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Friends & Neighbors A Newsletter for the Acts Family - Spring 2021

Welcome to the spring edition of Friends & Neighbors, a digital newsletter for the Acts family!

Happy Spring to All Members of the Acts Family!

More than a year has gone by since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, and while we all faced many challenges over the past year, it is wonderful to know that brighter days are on the horizon. Through our shared faith and dedication, we have come through these extraordinary times together as one family. Thank you for your support, your patience, your vigilance, and your partnership throughout this journey we have travelled together. It’s so exciting to realize that as each day passes, we are one step closer to a joyful return to normalcy and the pre-pandemic lifestyle that we all cherish within our communities!

We also like to make special mention that since the start of the pandemic, our health centers have had more than 100 comprehensive infection control surveys across our Acts communities completed by local, state and federal regulators. All of the surveys have concluded with appreciation and acknowledgement of our sound protocols and practices in the areas of staffing, care quality, infection control, and other safety measures in place. This is truly remarkable and a testament to the dedication and skill of our health care team who have worked heroically throughout these extraordinary times.

Please check out our video The Power of Loving-Kindness for an uplifting tribute to our pandemic response here at Acts. Truly, we can look back on the actions of the entire Acts family in facing these challenges with courage and resilience that has brought us to where we are today. May God continue to bless you, your family and the entire Acts organization. Please continue to stay safe, stay vigilant and stay healthy!

97% of Acts Residents Receive COVID-19 Vaccine!

Walter Mahler shows off his vaccination card at St. Andrews Estates

Acts is proud to announce that approximately 97% of residents across our 26 communities have received their COVID-19 vaccination. This includes 94% of our WillowBrooke Court residents and 96% of our OakBridge Terrace residents having been fully vaccinated with both doses. We’ve been so blessed as an organization to have the ability to vaccinate our residents and staff members conveniently within each of our campuses as these efforts have been instrumental in controlling and hopefully eradicating the virus from our communities. On behalf of Acts Retirement-Life Communities, thank you for your participation!

Residents Give Acts High Marks for COVID-19 Response

In a survey of more than 5,000 independent living residents conducted in December 2020 by Holleran Consulting, Acts and its communities earned high marks for their response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents rated Acts 4.7 out of 5 on the question, “The organization kept residents well informed during the pandemic,” and 4.6 for “Overall, the organization responded well to the COVID-19 crisis.”

Residents rated Acts 4.5 out of 5 for the extra efforts to make them comfortable through the pandemic, such as delivering more than 3 million meals, placing over 335,000 concierge calls, sending nearly 1,000 update letters, administering over 264,000 COVID-19 tests, and offering virtual fitness and life engagement opportunities.

“What stood out to me was the consistently high scores across all 26 communities. That tells me that every community stepped up to the task,” said Bill Tamulonis, Managing Director of the Acts Center for Applied Research (ACAR).

Residents also felt the phasing of shelter-in-place, quarantine, and reopening policies for independent living residents were appropriate under the changing circumstances of the pandemic, rating Acts 4.4 out of 5. Perhaps most importantly, residents expressed confidence in their community’s ability to handle any future infectious disease outbreaks, with a rating of 4.5 out of 5. “There is no place on this earth at this time where I would feel as safe as I do here,” one resident said.

For more information about the survey results for your community, please reach out to your Executive Director. Click here to learn more about ACAR’s work or contact Bill Tamulonis, Managing Director, at wtamulonis@actslife.org.

Chaplain Reflection: What Have You Learned This Year?

A year since the start of the pandemic, Iain Crichton, Vice President of Mission Support & Spiritual Life, reflects on lessons he's learned during this time of challenge and growth. He shares this inspiring message.

For more encouragement, check out Acts' Daily Devotionals. You'll find more than 228 episodes on our YouTube playlist.

Strong Interest in New Campus Enhancements Continue!

Thank you to all residents who have introduced their family, friends, and acquaintances to some of our community expansions occurring throughout the Acts family in recent months. There continues to be great interest and excitement in these projects, and we can’t wait to welcome many new residents into our growing family! We believe that living in an Acts community is one of the safest and most rewarding lifestyles you can choose, especially during these uncertain times. As our nation continues to respond to the global pandemic, Acts communities remain a safe haven for our residents, providing comfort, security, and peace of mind now and into the future. Here’s an update on several major campus enhancements occurring around the Acts family:

Rendering of The Evergreens' new front entrance

The Evergreens in Moorestown, NJ, is undergoing a clubhouse, lobby, and front entrance renovation. The clubhouse will feature a new bistro, coffee shop, library, theater, wellness center, hair salon, expanded fitness center and renovated dining room. Construction is expected to begin in the near future.

