MetLife has selected the Eastman Community Association of Grantham, New Hampshire, as a winner of the 2016 MetLife Foundation/Generations United Best Intergenerational Communities Award.

“I’m so proud of this community,” says General Manager Ken Ryder. “This distinction came to us through the hard work of volunteers and staff, not only on the application but in what we do here every day—working together to make Eastman a wonderful place to call home.”

Eastman member Carol Greenfield knew that this award was an excellent fit for Eastman when she heard about it. Carol spent countless hours in collaboration with fellow volunteer John Larrabee, Chief Community Living Officer Leslie Moses, and Social Programming Director Charlie Taber, with input from other volunteers, to craft the application.

“It was truly my pleasure to help profile this great community with such wonderful people of all ages. Having been part of Eastman for more than 30 years, I was surprised at how much more I learned about what makes this such a special place,” Carol says.

Emily Patrick, project manager for Generations United (GU), sent Carol an email announcing the award. “The judges were very impressed with how much is going on in such a small community, and there is clear intention about embracing intergenerational strategies.”

Eastman is the first community association to receive this award. Eastman clearly stated a plan adopted in 2012 to create a sustainable, intergenerational, recreational community that offers an active, four-season lifestyle. The bulk of their plan for 2020 is to outline goals and strategies for three areas of focus: community living, environmental vitality, and economic viability.

Their first two goals for community living are:

1. To offer quality, year-round programs and resources for all age groups in the community, and

2. To develop opportunities for intergenerational activities and programs.

The Eastman Community Association wishes to thank all their volunteers and members who help keep the intergenerational programming strong. Eastman will be recognized at an award ceremony in Washington, DC, on April 19. Congratulations to all who have made this program between the generations possible.