One of Gertrude (Trudy) Virginia Chedister’s earliest memories is of caring for her siblings. Nearly a century has passed since that time. Now 100 years old, Trudy proved to be a natural caregiver, and she still puts the needs of others first.

Born in Salem, West Virginia, Trudy was the second of nine children in her family. As she grew up, she became a caretaker for her younger siblings. “I helped take care of the children under me, and I loved that job,” Trudy remembered. While her older sister preferred to spend her time reading, Trudy always welcomed the opportunity to care for her siblings. “I ended up taking care of the children the most because my older sister didn’t like it, and I really did,” she explained.

“Everybody here is my friend. And I’m a friend to everybody, and I
help people when I can.”

Trudy’s partiality for child care served her well later in life. “I happened to make a good wife when I got married,” she smiled as she recalled. “And I had three children, and I’m proud of them all.”

When Trudy was widowed at just 46 years old, she became the sole caregiver for her two younger children. “Mom moved back to where her parents lived and bought a house after she was widowed,” recalled Trudy’s eldest daughter, Jo Ellen Covell. “I was 18 at the time, but my sister was 11 and my brother was 5. She raised them by herself.”

While parenting on her own was undeniably challenging at times, Trudy always remained positive. “My husband was very good, but the Lord helped me get through losing him, and I’m still going,” she said.

Judging by the deep devotion she has inspired in her children, Trudy did a lot more than just survive; she thrived. “She gave us a wonderful life,” said Jo Ellen. “She was the best mother anyone could have ever had. She cared for us. She taught us things. We owe her so much.”

As her kids grew up and Trudy grew older, she was determined to never be a burden on her family. She also wanted to plan her own retirement, so she took the initiative and moved to an assisted living community near her long-time home in West Virginia when she was 85.

Trudy enjoyed the fact that she no longer had to worry about lawn or home maintenance, and she was happy in her new home. However, after a few years, Jo Ellen convinced her to move to be closer to family. “We wanted to see her more often and be close enough to help out more,” Jo Ellen said.

Jo Ellen started searching for an assisted living community in Winchester, Va., near both her home and her sister’s. “I looked at every place in the whole area, and I brought Mom to see the ones I hadn’t eliminated,” she recalled. “We knew we wanted The Willows at Meadow Branch, but they had a waiting list.” Just weeks after placing their name on the waiting list, the family was surprised to get a call from The Willows informing them of an opening.

That was nearly 13 years ago, and Trudy has made the most of her life at The Willows. From sitting on the large front porch in the summer to participating in a range of activities throughout the year, she takes advantage of everything that community life has to offer.

“I really love everything about The Willows,” Trudy said. “They are so good to me, and they meet my needs, whatever they might be.”

Of course, for a person who has always loved others, getting to know so many new people is one of the perks of her new home. “Everybody here is my friend,” Trudy smiled as she said. “And I’m a friend to everybody, and I help people when I can.”

For Trudy’s family, having her close by has been wonderful. “It’s so amazing that I can stop in and see her anytime, even if it is just for 15 minutes,” Jo Ellen said.

Their close family ties have served Trudy and her children well. “I think it’s essential to maintain a strong connection to your parent,” Jo Ellen explained. “People who don’t see their parents are missing a blessing because they have a lot of wisdom to share and a lot of encouragement and love to give.”

Beyond the close proximity, Trudy’s family also benefits from the security of knowing that their mother — who dedicated so much of her life to caring for others — is well cared for at The Willows. “The staff here is just amazing,” said Jo Ellen. “They keep in touch with me and give me updates. They offer advice about how to handle things and will even suggest I should call her doctor.”

Gertrude Chedister is a natural caregiver who always put the needs of others first. Today, her family benefits from the security of
knowing that she is well cared for at The Willows at Meadow Branch.

Still a natural caregiver, Trudy modestly underestimates how much she has given to her family and friends. “I just tried to treat everybody like I’d like to be treated,” she said of her life of service. “I also asked forgiveness if I needed to, and I helped anybody anyway I saw that I could.”

