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Not long ago, the internet was thought to be a territory only for the young.     With time comes maturity, and now those more mature in years are approving friend requests, posting tweets, and writing blogs too.  The “Silver Surfers,” as they’ve been coined, represent online users over the age of fifty.  These quinquagenarians  will have you know that they’re doing more than just googling pie recipes and tweeting about Fall cleaning.

Of course, it’s only natural.  There’s no disputing the fact that America’s population is graying.  According to the AARP Bulletin, one Baby Boomer is reaching the age of 65 every eight seconds since January 1, 2011, which averages out to than 10,000 per day. We now know that one-third of the 195.3 million Internet users in the US are adults aged 50+, and represent the Web’s largest community.

Just like their offspring and grand kids, the silver surfers are finding internet sites as an extra way to communicate with friends and family.  They are no longer relying on occasional phone calls or cards, but are joining social media sites to get in touch with old friends. According to a survey from the Pew Internet and American Life Project, 47% of internet users ages 50-64, and 26% of users aged 65 and older, now use social networking sites.

In 2010, the social media giant, Facebook was ranked the third most popular activity  of seniors. A  recent study, done by Nielson, found that half of these Silver Surfers are doing previously thought of complex things such as sharing photos and uploading videos.  They are also using the internet to plan trips, pay bills online, and fill prescriptions.  Cupid’s arrow has struck many widows and widowers, as many are even turning to online dating!

All of this information shouldn’t come as a surprise since the ready accessibility of personal computers and iPads have expanded beyond Silicon Valley, and most retirement communities now have computer centers.  These silver surfers may not be as mobile as they once were in their prime, but their active minds allow them to stay connected globally thanks to the world wide web.

With easy-to-use netbooks, 3G iPads and simple training, Mom, Dad, and Gradmom and Granddad can now Skype, tumble, and even check-in to Hertlin House on foursquare.  Hertlin House prides itself on the fact that it has a computer center that is accessible to its community.  We like to think that we’re doing our small part to help those silver surfers get their feet wet on the web.  Our community is helping prove the old maxim by Mark Twain, “Age is an issue of mind over matter.  If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

When visitors walk in the door at Hertlin House they immediately feel a sense of warmth and welcome.  The reason for this is not only our amazing facilities but also the people who make up our staff.  It’s important for us to share with you a little glimpse of these wonderful people.  The staff member we will be sharing with you today is Dennis, the Facilities Coordinator.  Dennis has been here since before Hertlin House even opened.  He will give us an in-depth look of how the Hertlin House has evolved into what it is now and how he feels about Hertlin House as a whole.

Where is your hometown? Medford, New York, which is located in Suffolk County, Long Island.

What are your hobbies? I recently became the Scoutmaster of a Boy Scout troop.  That is taking up a huge chunk of my time but I really enjoy it.

What does your job entail? It actually involves quite a bit; I supervise our maintenance, security and driver staff.  Whenever and wherever my help is needed, I’m there.  As well as driving around our beautiful limo.  I worked as a Resident Services Coordinator from July 2003 up until around 3 years ago when I moved to my current position.

What was your first reaction when you started at Hertlin House? I saw this place as a great opportunity.  When I first started it was an empty building! Seeing it evolve to a home for seniors was extremely incredible.

How has being a part of the Hertlin House Community changed your life for the better? Working for the Hertlin House has been such a rewarding experience.  Honestly, I can only hope to be in a place like this one day.  It has also made me appreciate life so much more just speaking to the residents and what they have gone through.

What is your favorite aspect of Hertlin House? I think it has to be being there for the residents, and making their life easier.  Knowing that we are there for them and we help them is very rewarding.

What advice do you have for new residents? The best advice I could give new residents is to be open to this type of living.  Once you get used to this place, you’ll really benefit.

Thanks to the dedication of staff, such as Dennis, Hertlin House is a tight-knit, welcoming community.  We strive to make Hertlin House a wonderful experience for everyone who is here.  Now we’ll be switching things up with some resident interviews.  We hope that you’ll stay tuned in the upcoming weeks for a look into what the residents have to say!

