The Golden Gang

Movies, Veterans, and Vintage Planes: Inside Engagement at Arbor

What happens when a company says yes to big ideas? In this episode, host Phil Rizzo sits down with Angel Allaire, Vice President of Engagement and Training at The Arbor Company, who brings 33 years in healthcare and 20 years with Arbor to the conversation. Angel shares how a single brainstorm led to The Golden Gang podcast, how residents directed and starred in a short film that screened at the Garden State Film Festival, and how veterans took flight in a restored World War II plane through Ageless Aviation. Along the way she explains the Dementia Live training that changes how caregivers see the world, the "be well, be social" approach to programming, and why a culture that encourages dreaming big makes all the difference for residents and staff alike.

The Golden Gang: 103 Years of Wisdom, Laughter, and Living Well with Fran

In this special episode from Arbor Terrace Morris Plains, executive director Laurie sits down with resident Fran — 103 years young and full of stories. From growing up in Boston and modeling for a camera club to volunteering as a nurse's aide, championing voter service, and staying married for 67 years, Fran's life is a masterclass in resilience, humor, and grace. Her secrets? Good genes, daily exercise, a sense of humor, and plenty of respect. Don't miss this one.

The Golden Gang: Voices from the 2026 Arbor Connections Conference

In this special episode of The Golden Gang, host Chuck Nichols takes the podcast on the road to the annual Arbor Connections Conference in Atlanta, sitting down with colleagues from across The Arbor Company. You'll hear from engagement directors, memory care leaders, support partners, and company leadership, each with a unique story about what drew them to this work and what keeps them here. From Lee Jarrett's 17-year journey in Washington, D.C., to Gauri's fresh perspective after relocating from abroad, the voices in this episode capture what makes The Arbor Company a place people choose to stay. Listen in, and hear the passion behind the people.

Meet Nicole, Executive Director of Arbor Terrace Middletown

In this episode of The Golden Gang, engagement coordinator Angie sits down with Nicole, executive director of Arbor Terrace Middletown [https://www.arborcompany.com/locations/new-jersey/middletown], for an honest conversation about what it takes to lead a senior living community. Nicole reflects on her path from the mortgage business into senior living, the childhood summers spent tagging along with her grandmother (a travel nurse) that first sparked her passion, and a family story that still sits on her mantel years later. Along the way, she shares her thoughts on compassion, trust, and why the bones of a community matter far more than a shiny new chandelier.

Born to Dance: Meet Lily Mae, the Heart Behind Golden Groovers

What happens when a lifelong dancer, certified Pilates instructor, and personal trainer finds her calling in senior living? You get Lily Mae—and you get Golden Groovers. In this episode of The Golden Gang Podcast, host Brinley sits down with Lily Mae, a newer member of the engagement team at Arbor Terrace Basking Ridge. Lily Mae grew up dancing—literally born into it, with a grandmother who was a ballerina with the Toledo Ballet and a grandfather who was a tap dancer and choreographer who met his wife while casting West Side Story. After earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance and Choreography from Towson University, cheering for the Baltimore Blast semi-professional team, and building an impressive resume as a Pilates instructor, gym general manager, and certified personal trainer, Lily Mae discovered something unexpected: her favorite clients were seniors. That realization led her straight to Arbor Terrace—and to creating Golden Groovers, a seated dance fitness class that has residents smiling, sweating, and moving muscles they forgot they had. Tune in for a conversation full of warmth, movement, and inspiration—and find out why Lily Mae believes dance is good for the soul.