Riderwood-Reporter-M..

Volume 8, Number 5
A Joint Publication of Riderwood Village Residents and Staff
May 2015
Riderwood Celebrates 15 years!
Riderwood “pioneer” residents share
their experiences from over the years!
Celebrate Riderwood’s
15th anniversary
throughout the month!
By Almeda Girod
Resident Writer
By Jeff Getek
Public Affairs Manager
help Riderwood become the best place it could be."
Residents stepped out of their comfort zone as
Barbara did when she organized the library system and
Barbara and Jim Shanks were the first
presented book reviews on local television. She
Riderwood Village residents to pick up their keys for
became the director of a theatrical group called
their Park View apartment on May 1, 2000. They spent
"Channel 99 Studio Players." Barbara reminded Bill
the day bringing boxes from their home "over the hill in
that he (an electrical engineer) began operating the
Beltsville" and that evening had dinner in the
movie projector and later the sound system in the
Fireside dining room with Frank and Ruth Wallick,
church services. Bill began a group called “Seminar
Walter Feibelmen, and a few staff members. Frank and
10” with residents speaking about their fields of
Ruth were the first persons to stay overnight, Park
expertise. Many learned new skills including Barbara,
View was the only residential building and Village
who began painting and singing in a mixed chorus and
Square was the only community building. Jim, who had
later the Grace Notes.
been a professor of horticulture at the University of
Portia makes the very positive statement that
Maryland had fond memories of working with projects
"the community has developed in total conformity of
on Riderwood property when it had been a University
what had been envisioned." However; Bill alludes to
of Maryland Research Farm. The
"growing pains" and the Imles
land was later used for the Great
remember the roofers dropping
Oaks Center for the Mentally
cigarette ashes on their heads while
Retarded before John Erickson
they were weeding their tiny lawn.
purchased the property in April of
The Shanks found scaffolding over
1999.
their awning, a 6-foot fence
Leta
Rose
and
Bill
blocking the view, and a nearby
Rowland got their keys on May 5, the
sign that read Peligro/Danger. Jim,
day of the Grand Opening,
the horticulturist, soothed Barbara
becoming the ninth and tenth
assuring her that he would make
residents. Bill remembers a huge
lemonade out of lemons as he
banner over Village Square entrance
moved shrubs, planted white
announcing
"Welcome
Home!"
azaleas, camellias, and other lovely
Having just left their home of 40
flowers creating a garden that
years in Wheaton, Md, Bill needed
Barbara and others still enjoy.
this greeting.
The trio all remember an
Portia and Ernest Imle were
early staff member, Diane Perry,
the 11th and 12th residents moving Pioneer residents Barbara Shanks
who was in charge of Resident
from "deep in the woods not far from (Left), Bill Rowland (middle), and
Life as being a big cheerleader
Riderwood." Portia remembers an Portia Imle (right) pose for a photo encouraging residents to build
early meal of "delicate puffed pastry together in Village Square.
community.
filled with lots of shrimp in light (Photo by Steve Mayer)
Contrary to what is now
sauce with a sprig of rosemary." She
seen, walkers were a rarity...
adds, "we were eyeing each other." The couple had met
almost a taboo. Soon after Portia began using a walker,
in Costa Rica where Portia was vacationing and Ernest
many grateful residents began to recognize this as being
was a “tropical plant doctor" for the Department of
a way to alleviate pain, provide safety and convenience.
Agriculture. There was a lot of sharing about past
There was a "pioneering experience" when
experiences around the dinner tables.
early residents in their new homes at Riderwood
Bill emphasizes that “there was no welcoming
Village had an unspoken desire to make this the very
committee for us." Portia comments that all the clubs
best place for themselves and those that follow.
and activities were resident driven and "there was a
Thank you and may we continue the tradition
lack of any sense of entitlement and more the wish to
begun by these pioneers.
As Riderwood observes its 15th anniversary
this year, the month of May promises to be an
exceptional time for residents and employees. A series
of specially planned events is
scheduled to help everyone
commemorate
our
magnificent history and
celebrate a bright future.
The festivities begin
immediately on Friday, May
1 during an anniversary
luncheon to honor the “founding members” of
Riderwood, the pioneer residents and employees began
working here in 2000.
For all residents, the celebration continues in
earnest that evening. In each restaurant, residents will
enjoy an elegant dinner fit for the occasion, all
prepared by our Dining Services Team.
There’s more on Saturday, May 2. Riderwood
will host a 15th Anniversary Carnival Celebration, a
family-friendly event for residents, employees and
family members from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This day will
include the annual fishing tournament. The pond will
be well stocked with rainbow and golden trout, and
fishing kits will be available for purchase, with all
proceeds benefiting Riderwood’s Benevolent Care
Fund. Bait will be available free of charge. There will
also be music by the Dream Street Band performing
classic rock, photo booths, carnival games and of
course, delicious food. The activities will be held
throughout the campus.
Arbor Ridge will feature a bluegrass band,
balloon artists, and tasty carnival food for the event.
Check the calendar of events and page 3 in
this edition of the Riderwood Reporter for more details
about the themed weeks.
Also in celebration of our 15th anniversary
The Diversity and Inclusion Committee will celebrate
our diverse community with a showing of a
documentary entitled “Oscar Micheaux: Czar of Black
Hollywood.” For more details please see the article
“Riderwood celebrates pioneer movie maker of the
Harlem Renaissance era” on page 7.
There promises to be something for everyone
as Riderwood commemorates this historic milestone.
Page 2
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RiderwoodVillage.us
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Riderwood Reporter
Greetings from Administration
Anniversaries are always a time to reflect and celebrate, and
for me this anniversary is no different. May 5, 2015 marks the one-year
anniversary of my tenure with Riderwood. It has been a year of learning,
sharing, and growing for me. Riderwood is where I have learned to play
Bocce, and experienced Pickle Ball for the first time. This year I have met so
many amazing residents and staff, and gotten to know them and their stories. I
have gained a new family of fellow team members and residents, who have
both brightened my days and warmed my heart. I am
amazed at how many residents have offered me a
place to stay during the winter snow storms, given
me hugs, and words of encouragement.
Most recently I was able to celebrate at this
year’s volunteer luncheon, where Riderwood’s
resident volunteers shared over 100,000 hours of
their personal time volunteering with their hearts and
hands, to groups, committees, and organizations
both within Riderwood and in the greater
community.
I have had the privilege of working for
several retirement communities in the past twenty years, but nowhere else
have I seen the level of kindness, charisma and zest for living as I have
experienced here at Riderwood.
My most enjoyable time has been spent visiting residents in their
apartments, both seeing photos and hearing about their many interesting life
experiences. As I walk the halls and I witness my fellow team members’
dedication and caring-hearts, I am in awe and inspired by their selfless acts.
As I reflect on my journey this past year at Riderwood, I have learned
and grown both personally and professionally. Not to sound cliché but, this
past year the thought that, “age is just a number,” comes to my mind, and
based on what I have experienced here, there is no limit to what we can
accomplish if we put our mind to it. Cheers to my first year at Riderwood! I
am no longer part of the newbies’ club; I am one of the gang.
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RiderwoodLife.org
On April 14 Riderwood hosted the Resident Councils of the
Mid-Atlantic Erickson Communities (Ashby Ponds, Charlestown, Green
Spring, Oak Crest, and Riderwood) for a day of getting to know each other,
comparing notes and looking towards the future. The finance committees of
the Councils had a special session with presentations by respective finance
committee chairs on: “Evaluating and Advising on Current Year
Finance” (Riderwood); “Affordability for Long Staying
Residents” (Charlestown); “Scope and Priorities on
Financing Master Planning Including the Balance of
Reserves, Future Income, and New Debt” (Oak Crest).
