Marilyn and Bob Ackelsberg have enjoyed interacting with different cultures and taking in the beautiful sights of the many places they have visited over the years. Therefore when it came time to find a living option for their future, the place they chose would have some unique experiences to follow. When they discovered Cathedral Village in Philadelphia with convenience to the cultural offerings of the city the choice was easy.

From Machu Picchu to Thailand, well-rounded travelers Marilyn and Bob Ackelsberg have enjoyed interacting with different cultures and taking in the beautiful sights of the many places they have visited over the years. Therefore when it came time to find a living option for their future, the place they chose would have some unique experiences to follow.  When they discovered Cathedral Village in Philadelphia, however, they found a vibrant continuing care community nestled in 44 acres that would not only offer them a suburban-style setting with scenic views, but convenience to the cultural offerings of the city.

Both born in the Bronx, Marilyn and Bob became friends in their early teens. After attending City College for his undergraduate studies, Bob received his Masters in Chemical Engineering at Columbia University. He also received a MBA from NYU, where Marilyn had gone for her undergraduate studies.

Having worked in the plastics industry and subsequently as a consultant, Bob decided to take a different career route and started teaching. He enrolled in a PhD business program at CUNY and started to teach at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. Meanwhile, Marilyn stayed at home with their three sons and then she too went back to school to get her teaching certification.

With summers off, the couple bought a trailer and made two cross-country trips. “We went all over the country and into Canada,” said Bob. “The first time we went 13,000 miles and the second, we did 10,000.”

One of Marilyn’s favorite memories from these trips was when they went camping in Idaho, after seeing white water rafters on a cover of National Geographic. “It just looked so exciting,” she said. “So we got in touch with a guide and arranged for a side camping trip, spending five nights in the middle fork of the Salmon River with about 25 people and several rafts.”

When Bob finally received his Doctorate he accepted a position in the School of Business at Shippensburg University. When the couple moved to Shippensburg, Marilyn received her Masters Degree in Reading and worked as a reading specialist. Bob received a federal grant to initiate an international business program that included Asian languages and international business courses. Over the years, sabbaticals and presentations at conferences took them to Europe for extended visits.

The couple felt very fortunate when Bob taught at Prince of Songkla University in Southern Thailand. While he was teaching MBA students, Marilyn taught Conversational English to the faculty and staff as well as the local tourist police. “We were lucky to be asked back for a second time,” she said.

Due to business trips and their summers off from teaching, the couple has also enjoyed visits to Malaysia, China and to different parts of South America and Europe.
As much as they traveled, however, they loved returning home to Pennsylvania. “Our 21 years in a pastoral setting were truly a blessing. Country folk and Amish neighbors helped make it so,” said Marilyn.

As time passed, the Ackelsbergs moved to an active adult community where they lived for 12 years. Although their eldest son kept bringing up the idea of moving to Philadelphia to be near his family, the couple was happy with their lifestyle. That quickly changed, however, when he sent them an ad for Cathedral Village.
Two days later they were there visiting. Their decision to officially move to the community happened quickly.

“Sitting in the beautiful lobby, surrounded by plants, art, lovely flowers, and being greeted by so many friendly people, we felt that Cathedral Village would be the place even before we toured,” said Bob. “It was a very welcoming environment, very warm, just like home.”

Although they committed to visiting other communities, there was no doubt in their minds where they would ultimately spend their future. Now, after nearly a year at Cathedral Village, the Ackelsbergs could not be happier with their choice.

“It’s an atmosphere that’s so alive,” said Marilyn. “I’m now around people my age more than before and it’s more stimulating than when I was in an ordinary community!”

In fact, the couple loves taking advantage of Cathedral Village’s “College Classes,” fitness center and elaborate library while Marilyn participates in painting classes. They both sing with the Village Chorus, and are members of several resident committees. They also enjoy onsite musical performances, parties and lectures along with provided daytrips to theaters and museums in Philadelphia. Most importantly, they have the flexibility of seeing their family which now includes seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The Ackelsbergs have had no problems getting to know their fellow residents. “It seems like a large group of people, but you really feel like family,” said Bob.

This feeling not only applies to the residents, but to “the staff who are so responsive and supportive and responsible for keeping this place so wonderful,” said Marilyn. “Everyone cares about everyone and it’s a very comfortable place to be.”

