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.

Over the years, the community has prided itself on being an avid supporter of the annual Memory Walks coordinated by the Alzheimer’s Association and has even hosted its own Memory Walks for the local community and residents. From an exceptional Memory Support unit, The Gardens, to its support groups, it is the caring nature and sense of camaraderie at this community that has attracted its residents.

Just ask Rosemary and William Lee, Elizabeth and Richard Stoeckel, Marie Beary, and Beverly Richards who are among those residents that can be seen donning their purple Memory Walk shirts in support of their loved ones and peers.

“I felt restored and like my old self when I moved here,” said Rosemary Lee. “It’s been very comfortable, caring and lovely, like a little health spa put in your life.”

Rosemary and William had been living on the Eastern Shore when they started researching the options for their future. After looking at several communities, the Lees felt discouraged until their niece contacted them about Kensington Park.

After two years in their new home, they enjoy an active lifestyle and pursuing different interests. Bill can often be seen on an exercise bike or the computer while Rosemary participates in the Creative Writing class and attends daytrips and music programs. They have also participated in the community’s Memory Walks and other related events having had friends who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“Randy East, from Kensington Park, has held wonderful classes that give us a greater understanding of the disease,” said Rosemary. “Awareness is important and there is a great deal of it here. His heart is really in it.”

This dedication in supporting those with cognitive impairment is also certainly evident in the gentle warmth and respect with which specialized programs are offered in The Gardens. Along with the nurturing therapeutic activities, residents here enjoy spectacular park views, a lively aquarium and a stimulating memory garden. They also participate in various activities with the rest of the community such as the popular St. Patrick’s Day Bingo Bash.

And among those players, one might have seen Pennsylvania natives Elizabeth and Richard Stoeckel, who, like the Lees, have appreciated the supportive nature and activism of the staff and their peers.

“We were approached last year about the walk and decided to join,” said Richard. “We made a donation because we think it’s a very wonderful cause.”

Married for 66 years, the Stoeckels are no strangers to making contributions since Richard has been active with the Rotary Club and its involvement with the Salvation Army.

“I always participated quite proudly,” he said. “My wife and I have tried to be as generous as we could be through our church and clubs and we feel the same way about the Memory Walk.”

Introduced to Kensington Park by their family that has grown to six great-grandchildren, the couple could not be happier to be near their loved ones and be part of a vibrant community. “We are thankful to be here and feel very much at home,” said Richard. “We think it’s beautiful and they really do a great job for everyone.”

That great job of the staff extends beyond the specialized memory support to the other levels of care offered by the community. In The Highlands Independent Living and The Woodlands and Groves Premier Assisted Living, residents can enjoy maintenance-free lifestyles knowing services are available to meet their potential health needs. With this sense of security, they can take advantage of the various activities and amenities including a movie theater, library and cozy sitting areas.

After hearing several positive comments about Kensington Park, Marie Beary’s daughter recommended she move into this community conveniently located near her home.

A former assistant attorney general from New York, Marie has lived at the community since last October and is known to sign up for just about every activity possible. Among some of her favorite events have been the community’s holiday festivities and a recent trip to see the Cherry Blossoms. “They really take great care of you and we have lots of activities and trips you can sign up for and the transportation is provided,” she said.

Marie and her husband had been very active in the Red Cross, and she now carries that volunteerism with her today to support the fight against Alzheimer’s since her cousin suffers from the disease along with Parkinson’s.

“Everybody has a relative or knows someone who does with Alzheimer’s,” she said. “You really have to work at it and get a lot of people interested to make a difference.”

Marie is pretty close to the truth as over five million Americans are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and someone will join them every 70 seconds. The individuals at Kensington Park are no strangers to these facts as the staff keeps everyone informed on the disease and hosts a support group for caregivers and families every third Thursday a month with volunteer moderators from the Alzheimer’s Association.

Beverly Richards is one resident who has had this statistic hit close to home. Originally from Utah, the avid traveler and singer moved to the area through her husband’s career with the Public Health Service.

It was the inevitable end of his battle with dementia that brought Beverly to the community four years ago. “I was interested in Alzheimer’s before, but when this happened, I became so aware of how it affects not just one person, but a whole family intensely,” she said.

With his passing in 2005, she has been highly involved in the community’s walks as a Resident Speaker sharing her story. Though she originally came to Kensington Park for the continuum it offers, she has been busy pursuing her favorite activities, such as bird watching, while enjoying the perks of a tight-knit community.

“There’s an atmosphere here of family with upbeat attitudes and lots of opportunities,” she said. “But this is just a very warm and caring community.”

There is no question that it is the people that make a home. And as these six individuals, their peers, and the staff of Kensington Park display their purple shirts at the National Mall on October 17th, others will know what a truly exceptional home it is.