Ashby Ponds and Green Spring contributed to these
topics during discussion in a general session that also
considered how the various finance committees operate,
how they interact with management, and how they
inform and interact with residents. Specific topics
discussed included key indicators of current income,
capital spending, cost of operations, capital investments,
debt service, master planning, financial reserves, and affordability. Some
additional topics covered were cost control while keeping up quality of life
along with maintaining and improving the physical plant. The role of finance
committees concerning these topics was considered as well as the need for
investments for the future while maintaining affordability for residents.
Individual communities are in different stages of development, but there is
much in common including the financial structure of the communities and
the accounting methods used. Perspective gained will be useful in future
committee operations and collaborations. Notes were taken and a summary
report is being written.
— Jack Wachtman, Liaison to Finance
Observer
By Jim Feldman
A few years ago I wrote a column
about giving up personal automobiles and I
asked readers what they thought about it.
Some said never give up until you absolutely
have to. Others said they had done it and it
only hurt for a little while. Well, I have taken
the plunge and I no longer have a car.
First of all, my vision has gotten
somewhat low over the years and I was afraid
I might be a menace on the road even though
my drivers license has another six years to go.
It was limited to daytime driving. There was
no way I could drive safely at night.
But what really helped me make up my
mind to give up the car was all the snow we
had in early March. I couldn’t exercise the
vehicle and the battery died. I could have
taken it in when the weather improved and
had the battery charged, but that would have
entailed driving to the dealership where I
always had my maintenance done, and I
couldn’t face that.
So I asked, Philanthropy Manager,
Fiona Divecha if I could donate the car to the
Benevolent Care Fund. She said that
Riderwood eventually may be able to accept
donated cars, but it isn’t possible at
May 2015
From the RAC
— Chandra Kumar, Associate Executive Director
I finally did it. . .read on
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the moment and she
gave me a couple of
suggestions.
One of them
was a non-profit
called Vehicles for
Change, which fixes up donated cars and
gives them to needy folks -- such as single
moms with kids to transport. You get a
deduction for the book value of the car.
My car, although 13 years old, was in
very good condition (except for the battery). I
never drove it very far, mostly to the grocery
store. I was also paying for a reserved parking
space, insurance, maintenance and gas. I
figured out that it added considerably to my
cost of groceries.
So I did myself a favor and gave the
car to a worthy cause. I am learning that you
can get along very well at Riderwood without
a personal vehicle. You can go shopping five
days a week using the shopping shuttle. A
schedule is available at all front desks. Our
convenience stores carry a good supply of
basic needs including a limited supply of
produce. Friends have been very nice to me,
giving me rides to various places. I really
haven’t missed my car, the good friend that it
was. See you on the shopping shuttle.
Observer says: Take every chance to be happy. Life is too short to
hesitate.
Send brief anecdotes to [email protected] or put a note in
my cubby, VP 118, Village Square.
CAMPUS CAPERS BY R.
WOOD
So long
old friend
Riderwood Reporter
Published Monthly by the Residents and Staff of
Riderwood Village
The Reporter aims to appeal to our diverse population.
Our priority is to inform residents about Community
news. Articles are accepted and edited at the
discretion of the Publisher, Editor, and Editorial
Board.
RIDERWOOD MEDIA EDITORIAL BOARD
Shirley Dearfield
Mark Mills
Jack Wachtman
Kierra Patterson
RAC Information
Bo Lundh
Officer: Ronnie Lowell
Chandra Kumar
The Editorial Board establishes policies and
procedures to effectively serve the community,
publish The Reporter, and show programming on
RWTV.
Publisher
Associate Publisher
Chief Editor
Editor
Editor
Proof Editor
Calendar Editor
Resident Writers
Chip Warner
Chandra Kumar
Kierra Patterson
Avedis Aghguiguian
Mark Mills
Elizabeth White
Dennis Johnson
Arnie Adams
Mitzi Clark
Jim Feldman
Steve Mayer
Bob Merikangas
Mary Popkin
Bill Raulin
Joyce Schindler
Almeda Girod
If you would like to submit an article or have any
questions about The Reporter please
contact the new Chief Editor, Kierra Patterson, at
301-572-8399 ext: 6062077 or email
[email protected]
May 2015
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RiderwoodVillage.us
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Riderwood Reporter
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RiderwoodLife.org
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Page 3
Riderwood celebrates
various aspects of what
makes our community great!
Director of Operations Bo Lundh shares his
years of experience with Erickson Living
By Amy Holzer
Community Resources Coordinator and 15th
Anniversary Committee Member
By Bob Merikangas
Resident Writer
During the month of May we will be
celebrating various aspects of what makes our
community a great place to live and work. There are
events planned daily for you to enjoy. Check the
calendar in the middle of this issue of The Reporter for
dates and times for each event.
Spirit Week: The first week of May please join us in
showing community spirit by participating in each
spirit day. See the Reporter calendar for more details.
Music Appreciation Week: From May 11 through May
15 Riderwood’s musical groups will share their talents.
Request music that you enjoy at the “Piano by
Request” event; hear unique and diverse music from
the Chinese Music Group and the Piano Club. Or sing
your heart out with friends and staff at karaoke in the
Pub! And finish off the week with a wonderful
performance by the Seth Kibel Quartet, presented by
the Performing Arts Council.
Departmental Highlights Week: During the week of
May 18 to 22, celebrate by learning more about our
departments! See behind-the-scenes at Riderwood TV
and try your hand at being a TV show director. Also,
catch up with former RWTV staff! Join the Dining
Department at a expo of several of their product
vendors. Get balance tips from our Rehab and Wellness
team. Learn about the General Services Department,
and more!
History and Archives Week: On May 26 come out to a
lecture on how Riderwood was built. Come see the
archive display in Town Center on May 27, 28, and 29.
The pictures submitted during the photo contest will be
showcased at the archive display as well original
Riderwood Reporters, videos and pictures of
Riderwood residents, staff, and locations through the
years, awards, and much more!
Arbor Ridge thanks you
for your donations!
By Samantha Kramer
Arbor Ridge Music Therapist
Since the two presentations of the moving
documentary, Alive Inside, we have experienced an
abundance of support in various ways from so many of
you!
You have taken the initiative to seek out used
iPods from family members, invited us into your homes
to view your CD collection, donated money and gift
cards for us to purchase iPods and headphones, and
gone out and purchased iPods yourselves. With your
financial donations landing at about 3,000 dollars, we
have been able to purchase nearly 40 iPods and are in
the process of purchasing a lot more.
To update you on the Personalized Music
Program at Arbor Ridge: every resident in Memory
Care is set up with an iPod filled with four to six hours
of personalized music choices based on assessments
done by the music therapist, family members, program
assistants, and social workers. The ongoing response
from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. The
iPods are used during transitional leisure time as a
productive outlet, or when anxiety may be triggered,
and moments when it just seems right to get up and
dance! Staff and volunteers are exceptionally diligent in
recording the reactions during an iPod listening session
and monitoring iPod use.
There are no words to fully express how
thankful the staff and residents at Arbor Ridge are to all
of you for embracing this initiative and providing us
with more resources than we could have imagined. This
ongoing and evolving venture will take time, but the
ultimate goal is to provide personalized music to
every resident who so desires. We thank you for your
patience as we work to make this program as effective
and accessible as possible.
We still encourage donations in the form of
check (made out to Riderwood Village), used and new
iPods, and headphones that can be brought to the front
desk at Arbor Ridge, or in your IL community. In
addition, if you would like to donate your time to
helping in the implementation of the program, please
contact Samantha Kramer, Music Therapist at Arbor
Ridge (301) 572-8432. Many thanks!
In a conversation with Bo Lundh, Director of
Operations, I have come to see how he can give us
information and perspectives on the beginning, the
history, and the possible future of Riderwood Village
from his years of experience with Erickson Living. Bo
started working with Erickson at Oak Crest (Parkville,
Md) in 1995 as Senior Accountant, then
was promoted to Controller. Along with
others from Oak Crest he was called to
help with the opening of the new
retirement community of Riderwood
Village. He was at this campus starting in
February 2000, and the opening was May
1, 2000. The sales office then was in a
trailer near the entrance gate. Village
Square was the first community building,
and the first residents moved into Park
View, then Walden Court, then
Canterbury Court, and then Victoria
Place. This year we are certainly giving
attention to the named bricks in front of Village Square.
