Residents Enjoy the Abundant Green Space at Lantern Hill

While John and Eleanor Peoples were settling into their new home at Lantern Hill, an Erickson Senior Living community in New Providence, N.J., they received some advice they took to heart. 

"At a new residents' meeting, one speaker told us to forget about the boxes that remained unpacked and circulate in the community and meet people instead. It was great advice, and we followed it," recalls Eleanor. 

That guidance still serves them today, as the couple enjoys participating in a wide range of social activities on campus--especially those that take place outdoors. 

Friendly competition

Among all the couple's myriad hobbies, they have a clear favorite. 

"Bocce is a big deal here at Lantern Hill," says Eleanor. "It's a great sport to get outside, meet new friends, and just have fun." 

One of the highlights of the season is the annual bocce tournament, in which residents play against staff members, and the celebratory picnic. In fact, the event is so popular that players are chosen using a lottery system. 

"We have yet to play in that tournament," John says, "but we have served as officials."

"You get to see a new side to people when they are in a competition, which is fun. I cannot say enough about how enjoyable bocce is here at Lantern Hill," she says. 

Eleanor notes that the tournament attracts plenty of spectators, many of whom become interested in learning how to play bocce themselves. To meet the growing demand for the sport, John and Eleanor teach new players the game's rules and strategies via a six-week class. 

"It's another way for us to meet new people," adds John, "and the residents form a bond during the classes and usually begin playing together as a group." 

The multitalented couple also teaches newcomers how to play pickleball. 

Amenities galore

John notes that the opportunities to get involved in outdoor activities at Lantern Hill are endless. 

"There is a garden club, which is very active, a putting green, a meditation area, and a butterfly garden that one of the residents helped design," he says. 

Eleanor adds, "We live in the Bell Pavilion, which we love because the Bell Courtyard is right there, and it has firepits where people gather. It's a great way to meet new people, who share what they did that day or talk about a recent vacation. Sometimes, those conversations will spark a new interest for someone else." 

She continues, "I think it's really important to get outside as much as possible and make new friends. Even the knitting group takes their knitting outside when it's nice weather, and people will stop by and watch, even if they don't knit."

Fun in the sun

Resident Services Manager Carla Brady notes that events held outside on the patio with its beautiful fountain, Union Square Courtyard, or the Bell Pavilion are very popular with residents. 

"We take advantage of the beautiful grounds at Lantern Hill to hold as many events outside as possible," says Brady. "The outdoor concerts are especially appealing. We have music once or twice a week, but one of the most popular events is the Night Under the Stars series with the New Jersey Jazz Academy, where we have seats outdoors with wine and snacks." 

Other outdoor events include Memorial Day and July Fourth cookouts, Father's Day happy hour, and the spring and fall farmers markets. 

An affinity for the outdoors

"Residents really gravitate to the outdoor areas, whether it's sharpening their golf game on the putting green or just relaxing with friends for a fun happy hour," says Brady. 

"The patios are used often for playing chess and Scrabble or enjoying a glass of wine with friends. When the weather is nice, residents head to the outdoor common spaces to make new friends or see their neighbors."

She adds, "One of my favorite times of day is when some staff members are leaving and residents sitting outside raise a glass to us, cheer us on, and encourage us to go home and relax with family. It's really touching."

These robust outdoor amenities are just one of the reasons to consider a move. Request more information today!