Be our guest

If you love good food, great company, and are curious if a continuing care retirement community is right for you, attending an informative complimentary lunch at Charlestown is an easy, pressure-free way to explore your options. Charlestown Sales Event Coordinator Brian Turnof recently sat down with the Tribune to answer some of the most commonly asked questions about the community's luncheons. Here's what he had to say. 

Q: What will I learn about at the luncheon? 

A: Luncheons are great events to dip your toes in the water. We give an overview of things you need to know, like pricing, downsizing, moving, clubs, activities, and a variety of other topics. Our Sales Director Don Grove will also introduce a panel of three to five resident ambassadors who will speak about their experiences living at Charlestown. 

Q: Will I get to tour any amenities or apartments? 

A: Our sales team will guide you on a tour of our most popular amenities. We finish the tour by stepping inside actual resident's apartments. The residents showcasing their homes will be on hand to answer questions and share their own unique stories. 

Q: I have some questions. Will I have an opportunity to get answers at the luncheon? 

A: Yes! Our sales team will address a variety of different topics, including finances, affordability, and availability. And one of our resident ambassadors is seated at each table during lunch to provide an additional opportunity to answer questions on a more personal level about things like activities, clubs, or downsizing. 

Q: How many people will be joining me at the luncheon? 

A: Each luncheon generally features about 40 to 60 guests. However, so that you don't get lost in the crowd, our tour groups are intentionally divided into small groups about eight people, including one sales counselor and one resident ambassador. This allows you to ask questions and get to know your fellow attendees.

Q: What kind of food will be served? 

A: The food offered at the luncheon is truly representative of what is available on the daily menus at Charlestown. Our culinary team has some fantastic food planned for our luncheons in 2020—from chicken française and Italian wedding soup to New York strip steak and cream of crab soup. Guests always rave about our desserts—tiramisu, warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream, lemon meringue, just to name a few. You won't leave hungry.  

Q: I've already received a brochure and visited the website, what's the point of attending a luncheon? 

A: The brochure and website contain a wealth of information but you won't get a real feel for what the community is like until you visit in person. Visiting Charlestown is the best way to get an overview of all that the community has to offer. There's no substitute for walking through the aquatics center, eating in one of our restaurants, or experiencing the friendliness of the people who live and work here. Brochures or a website just can't offer these tangible experiences the way a luncheon can. 

Q: I'm not ready to move yet, will I be pressured into signing or buying something? 

A: Luncheons are a great way to experience the community in a very informal, pressure-free way. We understand that for some people this is a process that can take a few years and we are sensitive to that. Our luncheons are simply an opportunity for you to discover the amazing things that Charlestown has to offer and meet some of the people who already call Charlestown home. 

Q: After I attend a luncheon, what is my next step?

A: We recommend scheduling an appointment as the next step after attending a luncheon. Appointments are tailored to your specific interests and needs. You'll have a chance to ask all of your specific questions and explore the apartment designs that interest you most. 

If you haven't already done so, we also recommend joining Charlestown's priority list. Because the community is over 98% occupied, it's the best way to secure a position on our waiting list for your preferred apartment home. Plus, as a priority list member, you'll get insider information and invitations to member-only events, advance notice of special savings, first right of refusal when an apartment home does become available, and transfer of membership to any other Erickson Living-managed community.