Literary Pursuits Abound at Applewood

Enjoy reading, discussing, learning? So do we.

One of the great joys of retirement is finally having time to read—or reread—a great book. From the classics to a modern-day bio about one of the new tech titans, options abound.

Here at Applewood, more and more readers are using handheld devices to catch up on the latest mystery or best seller.

(Book Club images) “From the Kindle to the Nook or Fire, people like to read on a digital device because it’s easy to control the font size and easily see the text in the evening,” says Karen Slobodin, resident facilitator of the Book Club.

“I’d say about 40 percent of our members are using handheld reading devices.”

Now in its second year, Karen and her team select 12 books for the year, selected from an extensive list provided by the Monmouth County Library, who provides the group with 20+ books/monthly at no cost.

This year, the club has read the Zookeeper’s Wife, Crazy Rich Asians and this month’s selection, The Boys in the Boat.

Karen facilitates the interactive discussion with the aid of a microphone, so everyone has an opportunity to contribute their insight about each month’s selection.

Literary Journeys

“Literary Journeys evolved from a course I presented at Stockton College to increase the awareness of the arts, particularly writers, painters and musicians,” says resident facilitator Bill Starsinic, a playwright, teacher of theater, writing and music.

The club, which meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10:30 am, examines the groundbreaking creativity and experimentation of the “modern movement” of Expressionism, Impressionism, Symbolism, etc. that emerged after the 2 World Wars.

This year, the club has student T.S. Elliot, Hemmingway and Dylan Thomas.

“The idea for this club follows a similar curriculum I designed for Stockton College,

so it definitely includes an academic component.”

The Library at Applewood

You can’t miss our warm and inviting library when you enter the main entrance of our community which is stocked with more than 10,000 best sellers, coffee table books, romance novels and a plethora of other options to while away a few hours on a rainy day.

Residents, including retired librarians, volunteer their time to restock returned books and keep the stacks refreshed and in order.

You can also enjoy the daily newspapers at a sunny table located near the window.

Grab a comfy chair ready to your heart’s content and then visit our coffee bar for a hot beverage of your choice.

Poetry in Motion

Residents Helen Kho and Jan Scheerer launched a new Poet’s Anonymous group at the beginning of the year.

“Each month our 16-member group shares favorite pieces of poetry supporting a different theme, such as ‘The Language of Childhood’ or ‘The Language of Love,’” explains Helen Kho. “Too often, poetry is a second class player to other forms of literature, which is why we wanted to focus on its unique richness and beauty.”

Literary Lectures

You never know what interesting people will stop-in to Applewood and offer an engaging presentation about their expertise or experiences, including local authors, poets and journalists.

Engaged Living coordinator Wanda Garrin frequently schedules diverse and fascinating literary, art, music, sciences and academic professionals to speak and offer interactive discussions with residents.

“I’m currently working with a resident to launch a new visiting writer series, where authors

will present talks about their works, writing style and inspiration,” Wanda explains.

Unrivaled Continuing Care Retirement Living in Monmouth County, NJ

Applewood’s Engaged Living community is about new beginnings, but also reigniting facets of your life that are meaningful, relaxing enjoyable, like literature and journalism.

Once you have taken up residence with us, you’ll more than likely discover others who also share your love of poetry, oil painting or morning swims in our indoor heated pool.

Find out more about the diverse range of senior living apartment and cottage residence options available at Applewood, located just minutes from the Jersey Shore and about 75 minutes from New York City and Philadelphia.

Join us for our next social event or call (732) 303-7416 to schedule your visit and personal tour.