A 78-year-old newlywed, Martha
Moore Wooldridge recently celebrated her second wedding anniversary.

A native of Pennsylvania, Martha attended college in Vermont before marrying and moving to the Philadelphia suburbs. An English major, Martha worked at several nearby college libraries before leaving work to raise her two children.When her children were older, Martha returned to the workforce and discovered a passion for desktop publishing. “I was working at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, and I learned desktop publishing, and I really loved the computer; I love what the computer can do,” recalled Martha.

Martha’s passion for computers continued after retirement, and she found a new outlet for it when she moved to Ginger Cove. She is now editor-in-chief of the residents’ monthly newsletter. In addition to editing and laying out the articles submitted by her fellow residents, Martha also contributes original articles about her peers. “The people here are just really interesting, so I try to interview them and share their stories,” she said.

One of the many interesting stories at Ginger Cove belongs to Martha herself. A second-generation CCRC resident, she knew early that she wanted to plan ahead for retirement. Martha’s mother was living in a CCRC in Western Pennsylvania when she suffered a stroke. “We were 300 miles away and so relieved that we didn’t have to find nursing care when she got sick because the health center was part of her community. We decided then that we would move to a CCRC too,” Martha remembered.

Martha may have decided to move to a retirement community early, but she found her ideal community quite unexpectedly. “We looked at lots of communities around Philadelphia,” Martha said. “They were O.K., but none of them seemed exactly right.”

Martha and her husband Ken were visiting a nearby family cottage when they decided on a whim to check out Ginger Cove. Martha recalled, “They invited us to visit. It didn’t matter that we only had shorts to wear.” After their initial visit, they returned to the community for dinner and quickly decided they had found their new home.

Shortly thereafter, Martha and Ken made the move to a spacious apartment at Ginger Cove overlooking pretty Gingerville Creek. Unfortunately, they were just beginning to settle in when tragedy struck. “Six weeks after we moved in, my husband died,” Martha recalled. “We knew he was sick, but we thought it was going to work out, but it just didn’t.”

In addition to writing and outdoor activities, Martha’s busy
schedule also includes water aerobics.

After Ken’s sudden passing, Martha found support in her new community. “Even though I didn‘t really know anybody here, they all rallied around, and I got to know so many people so quickly,” she said. With the help of her new friends at Ginger Cove and at the nearby First Presbyterian Church in Annapolis, Martha began to heal. “I cannot imagine what it would have been like if I had been alone in that big house. It would have been so lonely,” she said.

Just over a year later, Martha and her family suffered another tragedy when she lost her daughter. “Again, these two new families — my Ginger Cove family and my church family — were there for me,” Martha remembered. “I didn’t have to be alone with my grief, so that part was wonderful.”

One of the friends who offered support to Martha was Tim Wooldridge. Much like Martha, Tim lost his wife just a few months after moving to Ginger Cove. The two became friends, and a relationship grew out of their friendship. “I don’t know quite how it happened,” Martha smiled as she recalled. “It just sort of evolved very naturally.”

On March 24, 2012, Martha and Tim were married. Their reception was held at Ginger Cove and was truly a community affair. To celebrate their first milestone as a couple, Martha and Tim had the help of many of the community’s residents and staff. Martha laughs as she recalls all the friends who wanted to be her ‘flower girls.’ “In the end I had four ‘flower girls,’ and it was really hysterical, but I gave them all little duties and called them ‘flower girls,’” she said.Beyond the major milestones, moving to Ginger Cove has dramatically improved Martha’s everyday life. “They take such good care of us here, and I think that lengthens our lives,” she said. “I also think all the socialization this community provides helps us live longer and better.”

From carefree entertaining to the 35 resident committees and countless activities, Martha and her peers can always find something stimulating to do. Martha’s busy schedule includes water aerobics, kayaking on the nearby creek, and participating in the creative writing group, as well as her work on the community’s newsletter.

In addition to all her regular activities, Martha is also thrilled to be serving on the Planning Committee for Ginger Cove’s 25th anniversary celebration in August 2013. The group is already busy coordinating an old-fashioned picnic complete with a parade. “It will be a fun day, and a great chance to celebrate this wonderful community,” she said.

Martha is preparing to help Ginger Cove celebrate its 25th
anniversary in August. She is a part of the Planning Committee that is coordinating an old-fashioned picnic complete with a parade.

During the past 25 years, Ginger Cove has continually expanded and improved its facilities to serve its diverse and active group of residents. Most recently, the community completed a major renovation and construction project, which added a casual dining room with an outdoor deck, a large indoor aquatics center, a Wellness Center, a spa and a business center. The project also included total renovation of the 61-bed skilled nursing and rehab center to include all-private rooms, airy family rooms and a beautiful 5,000 square foot open-air garden.