Trudy’s simple ideals and positive nature are perhaps best exemplified by her poetry. A lifelong lover of plays and poetry, she commemorated her move to The Willows with a short but poignant poem:

“I moved to The Willows to enjoy life.

No more packing, moving or strife.

The next time I move, I won’t have to pack.

I’ll just follow Jesus and never look back.”

Trudy is certainly enjoying everything life at The Willows has to offer. And, true to form, she continues to give all that she can to her new friends and neighbors. After all, Trudy’s second century of caring just began.

As the sun begins to rise over the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains, a few dedicated swimmers prepare to take the plunge. Even at this early hour, their enthusiasm is palpable.

These swimmers are residents of Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury, a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Winchester, Va., featuring a state-of-the-art aquatic center. While the swimmers certainly enjoy the physical benefits of working out, it is the social connections that keep them coming back.

“The pool is really a social meeting place,” explained Kathy Headley, Westminster-Canterbury’s Wellness and Vitality Manager. “Of course, we’re working out at the same time and doing valuable exercises that most of us can’t do on land.”

While many residents swim purely for recreation, Kathy goes on to note that some of the community’s swimmers are recovering from a joint replacement, coping with arthritis or managing a chronic illness. “They can do so much more in the water: run, jump, and walk, and it’s more resistance and just a better workout,” she said.

As several face personal health challenges, the swimmers have become part of a tight-knit group in an extremely welcoming community. “Even though there are nearly 400 residents, this community is one big family,” said Kathy.

Westminster-Canterbury’s swimmers unanimously agree. While they are certainly dedicated to their workouts, they are even more committed to their fellow swimmers, and they are always looking for new recruits.

A Pool Ambassador

An avid lap swimmer, Paul Ziluca has helped unite Westminster-Canterbury’s growing group of swimmers by encouraging residents to take full advantage of the oversized pool. Paul started swimming to increase his lung capacity and battle his worsening asthma. In the past four years, he has quietly lent a hand to make sure the aquatic programming meets the needs of the various types of swimmers on campus.

“When I came here, I did my best to avoid doing anything. I was going to be really retired,” Paul recalled. “Within just a couple of years, I was involved in everything. It’s been very engaging for me and quite an eye opener about how to manage your life as you get older.”

While Paul is certainly proud of his own aquatic accomplishments, he beams when he speaks of his wife, Louise, and her achievements in the pool. “We moved here because of my wife’s Parkinson’s disease,” Paul said. “Now, she’s in a
wheelchair, but this summer, she participated in the aquatic walking event in our Senior Olympics, and she won a gold medal!” Paul went on to explain that Louise’s determination has become a source of inspiration for other residents.

Aquatic Athletes (and Friends)

Bob and Cari Sherwood were inspired by her aunt to move to a retirement community early, so they could enjoy the lifestyle. The couple is now among the youngest residents at Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury, and they have never regretted their move.

“We’re just delighted that we moved. Within six months, we got to know so many pleasant people, and we’ve become very close to a number of them,” Bob said.

In addition to their new friends, the Sherwoods also love all the community amenities, including the pool. They routinely share this perk with their grandson, who enjoys open swim time when he visits each week. Bob also participates in an advanced aquatic class – even occasionally teaching it – which has become a balm for his spirit.

“The class is more than just a class,” he said. “It’s become a social event in and of itself. It’s a lot more than just swimming.”

Bob goes on to explain that in addition to aquatic exercises the group enjoys singing traditional songs and taking advantage of the acoustics in the pool area. The group also selects a word of the day, which they use as part of their workouts.

“I think the people in the class are, if you will, missionaries for the benefits of exercise,” Bob said. The class members are also one example among many of what life is like in a strong community: full of camaraderie and support.

Swim Buddies 

The Sherwoods certainly aren’t the only Westminster-Canterbury residents who benefit from the accessibility of aquatic exercise. Elizabeth and Jimmie Harp swim six days a week, all year round. They started swimming because Elizabeth was experiencing back pain.

“The doctor told me that if I didn’t keep moving, soon I wouldn’t be able to move,” Elizabeth said. Jimmie became her swim buddy, and the two now enjoy spending early mornings together in the water.