Many universities, colleges, community colleges, and senior centers offer classes and programs focused on older adults pursuing learning in a creative and supportive environment. Whether you want to learn a foreign language, study history as it unfolds before you, or tap into your creative juices – opportunities abound!

Washington College in Chestertown – Academy of Lifelong Learning is marked by the characteristics of “intellectual curiosity, camaraderie of scholars and learners, and the wisdom of age and experience.” Spring class offerings include Sustainable Community Development, International Competitors from a political, economic and historical perspective, and Near Death Experiences – to name a few. Check the website for details: http://wc-all.washcoll.edu or call the office 410-778-7221.

Chesapeake College Institute for Adult Learning (A.I.L.)–This Institute was established in 2001 and offers a wide variety of learning opportunities on the campus of Chesapeake College. In the April-May semester you can learn more about the relationship between A. Lincoln and G. McClellan, Residential Architecture, Islam, or our own Constitution. Improve your fitness through TaiChi, study the differences between Wines of the World, or learn German to ease your next vacation. Contact 410-822-5400 for more information or take a look at the College’s website, www.chesapeake.edu

A part of The Johns Hopkins University, the Evergreen Society’s mission is to enhance the leisure time of semi-retired and retired individuals by providing stimulating learning experiences and the opportunity for new friendships. Classes are offered in North Baltimore, Columbia and Montgomery County. The Spring schedule includes Hubble’s New Universe, American Movers and Shakers, International Relations, and Shakespeare. View the schedule and membership information at http://evergreen.jhu.edu/pdfs/schedulebaltcolumbia.pdf or call 410-309-9531.

Many of the local Senior Centers offer classes provided through the Baltimore City Community College, the Baltimore City Commission on Aging and Retirement Education, community hospital outreach programs, and the senior centers themselves.

A sampling of what’s available:

- Myerberg Senior Center in Pikesville offers fitness through aerobics, body toning, and yoga classes, as well as a walking group. Literary arts include conversational Hebrew and Spanish, poetry, and creative writing. Watercolor, oil painting, decoupage, sculpture, and drawing classes are among the cultural programs available. Practical learning classes, such as computer skills, round out the Spring offerings. For additional information contact the center at 410-358-6856, or surf the web at http://www.myerbergseniorcenter.org/classes.html

- At McFaul Senior Center in Bel Air participate in fine arts classes in painting (all levels of experience), ceramics, or tole painting. A book discussion group meets monthly, while current event discussions are held weekly. In addition there are dance, fitness, yoga, and TaiChi classes for those interested in improving their fitness. For the nimble-fingered, classes in woodworking and various needlework crafts are offered.Contact the Center at 410-638-4040, or surf the web at: http://www.co.ha.md.us/services/aging/Events.cfm

Learning in Retirement of Towson University –The Auburn Society offers opportunities for continued learning and activities for social and cultural enrichment – all within a congenial atmosphere. There are fall and spring classes, four to eight weeks in length, and a summer program. A sample of the spring 2005 program includes: Supreme Court and Civil Liberties, European Union, Hitchcock and Hermann music, Mary Cassatt, Intro to Watercolor, Little Gems in the Film Industry, and An Atmosphere of Mystery. Day trips and social events are also available. Classes meet in easily accessible, modern classrooms on the Towson University campus. There are 2 sessions: March 7- April 1 and April 11 – May 6. Speakers are available for presentations about the Society. Find out more by calling the Auburn office, 410-704-3437, or visit their web sit at http://wwwnew.towson.edu/outreach/auburn/.

The Senior Institute at the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC)–Classes are offered at several senior centers in Baltimore County as well as at the 3 CCBC campuses. Topics cover literature, history, wellness, and computer literacy, as well as arts programs. Call 410-869-0296 for more information, or visit the College’s Website at http://www.ccbcmd.edu/noncredit/fall/senior.html.

Peabody Institute Elderhostel–Elderhostel celebrates 30 years of educational excellence. By joining other members, you can see the world! Part of that world is celebrated at the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. Offerings for Spring include Classics with the Baltimore Symphony; music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, Rodgers and Hammerstein, Cole Porter, and Brahms; and Hollywood. For more information, call 410-659-8100, ext. 3085 or check out the website at http://www.peabody.jhu.edu/index.php?pageID=540 .

Renaissance Institute at College of Notre Dame of Maryland –Members of this institute design and lead the non-credit courses offered at CND. Spring offerings include Planning for Prime Time, Game of Politics, oil painting, Jazz, a survey of Persons of Letters, Art and Architecture of Egypt, and Morocco. Courses to keep you physically fit include water aerobics and TaiChi. Contact them at 410-532-5351 or on the web at http://www.ndm.edu/institutes/renaissance/index.cfm.

Diane E. Schaefer, MA, Certified Senior Advisor,is president of Schaefer + Associates, LLC, a Baltimore-based Geriatric Consulting and Care Management firm.