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.

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.”

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.

You need not be an aspiring Iron Man Contestant, an astrophysicist, or a social butterfly to continue to find new and exciting pursuits as you age. Physical and mental activities can be tailored to specific ability levels and interests, and social interactions are available in every community. Finding the activity that is right for you could be as simple as a trip to the local senior center, gym, golf course, tennis court, swimming pool, or -maybe-retirement community.

The Residents and staff at one local retirement community are revising their approach to physical and mental well-being. By moving beyond the expected “Sittercise” classes and lecture series, Roland Park Place, a continuing care retirement community in Baltimore, MD, is reinventing the wheel-the Wheel of Wellness. Wellness can be generally defined as behaviors that enhance and prolong the state of total body and mind health. At Roland Park Place, they have embraced this idea and incorporated it into their daily operations through the Wheel of Wellness program.

The Wheel of Wellness is a six-prong program that addresses every facet of resident health and well-being, including: Physical Wellness, Spiritual Wellness, Intellectual Wellness, Vocational Wellness, Social Wellness, and Emotional Wellness. Roland Park Place has demonstrated their commitment to this program by upgrading their facilities, enlisting highly-qualified staff members, and delivering targeted activity and fitness programming.

Among the amenities offered at the community are a state-of-the-art fitness center; an indoor heated pool and spa; a putting green; a billiards room; and various intellectual activities, such as adult education classes taught by professors from Johns Hopkins University, book clubs, foreign language conversation groups, current event discussion groups, and art and music courses. Making a healthy lifestyle their primary focus has drawn healthy, active residents to the community-residents who keep the wheel rolling. Here are a few of the players:

Mardie Robinson may tell you that she is an average golf putter, but fellow residents are quick to point out her impressive talents on the green. When she quit playing golf, she never gave up her putter, which she uses daily on the community putting green. “I’ve always been active,” she says. That made Roland Park Place the perfect choice. Mardie points out, “It would have been easy to move to a retirement community and just give up exercising, but I’ve never been that kind of person. They have so many activities here that it’s easy to stay involved.”

“I spent my young life looking at Jesse Owens’ back,” remembers Adrian Rich, who lettered in football, basketball, and track in high school and was the MD Interscholastic Champion in the 100-yard dash. He never caught Jesse, but he never stopped trying; he continues to challenge himself every day. He points out, “If someone says they are bored here, I say that’s their fault. You can’t be bored here! Look around, there’s so much to do.” For Adrian, that includes working out in the fitness center and using the putting green.

A self-described “city person,” Norvell Miller knew he wanted to remain close to Baltimore, which led him to Roland Park Place. He explains, “This is the only community my wife and I considered that would allow us to walk to shopping areas and be close to everything.” That convenience is important for someone who prefers to spend most of his time on the tennis court.

Pete Bernheim’s tennis partners are “mostly younger.” He plays year-round; he and his junior competitors frequent several of the nearby courts. Being close to the courts immediately drew Mr. Bernheim to Roland Park Place, but he also liked the fact that everything is under one roof. “Other communities we looked at were so spread out, and that just isn’t convenient,” he points out.

Playing tennis, golf, and weight training in the fitness center are all a part of Dr. Jack Zimmerman’s full schedule. He and his wife moved to Roland Park Place two years ago. “We don’t have to worry about home maintenance, repair, or general upkeep anymore, which gives us more time for traveling and doing all the things we enjoy,” he notes. In addition to his fitness regime, Dr. Zimmerman, a retired surgeon, helps pre-med students at Hopkins prepare for medical school and works with the State Medical Society on the Ethics Committee.

“The fitness classes here are so good; they advance really quickly,” Frances Mueller points out. She should know. She made her first foray into exercise classes after moving to the community and really noticed an improvement in her fitness level. Unfortunately, a wrist injury forced her to stop taking classes several months ago. When she returned, she was amazed by how far the class had advanced. “I’m going to get back into it though,” says Ms. Mueller. Even during her break from fitness classes, she kept busy as the Assistant Editor of the community magazine and co-chairperson of the Knitting for the Homeless Program. She also tutors a 39-year-old illiterate man who is determined to learn to read.

As the head of a group of retired executives, Bob Bonnell helped institute a program in Baltimore that focuses on improving high school graduation rates. Mr. Bonnell proudly points out, “We started in 1986 with 55 kids, and we now serve 700 kids. The graduation rate has gone from 25% to 73%.” If he is not working, Mr. Bonnell is on the golf course. “I hit 90,000 practice shots a year. I’m out on the golf course every day I can be,” he says. Not surprisingly, he really enjoys the “excellent putting green” that is mere seconds from his front door.

Betsy Hughes and her husband moved to Roland Park Place last year from a large Victorian house in the neighborhood. “The house became a little too much work for us.” She smiles as she continues, “We agreed that we would take all of our good memories with us and leave the gutters for someone else to clean.” Ms. Hughes still works full-time as the Vice President of their family-owned business, but the couple and their popular Gordon setter have quickly become a part of their new community. Ms. Hughes is on the Resident’s Council, the Decorating Committee, and the Marketing Advisory Group. Her primary diversion is still tennis though. “That’s my game,” she says.

“My long range goal is to keep the mind and the body active and sharp,” says Brad Bradford, who is well on his way to achieving that lofty goal. He plays tennis two or three times a week and, with some coaching from his son, has recently started playing golf again. Mr. Bradford also fits in a water aerobics class a few times a week. “I’d certainly never considered doing water aerobics before moving here, but it’s great. It’s easy on your joints, and you feel so good afterwards,” he says. He and his wife have been very pleased since their recent move and feel that their foresight will be a tremendous gift to their children.

These nine dynamic individuals are all examples of the importance of maintaining both a fitness routine and a full social calendar. Healthy aging means working all your muscles. A close circle of friends, challenging intellectual activities, and a solid back swing or a perfect put are all equally important aspects of total well-being. Remaining active-in every sense of the word-is the first step to a fulfilling retirement. For the players at Roland Park Place and other active seniors, retirement life has no room for spectators.