The couple moved to Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury three-and-a-half years ago after some of their friends exposed them to the wonderful lifestyle. “I wanted to be around more people and see them on a more regular basis,” said Elizabeth. “Too many people say they’re not ready, but we wanted to move before it was an emergency.”

Since moving, the couple has become very involved in the community. Jimmie is a devoted woodworker and has repaired furniture and built custom pieces for his fellow residents in Westminster-Canterbury’s woodworking shop. Elizabeth enjoys the community’s many entertainment and volunteer opportunities.

A Great Comeback

Lydia Mefford was desperately looking for support when she discovered Westminster-Canterbury. Her husband, who had Alzheimer’s disease, had recently passed away. As his primary caregiver, she quickly realized she needed friendship and interaction. She found a wonderful group of people who sustained her through her grieving process and were there for her when she faced her own health challenges.

After a traumatic fall resulted in a broken meniscus and excruciating pain, Lydia benefited from the physical and emotional support of the community’s residents and staff. “When my orthopedic surgeon said I needed a physical therapist and a therapeutic pool, I knew just where to go,” Lydia smiled as she recalled. “I came home to Westminster-Canterbury and spoke with our physical therapist immediately. After two weeks of his magical maneuvers, the pain was going away. Now, I can walk in high heels anytime I want.”

After regaining her mobility, Lydia kept swimming. She’s now able to fully enjoy all that her new home has to offer. “I’ve never had more fun in my whole life,” Lydia exclaimed. “I really think perhaps I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

True Team Spirit

Some folks dive right in. Others wade in more slowly. These divergent approaches could be used to describe both swimming and retirement living. Some retirees make the move early and never look back; others take their time making a decision. However, almost all retirees find that once they take the plunge into retirement living, they quickly discover new interests, great friends and old passions.

In the wee hours of the morning, a few dedicated swimmers make their way across the quiet campus of Shenandoah Valley Westminster-Canterbury — excited to greet the dawning of a new day and eager to take the plunge once again. Having discovered a pastime with unmatched physical, social and emotional benefits, they are now busy soaking up all that retirement living has to offer.

As a Methodist minister, now retired, David Brosnan served many different congregations throughout his conference and the couple often found themselves calling the moving company. Growing up in a military family and then marrying a Methodist clergyman, Barbara Brosnan admitted she had never lived in one place for longer than four years until the past seven, which the couple spent in Winchester, VA.

During their two year search for a retirement home, the Brosnans researched, toured, and considered a wide variety of communities. They ultimately chose Homewood at Williamsport, a CCRC located near Hagerstown, MD. Even though their first trip to Homewood consisted of nothing more than a drive through, the pair was hooked.

“I loved it immediately because it was established,” Barbara said. David added that he instantly noticed how well maintained the community was. Add to that Williamsport’s close proximity to their friends and activities in Winchester, access to major airports, and the knowledge that they could bring their cat and dog, and the Brosnans were ready to learn more.

The pair said easy access to a large airport was important because the six children and seven grandchildren they share are scattered all across the country. “We usually go to them,” Barbara said. The Brosnans also wanted to make their own retirement living decisions, so their children would not have to make them later.

They scheduled a tour of the community and had the opportunity to eat lunch in the dining room. David recalled sitting near the exit door while residents passing by stopped to introduce themselves and chat for a minute. One resident, who was an acquaintance, invited the couple to her cottage for a look at a furnished space. “Everyone was so welcoming and supportive,” Barbara said.

Beyond finding the right community, the Brosnans knew exactly what they wanted in their new home. Routine renovations were scheduled for their new home, and the couple decided to add some additional upgrades, which they paid for. According to Anne Whitman, marketing director at Homewood at Williamsport, most new residents want some customization to make their new residences cozy and more homelike.

Some of the cosmetic upgrades the Brosnans wanted included custom paint and crown molding in the living room. They also made decorating changes to make the smaller rooms appear more spacious. For example, they asked the painters to paint the ceilings in the bedrooms the same color as the walls and chose paint from the same color palette for all the rooms. Barbara, who prefers natural light, changed the blinds and draperies to provide a more open look.

