Merrill and Judy Skolnik were overwhelmed by the thought of moving until they enlisted the help of a moving coordinator.

The Skolniks began looking at continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), and after a lengthy search, they selected Roland Park Place in Baltimore, Md. The two native Baltimoreans have a long history in the area and were relieved to find a place in the city and close to their children.

After raising their four children, Judy launched a career as an advisor at Towson University. An electrical engineer, Merrill earned his degree from Johns Hopkins University and worked for nearly 40 years for the U.S. government. When he retired, he was the Superintendent of the Radar Division of the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., and a widely renowned author and expert in radar technology.

After living in the same home for decades, the Skolniks were overwhelmed by the thought of moving. Even after finding the right retirement community, they had no idea of where or how to start the transition.

The staff at Roland Park Place suggested that the Skolniks enlist the help of Senior Transitions, Inc., a moving coordinating company owned and operated by Charna Kinneberg, RN, MBA. Senior Transitions assists seniors and their families with every aspect of the moving process from planning and downsizing to packing and unpacking.

“We are not a one-size-fits-all company. Each client is unique,” Charna explained. “Our services are tailored to relieve the stress of moving, and our first goal is to determine the exact needs of the client.”

When Charna started helping the Skolniks, relocating began to seem manageable. “She just took the whole burden off; she was in charge,” recalled Judy. “Thank goodness for Charna.”

Instead of worrying about home maintenance or feeling isolated, the Skolniks now enjoy a wide range of activities with new friends and
neighbors.

Charna helped Judy and Merrill make key decisions about what to take with them and what to leave behind. “She’s very decisive,” Judy recalled of Charna. “She knows what should be done and just does it.” She also enlisted help to do the packing and unpacking, so the couple did not have to worry about the physical tasks of the move.

“They were just wonderful,” Judy said of Senior Transitions. “They pack you up, and they bring you here, and they unpack you. They even make up your bed, and you’re ready to begin your new life.”

In addition to being efficient and professional, Charna and her staff also formed a personal relationship with the Skolniks. It was almost a year after they moved that Judy recalled seeing some of Senior Transitions’ staff members in the lobby of Roland Park Place. “A new resident was moving in upstairs with Charna’s help. I recognized the movers, and, to my surprise, they greeted me by name. They remembered everything about us. I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

Since moving, the Skolniks have enjoyed a much-improved lifestyle. Merrill stopped driving and Judy only drives during the day, so the couple rarely ventured out in the evenings while living in their house. Now, they take the community bus to the opera, theater, concerts and dinners. “There’s something to do here all the time,” Judy said. “I try to take advantage of everything, and it’s been very stimulating.”

Finding a community close to home and the professionals to help them make the move has helped the Skolniks transition to their ideal retirement. From living an isolated life in their increasingly burdensome house to enjoying activities and events with new friends and neighbors, the Skolniks have certainly made a move in the right direction.

A native of Baltimore, Estelle found the perfect retirement community in her beloved hometown.

Except for a brief stay in Philadelphia, Estelle has spent her entire life in Baltimore. She completed her education in the Baltimore Public School System. Upon graduation, Estelle entered Sinai School of Nursing.

After becoming a Registered Nurse, Estelle wanted to enlist in the armed forces. However, there was a height requirement — a minimum of 5 feet; Estelle was 4’ 11”. She recalls “puffing up” her hair so that she would appear taller when she went in for her test, but it didn’t work. Estelle’s career went in a different direction.

Estelle worked for four years in the operating room at South Baltimore General Hospital, which is now known as Harbor Hospital. During this time, she continued her education, completing a certification course at Johns Hopkins University for Operating Room Technicians.

One of Estelle’s superiors took note of her skills and work ethic and suggested that she undertake additional studies to become an anesthetist. It was rare for a woman to enter this field, but Estelle did not shy away from the challenge. Soon after, she packed up and headed to Philadelphia for an 8-month program of study to become a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA). When Estelle came home, she returned to South Baltimore General, where her successful career spanned four decades.

As a CRNA, Estelle was considered a child specialist; she had a special gift for helping children overcome their fears of medical procedures. As her young patients were being wheeled away from their parents, they were often screaming and crying. “I would walk beside them and once they were away from their parents, I would look at them and say, “Okay, you don’t have to cry anymore, I am not your parent,’” she recalled. Surprisingly, the children would stop crying and settle down.

