CentraState - Healthy Directions

Enjoying the Best of Both Worlds at Applewood Estates W hen Irving and Jenny Holt moved to Applewood Estates, CentraState's independent living and LifeCare retirement community, last February from Lake Worth, FL, it was a homecoming of sorts. The couple had lived for many years in Springfield, NJ, where they raised two children and Irving owned barbershops in Springfield and Newark until retiring in 1980. Three years later, they moved to a quiet Florida community where Jenny, an artist, could sculpt and paint. Over the years, their daughter Dorothy Cheriff, a Monroe Township resident, grew concerned about her parents not having family nearby. She suggested they come back to New Jersey, which would also be closer to her brother Allan in Washington, DC, and began searching for the ideal new residence. "When Dorothy toured Applewood Estates, she knew this was the place for us," says Jenny. "We have a beautiful two-bedroom apartment and so many new friends." AN AMAZING JOURNEY The couple has traveled quite a road to arrive at Applewood Estates. Survivors of the Holocaust, Irving and Jenny were born in Poland. Irving spent six years in Nazi concentration camps, including Dachau and Auschwitz-Birchenau. Jenny hid in the Jewish ghetto in Lodz before being sent to a camp in 1944. Liberated from the camps by American soldiers in 1945, the two were introduced by a mutual friend on the train. They married in Germany in March 1946 and came to America by boat to join Jenny's sister who had emigrated in 1939. "We celebrated our 65th wedding anniversary last March by going to the Phantom of the Opera in New York," says Jenny. "We used to go to the opera and Broadway shows before we moved to Florida. It is wonderful to be this close to them again." A NEW LIFE The Holts are thriving in the friendly and attentive environment at Applewood Estates. The couple enjoys meals in the formal dining room and the casual Bistro. "We are often invited to lunch and dinner by other residents and enjoy Applewood-sponsored activities such as the resident theme parties, movie nights, concerts, card games, and swimming," Irving says. "With so many new friends, it's hard to remember all their names." Jenny gave up sculpting and hasn't had time to paint between all the activities at Applewood and family events such as the birth of the couple's fourth great- granddaughter. "Applewood offers virtually everything a human being might want," says Jenny. "With our family close by and so much to do here, it's the best of both worlds." To learn more about living at Applewood Estates or to attend an information session, call (732) 303-7416 or visit www.applewoodestates.com. HD Irving and Jenny Holt enjoy spending time with fellow residents at Applewood- sponsored activities such as the recent Mexican-themed luncheon. 6 September/October 2011 Healthy Directions

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