2016 Was a Banner Year at Applewood!
2016 Was a Banner Year at Applewood
By Keith Grady Executive Director
Oh, what a year it has been!
Applewood was a flurry of activity from January to December in 2016.
After developing big plans the year before, we were determined to implement these goals to improve, expand and upgrade our beautiful community this year, as outlined below:
Floor-to-Ceiling Redesign and Expansion of Public Spaces
We started the year by redecorating the lobby, community center and promenade with a casual elegance theme which included new carpets, upscale furnishings, modern wall finishes, contemporary lighting and invigorating works of art. The new Applewood Coffee Bar offers complimentary gourmet beverages and a place to watch the game, enjoy a little shuffleboard or chat with a friend. (Residents have called this spot a resounding success!)
We celebrated last fall with the grand opening of new outdoor amenities including a 1,000 sq. ft. putting green; American six-wicket croquet; bocce court and benches; lighted walking path with distance markers; and a full-size shuffleboard court.
Giving Back to Our Community Benefits Volunteers and Recipients
As a community, residents and staff completed several social accountability initiatives this year, including the launch of Tools 4 Schools, a partnership with the overburdened Freehold Borough School District where Applewood volunteers provide hands-on classroom support as well as school supplies and necessities for students in need.
The program was featured on News 12 NJ, the Asbury Park Press and McKnight’s Senior Living. LeadingAge New Jersey, the statewide association of senior care organizations, awarded it the “2016 Excellence in Community Service” Award.
Delicious Culinary Delights
Dining Services, under the direction of Heath Braunstein, provides delicious daily meals and catered events 365-days-a-year. In addition, the department offers many interactive opportunities for residents to learn more about culinary art appreciation through its exclusive Culinary Institute of Applewood (CIA) program. The lively monthly club ended the year with a “Chopped” competition where the resident team who ultimately created the best recipe was awarded a crystal trophy and community-wide acclaim!
Twenty Distinctive Home Designs Now Available
With the addition of the newly designed Signature Maplewood and Signature Rosewood apartment style homes, Applewood offers a wide array of floor plan options featuring 15 different apartment style homes and five distinctive freestanding cottage homes.
Thank You!
We would like to thank our residents for working with us in the development of the future of the community this year. We will continue to strive to be the best continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in New Jersey.
With our combined efforts and steadfast dedication, this special community has attracted an energetic and engaging group of seniors who are proud to call Applewood home.
As we look forward in this new year, rest assured we will continue to work tirelessly to make Applewood a spectacular place to live, enjoy life and to thrive.