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.

Western Maryland is comprised of Frederick, Washington, Allegany, and Garrett counties. As travelers move through the counties on their way westward, the picturesque landscapes of Frederick and Washington counties, both still part of the metro area, give way to the rural retreats found in Allegany and Garrett counties.

Frederick County
Welcome to Western Maryland
From developing cities to stimulating historical sites, Frederick County offers a striking first impression of Western Maryland. The county seat, Frederick, is Maryland’s second largest city. Downtown Frederick includes an astonishing 50-block historic district with hundreds of antique and specialty shops.

Beyond the city of Frederick, travelers will find much to enjoy in the county’s diverse regions. The Catoctin Mountains in northern Frederick County are home to three major parks, a 78-foot waterfall, and countless orchards. The Historic National Road, known as the “road that built the nation,” runs through the eastern portion of the county on its journey west. The importance of transportation history is further demonstrated in the southwestern region along the towpath of the Chesapeake & Ohio (C&O) Canal. At South Mountain State Battlefield, history buffs of another breed can follow in the footsteps of famous Civil War generals.

Washington County
Journey Back in Time
The Historic National Road and the C&O Canal continue westward through Washington County, which abounds with Civil War sites and thriving towns. During the Civil War, Hagerstown became a strategic staging area for military leaders because of its location. Sharpsburg, a quiet rural community in southern Washington County, is surrounded by the Antietam Battlefield. The town, still populated largely by direct descendents of the survivors from that battle, is a testament to the human will to rebuild.

History is not all that Washington County has to offer. Hagerstown is thriving and is now home to several museums and a wide array of shopping and dining options. The ten county parks, The Appalachian Trail, The Western Maryland Rail Trail, and the C&O towpath are all great options for the avid outdoorsman and the Sunday stroller. The area’s five golf courses include a nine-hole municipal course, a championship course, and a spectacular public course.

Allegany County
Head to the Mountains
Commonly known as the “Mountain Side of Maryland,” Allegany County is a gateway into a recreational paradise. 60,000 acres of preserved public lands and a number of impressive parks are scattered throughout the county.

Dans Mountain State Park offers panoramic views from elevations of nearly 3,000 feet. Lazy floats down the Potomac River and challenging mountain biking trails beckon visitors to Green Ridge State Forest. Rocky Gap State Park is home to 243-acre Lake Habeeb and the renowned Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort.

Whether via water, rail, or road, travelers passed through Allegany County during the great westward migration. Today, the National Road, the Canal Place Heritage Area, and the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad pay tribute to this rich history. Steam and diesel powered excursions on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad take passengers on a 32-mile journey from Cumberland to Frostburg.

Garrett County
Go Deep in the Country
Home to Maryland’s largest lake, highest mountain, largest state forest, and only alpine ski resort, Garret County is the crowning glory of Western Maryland. Visits to the County’s biggest and best will keep travelers busy.

Garrett County is home to several state forests and parks, including Savage River State Forest, the largest in Maryland. Deep Creek Lake, a 3,900-acre freshwater lake, is the state’s largest manmade lake and one of the region’s most popular vacation and recreation destinations. Nearby Wisp Resort is the state’s only recognized alpine ski resort. 3,360 feet Backbone Mountain, the highest mountain in the region and the state, completes the impressive list of bests.

A Westward Movement
With unique topography and a remarkable sense of history, the counties that make up Western Maryland offer a lifestyle that cannot be duplicated. The region’s many charms allow it to draw visitors, retain residents, and encourage relocation.

Retirees, long-time residents, and other transplants will enjoy a region replete with historical significance and wide open spaces. The frontier may be long since tamed, but the desire to “Head West” remains strong-and that applies to a much wider audience than “Young Man.”

Local Resources

Allegany County Area Agency on Aging
Acts as an advocate on behalf of seniors and their families and works with other organizations to expand opportunities for older persons in the county.
Phone: 301-777-5970

Allegany College of Maryland
Offers courses specifically for seniors through their continuing education program. Tuition waivers are available to state residents over age 60 for specific courses.
Phone: 301-784-5000<
Website: www.ac.cc.md.us/acce.htm/community/seniorlist.html

Frederick Community College Institute for Learning in Retirement
Offers classes designed by and for adults age 55 over. Topics range from art and music to philosophy and political science.
Phone: 301-624-2732
Website: www.frederick.edu/programCourses/ILR/index.cfm?documentid=242

Frederick County Department of Aging
Develops and administers programs and activities to support county senior citizens. Programs include provision of information, legal assistance, congregate meals, senior centers, and various other services for seniors and their family members.
Phone: 301-694-1605
Website: www.co.frederick.md.us/doa

Garret County Area Agency on Aging
Provides vital services for the county’s senior population and their families. Services include information and assistance, help with long term care options, and in-home care. The agency also operates senior centers and meal sites throughout the county.
Phone: 301-334-9431, Ext. 138
Website: www.garrettcac.org

Hagerstown Community College Center for Continuing Education
Includes a wide variety of course offerings. Art, writing, and other courses are available, in addition to cultural and historical learning trips.
Phone: 301-790-2800, Ext. 582
Website: www.hcc.cc.md.us/coned/fall2005-2/lifelong/index.php

Washington County Commission on Aging, Inc.
Provides information and referrals, friendly visitation, legal services, nutrition services, and a variety of other services. The commission also operates seventeen senior clubs throughout the county.
Phone: 301-790-0275
Website: www.wccoaging.org

These two long-time District residents display an intimate knowledge of their community. When asked if they ever considered leaving their busy D.C. lives for rest and relaxation in the country, their response is an unequivocal “No!” They would not want to miss any of the ongoing action. The Thomas Circle neighborhood in Washington, D.C. is changing rapidly to meet the needs of a growing population. The Residences at Thomas Circle, the active adult community where both Susan and Bill live, is tapping into the excitement with a few changes of its own.

