Lots to Love About Life at Cedar Crest

Henry and Kathy Balzani loved their house in Totowa, N.J., and had no plans to make a change--until a friend recommended Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J.

During their tour of campus, they discovered that a maintenance-free home, an array of clubs and activities, and multiple restaurants awaited them. It all added up to a vibrant, social retirement they didn't know they needed.

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The Tribune recently asked Henry and Kathy to share why they made the move, why they're loving community life now, and how they know they made the right decision.

Tribune: What led you to Cedar Crest?

Kathy: It's funny--we weren't planning to move. We had just put in a new shower and a new stove in our kitchen. But then a friend told us that her brother had visited Cedar Crest, and he really liked it. So, when we got a piece of mail from Cedar Crest, we decided to visit. When we saw the gym and the libraries, I thought, "Wow, this is amazing."

Henry: And I thought, "This is very nice. It's beautiful." I also smelled delicious cooking from the restaurants. We were impressed the first time we came. We then joined the Priority List, which allowed us to sign up for an overnight Live the Life stay.

Tribune: What prompted you to make the move?

Henry: During our Live the Life stay, we ate dinner with a couple who were resident ambassadors. We said that we were interested in the Lancaster, a two-bedroom, two-bath home. They lived in a Lancaster, so they invited us to see it. The next morning, we toured a few residences, including a Lancaster that was being redone. It was the location we wanted, so I said, "We'll take this!"

Kathy: Everything was going to be new, so we knew we could fix it up the way we wanted. We called it our little Christmas gift to ourselves. We were ready to move as soon as they finished construction. Our house sold within a few days, and everything went smoothly. It worked out perfectly!

Tribune: How has your maintenance-free residence improved your life?

Henry: I love not worrying about snow. I had snow boots and cowboy hats to cover me while cleaning off the cars, but I don't need those anymore.

Kathy: We don't have to worry about repairs anymore. When we had an air conditioning issue, the General Services team came right away and fixed it. No checkbook required! It was just amazing.

Tribune: What are some ways you've gotten involved on campus?

Henry: We join about a dozen exercise classes each week, including stretch and tone and dance classes, in addition to using the fitness center and weightlifting. We participate in the Senior Olympics as well. The trips to local and Broadway shows are a lot of fun.

Kathy: We do everything! Whatever comes up, we do. Cedar Crest has parties around each holiday and lots of music events. We love the special themed dinners and the ice cream socials. We're in the Baby Boomers Club, and we play bocce and pickleball, too.

Tribune: How has Cedar Crest enhanced your social life?

Henry: It's so nice to walk around, say hello, and meet new people. Having dinner with neighbors is another draw. Before, we would just be at home eating dinner watching television. The other day, walking through the halls coming back from breakfast, people were passing and saying, 'Hi Henry! Hi Kathy!' When we got home and sat down, I said, I think we found our 'Cheers.'

Kathy: You know, the show where everybody knows your name? It was quite a moment. It really was.

Tribune: Does living at Cedar Crest provide peace of mind?

Henry: Yes. We absolutely made the right decision.

Kathy: I told our family that us moving here is a gift to them. They don't have to worry because we are taken care of here.

Tribune: What do you love most about life at Cedar Crest?

Henry: For Kathy and I, socialization was one of the most important things. It keeps your mind going, it keeps you active. That's one of the things we love so much about being here.

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

By Susan Ingram