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a Freedom O nd Independence at Applewood scar Trager and his wife Muriel were married for 57 years before she passed away in 2002. After years of doing everything together—from visiting local parks and museums to spending time with their daughters— Oscar found himself lonely and out-of- sorts without her. “I didn’t know how to do anything,” Oscar says. “I just sat in the den all day long, and I ate fast food for most meals. As my blood pressure skyrocketed due to my mainly fast-food diet full of sodium and saturated fats, my daughters became worried about my health and suggested I move to a senior living community.” A NEW MAN Oscar and his daughter, Donna Danzig, looked at several options in the area because he wanted to stay near Marlboro, where he was living, and his doctors and favorite stores. None compared to Applewood Estates, he recalls, citing the “impressive appearance and ambiance,” and amenities such as the swimming pool, library, and Performing Arts Center. He moved into a studio apartment there in April 2010. “I am a new man,” Oscar says. “I am eating well at either the casual Bistro or the formal dining room, and my blood pressure is at a healthier level.” ENJOYING LIFE AGAIN Oscar is part of the men’s club at Applewood that makes regular excursions to parks or museums in the area. He Oscar Trager says he’s a ‘new man’ since moving to Applewood Estates. plays Wii™ bowling (an “active” video game system) one night a week and also is part of a weekly poker game. Oscar says he’s enjoying life again and looking forward to reaching his next milestone birthday so he can throw a big party with so many candles that he’ll “have to notify the fire department first” (a running joke between Oscar and his daughters). “I am so glad I found Applewood Estates,” he says. “I was just existing before. Now I’m living.” AN ACTIVE RETIREMENT Shirley Batlan and her late husband Bud enjoyed an active retirement, going to the theater once a month, dining out with friends, and maintaining their five- bedroom home in Manalapan. But in September 2009, Bud learned that he had lung cancer. “After his chemotherapy treatment began, Bud realized he could no longer care for our home and recommended that we move into a retirement community,” says Shirley. When they toured Applewood Estates, they thought it was beautiful, she recalls, and it was close to their home with physicians, friends, family, and shopping nearby. Unfortunately, Bud passed away a month before they were scheduled to move into their one- bedroom apartment at Applewood in April 2010. Camaraderie and abundant cultural activities are among the highlights of living at Applewood for Shirley Batlan. www.centrastate.com PATRON OF THE ARTS Today, Shirley particularly enjoys the cultural opportunities available to Applewood residents. She often signs up for theater and museum trips to New York City and Philadelphia and on several occasions has joined the group seniorsfirst CALENDAR OF EVENTS JULY & August 2011 Call (732) 780-3013 for reservations for all programs. PARKINSON SUPPORT GROUP Manalapan Senior Center 211 Route 522, Manalapan, NJ Tuesdays, July 19 and August 16, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. SENIORSFIRST MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON—“RED, WHITE & BLUE” Applewood Estates Performing Arts Center Come enjoy a luncheon complete with free raffl e prizes and entertainment. Friday, July 15, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. $9 DINING OUT PROGRAM AND SENIOR GAMES Star and Barry Tobias Ambulatory Campus Conference Center Join us for good food and fun with other seniors. Breakfast: bagels, danish, hot beverages Lunch: wraps, sandwiches, pasta, assorted beverages Tuesday, July 26, 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. $7 SENIORSFIRST MEMBERSHIP LUNCHEON—“END OF SUMMER!” Applewood Estates Performing Arts Center Come enjoy a luncheon complete with free raffl e prizes and entertainment. Friday, August 19, 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m. $9 For stroke support information, contact SeniorsFirst at (732) 780-3013. of residents who travel to Atlantic City once a month. “I was one of the 10 residents who got to see The Martha Stewart Show, which was a lot of fun,” says Shirley. “I enjoy the camaraderie at Applewood Estates and the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff. Bud would have adored living here, but I know he is smiling down and happy that I am enjoying an active life.” To learn more about living at Applewood Estates or attend an information session, visit www.applewoodestates.com or call (732) 303-7416. HD July/August 2011 9