By Kathleen Szczepanik
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

While many organizations and institutions are currently tackling the nation’s economic issues, one local community, Seabrook, in Tinton Falls, has been using a successful model for utlitity bills and services for ten years.

“Our residents here at Seabrook enjoy a monthly package that includes a variety of services,” says Executive Director Art Sparks. “It’s fascinating to see new residents when they move in—how they rebalance their lives with the things they truly enjoy because utility bills are one less thing they have to worry about.”

Consistent, all-inclusive monthly service package
Sparks says the monthly service package is based on square footage and size of individual apartment homes, but residents also enjoy leisure activities in common areas with vast square footage that is also heated and cooled throughout the calendar year.

“I moved to Seabrook from a retirement community in Toms River, and although my ‘new’ house [in Toms River] was in its teenage years; things started to break down,” says Zita Nathans, who recently moved. “I just got tired of waiting for the repairman.”

“Worrying about leaking oil tanks and deliveries— it’s a thing of the past,” says Karen Cotenoff, one of Seabrook’s two retirement counselors.

Her colleague, Retirement Counselor Ruth Phillips,  says, “The people who live here are happy because they are no longer dealing with a pile of utility bills.”

Peace of mind
Karen Kollmer, director  of general services, says that Seabrook’s maintenance and engineering staff are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing service to those who live in Seabrook’s independent living apartment homes.

“We have a great group of residents who are familiar with our staff,” Kollmer says. “It’s comforting for them to know that the same person who changed a filter the previous week is the same employee changing a lightbulb.”