Active new resident feels right at home at Seabrook

Maggie Magee Molino has dear friends who live at Cedar Crest, an Erickson Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J. She always heard great things about the campus near where she grew up. “Every time I spoke to them, they would rave about it,” says Maggie. “Cedar Crest was not far from my home in North Haledon, N.J., but it was far from my children.”

When she learned that Erickson Living had a sister community, Seabrook, closer to some of her children, she was delighted to find that it offered the same amenities and high level of service that attracted her to Cedar Crest.

“When I first visited Seabrook in 2019, what I saw was a very active community, and I was thrilled about that,” says Maggie. “I love staying active and involved and exploring my interests, particularly writing and photography.”

After her husband passed away last April, she decided she no longer wanted to live alone in her large home and was ready to make the move to Seabrook and start her next chapter. Luckily, her home sold after just one day on the market.

“I think the timing was actually perfect. There are a lot of young families moving out of the city,” says Maggie. Seabrook recommended movers, and Maggie was thoroughly satisfied with the service, calling the whole process “surprisingly easy.”

Creative outlets

Maggie moved to Seabrook in October 2020. She has had a great experience so far. “Everyone here is so sweet,” says Maggie. “I’ve met all my neighbors, and we get together every couple days or so. Everyone has been so friendly and welcoming.”

Maggie encounters friendly neighbors every day when she walks around campus. She says she’s also looking forward to diving into more clubs and activities to indulge her creative pursuits.

Photos displayed across the region

An award-winning photographer and writer, her prints can be purchased on her website at maggiemageemolino.pixels.com, and you can find her work hanging on the walls of many businesses in and around North Haledon, N.J. Her photography has also been exhibited throughout the state, including at DiGangi Gallery in Totowa, Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, Ringwood Library, and Jesus Christ Prince of Peace Chapel in Haledon.

Maggie has traveled extensively, and her work includes photos from Italy, Japan, Iceland, France, Belgium, Ireland, and the Netherlands. She has also captured images from throughout the state of New Jersey as well as stunning nature photography, featuring plants, animals, and landscapes from all over the world.

The “Behind the Scenes of My Life” section of her photography site includes images of family and friends. A mother of seven and grandmother of 14, her writing mainly consists of stories and poems for children.

Her family has frequently been her companion on many of her trips. “I love traveling with young people,” she says. “It keeps you energized and feeling young. Taking photos allows me to bring back a piece of that country with me.”

Now that the vaccine has arrived, Maggie is looking forward to traveling once again. A member of the Photographic Society of America and Ridgewood Camera Club, Maggie can’t wait to get involved with photography on campus. She has met some fellow photographers and is excited to possibly start a formal club at Seabrook.

Diverse array of activities

She acted in class plays in high school and is interested in joining the Seabrook Theatrical Performers group, as well. “There’s so much fun to be had here at Seabrook, and so many interesting people to meet,” says Maggie. “I’m so glad I’m here.

Want to learn more about the vibrant lifestyle you can find at Seabrook? Visit SeabrookCommunity.com or call 1-800-615-9625.

About Seabrook: Seabrook, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 98-acre campus in Tinton Falls, New Jersey. The not-for-profit community of more than 1,400 residents and 750 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, Inc., who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Seabrook can be found at SeabrookCommunity.com.

Written by Kate Streit