During her career, Estelle met and married her husband, who was a salesman. The couple had a daughter, Nancy, who followed in her mother’s footsteps. Nancy graduated with her nursing degree from the Villa Julie College, now Stevenson University, and is currently a nurse researcher at the University of Maryland.

Since her retirement, Estelle enjoys spending time with her friends at Springwell playing dominoes, Bingo and word games. She is very close to her daughter, and they both enjoy taking in cultural events. Estelle’s advice to young people just venturing out into the working world is to take the time to find something you really like. “If you enjoy what you are doing, you won’t mind getting up and going into work each day,” she said.

Bruce was shocked, but he soon realized that his father had not been managing any of the couple’s finances. “We discovered that my dad hadn’t been paying my mother’s Medicare premiums since May 2010, and the medical bills were piling up,” Bruce said.

Today, sitting in the home the couple has shared for more than 50 years, Betty Jane laughed as she recalled their uncommon love story. “We’ve really been together since kindergarten,” she said. As they grew older, the pair’s friendship deepened. Soon the two were dating, and when they turned 21, Betty Jane married Creston.

Olney Payne next to one of the many beautiful watercolors he has painted.

Olney “Bud” Payne, a gifted artist and champion table tennis player, has found a wonderful home that supports his interesting talents.

With a rich history of serving seniors in Baltimore since 1884, the rooms and corridors of the Presbyterian Home of Maryland are adorned with some beautiful and historic pieces of artwork.  You might be surprised to learn that some of the most beautiful works on display are the watercolors of Bud Payne, a 97-year-old resident of the community. Mr. Payne’s watercolors capture the rich history of Baltimore and the surrounding region with such realism and detail you would think you are looking at photographs.

As a student at the Maryland Art Institute, Mr. Payne had primarily used pastels and charcoals as an artist.  After considering a suggestion from a friend to try watercolors, he can still recall fondly how he had walked into a bookstore and started reading about the medium he had never used.  He left the store with two books that day, which served as springboards to developing a talent that he has enjoyed for a lifetime.

Mr. Payne is often on hand when visitors admire his art on display in a small gallery at the Presbyterian Home.  When asked about a piece of art, he can relay with amazing detail the location and facts about the subject matter.  “Mr. Payne is a beloved resident here,” said Suzanne Shabe, lifestyle coordinator at the community.

“I have fond memories of painting places all throughout Baltimore,” said Mr. Payne. “I especially loved painting in the city, and the Baltimore Harbor is one of my favorite places.”  Mr. Payne has not only captured Maryland history in his watercolors, but his storytelling about the locations and people he has painted fascinate visitors, friends and the staff at the Presbyterian Home.

“Some of the local historic places he has featured in his watercolors are gone, so we have the legacy through his paintings to see what we used to have in the area,” said President and CEO of the Presbyterian Home, Susan Shea.

Painting is not Mr. Payne’s only talent, however.  He also happens to be a champion table tennis player.  Thanks to the individualized attention the staff has given to their residents, Mr. Payne is still able to enjoy his favorite pastime. “We purchased a table tennis table when Mr. Payne moved in,” said Mrs. Shea.  “Now, Mr. Payne enjoys a weekly table tennis game with friends and neighbors.”

With his many unique pastimes, Mr. Payne is just one example of the diversity of residents at the Presbyterian Home who ultimately contribute to its dynamic environment.  While the community provides assisted living, 24-hour nursing and respite care, the staff embraces a philosophy of really getting to know each of their residents and creating an individual program that goes beyond this care and the activities.   An industry-leading staff-to-resident ratio helps make this possible for Mr. Payne and his peers.

“I have a process that I go through to really get to know each resident,” said Mrs. Shabe.  “Our philosophy is all about maintaining and improving their quality of life. We look at what their social, spiritual, emotional and intellectual interests are.  We take all of these into account and make sure that we offer activities and connections that will enable them to thrive.”

Commitment to the Community
Originally known as the Presbyterian Home of Baltimore, the community opened its doors on Calvert Street in downtown Baltimore in 1884. In 1920 the name of the residence was changed, and in 1929 it was moved to its current location, the Offutt Estate, a large and gracious home in Towson.