The fact that Cathedral Village offers a continuum of care has always been an important aspect for the Ackelsbergs. “The quality of healthcare here is absolutely superb,” said Bob.

With access to skilled nursing and Alzheimer’s care onsite, residents have a sense of security and the convenience of even being able to receive assisted living services in the comforts of their apartments. A fully equipped medical department staffed with professional nurses is available 24/7 to respond to emergencies and for routine checks, as well as onsite primary care physicians five days a week. There are also dozens of specialists, from podiatrists to optometrists, who visit Cathedral Village on a weekly basis. “We can be as active as we want knowing the care is there,” said Marilyn.

Given their passion for maintaining their land over the years, it comes as no surprise that among the couple’s favorite amenities at the community are its lavish gardens and greenhouse, which has a full time horticultural/therapist. The dedication of those who worked in the greenhouse, with the horticulturist, resulted in Cathedral Village winning a prestigious award at this year’s Philadelphia Flower Show.

“There are trees here that are well over a hundred years old and all well cared for,” said Marilyn. “Sometimes when I look out the window, I think I’m at an arboretum, it’s so beautiful. They designed the place so well, it’s extraordinary.”

Although they are no longer traveling, it may be safe to say that with these picture-perfect views, an extended family and a range of amenities and activities, the Ackelsbergs still have the world at their fingertips at Cathedral Village.

As a pilot, Norman served in the Marine Corps during World War II, but left the military following his graduation from college in 1948. Two years later, he married and went on to start a 20-year career in the manufacturing and construction business, through which he and his family traveled to various parts of the U.S., England and Canada. After serving as executive vice president for the Canadian subsidiary of Turner & Newell, Ltd, he left his Montreal home of eight years to return to the U.S. where he joined Merrill Lynch. For 20 years, he managed several offices in the Delaware Valley and eventually retired in 1988.

It was in 1999 that Norman’s wife passed away and he began to seriously consider the idea of a making the transition to a retirement community. Wanting the convenience of staying near his hometown of Berwyn, Pa., Norman had visited Dunwoody Village on several occasions to see his mother and cousin and was impressed with the care they received.

“It was very important to me to have the healthcare facilities that Dunwoody has. My mother had a couple of health incidents in which they took very good care of her,” he said.

Aside from the medical care that extends to assisted living and skilled nursing, it was also the luxurious residential accommodations and friendly service Norman knew he would find that further attracted him to the community.

“Dunwoody has all of the amenities that I wanted,” he said.

And for the past 10 years, he has enjoyed the amenities that have offered him a fun and maintenance-free lifestyle, from housekeeping services to transportation to a fitness center and game room. He also noted how easy it is for one to assimilate in the community, thanks to the welcoming staff and residents.

“I had a couple of friends who lived here as well, but I found it very easy to meet other people. There is a New Resident Hospitality Committee that gives people the opportunity to meet and go to dinner with some of the current residents if they wish,” said Norman.

While a range of activities keeps residents socially engaged, there are also several organizations in which to get involved. Norman is the treasurer of the community’s Residents’ Association and also the chairman of the Model Railroad Committee.

“Dunwoody has a large collection of trains that belonged to one of Dunwoody’s original residents and the whole thing has been expanded and maintained,” he said.

Although there is always something going on within the community, Norman also feels fortunate in being just a short trip away from his two daughters and twin granddaughters in West Chester and New Jersey.

As a second generation resident, Norman’s decision to make the move to Dunwoody may have been an obvious one, however, it a decision that for the past 10 years he has never regretted.

Long before this move, however, the Resslers’ story begins when they met at a dance, which, according to Mrs. Ressler, has often led to the debate of who saw who first. Though no matter whom it was, the couple is happy to say they have celebrated 48 years of marriage. During this time, Mr. Ressler had worked for Amoco American Oil Company while Mrs. Ressler was a homemaker and bookkeeper who worked part time at the Catonsville Community College bookstore for several years.

It was Aug. 28, 2008 that the Resslers received the call for which they had been waiting. An apartment matching their request had become available. Though the couple sold their home in a matter of three weeks, they knew the actual moving process would not be so easy.

Mrs. Ressler said she and her husband knew they did not want to tackle this move on their own and at the time were given a list of vendors by the Charlestown sales staff. Instead of getting overwhelmed and bogged down with the details, they contacted Charna Kinneberg, owner of the company Senior Transitions, Inc. which provides move coordination services.

