By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Amid ever-rising fuel costs and cold winter temperatures, two local communities are like a financial oasis to the people who live there.

Budgeting with confidence
“Members of the Greenspring and Ashby Ponds communities rest assured knowing that regardless of changes in heating prices throughout the year, their monthly service packages will remain unaffected,” says Greenspring Retirement Counselor Sheila Leverich.

The monthly service package includes all utilities (except telephone), home maintenance, one meal a day at the community’s restaurants, cable TV, and use of the community’s amenities. Though it may increase from year to year to adjust for the cost of living, residents are given 30 days notice, and it is set on a yearly basis; it won’t change from month to month.

“As a result, they can plan their budgets with confidence and peace of mind,” Leverich says.

“When I think about all the years that I lived alone in my house, I really feel like I missed out,” says Greenspring community member Vera Nugent. “The monthly service package enables me to budget confidently while enjoying all the wonderful people and exciting things that there are to do here.”

Reveling in the warmth
Protected from rapidly increasing energy costs, members of these two  communities will be spending their time and money this winter on the things they enjoy.

“Passing the buck is not an option at Erickson communities,” says Ashby Ponds Retirement Counselor Dana Bradshaw. “When we say, ‘This is what you will pay each month,’ that’s what you’ll pay.”

This plain and simple approach appeals to Ashby Ponds community member Gayna Dunsmore and her husband, Emmett, who’ve called Ashby Ponds home for the last month.

“I really enjoy knowing what to expect to pay each month,” says Mrs. Dunsmore.