Cedar Crest Celebrates 25 Years!

Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J., is celebrating 25 years!

While the community has grown and evolved greatly over the years, one aspect remains the same--the vibrant, social atmosphere, which continues to help residents thrive.

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A wonder-ful community

When the first residents started moving in in August 2001, the community had four residence buildings, one clubhouse, and one restaurant. Since then, Cedar Crest has grown to include 14 residence buildings, three clubhouses, eight restaurants, multiple fitness centers, and much more--an absolute wonder.

Fittingly, the theme for the community's silver anniversary gala is "Eight Wonders of the World: A World of Cultures, a Lifetime of Stories," which will showcase the community's impressive evolution.

To mark the community's October 2000 groundbreaking, the gala is set for October.

Guests of the gala will visit various rooms decorated like the Seven Wonders of the World to sample cuisine from the respective regions, simulating travel through time and across continents. The evening's odyssey culminates in the reveal of the "Eighth Wonder"--Cedar Crest!

"Residents will be able to experience the grandeur of the Seven Wonders right at home," says Resident Life Manager Amy Wagener, who has played a significant role in the planning process. "Part of the inspiration for this theme is that, for many, Cedar Crest really is an eighth wonder. Residents come together, connect, and discover a new chapter in their lives."

Impressive growth

Wagener has worked at Cedar Crest for 20 of its 25 years. "When I joined Cedar Crest, Woodland Commons, the third clubhouse, wasn't built yet," she recalls.

Since then, not only was Woodland Commons built, but all three clubhouses have been renovated and refreshed with bright, modern color schemes and decor.

In addition, new restaurants--including a bistro, tavern, cafe, and pizza spot--with outdoor dining areas were added. Residents also enjoy the updated fitness centers with state-of the-art equipment and the indoor golf simulator.

Wagener appreciates Cedar Crest's growth and is pleased that the community has retained its warm, welcoming atmosphere. "There is such a sense of community here. The residents know you not just as staff members but friends and companions," she says.

'One big family'

Like Wagener, Heidi Pace has spent most of her career at Cedar Crest. She started as a student server just a few months after the community opened.

Thanks to her hard work and dedication, Pace has worked her way up the ranks over the years. She was promoted to business office manager in Mountain View Gardens, the community's continuing care neighborhood, in 2020.

"Cedar Crest has always felt like one big family--that's never changed," she says. "I feel that we all truly care about each other and are united in our mission of helping each other live better lives."

Pace is looking forward to the 25th anniversary gala. "I am very proud to be a part of this community, so I'm excited to celebrate with everyone. I've spent most of my life here at Cedar Crest, and I plan on spending many more years here," she says.

The right choice

Carolyn Barbara became a resident of Cedar Crest in 2018, but she's watched the community grow since 2008, when her parents moved there.

"I was here a lot visiting my folks," recalls Carolyn. "I'm a nurse, so I [paid attention to] the care they got--they were treated with such dignity."

She was also impressed by the on-site amenities, activities, and continuum of care, all of which made her parents' lives easier. So, it comes as no surprise that, ten years later, Carolyn made the move to Cedar Crest herself.

"When it was time for me to move, I looked at a few other places, but the more I looked, Cedar Crest made the most sense," she says.

Now, she's making the most of Cedar Crest's vibrant lifestyle. She enjoys playing bocce and pickleball, visiting the fitness and aquatics centers, and socializing with her book club. During warmer months, you'll often find her "digging in the dirt" in her personal area in the community garden.

"Moving to Cedar Crest was also a gift to my children," says Carolyn, noting that they don't have to worry about her.

Home sweet home

Reflecting on her eight years at Cedar Crest, Carolyn is thrilled to celebrate the community she calls home with her friends and neighbors.

"The diversity of residents and staff here is worthy of celebration. It is a wonderful environment!" she says.

To learn more about independent senior living at Cedar Crest, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Susan Ingram