Executive Chef Frank Leake (left) and Dietary Aide Kory Lewis display FutureCare CherryWood’s Taste of the Town Award.

FutureCare CherryWood recently won the Reisterstown-Owings Mills-Glyndon Chamber of Commerce’s 9th Annual Taste of the Town Competition. The winning dish – fiesta herb-encrusted chicken and chocolate bread pudding – was judged against gourmet dishes from several nearby restaurants. The dish took first place thanks to the hard work of quite a few staff members, who took on this competition in addition to their daily duties.

“Our entire dietary team did an excellent job of planning, preparing and serving our winning entry,” said Marla Bosley, FutureCare CherryWood’s director of admissions. “We were pleasantly surprised that we won, especially since this was our first year entering the event.”

FutureCare CherryWood became involved with Taste of the Town as a result of their ongoing support for the local Chamber of Commerce. This year, the community decided to enter a dish and participate in the event they had sponsored for years.

The fiesta chicken dish is one of CherryWood’s signature dishes and one of the most popular among residents. In addition to satisfying a wide array of palates, the community’s chefs also have to fulfill a variety of dietary needs for the short-term rehabilitation patients and long-term care residents.

“Our goal is to meet and exceed our patients’ and residents’ dining needs,” said Bosley. “We hope this win will let the community know that our residents are able to enjoy great food along with excellent nursing and rehab care.”

While one of CherryWood’s primary goals is to ensure that patients get the care they need to enjoy their best possible quality of life, they also know that simple pleasures like social activities and delicious meals go a long way toward creating a positive experience for their residents. After all, a good meal is one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Nestled in such a central location, county residents are able to enjoy the amenities of several major metropolitan areas-alongside the charm and beauty of smaller towns and gorgeous countryside. Locally known as “horse country,” Baltimore County is the third largest region in the United States for thoroughbred horse breeding farms. There are also seemingly endless entertainment and recreation opportunities within the County’s 612 square miles, which encompasses 170 miles of shore line on the Chesapeake Bay and its many tributaries.

Fresh Air.
Oregon Ridge Park, a 1,000 acre park offering activities from swimming and hiking to concerts sponsored by the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in the summer months, and Loch Raven Fishing Center, a nice getaway for boaters and fisherman alike, are chief among the County’s outdoor recreation offerings. If a relaxing summer evening is what you seek, turn to the Lurman Woodland Theatre in Catonsville, an amphitheatre that hosts free outdoor concerts from June through August. Rocky Point Beach and Oregon Ridge Beach provide locals with cool waters and sandy shores from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Small Towns
If indoor activities are more to your liking, venture out to one of Baltimore County’s many small towns. They provide shopping, restaurants, and interesting local attractions. The county seat, Towson, features world-class shopping, a wide array of restaurants, and is easily accessible from the Baltimore beltway. Catonsville’s city center, known as “The Village,” hosts several annual events, including an Arts and Crafts Festival, and is home to several specialty music stores. An antique hunter’s dream, Reisterstown is a well-preserved town featuring a wide array of antique shops, alongside eclectic boutiques offering everything from crafts to modern art. These are just a few of the dozen downtown shopping districts throughout Baltimore County; each town has distinctive offerings that attract residents and visitors alike.

Resources for Seniors.
With so much to offer, Baltimore County is growing rapidly, and as it grows so does its unique appeal for new residents-some of them seniors from nearby areas. As County residents age in place and seniors move from urban or rural areas to enjoy the convenience of suburban life, the senior population is burgeoning. County officials and area professionals have answered the demand of this population growth with new and innovative programs and services for seniors.

With 19 senior centers throughout the County, transportation programs, and a Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), the County’s older adults are encouraged to remain active and involved while aging in place. Aging in place allows seniors to remain independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Services are enlisted to help seniors as they become necessary. Adult Day services, Home Care services, and a variety of governmental and private resources are available to seniors who choose to remain in their homes. Younger seniors can enjoy an active lifestyle with the comfort of knowing that there are services available in their community to meet all their future needs.

In addition to the services offered by local agencies, there are a variety of retirement communities in the area that offer a full range of amenities and care options. Senior-serving professionals are also available to help with everything from moving and downsizing to administering a care plan. Seniors in Baltimore County can rest assured that any assistance they may need in the future will be readily available-giving them more time to take advantage of a location that is second to none but near it all.