Phoebe Ministries Opens Newest Independent Living Community in Emmaus, Pa.

Phoebe Ministries, based in Allentown, Pa., celebrated the opening of its brand-new independent living community, Chestnut Ridge at Rodale in Emmaus, Pa., on Thursday, May 23. Attendees included Phoebe President and CEO Scott Stevenson; Chairman of Phoebe’s Governing Board Bill Hacker; and Emmaus Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert.

The ceremony was held in the large multi-purpose room at Chestnut Ridge. Residents, friends of Phoebe, and members of the Emmaus community listened to remarks and words of thanks before the ribbon-cutting took place.

Stevenson welcomed residents to their new home, thanking them for their unwavering support. “All of you here today have stood by Phoebe and believed in this project,” he said. “For many of you, the road to Emmaus was long, but we are finally here, and we hope that you love living here.”

Currently, 141 people live at Chestnut Ridge. A few units are still available for sale. Amenities include smart-living apartment options, an indoor pool, a fitness center, an on-site salon, dining options including a pub, and more.

Stevenson also thanked business partners and individuals who were dedicated to the creation of Chestnut Ridge, including: RLPS Architects, Trilogy Construction Management, Wohlsen Construction, Barry Isett & Associates, Reese Hackman, Truist, the Rodale family, Phoebe staff members, Emmaus’ Mayor Lee Ann Gilbert, Emmaus’ Borough Manager Shane Pepe, and the entire Borough of Emmaus for welcoming Phoebe to their community.

Board Chair Hacker praised Phoebe for going “to great lengths to ensure this is an all-inclusive community that inspires active retirement living with the aid of modern technology, nestled right here at the foot of the South Mountain.” Residents of Chestnut Ridge will enjoy a focus on holistic wellness, he said, with plentiful opportunities for physical, emotional, social, intellectual, spiritual, occupational, and environmental well-being. 

After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, attendees celebrated with fellowship and a delicious array of foods prepared by the talented dining staff at Chestnut Ridge. Live music was provided by the George Torrella Trio (GT3).