Whether you are celebrating a second anniversary or a 25th anniversary, the occasion provides an opportunity to think back and to look forward — to appreciate where you have been and anticipate where you are going. As the residents of Ginger Cove plan for the community’s upcoming anniversary, they are grateful to have found a home that is adapting to meet their needs while maintaining its dedication to quality care and strong connections. Those connections are perhaps best exemplified by newlyweds Martha and Tim Wooldridge, who both suffered great losses, but who, with the help of their friends and neighbors, are making new memories and marking new milestones.

Having raised three brilliant and caring children, Joan has certainly led a fascinating life and it is only getting better at her current home, BayWoods of Annapolis, a Continuing Care Retirement Community nestled along the Chesapeake.

“It’s been wonderful here and I feel truly fortunate,” she said.

Born in Brooklyn, NY, Joan came to Washington D.C. at the age of two and eventually met her husband Aaron Epstein while working at the Office of Naval Research. Through his career, they were stationed in various locations, including Paris where Kathie was born.

The couple raised Kathie, their son David, and youngest daughter Michelle (Michie) in Bowie, Md., where they lived for 30 years. While Aaron served as a Chief Petty Officer, Joan took pride in tending to her home and stayed active through her community and by becoming a speaker for Christian Women Clubs and churches.

“I found all kinds of creativity in my own life,” she said. “I traveled around Canada for these wonderful opportunities to express myself and share what I believed in and cared about.”

Over the years, her children’s own creativity and talents emerged. Especially evident was Joan’s gift as a Soprano which had passed onto her daughters. From skits Kathie would put on with the help of her siblings to Michie’s early natural vocal abilities, Joan had already known her children were destined for great things with their unique qualities and most importantly, their kindness towards others.

“We always encouraged them to be active and involved,” said Joan. “It was an interesting life with such bright children who were good children. They had a very balanced life because we raised them to care about their neighbors.”

Today, this upbringing is certainly evident as David is the Senior Pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in New York City, Kathie is a known author and entertainer, and Michie, who has sung backup for Kathie, has followed in her mother’s footsteps as a homemaker.

It is also evident in the concern of Aaron and Joan’s children that their parents settled at a home where they could maintain their active lifestyles and receive the utmost care later in life. There was no question that the Epsteins wanted to find a community located in the heart of Annapolis, and with the help of their son-in-law, Craig Mader of Craig Mader Insurance, the couple learned about BayWoods.

“It was still being built at the time, but my daughter and I came to look at a model,” said Joan. “It was five years later that we would be able to move in.”

One of the aspects that had appealed to Joan was the assisted living care the community could offer for any potential future health needs. What it has offered her, however, has been so much more. Unfortunately in 2002, just a few months prior to their move, Joan’s husband of over 53 years passed away.

“I can’t say enough good things about BayWoods as someone who didn’t think she was going to live here after her husband died, but it was part of the healing for me,” she said. “You could either be alone or be surrounded by people, and here there is a wonderful group of people.”

Surrounded by supportive individuals and taking advantage of a variety of activities, Joan could not be happier at BayWoods and in her apartment which she has decorated beautifully. Through the community’s unique Cooperative Ownership Program, Joan and her fellow residents have all been offered an equity position and the benefits associated with home ownership.

From the potential to collectively own the land to covered garage parking, there are many ways in which this pet-friendly community feels like a tight-knit neighborhood with additional perks.

“It’s a very nice community and there are only about 200 of us, so we get to know each other pretty well,” she said. “The people here are loving and really there for you.”

Of course, with her creativity and core values, Joan has contributed to this environment as she teaches a Bible Study with about 20 women. Their goal is to arrange for a non-denominational Sunday service for those in the community that are unable to attend local churches. She also often visits the assisted living unit, The Arbor at BayWoods, where she enjoys lunch and a stroll through the grounds with different residents. Offering a full continuum of care from assisted living and dementia care to hospice and comprehensive care, The Arbor ensures its residents receive the assistance they need.

There is never a dull moment for individuals at BayWoods due to its extensive array of amenities. With a fitness center, heated indoor swimming pool, putting green, Billiards room, cocktail lounge, fishing and crabbing pier and more, there are endless opportunities to mingle and stay active. Although there is a great deal available onsite, Joan and her peers cannot help but also take advantage of the community’s location in scenic Annapolis.

“I’m a small town person so I get out and enjoy Annapolis a lot,” she said. “It’s just charming and we’re so fortunate to have everything here.”

Along with this quaint area, residents also have the opportunity to take daytrips to nearby cities such as Washington D.C. and Baltimore. For Joan, the flexibility and freedom to spend her days as she pleases has been tremendous since it is not always easy to see her family with a daughter constantly on the go. With Michie nearby, Joan is happy to see her quite often and feels fortunate when she is able to see her other two children together in New York.

