Adult Communities’ Active Ingredient ; Social Director Fills Residents’ Schedules With Special Events

By ANGELA ARTEMIS, SPECIAL TO THE RECORD

What is an active adult lifestyle community without a lifestyle director?

Enter Denise Marttine-Collins.

Collins, a resident of Pompton Lakes, is lifestyle director for K. Hovnanian’s Four Seasons at The Promenade in Warren Township, Somerset County, and is thrilled with her career choice. “Honestly, sometimes I feel like Julie from ‘The Love Boat,’ ” she says.

But her job is a lot more diverse and demanding than the TV portrayal of the duties of a cruise director. Marttine-Collins, who has a degree in leisure services management, describes herself as “a liaison to the community,” creating social opportunities for residents to bond via the on-premises events, clubs, classes and workshops she puts together.

She points out that while she may do all the legwork to coordinate the activities, “I wouldn’t be there socializing with the residents during the events. They’re here to form relationships amongst themselves – and I’m here to give them what they want.”

The explosion in the development of these communities puts people such as Marttine-Collins in demand: Four Seasons at The Promenade is just one of 18 active adult communities in New Jersey built by K. Hovnanian alone, and there are several more in the pipeline, according to Doug Fenichel, spokesman for the Red Bank builder.

“The 55-and-over set, or baby boomers, make up a large part of the housing market and have lots of disposable income,” Fenichel says, “and now that their kids are grown, they’re ready for something different.”

Since the age restriction begins at 55, many residents may still be employed, or may be only semiretired, which is why “active” is the operative word.

Resort-like amenities such as pools, billiard rooms, card rooms, fireplace lounges, walking paths, park-like grounds, gyms and community rooms and clubhouses with planned events and classes are essential to attracting buyers.

Fenichel says one reason such communities have become so popular here is that many active adults wish to remain near family and friends and the support systems they’ve established over the years. Many residents are snowbirds with second homes elsewhere, he says.

The Four Seasons is so new that the clubhouse isn’t open yet, so Marttine-Collins is focusing on planning and research. She anticipates overseeing daily activities and classes, and planning and implementing everything from decorations to hiring caterers and musicians for upcoming events. She is currently arranging for speakers and teachers to lead workshops and lecture series.

Marttine-Collins says most of the activities will be free to residents, but some will carry a nominal cost to cover a speaker or workshop leader’s fee. She’s just hired a massage therapist and personal trainer to service the community as soon as the clubhouse and gym are open. Fitness and wellness classes of all kinds are a selling point.

Residents complete a detailed activities and interests survey upon moving in. Most say maintaining their health to remain active physically and mentally is at the top of their wish list for activities, so Marttine-Collins is planning to beef up health and wellness programs. Once the community is fully operational she also expects to be organizing concierge services for residents such as dry-cleaning delivery, limousine service to and from the airport and even purchasing tickets for residents’ trips.

Irene and Richard Weinstein were homeowners in Warren for 18 years before selling and moving into The Promenade in June. “Anything you desire is at your fingertips here, and if it’s not here, Denise will find it and bring it in,” says Irene Weinstein, 52. She and her husband Richard, 58, owner of an executive search firm, were looking for a community, not a neighborhood, and a maintenance-free lifestyle. Both say this is a new chapter in their lives, and with their children grown, it’s time to focus on their own enjoyment.

While the community is still in its infancy, Irene looks forward to meeting the residents as they move in. “People from all walks of life will bring their experiences and wisdom with them from so many areas – I can’t wait to learn from them.”

Richard is eagerly awaiting the opening of the clubhouse, which is scheduled for later this month. He plans to take advantage of the gym equipment and staff of trainers, massage therapists, reiki and nutrition instructors. “I find taking ownership for improving your health, especially when it’s right in your back yard, immensely attractive,” says Richard Weinstein.

Marttine-Collins has organized the activities she’ll be coordinating into five groups: fitness/wellness, special events/ excursions, aquatic exercise, life enrichment, and clubs and interest groups.

She also plans to draw on the talents and expertise of the residents to teach or lead workshops, and to create a community newsletter and Web site, as well. Marttine-Collins also is preparing excursions to New York museums and the opera, weekend getaways, cruises and kayak and canoeing trips. She plans to hold holiday parties and wine and cheese socials in the community room throughout the year.

“With more than 30 activities or programs going on at all times, there is something for everyone,” says Marttine-Collins, “or they can just choose to meet for tea in the caf, or to make new friends.”

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