Over the course of time numerous changes have been made to the original dwelling. The construction of additional wings has allowed the community to expand its population and add a wellness area, including an activity center and physician’s suite. These renovations have allowed Presbyterian Home to provide up-to-date accommodations and services within its gracious environment.

Today the community sits amidst mature trees, flowering shrubs and beautifully landscaped grounds. A walking path with conveniently placed benches meanders beside a low stone wall on the edge of the property and sitting porches grace the facade of the building. Residents enjoy both the charming outdoor surroundings and the many welcoming and comfortable areas within the building itself. In addition, the surrounding neighborhood offers a vast array of social, cultural, educational and recreational opportunities to satisfy even the most active residents.

Mrs. Shea and the Board of Directors of the Presbyterian Home are committed to delivering exceptional care and honoring the rich history of the community.  “We are committed to delivering the highest quality of care possible,” said Mrs. Shea.

That commitment of the staff also extends to the relationships they share with the families of their residents.  Since most of Mr. Payne’s family lives in California, an open dialogue and communication is paramount for everyone to have peace of mind.

Having found a home that provides this security while embracing his different talents, Mr. Payne could not be happier.  “I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” he said with a smile.

Since both communities are managed by Peregrine Health Management, these two women are able to enjoy the benefits of the organization’s visionary programs and mission to revolutionize expectations for the aging process.  Dorothy and Patricia met for the first time at this interview, and after only a few minutes of chatting it was clear they were “two of a kind,” as Patricia stated. “There are a lot of things that we have in common.” Most notably it is their warm demeanor and the fact that both women had cared for their family members as they needed assistance themselves.
A great-grandmother to seven, Dorothy Weinstein is a lifelong resident of Baltimore.  She enjoyed over 64 years of marriage to her husband.  After he passed away, Dorothy decided to leave the family home of 29 years and downsize to an apartment with the help of her children.

When to Make the Move to Assisted Living

When Dorothy’s son became sick, she naturally rallied to care for him, but as his condition worsened, he needed the skilled care of an assisted living facility.  Dorothy decided to move in with him. “Everyone thought I was out of my mind,”she said.

Having learned about Woodholme Gardens as it was being built, Dorothy and her son were able to move in to the community a few months later.  She said, “It was brand new, so we were among the first residents to move in.”
Built in 2010, the community offers state-of-the-art accommodations for 80 residents addressing the needs of all assisted living residents including those with memory impairment and senior behavioral concerns.  The community has embraced the philosophy of encouraging each resident to identify new goals or renew old interests so that they continue to grow physically, intellectually and spiritually. Woodholme Gardens provides support for each resident’s religious expression, whether it is through sacred ritual, meditation, scriptural reflection or prayer.

These and other features have been extra perks for Dorothy, who was impressed from the start with the community’s appearance.  “It’s a lovely place, just beautiful,” she said. “I don’t ever intend to move.”

With certain criteria in mind, Patricia's children helped her find Symphony Manor where says she has been very happy. Meanwhile, Dorothy resides at Woodholme Gardens, a community that immediately appealed to her with its beautiful campus and array of amenities.

Patricia Enid Rose Low was born and raised in Bermuda.  She credited the small, beautiful community in which she grew up for her outgoing personality, friendliness and warmth.  “Some people have cats that they love, others have dogs that they love, I enjoy people,” she said with a smile. “So I am a people person.”

Patricia left Bermuda to attend college in Baltimore at Morgan State University and proceeded to teach chemistry, math and physics there for several years. She shared that she particularly enjoyed teaching young women who thought that they could not learn math and physics or excel in those disciplines. “My great joy was the students, not the meetings,” she said.

Like Dorothy, Patricia was called upon to help care for her relatives. In 1993 she returned to Bermuda to care for her father and aunt who were in their eighties.  After the passing of both her father and sister, she spent some brief time back in Baltimore and then decided to live in Asheville, NC for a few years.  Her many connections in Baltimore, however, led her to the decision to eventually move back.

What to Look for in Senior Housing

With their mother in good health, Patricia’s son and daughter did some research on potential new living options that would enable her to have a future with security.  “There were very specific things that I wanted,” she said. “I wanted activities, I wanted to be in a beautiful place, and I wanted very delightful food because I was not going to be doing any cooking. I just wanted to enjoy life.”

