Resident Spotlight, Collingswood Manor, Barbara Crane
Since her arrival Collingswood Manor resident Barbara Crane has become a member of the Welcoming Committee, Book and Bridge clubs, president of the Resident Council, reporter for the Collingswood Manor News,and volunteer in the Collingswood Manor Shop. With an outgoing personality, she comments, “Collingswood Manor is unique in that what’s provided offers something for everyone. I’ve made suggestions and presented ideas that have been incorporated—residents have an important voice here.” A resident of Collingswood Manor since October 2011, she lived in Haddonfield for 50 years and realized that she could not continue living alone without depending on her two sons and friends. From the time she learned to drive, she always owned manual shift vehicles. These were standard in snowy, Rochester, New York, where she grew up. When a health condition rendered her unable to drive a stick shift any longer, it added to her resolve.
“Moving to Collingswood Manor was not a difficult decision – it seemed to be priced right and two friends were already living here, which added more appeal. After an acclamation period of four to five months, I became comfortable. I have often asked myself, ‘What would I be doing at home?’ ” Barbara found her life at Collingswood greatly facilitated by the friendliness of both management and the associates from the very beginning which made her transition much smoother. She believes “they have taken courses in learning names.” With an active social and event calendar to choose from, Barbara enjoys the in-house Book Club, which reads a different book each month and meets to discuss it over coffee and tea. In addition to volunteering where she lives, she’s an active member of the Haddon Fortnightly, a civic and social club for women and part of the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs. The group promotes education, literary and social interests in the community; and raises about $5,000 annually for charitable organizations such as summer camps, YMCAs, food banks, and animal shelters. Barbara is determined to stay active and live a purposeful life and is able to do so thanks to the support of the staff and community at Collingswood Manor. She is living proof that a UMH retirement community is a place you come to live, and experience life to the fullest.
