Clubs For Every Interest at Ann's Choice

"Ann's Choice offers something for everyone," says Trisha Malabuyo, resident life director at the Erickson Senior Living community in Bucks County, Pa.

That's in part because the community boasts more than 150 clubs! From discussion groups and fitness programs to lifelong learning classes and creative endeavors, residents enjoy endless opportunities to learn, connect, and have fun together.

Each club is started and run by residents, with support from members of the Resident Life team, who help coordinate meeting spaces, communications, and promotion throughout campus.

"Clubs and groups are the heartbeat of community life," adds Malabuyo. "Shared interests, passions, and hobbies lead to meaningful friendships and lasting bonds."

A forum for every voice

When Mike Margolis--a former journalist and lifelong follower of current events--moved to Ann's Choice last year, he saw an opportunity to bring people together through conversation. Mike founded Timely Topics, a discussion group centered on news and world affairs.

"The purpose is to provide a safe place where people can express their views amid an atmosphere of courtesy and respect," he explains. "Everyone is welcome to share their perspective, and everyone is treated with dignity."

Meeting twice a month, Timely Topics draws a full house of around 40 participants.

At the end of each session, attendees choose the topic for the next meeting. Discussion topics have ranged from term limits for Supreme Court justices to the war in Ukraine. "We don't shy away from controversial subjects," he says.

Mike moderates, ensuring that participants stay civil and respectful. "We're the embodiment of free speech," he says. "No one has a monopoly on the truth. That's what makes our discussions so enriching."

Generations connect

Two of the most popular groups at Ann's Choice, the Baby Boomers Social Club and the Silent Generation Club, celebrate generational bonds while welcoming new friendships.

Susan Sultanik, who helped launch the Baby Boomers Social Club in 2023, says the group grew quickly. "We get about 70 to 80 people each time, and each month, we see new faces," she says.

The club's mission is simple--help residents born during the Baby Boom years to meet, mingle, and connect. Monthly gatherings range from pool parties and happy hours to themed games like "Two Truths and a Lie."

"It's about fun and friendship," says Susan. "We wanted new residents, especially younger ones, to know that there's a vibrant, active community waiting for them here."

The Silent Generation Club, founded by Joan "Joy" Katz and cochaired by Marilyn Webster and Leslie Kreithen, was inspired by the success of the Baby Boomers Social Club. What began as a small idea quickly became a major hit.

"We expected 25 people at our first meeting," says Joy. "We had 65. The next month, more than 150!"

The club, now boasting 300 members, hosts monthly programs that blend entertainment, education, and connection. Topics have included healthy aging, gratitude, and mindfulness--often with guest speakers from Ann's Choice staff. Meetings open with trivia and close with laughter and camaraderie.

"We don't love the label 'Silent Generation' because we're anything but silent," Joy says, with a laugh. "We're engaged, thoughtful, and fun-loving. It's wonderful to have a space where we can share experiences and support one another."

There's a club for that

Want to play table or card games? There are groups for cribbage, mah-jongg, gin rummy, euchre, canasta, chess, bridge, Scrabble, and more.

At Ann's Choice, fitness means fun. The disc golf, Wii bowling and golf, table tennis, Let's Play Catch, cornhole, bocce, billiards, and tennis groups are popular.

The Storytime Club, ACT III Singers, Players, and improv groups give resident performers and thespians an outlet to share their talents, and arts and crafts clubs of every kind keep creative juices flowing.

Intellectual groups like lifelong learning and the philosophy club spur the mind, while spiritual groups satisfy the soul.

No matter which activities spark joy, each group offers something even more meaningful than the hobby itself--the chance to share it with others.

The spirit of connection

For Malabuyo and her team, the success of the clubs lies in how they enhance residents' daily lives.

"We see residents, who knew no one upon moving in, develop strong friendships that feel like family," she says. "We always tell newcomers to dine in our restaurants and sit with different people each day. That's often how they discover their next friend--or their next favorite club."

From learning a new hobby to sharing stories from decades past, Ann's Choice residents show that retirement is a chapter of engagement and friendship.

To learn more about independent senior living at Ann's Choice, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and much more.

By Julia Collins