Her children discovered these features and much more at Symphony Manor, where Patricia also became one of the first residents and has certainly been enjoying life. “I am very happy here,” she said.

Both women cite the array of activities and the amenities that have allowed them a maintenance-free lifestyle as the most important elements in their new homes.  Peregrine Communities are committed to establishing programs that are separate from the status quo. “We have a wonderful activities director at Symphony Manor who has us doing different things all the time,” said Patricia.

Enjoying an Active Lifestyle in Assisted Living Facilities

According to Dorothy, Woodholme has regular entertainment, from a talented musician playing on the community’s grand piano to different theme parties.  As both women have enjoyed establishing friendships and taking advantage of the numerous activities their communities offer onsite, they appreciate the transportation each place provides to various restaurants, shopping and other local cultural offerings.

Both women are enjoying the maintenance-free lifestyle and numerous activities their communities offer. With daytrips, parties and regular entertainment, they have each established several friendships.

“The environment at Symphony Manor is very nice and I like the proximity that this area of Baltimore has to so many places of interest,” said Patricia.

Meanwhile, Dorothy has loved the surprises she experiences regularly when venturing offsite.  “Every Wednesday, the young man who drives us will take us out for a surprise ride on the bus and will stop for different things, such as ice cream,” she said.

Both communities have also adapted cutting edge programs for stimulating long-term memory.  These include memory arts for dementia residents, Community Connections, and, complementary therapies such as massages, drum circles, Reiki and music therapy.

Although Patricia and Dorothy have family and friends nearby, their communities have embraced technology to keep residents connected by utilizing web cameras to facilitate communications between residents and their families and friends.

Specialized Programs in Senior Housing

Woodholme Gardens also features Peregrine Health Management’s innovative programming in Geri-Psych. This geriatric behavioral health program was successfully developed in 2004 based on findings that mental health professionals and family members alike prefer a residential setting to meet the needs of seniors with behavioral health disorders.

Stephen Bowman, the president of Peregrine Health Management, believes that residents who live in their facilities are individuals who are full of life, with unique pasts and particular interests. “Our goal is to enhance their lives by stimulating those interests and encouraging them to continue to grow both mentally and spiritually…. celebrating life!” he said.

And Dorothy and Patricia feel fortunate in having so many reasons to celebrate life having found homes that provide them with the support and security they desired.

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“The hardest part of getting older is that you no longer have anyone older or wiser than yourself to whom you can ask questions — no mother to ask, no father,” said Dorothy.

For both these women, as Patricia has always believed in life, things truly fell into place.  As individuals who in the past made the commitment to care for others, they have come full circle now living in places that have made the same commitment to them.

Father Manuel Roman

Manuel Roman was born in the U.S. Virgin Islands and came to Baltimore to be a doctor. Halfway through his premed studies at Johns Hopkins University, he started to question if it was the career path for him. He developed an interest in becoming a language professor, so he changed his major to French and minored in German. While in graduate school, he became further perplexed about his future when he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Army Reserve at Ft. Meade.

At a crossroads between a career in medicine, teaching or the military, he went to see his pastor, who actually later became the Archbishop of Baltimore.  When Manuel presented his problem, his pastor asked if he had thought about becoming a priest.

“When I said no, he said add that to the list,” Manuel said with a laugh.  He then instructed Manuel to interview a physician, military officer, professor and priest having each explain the pros and cons of their careers.  He also instructed him to pray over it to get the answer. Then in January 1950, Manuel came across a publication titled “Questions About Vocations.”

“I read it in one reading and when I finished I wanted to be a parish priest,” he said. This started him on a rewarding path of advanced degrees and assignments in a variety of parishes and schools. His favorite assignment was spending his last 20 years as a pastor at Ascension Catholic Church of Halethorpe. “I loved the challenges that we had there,” he said.

Manuel retired at age 80 and moved to an apartment in Catonsville. When he started having problems with arthritis, he began searching for assisted living options, but found his choices limited by the fact that he was insulin-dependent.  Fortunately someone recommended Heartlands Senior Living Village, which provides independent and assisted living as well as rehabilitation services. “When I called here they said, ‘We will take you insulin and all!’” said Manuel.

