SUMMER DINNER AT WINDROWS: The Nassau Patio, pictured here, is just one of the dining options at Princeton Windrows, the resident-owned independent working adult community. This popular patio is open for al fresco dining in the spring, summer and fall. Patio heaters and a fireplace are available in cooler weather. Al fresco dining has become a big favorite for those who enjoy the pleasure of alfresco dining.

By Jean Stratton

Iit’s a question of choice.

At Princeton Windrows, the independent adult community for people 55 and older, residents have many options. Lifestyle, type of accommodation, food choices, participation in activities, participation in events, pets (Windrows is very pet friendly) – it all depends on the residents. They have full control over how they want to live in a worry-free, easy-going environment.

No more snow removal, leaf raking, house painting, house cleaning, etc. In place : more time to focus on what is important at this point in life.

Located on 35 acres at 2000 Windrow Dive, adjacent to Princeton Forrestal Village and four miles from downtown Princeton, Windrows offers 192 apartment-style condominiums and 102 one-story villas and two-story townhouses. About 300 people are currently in residence.

Resident property

At Princeton Windrows, residents own real estate, which they can choose to upgrade or sell at any time.

“Princeton Windrows is unique in that it is not owned by a company,” says Jane Black, Chairman of the Board. “This is a non-profit, independent adult community co-ownership association. There are very few adult communities that are not managed by a corporation. We are resident owned and managed, and very different from other 55+ communities and assisted living and continuing care centers. “

Black, who came to Windrows from Mount Kisco, NY, points out that there was nothing like Windrows in her area and how special her new home is, especially its warm and welcoming atmosphere.

“You can go out of your apartment and socialize with someone. There are always people to help you. We all know each other and the staff are wonderful. They call us by name and are very helpful.

“In addition, the people who live here are very well educated and involved. They have a wide range of interests and abilities. There is always something interesting to learn or participate.

Board member Billie Emmerich, who had lived in Princeton for many years, agrees. “The people here, the sense of community and the amenities are all so special. I appreciate the friendships, the stimulation of the many activities available, the convenience of everyday life, and the caring staff.

Interested and active

The handsome five-storey mid-rise main building, known as Windrows Hall, comprises two large residential wings with apartments and is the site for a wide variety of activities, meeting rooms, well-being, etc.

Indeed, Windrows offers a wide range of activities with opportunities to keep all residents interested and active. Imagination and creativity can be stimulated with art classes and exhibitions, dance and music events, choir singing and more.

Comedians can test their talent in Windrows’ own productions, featuring resident actors and directors.

Lifelong learners appreciate the variety of focus groups, science programs, and book clubs (Windrows’ library is stocked with books of all kinds, magazines and newspapers – and another section features many books written by residents of Windrows).

“Techs” have the flexibility to do their jobs in the computer room, hone their zoom skills, and enlist the help of Windrows experts if needed.

“Wednesdays at Windrows” feature Zoom presentations, including speakers providing information and clarification on a variety of topics.

The game room is home to weekly games of bridge and poker, as well as Scrabble, mahjong and more.

Walking trails

Exercise – from relaxed to intense – is available at the tennis and pickleball courts, as well as the indoor swimming pool, with opportunities for yoga, tai chi, chair exercises, table tennis, pétanque and croquet also on tap. Another great favorite with residents is the nature walking trails.

Plus, the fitness center is stocked with an array of exercise equipment and machines to maintain the heart rate.

If gardening is your specialty, you can indulge your passion in Grey’s Common Gardens, where apartment residents can work on their own grounds. Residents of townhouses and villas can garden in their own backyard.

Additional amenities, opportunities and services are an on-site hairdressing salon, Constitution Bank 1st branch, a “convenience store”, weekly housekeeping, on-site security personnel, car shelters and charging stations. for electric cars.

Transportation is available for errands and errands, with front desk staff ready to assist, and although Windrows is not an assisted living or continuing care community, it does offer an on-site wellness center, with a nurse present seven days a week.

As Jane Black reports, “The office and staff are there to check blood pressure, answer health questions, triage patients who are not feeling well, handle health-related phone calls, emergencies and direct our fitness program. “

Last year

Everything has changed in the past year, including life in Windrows, during the pandemic. Outings and events have been canceled and activities limited. Now that COVID cases are declining and vaccinations are increasing, a more normal situation is resuming.

The outings include visits to Terhune’s orchards, area parks and other nearby sites. As more events and venues open up, travel to attend events at the McCarter Theater, Princeton Symphony Orchestra and other cultural opportunities may also resume.

In the past, outings to the Philadelphia Flower Show, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Longwood Gardens, Princeton Plasma Physics Lab, and Michener Museum were among the excursions offered to residents.

The enthusiasm for the catering possibilities at Windrows is very high. During the virus, all meals were delivered to each individual’s personal residence, and this is still available, if desired. Now, however, people can once again enjoy dining together (with appropriate social distance between tables).

In addition to the two main dining areas, there is a cafe, a private dining room for parties and events, an outdoor patio for meals, and a beverage station, with complimentary coffee and soft drinks.

Excellent chef

Meal plans are part of the monthly service fee and choices of four, 15, or 30 meals per month are available.

“It’s really good food, with a lot of options,” says Billie Emmerich. “Dinner choices offer four starters, one soup, one salad and some desserts. We have an excellent chef.

A very popular dining experience was the weekly Sunday brunch, with a large number of mouthwatering choices. It was interrupted during the virus, but everyone is looking forward to it reopening in the future.

The residents of Andains are very involved in the management and running of the life of their community. In addition to their board of directors, residents sit on various committees, says Emmerich.

“There is a committee structure, with a number of committee opportunities, such as programs and activities, library, marketing, newcomer welcoming, landscaping, finance and more.

Currently, committee meetings are held via Zoom.

Pleasant illumination

There is a lot to interest residents in Windrows, and they can be as active and involved as they want. When and how they choose to participate, the atmosphere is always conducive to pleasant learning and awakening. For example, a showcase presents the residents’ special collections. They range from model trains and dolls to keys and vintage glassware to antique bottles and fine china.

Works of art line the walls of Windrows Hall and many paintings are the work of local artists.

Movies are shown regularly and celebrations are held for holidays and special events. There really is something to stimulate everyone’s interest, propensity and curiosity.

That Windrows is a special place is the result of the hard work and will of so many people involved in its operation. The board of directors, committee members, staff and all who work as a team to make Princeton Windrows the success it is – these are the building blocks!

“These are really the people,” says Jane Black. “And the amenities and amenities that we are fortunate to have. We are small and friendly and very attentive to detail to make life as easy and enjoyable as possible for our residents. It really is like a boutique residential hotel.

For for more information call (609) 520-3700. Website: princetonwindrows.com.