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Granite Hill Estates Accentuate Life Enrichment
"You meet the most amazing people," describes Steve Roy, Marketing Manager at Granite Hill Estates, a residential development for adults 55 and older on the outskirts of Augusta. Steve has been with Granite Hill from the start, when the site was selected ten years ago for its practical proximity to city water and sewer, and good medical facilities, as well as its wooded hilltop setting and its convenience to the scenic and service-oriented communities of central Maine. He was actively involved in the plans and building of the impressive Maine Lodge with its 52 spacious apartments which has been open now for five years and with each of the 28 attractive "cottages" that are spaced throughout the campus, with more under construction. And, he is involved in the day-to-day operations which include the marketing, the real estate, the well-qualified, friendly staff of up to fifty employees, the extensive physical layout, and the services, activities, and sponsorships — which include Lakewood Theater, The Theater At Monmouth, and the Waterville Opera House.
"A program of life enrichment," is Steve's definition of the many outings and amenities that are connected with Granite Hill Estates. On the premises, there are a fitness center, an indoor heated pool and Jacuzzi, an arts and crafts room, a library, a computer room, a salon, and banking services. The personnel include an Activities Director, Connie Hartley, who arranges theater, art, tourism, and dining outings and much, much more; a Wellness Coordinator, Darlene Grass, who oversees medical needs; and two doctors who come to the building. There also is an attractive dining room where chef-prepared dinners are served. A continental breakfast is available in one of the several lounges; lunch is "on your own." "A lot of folks have heard of us but don't know what we do," says Steve. "We offer a great value." Although Steve may be referring to the economies of a residence inland, there also is a great value to the surrounding towns and countryside and to the structure of the adult community.
A tour of Granite Hill Estates truly accentuates the philosophy that residents have a voice. Committees made up of residents oversee the computer facility, the landscaping goals, the life enrichment programs — entertainment that comes to Granite Hill and visits out into the community — and the library, which is rich in resident donations of books. A tour also reveals that the units are very spacious, the Maine Lodge is a very welcoming center, families are encouraged to visit, and pets can live with their owners, as long as they are good neighbors. Now, who are those most amazing people? Half are from the local area, within a twenty-mile radius, and half are from far away and want to be close to family or to the area. The majority reside at Granite Hill full time but 20-30% are "snowbirds" and/or travelers; many have or have had vacation homes or camps nearby. And they're all enjoying the focus on life enrichment.
For more information, visit the Granite Hill Estates web site. To arrange a tour of the campus, call | ||||