More often than not the people who a staff consists of can tell you a lot about a place. This is why we find it so important to give you a look inside the wonderful people who make up ours.  Our post today will feature our staff member Kerry, the Head of Housekeeping.  Kerry also held many other positions throughout her time at Hertlin House including Facilities Coordinator, and covering the Reception desk.  We had the opportunity to sit down with Kerry and learn the in-and-outs of the Hertlin House as well as hear more about the wonderful atmosphere you so quickly feel when walking through the front door.

Where were you born? Somerset, New Jersey.

What are some of your favorite pastimes? First and foremost, I really love spending time with my daughter.  Other than that I enjoy going to the beach, being outside when the weather is nice and visiting with friends.

What is your favorite time of the year and why? I think it would have to be the fall.  I love the crisp air, changing of the leaves, and the anticipation of the holidays.  There are so many great scents during the fall too; apple pies, pumpkin pies, the smell of Thanksgiving dinner.

How did you come to be involved with Hertlin House? A little over five and half years ago I worked as a wait staff supervisor at a faculty restaurant at a college nearby.  I didn’t want to leave, but they were closing down.  I came here for an interview and was surprised at how much I liked it.

What is your favorite aspect of Hertlin House? I really enjoy the holidays and especially the holiday parties here.  Those are the times when everyone, staff and residents, are able to really interact and have a good time.  For Halloween one year both staff and residents dressed up as dalmatians and we had a 101 Dalmatians theme.  Everyone had a lot of fun!

What advice do you have for new residents? New residents are always worried about the transition, so for those that are feeling that way; it is completely natural.  Many new residents are coming from their homes, where they lived on their own, to a community and it can be scary.  I just let them know that it’s a better way of life here, socially and for their own safety.  We have a lot of fun, you make friends, and there’s always something to do.

What makes Hertlin House special for you? The Hertlin House community is like a family, staff and residents included.  It’s a small staff and a tight-knit community and I love being a part of it.

Thanks to the dedication of the staff, Hertlin House is a wonderful place filled with warmth and a sense of community.  Each member of the staff brings something unique and incredible to the table.  We hope that you’ll stay tuned in the upcoming weeks for a look into what other staff members and residents do to make Hertlin House a one-of-a-kind experience.

RESERVE NOW FOR OUR AUTUMN IN NEW YORK EXTENDED STAY PROGRAM

Is it a challenge to find a place away from home that you can call yours?  Then consider our Extended Stay Program.  This great option allows you to combine entertaining friends and family, while enjoying the privacy of your own home.

Reserve a fully furnished apartment at Hertlin House for a minimum of one month with no maximum stay or long term commitment.  We will provide you with all the comforts, privacy, and conveniences of home.  You will have the freedom to come and go as you please and leave the tidying up to us.  At Hertlin House, enjoy a worry free environment away from home for as long as you want.

We can tailor your needs to whatever arrangements you prefer.  Our most important goal is accommodating your needs.  So this Autumn, fly North Snowbirds! Experience Autumn in New York or spend the Holidays with us.  Choose our Extended Stay Program and get the Privacy, Freedom, and Carefree living that you deserve.

If you are interested in becoming a Snow Bird don’t delay!  Our beautiful community is nestled on 14 acres in a country setting on scenic and historic Long Island.  Availability is limited.  Call Anthony Gonzalez today at 631-981-1880.

When you think of summer, you probably can imagine the succulent smells of outdoor grilling and hear the laughter of friends and family. It’s hard to imagine these fun times are drawing to a close, but in just a few weeks it’s going to be Labor Day! Hertlin House wanted to make one last roast to summer, because it best celebrates the independence and joy that defines Long Island during these sultry months.

That’s why next Friday, August 26^th, we’re holding our annual Hawaiian Luau, where we hope to bring the “Aloha!” of the Big Island to Long Island!