Rendering of Country House cottage

Country House in Wilmington, DE, is adding 20 new cottage homes, 62 independent living apartments and a new clubhouse to its campus. This expansion is nearly fully reserved, with construction activity underway for both the cottage and apartment/clubhouse phases. The cottages will be occupied later this year, with the apartments and clubhouse expected to be finished between late 2022 and early 2023.

A look at the renovations planned at Fairhaven

Fairhaven in Sykesville, MD, is undergoing a clubhouse, lobby, and front entrance renovation. The clubhouse will feature a new club room, renovated auditorium, new game/card rooms, expanded café seating, new courtyard with covered seating and an outdoor café, recreation space and an outdoor performance center. This project is expected to start later this year.

Rendering of new apartments at Matthews Glen

Matthews Glen in Matthews, NC, is adding 16 villas and 72 independent living apartments to its campus and is in the process of pre-selling the second phase of its expansion. The project features 2,300-2,533-square foot villas, along with 1,670 to 1,755 square-foot apartments. Reservations are now being accepted for these residences.

Rendering of Lanier Village Estates' new carriage homes

Lanier Village Estates, in Gainesville, GA, is adding 31 carriage homes with two styles of residences ranging from 2,200 to 2,247 square-feet that complement the existing carriage homes that are currently under construction. Occupancy for these carriage homes begin in summer 2021.

Rendering of new bistro at St. Andrews Estates

St. Andrews Estates in Boca Raton, FL is undergoing extensive culinary and clubhouse renovations. The dining renovations on the north side of campus will feature completely reinvented spaces including a new full-service dining room, a private dining room, a clubroom and bistro while the south side of the campus will receive an updated club room and game rooms. These projects are expected to be completed by early 2022.

Rendering of new villa at Indian River Estates

Indian River Estates in Vero Beach, FL, is adding 16 villas that feature three bedrooms with up to 2,786 square feet. Pre-sales efforts for these large, 2-story villas are underway.

Referral Incentives Available!

Remember, residents and employees are eligible for referral incentives! A resident who refers someone who moves into any new Acts campus expansion could receive a one-time credit to their monthly fee of $2,500! Some conditions apply and only referrals who have not contacted the community previously are eligible. Stop by the community sales office for all the details about employee and resident referrals!

Donor Advised Funds Support Your Community

Did you know that a Donor Advised Fund (or DAF) is the fastest-growing charitable giving choice in the United States? In fact, Acts Legacy Foundation has experienced a 60% increase in giving through DAFs over the past five years. A donor-advised fund is like a charitable investment account, for the sole purpose of supporting charitable organizations you care about. When you contribute cash, securities, or other assets to a donor-advised fund, you are generally eligible to take an immediate tax deduction. Then those funds can be invested for tax-free growth and you can recommend grants to virtually any IRS-qualified public charity. With thousands of DAFs available, and offered through major fund companies and community foundations, a growing number of philanthropic individuals are establishing a donor advised fund to facilitate their charitable giving.

Do you have a Donor-Advised Fund? If so, please consider making your Acts community a beneficiary with a grant recommendation. You can specify a fund, campaign, or purpose for your grant recommendation. You may also make grant recommendations “in honor of” or “in memory of” a loved one. Please contact Acts Legacy Foundation for more information: 877-287-0799.

Save the Date! Pennsylvania Acts Golf Classic

We invite you to participate in a favorite Acts tradition… our Annual PA Golf Classic!

Monday, June 14, 2021 at Blue Bell Country Club in Blue Bell, PA

For more information, visit www.ActsGolf.org or contact Rebecca McGlynn at (267) 787-4202. All proceeds support the Acts Samaritan Fund, which helps subsidize the fees of residents in need who outlive their assets.

New Member on Acts Board of Directors

Dr. Gene Lammers

Acts congratulates Dr. Gene Lammers on his appointment to Acts' board of directors. Dr. Lammers will also serve on the board of Westminster Village, an Acts affiliate community in Spanish Fort, AL.

Dr. Lammers has a long and distinguished career in the medical profession and currently serves as Medical Director at Mercy LIFE of Alabama. He is also an adjunct clinical professor of medicine at the University of South Alabama College of Medicine. Read more about his appointment here.

