Seabrook Residents Enjoy Opportunities to Explore New Interests and Stay Connected

After living in 12 different states and moving east from California to be closer to family in New Jersey, Susan Gorsky was ready for the easy, maintenance-free lifestyle of a continuing care retirement community.

As she began exploring her options in the area, Susan realized that she especially wanted an active lifestyle and opportunities to stay engaged in the activities she enjoyed most.

At Seabrook, an Erickson Senior Living community in Tinton Falls, N.J., a full calendar of activities aligned with her interests in theater, music, and lifelong learning. After a virtual tour with Sales Counselor Dennise Baldwin, she flew east to visit the community in person.

"I spent two full days here as part of the Live the Life program, participating in activities and meeting residents to discuss how Seabrook enriched their lives. It confirmed everything I had seen and heard about Seabrook was true," Susan says. "I picked up the phone and called my real estate agent."

'My life is rich'

Susan moved to Seabrook in 2021 and quickly immersed herself in everything the community has to offer.

"I've been very active all of my life, volunteering, hiking, teaching, scuba diving, and participating in theater and music," she says. "I knew I wanted as much of that as possible."

She auditioned for the Monmouth Civic Chorus, purchased tickets to the New Jersey Symphony, and explored volunteer opportunities. But as she became more involved in life at Seabrook, she found herself spending more time on campus.

"Seabrook offers so much that my life is rich and keeps me in tune with the things that matter, including family and music," she says.

Musical interludes

With a strong musical background, including playing the harpsichord and piano, Susan joined four community music groups. She even learned to play the chimes and ukulele. "I think that's really funny," she says. "I lived in Hawaii for 16 years and learned to play ukulele at Seabrook."

She is also involved behind the scenes with the choirs and has gradually stepped into leadership roles. She conducts the choir for Seabrook Performers, and, alongside Norma Linzalone, the group's longtime music director, helps plan the fall and spring performances.

Susan also created the Classical Chorus, for advanced singers who can read music and match pitch. The group regularly performs in three-part harmony with a bell ringers' group.

When she's not performing, Susan enjoys attending shows featuring other residents and guest artists at Seabrook's indoor theater or outdoors during the Summer Concert Series at the Great Lawn amphitheater.

"One of the wonderful things about Seabrook is that people can be as involved as they want to be," says Mike Loftis, Seabrook's sales director.

"Attending events and group meetings provides a built-in connection with people who share common interests. While we have more than 100 resident-led groups, residents are also encouraged to start new ones, and we help them get those off the ground."

Giving back

Susan says Seabrook allows her to give back to others while building a fulfilling lifestyle.

After a 50-year career in education, Susan continues sharing her knowledge through Seabrook Active Learners (SAL), which offers a variety of classes taught by residents who have expertise in a wide range of subjects. Susan team-teaches a poetry class each semester and facilitates a Great Books class year-round. In addition, she produces the catalog for the class listings and assists behind the scenes.

She also enjoys attending classes taught by fellow residents and credits SAL, along with the musical groups, for helping her build friendships and stay socially connected.

"They are fun and they keep your mind going," she says. "They also serve as an introduction to other people I may not have met otherwise. Most of the people who've become my friends I met through SAL classes, the choirs, or in groups such as the Diversity and Inclusion Committee and the Student Scholars Committee. It didn't take long to make connections here."

Connecting with others

Susan also swims in the pool and dines in the five campus restaurants with the friends she's made. She's also taken trips to the Jersey Shore and elsewhere with Seabrook friends.

She also appreciates having convenient access to the various on-campus amenities and services. Susan visits her primary care physician at the on-site medical center and fills her prescriptions at the CVS Pharmacy® in the community. Seabrook also features a PNC Bank branch, offering personalized customer service.

"I've heard many residents describe us as a cruise ship on land," Loftis notes. "With all of the events they can attend, the activities they enjoy, and the friends they make, it's all here."

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Linda L. Esterson