The CLUB aims to provide practical support to help people who are largely still independent, enabling them to stay in their homes and out of the hospital or nursing homes.

“We want to start at the beginning of the aging process with a place where people can hang out, have fun, connect, make new friends, enjoy a variety of activities, keep healthy, experience life-long learning—where wellness is encouraged,” said Whitney. “It’s hard to age well if you’re already sick, so we want to help delay frailty and offer social support and exercise.”

Housed in the west wing of the 80,000-sq. ft. building at 2754 Compass Drive, the CLUB’s 10,000- sq. ft. renovation project takes up two floors. The renovation features exercise rooms, an art room, lodge- styled recreation rooms, kitchen space, game tables and classroom areas, to name a few.

More than $8 million was raised for renovations, which will be shared by current and future programs, such as a palliative care clinic.

“A lot of creativity went into renovating this space,” said Whitney. “If we want to inspire people to live well, it’s got to be a really cool place that they’re driven to be at and not just a building.”

THE CLUB HAS IT ALL

Convenience is the name of the game at the CLUB. Memberships include access to comfortable rooms for billiards, cards and other games. There’s an internet café, a movie area with comfy seating and exercise and yoga classrooms, depending on your mood. Plus, there’s a member-exclusive cafe and even a putting green! The CLUB also features a barbershop, women’s salon, nail spa, as well as massage and acupuncture services, available for a small additional fee.

Activities Manager Julie Elliott will help connect members with the activities best suited to them. Options include healthy cooking classes, computer classes, mindfulness and meditation, tai chi for balance, travel and music programs, and art classes taught by local professional artists.

“Whether it’s scheduled classes or open studio time, every space will have something going on all day long,” said Whitney.

Part of the CLUB’s goal is to reach community members who are unwilling or unable to drive. Aging adults may feel lonely or isolated and usually don’t want to feel dependent on others. That’s why the CLUB includes a convenient marketplace with practical gifts and items for purchase. Additionally, club members can get transportation to the facility right from their doorstep.

Not to mention, the CLUB provides a community resource counselor to offer important information on Medicare and other services. Bray and Company is also working with the CLUB to be a one phone call home maintenance service.

JOIN THE CLUB

CLUB Assistant Director Mandy DeCino will meet with each potential new member to personalize his or her community experience. The base cost is $295 per month. However, members of AARP or Crossroads Fitness and volunteers and residents of a Hilltop facility enjoy lucrative discounts. Transportation, the salon, massages and the café are available at extra charge.

“I think our membership is affordable for people of all incomes and is much cheaper than assisted living,” said Whitney. “The CLUB has all the perks of assisted living and so much more, while you continue to live in your own home.”

The CLUB will operate Monday through Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., and will begin accepting membership applications on September 4.

The CLUB will be officially open to the public on October 14.

“Our dream is for people to come and connect with other people," said Whitney. "I want the CLUB to be a place with robustness and to be like Cheers, where everyone knows your name."

MEMBERSHIP PERKS