Bill Dunn moved to D.C. after visiting his sisters in the area. He recalls, “All three of my sisters were working here during the war. I came from Kansas City for a vacation, and I never went back.” Bill left two brothers and an already flourishing career in interior design behind in Missouri. While working at a department store in Kansas City, he got a “taste for” the work. In D.C., he held several positions in interior design, including one as a Department Manger at the Woodworth and Lothrop stores in both Chevy Chase and Wheaton. As his skill developed, Bill decided to branch out on his own. He worked as an independent interior designer for 20 years before retiring.

When her family made the move to D.C. in her late teens, Susan fell in love with the city. After graduation, she launched a career on Capitol Hill. Self-described as “very politically orientated,” Susan found her work on the Hill stimulating. She explains, “When I worked on the Hill, things were very different than they are today. Congressional Offices generally had about three people on staff, unlike the armies they have today.” For Susan and her fellow co-workers, this meant unique opportunities to get involved in the political process. “We got to help prepare committee reports and write speeches. Sure, there were mundane tasks too, but we were very involved in the actual process,” she says.

Common interests brought Susan and Bill, now long-time friends, together. From theater to fine dining, they both appreciate the perks of urban living and became part of a group of like-minded friends. Susan and Bill met at the National Presbyterian Church; they have been members of the congregation for years. With several other friends from church, they enjoyed lunches after Sunday services. The large group also purchased season tickets to the Kennedy Center and went on annual trips to New York to attend Broadway shows.

Susan lived in Denver, CO for 20 years before returning to D.C. She explains, “When my husband died, my son urged me to move to D.C. to be near him.” When she started looking for a retirement community in the metro area, her search was thorough. “I must have seen six other places before I finally decided on The Residences at Thomas Circle,” she remembers.

She continues, “All the other places were out in the suburbs though, and I am an urban person.” Susan had no intention of retiring to the suburbs and leaving the thrill of city life behind. She states simply, “Watching the grass grow or the paint dry is not my idea of life.” After several visits to the community and a few conversations with current residents, Susan knew she had found the right place. “I have never regretted that decision for even a single day, and I have been here almost seven years,” she concludes.

Her in-town move left Susan’s social calendar intact, allowing her to continue the Sunday lunches and regular theater visits with Bill and all their friends. Susan had been living at The Residences nearly five years when Bill started suffering with back problems. She encouraged him to make the move. He was easily convinced. “My house was just much too big for me, and I was having problems getting up and down the stairs because of my back problems,” he says. Bill never considered other communities because he knew exactly what he wanted. He states, “I wanted to be in town, so I knew I wanted to be here.” The two jokingly relate that after Bill’s move two years ago, they planned to have all their friends move to the community.

Susan and Bill remain active District residents and are very much a part of life at The Residences. Susan does volunteer work for the National Symphony Orchestra and for several women’s support groups. Because his back pain makes it hard to stand through services, Bill recently gave up his place in the church choir after 18 years of singing. This gap in his schedule was quickly filled. He is the newly elected Treasurer of the Resident’s Association. Susan has been involved with the Resident’s Association in various capacities as well. Representing their fellow residents has helped them both to feel involved in the community’s developments-from changing amenities and options to ongoing additions and upgrades.

Much like the historic circle outside, The Residences at Thomas Circle is going through a period of modernization. From the dining room to the ownership options, life at The Residences is changing. A construction project is currently underway to upgrade the private dining facilities and expand the library to include a large reading room. The large-scale project also includes an updated fitness center, a new back patio with BBQ facilities, and an auditorium that will seat all the residents. “All of these projects will really improve our activities, giving us room for bigger and better programs,” says Susan.

The Residences is also currently transitioning from a continuing care community with entrance fees to a full-service retirement community with the benefit of home ownership. Over 100 new condominiums are under construction, all of which will be available on a purchase-only basis.

Responding to the changing needs of the boomer population is the community’s primary objective for this transition. Residents will enjoy all the services and amenities of a retirement community, all while gaining equity in their homes. If additional care or assistance should become necessary in the future, it will be available through the Assisted Living and Reminiscence services provided by Sunrise Senior Living. With everything planned for, owners at The Residences can simply enjoy the energetic spirit of a community in conversion.

This type of energy is essential to the creation of a dynamic community or a prosperous city. Urbanites like Bill Dunn and Susan Marlow thrive on this energy. Instead of retiring to the country to watch the grass grow, Bill and Susan retire to the roof-top terrace to take in a much more metropolitan display: an active community surrounded by a city in motion.