Page 8 - CooperatorNews New Jersey Spring 2021

8 COOPERATORNEWS NEW JERSEY —SPRING 2021 NJ.COOPERATORNEWS.COM TRENDS For many buyers, a key factor in deciding facilities like pools, clubhouses, gyms, the- to purchase a home in a residential commu- nity rather than opt for private, single-family many are facing a new surge in the pandemic 55+, mixed-aged, resort, and high-rise prop- ownership is often the appeal of amenities and must develop a plan to keep residents erties.” that come with condo, co-op, and HOA liv- ing—pools, gyms, clubhouses for social ac- tivities, and even on-premises restaurants and retail shops being only a small sample. director for WTS International, a Rock- Suburban and 55+ or ‘active adult’ commu- nities often go even further, with full-time ties management firm that manages such important than ever before. Weekly Zoom social activity directors on staff to organize activity-minded properties throughout the calls have become very productive and im- planned outings, creative workshops, lec- ture series, and more. In many communities, ironic,” says Gallogly, “in that lifestyle direc- there’s never a dull moment. Thanks to the unwelcome arrival of CO- VID-19, however, this sought-after lifestyle keep people apart. This has posed a very big where multiple communities can participate is now in a time of transition. The virus is challenge for management. Very early on in together in one event.” insidious and spreads with relative ease from the pandemic, we started to see our various person to person, often without the least bit sites making adaptations to their activity cal- of warning from many who appear asymp- tomatic. This reality has made casual contact This included closing pools, fitness centers, crisis began. Balancing safety and activity with one’s neighbors more of a threat than and kids’ clubs, and canceling traditional was also a matter of balancing sanity. Much a pleasure, and has brought us to an inter- section in a Venn diagram where we have ter festivities. We quickly sought out candid the toll that the social isolation of quarantine to balance social programming with social feedback from our directors from all regions has taken on community cohesion and indi- distancing to keep both ourselves and our on weekly Zoom calls to discuss what was vidual mental health—particularly in demo- neighbors safe. Now, as communities both vertical and has been a lifesaver for our operations team. horizontal contend with whether to reopen For instance, managers shared tips on what ity and ingenuity the lifestyle professionals aters, and the like after a year of closure, along with best practices for programming at both active and safe. At a Crossroads Amy Gallogly is the corporate operations Woods, in Howell, New Jersey. She adds that ville, Maryland-based lifestyle and ameni- east coast of the United States. “It’s been very portant, as social distancing will continue to tors are normally tasked with bringing peo- ple together—and now they literally have to style directors can now combine programs endars as the country started to shut down. to be quick on their feet since the COVID-19 celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day and Eas- happening in their world. This simple move graphics that thrive on social interaction. vendors had gym wipes or sanitizer in stock, Lynne Edwards, also with WTS, is a life- style director at Four Seasons at Monmouth “networking and idea-sharing between life- style directors are becoming more and more be the way of life for a while. One great posi- tive with virtual programming is that life- The Evolution of Bingo Night Management and lifestyle staff have had has been written and discussed regarding “I have been so impressed by the flexibil- continue to show,” says Gallogly. “It’s really been remarkable how quickly they have been able to adapt. Social events like ‘Wine-Down’ Wednesdays, the annual Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and ‘summer kick-offs’ \[took\] place in driveways and clubhouse parking lots all over \[last spring and summer\]. In some of our 55+ communities, we offer a live stream of bingo night, weekly happy hours, and even chef demonstrations.” “Philanthropic events have been another way to connect in 55+ communities,” says Edwards. “Partnering with the local food pantries and food banks, working with the local United Way, has really helped to keep the community spirit alive. Many of the clubs and groups like ladies’ and men’s lunch groups, book clubs, wine tasting, guitar club, etc. have been able to meet outside, weather permitting, while social distancing. This has also helped to maintain social connec- tions safely. Block parties are popular as well, where everyone sets up their own tables, chairs, food, and music at the end of their driveways and socialize from a distance with their neighbors.” “These activities keep the community connected and engaged while safely socially distancing,” adds Gallogly. “Some of the pop- ular card games traditionally held in person are now being offered virtually, along with kids programming like karate and ballet. We leveraged various social media platforms and web-based sites to hold dance contests, tal- ent shows, and weekly ‘parent-and-me’ story time.” New Approaches Gallogly explains that nature-related programming had a resurgence of sorts last summer, which is expected to continue as the weather becomes more cooperative. They are bringing back activities like geocaching in the Catskills region and rocket building in some of their mixed-age communities in the Florida market. In New Jersey and Nevada, virtual group exercise classes and personal training have become the norm, and can be both streamed live or pre-recorded and re- played when it’s convenient for each resident. Edwards reports that ‘Paint & Sips’ have also been very popular. To participate, resi- dents purchase a basic painting kit online and pick it up at the store or have it delivered and join the class virtually via Zoom or Face- book Live. Movies outdoors on community Social Programming vs. Social Distancing Communities Get Creative BY A J SIDRANSKY continued on page 19