“I’m kind of spoiled,” she said with a smile. “I will get driven up to the city to visit Kathie as well as David and his family.”

As Joan enjoys her vacations and visits, she feels blessed to be returning to a fabulous home. With a spacious apartment complete with a spectacular view of the Chesapeake Bay and a fully equipped kitchen, anything Joan could need from a bank to convenience store is practically right outside of her door.

“I have a funny joke where I say ‘I need to get off this cruise ship!’” she said with a laugh. “I feel like I’m on one because I’m entertained, I’m fed, and I sometimes need to come up for air. I can’t keep up with everything and I say that in a good way.”

From raising her three children, one being a well-known celebrity, to ‘smooth sailing’ at the perfect home, one may infer as to Joan’s secret to success. For this humble individual, however, it seems it is all about family and meaningful relationships.

“I sit in disbelief with my children,” she said. “It’s a very rewarding life to raise human beings that go back into the world and don’t take but rather give.”

As she glances at the collection of family portraits adorning her apartment that includes her six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, she sees her most important accomplishments. As she sees the everyday smiles of her fellow residents and staff at BayWoods of Annapolis, however, she can see all that lies in store for her future.

The Washington, D.C. native served in the Army for four years, two of which he was an active member and the other two he spent in the Reserve. Eventually, Louis completed a food service course in Fort Jackson, SC and went on to work for a prominent catering company.

When he suffered a stroke due to alcoholism, he was admitted to George Washington University Hospital. For Louis, accomplishing everyday needs such as bathing, dressing or eating on his own had become difficult.

“I was completely dependent on my daily activities,” he said.

After about a month, the hospital recommended a nursing home placement in which Louis would have 24-hour assistance.

He and his father were then contacted by a liaison from Bay Ridge Health Care Center, a skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility located in Annapolis. The two were told everything they needed to know and in January of 2007, Louis made the transition to his temporary home.

According to Louis, the entire staff was highly involved in his care and assisting him with everything necessary.

“I could not move by myself, so they had to turn and reposition me at times to avoid any sores,” he said.

After a few weeks, he was able to start moving his toes and ankles and continued a steady progression until he became completely independent.

“That was when I felt ready to come back to the community and this facility even helped me in that process,” said Louis.

In an effort to help Louis assimilate to life outside of the center, the business office applied for Social Security disability benefits as well as Medical Assistance. In effort to help Mr. Armstrong find a stable home they contacted the coordinating center to find housing for him.

Though he ended his residency in October of 2008, Louis moved into a suburb of Annapolis and now works at the center’s Dietary Department.

“I do believe there is a God and I believe God put me here to save my life,” said Louis. “I feel blessed and appreciate working here since Bay Ridge will always be my family.”

He also participates with an AA group that meets every Wednesday at his former home and works with the National Hospitals and Institutions organization bringing messages of hope to hospitals, jails and other institutions in the area.

Though he remains highly involved with the center, there is no way Louis could forget those who helped him flourish again.

“I highly recommend them to anybody who needs help,” he said.

Nestled in such a central location, county residents are able to enjoy the amenities of several major metropolitan areas-alongside the charm and beauty of smaller towns and gorgeous countryside. Locally known as “horse country,” Baltimore County is the third largest region in the United States for thoroughbred horse breeding farms. There are also seemingly endless entertainment and recreation opportunities within the County’s 612 square miles, which encompasses 170 miles of shore line on the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries.

Fresh Air.
Oregon Ridge Park, a 1,000 acre park offering activities from swimming and hiking to concerts sponsored by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in the summer months, and Loch Raven Fishing Center, a nice getaway for boaters and fisherman alike, are chief among the County’s outdoor recreation offerings. If a relaxing summer evening is what you seek, turn to the Lurman Woodland Theatre in Catonsville, an amphitheatre that hosts free outdoor concerts from June through August. Rocky Point Beach and Oregon Ridge Beach provide locals with cool waters and sandy shores from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Small Towns
If indoor activities are more to your liking, venture out to one of Baltimore County’s many small towns. They provide shopping, restaurants, and interesting local attractions. The county seat, Towson, features world-class shopping, a wide array of restaurants, and is easily accessible from the Baltimore beltway. Catonsville’s city center, known as “The Village,” hosts several annual events, including an Arts and Crafts Festival, and is home to several specialty music stores. An antique hunter’s dream, Reisterstown is a well-preserved town featuring a wide array of antique shops, alongside eclectic boutiques offering everything from crafts to modern art. These are just a few of the dozen downtown shopping districts throughout Baltimore County; each town has distinctive offerings that attract residents and visitors alike.

