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.

“This is really a village; it’s not just a name,” said Bill Jadney, who made the move to Twining Village in March with his wife, Elaine. “The community is not big, but it is not tiny; you just wouldn’t believe how nice it is to live in a genuine village.”

June Clothier, who just moved to the community in May, concurred, “I love the relaxed atmosphere here, and the people are very friendly. There is a real sense of community.”

For the Jadneys, their first taste of life in a strong community came just a few months after they moved in, when Bill fell and broke his ankle. “The first thing we said was thank goodness we moved here,” recalled Elaine. “I was so impressed that the following day our executive director, Philip Hickey, greeted me by name and asked about my husband.”

Since day one, June has enjoyed the community’s amenities, and she continues to get involved in new activities. “I truly love no longer having to cook my dinner, and the food is great,” she said. “I also workout in the gym three days a week, and I’m looking forward to helping in the new library.”

Like good neighbors in any nice community, the staff and residents of Twining Village are constantly working to make their community better. “The staff is so incredible,” Elaine said. “From the maintenance folks to Jerry Gallagher and Kylie Emery in Marketing, everyone was so helpful with our transition.” Not surprisingly, Twining Village’s dedicated staff is juggling several improvement projects in various stages of completion.

A beautiful new dining room was recently completed, as were enclosed and climate-controlled walkways between the multiple buildings on campus. “Regardless of the weather − rain, snow or cold − we can walk inside from our apartment to the dining room or the wellness center or the auditorium,” said Bill.  However, the Jadneys often walk outside to enjoy the wooded campus featuring mature trees and garden courtyards.

There is also construction underway that will completely renovate the reception area. “If the new reception area is anything like the new dining area, it is going to be amazing,” Elaine said. “I loved the community before, and it just keeps getting nicer.”

Of course, even with all the new improvements, the one amenity that continues to captivate new and old residents alike is the intimacy of the Village. “This is really where everyone knows your name,” Elaine said. “I have been to other retirement communities that felt like hotels.” June added, “The people here are wonderful, and if you want to participate, there is always something to get involved in.”

At Twining Village, every improvement and each resident helps to nurture the dynamic spirit that makes the community a true village. As each new resident discovers, it does, in fact, take a village to create a rewarding retirement.

For more information about Twining Village, visit http://www.diakon.org/twiningvillage

This comes as no surprise to her peers and the staff of the senior retirement community, located in Owings Mills, who know that Ruth’s motto is to stay busy and involved. Crediting this attitude for keeping her healthy and active at the age of 95, Ruth said, “I just wish I had more hours in the day.”

Born and raised in New York, Ruth and her husband raised a family in their beloved home in Randallstown that they purchased in 1963. Her husband has since passed away, but she has the support of her five children, six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

While several of her family members live nearby, Ruth enjoys visiting those outside of the area since travelling has always been an important part of her life. In fact, she has several unique destinations under her belt, including a 21-day African safari and a recent trip to Antarctica. She books most of her trips through Grand Circle Travel, an agency founded by Ethel Andrus in 1958, who also founded AARP.

Although her husband loved going on cruises, Ruth has always had a passion for more exotic locations. “Every year we went on a cruise, which I wasn’t too fond of because you would only get one day in a country,” she said. “As long as I went on one cruise a year, he would let me travel by myself on trips I was interested in.”

With a love for adventure, the outgoing and independent Ruth has had no qualms about venturing to various places by herself. “I make friends, so I don’t have any problem travelling alone,” she said. Although she has trips to Norway and Iceland planned, she also looks forward to an upcoming excursion to West Virginia with friends, along with a trip to Gettysburg, Pa. to explore its history with her granddaughter and great-grandchildren.

Aside from traveling, Ruth spent her days working in the library for over 25 years as the head of the clerical department. Retirement, however, was not very easy for Ruth. “I stayed home for one week and I couldn’t take it,” she said.

As a result, she got involved in a variety of volunteer opportunities, one of which involved working at the Liberty Senior Center. It was there she met Arnold Eppel, who was the director of the Baltimore County Department of Aging at the time and is now the executive director of Atrium Village. “I have known Ruth for 15 years. She is an exuberant lady who has fully embraced life and I am thrilled to have her here,” he said.

Although Ruth’s family had looked at several communities in the area, it was her relationship with Arnold that had fully assured them Atrium Village was the best choice, and there has been no question it was the right choice. Since the move, Ruth has made several friends and established strong connections with the rest of the staff as she lends a helping hand whenever she can. “The staff really appreciates the help,” she said. In fact, some even refer to her as “GG.” Ruth said, “It stands for great-grandma, which is what my kids call me.”

One example of the assistance she offers is folding the napkins after she enjoys her breakfast every morning in the Atrium Village dining room. “The food is very good,” she said. Not only good, the daily meals offered at the community are prepared with the goal of further promoting healthy lifestyles for residents.

As part of Atrium Village’s focus on hospitality, its Dining for Wellnessâ„¢ program offers Ruth and her peers creative dining choices that support specific areas of healthy living for seniors. Additionally, a fresh baked bread program and a no-sugar-added dessert program also provide unique options for individuals.

Active Aging Week is another initiative of the community, in conjunction with the International Council on Active Aging, that promotes active lifestyles for seniors. It includes activity for the mind, body and spirit, incorporating the six dimensions of wellness: physical activity, intellectual stimulation, emotional support, spirituality, social opportunity and vocational activity.

The community’s mission is also evident in its award-winning Wellness Everydayâ„¢ programs, classes and experiences that encourage residents to live life with meaning and vitality. This is a hallmark of the Senior Lifestyle Corporation approach, and every member of Atrium Village’s staff is committed to making residents feel like family.

