By Setarreh Massihzadegan
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Whenever something big is happening at Linden Ponds— and it often is—you can bet the staff of Life @ Linden Ponds is covering the story.

Twelve regular contributors produce the independently published electronic magazine (or “e-zine”), written “for, by, and about” the more than 900 people who live at Linden Ponds. The monthly keeps the community informed with stories and photographs that highlight the people and goings on where they live.

Rising readership
The magazine reaches more than 250 people by e-mail. Other readers find the magazine on its website, and many more read it in print form; the publication appears in three-ring binders placed throughout the Linden Ponds clubhouses. In an informal survey recently, the magazine’s publishers found that about 38% of those surveyed said they got their information in part from Life, and the number seems to be growing, says Editor Jim Carr.

“I think that a lot of people are interested in items that are unique to Linden Ponds,” Carr says.

Each issue features a big story, such as the community’s recent gala or the upcoming opening of its health care neighborhood, while spotlighting other activities and events in shorter pieces. Readers look forward to the recurring “Image of the Month,” taken by photographer Elaine Taber; “Round-Up,” a summary of events by Sandy Kimball; “Food for Thought,” a column by Virginia Bartlett; and “Meet Your Neighbors,” a profile of an individual or couple living in the community.

“This will keep you up-to-date,” says regular reader Walter Pasiuk.

Active retirement
The magazine is the creation of Russell Jalbert, who came to Linden Ponds in the midst of what he calls his fourth career, “active retirement.” Having worked in writing and public relations for much of his adult life, from interviewing Ernest Hemingway for Esquire magazine to running public affairs at Boston University, Jalbert’s experience primed him for his current role.