Acts Retirement Wins Spirit Award for Virtual OlympiActs

The International Council on Active Aging recognized Acts Retirement-Life Communities with the Active Aging Week Spirit Award. For the first time ever, Acts' annual OlympiActs games were held virtually with about 1,600 participating residents and staff members. The games, held in each Acts community during Active Aging Week, were tweaked to maintain social distance and safety requirements. The award honors senior living organizations that showcase the capabilities of older adults, promote wellness and active living at any age. Read more about the Spirit Award here.

Matthews Glen wins Beacon Award for 'Best in Wellness'

Congratulations to Matthews Glen, our community in Matthews, NC, which won the 2020 ICAA NuStep Beacon Award, honoring the Top 25 "Best in Wellness" senior living communities in North America for successfully fostering a wellness-centered environment to benefit all who live and work in their community.

“We are thrilled to be a recipient of the 2020 ICAA Nustep Beacon Award and it is truly thanks to our residents and staff who strive for wellness each and every day.” - Chelsea Blanding, Fitness Director

The award was created as a joint effort between International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) and NuStep, LLC, a major manufacturer of recumbent cross-trainers used in healthcare, senior living and fitness. Read more about this prestigious honor on Acts website.

Times Herald Features Brittany Pointe Estates as 'Spring Fever Remedy'

Our residents at Brittany Pointe Estates shared their "remedy" for spring fever with The Times Herald. Whether it's bocce, riding bikes, walking, playing shuffleboard or just relaxing outside, residents truly enjoy the great outdoors at their Lansdale, Pennsylvania, community. Read the full article here.

Celebrating International Women's History Day!

Country House celebrates International Women's History Day

This group of strong, smart, and fabulous women at Country House wore their trailblazer T-shirts on March 8 to bring awareness to International Women's Day and spotlight female leaders who changed history.

Acts Residents Commit to a Heart Healthy Lifestyle

In February, residents across Acts communities celebrated National Wear Red Day to support the American Heart Association in the fight against heart disease in women.

St. Andrews Estates celebrates National Wear Red Day

At St. Andrews Estates, residents set heart-healthy goals such as eating less sweets, managing stress, and getting enough sleep to challenge themselves and encourage others to make healthy choices.

Indian River Estates' residents walk to support heart health awareness

Indian River Estates residents also dressed in red to support the American Heart Association and walked the mile "Walk to Wellness" trail to promote a heart-healthy lifestyle.

100-year-old Westminster Village Resident Rows for Better Health

Marie Gordon at Westminster Village

After celebrating her 100th birthday, Marie Gordon, of Westminster Village, jumped on a rowing machine and knocked out 500 arm curls. This strong, active resident exemplifies healthy living at her Spanish Fort, Alabama, retirement community. She works out at the fitness center at least three days a week. Read more about Marie's wellness journey here.

Brittany Pointe 'Panhandlers' Concert a Tropical Getaway

Brittany Pointe Estates took a tropical getaway with an "Island in the Sun" party where residents celebrated the 94th birthday of Calypso music legend Harry Belafonte. Why you ask? Because Harry Belafonte's music has made an incredible impact on the Brittany Pointe Panhandlers, the community's talented steel drum band. Residents wrote a letter to him and dedicated this special birthday performance.

"Inspired by the music, residents formed this amazing group, with about 20 members, and play every single day. During the pandemic, this music was their respite and joy." - Terry Alburger, the life enrichment coordinator.

Magnolia Trace Wins CyberCycle Challenge!

Virginia Heater and Dick Bore pose near their community's popular CyberCycle

Congrats to Magnolia Trace for winning CyberCycle's Amazing Rat Race 2020 Challenge! Team Magnolia Trace came in #1 out of 69 teams with a total of 6,437 miles completed in 2020. Residents Virginia Heater and Dick Bore were top cyclists in their communities. Fitness Director Beth Miller says, "open heart surgery and a pandemic couldn't stop this duo!" Congrats to Magnolia Trace!

Tryon Estates' Residents Complete 70-Mile Trek of The Grand Canyon (Virtually)

Tryon Estates' beautiful campus provided breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge mountains for these active residents' latest adventure! Fitness trainer Caroline Eller lead the group in another Walk with a Doc challenge to complete a virtual trek of the Grand Canyon! The community had 11 teams of five signed up to hike 70 (or more) miles over a two week span.

Residents Enjoy Last Snow of The Season

Do you want to build a snowman? Residents across our Northeast region enjoyed the last Nor'easter to play in the snow!

Spring House Estates in Lower Gwynedd, PA
Fairhaven in Sykesville, Maryland

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