6/17-18: AFRAM
One of the East Coast’s largest African-American festivals—an homage to the beauty of Black Baltimore as expressed through artisans, exhibits, and a lineup of acclaimed performers—is back. And for the second year in a row, the event is being held on the weekend leading up to Juneteenth. (It was previously held in August.) Recognized each year on June 19 and now officially a federal holiday, Juneteenth commemorates the 1865 date on which Texans learned that U.S. slaves were freed. And Druid Hill Park is once again the perfect setting to browse handmade wares, scarf street food, and hear two days’ worth of musical performances that celebrate Baltimore club music and five decades of hip-hop, with artists like Ty Dolla Sign, The Isley Brothers, Tamar Braxton, Spinderella, Kid Capri, and Tall Black Guy. Stay tuned for updates via aframbaltimore.com.  Druid Hill Park. 12-9 p.m. Free.

6/1: GLITTER, GEFILTE, GUILT, AND GUTS
Pride month starts in Highlandtown with this edition of the popular Stoop Storytelling Series, set to feature firsthand tales from queer and Jewish Baltimoreans. Creative Alliance. 7:30 p.m. $15-25. 

6/3: BALTIMORE BY BALTIMORE WATERFRONT AND MAKERS FESTIVAL
This six-part festival series brings the good stuff (tunes by Larry “Whaddup” Caudle, food, and makers) to the waterfront on 201 East Pratt Street. Waterfront Partnership of Baltimore. 12-8 p.m. 

6/3: OPERA ON THE AVENUE
Baltimore musicians Denique Isaac and Like Water head this operatic show at Enoch Pratt Library’s Central Hall. Enoch Pratt Free Library. 2 p.m. 

6/3: PRIDE IN CHARLES VILLAGE
Take part in a walking tour of LGBTQIA+ landmarks in the neighborhood, famous for having long been home to activists and institu- tions dear to local queer folks. Baltimore Heritage. 10 a.m. $10-15. 

6/4-5: BALTIMORE TRANS PRIDE
Local acts (drag queen group Charm City Girls, queer noise punk band BLKVAPOR, and rapper and DJ Kotic Couture) are performing as part of this two-day event held by Baltimore Safe Haven. March down North Charles in support of trans neighbors, hear live tunes, attend after-parties, and more. Baltimore Safe Haven. Times and prices vary.

6/5: INDIGO GIRLS
The folk rock duo behind “Closer to Fine” will perform at Rams Head Live! alongside a full band. Rams Head Live! 8 p.m. $45. 

6/6: BRYAN ADAMS AND JOAN JETT AND THE BLACK HEARTS
The “Summer of ‘69” singer performs with Joan Jett and The Black Hearts downtown. CFG Bank Arena. 7:30 p.m. $34-144. 

6/6-7/2: THE WORLD GOES ’ROUND
A co-production courtesy of ArtsCentric, Everyman Theatre, and Olney Theatre, this musical pays homage to the songs that made Broadway, such as “And All That Jazz.” Everyman Theatre. Times and prices vary. 

6/7: LGBTQ+ HISTORY THROUGH A BLACK LENS
At Enoch Pratt, explore the history of Blackness, activism, and community in queer culture. Enoch Pratt Free Library. Central Library. Poe Room. 7 p.m. 

6/7-18: FROZEN: THE MUSICAL
Join Anna and Elsa (and Olaf) for icy-cold fun on the Hippodrome Theatre stage. Hippodrome Theatre. Times and prices vary. 

6/8: THE BONESHAKERS
Alongside renowned saxophonist Ron Holloway, this ’90s-born band ignites Harbor East with a hard-to-resist blend of funk, blues, and rock. Keystone Korner. 7:30 p.m. $10-35.

6/8: QUEER BOOK CLUB: MANHUNT
At the Fells Point bookshop, Greedy Reads bookseller Katya Castro dissects author Gretchen Felker-Martin’s novel Manhunt, a post-apocalyptic tale of trans women and men on a grim journey of survival. Greedy Reads. 7 p.m. 

6/9: DAVID CROSS
The comedian, husband, dad, and actor of Arrested Development fame brings his “Worst Daddy in the World” tour to the downtown stage. Rams Head Live! 8 p.m. $42-150. 

6/9: NOAH KAHAN
At Merriweather Post Pavilion, the folksy pop singer performs hits such as “Hold it Down” and “Part of Me.” Merriweather Post Pavilion. 8 p.m. Prices vary.

6/9-10: SUPER SCIENCE SLEEPOVER: MSC GAME NIGHT
This sleepover party at the Science Center lets you pick a giant nose and try your hand at trivia, among other activities like obstacle courses and enlarged table-top games. Maryland Science Center. 5:30 p.m.-9 a.m. $45-50. 