Resources for Seniors.
With so much to offer, Baltimore County is growing rapidly, and as it grows so does its unique appeal for new residents-some of them seniors from nearby areas. As County residents age in place and seniors move from urban or rural areas to enjoy the convenience of suburban life, the senior population is burgeoning. County officials and area professionals have answered the demand of this population growth with new and innovative programs and services for seniors.

With 19 senior centers throughout the County, transportation programs, and a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the County’s older adults are encouraged to remain active and involved while aging in place. Aging in place allows seniors to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Services are enlisted to help seniors as they become necessary. Adult Day services, Home Care services, and a variety of governmental and private resources are available to seniors who choose to remain in their homes. Younger seniors can enjoy an active lifestyle with the comfort of knowing that there are services available in their community to meet all their future needs.

In addition to the services offered by local agencies, there are a variety of retirement communities in the area that offer a full range of amenities and care options. Senior-serving professionals are also available to help with everything from moving and downsizing to administering a care plan. Seniors in Baltimore County can rest assured that any assistance they may need in the future will be readily available-giving them more time to take advantage of a location that is second to none but near it all.

Hart, a retired Navy Captain, had spent almost 30 years in the Navy after graduating from the Naval Academy. He was a surface warfare officer having commanded three ships during his career–a Mine Hunter, a Guided Missile Destroyer and a Guided Missile Cruiser. The Sebrings moved many times in response to Hart’s orders. As Martha used to say, “Two years are up-time to move.”

The couple enjoyed the many places they lived-including the south of France while Hart was assigned to the staff of the Commander of the Sixth Fleet in the Mediterranean. Most of Hart’s shore tours were in the Washington, D.C. area, and they were living in Fairfax, VA when he retired from the Navy.

During one of his monthly Naval Academy Class luncheons, a classmate discussed his decision to put a deposit on a retirement community in Annapolis. The Sebrings realized it was time to get serious about selecting a retirement community for themselves.

Although they had been discussing retirement living options for some time, they had not made any serious plans. They now realized that the house they had purchased eight years earlier had become too large for just the two of them. They were ready to move.

After exploring several communities in the Fairfax area and Annapolis, the Sebrings found The Woodlands Retirement Community, a new independent living retirement community in Fairfax, which is scheduled to begin construction soon and is expected to open at the end of 2006 or the beginning of 2007. They were initially drawn to the community because of its excellent location.

“We are well established in this area-with lots of friends and an active membership in our country club, which is nearby. We knew we wanted to stay in this area, and that makes The Woodlands a perfect choice,” says Martha.

While researching the community, the Sebrings were impressed by the comprehensive care The Woodlands could offer. As part of the Bainum Healthcare Family, The Woodlands will provide independent living to its active residents, who will have priority admission to The Gardens at Fair Oaks, their assisted living community, or Fairfax Nursing Center should additional care become necessary.

The couple was impressed by their visit to The Gardens at Fair Oaks and even more excited about the new community plans. The Woodlands will only have 110 units, which appealed to them because it “gives more of a community feel.” The full range of amenities that will be offered was an immediate draw as well.

Hart points out, “The community will have a fitness center and a swimming pool, as well as underground parking; they also offer quite a few incentives to new residents.” One incentive is the 100% refundable entrance fee that the Woodlands offers.

Having made their decision, the Sebrings have encouraged their friends to follow suit. The fact that several of their friends will join them as initial residents at The Woodlands will certainly help them settle in quickly.

While having some old friends around will be great, the Sebrings are also looking forward to meeting other new residents. Being among the first residents of a new community will make the transition easier and the residents closer, the Sebrings believe. Hart says, “It’ll be new to everyone, so we’ll be in it together.”

Shirley moved to Annapolis from Baltimore at the urging of her best friend. Now her friend has moved away to Miami, but Shirley has many new friends in her community. Plus, her new apartment is on the first floor, which makes it easier to walk her dog, Candy.

Frieda lived in Annapolis once before while being treated for cancer at John Hopkins. After treatment, she returned to her home on Merit Island in Florida, but she ultimately decided to move back to Annapolis to be closer to her daughter and her family. She especially appreciates the community van that takes her out for shopping trips now that she has stopped driving.

Supervising the music making is Woody, a gentleman who takes his role as The Gardens of Annapolis’s first resident very seriously. His doctor urged him last winter to leave his home in Brooklyn Park. He visited an assisted living community, but it offered more care than he required. Representatives at the assisted living facility referred him to The Gardens, and the rest is history. Actually, he has not been around much recently since he has been behind the wheel of his brand new car.

These bright, vibrant individuals can only make you wonder: Who says life does not begin at 88? For these independent living residents and so many others, it is clear that life not only continues but also improves with each passing year.