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The fountains at Washington House in the News
“I loved my house, I had plans for it,” said Jeanne Graef, who lived in her Alexandria
community of 52 years.
When an illness struck her family, however, Jeanne knew she had to research local
options, and today she is happy to have found a new home at The Fountains at
Washington House.
During WWII, Jeanne moved to the city to work at the Weather Bureau at the National Airport. Married in 1948, she and her husband had three children and five
grandchildren. He was ultimately diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
“The doctor told us to get in some place where they would be able to help us,” said
Jeanne.
After visiting five places, she and her daughter decided on The Fountains at
Washington House the moment they entered the residence.
“My daughter asked me, ‘Mom, do you realize that when we walked in, every single
person that worked there smiled at us and said hello?’” said Jeanne. While the friendliness of staff and residents was a major influence for her, Jeanne was also glad that she and her husband would be near their daughter. When an opening became available, the couple attended an interview with the staff so that they could assess the level of care he would need.
Despite her husband’s passing in May, Jeanne will continue the three years she has spent in her new home.
“People ask me if I’m going to stay,” she said, “And I say yes, I’m going to stay!”
Although they initially sought the residence so that he could receive the care he needed, Jeanne said she is comfortable there and has made several friends, especially with the people on her floor. Every evening, she eats dinner with the same group and has found built-in support with her friends who have also lost their loved ones. She is a member of the book club residents’ council and often tries to make it downstairs to the cinema where people can enjoy popcorn and candy.
With several surrounding communities, Jeanne has been able to make friends outside of her home with whom she meets for errands or lunch. She is also grateful that her family is close by.
“They’re all in the Alexandria area which is unusual and lucky for me,” she said.
Having owned a retail business for 30 years in the area, Jeanne also keeps in contact with her former employees.
“I love retail,” she said, “I’m always asking the young people who were employed by me what they’re buying in New York or what they’re selling now.”
Although she misses her home and former neighbors, Jeanne, like many individuals, knew she had to make an important decision in finding a new home. Her move has in no way stopped her from finding close friends and keeping up with the activities she has always enjoyed.
Alexandria, Va. -- On Dec 15th, Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club will recognize a prominent local attorney and longtime Rotarian, Col. Calvin M. Vos, USAF Ret., for his Rotary service.
Vos, 99, has been a member of the Rotary Club of Bailey’s Crossroads since Jun 1, 1987. During his 23 years of Rotary service he has served the club and his community in many different ways, from ringing the bell for the Salvation Army kettle at Christmas time, to delivering food baskets and clothing to families in need, according to Ben Hester, a past president of the club.
“The main objective of Rotary is service, in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world,” said Hester. “Cal, as a Rotarian, has worked selflessly to accomplish that goal. Cal is a true gentleman, an honor to his profession, an unselfish man who has worked diligently to build goodwill and peace in our community and the world,” he said. Cal is also a Paul Harris Fellow. This prestigious award is presented by the Rotary International Foundation “in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.”
Vos will be recognized at a special club luncheon hosted by The Fountains at Washington House, 5100 Filmore Avenue, Alexandria, where Vos resides. The luncheon will be attended by many club members, Vos’ wife Jean and a dozen family members and friends.
“It is an honor to have such a distinguished veteran, Rotarian and civil servant as Colonel Vos reside at The Fountains at Washington House,” said Jeff Branch, Executive Director. “His life work and experience will be wonderful to share with his new neighbors. We are looking forward to creating new experiences with Colonel Vos in the future.”
Born in Cincinnati in 1911, Col. Vos attended University of Colorado where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity. He earned his law degree from University of Cincinnati in 1935.
Called into active duty in 1941, the young attorney served for 23 years in the US Army Air Corps, Army and Air Force, where, in 1960, he established the first computerized information retrieval system in the U.S. Government, called LITE (Legal Information Through Electronics). He retired from the military in 1964 with rank of colonel.
As a civilian, Col. Vos continued his distinguished career in fiscal and international law, including assignments with NASA and Department of Defense, where he worked directly for David O. Cooke. He was awarded a Secretary of Defense Meritorious Civil Service Medal in 1978.
Vos has five children, 18 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. In addition to family, country, community and career, he has had lifelong interests in playing tennis, classical piano and bridge.
Alexandria, VA – Some Alexandria veterans are sharing life lessons learned in service as part of a nationwide project spearheaded by Watermark Retirement Communities. The local veterans all live at The Fountains at Washington House, 5100 Fillmore Avenue.
