Cedar Crest's Booming Baby Boomer Club

With nearly 200 clubs to choose from at Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J., residents find it easy to connect with peers who share similar interests and life experiences.

That's especially true for members of the popular Baby Boomer Club, led by resident Lillian Rosenstein--a Boomer herself.

"Our generation shook up the status quo; turned society on its head," says Lillian. "We lived through the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War. Even computers were developed in our generation. We were the long hairs, the hippies."

Open to residents born between 1946 and 1964, the Baby Boomer Club continues to draw more and more members due to its welcoming, inclusive atmosphere and engaging activities.

"We try to do something every other month," notes Lillian. "Our goal is to meet new people, get to know each other, and just have fun!"

Getting started

Lillian, a retired microbiology hospital lab manager, was living in Rockland County, N.Y., when she decided to move to Cedar Crest.

"It was my first time living outside of New York State. I lived in Rockland County for almost 40 years," she says.

Lillian considers herself to be introverted and shy, but because she moved by herself, she was eager to meet some neighbors around her age. So, she approached Cedar Crest's resident life manager at the time, who encouraged her to start a club.

"I wanted the group to be of my generation," says Lillian, who organized a pizza party for fellow Boomers in June 2023 to kick off the club's formation.

"We had 50 people at that first event," she recalls. "It was like everybody came out of the woodwork!"

Following the party, Lillian received thank you letters, and people frequently stopped her in the hallways to say how much they enjoyed it.

"People said they had such a wonderful time, met new people, and now have new friends," she recalls.

Encouraged by the positive feedback, Lillian began organizing additional activities for the group. Now, a committee of six work together to brainstorm ideas and plan events.

Fun events

Over the last two years, the Baby Boomer Club has grown significantly. Last year's holiday get-together drew 84 attendees. As a result, the group now uses one of Cedar Crest's large conference rooms for their parties.

"We do something a little different every time. We've had a couple of dances, karaoke, a trivia contest, brain teasers, and puzzles. One time, we had a DJ," Lillian says. "We also host more low-key gatherings, like getting together to enjoy wine, cheese, and conversation."

While the club does not charge dues, it does collect fees for events.

However, as a testament to its popularity and atmosphere, the Baby Boomer Club has collected enough to donate to each of Cedar Crest's philanthropic efforts, including the Scholars' Fund, the Staff Appreciation Fund, and the Resident Care Fund.

New members welcome

"The groups here really bring people together. Residents build strong connections and maintain busy social lives as a result, adding to their vibrant lifestyle," says Resident Life Manager Amy Wagener.

"Whether you love being in the mix or just want to join in now and then, there's something for everyone at Cedar Crest. You can be as involved as you like!"

Always welcoming new members, the group even extends invitations--through the sales team--to prospective and future residents.

In fact, Lillian knows of at least two new residents who attended Baby Boomer Club events. Their great experiences helped them make the decision to move to Cedar Crest.

'So much to do'

For Lillian, the Baby Boomer Club is an important part of her new life at Cedar Crest. She enjoys having a place to go where she feels understood and surrounded by companionship.

"It's so important to meet other people here--like-minded people," she says.

In addition to organizing the group's activities, she takes exercise classes, volunteers as a water aerobics instructor, and serves on the Independent Learning Committee.

"[Staying active] is one of the reasons I moved to Cedar Crest. I have an active social life and intend to keep moving. My goodness, there's so much to do here!" Lillian adds.

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

By Susan Ingram