6/9-11: SOUR FEST AT MAX’S TAPHOUSE
Per annual tradition, this two-day event at Max’s Taphouse on Broadway in Fells Point boasts unreal amounts of sour beer. Gulp down a draft in person or indulge at home with twistee cans. Max’s Taphouse. Times vary. 

6/10: FLOATILLA: “ROCK YOUR BOAT”
This year, the annual five-mile paddling party, which benefits the Healthy Harbor Initiative, features Mr. Trash Wheel as the floating stage for Baltimore rock band Thrillkiller, who will attempt to lead participants in “the world’s largest kayak-based performance of Queen’s ‘We Will Rock You,’” according to Waterfront Partnership. Canton Waterfront Park. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. $35-40. 

6/10: WYPR AND WTMD’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY BASH
At the B&O Railroad Museum, these beloved local radio stations ring in 20 years on the air with guest speakers, a podcast recording, and concerts on moving trains. B&O Railroad Museum. 6-10 p.m. $63-155.

6/11: CHARM CITY STRONGWOMAN CONTEST
In memory of Charlotte Giza, and in honor of strong women all over, this annual weightlifting contest will benefit the Ulman House, a “home away from home” for young adults and families navigating cancer treatment. Fivex3 Training. 9:30 a.m. $60. 

6/11: KEVIN HART
As part of his “Reality Check” tour, the famed comedian will play two shows in Anne Arundel County. Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland. 3-4:30 p.m. 7-8:30 p.m. $89.99. 

6/12-16: AMP CAMP
This four-day mentorship program at Motorhouse exposes third-to sixth-grade students to the theater industry, with crash courses on acting, dancing, stage management, singing, and costume design. Motor House. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. $25-125. 

6/13: POP-UP MUSEUM WITH SALVAGE ARC
At Enoch Pratt, historian and excavator Evan Woodard showcases the artifacts he’s sourced from local waterways and privies. Ask about each object and hear Woodard talk about salvaging treasures in the DMV. Enoch Pratt Free Library. Central Library. 6 p.m. 

6/14: 3 DOORS DOWN
The rockers touch down in Charm City, performing their classic 2002 album, Away From the Sun, all the way through for local fans. Pier Six Pavillion. 7:30 p.m. $30-94. 

6/15: JUNETEENTH: HONORING FOOD, TRADITIONS, AND HISTORIES
In Mount Vernon, local restaurateurs and chefs David and Tonya Thomas chat about the history of African-American cuisine and dining rituals associated with Juneteenth. The Walters Art Museum. 6 p.m. 

6/16: SURPRISE CHEF
The Aussie instrumental quintet performs with R&B songstress Alanna Royale on North Charles Street. Metro Gallery. 7 p.m. $17-20. 

6/18: FREE ADMISSION TO “THE CULTURE”
With upward of 90 works of art, this chatter-generating BMA showcase commemorates the 50th anniversary of hip-hop. Baltimore Museum of Art. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 

6/19-25: BALTIMORE PRIDE
This year, the chromatic celebration of belonging will include a city-wide parade, a train ride, and an all-day block party, Baltimore Pride. Times and prices vary. 

6/22: BALTIMORE HONKYTONK
Soulful country singers Caleb Klauder & Reeb Willms invite fans to get their two-step on in Woodberry. Waverly Brewing Company. 7-10 p.m. Free-$25. 

6/22: PRIDE ON THE HARBOR
This show-stopping Pride celebration will feature RuPaul’s Drag Race alum Mo Heart, tunes by Baltimore’s best DJs, live entertainment, and more. Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore. 6:00 p.m. $85. 

6/23: REGGAE RISE UP MARYLAND FESTIVAL
Visit Baltimore Peninsula for all-day, laidback island sounds and acts including Koffee, Pepper, Stick Figure, and Collie Buddz. Baltimore Peninsula. Times vary. $140-275. 

6/23: WEEZER, FUTURE ISLANDS, AND JOYCE MANOR
California rock bands meet Charm City at this concert in Columbia, which features local synth-pop favorites Future Islands. Merriweather Post Pavilion. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary. 

6/24: CITY SAND ’23: REIMAGINING BALTIMORE’S HARBORPLACE
The annual sand-sculpting competition is back at the Inner Harbor after more than 10 years on hiatus. Harborplace Amphitheatre. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $75-100. 

6/24: SUMMER SOLSTICE GALA
Celebrate the coming summer solstice with an evening of exhibits, booze, demonstrations, and live music at the Science Center. Funds raised help ensure free field trip admission for Maryland students and teachers. Maryland Science Center. 8 p.m.-12 a.m. $85. 

6/24: BAZEMORE BANDITS REUNION PARADE
The celebrated local marching band joins several others for a day of footwork, food, and fun at Briscoe Park. Briscoe Park. 12 p.m. 

