Andara, a senior lifestyle community in Scottsdale, is definitely not an “old folk’s home.” While plenty of bubbies and a few zeydahs live at this independent and assisted-care resort, you won’t find many residents sitting in a rocking chair or knitting – unless they’re taking a break from one of the countless activities that Director of Resident Services Kim Koppert has available for their enjoyment. Andara, formerly Arte, has a new management staff. Together they are a great group of stable “family” members, according to Executive Director Mary Trzaskowski, who herself joined the team about eight months ago. “Our owners listened to what prospective residents were telling them,” says Trzaskowski. Told that the lobby was cozy and warm but dark, the owners addressed that during “a huge remodeling to the entire property. We’ve made it brighter and lighter. New colors, flooring, fixtures – top to bottom! We’ve put in a back terrace, which has heaters for chilly evenings or for enjoying the outdoors during our brief wintry days. In the works is a plan to enclose the main walkway.”
Koppert adds that a formerly little-used room called Bogart’s Lounge has been completely redone to include pool tables, card tables and much more. “Now it seems to be one of the most popular places to spend time,” she says. Another popular gathering spot is the puzzle room. “Not too long ago I sent out a survey and questionnaire asking everyone what they’d like more or less of and to add their suggestions,” says Koppert. She says the new owners were considering expanding the once- a-month rabbi visit and Shabbat dinner to twice a month for each event. But when the residents said they actually liked the monthly service and Shabbat dinner schedule, she and the owners instead decided to expand programs for the 20 or so Jewish residents by adding extra celebrations for special holidays. For those interested in going to synagogue services off campus, transportation is provided on Saturday mornings. Residents have expressed interest in other activities as well. “One resident suggested that we have a Wii bowling league, and it has been very popular. We didn’t make the finals, but we did very well,” she says. “We had three teams. I also found out that we were the only senior community in Arizona to participate!”
Other residents expressed an interest in learning new languages, and they’ll be hiring a teacher to fill the request. A walking club started in April and meets twice a week. Koppert says, “Some of the favorite things here are exercise classes, bingo, canasta and lately everyone has really been enjoying some rousing sessions of Texas Hold’em poker!”
Best friends Irma Kotler and Charlotte Bernstein met soon after they moved in six months ago. It’s easy to see why the two women formed their tight bond. Bernstein notes, “I’m a real people person. I kibbitz, I love to learn from other people and teach others as well. I’m the more religious of the two of us, so I love when we have the rabbi here and the Shabbat dinner. I’m always baking and sharing with everyone here – I won’t leave anyone out! I’ve been making scarves for everyone.”
Bernstein adds, “I was a bit apprehensive at first – honestly. But I love it here! The staff is so friendly, and they do whatever they can to make us happy. As a former Air Force wife, I’ve lived all over the globe.”
She notes it’s also nice that the Yiddish that sprinkles her conversations is readily understood. “We have four ladies on my floor and when we talk, we don’t have to stop to explain what we mean. It’s nice.”
“Charlotte stole my thunder!” Kotler says. “We both came from New York City. I lived in a high rise right in Manhattan and Charlotte lived in Brooklyn, so coming here was a bit of a worry at first. But I’m loving it. It has been the most wonderful choice.” Unlike her friend, Kotler says she never attended services regularly, “but I am very Jewish, so this is enough. It is nice to have the other ladies around. When we want or need each other, we’re right there. If we don’t, we can close the door or go do whatever we want.” Coming from a big city, the atmosphere she has found at Andara has been a pleasant surprise.
“I’ve never lived in a small town, but that’s what I think of when I try to describe this to people thinking of moving in here,” says Kotler. “I think of a small town where everyone cares about you, checks on you, and it’s like a warm blanket of family holding you. The staff cares, our neighbors care. It’s wonderful!”
Bernstein adds, “A while back, one of the ladies had to be in the hospital and was recuperating with her children. She came to visit. When she walked into the dining room, everyone clapped. That’s the way it is here. Everyone is a family.”
Both women say the improvements have been fantastic, and the new management has done a good job of easing everyone into the changes.
Koppert adds that besides the scheduled activities and classes, there are planned field trips.
Andara has 168 apartments and presently about 71 residents. Trzaskowski says that the assisted-care area is almost full. “What I want everyone to know is that with the new name, new décor, warm and friendly staff, and willingness to do whatever we can to ensure our residents know that this is their home and we will do whatever is in our power to make them happy in our luxury environment.”
