theconnectionsnj.com SENIOR LIVING PAGE 44 eniors have gained a great deal of knowledge and wisdom, as well as life’s experiences and perspective. What can we do with all of that, particularly if we have the desire to share what we know? Mentoring is an amazing opportunity and is quickly becoming an activity many wish to experience. Different than teaching, mentoring is more about guidance and support. Showing, not telling, is a way to process the difference, particularly for those who are anxious to have a positive impact on a young person. In many communities, there are programs designed to guide those who wish to mentor, as well as select young people who will greatly benefit from that support. Not a charity, the young people, known as mentees, have as much responsibility in meeting certain criteria as the mentors have in providing the guidance. I am a mentor for a high school sophomore and will be with her through her high school career. If all goes as it should, I will walk with her at her high school graduation, celebrate with her when she obtains her goal of college acceptance, and continue to follow her maturation, as we will have become united in her ability to have the future she envisions. She has work to do, and so do I. We meet at her high school during her lunchtime one day a week, and it is so refreshing to be with young people! The energy in the building is far different from my own high school experience. The students walk through the halls with backpacks as big as they are tall. The dress is relaxed and comfortable. There are countless posters inviting participation in clubs and after-school activities, and all around, there is an excitement that I love. My mentee is involved in many activities, from ROTC and track & field to Bound for College, which prepares students for their standardized tests. There are never enough days and hours for students with drive, determination, and eyes on the prize of college scholarships. Mine has already accumulated a few for her passion for writing and coding. (Yes, I know what writing is…it was the coding that I needed her to explain!) As much as I am giving to my mentee, I am receiving back from her as well. My high school experiences were so different than my mentee’s, but I know I would have benefited a great deal from an interested adult. And for me, there is little that is greater than offering that supportive hug and appreciation for all she is doing for her future. This is a gift we give each other, and if you are interested in doing the same, look for a program in your area. I believe you will grow with your mentee. SENIOR CORNER Have You Thought of Mentoring? By Ellyn Mantell S Different than teaching, mentoring is more about guidance and support. Showing, not telling, is a way to process the difference, particularly for those who are anxious to have a positive impact on a young person. ummer has a special way of bringing Heath Village to life. Walking trails fill with conversation, gardens bloom with color, and neighbors gather a little longer in the sunshine. For nearly 60 years, Heath Village has been one of western Morris County’s best-kept gems; a place where people don’t simply retire, they continue living fully, naturally, and connected to what matters most. Now, an exciting new chapter is beginning to take shape. Just across from the current campus, a vibrant new neighborhood is emerging at Heath Village, designed around connection, wellness, hospitality, and the beauty of the outdoors. Surrounded by meadows, gardens, and walking trails, the West Campus expansion will introduce 84 beautiful new apartment residences and 56 patio homes that offer a fresh, modern approach to the lifestyle residents already know and love. At the center of the new neighborhood will be a welcoming clubhouse designed to bring people together naturally. Residents will gather for dinners with friends, morning fitness classes, art workshops, cocktail hours, and lifelong learning opportunities. The clubhouse will feature inviting dining venues, a lively pub, fitness and wellness spaces, an art studio, outdoor gathering areas, and relaxing spaces created for creativity and connection. The expansion builds upon the experiences that already make Heath Village so special. Residents enjoy a lifestyle shaped by nature, friendship, and engagement-from scenic hiking trails and community gardens to pickleball, bocce, woodworking, fitness classes, and the heated saltwater pool. Life here feels Garden Tour & Luncheon – July 21 Meet our resident gardeners and Grounds Team as they share the story behind our thriving community garden. Cocktails in the Courtyard – August 20 Enjoy an afternoon of great drinks, good company, and a beautiful courtyard setting. Come discover why so many people take one look and never look back. It’s only natural to fall in love with Heath Village. Learn more at HeathVillage.com or call 908-975-1312. active, social, and purposeful while still offering the ease and peace of mind that comes with maintenance-free living. Life at Heath Village has never been about being flashy or overdone. It’s about authenticity, warmth, and a true sense of belonging. It’s a place where neighbors know one another, staff greets residents by name, and simple moments-coffee with friends, afternoons in the garden, evenings spent together-become the moments that matter most. Because no two retirements look the same, Heath Village continues to offer flexible living options designed to meet people where they are. Whether someone prefers a rental lifestyle or wants to explore entrance-fee living, the focus remains the same: creating a community where people feel secure, supported, and free to enjoy life on their own terms. As we look ahead, the future of Heath Village feels brighter than ever. New homes. New friendships. New experiences. And a new neighborhood designed to help people live beautifully, naturally, and fully connected to the life they love. This summer, you are invited to experience Heath Village firsthand through a series of special events: Campus Nature Walk Tour & Luncheon – June 16 Enjoy a guided walk along scenic trails followed by a campus tour and outdoor lunch. Village Luncheon & Community Tour – June 17 Learn about our Independent Living expansion, explore available residences, and discover flexible financial options. COMMUNITY NEWS... A New Chapter at Heath Village: Summer Takes on a Whole New Shape! S
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