6/25: GWYNN OAK FOOD & MUSIC FESTIVAL
Spread a blanket in the grass to hear live tunes, and treat your tastebuds to the area’s best eateries in Gwynn Oak. Gwynn Oak Park. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 

6/27: SHANIA TWAIN
Belt your heart out to the country singer’s hits, such as “That Don’t Impress Me Much” and “From This Moment On” at Merriweather. Merriweather Post Pavilion. 7:30 p.m. Prices vary. 

hall we go, or shall we stay?” That’s a question many baby boomers, empty nesters, and those who find their house too big, may be asking themselves. And if the decision is to move, the next question is: What kind of place do you want and where? Do you want a smaller home on one level, one in an over-55 community with lots of activities, or are you thinking ahead and want a place that offers independent living with more care in the future, namely a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC)?

Anyone who thinks that a CCRC is only for “old folks” hasn’t met the Minks. Susan Minks, 75, is a “Senior Poster Child” for Blakehurst, a CCRC located in Towson. “It’s like living in a five-star resort,” says Susan. “Everyone here is happy and helpful, and you could be busy every minute of the day if you want.”

Susan, a Baltimore native, and her husband Tom, 76, were living in a townhouse half the year and in Florida the other half when they decided to return to Baltimore full time. “At that point, we realized it was time to reassess where we were going to live,” Susan explains. “At first, I thought we were too young to go into a CCRC, but then we thought, if one of us gets sick we’d still be on the same campus or maybe in our condo and a CCRC would save our children a lot of trouble later on.”

When the Minks met with Elizabeth O’Connor, the director of marketing and sales at Blakehurst, O’Connor was unbelievably accommodating about everything they asked for and showed them how an apartment could be renovated. They then knew this was the right place. “And the location is perfect—it’s close to Tom’s children, our country club, doctors, and many of our friends,” says Susan. The Minks had the apartment renovated and moved in in January 2022.

“The staff is incredible. The food is excellent. We just had Smith Island cake that was unbelievable. I’m so happy I don’t have to cook. I made one dinner since we’ve been here and it was terrible,” laughs Susan. The vibe at Blakehurst is very positive. The couple participate in many activities. They attend lectures, use the pool, the gym, walk on the private walking path, and meet friends at the bar and for dinner. The residence offers trips, a putting green, transportation to doctors’ appointments, to the grocery store, and so much more. “Tom plays gin rummy two or three times a week and I’ve signed up for a garden plot. There isn’t a party I haven’t been involved in,” says Susan, who is on the party committee and just joined the hospitality committee. “I just love it.”

O’Connor says, “Just like the Minks, other boomers are arriving at Blakehurst earlier than previous generations. They are not waiting for a health scare to move in.

Is a Continuing Care Retirement Community Right for You?
A CCRC is a type of retirement community that is part independent living, part assisted living, and part skilled nursing home. Today, many communities offer memory care, too. And there’s usually rehabilitation therapy on site. All levels of care are on one campus. According to AARP, a CCRC offers a tiered approach to the aging process, accommodating residents’ changing needs. Upon entering, healthy adults can reside independently in single-family homes, apartments, or condominiums. When assistance with everyday activities becomes necessary, they can move into assisted living (sometimes all they might need is extra help in their apartment), memory care, or nursing care facilities. These communities give older adults the option to live in one location for the duration of their life, with much of their future care already figured out.

A Co-op CCRC
Bill and Paula Lecky had lived in their McLean, Virginia, home for 45 years when their children started constantly saying that they should think about moving. That was four years ago. Bill, now 89 and an accomplished architect who has left his mark in Washington, D.C., (he was the architect of record for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the architect of the Korean War Veterans Memorial) says, “I knew I was getting up there in age, and realized maybe we should move, even though Paula at the time was only 76.” With one daughter in Silver Spring and a son in Annapolis, they started their search in Silver Spring, but quickly decided they didn’t want to live there and turned their attention to the Annapolis area.

Bill remembers, “We drove past one community in Annapolis, but said, ‘Keep driving.’” Then they saw Baywoods of Annapolis and wanted to explore further. Besides Baywoods being a CCRC, it’s a resident-owned-and-run co-operative community, where residents provide vital input regarding the operations of the community and have a voice in how it’s run.

“There was one apartment that overlooked the water that interested us. But what really sealed the deal was the woodworking shop.” Bill, who loves making small replicas of animals similar to those made by the Hopi Tribe of the Southwest, was blown away by the shop’s size. “It was five times the size of mine.”

Given Bill’s more than 50 years of experience as an architect, it’s no surprise the couple put a lot of work into making changes to the apartment they bought. They knocked down walls and added lighting, but the most dramatic change was to the porch overlooking the water. “There was a series of windows and doors that we took down and instead put in an eight-foot-high, 14-foot-wide glass door.”

