Just prior to 10AM Barbara Trought introduced the ORANJ Board Members in attendance and welcomed everyone. She told all in attendance about ORANJ.
Then the meeting was called to order. Barbara told us that at Medford Leas they have a focus group that discusses topics from the book, Great Decisions. Then they share it with the community. If any CCRC wants to look into it, go to the website, FPA.org. Lois from Lions Gate reported that they have a group on Fridays to discuss the news topic of the week.
Barbara asked now that Tax Season is here, do CCRCs help the residents with tax preparations. BJ from Applewood said that there is a gal who helps. From there, the discussion went to how long the CCRC has to get the information to residents regarding deductions for property tax, nurses, etc. Some have already received the necessary information while others are still waiting. Springpoint communities received theirs a month ago.
Bruce Shundler noted that most residents were not happy with renovations in the Fellowship Village dining room. What can they do? A discussion followed. One made suggestions regarding construction through their Resident Council. One is having a meeting with Upper Management.
Lions Gate reported that there was damage to some apartments during the storm in December. Some are repaired and usable, but some were flooded. Residents in those apartments were moved to other apartments temporarily.
Barbara reported that the board had been looking for a CCRC to host the 2026 Plenary. Medford Leas will host. They are located off NJ Turnpike exit 4. The plenary will be on 21 October 2026. Bruce Shundler reported that the speaker will be Katherine Pearson, whose expertise will benefit all CCRCs.
Linda asked if ORANJ pays dues to NaCCRA. Bruce said that he paid a nominal cost for 40 memberships. NaCCRA represents residents as opposed to management. He also stated that New Jersey CCRCs have more protection than other states have.
Lura said that their emergency system is antiquated. She asked what systems others use. Discussion followed. Response suggestions were: call “911”; pull the pull cord in their apartment, call security; two use LIVELY, so they have pendants that go directly to ambulance when pushed; one is a self-contained community so when you push your pendant a nurse and security come or they can call “911”.
The next meeting will be on April 8, 2026, at 10:00am.
Respectfully submitted by Julie Gelb
2 Responses
The Oaks at Deanville has been doing Great Decisions for 7 or 8 years. We meet every other week from February through May and watch the DVD on the off week. We have 20 or so participants and shae the leadership each week.
LaVerne from Laurel Circle, one of those who answered Barbara’s question about other communities who used Great Decisions, described a successful discussion of Ukraine.