After 2000, the additional neighborhoods were added
step by step, building by building, all completed by
2007. The Village then included Continuing Care, now
Arbor Ridge and previously Renaissance Gardens, with
the assisted living and skilled nursing facilities.
Bo was Director of Finance from 2000 to
2005, then Assistant Executive Director from 2005 to
2010, and then he became Director of Operations. He
has a BS in Finance from the University of Lund in
Sweden. What does operations mean? It is summarized
as Resident Life and Philanthropy, and includes giving
attention to Community TV, community resource
coordinators, social workers, health and home support
workers, pastoral ministries, volunteers, intermissions
and the front desk staff.
Why did Bo come from Sweden to live in the
United States? Part of the story is that he met his future
wife in Columbia, Md when he was there in the
Rotary Club’s Group Study Exchange Program. After
getting to know each other, he invited her to visit him
in Sweden, and he visited her in Maryland. Then they
eventually married and moved to Columbia, where they
stayed for 12 years before moving to New Market
where he lives now. He had learned English from his
early school years, and she has learned Swedish.
One of the key administrative developments in
the years since 2010 has been the organization of
Resident Life. Instead of centering all the offices in
Montgomery Station, the locations of the
social workers and community resource
coordinators have been moved to each
neighborhood to better serve the residents.
The related renovation of Montgomery
Station started in mid-April of 2011 and was
finished in August 2011. Residents were
informed about the changes in late 2009 and
then there were resident meetings during
2010 through early 2011.
What does Bo suggest we may see in
the future? In the next five years some
changes will come from Corporate, some
will be initiated here. A key theme will be
actions to keep us going beyond our competitors, as we
listen to our customers and our focus groups. Attention
will be given to improving dining venues and facilities
for exercising and swimming and to better utilize our
beautiful campus and its rich nature. Life cycle and
improvement of the buildings are an ongoing process to
keep us modern and attractive for existing and potential
residents. We can expect more “green” initiatives like
availability to electric car charge stations, etc. We want
to be the choice of community for seniors in the
Washington area.
During our conversation I came to think of the
diversity here at Riderwood in two interesting aspects.
One, moving: how staff members move from one
position to another, and residents move from one
apartment to another. Second, countries: some staff and
residents were born in or lived in a great variety of
countries around the globe.
Nature Alert: Bird Feeding
By Don Messersmith
Resident
“Feeding birds is for the feeder, not the
feedee” is something I tell my students when I’m
discussing bird
feeders
and
bird
food.
Birds
have
been
here
about
175
million years
and
have
survived
on
natural food.
Putting
out
food in special feeders is an activity for the
person providing the food. During severe
winters or even more importantly during an ice
storm, providing food for birds can help them
survive. Scientific studies have shown that
feeding birds is highly entertaining for older
persons, especially if a person's mobility is
reduced. So, if you wish to feed birds for your
own enjoyment, tube feeders that hold thistle
(niger) seed attracts the smaller finches, etc. Patio
mix (available at Giant) is a mixture that birds
love and leaves no residue. Hummingbird feeders
and suet cakes attract other birds and doesn’t
leave a mess. Never throw out bread which
attracts messy pigeons.
Resident Board of Directors member Pat Davis
informs residents about the Board of Directors duties
By Pat Davis
Resident Board member of Directors
A couple of items on the annual Resident
Satisfaction Survey which we complete each fall
have to do with Riderwood’s Board of Directors. One
statement that residents are asked to rate says, “I am
provided information on the roles and responsibilities
of the Riderwood Board of Directors.” This is
considered one of the “key drivers” of resident
satisfaction, yet last year it was among the
lowest-scoring items.
The 2014 result, while high at 78.7, still
showed that a significant minority of respondents felt
uninformed about Board duties.
It is important that residents understand the
work of the Board which bears responsibility for
oversight of the community in the areas of budget
and finance; governance; operations and risk
management; compliance and ethics; diversity,
inclusion, social responsibility; and vision. We all
have made significant investments, financial and
otherwise, in Riderwood; and we want to be assured
of the stability of this, our home.
To that end, twice each year, in May and
November, the Board holds an open meeting here at
Riderwood. I strongly encourage all residents to
attend the annual meeting to be held on Thursday,
May 21 at 10 a.m. in Montgomery Station’s
Maryland Hall. At that time the entire Board will be
present and will review the annual report for 2014
which will be available in advance prior to the
meeting. I encourage you to read the report, come to
the meeting, ask questions, and get acquainted with
the members of the Board who work hard on behalf
of all of us.
May, 2015
VSQ:
MST:
TNC:
LSC:
ABR:
VPC:
RJC:
R:
HC:
MHall:
Theater:
RIDERWOOD A
Monday
Tuesday
Legend:
If you want your group’s
event to be included in the June
calendar, the deadline is
Village Square
Montgomery Station
Town Center
Lakeside Commons
Arbor Ridge
Village Protestant Church
Riderwood Jewish Comunity
Reservation Required
Accommodations for EMV’s
Maryland Hall MST
Encore Theater LSC
Special Events
Find out more about what is happening
at Riderwood! Visit us online:
Riderwood TV (View the online edition of
Monday, May 11th
Please send your group information to Dennis
Johnson in Lakeside Commons, or email him at
