Cocktail Hours, Live Music, Grand Galas - The Incredible Lifestyle at Marsh’s Edge

Annsley Felton wears many hats: Master of Ceremonies, Costume Aficionado, Talent Scout, Trivia Host, Party Planner, are just a handful. As the Social Director at Marsh’s Edge, Annsley’s daily schedule and role are likened to those of a Cruise Director. The only difference is that her “boat” is docked full-time on St. Simons Island and anchored off Frederica Road. She’s always on the go, creating and participating in new and unique events catered to the interests of the Members who reside at Marsh’s Edge. “I’m passionate about people, and the quality of life that they have,” says Felton. “Before I started in this industry, I had the stereotypical mindset of what it meant to be in senior living. To actively play a part in breaking those stigmas has been very rewarding”. Her social programs are much more than anything stereotypical, they involve live music, cocktail hours, and themed galas held throughout the year. “I get to offer events that are fulfilling and meaningful. I don’t just have a job at Marsh’s Edge; I get to work here and provide our Members with an excellent retirement.”

Joining a Retirement Community

Those who are deciding to move into a retirement community may have concerns about the difficulties of meeting new neighbors and integrating into the community. Welcoming new Members at Marsh’s Edge is one of the most rewarding parts of the job for Felton. “There are so many events and activities happening each day throughout our community. We want to make sure that our new Members have the opportunity to experience them and become acquainted with neighbors in the process.” During the first few weeks, in addition to meeting the community’s leadership team, newcomers are paired with an ambassador. This will be someone like-minded with similar interests or a shared career, or it may be a neighbor who will be in close proximity. “It’s wonderful to see new Members’ concerns disintegrate as they meet people and become more comfortable with the community,” says Felton. The ambassador program allows new Members to become acquainted with their home and to learn the ropes, from making dining reservations and utilizing amenities to joining clubs and attending wellness classes. “I love personally inviting our new Members to activities we think that they will like. It’s a personal welcome and we want them to know that they are welcomed here. We want them to live a Weller Life in our community.”

COVID-19 and Social Programming

dining to create a unique experience for those who live in the community. In the beginning of 2020, Felton and the community’s leadership team mapped out spectacular events to take place throughout the year. However, like many other things in 2020, those plans were quickly uprooted when COVID-19 became a worldwide pandemic—one that has impacted seniors more than other demographics. “I knew that regardless of how long this lasted, that isolation is a top concern for our Members. I wanted to make sure that they were able to stay engaged and I was able to see them and speak to them daily so they didn’t feel that isolation,” said Felton.

To accommodate the needs of the community, Annsley needed to think “out of the box” to come up with creative and safe ways for Members to partake in their favorite activities. “Our Members love Happy Hour, it’s a wonderful time for them to socialize, enjoy music, games, and a freshly prepared cocktail. For that to be taken away, it was a big disappointment.” So instead of bringing them to Happy Hour, she brought a themed Happy Hour to them three times per week for five straight months. “Each Happy Hour had a theme and we dressed up, passed out drinks and hors d’oeuvres at everyone’s houses. It really gave them something to look forward to. They were excited to see what we were going to be wearing and there were so many laughs and smiles from these events.” For Jurassic Park, they wore dinosaur costumes and passed out The Green Dinosaur cocktail and “pterodactyl” (chicken) wings. Their Cowboy theme meant Western duds, Cowboy Caviar, a spiked Roy Rogers, and country music.

Later in the year, small gatherings became possible and the community welcomed back beloved local performers like Pace Conner, Owen Plant and Keenan Carter to entertain Members in a safe setting. Outdoor concerts allowed attendees to safely distance, listen from the balconies of their homes, or drive up and park in their golf cart to enjoy the music. “These entertainers are staples in our social programming at Marsh's Edge. With everything going on, it’s more important than ever for our members to keep a sense of normalcy,” said Felton. “Our entertainers are local and their schedules have been greatly impacted due to closures and cancellations, so it’s nice that they have been able to help us out and vice versa.”

2021, A New Era

In early January 2021, the COVID-19 vaccination became available for the Members and staff at Marsh’s Edge, with the second dose administered in the beginning of February. “We are going to get back to our bigger more ‘over-the-top’ parties and events as the year goes on, still limiting attendance for the foreseeable future to ensure that attendees are safe. But we have a lot that we’re looking forward to,” said Felton. One of the events that Members most look forward to are the monthly Signature Experiences, a themed day of fitness, food and fun.

For example, in 2019, one of their most memorable Signature Experiences was a 1950s Senior Prom. The week before Prom was a spirit week with themed days, activities, and outfits. The morning of Prom began with a wellness class where community Members learned a variety of dances, the Boogie Woogie, Jive, and Jitterbug. Those moves were put to good use later at the dance. In the evening, the attendees snapped Prom photos and enjoyed a three course meal of a fresh chopped salad, prime rib with whipped mashed potatoes and asparagus, followed by a decadent Bananas Foster cake for dessert. Of course, no prom is complete without its King and Queen, so ours were crowned at the beginning of the dance based on votes cast by Members throughout the week. 

Annsley currently has plans to produce several over-the-top Signature Experience celebrations this year. Alice in Wonderland will feature a Mad Hatter Tea Party during the day and a trip “Down The Rabbit Hole” as a twist at night! She’s also looking forward to The Greatest Showman, a carnival spectacular complete with hot air balloon rides, and a voyage Around the World that includes tasting stations with familiar and unique cuisines to educate and entice!

“People First, Always.”

Each day, the Marsh’s Edge team embodies the community’s guiding principle of “People First, Always.” This principle has been Annsley’s motivation to bring something joyful and engaging to each of her Members' lives each day. Whether the event is for four people or forty, her goal is to ensure that her Members are living their best retirement.

Marsh’s Edge is a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) which gives Members access to a full array of services including Active Adult Living, Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation. If your needs change, there is no need to relocate as you’ll be at home in a community of friends and have easy access to the care you require. The community offers a worry-free lifestyle with access to unique social events, wellness classes and dining experiences. To learn more about Marsh’s Edge or to schedule an appointment with a Lifestyle Advisor, call 912.638.5951 or visit Marshs-Edge.com.