After living in the Heartlands for over three years he said, “I don’t think I could find a better place than this one, I am not saying this because somebody’s telling me to; I’m saying it from my heart.”  He cited the friendly and supportive staff as well as the vast amount of activities and recreational offerings as some of his favorite aspects of the community.

In addition, he thoroughly enjoys the food at Heartlands. He said, “If you don’t like what’s on the regular menu, they have an alternate menu. If you don’t like what’s on the alternate menu, they will do everything they can to please you.  This is one excellent feature here that many other places don’t have.”

Edna Murray

The youngest of eight children, Edna was actually the first in her family to graduate from high school. “I graduated at the height of the Depression; the rest of my siblings had to go to work,” she said. After deferring an offer to attend Duke University, she started working at the C & P Telephone Company the day after she graduated.

There, she said she met a young man on loan from the Maryland office, and within six months they were married. “We had a delightful marriage for 61 years,” she said.

In that time, she continued working for C&P and moved to Hampstead, Md., the small country town where her husband was born and raised.  They had one child, whom Edna quipped, they “spoiled rotten.” Their family grew over the years with two granddaughters and four great grandchildren.

Edna said she enjoyed every minute of her career at C&P, earning her college degree and becoming one of the first women to rise to the executive level in her company.  When she and her husband retired at age 55, they bought a condo in Florida to spend part of the year.  Her husband was an avid golfer and they belonged to clubs in both states.

In 1992, the couple was among the first residents to move to Heartlands, which was a brand new independent living retirement community.  With Edna’s husband recuperating from a bout with cancer, they figured it would be a smart move and after researching the community, they settled on a cottage with a den and screened-in porch.  After her husband fully recovered, they moved back to Hampstead.  They agreed, however, if one of them passed away the surviving spouse would return to Heartlands.

When this became a reality for Edna, she lived alone for eight years, but decided it was best to move back to Heartlands.  Amazed at how much the community had expanded, she moved into an independent living apartment. 

“It’s just a place that has touched me as home,” she said.  The homelike atmosphere has meant a great deal to Edna who has since moved to an assisted living apartment due to the progression of vision and health problems. 

“That is one of the best features about Heartlands,” says Beth Sanchez, director of Marketing.  “We have been part of the Ellicott City culture for over 24 years, and we are ‘home’ to over 250 residents.  Our residents and their families enjoy-and rely on-the warmth and care that surround them here. We are proud and honored to serve the seniors in our community.”

And Edna has learned how that warmth and care extends to all facets of the community.  Since she now has to pay close attention to her diet due to a pancreas problem, she, like Manuel, enjoys the fact that she has three meals a day and the companionship of her friends at meals.

As a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Maryland Federation of Women’s Clubs for six decades, Edna also enjoys the vibrant atmosphere she has found at the Heartlands.  With a passion for hobbies, she has access to a range of amenities including the community center that hosts a variety of social functions along with a full-service library and indoor heated pool and spa.  She even maintains her outside relationships, particularly assisting her 97-year-old friend who lives in a nearby nursing home. 

For others considering a move, Edna offered some sage advice. “I think living at Heartlands is the way to go.  When you get here, it’s about how you are going to live your life.  There has never been a day I had any sorrow for coming here.”

And coming from either of these individuals, with not only their impressive educational backgrounds, but the choices they made to find a home that has met their individualized needs, these are certainly words of wisdom.

“My mother is so much happier with her new best friend. It’s made all the difference,” said Juliette Lloyd, Fedora’s daughter.

According to Juliette, Fedora was a “War bride” and was living in Florence, Italy when she met her future husband. After the war, with the eventual blessing from Fedora’s father, they wed and had two children before moving to the U.S.

Continuing to visit relatives in Italy each summer, their family resided in Johnston, Pa. After selling the family home, Fedora and her husband moved to the Florida apartment where they had spent winters. Juliette, however, saw that maintaining their lifestyle was becoming difficult and hired in-home help for them. When her father passed away, Juliette and her mother agreed it would be best to move Fedora closer to her in Washington, D.C.

After a tremendous amount of research on senior living communities, Juliette felt that Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue, which offers assisted living and Alzheimer’s care, was the best. Instead of moving in permanently, Fedora did a respite stay for two years, spending summers at Sunrise and the remainder of the year in Florida.