Ken Millard served in the Navy from 1942 – 1945. His years in the service taught the WWII veteran “Every person is important.”
Leonard Horning served in the Air Force from 1946 – 1949. His take-away lesson for life: “Do your best.”
Another WWII veteran, Ralph Albers, fought in the Battle of the Bulge during his service from 1941-1945. Summarizing what he learned for life, Albers said: “Work hard and love your country.”
Charles “Chuck” Hucka served with the 13th Armored Division of the 3rd Army, commanded by General Patton. He said the most difficult accomplishment of his division was to capture the Siegfried line which was very highly fortified along the German border. Hucka said the experience taught him “the need to accept individual responsibility and total cooperation between individuals and groups to achieve major goals.”
Duffy Dufour, who earned a Navy Marine Corps Medal for saving a person’s life when he served from 1940-1946, said “I learned discipline and how to treat other people properly.”
Robert Downey, an Army veteran who served during the Korean War, learned: “Do what your officers tell you.”
After his five years of service and sacrifice in the Air Force and Navy beginning in 1938, Bartow Hodge said he learned: “Don’t volunteer.”
Marvin Ribyat served in the 141st M.M. Combat Ordinance from 1943-1946, earning European Theater medals for some of the battles waged in Alsace, the Rhine, the Danube, the Austrian/German border and Austrian/Italian border. Only 18 years old when he went to war, Marvin said “I grew up and learned what real discipline and responsibility was.”
One of The Fountains at Washington House’s most decorated veterans is Chaplain Leo “Chappy” Stanis. He served in the Army and Navy from 1946-1949, 1957-1960 and 1966-1985, earning over 20 Medals, including a Bronze Star Medal Combat “V” for Valor, Purple Heart, and Meritorious Award. The service taught him: “Do all you can do.” And he did.
Alexandria, Va. – The Fountains at Washington House, 5100 Fillmore Avenue, will celebrate its 38th anniversary of serving Alexandria seniors on September 16th with a dinner dance for residents and guests. Beginning at 4:00pm, cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served. A “Down at the Eastern Shore” theme dinner will follow featuring Maryland Fried Chicken, Open Pit Roast Beef, Eastern Shore Corn on the Cob and a bounty of seafood, prepared by Executive Chef Kevin Halpin and his culinary team.
During his career, Halpin has cooked for Senators, Congressmen, Prince and Princesses, Jeff Foxworthy, Eddie Money, The Pointer Sisters, the President of the United States, as well as for six inaugural balls.
Since the community opened its doors as The Washington House in 1972, it has been home to a cross section of retirees, from Washington diplomats to suburban housewives, college professors, school teachers, clergymen, artists, musicians, and research scientists. Residents there enjoy a service-supported lifestyle for active seniors, as well as on site assisted living and skilled nursing care.
Renamed The Fountains at Washington House in the past decade, the community is proudly managed by Watermark Retirement Communities, a company dedicated to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive. New offerings in the past year include onsite classes for brain and body fitness through Watermark University. Course catalogs are filled with an array of innovative courses ranging from Watercolor Painting to Conversational Spanish, Yoga, Tai Chi, American History and a Civil War study group and more. Through Watermark University, residents, associates and guests can learn (or teach) something new every day.
Alexandria, Virginia – Sylvia Kassalow of Alexandria is a woman with great heart, spirit, and wisdom. Spend a few minutes visiting with her and you sense that Kassalow, 89, has the energy of a person half her age. Then again, age is but a number to Sylvia. She is living proof that staying active pays youthful dividends
Being active in the community has always been a personal priority for Sylvia. Throughout her life, she has been involved with such groups as the Women’s National Democratic Committee and the Sisterhood of her Synagogue.
More recently, Sylvia has become a vital figure at Watermark University, which offers seniors a broad-ranging curriculum for brain and body fitness at The Fountains at Washington House, where Sylvia resides. Watermark University faculty is comprised of residents, staff and outside instructors eager to share their passions. Summer courses include Easy Spanish, Wii Golf, Beer and Food tastings, Yoga, Tai Chi, Civil War Studies, and Education and Culture in Pakistan, to name a few.
Soon after Sylvia enrolled in Easy Spanish she assumed the role of faculty assistant. It was that role that inspired her to lead her own Watermark University class: the Washington House Film Group. According to Sylvia, the Washington House Film Group utilizes current films to stimulate the imagination, intellect, and conversation. Once a month, Sylvia accompanies her class to a foreign or intellectual film at one of the Art Cinemas in the Washington area, followed by discussion over coffee and dessert.