[email protected]. If you want an
ARTICLE to be included in the June
issue, the deadline is
Monday, May 11th
Please send your article to Kierra
Patterson in the TV Studio via email to
[email protected]
To Register for Special Trips (Sp Trip) Call:
301-572-8399 ext. 2359
Spirit Week: Riderwood Colors Day
LSC Library Committee Mtg:
10a Card Room LSC
MST Library Committee: 10a Card Room MST
Poetry Sharing: 11a Music Room VSQ
Yiddish Appreciation Group: 11a Card Room VSQ
Modelers Club: 2p Classroom MST
Catholic Mass: 3p Garden Rm ABR
Short Story Discussion Group: 7p Classroom MST
Monday Nite @ the Flix: 7p MHall MST
Science and Tech presents “Diversity of Comets”
7:30p Encore Theater
4
Sp Trip: Portrait Gallery (R) $22 10:30a - 4:00p
Ticket Sales for Taylor Marie Fashion Show
$5 Tickets
4p-6p All Dining Rooms
RWTV: Dining Services Call In Show:
10a,1p,4p,7p,9p Ch. 971/972
Wednesday
11
Music Appreciation Week
Investment Seminar Meeting: 11a Music Room VSQ
League of Women Voters “Youth at Risk”:
12p Classroom VSQ
NARFE Meeting: 12p MHall MST
VPC host Women’s Tea: 1:30p Celebration Rm TNC
Catholic Mass: 3p Garden Rm ABR
Piano Music by Request: 5:30p Lobby TNC
Monday Nite @ the Flix : 7p MHall MST
Community Bible Study: 7pm Card Room MST
Ticket Sales for PAC presents
“Seth Kibel Quartet”
$5 Tickets
4:30p-6p All Dining Rooms
5
RWTV: General Services
Call In Show:
10a,1p,4p,7p,9p Ch. 971/972
Spirit Week: Smile and Say Hello Day
TNC Library Committee Mtg:
9a Crafts Studio TNC
RJC Board Meeting: 10a Craft Room MST
RWV Lions Club Mtg: 2p Classroom LSC
Riderwood Reporter Writers Meeting: 3p TV
Studio LSC
Maxecuters Modelers: 8p Classroom VSQ
12
RWTV: Community Update: 10a,1p,4p,7p,9p Ch. 971/972
Treasure Chest Collection Day: 10a-12p- @ Store VP
@MST Outside Classroom; @ TNC Link w/CL;
@LSC by Wellness Studio
Performing Arts Council Mtg: 10a Card Room LSC
RWV Lions present Taylor Marie Spring
and Summer Fashion Show: 1p MHall MST
Chinese Music Group: 2:30p Game Rm MST
Sp Trip: L’ Auberge Chez Francois (LUNCH) (R)
$24 10:00a - 3:00p
Ticket Sales for PAC presents
“Seth Kibel Quartet”:
$5 Tickets
4:30p-6p All Dining Rooms
18
www.riderwoodtv.com
Riderwood Life (See what is
happening with activities and clubs around
campus): www.riderwoodlife.org
Riderwood’s Facebook Page (See
pictures, videos, and news stories related to
Riderwood): www.riderwoodvillage.us
Spirit Week: Welcome Aboard Day
Hearing Impairment Group:
1p Music Room VSQ
Riderwood TV Programming Group: 1:30p
Classroom MST
Sacrament of Reconciliation: 2p Chapel
ABR Family Council Meeting:
7p Garden Room ABR
Foreign Film: 7p Theater LSC
Sp Trip: Carousel (R) HC $55 6:30p - 11:00p
RWTV: Computer Club Show: 10a,1p,
4p,7p,9p,11p Ch. 971/972
Sp Trip: Mimi’s Cafe (R) HC $22 4:00p - 8:00p
19
CONVERSATIONS With
ADMINISTRATION
2pm MHall MST
RWTV: Your Health at Home:
10a,1p,4p,7p,9p Ch. 971/972
TNC Library Committee Mtg: 9a Crafts Studio TNC
AARP Safe Driving Course for Seniors:
10a-3p Chesapeake Rm MST
Balance Course and Demo: 10a MHall MST
RJC Education Program: “What Do Jews Believe
About?”:1p Classroom LSC
RAC Information Panel w/ Medical Center:
2p MHall MST
RWV Lions Club Mtg: 4:30p Private Dining Room MST
RWTV: Philanthropy Update:
10a,1p,4p,7p,9p Ch. 971/972
Sp Trip: Textile Museum (R) $31 11:15a - 4:45p
Sp Trip: Lunch at Red Lobster (R) HC
$20 11:00a - 3:00p
Sp Trip: Dolley Madison Presidentress (R)
$40 11:30a - 3:45p
Riderwood History Week
RWTV: Extended Care Update:
10a,1p,4p,7p,9p Ch. 971/972
Garden Club: 10a Music Room VSQ
Writers’ Guild Mtg: 3p Classroom MST
Monday Nite @ the Flix: 7p MHall MST
25
TREASURE CHEST
COLLECTION DAY
13
Genealogy Club: 10a Card Room VSQ
Big Band & Jazz Club: 1p Classroom MST
Trivia Trail: 1p Crafts Studio MST
Computer Club Round Table: 1p Music Room VSQ
Low Vision Support Group: 1p MHall MST
Democratic Club: 2p Theater LSC
Acousti-Cats Sing-A-long in ABR: 2p Garden Rm ABR
Torah Study Group: 3p Craft Studio MST
Piano Club Performance: 3p Lobby TNC
Computer Club Advisory Committee: 7p
Classroom MST
Foreign Film: 7p Theater LSC
Departmental Highlights Week
PGCC Catalog is Available
LSC Library Committee Mtg: 10a
Card Room LSC
Compassion and Choices: 10a Classroom VSQ
Computer Club Meeting: 11a Theater LSC
Poetry Sharing: 11a Music Room VSQ
Yiddish Appreciation Group: 11a Card Room VSQ
VPC Council Meeting: 2p Exec Board Rm VSQ
Catholic Mass: 3p Garden Room ABR
Chinese Club: 4p Private Dining Room MST
Short Story Discussion Group: 7p Classroom MST
Monday Nite @ the Flix: 7p MHall MST
Memorial Day
No Mail Delivery
6
Ticket Sales for Taylor Marie Fashion Show
$5 Tickets
4p-6p All Dining Rooms
Sp Trip: Olive Garden (LUNCH)(R) HC
$21 11:00a - 3:15p
TREASURE CHEST
COLLECTION DAY
The Reporter, enjoy streaming video, see our
TV Guide, and visit our TV bulletin board):
26
RWTV: Conversations with Administration:
10a,1p,4p,7p,9p Ch. 971/972
Treasure Chest Collection Day: 10a-12p- @ Store VP
@MST Outside Classroom; @ TNC Link w/CL;
@LSC by Wellness Studio
RJC Study Group: “The Holy Land Revealed”:
“The Late Second Temple Period and
The Impact of The Dead Sea Scrolls”:
1p Classroom LSC
Circle Fellowship Church Council Mtg: 10a
Executive Board Room VSQ
Welcome Committee Mtg: 10:30a Classroom MST
Caregivers Support Group: 12:30p Craft Room MST
Conversations w/ Admin: 2p MHall MST
Torah Study Group: 3p Craft Studio MST
Foreign Film: 7p Theater LSC
Voting for Photo Contest : Celebrations TNC
Genealogy Club: 10a Card Room VSQ
PGCC Registration Assistance:
10a-12p Comp Lab VSQ
and LSC
Low Vision Support Group 1p MHall MST
PGCC Registration Assistance:
1p-3p Comp Lab VSQ and LSC
Trivia Trail: 1p Crafts Studio MST
US Navy Band Brass Quartet: 2p Theater LSC
Torah Study Group: 3p Craft Studio MST
PGCC Registration Assistance:
3p-5p Comp Lab VSQ and LSC
Foreign Film: 7p Theater LSC
Sp Trip: The Blood Quilt (R) $73 5:15p - 10:45p
Sp Trip: Kreeger Museum (R) $28 9:00a - 1:00p
20
27
May, 2015
ACTIVITIES
Thursday
15
Friday
1
Years
Of
Riderwood
Over the coming weeks special events will take
place so stay tuned to the bulletin boards and
Riderwood TV!
