Seaton Voorhees will bring a taste of Germany to Voorhees on Oct. 8 with an Oktoberfest celebration designed to connect residents, families and neighbors while giving back to a local cause.
The Provincial Senior Living community will host the celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. at Seaton Voorhees, 209 Laurel Road. The event is open to residents, families, local seniors, professionals, community partners and members of the public.
“We wanted to create a festive experience that brings residents, families, team members and neighbors together,” said Julieann Lee, executive director of Seaton Voorhees. “Oktoberfest offers such a wonderful combination of food, music and tradition, making it an ideal opportunity to celebrate the season while strengthening our connection with the Voorhees community.”
Guests can expect themed décor, festive music, activities, seasonal beverages and a chef-prepared menu of German-inspired dishes. Raffles featuring themed gift baskets will raise money for the Animal Orphanage.
Community tours will also be available throughout the evening, giving visitors an opportunity to see apartments, sample the community’s cuisine and speak with residents and team members about life at Seaton Voorhees.
Lee said events such as Oktoberfest are part of a larger effort to encourage residents to remain socially active and connected.
“We believe staying socially active and connected is part of overall well-being,” she said. “Events like Oktoberfest give residents something exciting to look forward to, while creating opportunities to socialize, welcome visitors to their home and build relationships with other members of our community.”
Residents also help influence the celebrations held at Seaton Voorhees. Their interests and feedback help shape the food, entertainment and activities offered at events throughout the year.
Opening Oktoberfest to the wider community was especially important, Lee said, because it allows local seniors and families to experience Seaton Voorhees in an informal environment.
“Opening the event to local seniors and their families helps give everyone the opportunity to make new friends, enjoy a fun night out and experience our community in a comfortable and relaxed setting,” she said.
For seniors who may be considering senior living, the evening also provides an opportunity to explore the community without the formality of a traditional visit. Guests can tour apartments and common areas, try the food and talk directly with residents about their experiences.
Food will be a centerpiece of the evening.
“Our culinary team has thoughtfully developed a menu that captures the comfort and warmth of traditional Oktoberfest dishes,” Lee said. “Our team researched German-inspired dishes and flavors, selected seasonal ingredients and focused on providing an experience that is flavorful and comforting. The goal is to offer more than a meal – we want our guests to enjoy an experience.”
Happy-hour hors d’oeuvres will include a giant Bavarian-style pretzel served with beer cheese dip; Kartoffelpuffer, or crispy potato pancakes served with applesauce; Currywurst, featuring sliced bratwurst with curry sauce; and Zwiebelkuchen, a German onion pie made with bacon on a flaky crust.
Dinner selections will include Jägerschnitzel, a breaded pork cutlet topped with mushroom gravy; Sauerbraten, marinated beef roast slow-braised and finished with savory gravy; and Rinderroulade, thinly sliced beef rolled with bacon, onions, mustard and pickles.
Braised red cabbage with apples and spices and warm German potato salad with bacon, onion and a vinegar-based dressing will accompany the entrées. German-style beers and nonalcoholic beverages will also be available. The menu is subject to availability.
“Our menu selection is top tier,” Lee said. “There will be something for everyone to enjoy.”
The festivities will also have a charitable component, with raffle proceeds and donations benefiting the Animal Orphanage.
Lee said the organization was a fitting choice for the pet-friendly senior living community.
“Because Seaton Voorhees is a pet-friendly community and we understand the importance of pets and the companionship, joy and positive health benefits they provide, we will be raising money for the Animal Orphanage,” she said.
Organizers hope the generosity of residents, employees, families and other guests will result in a monetary donation to the organization.
Oktoberfest is one example of the programming offered throughout the year at Seaton Voorhees. Residents regularly have access to social, educational, recreational, culinary and wellness programs tailored to their interests and abilities, including live entertainment, themed celebrations, exercise programs and creative and spiritual activities.
Lee hopes the Oktoberfest celebration leaves visitors with a sense of the relationships and active lifestyle the community seeks to foster.
“We hope everyone leaves feeling welcomed, connected and uplifted,” she said. “We want to create joyful memories for our residents and our local community.”
She also hopes visitors leave with a broader understanding of senior living.
“We hope this event can help those attending recognize Seaton as a lively, fun, welcoming community where seniors can still enjoy an independent, active lifestyle with supportive services should they need,” Lee said.