The pair also made some changes aimed at possible future needs. Barbara said her background in geriatric nursing led her to ask for a taller bathroom vanity and commode. Accommodations like these will undoubtedly make life simpler as the Brosnans grow older.

Today, the Brosnans feel right at home in their custom-decorated cottage. Their next project? Enjoy all that retired life, and their new community, has to offer.

The colors of the Shenandoah Valley are on display year-round for the thousands of visitors who travel to the region. One of the major attractions is the Shenandoah National Park, a 197,389 acre park that straddles a section of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Skyline Drive, the scenic drive that traverses the Blue Ridge Mountains for the entire length of the Park, is also a major draw for tourists who enjoy panoramic views of the colorful valley below. When visitors venture off Skyline Drive, they discover that nature’s colors are not the only ones on display in the Shenandoah Valley. From main-street communities to historic sites, the Shenandoah Valley is a region colored by its history and full of colorful residents.

Encompassing a large section of western Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley stretches from Winchester to Staunton and is nestled between the Blue Ridge Mountains on the east and the Allegheny Mountains on the west. The Shenandoah River snakes through the entire region, and the Massanutten Mountain range runs through its center. The Valley stretches deep into southwestern Virginia and into the eastern panhandle of West Virginia, but the heart of the region is in Frederick, Clarke, Shenandoah, Warren, and Page counties in Virginia.

Thriving Small Towns
From Winchester to Luray, the Valley offers a new small town to explore around every bend. Winchester, a city that changed hands nearly 70 times during the Civil War, is now home to historical sites including Stonewall Jackson’s Headquarters Museum. This Virginia Main Street community features a historic downtown that is still very much alive with shoppers, diners, and sightseers. The beginning of Skyline Drive and home to Skyline Caverns, Front Royal is a picturesque community filled with attractions. Tours of the “Brother Against Brother” Civil War battle bring history to life. Antiquing and arts and crafts shopping thrive in downtown Front Royal. Opportunities for outdoor activities are readily available in the self-proclaimed “Canoe Capital of Virginia.”

Atop look-out tower in Woodstock, the seven bends of the Shenandoah River are clearly visible. Below, visitors will find museums, restaurants, shops, and the historic county courthouse dating back to 1792. Luray, on the southern end of the Valley, is home to Luray Caverns, a singing tower, and a well-preserved downtown district. Luray Caverns is a U.S. National Landmark and features the world’s only Stalacpipe Organ. The Singing Tower contains a carillon of 47 bells and provides free recitals throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Downtown Luray offers various accommodations for visitors, shopping, dining, and a seasonal farmer’s market. These are just a sampling of the many charming towns that dot the countryside of the Shenandoah Valley. Visitors will find unique historic sites, a variety of seasonal festivals, and, most importantly, a welcoming atmosphere in each new town they explore.

View from the Valley.
In the Shenandoah Valley, every season brings with it a new set of outdoor activities for everyone from the adventurer to the weekend explorer. Shenandoah National Park offers beautiful views and opportunities for nature watching and hiking. Hikers will find trails of varying difficulties, many which provide access to the famous Appalachian Trail. Accommodations ranging from cozy lodges to primitive camping sites are readily available. At the base of the mountains, the Shenandoah River flows through the Valley. Various river outfitters offer boat and tube rentals, and various campgrounds, lodges, and motels are nearby. Lake Arrowhead, a 34-acre, stream-fed mountain lake, is also a popular destination. A sandy beach, picnic area, and several trails surround the lake, which is open year-round. Whether visitors want to participate in outdoor sports or just watch the sun sink low over the mountains, the view from the Shenandoah Valley is bound to satisfy.

Retiring in the Shenandoah Valley
As residents age in place and seniors move from nearby metropolitan areas, the senior population in the Shenandoah Valley is burgeoning. Seniors are flocking to the Valley not only because of the gorgeous countryside but also because of the slower pace of life. Retirees are able to take full advantage of the amenities of the quaint small towns and the beauty of the rural countryside.