Week of May 4: Spirit Week
Week of May 11: Music Week
Week of May 18: Department Highlights
Week of May 25: Riderwood History Week
7
RWTV: Riderwood Reporter TV News:
10a,1p,4p,7p,9p Ch. 971/972
Spirit Week: Throwback Thursday
Parkinson’s Support Group: 10a Classroom MST
Love Notes: 10a Crafts Studio MST
UU Informal Discussion: 10:30a Classroom LSC
Cadet Nurses Meeting: 11a Classroom TNC
UU Steering Committee: 1p Classroom VSQ
Self Help for Hearing Impairment: 1p Music Room VSQ
The Complete Churchill “The Beginning of the End”:
2p Theater LSC
Riderwood Republicans: 2:30p Music Room VSQ
Chinese Club: 4p - 6p Private Dining Room MST
Let’s Dance: 7:30p MHall MST
14
Let’s Talk: 10a Classroom MST
Apple Users Club Meeting: 10a Classroom TNC
Photo Memories Club- All are Welcome!: 10a Crafts Studio
VSQ
Play Reading Group: 1p Classroom VSQ
Secular Humanistic Judaism Study Group:
1p Evergreen Terr Fl 2
Pioneer Movie Maker Oscar Micheaux, Czar of
Black Hollywood :2p Theater LSC
Ascension of the Lord Holy Day Mass: 1p Chapel
New York Club: 3p Classroom VSQ
Karaoke: 4p - 6p Wye Oak Pub TNC
Quaker Monthly Dinner: 4:30p Private Dining
Room MST
Sp Trip: Tanger Outlets (R) HC $25 10:15a - 3:00p
RWTV: Riderwood Reporter
TV News:
10a,1p,4p,7p,9p Ch. 971/972
21
Board of Directors Annual Mtg: 10a MHall MST
Book Club: 10a Classroom LSC
Love Notes: 10a Crafts Studio MST
Night Owls Meeting: 10a Classroom TNC
Retired Nurses Meeting: 1p Music Room VSQ
Unitarian Universalists: 1p Chapel
Piano Club: 1p Classroom LSC
Little Ol’ Opry Jam: 7:30p MHall
Sp Trip: Nat’l Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden (R) HC
$23 9:45a - 3:30p
RWTV: Riderwood Reporter TV News:
10a,1p,4p, 7p,9p Ch. 971/972
Photo Contest Begins
Dementia Caregivers Support Group:
10:30a Garden Room ABR
Veteran’s Legacy: 12p Music Room VSQ
African American History Club Meeting
2:30pm Classroom, VSQ
15th Anniversary Elegant Dinner:
4p All Dining Rm
Grace Notes Spring Concert: 7:30p Chapel
Rockville Men’s Chorus: 7:30p Theater LSC
Erev Shabbat Service:
7:30p Garden Room ABR
Sp Trip: Nat’l. Cathedral Flower Mart (R)
$25 10:00a - 4:15p
8
TREASURE
CHEST
SHOPPING
Spirit Week: Thank You Day
Sugar n’ Spice Bake Sale: 9a All Lobbies
Treasure Chest Shopping: 10a-2p Terrace Level VP
Opera Theater “Elixir of Love”: 1p Theater LSC
Continuing Education Committee: 2p Classroom VSQ
Issues Discussion Group: 3p Classroom MST
Erev Shabbat Service: 7:30p Chapel
Sp Trip: Amish Market (R) HC $17 10:15a - 1:30p
28
Let’s Talk: 10a Classroom MST
UU Holy Curiosity Series: 10:30a Classroom TNC
PGCC Registration Assistance:
10a-12p Comp Lab VSQ and LSC
PGCC Registration Assistance:
1p-3p Comp Lab VSQ and LSC
Play Reading Group: 1p Classroom VSQ
PGCC Registration Assistance:
3p-5p Comp Lab VSQ and LSC
Ballroom Dance Spectacular: 7:30p MHall MST
Sp Trip: Maryland Live/ Arundel Mills (R) HC
$22 10:00a - 4:00p
Dementia Caregivers Support Group:
10:30a Garden Room ABR
Opera Theater “Aida”: 1p Theater LSC
The Forum: 2p Music Room VSQ
15th Anniversary
Celebration and Fishing
Tournament:
10a - 2p Campus Wide
2
Old Testament Studies
“Yom HaShoah. We Remember”: 10:30a Card Room VSQ
Foreign Film Repeat: 2p Theater LSC
Saturday Nite at the Movies: 7p Theater LSC
Washington Toho Koto Society (R) $16 1:00pm - 4:15pm
PAC presents
Violin and Piano Duo
7:30p Chapel
3
Ramon Haddassah: 2p Classroom LSC
Sp Trip: Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike (R) HC
$59 4:15p - 9:30p
Ticket Sales for Taylor Marie Fashion Show
$5 Tickets
4p-6p All Dining Rooms
Sp Trip: Metropolitan Orchestra (R) HC
$23 5:45p - 10:00p
RWTV: Riderwood Reporter TV News:
10a,1p,4p,7p,9p Ch. 971/972
Saturday/Sunday
15
Shabbat Service:
11a Evergreen Ter 1st Floor ABR
Foreign Film Repeat: 2p Theater LSC
Railroaders Open House: 2p T20 GV TNC
Saturday Nite at the Movies: 7p Theater LSC
9
Sp Trip: Shirley MacLaine (R) $88 6:30p - 10:45p
Mother’s Day
Travel Talks: 7:30p Theater LSC
10
Sp Trip: City Choir (R) $40
3:00p - 7:30p
Old Testament Studies
“Exile in Babylon”:
10:30a Card Room VSQ
Reconstructionist Jewish Chavurah at RWV: 2p
Classroom LSC
Foreign Film Repeat: 2p Theater LSC
Saturday Nite at the Movies: 7p Theater LSC
16
Sp Trip: Debussy & Don Juan (BSO) (R) HC $61 6:15p - 10:45p
RJC presents “ Kreplach & Dim Sum.
Yes, There Are Jew in China!”:
3p MHall MST
Sunday Sing-A-Long:
5:30 Lounge TNC
Sp Trip: Hillwood(R) $35 9:30a - 3:30p
PAC presents
Seth Kibel Quartet
7:30p Theater LSC
TREASURE
CHEST
SHOPPING
22
Photo Contest Ends
Treasure Chest Shopping:
10a-2p Terrace Level VP
Opera Theater ”Pirates of Penzance”:
1p Theater LSC
TV Studio Tour and Demo: 2p TV Studio LSC
Issues Discussion Group: 3p Classroom MST
Jesus Seminar Study Group:
7p Music Room VSQ
Erev Shabbat Service: 7:30p Chapel
Shabbat Service:
11a Evergreen Ter 1st Floor ABR
Foreign Film Repeat: 2p Theater LSC
RJC Book Club: 2p Classroom VSQ
Saturday Nite at the Movies: 7p Theater LSC
Sp Trip: 1776 (R) HC $66 4:45p - 11:00p
23
Sp Trip: Virginia Grand Military Band (R) $41 5:15p - 10:45p
Sp Trip: BSO: Strauss (R) HC $61 6:15p - 10:45p
Travel Talks: 7:30p Theater LSC
24
Sp Trip: Memorial Day Choral Festival (R)
$23 12:30p - 5:45p
Sp Trip: Wash. Balalaika (R) HC $41 1:30p - 5:30p
29
Voting for Photo Contest Ends:
Celebrations TNC
PGCC Registration Assistance:
10a-12p Comp Lab VSQ and LSC
Opera Theater “Tosca”: 1p Theater LSC
PGCC Registration Assistance:
1p-3p Comp Lab VSQ and LSC
PGCC Registration Assistance:
3p-5p Comp Lab VSQ and LSC
17
30
Sunday Sing-A-Long:
5:30 Lounge TNC
31
Page 6
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RiderwoodVillage.us
|
Riderwood Reporter
|
RiderwoodLife.org
|
May 2015
Conversation with Administration
By Chandra Kumar, Associate Executive Director
Please come and join the next “Conversation with Administration” at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, May 20 in
Montgomery Station’s Maryland Hall.
Chandra Kumar
These monthly conversations provide an opportunity for residents to share concerns and receive feedback. They also help Administration
understand what we can do to improve customer service. Questions and answers may be altered or rephrased for this column without
changing the accuracy of the information presented.
The following reflects the highlights of Conversation with Administration conducted in March:
Announcements:
 We would like to welcome Jeff Kimbell, our
new director of dining. Jeff brings with him
many years of dining and hospitality
experience. He has been with Erickson since
2001 serving first as the director of dining for
Charlestown and later at Oak Crest Village. In
2006, Jeff moved into a corporate role serving
as a regional dining director providing dining
support for communities in Colorado, Texas,
Florida, Maryland and Virginia. Prior to
working with Erickson, Jeff worked with the
Walt Disney Company, Marriott, Embassy
Suites, and Holiday Inn. When you see Jeff,
please wish him a warm welcome.
 In updates with Riderwood Connect, we are
currently on schedule for transferring residents’
landline phone numbers and wireless devices to
the new system. We will continue to have town
hall meetings on a regular basis to update
everyone on the progress of the project. We
would like to remind anyone who has not
already done so to please turn in their letter of
authorization with a current copy of their phone
bill. We need this information to ensure a
smooth transition to Riderwood Connect when
it is your turn. We would also like to remind
you that it will take at least one monthly billing
cycle before you will stop receiving a bill from
your previous phone and internet provider. If
you have any questions, please contact Wendy




Ferris at 301-572-8356, or the Help Desk at
1-800-677-0211.
