Summer celebrations are in full swing, and at Garden Communities this is no exception. COVID may have brought us all to a standstill, but it certainly hasn’t stopped Garden Communities from honoring their loyal patrons. Starting back in August 2020. Garden Communities wanted to show appreciation to their most loyal residents by establishing The Golden Residents Club. Residents who have been part of the Garden Communities family for 50 years or more are recognized and honored for being the backbone of their growing communities. Garden Communities gratefully welcomes Ruth Sherman of West Mill Gardens as the newest member of The Golden Residents Club, and as a thank you, is presenting Ruth with one-year free rent. Satisfied residents, like Ruth, are an important component to Garden Communities success.
50 Years Strong: Ruth Sherman
In 1971, Ruth and her husband were living in San Antonio, Texas, then decided to move back to their roots in NJ to be closer to family. They packed up their belongings and moved into West Mill Gardens with their two daughters, Natalie and Leslie. “We planned on staying for only a few years and then eventually buy a house. And here it is 50 years later and I’m still here” Ruth explains. “Do you think I’d still be here if I didn’t love it?” Ruth continues. “I’ve had a very good experience living at West Mill Gardens. It has a real community feel. When the children were little there were many kids of all ages around playing kickball in the court. We all used to sit outside when the weather was nice. I still stay in touch with the friends I’ve made here. Some I’ve known for 50 years.” Ruth also mentioned the nice relationships she has with the staff at West Mill Gardens. Fred, Heather and Steve have been very prompt and responsive taking care of any issues that arise, and even just checking in with her every now and then.
In addition to raising two daughters, Ruth taught middle and high school English before retiring in 2007. Her first teaching job was in 1978 at Solomon Schechter Day School. It was initially going to be a temporary job for one marking period, but she loved it so much, it turned into nine years. After her children went to college, she got another “temporary” job at Chatham High School, which lasted twenty years. After retiring from teaching, Ruth worked part time editing a medical marketing newsletter. Traveling to visit her four grandchildren in Boston and Baltimore keeps Ruth on the go. Ruth is also very active in her synagogue, Temple B’Nai Abraham. She co-chairs the social action committee at the temple. Combining her love for knitting and charity work, she recently knitted hats for her local charity “Livingston Neighbors Helping Neighbors” which were distributed to the needy in Newark this past winter. Ruth is also active in the local JCC and has formed many friendships with the members.
Ruth is an Adventurer
Traveling is also a passion Ruth enjoys. South Africa, Cuba, and Spain are just a few of the trips she took with the JCC. “I love to travel. I don’t like to sit at home. I’m sort of the ringleader in organizing trips with my girlfriends.” Ruth has organized trips with friends to Amsterdam, road trips to Maine, as well as every Wednesday into NYC to see a show. It wasn’t only in travel that Ruth initiated things. One night, in 1975, while she and her friends’ husbands were watching football during a snowstorm, Ruth dreamt up an idea of opening a t-shirt shop. They opened up Decalomania and sold t-shirts with logos for the next few years.
When things get monotonous, Ruth is always ready for the next adventure. Since 1996, Ruth has been a drama critic and has written reviews for the West Orange Chronical. In 2010 she started a blog – NJ Arts Maven, and posts events, press releases, and play reviews. She also mentored journalism students at William Paterson College. As far as location, and easy access to the numerous activities Ruth enjoys, West Mill Gardens has been the perfect fit for Ruth’s active lifestyle.
Why Ruth Loves Her Garden Apartment
It is easy to see why Ruth has made West Mill Gardens her home for the past five decades. A variety of options ranging in square footage from 775 to over 1800, West Mill Gardens is perfect for those who are downsizing or growing their families. 1-3 bedrooms also provide extra space for those now working from home. Newly renovated, the residences come with central air, dishwashers, refrigerators, and hardwood floors throughout. Semi- private entrances for added privacy, as well as 24-hour emergency maintenance and on-site laundry are unique to this community. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool, tennis courts and playgrounds for the kids. Nearby Routes 280, 287 and the Garden State Parkway, as well as close public transportation, make this an ideal location.
Oakes Ponds at Bloomfield is another exciting option to reside in Essex County. Granite countertops, breakfast bars, large soaking tubs, and walk in closets are just a few of the luxurious amenities included. Take a dip in the gorgeous swimming pool or sit by the cozy fireplace and play a game of cards in the club house. The fitness club and TV lounge are also popular with the residents. Located in Bloomfield, close to public transportation, one can enjoy a night out in the city or stay close to home and explore many of the downtown shops and restaurants just minutes away.
Cider Mill Townhomes blends luxury living in beautiful Livingston, NJ. Boasting top notch schools these townhomes for rent include private entrances, garages, high end kitchens, as well as a private clubhouse, gym, and lounge. Luxury living at its finest can be reveled in at Cider Mill Townhomes.
New construction has also been booming at Garden Communities. The Enclave at Dewy Meadows, located in Bernards Township, is the newest addition in Somerset County. Top rated schools make this community desirable for families, as well as the jogging paths and a playground. Coming soon are a modern clubhouse, yoga room, pool, and dog washing station. A conference room and business center are also on the agenda at Dewy Meadows.
The Residences at Raritan Town Square in Flemington, NJ offers a respite in nature from the hustle and bustle of city living. Tucked in the rolling hills and farmlands nearby, luxury living has never been more scenic. Quartz countertops, key-less entry, and a spacious gathering room and business center are just some of the amenities included in this community. The Residence is also pet-friendly, so the whole family will enjoy the bucolic setting.
Not ready to make a move just yet? No worries, as Garden Communities has several communities that are up and coming. The Jefferson in Hackensack will be opening in 2021. The Frederick, in Highland Park, NJ, as well as Woodcrest at Berkely Heights, in Berkely Heights, NJ, are both slated to open in the fall of 2021. Looking even further down the road? The Metropolitan in Springfield, NJ, is scheduled to open in 2022. Check out Gardencommunites.com to get more information on these, and many other wonderful communities being offered.
“West Mill Gardens is a perfect location, as it is centrally located to shopping, restaurants and NYC.” says Ruth. “I plan on staying here and am very honored Garden Communities has been so good to me.” Garden Communities extends a special thank you to Ruth for making West Mill Gardens, a place to really call home. A toast to Ruth and the next 50 years!