February 22, 2007
Fighting the other brain drain
Here in Northeast Ohio, we hear plenty about the brain drain—college grads fleeing the city once they get their degrees to go to work in warmer climes where opportunity supposedly abounds. As a result of this, the economy here is responding with a shift of emphasis. Our communities are trying to do a better job of establishing environments rich with career choices that befit the new millennium.
But there is another segment of the population we are at risk of losing—an older generation who may find their careers coming to an end, their families relocating, or simply that they are in a place to discover new opportunities for how, and where, to write the next chapter of their lives. There’s another response in order, another generation to court.
“We recognize the need to actively and mindfully appeal to an older generation of Northeast Ohioans,” says Cynthia H. Dunn, President and CEO of Judson Services Inc., which is building a new neighborhood, South Franklin Circle, as part of this appeal. “And by listening to their needs, by paying attention to the market, we are working to develop very compelling reasons for them to stay right here.
Attracting, retaining vital resources
“The people we are looking to retain and attract are a huge community resource,” says Dunn. The group South Franklin Circle is courting is people without stringent family demands and career requirements. They’re free to pursue other interests. And they’re at a prime stage of life to give back to the community. “Shame on us if we don’t do everything we can to make it easy for them to have a lifestyle in Northeast Oho that affords choices in connecting with new opportunities.”
In other words, Judson believes: “if we build it they will come.”
South Franklin Circle will offer the tranquil setting of the Chagrin Valley combined with the sophisticated living amenities for which Judson, who has been serving Northeast Ohio for more than 100 years, has become so well known. “This has been in the works from more than 10 years,” says Rob Lucarelli, Director of Communications for Judson Services, Inc. “We’ve studied the market and we’re building this community based on what people have told us they want.”
Location. Originality. Convenience. Opportunity.
- Location. South Franklin Circle will be smack in one of the prettiest parts of the Chagrin Valley. It’s not only beautiful; it affords residents a balance of the best of what this area has to offer—the Chagrin Valley; several jewels of the Emerald Necklace; easy access to the highway, outer ring suburbs, charming Chagrin Falls, and even University Circle and downtown Cleveland. “We’re positioning this campus in an ideal place,” says Dunn, “Where people will have multiple choices, a nice balance between a peaceful rural setting and important cultural happenings.”
- Originality. “Our prospective residents don’t want a place that feels cookie-cutter or like just another housing community,” says Dunn. “We intend to build a community that inspires.” The campus will feature not only beautiful home design and a commitment to environmental friendliness, but healthy living amenities such as a five-mile walking, biking and skiing trail that will include a section of the Metroparks and even eventually connect to Solon; a warm-water pool with fitness area to accommodate classes and equipment; a computer training classroom, business center, and restaurant options that include carryout. “We will focus on the core conveniences that make it very easy for people to pursue things that interest them.”
- Convenience. South Franklin Circle’s location won’t be the only major convenience, so will its infrastructure. “We’re going to make it easy and convenient for residents to live an active, connected life here,” says Dunn. From a technological standpoint, Dunn cites wireless, high-speed internet complete with IT support, making distance learning opportunities easily accessible. It’s also the convenience of a worry-free lifestyle. “We will have equipment available to help residents self-monitor their own medical needs,” says Dunn. “We’ll provide information, tools, and support, and let residents take it from there.”
- Opportunity. The campus and the concept will make it easy for residents to pursue physical activities, social engagements, educational and philanthropic opportunities, basically anything that interests them. “Residents will enjoy the synergy of being with people who are engaged in the community and connected with new opportunities,” Dunn says. “We’ll have and actively engaged group of people who are familiar with the community and its issues.” Only at this stage of their lives, and in a place that supports it, they will have the wherewithal and resources to be part of solutions to issues such as regionalism, education, economic development challenges—a chance to really be a part of Northeast Ohio’s ongoing dialogue. A chance to be involved in Smart Living.
Smart Living
Smart Living is a philosophy at Judson that can be most simply put as “use
it or lose it.”
Think of it as a way to plan for your future, while you’re healthy enough
to reap the benefits of a lifestyle you create by doing everything you can,
unencumbered by physical issues. It’s about living and learning until
the very last.
“Part of Smart Living is helping people understand that they are lifelong learners,” says Ron Browne, Vice President of Smart Living for Judson Services, Inc. “We like to think that as people age they become elders—not in the sense of being old, but in the more tribal sense of being able to bring wisdom and experience to our community and culture.”
In this respect, Smart Living is:
- Ageless. It is each of us taking responsibility for our successful aging experience.
- Dynamic. A proactive approach to life.
- A “can do” attitude that investigates wellness options and customizes healthy choices to fit individual lifestyles.
- A paradigm of planning and taking charge. It mixes reality with opportunity, challenge, and creative solutions.
- People sharing their expertise with the community.
- Likely to happen anywhere.
- Adaptive. It differs for each of us and evolves over time.
- Involves progressive thinkers inspiring others. They are the curious explorers, informed decision makers and invaluable community resources.
- Retaining and attracting leaders for Northeast Ohio.
- Not a destination, but a journey for us all.
Browne says that keeping our brains intact involves three main strategies: exercising our minds, exercising our bodies, and staying socially engaged. “Smart Living is about all of that,” he says. “At a place like South Franklin Circle, people will not become isolated. They will have every opportunity to keep their minds, bodies, and lives intact, strong, thriving.”
Browne gives us another way to look at it: As we get older, there are two different lenses through which we can view life. One lens presents the challenges of aging—health, social security, medicare, finances. The other lens reveals the joys and opportunities of growing older. “This is not to say that the challenges aren’t real or important,” he says. “But if we embrace the joys and opportunities, this goes a long way towards helping us cope with the challenges.” Ultimately, the biggest limitations come from within.
South Franklin Circle gives Judson a new opportunity to fight the other
brain drain by pushing it’s concept of Smart Living even further ahead.
South Franklin Circle
South Franklin Circle, a $200-million project, will begin construction in 2007, with first occupation in 2009. The amenities and programming will be most attractive to people in their mid-60s to 80s, with the average age of residents being early- to mid-70s. “But it’s so hard to put a chronological age on this lifestyle,” Dunn says. “The draw is not for an age group, but a group of people who want to give back and be engaged, people who want to continue with their investment in Northeast Ohio, stay involved in organizations, and enjoy a convenient lifestyle.”
The campus and residences will be designed by world-class architect Graham Gund, in a fashion that is both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible. The community will be set on 88 acres between Chagrin Road and South Franklin Street in Bainbridge Township. It will be an “unplanned community” where residents can customize their home to meet their desires. Residents will be able to choose from multiple home styles with more than 30 different floor plans. Careful landscaping that preserves the campus as 80% green will enhance the natural charm and beauty that is characteristic of the Chagrin Valley surroundings.
Used with permission of Times Too.
For media inquiries about South Franklin Circle, please contact:
Rob Lucarelli
Director of Communications
(216) 791-2321
rlucarelli@judsonsmartliving.org