In other updates with General Services, we have
ordered a number of new HVAC console units
for
community
areas
and
will
be
installing them shortly. We are working on
more permanent solutions for the challenges we
faced during the extreme cold we
experienced this past winter. Also, we listened
to resident suggestions to increase the number
of shredding boxes on campus. There are now
boxes in each building.
There is a new manager in our NeighborCare
Pharmacy. Please welcome Christina Musser.
Christina comes to us with a great deal of
experience in the pharmaceutical field. Please
welcome Christina when you see her.
February was a good month for sales in
Independent Living, with several successful
events drawing many prospective residents to
campus. This month we expect to bring in 24
new residents. Our current occupancy in
Independent Living is 92.5 percent. We are
looking forward to increasing that percentage in
the coming warm months.
In our Philanthropy department there are many
exciting events coming up. The Scholarship
Fund campaign wrapped up last month with
Riderwood residents raising over $193,062
which is 97 percent of our goal. There are 65
student recipients this year.
Questions, Comments and Statements by
Residents:
We can make sure the shuttle stops and picks
up at the CVS in addition to stopping at the Giant.
1. What should I do if the community laundry room
equipment is not functioning correctly?
If you find that any equipment needs repair
please contact our General Services department at 301572-8355.
5. Is there some way that I can find out if my
hearing aids are compatible with the loops?
We recommend you come to the Hearing Test
Center to determine if your hearing aids work with our
system. We can also give you instructions on how to
adjust your aids properly to work with the loops.
2. If we have a problem with the audio-visual
equipment in a room during a meeting, who should
we contact? Will the equipment be upgraded in the
Long Term Planning project?
If you are experiencing any difficulty with the
AV equipment, please bring it to the attention of the
nearest front desk and they will connect you with the
set-up team. The community resources coordinators in
each building are also trained to assist residents with
the equipment. The need for updated audio-visual
equipment campus-wide has been identified in the
Long Term Planning project.
3. Is there a plan in place to test the emergency
backup for Riderwood Connect?
Yes. There is a dedicated emergency generator
specifically for backup for the Riderwood Connect
equipment that is located in Park View. The generator
and backup are tested on a monthly schedule.
4. Is it possible for the shuttle that goes to Giant to
also stop and pick up at the CVS?
6. Is there a notary on campus?
Yes. There is a notary in both branches of the
PNC Bank. They do accept walk-ins but it is suggested
that you make an appointment so you do not have to
wait until they are available.
7. Is it possible to use biodegradable cups?
Yes. We converted to biodegradable cups with
the new coffee system.
8. When will the Riderwood campus become
smoke-free?
We are working with the Maryland
Department of Aging to develop a contractual
agreement with new residents moving in to agree not to
smoke on campus. Those residents who are currently
smokers will be grandfathered in. Once we get the
Department of Aging’s final okay we will begin
implementing the no-smoking policy. As of January 1,
2015 it is not allowed for staff to smoke on campus.
Riderwood’s annual bake sale guarantees to delight all!
By Nancy Blount
Philanthropy Coordinator
It’s time for the Riderwood
Bake Sale! The bake sale will take
place on Friday, May 8 and will be
held in the lobby of each building
starting at 9:00 a.m. Each year this
event supports the Riderwood
Benevolent Care Fund. There will
be treats for everyone…homemade
bread, brownies, cookies, muffins,
fudge, pies, and more! They will also offer
gluten free, nut free and sugar free options!
This year’s raffle, which is held in each
building, will be for a $50 Panera
Bread gift card. Tickets will be 1 for
$1.00 or 6 for $5.00.
If you would like to bake,
please contact Bonnie Balzer at (301)
572-5787 or look for the signup sheet
on the bulletin boards. Cash or check
only please! Bon Appetite!



May 2015 is Riderwood’s 15th year anniversary.
There will be many events to celebrate this great
milestone. There will be a special dinner, spirit
and other themed weeks, and the month-long
celebration will culminate in a great carnivalthemed festival featuring outdoor and indoor
activities throughout campus.
We also celebrated our resident volunteers in
April with a luncheon to honor and thank them
for all their hard work. We had over 800
resident volunteers this year with many others
not recorded. There is also a new resident run
group called “Neighbors in Deed.” This group
of dedicated volunteers have produced a listing
of residents who have volunteered to help with a
variety of tasks to help their fellow resident
neighbors. These tasks range from sewing on a
button to helping you navigate your remote, to
offering a lift to your next doctor’s appointment,
to helping with computer lessons. This directory
will be available at all the front desks soon.
Please look for more information to follow. If
you have any questions, please contact Fiona
Divecha at 301-572-8396.
We would like to acknowledge our departing
Resident
Advisory
Committee
(RAC)
members. We would like to thank Nancy
Liskey, Bettie Young, George Galasso, and Bob
Krebs for serving on the RAC and for their hard
work and commitment to making Riderwood a
better place.
9. Can we have a variety of choices for dessert in the
Pub?
We can look into this suggestion.
10. Are caregivers allowed to ride the shopping
shuttles on behalf of a resident?
We work with individuals on a case by case
basis. We ask that the resident contact the
transportation office and discuss their particular
circumstance. We do ask that caregivers relinquish their
seat to a resident if the bus is full but they are
allowed to take the shuttle on behalf of a resident.
11. I would like to commend the Riderwood staff for
keeping us safe during this challenging winter.
Thank you for your leadership.
Thank you for your kind words.
Welcome New
Residents
The following new residents have moved to
Riderwood between March 19th & April 22nd.
Annette Graubart
New City, NY
June Egan
Pennington, NJ
Carol Steinberg
Silver Spring, MD
Douglas Franchot
Aurora, OH
Silvia Trumbower
Silver Spring, MD
Pat Lue
New Bern, NC
Shirley & Maurice Lens
Boynton Beach, FL
Nancy Cadmus
Powhatan, VA
Elaine & Jacob Mondschein
Silver Spring, MD
Noriko Taylor
Annapolis, MD
Marion Pepper
Silver Spring, MD
Coral Burke
Rockville, MD
Peggy Lawson
California, MD
Elsie Chatman
Silver Spring, MD
Shirley Radack
Silver Spring, MD
Judy Jarrell
Bethesda, MD
Henry Johnson
Takoma Park, MD
Juantia Chong
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
Lorene Metz
Fort Wayne, IN
Robert & Inge Keenan
Silver Spring, MD
Nancy O’Brien
Orlando, FL
Lynn Rice & Samuel Susan
Denver, CO
May 2015
|
RiderwoodVillage.us
|
Riderwood Reporter
|
RiderwoodLife.org
Grounds Supervisor Jack Vargo reflects
on his 15 year tenure with Riderwood
By Mitzi Clark
Resident Writer
Jack Vargo arrived at Riderwood on
September 5, 2000, and since then has been its sole
Grounds Supervisor. He calls the period his “best of
times and worst of times.”
The best includes receiving eight major
landscaping awards, all that Riderwood was eligible
to apply for during his tenure. The worst was
beyond his control. A snow blizzard struck campus
the winter of his arrival. With little snow removal
equipment at his disposal, Jack recalls the small
group of administrators and Staff members gathered
together to clear walkways and the entrance to the
front gate. Many of the early residents even
provided assistance by helping out with meal
services. Some good came out of that. Jack says,” It
created a great bond of friendship for us all.”
Over fourteen plus years, Riderwood’s 119acre campus has changed from fields of briar patch,
weeds and overgrown bushes, to flower gardens,
decorative trees, nature trails, accessible ponds,
paved walkways and areas for bird watchers.
According to Jack, some of this was facilitated by
construction plans submitted by John Erickson,
Riderwood’s original owner. By following the
design and tending to yearly maintenance, these
plans he says have stood up well. The five
communities now have snow blowers, shovels, and
salt stored near the car wash on campus. Various
outside contracts are reviewed every three years for
selection to provide help. Jack has an assistant,
Kenneth Griffiths, who is available to assist
residents with request. He succeeds Amy Stetson,
who always arrived with Leck, the Ground’s
Department goose dog, who we unfortunately lost a
year and a half ago to illness and old age after a long
active life.
