The Fellowship Community

Pros

• The community offers a wonderful sense of involvement and serenity, making residents feel very happy in their rustic village setting.
• Activities provided are culturally enriching and allow for personal engagement with the biodynamically grown food on the farm.
• Residents appreciate the warmth and care from co-workers, enhancing their overall experience in the community.
• The Fellowship allows for independent living with varying levels of assisted care, providing peace of mind as needs change.
• Living in a vibrant environment with access to nature and animals contributes positively to residents' well-being.
• Opportunities for meaningful participation in community life foster a sense of purpose among residents.
• The unique lifestyle at the Fellowship promotes independence while offering numerous artistic and productive activities tailored to individual interests.
• Interactions with families and children living on-site create joy and a sense of intergenerational connection within the community.
• Having a doctor in residence ensures residents feel secure about their health care needs.
• Long-time residents report feeling younger and more active due to the supportive atmosphere and friendships formed within the community.

Cons

• Some residents may find that the type of housing and activities offered are not suitable for everyone, particularly those seeking modern amenities and structured daily schedules.
• There are small aspects of the community life that could be improved upon, indicating that it is not perfect.
• The lack of traditional organized activities might leave some individuals feeling unengaged or wanting more structured entertainment options.
• Not all residents may appreciate or desire the biodynamic farming lifestyle, which could be seen as limiting to their preferences.

Review

Nestled in the tranquil surroundings of Chestnut Ridge, this community offers a unique and enriching living experience that stands apart from traditional retirement facilities. Having moved here three months ago, I can confidently attest to the serenity and charm of this rustic village atmosphere. The combination of warm co-workers and culturally enriching activities creates a welcoming environment where residents can engage as much or as little as they wish. From biodynamically grown food produced on-site to opportunities for residents to participate in farming activities, such as shucking corn or stripping beans, there is a deep connection to nature and community life that fosters an engaging lifestyle.

The distinctiveness of this Fellowship lies in its flexible living arrangements that cater to individual needs. Residents can choose an independent lifestyle or opt for varying levels of assisted living, transitioning seamlessly into final care when necessary. This thoughtful structure allows for personal agency while ensuring that support is readily available within a beautiful woodland setting juxtaposed against the suburban backdrop. Each resident's journey through aging is treated with respect and dignity, making it possible to enjoy the comforts of familiarity amidst the evolving phases of life.

Reflecting on my own experience, I came to this community seven years ago with my husband, who required significant care at that time. After his passing six years ago, I found solace in remaining part of a vibrant fellowship that continues to enrich my life daily. Unlike other facilities characterized by rigid schedules and structured activities, this place embraces spontaneity and creativity, allowing individuals to engage in various artistic expressions or meaningful tasks tailored to personal interests.

The camaraderie among residents contributes significantly to the overall quality of life here. With co-workers—many of whom live on-site alongside their families—there are intergenerational relationships blossoming throughout the community. The presence of children adds vitality and joy, promoting an atmosphere where aging feels less isolating and more connected. Friendships formed between paying members and staff foster a sense of belonging that reinforces our collective commitment to contributing positively to our shared environment.

Healthcare is seamlessly integrated into daily living; with a doctor residing within the community, residents feel secure knowing they have easy access to medical support should any need arise. This close-knit relationship enhances trust over time since caregivers are familiar faces who genuinely invest in our well-being—not just medically but as integral parts of our communal life. As I recently celebrated my 90th birthday here, I find comfort in knowing that if emergencies occur or as I age further, I will receive care from people I’ve come to know intimately over the years.

While it may be important for some prospective residents seeking modern amenities and structured entertainment options provided by dedicated recreation teams, this Fellowship prioritizes independence alongside meaningful contributions rooted in cooperative spirit rather than imposed schedules. For those who cherish authenticity over convenience—and would prefer cultivating connections with nature and fellow residents—I cannot imagine wanting to be anywhere else than within this remarkable community thriving on collaboration and mutual support amid life's ever-changing landscape.

This part of Chestnut Ridge, New York offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities and services that cater to senior living needs. With several pharmacies, physicians' offices, transportation options, cafes, restaurants, places of worship, hospitals, and parks within close proximity, residents can easily access healthcare services, entertainment venues, dining options, religious institutions for spiritual support, and outdoor recreational activities. The presence of reputable medical centers like Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Bergen and Hackensack Meridian Health Pascack Valley Medical Center ensures quality healthcare facilities nearby. Additionally, the nearby parks provide opportunities for seniors to enjoy nature walks and outdoor activities in a peaceful setting. The community's accessibility to various essential establishments makes this area an ideal choice for seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable living environment.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.8 miles)

Physicians

• Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Bergen (2 miles)
• Advanced Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (2.6 miles)
• Women's Total Health of Woodcliff Lake (2.8 miles)
• Md Partners (3.7 miles)
• New Jersey Regional Eye Care (3.8 miles)
• Tenafly Pediatrics (3.9 miles)
• Bardonia Pediatric Associates PC (4.2 miles)

Transportation

• Bus Stop (2.2 miles)
• Metro North / NJT - Suffern Station (4.9 miles)
• NJT - Waldwick Station (5.9 miles)
• IHA Arbor Road Bus Stop (7.8 miles)
• Metro North / NJT - Tuxedo Station (9.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.5 miles)
• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.5 miles)
• Willow & Whisk (7.3 miles)
• Boxer Donut & Espresso Bar (7.5 miles)
• Art Cafe Of Nyack (7.7 miles)

Theaters

• Nanuet STM 12 & RPX (2.7 miles)
• AMC Palisades 21 (5.8 miles)

Restaurants

• White Castle (2.7 miles)
• Wendy's (3.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.4 miles)
• Kinchley's Tavern (3.8 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.8 miles)
• Wendy's (4 miles)
• Varka Estiatorio (4.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (2.9 miles)
• Congregation Tzemach Tzedek Lubavitch of Monsey (3.2 miles)
• Bais Hamedrash (3.7 miles)
• St Pauls Parish (5 miles)
• Hawthorne Gospel Church (9 miles)
• All Saints Episcopal Church (9 miles)
• Community Church Of Glen Rock (9.1 miles)

Hospitals

• The Valley Hospital (7.3 miles)
• Hackensack Meridian Health Pascack Valley Medical Center (7.5 miles)
• Helen Hayes Hospital (9.7 miles)

Parks

• Rockland Lake State Park (8 miles)
• Nyack Beach State Park (8.4 miles)
• Piermont Pier (8.7 miles)
• Saddle River County Park (9 miles)
• Tallman Mountain State Park (9.4 miles)
• Saddle River County Park - Dunkerhook Area (9.6 miles)