Resident Entrepreneur Facilitates Applewood’s TED Talk Series
“Our residents are interested in a myriad of interesting and unusual topics and enjoy exchanging ideas,” says Bobbie Schneider, Applewood TED Talks resident facilitator.
“Learning and exchanging ideas also helps to open the mind and keep you sharp.”
Now in its second year, Bobbie and a few resident volunteers select 12 topics, one per month, after watching hours of options on TED.com, where more than 25,000 expert presentations are available. Residents then volunteer to facilitate one of the chosen subjects.
“Some residents propose their own topics where they are subject matter experts,” Bobbie explains. “This personalized the experience for the speaker and our audience.”
On the second Wednesday of the month at 11 am, residents are invited to join in by first watching the TED Talk online, followed by a resident-facilitated discussion.
Resident-Managed Clubs Proliferate at Applewood
Topics range from art and science to health and spirituality; the talks are attracting new participants every month. On average, more than 40 residents attend.
As you can imagine, managing Applewood’s TED Talks requires a significant amount of administration throughout the year.
Partnering with Engaged Living coordinator Courtney Paul, Bobbie and her volunteers finalize the series topics, prepare and test the video before the event and set up handheld microphones so everyone can hear participants’ questions and comments.
Bobbie manages the club seamlessly, presumably due to her long career as the owner of three New Jersey childcare centers where 360 children were cared for and more than 90 people were employed.
In partnership with her husband, the couple also managed other businesses, including a popular roller skating rink, where Bobbie took the lead in Marketing.
“I am well versed in planning events, recruiting speakers and overseeing meetings,” Bobbie says. “I have enjoyed this new challenge and am thrilled with the feedback from my friends and neighbors here.”
The 219 Applewood TED Talk Agenda
January 9 Gratitude ─ B. Clark
February 13 Why the Secret to Success is Setting the Right Goals ─ B. Scheerer
March 13 A Small Country with Big Ideas about Fossil Fuels ─ P. Walch
April 10 The Journey through Loss and Grief – F. Cohen
May 8 Between Music and Medicine: How Music Affects Us – H. Kho
June 12 The Genius Behind Some of the World’s Most Famous Buildings – Amy Fisher
July 10 Why We Do What We Do – F. Brody
August 14 The Power of Introverts – Y. Clark
September 18 Ten Ways to Have a Better Conversation ─ F. Cohen
October 16 What if We Replace Politicians with Randomly Selected People? – E. Blum
November 13 Why People Believe They Can’t Draw ─ P. Talbot
December 11 What We Do Not Understand about Trust – R. VanSteenhoven
Live Comfortably, Live Lively, Live Engaged
Applewood is a retirement community that stands alone—we go several steps beyond the norm to create a neighborhood comprised of comfortable elegance and supported by a wonderful lifestyle that satisfies and challenges body, mind and soul.
Oh—and we’ll offer great food, interesting day trips and cocktail and holiday parties with your neighbors along the way.
Reach out to our team of senior living professionals to discuss your retirement dreams and we’ll explain how we can achieve them, together.
Call (732) 303-7416 or check out our Events page for the next social event for mature adults interested in learning more about Applewood.