Clubs for Every Hobby Await at The Overlook Senior Living Charlton

The spirit and passion behind the resident-driven clubs here at The Overlook offer a glimpse into the heart of our close-knit community. And whether you’re interested in long-love hobbies, such as home brewing, or discovering new passions—as Barbara Delano did when she joined the Young at Heart Quilters—or meeting new people through activities and hobbies you’ve loved your whole life, The Overlook has a club for it.

Barbara Delano moved to The Overlook in 2006 when she was 65—she and her husband wanted to be in a more central location so they could enjoy various exciting day trips. After exploring several options, they fell in love with everything The Overlook offers. They were committed to cultivating hobbies, passions and a healthy lifestyle through resident connection.

In Barbara’s case, she found a new passion by joining the Young at Heart Quilters. Since the club’s launch in 2007, members have made more than 7,000 quilts and donated them to various organizations and hospitals in need. Barbara noted she even received a kind “thank you” note from Charlton Memorial Hospital after the group’s donation of smaller quilts for the infant intensive care unit.

And in her case, this newfound passion led to even more generosity. It became a bit of a “side business” for the Young at Heart Quilters, as Barbara made tote bags with extra fabric so that the earnings could go to the Charlton Masonic Angel fund.

“I have learned so much from the other ladies. And when I saw all the fabric we’d received from donations, I took a workshop on how to make tote bags. From there I started making them and thought, we have the Charlton Masonic Angel fund, and so I decided to start selling the bags to give all the earnings to the Angel fund.”

 

– Barbara D. on joining the Young at Heart Quilters at The Overlook

These stories always warm our hearts. In fact, many of the connections made through our social activity clubs lead to members of our community fulfilling a much greater purpose. Other clubs offered here at The Overlook include:

Speaking of walking and hiking, our walking and hiking clubs are certainly among some of the most active here among our gorgeous 450 acres of untouched New England countryside.  Joining this group was a no-brainer for Sally Dietrich, who has lived at The Overlook since 2013 and has been a walker her entire life. She enjoys getting to know other residents and sharing time with them outdoors.

“I love to walk and I love to be outside. I usually walk 3-4 miles a day. I’ve always had a lot of energy—I think it keeps me energized.”

 

– Sally D. on the Walking Club at The Overlook

And with miles of trails to explore right in The Overlook’s backyard, there’s never a dull moment. The walking group meets twice every week and enjoys 30 minutes of activity, peace, calm and connection.

Plus, we’d be remiss not to mention the Brew Crew, the resident-run brew club started by long-time homebrewer Steve Dragon. Steve actually chose The Overlook out of all the other communities in Massachusetts because it was open to installing a brewing system for him.

Now, the Brew Crew that he founded does everything from grinding the grain to brewing and bottling their award-winning beers under their unique label, Senior Moment.

Whether you want to brew craft beer, garden, host regional festivals and events, play tennis, learn to sing, paint or woodwork—The Overlook offers the place, time and resources to do everything you’ve always wanted to do.

And if you have an idea for a new group, event or amenity, we have the space for you to run with it!

To learn more about the special lifestyle and sense of community at The Overlook in Charlton, explore social programs. And if you want to learn more about what The Overlook has to offer, call today at 508-202-4090 or request a free brochure. You can also check out a few of our frequently asked questions for even more helpful info.