Grounds’ duties involve a myriad of other
things. They include overseeing campus irrigation,
tennis and bocce courts, the dog park, providing
assistance with garden plots, supporting the yearly
fishing tournament, surrounding fences, pest control,
hardscape maintenance and a miniature village with
moving parts which also draws attention throughout
the campus each Christmas.
All of this Jack relishes. His affinity
started when he was 10 years old and ran home from
school each day to cut neighbors’ lawns with a push
mower. His business encompassed 20-plus homes.
In high school he studied biology, and horticulture
and agronomics at the University of Maryland
Baltimore County. Before coming to Riderwood
Jack worked for Goucher College.
Jack’s office in Park View is a reflection of
his interests. He has a parakeet, a fish tank, many
plants, several shiny shovels, a large map of
Riderwood, and the many framed awards the
community has received. With his service,
competence and friendly manner, Jack, has become
a Riderwood legend.
|
Page 7
NARFE holds joint
meeting at Riderwood
By George Galasso
NARFE member
The White Oak Chapter of the National Active
and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE)
will conduct a joint meeting with NARFE members
residing at Riderwood on Monday, May 11 at 12:00
p.m. in Montgomery Stations’ Maryland Hall. Lunch
will be served and there will be a $10 charge for
non-NARFE members.
NARFE is the legislative voice and
information resource for Federal employees and
retirees. It is the only organization solely dedicated to
protecting and preserving the pay and benefits of all
active and retired federal workers and to keep them
informed about legislative issues dealing with
retirement income and health care benefits, taxation and
cost of living adjustments.
Our guest speaker will be Evelyn Kirby,
NARFE Region II Vice President, who will discuss the
benefits of being a NARFE member, as well as
NARFE’s current issues. The membership fee is $45
which includes the award-wining “NARFE magazine”
which is an excellent source of legislative analysis and
reporting of issues of interest to retirees. Membership is
available to Federal retirees, active employees, spouses,
former spouses, former Federal employees and
surviving spouses of those eligible to join. If you are an
active, former, inactive NARFE or not currently a
member, we welcome your attendance. If you have a
friend or relative who is a retired federal employee and
you want to learn about the issues facing them today,
please join us. We hope to see many of you there!
Riderwood celebrates
PGCC staff and Riderwood volunteers provide
help to get you registered for PGCC SAGE classes pioneer movie maker of the
By Amy Holzer
Community Resources Coordinator & PGCC
Facilitator
The summer trimester of Riderwood's Prince
George’s Community College (PGCC) SAGE classes is
fast approaching! Classes start the week of June 8 and
catalogs will be available at all front desks on Monday,
May 18. Registration will begin on May 27 and will
continue through June 7. The price of classes is still
$50, whether you take one class or many.
You are urged to enroll for classes online.
Help sessions will be offered by Riderwood
volunteers and PGCC staff to those who need
assistance with registration on May 27, 28, and 29.
They will be held in the Lakeside Commons and
Village Square Computer Labs from 10:00 a.m to
12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m. Please come to these help sessions with (1)
a credit card or check, (2) a list of classes that you
would like to take, and (3) your PGCC username
and password. You will learn right away what classes
you got into and you will walk away with a schedule of
your classes in hand.
To get a username and password, First, call
the SAGE Program Office at (301) 546-0882 and ask
for your student I.D. number. If you are a new student,
they will ask for your full name, address, phone
number, date of birth, etc. and immediately give you
your computer-generated student I.D. number. For
current students, they will confirm the demographic
information they have for you, and then give you your
student I.D. number.
Second, call the PGCC Help Desk at (301) 546
-0637. Explain that you need to get a username and
temporary password for Owl Link. They will ask for
your student I.D. number, which you received in step
one. Next, they will issue you your username and a
temporary password - which must be written exactly as
it is given to you. SAVE this information and bring it to
the registration dates listed. Your username and your
permanent password will be good for all future PGCC
trimesters, so keep this information for future
registration.
An exciting new option for residents is to drop
off completed registration forms and checks (payable to
PGCC) to Community Resources Coordinator Amy
Holzer in Town Center or Continuing Education Chair
Trudy Downs, MS621, between May 18 and May 26.
The benefit of dropping them off to us versus mailing
them to the college is that the dropped off forms will be
processed on-site at Riderwood between May 27 and 29
by PGCC staff, and your class schedule will be printed
off and put in your cubby - all without you waiting in
line! Registrations that are mailed in to the college will
get processed last, so students run the risk of not getting
into their desired classes. If you wish to do mail-in
registration, you may mail your registration and $50
payment to PGCC, as noted in the Course
Catalog.
We are offering many exciting and interesting
classes, some old favorites but many that are new
opportunities. Try your hand at a new style of art or try
out a new language. Learn about computers, history,
music, current topics, poetry, and much more! Or get in
shape with one of the fitness classes offered. There is a
great array of classes to fit anyone’s interests and needs.
We look forward to another great SAGE
semester!
Social Work helps you understand the transition
and admission processes to Arbor Ridge
By Michelle Glodeck
Resident Life Manager
When is it time to make a move to Arbor
Ridge? Who makes that decision? What is the
process of moving from one level of care to another
within Riderwood? These are common questions
the Social Work team get from residents and family
members every day. I will be joining Amy Stewart,
Geriatric Assessment Coordinator and Franklin
Richburg, Health Care Counselor in Arbor Ridge on
Wednesday, May 27 at 6:30 p.m. in the
Chesapeake Room to talk about the transition and
admission processes to Arbor Ridge. We hope to
answer questions that residents and family members
may have regarding the signs of when a move may
be the next step to resident care, and what the
process looks like here at Riderwood.
Harlem Renaissance era
By Andrea Nicolls
Diversity and Inclusion Committee member and African
American History Club member
The year 1915 was a difficult time for African
Americans. Racism, stereotypes and lynching were
common. It was the year D.W. Griffith launched his
controversial film “Birth of a Nation” to both wide
public acclaim in the nation and wide condemnation by
African Americans. In response to these negative
events and attitudes, two African American sons of
former slaves dared to dream otherwise and swim
against the tide. The more widely known man was Dr.
Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950), founder of The
Association for the Study of African American Life and
History in Washington DC.
The second man, Oscar Micheaux (18841951) was not as well known, but should be. In his
lifetime Michaeux made over 40 films that were called
“race films” (films with a mostly African American
cast for African American audiences). At that time,
African Americans were barred from theaters only
meant for white audiences and could not see the wellknown Hollywood films of the day. Micheaux’s films
were shown in separate venues that allowed African
Americans to enjoy films that celebrated their everyday
lives. He worked within the Hollywood genres of
westerns, mysteries, romance and gangster films and
was not afraid to tackle controversial themes such as
racism and lynching thereby opening the possibilities
for a national dialogue on these difficult subjects. The
new media of film was emerging as an important
vehicle for communication and entertainment in
America. Micheaux was determined that African
Americans were not to be left behind.
One hundred years after Woodson and
Micheaux established their historic legacies, their work
continues. Woodson’s organization continues to
explore and conduct research on the many facets of the
African American experience. Micheaux’s relevance
was underscored when the American Film Institute
sponsored a showing of two of his surviving films in
their downtown Silver Spring Theater earlier this year.
On May 14 in the Encore Theater at 2 p.m. the
Riderwood Diversity and Inclusion Committee as well
as the African American History Club will co-sponsor
the showing of a documentary on the life of Micheaux
entitled “Oscar Micheaux: Czar of Black Hollywood.”
We hope that many of you will join us along with our
guest speaker Dr. Alice Bonner, PGCC Sage Instructor.
Page 8
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RiderwoodVillage.us
PAC welcomes the
Seth Kibel Quartet
for all to enjoy!
