Social Events at Homestead Hills Embrace Creativity in 2020 and Beyond!
She’s a Master of Ceremonies, Costume Aficionado, Talent Scout, Trivia Host, Party Planner, and more all rolled into one. For Jennifer Brown, the Social Director at Homestead Hills, her daily schedule and role are likened to that of a Cruise Director. The only difference is that her ‘boat’ is docked full-time in Winston-Salem and it is committed to helping seniors live longer, healthier, happier lives. In Jennifer’s position, she’s always on-the-go creating and participating in new and unique events catered to the interests of the Members who reside at Homestead Hills.
Programming During COVID-19
Throughout the last year, her goal has been to bring events to Members of her community in a safe way to combat the spread of COVID-19. Events for the entire year at Homestead Hills are meticulously planned from top-down. This includes everything from the decorations and entertainment to event dining menus and costumes/dress codes. When COVID-19 flipped all of these plans upside down, it was up to Brown to curb any possibility of isolation and to bring events to each of her community Members in a safe way. “We began utilizing our outdoor Memorial Garden as a hub for a lot of our events,” said Brown. The community welcomed musical guests to perform under the gazebo, including Member favorites ‘Wonderwall,’ a Beatles tribute band, and ‘None of the Above,’ a six-piece Bluegrass Band. In addition to excellent musical entertainment, one of Brown’s crowning achievements during this time has been introducing an Archery Program to Members of the community. “I wanted an outdoor activity that would challenge them and give them a sense of accomplishment,” said Brown. “They continue to get better and better each week, and it’s fun seeing our Members step out of their comfort zone to try something new or pick it back up!” While outdoor events were perfect for the majority of the year, as winter moved in, the temperatures dropped, and indoor events became the focus. Brown has successfully hosted an array of events each week for small groups, including flower arranging, happy hours, volunteer opportunities, Wine Club, craft events, Chef’s Table in conjunction with Executive Chef Michael Nasrallah, and more!
2021, A New Era
As the new year began, the COVID-19 vaccination became available for the Members and staff at Homestead Hills. They received the first dose of the vaccination in early January, with the second dose being administered in the beginning of February. “We are looking forward to bigger group gatherings this year, beginning with an outdoor Easter celebration!” said Brown. Prior to COVID-19, Homestead Hills would regularly welcome families to the community. However, the past year has had limited interactions. “We are excited to welcome back families to our community! For Easter, we are hosting an event in the Memorial Garden for children and grandchildren with an Easter egg hunt, cookout, games, and family photos with the Easter Bunny. It’s going to be a great way to welcome everyone back with a big celebration.” In addition to holiday celebrations, Brown is looking forward to welcoming back the community’s Signature Experiences. Signature Experiences are over-the-top themed days of fitness, food, and fun. Each of the activities and dining experiences hosted throughout the day ties in with the theme. Previous Signature Experience themes at Homestead Hills include Arabian Nights, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and ‘mini’ Signature Experience, Winter Wonderland.
Each day at Homestead Hills, their team embodies the community’s Guiding Principle of “People First, Always.” This principle has been Brown’s motivation in bringing something joyful and engaging to each of her Members’ lives each day. Whether the event is for four people or 40, her goal is to ensure that her Members are living their best retirement.
Homestead Hills is an upscale retirement community in Winston-Salem which gives Members access to a full array of services including Active Adult Living, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Rehabilitation. If your needs change, there is no need to relocate as you’ll be at home in a community of friends and have easy access to the care you require. The community offers a worry-free lifestyle with access to unique social events, wellness classes, and dining experiences. To learn more about Homestead Hills or to schedule an appointment with a Lifestyle Advisor, call (336) 814-2832 or visit Homestead-Hills.com.
