Attendance continues to rise for insider luncheons

By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

According to the website RetirementCommunity.com, the most important thing to do before choosing a retirement community is to “spend lots of time visiting and talking to residents.” Liz Pulliam Weston, author of “11 Keys to Choosing the Right Retirement Community,” agrees. She places in-person visits and talking to current residents on the top of her must-do list.

With less than four months before Erickson’s second northern Virginia campus, Ashby Ponds, opens, more and more people are finding that the best way to discover life at an Erickson community is to attend a free “insiders” informational luncheon.

Recognizing the value of getting to know both Ashby Ponds and Greenspring on a deeper level, the informational luncheons provide an opportunity to meet retirement counselors Sheila Leverich, Dana Bradshaw, and Elena Price, the go-to people responsible for helping people join the Greenspring and Ashby Ponds communities. In addition, guests learn more about available apartment homes and ask important questions. For many, it’s the natural next step—after reviewing the Information Kit— in the planning process.

“Living in Rehoboth Beach, i first learned about Greenspring from my daughter-in-law,” says connie Graham. “She called and told me that this place was wonderful. The first thing we did was attend an informational luncheon. I was so impressed. I signed up [for the Priority List] that very day!”

Whether visiting Ashby Ponds or Greenspring, guests enjoy expertly prepared entrées like chicken scaloppini topped with a wild mushroom vinaigrette and served with saff ron orzo pasta; a wine country salad with grapes, pears, strawberries, and candied pecans, topped with crumbled bleu cheese and a sweet raspberry vinaigrette; and moist sponge cake topped with delicate orange mousse and toasted meringue for dessert.