowering future residents to choose the financial model that best aligns with their goals and plans. This flexibility ensures that Heath Village remains accessible, adaptable, and responsive to the evolving needs of today’s retirees. COMMUNITY NEWS... Honoring Our Roots, Expanding Our Horizons: The Next Chapter at Heath Village F ow wonderful it is to realize that the wisdom we have acquired as we age can make a huge difference in the life of a young person. That is the gift several of us in our community have given ourselves. We are mentors participating in a comprehensive program that provides low-income, academically qualified, high school students with a guaranteed two-year college scholarship. The goal is to provide these determined and committed high school students with the tools they need to succeed, and it is made clear that this is not charity. The students have as much a role in their success as the mentors do. They must maintain their grades, meet regularly with their mentors, and continue their involvement with their community. Additionally, they need to reach out if they need tutoring, which will be provided, and they also regularly meet with a college counselor. There are countless programs such as ours, Take Stock in Children, throughout the country, and ours is limited to Palm Beach County, Florida. I am so proud of the interaction I have with my mentee, with whom I meet each week at her high school, during her lunch period. We talk openly about her dreams, goals, frustrations, and interests. There are times when she is open and excited, and others when she is more reserved. My position is to be her guide, a “big sister,” coaching her on the impact the decisions she makes today will have on her future. So, here is the gift I receive each week, the one I encourage anyone wishing to share the wisdom we have acquired. Returning to high school makes me immediately feel younger; the vibrancy and energy are compelling. I am amazed at the hive of activity all day, albeit saddened by the amount of security necessary. I am immensely heartened by the way all my mentoring friends and I feel about the young people we only met a few months ago. We all seem to have been matched with the young person we most needed, and who most needed us. If you are in search of a way to give, to love, and to grow, consider mentoring. It is a mutual exploration, one which will deepen as time goes on. Some days it is playing Wordle and Connections together, while others it is guidance on what type of dress to wear to the Military Ball. And then sometimes, it is simply knowing there is a hug when we meet, and one when we part. I hope it shows my mentee how important she is to me…it certainly shows me I am just that to her! SENIOR CORNER Seniors Have So Much to Share By Ellyn Mantell H
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