“That gave her a chance to adjust so she didn’t have such a stark change,” said Juliette. “When we finally decided to make her full-time move up here, it was a lot easier. She knew the staff and felt comfortable.”

Fabrizio Moriconi, Jocelyne’s son, grew up in Tenleytown after his parents came to the U.S. in the 60s to pursue a dream of starting a wine business. While helping with their business, Jocelyne worked at the Belgian Embassy and enjoyed taking long trips to see her sister in her native country Belgium as well as her daughter who had moved to Italy.

When Fabrizio returned home after graduating, he noticed some changes in his mother who was soon diagnosed with dementia. He continued to live in their basement to care for her, but it was becoming harder and as a newlywed, he knew he eventually needed to move out. “We were never trained to take care of a person with this illness,” he said. “She wasn’t going out anymore; she was just watching TV all day.”

The doctor’s recommendation for an assisted living community was a challenging concept for Fabrizio. “It’s unheard of; in Italy, people take care of their parents at home,” he said. Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue, however, offered a perfect location right down the street from where she had lived many years. The family scheduled a lunch appointment, which is when Jocelyne met Fedora. Afterwards, she was filled with excitement after not only finding a friend but a future home she felt was very elegant.

Now the best friends are enjoying one another’s company in the active environment Sunrise provides. The staff at the community works with the families and residents to incorporate their backgrounds and passions into the daily activities. Fabrizio said, “A lot of times my mom’s not here and I have to look at the schedule because she’s on a boat to Baltimore, or a scenic trip to Rock Creek Park or the Art Gallery.”

Most importantly, Fabrizio and Juliette have peace of mind knowing their mothers have one another and an incredible support network. “It’s an enormous relief,” said Fabrizio. “It’s been a wonderful experience – the people here are great with my mother. You can tell when something is genuine.”

While 100 may sound like a lot of years, and it is, Maggie shows almost no signs of slowing down. She is one of the most energetic, happy people you might want to meet.

On May 4, Maggie Rollman turned 100 years old. While 100 may sound like a lot of years, and it is, Maggie shows almost no signs of slowing down. She is one of the most energetic, happy people you might want to meet. Fiercely independent, when offered an electric wheelchair recently, she turned it down because she is determined to keep moving on her own!

Born in 1910, Maggie grew up in Baltimore. She loved fishing. Once she caught a 5 lb. flounder in Ocean City, Md. Another time she caught 39 sea trout when she was 39 years old. Maggie also loved dancing. “I’d rather dance than eat!” she says. She even won a waltz contest with a date. She met her husband Frank while dancing. They were married for 39 years before he died in 1980. They didn’t have any children.

Maggie loves to travel. She has enjoyed trips to Australia, New Zealand, Austria, Mexico, Germany, Italy, France, and Switzerland. She even climbed two Swiss Alps (after a bus took her up half-way). While in Mexico, she climbed a lot of rocks to reach the cliff dwellings used by Mayan Indians.

Maggie also loves to meet people. She had a friend who worked at the Hippodrome Theater in Baltimore and would get her in for free. Subsequently she met some of the famous people who performed there, including Amos and Andy.

Maggie worked as a bookkeeper all of her professional life. She loved the detail-oriented work, and retired at the age of 77. During her retirement she volunteered for the Department of Aging for 19 years, until she was 96!

Maggie learned about Augsburg Lutheran Village, a faith-based independent senior living community, from her association with the Lutheran church. She remains a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Baltimore where she was baptized about 100 years ago. Her mother also lived at the community in 1951. At the age of 97, she moved to the Village, where she enjoyed the company of many friends. Recently she has moved to Augsburg assisted living.

Maggie brings a sparkle to everyone she meets. She is truly a joy to know.

Over the years, the Wyatt-Browns traveled a great deal teaching at different institutions. After beginning their careers at Colorado State in Fort Collins, Colo., they later went to University of Colorado in Boulder and spent 17 years at Case Western Reserve in Cleveland, Oh. They eventually transferred to the University of Florida, where they taught for 21 years. In addition, the couple also spent part of their careers in Princeton, University of Wisconsin, University of Richmond and William & Mary. Anne and Bertram also had a daughter, who now lives in St. Paul, Minn., along with two grandchildren.