In addition to her faculty role with Watermark University, Sylvia frequently volunteers at her Synagogue and is alternate Shabbat service leader. She also understands the value of staying physically fit. She is a frequent flyer at The Fountains’ on-site Fitness Center, where training and classes are always available.
The key ingredient in Sylvia’s personal recipe for active aging is being involved in the community. Her advice to contemporaries for aging well is simple: “Don’t spend too much time by yourself.”
For more information about Watermark University or The Fountains at Washington House, visit www.watermarkcommunities.com/washingtonhouse or call 703-845-5000.
Lots of love and support are gifts that keep on giving
Alexandria, Va. – A new tie or a new rake may top the list of gifts many kids will give their fathers on June 20th. However, experienced fathers at an Alexandria retirement community are shifting the focus of the holiday to what lasting gifts fathers can pass on to future generations.
Associates of The Fountains at Washington House, 5100 Filmore Ave., recently sat down with dads in residence to ask their opinions about fatherhood. The interviews were part of a nationwide project spearheaded by Watermark Retirement Communities. Following is their advice for young fathers today.
Leonard Horning, originally from Cleveland, raised two sons. He tells young fathers “Pay attention to your children.” Also, Horning points out, it’s important for children to know their fathers support them emotionally and so you should always be there to “back your kid up.”
Ralph Albers, from Northern Virginia, raised one son and one daughter. He reminds young fathers: “You are very fortunate. Give your children all the love that is in you. Set a good example with honesty and courage.”
Chuck Hucka, originally from Oregon, raised one son and one daughter. He adds, “Be patient. Be loving. And talk to your children.”
Each of these fathers raised their families a half century ago. Such perspective lends both clarity and credibility to their simple advice. By speaking out, these members of an experienced generation are offering young fathers today a most valuable Father’s Day gift.
Six Senior Women at The Fountains at Washington House
Offer Words of Wisdom
Alexandria, Va., April 21, 2010 –Six local moms with years and years of experience are among 150+ mothers nationwide who are speaking out in time for Mother’s Day. Even though they raised their own children decades ago, the sage advice of these moms is just as meaningful today as it was some sixty years ago. In between managing today’s hectic family schedules, working, carpooling, cooking PLUS diaper changes, young moms in 2010 can use all the advice they can get.
The collective advice ranges from tips on raising kids to advice for the moms’ personal lives. For example, Alexandria resident, Nancy Devoe, advises: “Enjoy every minute of it, because it will go by so quickly.”
Other local mothers’ advice includes:
“Rest when you can.” -Elizabeth Clements
“Don’t try to be the best Mom. It will come naturally to you. You’ll do good.” -Evelyn Zimmerman
“Don’t let your babies cry. Pick them up and hold them. You cannot spoil them; you are showing them love. “ - June Czekanski
“Keep your children close to you.” -Hilde Pratt
“Always try to find some time to relax.” -Elfrieda Smith
All six of the local senior mom experts interviewed for this project reside at The Fountains at Washington House, the full-service retirement community located at 5100 Filmore Avenue.
Watermark Retirement Communities Reappointed as Manager for Fountains Portfolio
Watermark Retirement Communities, Inc., formerly Fountains Retirement Communities, has been reappointed as manager for 16 retirement communities previously managed by Sunrise Senior Living, announced David N. Barnes, President/CEO of Watermark Retirement Communities.
“Watermark was the obvious choice for managing the Fountains portfolio because we know the communities so well,” said Barnes.
After selling 18 properties within the Fountains brand to Sunrise in 2005, Fountains Retirement Communities was renamed Watermark Retirement Communities. Over the past four years, with his partner David Freshwater, former Fountains CEO, Barnes has grown Watermark’s management portfolio to 11 communities plus three home health agencies in six states. The addition of the Fountains portfolio brings Watermark’s total managed communities to 27 in 16 states.
“We very much look forward to the coming weeks and months as we personally welcome back so many former residents and associates into the family of Watermark communities. It feels like we’re putting the band back together,” stated Barnes.
Watermark Retirement Communities has owned and operated successful, innovative senior housing communities for more than 20 years. According to Barnes, Watermark is committed to creating extraordinary communities where people thrive and a culture where everyone is encouraged to express their creativity, passion and inner child – to express their true selves. As a result, Barnes says, Watermark communities are full of spirit, character, compassion and adventure.
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