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.

Richard and Kathleen McCarty faced an especially overwhelming task when they eventually decided to downsize from their large home, but with the help of move management service Senior Transitions, Inc., their move to a retirement living option was completely stress-free.

When Kathleen and Richard McCarty retired, they took the path less travelled by choosing to upsize.  Therefore, when the time came to move to a retirement community years later, the process seemed especially daunting.  With the help of Charna Kinneberg and her team at Senior Transitions Inc., however, the couple was able to experience a seamless move from the large family home to their new apartment.

Kathleen and Richard met in Baltimore while he was a student at Johns Hopkins University and she was attending Mount St. Agnes, now a part of Loyola University.  Married a year later, the couple had two children as Richard pursued his Masters degree at Hopkins.

The family then moved to Ithaca, NY where Richard became part of the faculty at Cornell University and Kathleen helped with library and development work for the school.   With the birth of their third child, the couple remained in the area for 24 years before returning to Baltimore in 1990 where Richard served as Chair of the Department of Biology at Hopkins.

“We had moved to Timonium, but the suburbs just weren’t for me, so we downsized to a condo in the Tuscany-Canterbury neighborhood,” said Kathleen.  At the time, the McCartys had also bought a weekend place in the mountains of Virginia.

“Two years later, the house right up the street became available and the first time we looked at it, we were filling out a contract,” said Richard.  “It had five bedrooms, so we were upsizing again, which isn’t necessarily a good idea.”

Although the couple loved their home, they were there for a decade before the maintenance became too much to handle.   Additionally, they had sold their weekend home and were therefore combining the belongings of two households.

Despite the overwhelming aspects of downsizing, there was one base the McCartys fortunately had covered.  They had always known where they would spend their later years.

“Our lawyer looked at our housing agreement and said everything looked fine but asked if we had shopped around,” said Kathleen. “We said we have not shopped around, we don’t want to live in the county, we want to stay in our neighborhood, and we want to be a part of Roland Park Place.”

The continuing care retirement community was a mere two blocks from where the couple had already been living, and for them, Roland Park Place’s reputation set it apart from any other option.

“It was also the peace of mind we could give our children,” said Richard.  “This is a place you walk in at your own power and they carry you up and you don’t have to worry about a thing; it’s wonderful.”
Among these perks, however, the couple still knew they faced the hurdle of clearing out their large home and giving whatever items they could to their three children or Goodwill.

Fortunately, upon signing their agreement to be residents, the McCartys received a packet from the community that included a brochure for Charna Kinneberg and her professional senior move management service, Senior Transitions, Inc.

“I looked at it and immediately told Richard we were going with this organization,” said Kathleen.  “Charna seemed to do everything, and she certainly did.”

Senior Transitions, Inc. helps with various parts of the moving process including automated floor plan designs, packing, supervising movers, preparing for home sales and disposing of unneeded items.  Charna Kinneberg, RN, MBA, started the company in 2001 and is a founding member of the National Association of Senior Move Mangers (NASMM).  She also serves on the board of two geriatric care provider groups.

And with this expertise, the couple said she was fully prepared from the start.  “From the moment Charna walked in the door, it was peace, serenity, efficiency and organization,” said Kathleen.  “A lot of people have jobs that they’re really good at, and she is really good at senior transitions.”

With the help of the Senior Transitions staff, the McCartys were connected with reliable movers and were able to donate several items, including 17 boxes of books that went to a charitable organization.

“When we got here, it was shocking to discover how they could unpack and find places for everything, and exactly where I would’ve put them!” said Kathleen.  “They knew our house and they took the time to do all that.”

With the move behind them, the couple is enjoying life at their new home, Roland Park Place, where they take advantage of the retirement community's fitness center and further pursue their passion for gardening.

As avid gardeners, the McCartys were especially delighted to know their beloved flowers were also accommodated.  “Our sunroom was filled with at least 20 orchids and all kinds of paraphernalia, and we had no place for them here,” said Richard.  “Charna put them on Craigslist for us and got several phone calls.  A woman came and took everything in a half hour period and our worry was off the deck completely.”

The couple not only appreciated Charna’s dedication throughout the process, but that of each of her employees.  “They were the best we’ve encountered.  All wonderful, lovely, charming people who came prepared every day to calm me down,” Kathleen said with a smile.

While many of the McCartys’ peers have utilized Senior Transitions and were just as thrilled with their services, the couple still does not hesitate to spread the word about the move management company whenever possible. “I couldn’t recommend Charna and her employees more highly to anybody,” said Kathleen.

With the stress-free move behind them, the couple could not be happier with their new apartment and surroundings at Roland Park Place.  As they take advantage of the community’s fitness center and scheduled daytrips, the McCartys have enjoyed getting to know their neighbors and continuing their favorite pastime by reserving a plot in the gardening areas.

“I think it’s important to move when both of you are able to do so physically and mentally,” said Richard.  “We are younger than most people here, but we were actually able to make the right decisions and enjoy the move and get it done.  It made our adjustment to living here very easy.”

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.

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.

