New Program at Greenspring Connects Residents to Their Neighbors and Unbeatable Resources

Greenspring, an Erickson Senior Living community in Springfield, Va., recently launched the new Greenspring Connect program, designed to bring residents together and highlight the community's many groups, activities, departments, and services.

"Greenspring Connect aims to introduce new residents to our expansive community and remind current residents of everything that's available to them," says Executive Director Melissa Robson, who came up with the idea for the program.

With dozens of clubs, industry-leading amenities, and unbeatable services, there's lots to take advantage of!

Team Connect

The program consists of two events, each held semiannually. Team Connect introduces residents to the community's departments and services, and Group Connect hosts more than 200 groups and activities for residents to explore.

This spring, all 20-plus departments participated in Team Connect, providing residents with detailed information regarding their services. Set up like an exhibit hall, each department staffed a table, handed out flyers and goodies, and answered individual questions. 

"Our staff members enjoyed the opportunity to interact with residents," says Community Resources Manager Carol Opiela. "The event is perfect for both new and current residents. Often, residents may be unfamiliar with certain departments if they've never needed their services. Team Connect is a great way for residents to refamiliarize themselves with the wide range of support available at Greenspring." 

In addition to a tote bag to collect their goodies, every resident received a puzzle grid, with each box in the grid representing a team or department. When a resident visits a table, the team or department's corresponding box is stamped. When the grid is filled, the resident receives a raffle ticket.

"It encourages residents to spend time with all of our departments," says Opiela. "The card also illustrates how we are all one team, one Greenspring." 

Group Connect 

Last month, Greenspring hosted the popular Group Connect. Set up like an activities fair, residents are encouraged to seek out the groups that match their interests and hobbies.

"There is always a new group forming," says Opiela. "Group Connect is a wonderful way for new clubs to find new members. And because there are so many different groups, even residents who have lived here for years learn something new."

Resident Roy O'Connor leads the pickleball group, one of Greenspring's most popular clubs. He finds that Group Connect is a great way to reach the ever-growing pickleball fan base.

"We really enjoy participating in the Group Connect fairs," he says. "We usually set up a table with photos and videos about pickleball and man the table with some of our most knowledgeable players."

Roy adds, "While we have been playing the game at Greenspring since 2004, the growth and popularity of the sport is growing leaps and bounds everywhere. We've more than doubled our membership in the past two years."

The members of Greenspring's History Forum also find tremendous value in participating in Group Connect. 

"We're able to acquaint residents with the group, get signups for our newsletter, and access feedback," says Dave Hall, leader of the History Forum. "The fairs are also great vehicles for developing teamwork, reaching people who might be interested in our activities, and meeting new people."

Judy Heusmann, leader of the community's table tennis group, notes that recruiting new members at Group Connect fairs has helped the group become stronger as a whole. 

"Bringing in new competition is good for all of us," she says. "We all enjoy participating in the event and sharing how much fun we have playing together. Group Connect also highlights what a vibrant community we have at Greenspring. If you're looking for something to do, there's a lot to choose from."

Connecting in person

One of the biggest benefits of both the Team and Group Connect events is the opportunity to connect with staff members and residents in person. 

"Speaking for the History Forum, we enjoy hearing directly from other residents regarding which programs they liked or didn't like. It's also allows us to gather suggestions on topics and speakers for future programs," says Dave. 

With the redesign and reopening of Greenspring's Hunter's Crossing Conference Center this past August, future Connect events will be even bigger and better. 

"We are excited for future events where our residents will be able to connect one-on-one with neighbors and staff members," says Opiela. "Having strong, supportive ties benefits our entire community."

To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Greenspring, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.