Brooksby Village TV-919 Keeps Residents Connected During Unpreceded Period

Creativity is the Key to Successful Community Engagement

Peabody, MA – For anyone who lives at Brooksby Village, an Erickson Living developed and managed senior living community in Peabody, Mass., one of the best ways to keep abreast of important campus news is by tuning into Brooksby Village (BBV) TV-919, the community's closed circuit internal TV channel. So, it has come as no surprise to the community that one key part of helping residents stay informed, active and engaged during the pandemic has been by utilizing Brooksby Village Television.   

When the state's stay at home order was announced in mid-March, BBV-TV staff and resident volunteers immediately began discussions on the type of programming that would help keep community members stay safe, healthy, and connected.  "We quickly became the primary source for campus preparedness news and updates, including by scheduling ongoing Executive Team discussions," said Brooksby Village TV Coordinator Sarah Blackstone.

As part of the community's commitment to transparent and timely information sharing, three times a week members of the Executive Team participate in a "Brooksby Village Update" half-hour program.  This is a must-watch show for anyone on campus looking to obtain the latest information on how the staff is keeping community members and each other safe, healthy, and connected. 

Resident volunteers at BBV-TV also reached out asking how they could continue to provide entertainment, inspirational messages and much more from their apartments.  It was determined residents could participate and conduct programs and discussions via Zoom (video communications). For example, The Theater at the Pond group is connecting via Zoom every week to conduct rehearsals for their written plays.  Two other Brooksby Village residents have teamed up together to produce shows featuring music and sing-alongs.  Further, Judith Medeiros from Pastoral Ministries hosts a Stories Matter show in which she reads poems and short stories submitted by residents.   

"The TV studio has gone above and beyond in creating unique and meaningful ways for those on campus to remain engaged," said Resident Life Director Pamela Simpson.  "Staff and residents from across campus have been encouraged to contribute and create their own content via Zoom.   

Now we have over 15 different shows and most air daily episodes.  One of the main moto's has been 'We're all in this together,' and those who live and work on campus have done just that."  

Some of the other programs residents have been able to enjoy from home are Bingo Time with Resident Life Director Pam Simpson, Brooksby Village Trivia, along with religious programming and exercise classes.

Jeff Watson, Erickson Living's Director of Operations, gives high praise to the broadcast professionals and virtual resident volunteers at Brooksby Village. "They deserve great credit for the creative, high-quality programming they've produced throughout this unprecedented situation. Their innovation and hard work have resulted in a heightened level of communication that has kept those on campus connected, engaged."

"While staying safe at the community, residents are taking advantage of the diverse opportunities that have been available to stay active and engaged.  We've received a lot of positive feedback.  For that I am grateful," said Simpson.  

Photo:  Brooksby Village Fitness Specialist Sharon Graves teaches a fitness class from the BBV-TV studio.

About Brooksby Village: Brooksby Village is one of 20 continuing care retirement communities developed and managed by Erickson Living® and is situated on a scenic 90-acre campus in Peabody, Massachusetts. The not-for-profit community, located in Essex County, is home to 1,700 residents and is governed by its own board of directors, affiliated with National Senior Campuses, who provide independent financial and operational oversight of the community. Additional information about Brooksby Village can be found at BrooksbyVillage.com.