The Bitterlis had been living in their family home in Ellicott City, MD for 46 years when they began to consider a move to a retirement community. “We were just a little tired of maintaining a home. All the responsibilities began to feel like too much, and we thought it was time to take life easy,” says Mr. Bitterli. Mrs. Bitterli adds, “We were ready to let someone else do the cooking too.”

After choosing Fairhaven, a continuing care retirement community in Sykesville, MD, the Bitterlis were ready for a move. They were not, however, ready to face sorting through and packing a house full of belongings. When staff members at Fairhaven recommended, Moving On, a local moving coordination firm, the Bitterlis decided to give them a call.

During the early stages of the moving process, advisors from Moving On came to the Bitterlis’ home and offered advice about what to take to the new home and what to give away, sell, or toss. Nancy Merritt, the president and founder of Moving On, then provided the couple with a moving calendar outlining all of the steps in the process. Staff members also gave the Bitterlis recommendations for moving, hauling, and auction companies.

Long before the actual moving day, the Bitterlis were able to select which belongings to take. “Nancy visited the new unit and measured everything to make sure the furniture would fit,” recalls Mr. Bitterli. The carefully selected items were already placed in the new home when the couple arrived. Mrs. Bitterli concludes, “We were really not involved too much in the move. They really took care of everything.”

Four months after the move, the Bitterlis are still discovering all that retirement has to offer. Life, they say, is “more relaxed,” but it has not changed that much. The couple continues to pursue their long-time interests. They have just added a few new activities to their schedule, including a new-found passion for water aerobics. Neither Charlie nor Doris had taken a water aerobics class before moving, but they now attend sessions four times a week. The Bitterlis, like so many before them, have discovered that moves often come with unforeseen opportunities.

Like Tom, over 1.5 million Americans suffer from Parkinson’s Disease, a progressive neurological condition that is second only to Alzheimer’s Disease in prevalence. Parkinson’s Disease is characterized by tremor, rigidity, slow movement, and trouble with balance. “Most patients first notice difficulties with fine motor skills which are affected by tremor and slow movement,” says Dr. Kevin Biglan, a neurologist and Movement Disorder Specialist at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. “These include activities such as buttoning buttons, washing hair, and eating.”

Celia Bassich, an Assistant Professor at Towson University, says speech and swallowing can also be affected. “The first voice change usually involves talking in a much softer voice than is typical of conversational speaking. However, the person with Parkinson’s feels that he or she is talking at a normal loudness level.” Says Bruyere, “I recognized that I was slowing down even before I actually knew that it was Parkinson’s. My symptoms were life-changing and continue to be.”

Parkinson’s Disease was first discovered by James Parkinson in 1817 and was chronicled in his early work “Essay on the Shaking Palsy.” It is a neurological disorder characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. When about 50% of these cells disappear, patients start to experience symptoms such as tremor and slow movement. The theory behind the cause of Parkinson’s Disease is still unknown, although several studies suggest exposure to chemicals in the environment and genetic mutations may both play a role. “There are several genetic and environmental factors that may predispose a person to develop Parkinson’s Disease,” says Dr. Ted Dawson, director of the Parkinsons’s Disease and Movement Center at Johns Hopkins. “In addition, specific chemicals used in the agricultural industry have caused Parkinson-like symptoms to occur in animal models.”

Although Parkinson’s Disease eventually becomes debilitating in its more advanced stages, medications are available to help patients with movement. Levodopa (pronounced lee-vo-do-pa), a chemical that has been in existence since the 1960s is still considered the “gold standard” for Parkinson’s patients, and is perhaps the most widely prescribed medication for the disease. In addition, Deep Brain Stimulation surgery has been shown to be very effective in eliminating several of the symptoms of this disease. For most people with Parkinson’s, a comprehensive approach to therapy is the best way to treat the effects of the disease. Says Biglan, “People should see a Movement Disorder Specialist as soon as possible to help them with the primary symptoms and medications of the disease. We can then refer them to other specialties – such as speech pathology, occupational therapy, and physical therapy – as the need arises.”

Tom Bruyere sees hope for many people with Parkinson’s Disease. He has participated in several clinical research studies for new medications and is on constant watch for new therapies. “I am enthusiastic about some of the new treatments and the research that is going on.” He also participates in area support groups and recognizes the need for patients and caregivers to constantly increase their knowledge about Parkinson’s. “I think there is reluctance on some people’s parts to go to support groups, but once they attend, they learn that they dramatically increase your education. They help people at all levels.”

In searching for a cure for Parkinson’s Disease, Dr. Dawson thinks that research is moving in the right direction to find a cure within the next few years. “The advances that we are making in research are very promising for patients with this disease. New treatments are regularly being developed, and it is only a matter of time before a significant breakthrough surfaces.”

As for Bruyere and his wife, Kathy, they are expecting to make a move of their own in the near future to be closer to their children and grandchildren. “I have hope in research but until they cure this disease, we’ll keep pressing on.”

For more information, contact the Johns Hopkins Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Center (410-955-8795; www.hopkinspdmd.org), the National Parkinson Foundation (1-800-327-4545;www.parkinson.org), or the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (703-891-0821; www.parkinsonfoundation.org).

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.