Lantern Hill Makes Entertaining Easy

Residents enjoy a variety of entertainment opportunities at the vibrant senior living community.

At Lantern Hill , a senior living community developed and managed by Erickson Living , internal research shows retirees place significant value on having the opportunity to enjoy entertainment, whether they're the host or a guest, in the audience or on stage.

Yet, many times, when retirees downsize, they lose the ability to continue their beloved  traditions. One of the many benefits of moving to Lantern Hill in New Providence, New Jersey, is being able to both host and enjoy entertainment. And oftentimes, it's easier than ever before.

On-site Catering for Private Parties

Judy Unger has hosted both private parties and community celebrations with the help of Lantern Hill's catering department .

"It's a very good feeling to know that the support is there, and they will do everything they can to accommodate us," Judy says.

For her private gathering to celebrate her and her husband's return from a month-long trip, catering services provided a menu of bagels and lox, danishes, an egg dish, beverages, and coffee.

"They are very easy to work with and very flexible," she says. "My daughter brought in some centerpieces, and catering provided linens, table cloths, and napkins. The room looked lovely. They know what they're doing."

Celebrate the Holidays

Judy has also coordinated large Jewish community gatherings with neighbor Doris Wise.

"It's for spirit of community, and these events absolutely bring the community together," says Doris. "It takes a lot of time to plan something and execute it. The venues and catering department are very easy to work with, and they do their best to make it easy for us to do this."

They've conducted a Passover Seder with about 60 people in the Rutgers Room (a large private dining room), which was beautifully set with large round tables, and a Rosh Hashanah celebration.

"The Seder dinner was very well received," Judy says. "Our cook made Matzo ball soup for the first time in his life, and he was thrilled to pieces with himself. And we received very positive responses from people afterwards."

The ability to entertain on a large scale without having to do it all themselves has enabled Doris and Judy to plan and execute these special events that bring people together and create a vibrant, kind, and caring community.

"No one has to be alone for the holidays," says Judy. "I'm happy that it has to be someone's choice to be alone. They have the option to join with other people to celebrate a holiday if they want to."

While Judy and Doris utilize Lantern Hills catering, others enjoy preparing their own food or simply ordering off the menu.

Neighbors Entertaining Neighbors

Carole Pasquale has enjoyed entertaining her family and her neighbors year after year. Carole leads three chimes choirs on campus, who will perform their holiday program on December 18 in the community's Rutgers Room. She also continues to host her family—all 21 of them—for Christmas on December 23, which she's done for years.

"It's a tradition in our family. We are big on Christmas," she says.

They enjoy a spread of ham or turkey breast, salad, and vegetables in an open-house format followed by a family gift exchange in Lantern Hill's Metropolitan private dining room.

Being able to continue that tradition after moving from her house to an apartment home at Lantern Hill was an important priority for Carole.

"I moved here because I wanted to be in a community. Living here now and having the ability to maintain the lifestyle that I've always had is important," she says. "I think it's important to a lot of the people who live here."

Hosting Family on Campus

It's also important to Chris Stoddard, who hosts her family and out-of-town guests at Tall Oaks Restaurant the morning after Thanksgiving for a send-off breakfast.

"We've been at someone's home for Thanksgiving dinner, then we gather here for breakfast and send them on their way," Chris says. "Dining has been very accommodating for us. We have anywhere from 11 to 15 of us. They seat us in the back where it's a little more private. It's a very special time and a way to share our home surroundings with out of towners. I think the décor is attractive, and for our purposes it's adequate in size."

Schedule a visit to learn more about Lantern Hill at 800-515-2124 or visit LanternHillCommunity.com.

Lantern Hill is a not-for-profit organization, developed and managed by Erickson Living ®. The community is governed by its own board of directors affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. 

About Lantern Hill: Lantern Hill, one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 26-acre campus in New Providence, New Jersey. The not-for-profit community of more than 390 residents and 300 employees is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Lantern Hill can be found at LanternHillCommunity.com .

Photo courtesy of Chris Stoddard - Chris Stoddard hosts her family at Lantern Hill's Tall Oaks Restaurant the morning after Thanksgiving for a send-off breakfast.

 Story written by Julia Collins