It’s no surprise that Harry Moskal’s nickname is “Happy Harry.” Just a quick chat with this resident of Cedar Crest, an Erickson Senior Living community in Pompton Plains, N.J., and he’ll tell you about the main reason he’s always smiling–Cedar Crest’s trips.
“I averaged nine trips each of the last two years, and just as many this year. It’s a great program!” says Harry.
From Broadway shows and concerts to museums, Harry and his neighbors have dozens of exciting trips to choose from–thanks to Trip Coordinator Neale Berthen and her team.
“The beauty is,” he explains, “we don’t have to drive into the city and park. We don’t have to pay tolls. The bus takes you right to the theater door, and when you come out, there it is.”
These trips, planned both near and far, are just one way residents are making the most of their worry-free lifestyle at the vibrant community.
Passion for travel
During his career in the food service business, Harry and his family relocated a lot–Washington to New Jersey, California, Pennsylvania, Arizona, and Utah. Despite frequent trips for work, Harry and his wife still enjoyed traveling for vacation, to visit different theaters, and to play at new golf courses.
“We did Australia and China and Europe,” he says. “We took golfing trips and visited our kids and grandkids around the country for graduations, birthdays, and other celebrations. We were accustomed to a lot of traveling.”
After his wife passed in 2018, Harry made the cross-country move from Arizona to Cedar Crest in 2021, as it was important for him to be near his daughters and other family members–24 of whom live an hour or so from Pompton Plains.
A new adventure
After settling into his apartment home, Harry was on the hunt for his next adventure.
“As soon as I moved in, I was introduced to Neale,” recalls Harry, who was quick to sign up for trips to Broadway plays, local theater productions, and dinner theater outings with neighbors and his daughters.
He adds, “The trips certainly enhance my life, especially experiencing them with friends and family. I have enjoyed so many trips, and Broadway is always good!”
The list goes on
In 2024, Cedar Crest’s trips department coordinated about three dozen trips for residents. Popular destinations include theater productions, museums, musical shows, and concerts.
“We offered two trips to Pennsylvania this year and several to New York City,” says Berthen.
Other 2024 trips ventured to The Barn Theatre, Newark Museum, Ballantine House, and lunches at Hunan Taste and The Windlass in New Jersey. Groups also visited Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, Pa., and Oktoberfest at The Brownstone in Patterson, N.J.
Harry’s favorite destinations over the last few years include the Sight & Sound Theatres in Lancaster, Pa., Radio City Music Hall Christmas shows in Manhattan, N.Y., and plays and musicals at the Hunterdon Hills Playhouse in Hampton, N.J.
“Our residents enjoy seeing shows or attending events that they would not normally do without our organized trip offerings,” Berthen says. “And many residents, like Harry, often enjoy going with family, friends, or new acquaintances they have met at Cedar Crest.”
For those seeking international trips, Berthen connects residents with travel companies, where they can travel in small groups by joining existing tours.
While trip details are listed in Cedar Crest’s Mountain Matters newsletter and posted at the travel office and on clubhouse bulletin boards, they are also at residents’ fingertips through the community’s convenient My Erickson app.
‘Great place to live’
Through his adventures, serving as captain for the “Jersey Gang” bocce team, and other on-campus activities, Harry met a new companion who shares his passion for travel. So now, they travel together.
“It’s amazing! We’re able to do all this traveling together because of the trips program,” Harry says. “It’s a joy. I have always loved traveling and I’m still able to do it–without having to drive. I worked in Manhattan, so I don’t want to drive in anymore.”
Lots to smile about
Reflecting on his three years at Cedar Crest, Harry notes that the community’s abundance of activities and opportunities has allowed him to make the most of his retirement.
“Here at Cedar Crest, everything is done perfectly–I’m not exaggerating,” he says. “I love living here. It’s a great place to live. That’s why I always have a smile on my face!”
To learn more about affordable, independent senior living at Cedar Crest, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.
Written by Susan Ingram
