Today is Sunday
Jul 05, 2009
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Celebrating one of life’s most rewarding leaps of faith |
| | Posted on Tuesday, December 02, 2008 | | | By Kathleen Szczepanik
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
There were diamonds everywhere—shining brightly in the eyes of Seabrook residents and employees—"pioneers" who joined together to commemorate ten years of a premier Erickson community that celebrates life.
"This is a celebration of people taking chances," says Seabrook Resident Life Director and pioneer employee Gary Engelstad, who accepted the challenge of marketing Seabrook from its inception and served as its first director of sales and marketing when it opened.
Paving the way
"We were just a trailer in the middle of the woods, and you took a big chance and said ‘yes,’" he said to a crowd. Engelstad’s welcoming remarks kicked off a week-long celebration of events in early November that included everything from an opening ceremony with Founder and CEO John Erickson to a variety of musical entertainment, special dinners, a tree planting, an anniversary video, and an interfaith "Service of Celebration" to mark the milestone.
Executive Director Art Sparks talked about Seabrook’s past, present, and future and the positive energy that resonates from the more than 1,400 residents and 700 staff members who call the 98-acre campus in Tinton Falls home.
"Every day is a pleasure to come to Seabrook where people are truly excited about being here," Sparks said. "This year, FORTUNE magazine named Erickson one of the Top 100 ‘Best Companies to Work For,’ and Seabrook was named the 14th ‘Best Place to Work in New Jersey’ by NJBIZ magazine. We credibly have a strong future for many years to come."
Pioneer perspectives
"My journey to Seabrook started in 1997 from Brooklyn, New York, where I saw a TV ad that peaked my interest, so I decided to call the number," said Lou Chaiken, one of the first people to move to Seabrook on November 6, 1998. "I liked what I saw, and ten years later, I am so grateful to be in an environment where I am so comfortable, safe, and secure. It was a leap of faith to come here—but I’m sure glad that I did." | |
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Fellow pioneer resident Elda Pinz said the past ten years have flown by, and in the early days, there weren’t two clubhouses, a medical center, restaurants, convenience stores, beauty parlors, fitness centers, a swimming pool, or even a bank. "We didn’t have much, but we had each other," Pinz said. "It has been good from the very beginning because the feeling of love has always been here."
Ten years young
John Erickson, CEO and chairman of Seabrook and 22 other Erickson communities around the country, commended the pioneers who he said "are the foundation of our mission, which really hasn’t changed over the years. Every day, we put our heads together to do a better job of building communities where aging adults can lead an active and vibrant lifestyle," he said. "I think we have a great future."
Former Georgian Court art professor and Seabrook resident Doug McIlvain hopes the clay bust he sculpted that was presented to John Erickson will last for future generations. "It was a labor of love for a man who is a true visionary," McIlvain said. "We are living proof of the vision that has become a reality."
Party time
Life was indeed celebrated throughout the week with David Zwishon’s kids’ musical entertainment, "Muffin Morning" pastries and bagels, The Ragtimers music, a special variety show, The Frank Albert Band, live entertainment in each of the living rooms, and a gala anniversary dinner.
Seabrook Resident Advisory Council President Gene Phillips summed up the week of activities by saying, "Moving to Seabrook—a retirement community with the Erickson name printed on it—is like being gifted with a bottle of fine wine in that it appeals to all discriminating palates."
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