As a result, they had downsized, disposed of unnecessary items, had everything packed up, and were moved into their new place by October 10, less than two months after initially learning the apartment was available.

“We didn’t have to go through a book to try to find people to take away trash, donate things to, or even move our things since Charna and her staff took care of everything,” says Mrs. Ressler. “Everyone was wonderful including the other vendors they recommended. They showed up on time and if they were going to be late at all, they called. There was no waiting around wondering.”

Mr. Ressler adds that on the actual moving day, the vendors were taking care of unpacking all of the items and followed the couple’s wishes placing everything accordingly. “We walked into the bedroom and there they were making our bed – it was just like a hotel where everything we needed was in place and ready for us!” he says.

In other moves they made over the years, according to Mrs. Ressler, they had still had to contend with the packing supplies after everything was done. That was certainly not the case this time, however, thanks to their moving coordinator. The trash was removed with boxes taken away, thus the Resslers were free to quickly start their lives at Charlestown.

The Resslers’ story is certainly not uncommon; however, theirs teaches others of the available resources that can be utilized when taking on this difficult task. Charna says the move coordinators take one of the major barriers of moving away. “We often hear ‘I don’t want to be a burden to my children,’ or ‘I don’t have time to help my parents,’” she says.

With a qualified, experienced move coordinator, these and other issues associated with a move are handled. According to Charna, the ultimate goal is to remove that stress from the experience, though the source differs from client to client. One may just need someone to help them figure out what will fit into the new unit while another client may want help disposing of things they do not need. Someone else will just want help packing or unpacking as others want to go on vacation and come back after the move is done.

No matter the scenario, this move manager is there to help. “We’ve done it all,” she says.

Senior Transitions, Inc., however, is not limited to coordinating local moves. Charna is President Elect and one of the founding members of the National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM), an organization of move managers located throughout the U.S. and Canada. The industry has grown significantly in the past six years from the initial 16 member companies in 2002 to now over 500 companies.

“When a client is moving to or from another location, we can easily find a member company to help on the other end,” says Charna. “Because of my longstanding involvement with the organization, I often personally know the other company.”

Also as a result of her commitment to the association, some of the communities she regularly works with even call her rather than just selecting from the NASMM web site.

Meanwhile, with what turned out to be a very stress-free move behind them, the Resslers have enjoyed life in their new home. As Resident Ambassadors at Charlestown, they talk to prospective residents, showing them the community and discussing the advantages of living at Charlestown. Mrs. Ressler is also in the process of starting a new dining companions program at the community with her friend.

Of course, they often discuss their experience with Senior Transitions, Inc. and would recommend seeking the assistance of a move manager to anyone in a similar situation.

“There is no way we could have made the move without them,” says Mrs. Ressler. “It’s the single biggest reason most people give for not making the move. With Charna and her staff’s help, that issue is gone.”

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.

Even during retirement, he continued to work part-time for a medical transcription firm. Ann worked as a registered nurse and in the administration of nursing homes for 20 years. She also has been teaching art fort the Montgomery County Recreation Department for the last 20 years. The couple has six children and ten grandchildren, and they enjoy attending sporting events and traveling together.

In September of 2001, the couple traveled to New England and Canada. After they returned home, Richard complained about a pain under his ribs. He visited his family Doctor, who sent him for further testing at the Washington Hospital Center. Richard was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was given the option to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment, but there was no promise of a cure. Not wanting to undergo the painful treatments, Richard requested to be transferred to Casey House, a Hospice facility operated by Montgomery County Hospice.

The Hospice facility was able to help the family and Richard during this difficult time. According to Ann, Richard spoke of his last eight days as, “one of the best weeks of my life.” Their children, grandchildren, family, and friends were all afforded the opportunity to spend time with Richard, and the caring staff was always present to attend to his needs. The pain management that they offered allowed Richard to fully enjoy his final days because, as Ann relates, “He was out of pain and happy.”

The entire family is now thankful for the services they received from the thoughtful staff at Casey House: “We can’t say enough good things about the caring and compassionate staff and volunteers at the Casey House. We would all want the same for ourselves. We have put a Stone in his memory in their path, and we named our new Standard Poodle ‘Casey.’” The memory of Richard and of the conscientious hospice care he received continues to live on in the hearts of his wife and family.