Key Outcomes
The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming ORANJ Plenary on October 28 at Medford Leas, including registration deadlines and accessibility arrangements. Members also shared updates on facility management changes and debated the impact of mandatory resident association fees imposed by corporate owners like Fellowship Senior Living.
Plenary Event Details
- Date and Time: Wednesday, October 28; doors open at 9:00 AM, meeting begins at 10:00 AM.
- Location: Medford Leas.
- Registration Deadline: September 30.
Agenda:
- Business meeting to vote on the budget for the coming year.
- Guest speaker Dr. Katherine Pearson from Penn State, an expert on CCRC trends and financial issues.
- Afternoon speaker to be an elected official capable of addressing New Jersey CCRC laws.
- Accessibility: The facility is single-level and accessible for wheelchairs; designated seating is available in the theater.
Facility & Association Updates
- Masonic Village: Currently in the process of being sold to a company called Trico.
- Pines Village: Maintaining status quo and seeking new residents.
- Cranes Mill: New president elected in July; new executive director appointed.
- Winchester Gardens: Approaching its 100th anniversary and starting renovations.
- Applewood: New executive chef hired; executive director recently resigned.
- Lionsgate: New president, Joel Sheffield, has increased participation in ORANJ.
Resident Association Fee Discussion
- Fellowship Senior Living Policy: Some facilities are implementing a $50 annual membership fee for new residents, included in their contracts.
Impacts:
- Positive: Provides a guaranteed budget for programs and activities.
- Negative: May lead to a reduction in corporate-funded services (e.g., entertainment, transportation), forcing associations to fund these independently.
Alternative Models:
- Winchester Gardens: Operates as a separate 501c3 corporation, independent of Spring Point.
- Lions Gate: Has no resident association fee; all classes and entertainment are covered by the program director.
Legislative Efforts
- Veteran Tax Relief: The ORANJ Legislative Committee successfully secured a $250 real estate tax reduction for veterans living in CCRCs.
- Ongoing Goals: The committee continues to push for increases in that amount and works with the New Jersey Legislature to modify CCRC governing laws.
Action Items
- BJ: Send Zoom-generated notes to Ann Campbell for the blog.
- Presidents: Ensure registration forms for the plenary are submitted by September 30.
- Sam Inglis: Coordinate with the new executive director at Harrogate Village regarding the $50 fee and entertainment funding.
Submitted by BJ Drews