Despite their many moves, it was never a question for the couple as to where they would spend their future. They left Florida to return home to Baltimore, where they had their sights set on eventually moving to Roland Park Place based on its convenient location and the positive experiences of Anne’s parents there.

Although Anne was initially hesitant about the physical aspects of the move, health issues and the difficulty of navigating and maintaining their three-level house had prompted the couple to seriously think about the transition to maintain their busy lifestyle.

“Baltimore is home for me; my family is here,” said Anne. “The reason we ended up at Roland Park Place is my parents lived here and I had no intention of going to the county. As far as I was concerned it was the city or forget it, and it had to be the neighborhood.”

Having several friends and relatives needing care in a variety of elder care settings over the years had made the couple see the value of a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). They appreciated the fact that they would be able to remain connected to their friends on the campus even if their health needs were to change.

Anne also liked the improvements she had seen at Roland Park Place since her parents were living there. Among those big differences was a list of resources compiled by the staff to help ease the transition and a complimentary floor plan design consultation for future residents.

To further ensure a stress-free move, Anne and Bertram decided to hire a firm that could provide senior move management services. They selected Senior Transitions, Inc., an organization owned and operated by Charna Kinneberg. Senior Transitions, Inc. is a well established company. Charna is one of the founding members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM).

With so many decisions to make about what to take, the couple really appreciated a software program that Senior Transitions, Inc. used that mapped out their new floor plan with their existing furniture and possessions. According to Charna, the program allows clients to immediately see their plans and what will or will not work in their new space.

“You could really see what it was going to look like,” said Anne.

Charna then provided her guidance to assist the couple in sorting through their belongings and getting rid of or donating different pieces of furniture.

“I coach my clients to focus on what we want to keep, not what they are getting rid of. It really helps with the decision making process,” she said.

Understanding just how important their tremendous book collection and academic libraries were to the Wyatt-Browns, Charna made certain to identify appropriate space for as many bookcases as possible. The couple was pleasantly surprised at how many bookcases could actually fit. Also realizing that Anne and Bertram needed space for their own computers, she incorporated a desk for each of them in the design.

“My goal is to keep as many of the most treasured items as possible while maintaining a safe environment,” said Charna.

Although Anne is often questioned how she could give up so many pieces of furniture, she said, “A lot of our furniture was handed down to us, and to be able to give it to people who want it and who will someday give it to somebody else I think is wonderful.”

For the official moving day, Senior Transitions, Inc. brought in a crew to manage and facilitate the move. “They were very efficient and fun to be around,” said Bertram. “They made it a pleasure . . . they were just great.”

Anne continued, “They had terrific ideas for pictures, and once they put the pictures up, it made it ours and just transformed the place. They are really gifted in figuring out where to put things and I am in awe of their skill.”

With the move behind them, the Wyatt-Browns are eager to get involved with programs at their new home as they continue the activities they are most passionate about.

One of these lifelong pursuits for the couple is writing. While Anne is an author as well as the co-editor of a gerontological-style journal, Bertram has written twelve books and is a visiting scholar at Johns Hopkins. “I go to seminars sometimes and get revved up about that,” he said.

Music is another passion they have shared. Anne, who started in the Glee Club at Bryn Mawr when she was 14, had dreamed of attending Radcliffe College and joining its Chorale Society after hearing them in concert. Not only did she accomplish this goal, but she also became the group’s manager and has since continued to sing in different chorales and churches.

“Everywhere we have gone, I have sung in a group,” she said. “We had 10 moves, and every time, we would join a church and join the choir.” That carries through today as the couple sings in the choir at the Cathedral of the Incarnation which is right down the street from their home.

Most importantly, Anne and Bertram have enjoyed getting to know the individuals at the community. They have been very impressed with how outgoing the staff and residents are and are pleased that there are other “academics” living at Roland Park Place.

“The facilities are great and we plan to make good use of them, but it’s the kindness of people that really makes a difference,” said Anne.

As they meet new individuals, however, they will never forget the people who played a pivotal role in helping them get settled into their new home. No matter their daily pursuits, the Wyatt-Browns know they have beautiful and comfortable surroundings to return to thanks to Senior Transitions, Inc.

“They were terrific, we have nothing but praise for Charna and her group,” said Bertram.