Lantern Hill Resident Finds Plenty to Keep Her Busy in Retirement

One of the most fulfilling aspects of life at Lantern Hill, the Erickson Senior Living community in New Providence, N.J., is the opportunity to pursue a wide variety of activities in the company of friends and neighbors. That’s certainly the case for Sally Schuckman, who moved to Lantern Hill the first month it opened in 2016.

“Life is busy at Lantern Hill!” says Sally. “I spend a lot of time with friends, and I participate in a number of events and activities on campus and in the community.”

Fun and friendship

Due to its fun and challenging nature, the card game bridge has remained popular for nearly 90 years. Sally says she began playing the game the year she and her husband retired. She started by taking evening bridge classes at a local high school, eventually progressing to classes at local bridge clubs, taught by professional players.

Over the years, she has improved her skills and is now a North American Bridge Championships master player. In addition to being a pleasurable pastime, Sally’s found that the card game is a great way to meet people. “One of the best things about bridge is the lifelong friends you make,” says Sally.

Along with Doris Wise, Sally is cochair of the bridge club at Lantern Hill. “Social Bridge” is open to all levels of play, and games take place twice a week. Both women are willing to help new players or those returning to the game after a hiatus. Sally says that returning players are always interested in getting up to speed and learning about the new conventions that have emerged in recent years.

A helping hand

Resident and bridge club member Rich Banagan also offers lessons for new players. Rich is a North American Bridge Club champion and is considering becoming a life master.

When Jane Griffin came to Lantern Hill, she had not played bridge in over 30 years, so she took lessons with Rich to refresh her skills. “I enjoy both the mental challenge and the socialization of playing bridge,” says Jane.

Duplicate bridge, a competitive game designed for more experienced players, is also available once a week at Lantern Hill. Attendees can either bring their own partner or meet some new faces by being paired with another player.

Fit and active

In addition to exercising her mind with bridge, Sally keeps her body active by participating in Pilates mat classes at Lantern Hill. The classes, designed to meet all skill levels, help improve flexibility and core strength.

Pilates mat classes also lead to new friendships, as members often extend the fun by holding “coffee and chat” sessions after class.

As a lifelong New Yorker who is used to being “on the go,” Sally appreciates the many opportunities to stay cognitively and physically fit at Lantern Hill.

There are several other group fitness classes to choose from at the community, including aqua fitness, stretch and strengthen, gentle yoga, tai chi, and balance. Residents can also schedule one-on-one personal training sessions.

Lantern Hill offers a number of other attractive amenities, including an all-season pool, a theater room, and a library, which Sally frequently visits to attend the two resident-run book clubs she belongs to.

The Resident Advisory Council (RAC) at Lantern Hill serves as an important liaison between residents and staff. Since its formation, Sally has been a member of the RAC’s health, safety, and security committee. She assists residents transitioning from independent living to continuing care at Lantern Hill, while still addressing other issues pertaining to health and safety on campus. Sally also cochairs the RAC’s election committee, which recently held an election to select four new members.

Resident Care Fund

Sally is also chair of the Resident Care Fund (RCF), which provides support to residents who, despite careful planning, outlive their financial resources. The RCF allows for residents experiencing financial adversity to continue living at Lantern Hill, in their home, among their friends, receiving the care that they need.

Lantern Hill, located in Union County between Summit and Berkeley Heights, just 50 minutes by train to midtown Manhattan, provides maintenance-free, amenity-rich apartment home living for adults age 62+. The community offers a vibrant lifestyle with abundant amenities and convenient services, including on-site restaurants, an all-season pool and fitness center, art studio, library, theater, transportation, on-site medical center, and secure underground parking.

To learn more about vibrant senior living at Lantern Hill, visit LanternHill.com.

About Lantern Hill: Lantern Hill, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Senior Living, is situated on a scenic 26-acre campus in New Providence, New Jersey. The not-for-profit community of more than 500 residents and 300 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 Lantern Hill can be found at LanternHill.com.

Written by Kate Streit