Thirty-one people from twenty-two of ORANJ’s twenty-five communities gathered via Zoom on 11 June 2025. BJ Drews moderated in Barbara Trought’s absence. There were four topics discussed. BJ asked the first three questions.
- How are Appreciation Funds run in other communities? Do we need a TIN number? Several commented how they manage their Appreciation Fund. Jack Mahon suggested what Applewood should do.
- Are alert fobs used at other communities? At Applewood residents are encouraged to wear them. Fobs are good only in their community! In other communities residents have to supply their own if they want them. Some communities supply the fobs at no cost. In some communities residents are required to purchase the fobs. All are only good in the resident’s apartment or around the community only. One community had some kind of motion detector in each apartment in certain rooms. Many or all have emergency pull cords in the apartments.
- Food Plans—Many are on the POINTS system with different variations in the plans that are available within each system. A point is equal to $1.00. Lions Gate currently has no executive chef. They have a couple of sous chefs. Residents are basically on their own right now.
John from Friends Village said that when residents moved in, they could request that a sun room or an awning be built for their apartment at a cost to the resident. Friends Village would pay for any necessary repairs. Now that they are Fellowship Village, the resident is responsible for the cost of the repairs of the awnings. Where can he get help in having that changed? Wayne from Seabrook made some suggestions. They could contact NJ Consumer Affairs. Or residents with awnings could get together and hire a good local attorney to write a letter. Or residents could make the repair, keep receipts, and go to Small Claims Court. BJ does not know if Barbara plans to have meetings in the summer. Barbara will keep us informed. The meeting was adjourned at 11:00am.