By Gloria Goldstein
PAC Member
On Friday, May 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Encore
Theatre, the Seth Kibel Quartet will be performing from
the “Great American
Songbook.” Listen to
your favorites from
Gershwin,
Irving
Berlin, Cole Porter, and
giants of the swing era
such
as
Benny
Goodman,
Duke
Ellington, and Artie
Shaw.
Seth has made
a name for himself in the Washington/Baltimore region
and beyond. He is the winner of 25 Washington Area
Music Awards (Wammies) including “Best World
Music Instrumentalist” (2003) and “Best Jazz
Instrumentalist” (2005, 2007-2008, 2011-2013). He is
the featured performer with The Alexandria Kleztet,
Bay Jazz Project, Music Pilgrim Trio, The Natty Beaux,
and more.
In 2002, he was commissioned to write,
perform, and record an original score for Dreams in the
Golden Country, an original theatrical production at the
Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Seth has four
released CD albums with his most recent one being
“Jazz For People Smaller Than Me,” a jazz kids album,
released in April 2014.
Seth can also currently be seen with the
Washington/Baltimore area's most exciting swing and
jump blues bands. He has performed at the Kennedy
Center, the Carter Barron Amphitheatre, the Lowell
Folk Festival in Lowell, Mass., as well as on several
European tours.
The Seth Kibel Quartet will have Seth on
saxophone, clarinet, and flute, Sean Lane on piano, Bob
Abbot on double bass, and Mark Lucas on drums.
Be sure to purchase your $5 tickets on
Monday, May 11 and Tuesday, May 12 in all dining
room lobbies from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. Hope to see you
there!
Philanthropy thanks all residents for
contributing to the Scholarship Fund!
By Nancy Blount
Philanthropy Coordinator
We would like to thank all the residents for
participating in the Scholarship Fund Campaign and
giving so generously to help students who are working
hard to achieve their dreams. Riderwood residents
raised over $193,062 which is 97% of our goal.
This year, we are able to help three high
school seniors by awarding four-year scholarships
worth $8,000. Also, 62 student employees who are
already in pursuit of their goals of higher education are
receiving one-year scholarships worth $2,000. Many of
these students receive the one year scholarship because
they were shy of the requirements for the four year
award in the past. Imagine how the scholarships will
enable the students to change their future and ours!
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Riderwood Reporter
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RiderwoodLife.org
We kept busy during the slow, cold winter
months by having sing-a-longs to celebrate the January
birthdays of Elvis Presley (he would have been 80), and
Ethel Merman. In February, we had a visit
from Fiona Divecha, Heather Hicks-Mello,
and Amy Holzer, as they helped us do a
Valentine’s themed art project, and as in the
past, we celebrated Mardi Gras with
pancakes in the morning and a home-made
king cake after lunch – yum! And last
month we (of course) celebrated St.
Patrick’s Day with music and fresh Irish
soda bread.
We were excited to be included in
the Health Fair as well as the Spring Expo
in March. You may have stopped by the
Social Work table and chatted with me in
May 2015
The Riderwood Veterans Legacy Group sponsors a
performance by the United States Navy Band Brass Quartet
By David Williams
Legacy Group Member
Armed Forces Day is officially celebrated on
May 17. However, it can be celebrated on any day
during the month of May.
To give a special tribute to the current serving
members of the armed forces of the United States,
Riderwood’s Veterans Legacy Group is
sponsoring a performance by the United
States Navy Band Brass Quartet. The
afternoon program will provide our
residents and members of the
surrounding community the opportunity
to reflect upon and honor the women and
men who voluntarily serve our nation by
serving in one of our military services.
In addition to the musical tribute, the
afternoon program will give us time to
consider and acknowledge their dedication, sacrifices
and commitment to protect and defend our nation.
Some residents have family members serving in the
active and reserve forces. There are also Riderwood
staff members who are serving in one of the reserve
forces. Honor each of them with your attendance in the
Encore Theatre on Wednesday May 27, 2015 at 2:00
p.m.
The Navy Band Brass Quartet was established
Lions Club fashion show
returns for another great
shopping experience
By Lion Ken Kennedy
Project Coordinator
Taylor Marie’s popular boutique will be
with us again in the Maryland Hall on Tuesday,
May 12 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. to present the latest
women’s fashions for this spring and summer.
This complete shopping experience will
include 28 racks of fine quality clothing and
accessories for women sizes 4P to 3X. There will
also be 10 percent discounts on current
merchandise. The show will save you from
driving around to shopping centers looking for the
right thing. Sales proceeds from this show will go
to the Benevolent Care Fund, Scholarship Fund,
Staff Appreciation Fund and Lions Club
Community Fund.
Watch your community and TV bulletin
boards for further information. Admission to the
show is $5.00 and there will be advance ticket
sales in all
dining
lounges on
May 4, 6
and 8 from
4:00
to
6:00 p.m.
Make your
plans now!
The Intermissions Program kept busy during the winter season
By Rita Clarke
Intermissions Program Coordinator
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your travels. If so, I hope that you were able to get a
better idea of what our group is all about.
A couple of residents inquired about
possibly sharing their talents with us by either
conducting a music presentation, or leading us in a sing
-a-long,. We are always grateful for anyone who is
interested in doing so. With this in
mind, I wanted to extend an open
invitation to any resident or staff
member who would like to follow suit.
Whether you’re an artist,
musician or world traveler, and would
like to share your passion with us,
please contact me at (301) 5728313,
or
via
email
at
[email protected]. After all,
our mission statement, “we share our
gifts to create communities that
celebrate life”, says it all!
Happy Spring!
in October 1999. They have shared their music with
thousands of people, young and old, in many public
venues. The group led by Chief Musician, John P.
Schroeder, which also includes Chief Musician Stanley
H. Curtis and Musicians First Cass Philip J. Eberly and
Anthony J. Halloin. The quartet has performed for
national audiences in three broadcasts from the
Kennedy Center Millennium Stage and has made three
appearances on “Meet the Press.” They
have given master classes at the Midwest
Clinic in Chicago, the Navy School of
Music in Little Creek, Va., and St.
Thomas, Virgin Islands.
In addition to these public
performances, the Brass Quartet has
provided musical support at official
ceremonies at the Pentagon, Navy
Memorial, Naval Observatory, and others
that are frequently attended by the
Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations.
Since its formation, the quartet has generated a
unique repertoire of arrangements, transcriptions, and
original compositions encompassing diverse styles that
represent American patriotic and folkloric musical
traditions as well as traditional light classics.
Join us as we celebrate the service of the
armed forces of the United States on Wednesday, May
27 at 2:00 p.m. in the Encore Theatre.
The Grace Notes Chorus
presents its Spring Concert!
By Frank Erk
Grace Notes Director
As part of Riderwood’s 15th anniversary
celebration, the Grace Notes Women’s Chorus will
present its spring concert on Friday, May 1 in the
Chapel at 7:30
p.m.
The
program will
include
Broadway and
popular songs
that
have
dreams
and
romance
as
themes. In addition, the chorus will sing “Setting of
Poems” by Robert Frost, and “Voice of New
England,” set to lovely melodies by Randall
Thompson.
The interlude will feature the music of
American composer Amy Beach, whose suite,
“Summer Dreams” will be played by the piano duet
of Maxine Lewack and Ruth Erk.
In Memoriam
The following residents passed away
between March 19th and April 22nd.
Clara Luby
Richard Colt
Elizabeth Miller
Juliette Lacovaro
Anna Ellin
James Henry
Claire Ward
Rowena Lenart
Birgitta Ingerod-Arthur
Lorraine Divver
George Guilles
Daniel Graubart
Charlotte Schaefer
Gloria Falk
Fredrick Brown
Stanley McKinley
Betty G. Peake
Simon Strauss
Donald Chisholm
Barbara Rexon
Phyllis Linhart
Alison Tobias
Milton Cole
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