Hertlin House has always been about finding innovative ways of creating a vibrant, independent community of active seniors. Six years ago, when we first came up with the luau, we wanted to create an opportunity to bring together all residents in the community. We instantly thought of a luau because, at least here on Long Island, you rarely break out of the traditional hot dog and burger BBQ. A luau is a special occasion that brings together some of most exhilarating parts of summer in an entirely new way.

So what’s the Luau like? If you’ve never been to one, imagine you’re in Hawaii barefoot on the beach with a group of your closest friends. You’re wearing shorts and button down shirts with a rainbow of colors depicting scenes of the Islands. Right next to you is a giant pig and a number of chicken, lathered in a special sauce, roasting over an open flame.

While we may not have the tropical scenery or chance to surf, it is sure to have plenty of food. As Irene Pastor, Activities Coordinator explains, “The food is always the highlight of the event. And resident favorites include the roast chicken and pork.”

But most importantly, in the spirit of a traditional luau, it is through this food, along with traditional Hawaii melodies, that we celebrate and take joy in the culture that we have created. At Hertlin House, as we foster the unique stories of each of our residents, we can’t think of a better venue to celebrate our mission of letting our residents thrive.

So over the next week, as we prepare the food, dust off the Hawaiian shirts and get the music ready, we can’t help but ‘aka ‘aka (laugh) in anticipation of one of our community’s favorite events of the year. Until we see you there, aloha!

Lillian Hertlin

Hertlin House, an independent senior retirement community, was founded on the generosity of Lillian Hertlin, who gifted the 14-acre site in Lake Ronkonkoma. A longtime Long Island resident and educator, Lillian believed that seniors deserved a chance to live in an independent and vibrant community, full of amenities and recreational opportunities.

With her gift, the design for Hertlin House began to emerge, with Lillian as a central figure in ensuring that the community developed, in her own words, to “provide a home for seniors where they will be safe, secure and where they can thrive.”

To ensure that the property was well-managed and would remain affordable, Hertlin House teamed with the Bronx-based Aging in America, a non-profit community service organization with a 150 year track record of providing senior services. Under the leadership of President William T. Smith, Hertlin House has been able to realize Lillian’s vision for the community.

We have built our community in affirmation of our Mission Statement to provide “a community dedicated to the dignity, independence and personal growth of its residents where body, mind, and spirit are served in a safe and warm environment.”

It’s no surprise that Lillian Hertlin’s history of generosity has paid off. We have been recognized by New York Magazine as one of the top 20 senior living communities in New York, and the only one on Long Island to make that list. We continue to enhance our services and activities to ensure the satisfaction of independent seniors.

As we continue beyond our nine years of evolution and growth, we fondly remember our beginnings, especially Lillian Hertlin’s generosity that made it all possible.

Although many senior living communities exist, Hertlin House stands out. We offer a truly independent rental community that gives our residents the freedom to come and go as they want, while still providing reliable support and amenities. We are for seniors over the age of 55 who still want to lead active lives, but are also interested in services that help making day-to-day living easier.

Hertlin House is located on a 14-acre site in picturesque Lake Ronkonkoma, New York. We believe in making this living experience affordable by including all amenities in a single monthly rental fee. We do not charge an entrance free. For this monthly cost, almost all daily expenses are taken care of, including delicious chef-prepared dinners, utilities, all maintenance, weekly housekeeping, and transportation in a limo to planned activities and doctor appointments.

At Hertlin House, we’re committed to ensuring that seniors stay active and explore their favorite interests. Whether they like to play billiards, walk through the woods, or enjoy watching movies, we offer the facilities to make most of their hobbies possible. We also offer a number of common activity areas to ensure that our seniors have adequate space to create a lively and fun-filled community atmosphere.

In addition to these amenities, our dedicated staff works to make the lives of our residents easier. Security gives our residents peace of mind. Our Housekeeping staff works tirelessly to keep all apartments clean, and our professional drivers help residents travel to doctor appointments or recreational outings.

If you’re looking for an independent senior retirement community that is truly unique, then Hertlin House is for you. By offering an affordable and safe community for active seniors, senior living becomes fun as new friends are made and relationships develop.

Come for a tour! We make everyday living easier.