The overall focus and support system at Atrium Village helps keep residents like Ruth thriving as she clearly takes advantage of these programs and amenities that enhance her busy lifestyle. While the community provides numerous activities and an exercise facility, its convenient location allows residents to enjoy opportunities offsite as well.

“I am a big exercise freak,” said Ruth. “I do water aerobics and I take a walk every day; I get up early before it gets hot outside.” She can also be found frequently using the exercise bikes in the community’s fitness center in addition to taking classes at the nearby Liberty Senior Center and utilizing the swimming pool next door at the Randallstown Community Center.

While Ruth maintains her busy schedule of social engagements and exercising, she has peace of mind with the knowledge that extensive health services are available onsite should anything happen to her. Atrium Village has an ongoing relationship with Genesis Rehabilitation Services, who provides physical, occupational and speech therapy for residents. A vibrant and outgoing rehab team assists residents in regaining the highest level of physical, social and emotional level of function by providing them with an individualized treatment plan. The majority of such services are covered 80 percent by Medicare part B and 20 percent by co-insurance while residents also have the assurance knowing they are welcome to use the exercise equipment in the Wellness Center anytime, regardless of therapy status.

For those considering the transition to senior housing, Ruth of course offers the advice of getting involved as much as possible based on her own experience at Atrium Village. Coming from someone who can enjoy the flexibility of traveling knowing she is returning to a home where she will be happily greeted by friends and continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a sense of security, this is certainly sound advice to follow.

As someone who has served his country and others throughout his life, it was only appropriate that Douglas and his wife and family found a home that could offer that care and peace of mind in return.

Upon completing his undergraduate studies, Douglas was accepted to Northwestern University for a joint medical and dental course. His career plans were put on hold, however, due to World War II. After training new recruits in Texas, he was eventually asked to finish his dental school training which led him to become First Lieutenant in the Army Dental Corps.

“I had the good fortune to be the Command Dental Surgeon of Military Air Transport Service (MATS) and become one of the officers of the brand new U.S. Air Force,” he said.

Six years later, he was transferred to receive graduate training at University of Oregon and became a Maxillofacial Prosthodontist. Douglas proceeded to run his own dental practice for 60 years, part of which was in his home office in Springfield, Va.

Josephine entered his life as a patient, and the two eventually learned they had been through similar experiences. He had five children from his previous marriage and she had four.

“We joined our two families and 35 years have passed in our happy marriage,” he said.

The couple has grown even stronger during that time as Josephine was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a few years ago. It was of the upmost importance to Douglas and their family to find a home that would offer the necessary care in a vibrant environment.

“We looked at different places with Nancy [Powell], Josie’s daughter, and we ended up selecting Tall Oaks thanks to her,” he said.

Douglas knew the community was the perfect middle ground since he was still running his practice and could be surrounded by other active individuals knowing his wife would receive supportive Alzheimer’s care. The spacious apartments along with licensed nurses onsite around-the-clock and all inclusive pricing was just the beginning in terms of what appealed to the couple and their family.

“It was really was the most caring, loving place with a nice environment for them,” said Nancy.

Douglas added, “There are very nice people here that are friendly, cooperative and helpful.”

Of course, he will not be shy to admit that the ability to bring their dog was another major factor. “We take care of Daisy and she takes care of us,” said Douglas. “Everybody knows her and they’ve basically made her the mascot of Tall Oaks.”

Along with offering the flexibility of having pets, the staff has been extremely helpful with the transitions the Wendts’ have made from the apartment they initially shared together.

“They downsized apartments when my mother moved to the Rose Garden Alzheimer’s unit and now he’s right by the front door so that he can easily take Daisy out,” said Nancy. “They’ve been so accommodating here.”

And it is no surprise the individuals of Tall Oaks have taken these extra measures for their residents given their commitment to assisting with various charitable organizations.

This relationship with the surrounding area extends to outside physicians visiting the community. “They have a wellness center here where physicians of various specialties come one day a week or more,” said Douglas.

With a sense of security from the available healthcare and the response systems in their rooms, residents are able to enjoy the numerous activities and amenities of their home.

As Douglas continues his favorite pastime of hunting with his family in Luray, Va. and attends Dental Association meetings, he knows there is an array of opportunities to stay active onsite.

The community’s Wii has certainly been keeping people busy, including Josephine who won an award when she played it as part of the Senior Olympics.

“There is a movie playing every night at our theater and we have different groups that come in who sing and dance,” said Douglas. “There’s a beauty salon, barber shop, fitness center and a good restaurant.”

Though individuals can enjoy delicious meals prepared by a Culinary Institute-trained chef, the community provides transportation to the local grocery store and for other errands. Residents also have the freedom to utilize a nearby swimming pool and take advantage of all that Reston has to offer.

While there are different activities for their separate units, the Wendts spend plenty of time together strolling the grounds of Tall Oaks with Daisy and their nearby family as well as mingling with their peers at dances and socials. In the Rose Garden Activity Center, the staff provides mind-stimulating games while gathering the residents for teas and group singing, which Josephine as a singer and music lover greatly enjoys.

This is only the beginning, however, for the couple and their peers. Tall Oaks recently celebrated its reopening displaying its beautiful up-to-date modifications from remodeled floors to outdoor patios. Also among the community’s latest ventures are its Facebook Page and the Wi-Fi access it offers its residents.

With great care, a friendly environment and the freedom to pursue different interests, Douglas looks forward to his future with Josephine and Daisy at a financially sound community. Although there have been some major changes, those endearing qualities of Tall Oaks that have attracted its residents will always stay the same.

As Nancy said, “There’s just a very homey feeling here. The affordability, the programs they offer and the ability for people to stay here through all stages in life is really important.”

Simply stated, for the Wendts and their family, this place is truly the pick of the litter.