Why Jane Pollak Loves Living at Lantern Hill

Renowned artist Jane Pollak, a resident of Lantern Hill, an Erickson Senior Living community in New Providence, N.J., appreciates that she has plenty of opportunities to explore her creativity in retirement.

Her hand-painted Ukrainian Easter eggs are part of the Smithsonian's collection, and she owned and operated An Egg by Jane, a highly sought-after business, for 30 years.

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But what really drew her to the vibrant community was its proximity to family and a friendly environment.

Recently, Jane sat down with the Tribune to share more about why she made the move, why she's loving community life now, and how she knows she made the right decision.

Tribune: What led you to consider Lantern Hill?

Jane: When I lived in New York, I would only see my grandchildren once every two months, so I was missing their practices, concerts, and everyday events. I decided I wanted more time with them.

My son lives a quarter of a mile from Lantern Hill; he was the one who mentioned it. I had looked at two other places, but it made sense to be close to my son. Now, I can walk to his house, and it's been life changing.

Tribune: Did you participate in the Live the Life program ahead of your move?

Jane: Yes, and I was very impressed! I asked [the sales team] if I could meet other people who moved from New York City, so I could have lunch and dinner with people like me. I also went to a tone-and-stretch class, and the instructor immediately called me by my name. It felt nice to be personally recognized.

In addition, they had just refurbished the art studio and had an opening reception. During my stay, a woman asked me, "What will you teach us?" I realized that I was a resource and could give back to this community.

Tribune: What prompted you to make the move?

Jane: I had three nonlife-threatening emergency room visits. Even though I feel very vibrant and youthful, I don't have a partner to take care of me, so that's what motivated me to plan ahead.

I can't get over the extraordinary level of care here. I mean, Todd DeLaney, [Lantern Hill's executive director] knows my name. I'm so touched by that.

Tribune: How has your maintenance-free home impacted your life?

Jane: I love it! I upsized from my 827-square-foot apartment in New York because when I saw that there was a den, I knew that would be my art studio.

Previously, I chose to keep the thermostat at 76 degrees in the summer due to the high electric bills. But at Lantern Hill, it's all included [in the monthly service package], so I always feel comfortable.

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

Jane: I adore the pool here, so I swim a good amount. An art teacher comes here monthly, and she is amazing. I find the level of talent here to be quite outstanding. I also took a trip to the Princeton Museum, which was gorgeous.

I'm very impressed and delighted by what I'm finding here.

Tribune: Has it been easy to meet people and make new friends?

Jane: Yes. A couple moved in the same day I did, and I went to the new neighbors' event and got to know them. They were so gracious--we went to see Bye Bye Birdie at Spring Lake Theater together.

Everybody's open to doing things together, which is lovely. In New York, you have to know somebody six months before they even have tea with you. Here, it's like, "How about dinner tomorrow?"

Tribune: New York City is about an hour drive away. Do you still enjoy city life?

Jane: I train into the city every weekend, as art and theater are a really big part of my culture. However, the funny thing is that since I've moved here, I seem to be getting more notice and acclaim than I did in New York! I've done the art show at Lantern Hill and at the New Providence Library and joined the Visual Arts Center.

Tribune: Has your move to Lantern Hill provided peace of mind?

Jane: Yes. When I was visiting my younger daughter in California, she thanked me for moving here. I know what a relief it is for my kids to know I live in a special place.

To learn more about the ways you can explore senior living, request more information today.

By Gregory J. Alexander