State and local governments and area professionals have answered the demand of this population growth with new and innovative programs for seniors. In addition, a growing number of retirement communities offer a full range of amenities and care options to Valley seniors. Senior-serving professionals are also available to help with everything from moving and downsizing to administering a care plan. Seniors in the Shenandoah Valley can fully enjoy their majestic surroundings while knowing that any care they may need in the future is readily available.

The Shenandoah Valley’s magnificent views have served as worthy subjects for more than a few photographers and painters, but only the region’s residents can truly absorb the varied palette of colors offered by this real-life, full-color postcard.

Resources for Shenandoah Valley Seniors

Case Management
Case managers conduct in-home assessments and prepare individual care plans utilizing available agency and community services.
Phone: 540-635-7141
Website: http://www.shenandoahaaa.com/caseman.htm

Congregate Meals
Shenandoah Valley Senior Centers offer nutritious meals and fellowship to people 60 and over at each of the six sites. Each year, the centers serve 48,000 meals to 700 people. Call your local senior center for more information.
Website: http://www.shenandoahaaa.com/conmeals.htm

Home Delivered Meals
Senior Center staff and volunteers prepare and deliver meals to homebound elderly within their communities. Call for eligibility.
Phone: 540-635-7141, ext 212
Website: http://www.shenandoahaaa.com/inhomes.htm

Ombudsman
Services are offered to promote the highest possible quality of life and care for persons residing in Nursing Homes, living in Assisted Living Facilities, and those receiving Home Health Care Services.
Phone: 540-635-7141, ext 211
Website: http://www.shenandoahaaa.com/ombudsmn.htm

Personal Care
Provision of in-home care that enables the eligible recipient to remain or return home. This service includes assistance by Certified Nursing Assistants with: bathing, shaving, grooming, transferring, and dressing for one to three hours weekly. Call for eligibility.
Phone: 540-635-7141
Website: http://www.shenandoahaaa.com/inhomes.htm

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP)
Volunteers contribute time and talent in services to their communities. RSVP membership is offered to people age 55 or older. Benefits include some insurance and recognition.
Phone: 540-635-7141, ext. 303, ext.207, or ext. 210
Website: http://www.shenandoahaaa.com/voluntee.htm

Shenandoah Area on Agency
This agency provides services and opportunities that improve the dignity and independence of senior citizens and promote their contributions to the community. Phone: 540-635-7141
Website: http://www.shenandoahaaa.com

Shenandoah Senior Centers
The Shenandoah Area on Agency operates six senior centers located throughout the region. The centers offer nutritious meals, fellowship, transportation, and programs. For more information about specific programs, contact the center near you, or visit http://www.shenandoahaaa.com.

Clarke County Senior Center 540-955-3572
Frederick County Senior Center 540-869-2444
Page County Senior Center 540-778-1100
Shenandoah County Senior Center 540-984-8811
Warren County Senior Center 540-635-8652
Winchester Senior Center 540-662-5433

Title V Employment
Funding provides part-time subsidized employment to people 55 and older who meet low-income guidelines. Call for eligibility.
Phone: 540-635-7141, ext 204
Website: http://www.shenandoahaaa.com/titlev.htm

Transportation
A grant was received to allow medical transportation on a case-by-case basis for needy seniors in Warren and Page Counties. Call for eligibility.
Phone: 540-635-7141
Website: http://www.shenandoahaaa.com/transprt.htm

VICAP
Certified insurance counselors provide information about Medicare, choosing a supplement, prescription assistance, and long-term care insurance. They can also assist with bill resolution and appeals.
Phone: 540-635-7141, ext 303
Website: http://www.shenandoahaaa.com/voluntee.htm

Virginia Department for the Aging
This government agency develops and administers programs and activities to support Virginia senior citizens. Services vary by area and may include housekeeping, home repairs, meals, transportation, support for family members who care for elders, insurance counseling, and referrals to other service providers in the community.
Phone: 804-662-9354
Website: http://www.aging.state.va.us/