Besides woodworking, Bill makes jewelry and Paula paints. Not gym rats, the Leckys instead prefer taking walks along the water. In addition, Bill has given talks about his years creating the Vietnam Veterans and Korean War Veterans memorials. His architectural expertise has now led to a new gig, consulting with management about future residents’ plans for changes to their apartments. And, oh yes, this busy couple still has time to socialize with their friends at Baywoods.

Rental CCRC
Retia Scott Walker had been an educator for more than 40 years, first at Texas Woman’s University, next at the University of Maryland on the Eastern Shore, and then at the University of Kentucky. Later, her research emphasis was gerontology with a focus on older African Americans, rural elders, older women, and inter-generational issues. In addition, she studied aging in Sweden, Denmark, and the Netherlands.

“When I retired in 2005, my daughter kept asking me to move back to Maryland. For 17 years, I told her I would,” says Walker, who was living in a five-bedroom, three-story home in Kentucky.

“It wasn’t until the pandemic that I felt very lonely and isolated and knew I needed to move. It was funny, one time while visiting my daughter, we took a tour of the Atrium, a CCRC. I told my daughter then; it would be my next home.” In 2022 Walker, now 82, moved to the Atrium.

“While doing my research, I found out how important it is to be part of a community.

That’s what the Atrium provides. Every night I have dinner with the same group. During breakfast it’s open seating and I try to meet new people,” she says. And there are lots of activities at the Atrium. Walker goes to music performances, participates in exercise programs, and goes to lectures. As a matter of fact, she will soon be giving a lecture. Another advantage is that her daughter lives only five blocks away and gets to see Walker several times a week. “I’m very lucky,” she says.

Over 55 Community
Joann Myrland,72, is a semi-retired travel agent. Her husband Paul, 74, is retired. They knew they wanted to move, but the big question was where. “We have a four-bedroom home, and now only use the family room, kitchen, and bedroom, and of course bathrooms,” says Joann, “and I’ve had foot and knee surgery and am tired of the stairs.”

The couple knew they wanted a single-family home with everything on one level, and where there would be no yardwork, all within a 55-plus community. They also had some other requirements. “We have two children who live in Denver and both of us love to travel, so it was very important for an airport be an easy drive,” says Joann. “Other must haves were a clubhouse and activities so we could meet new friends. And if it was near the water, that would be a nice plus.”

They began their search in Delaware, but after realizing how long it would take to get to an airport, it was a no go. “We have made several trips to look at Four Seasons in Kent Island. It really checked off most of our boxes,” says Joann At the time of publication, they had not yet decided.

According to real estate agent Veronica Lawson, an associate broker at Real Broker, LLC, over-55 communities are ready made for people like the Myrlands, for whom physical and emotional wellbeing are key components addressed through clubhouse amenities such as fitness centers and resort-like pools, as well as social clubs that encourage interaction to the degree desired. Most communities also offer walking and bike trails, dog parks, and other outdoor social activities, as well as planned trips to local events such as plays and concerts.

This interaction between neighbors creates a strong sense of community that in turn creates a fun and safe environment. Fifty-five-plus communities are becoming more popular, as many retirees are still very active and looking for engaging communities once retired.

Whatever place someone chooses, O’Connor, the director from Blakehurst, says, “Retirement is a time to continue to engage and maybe even reinvent oneself.”

Your Guide to Regional CCRCs

Looking for the retirement living situation that is just right for you?
Here is our guide to some of the area’s continuing care retirement communities.

Asbury-Solomons Island
11100 Asbury Circle
Solomons, MD 20688
410-205-4501
asbury.org/asbury-solomons

Bayleigh Chase
501 Dutchman’s Lane
Easton, MD 21601
410-673-4405
actsretirement.org/communities/maryland/bayleigh-chase-easton/

BayWoods of Annapolis
7101 Bay Front Drive
Annapolis, MD 21403
410-268-9222
baywoodsofannapolis.com/

Blakehurst
1055 W. Joppa Road
Towson, MD 21204
410-296-2900
Blakehurstlcs.com

Broadmead
13801 York Road
Cockeysville, MD 21030
410-527-1900
broadmead.org

Carroll Lutheran Village
300 St. Luke Circle
Westminster, MD 21158
410-848-0090
clvillage.org

Charlestown Retirement Community
715 Maiden Choice Lane
Catonsville, MD 21228
410-705-7058
ericksonseniorliving.com/charlestown

Edenwald
800 Southerly Road
Towson, MD 21286
410-339-6000
edenwald.org

Fairhaven
7200 Third Avenue
Sykesville, MD 21784
443-300-4047
actsretirement.org/communities/maryland/fairhaven-sykesville/

Ginger Cove Annapolis Life Care
4000 River Crescent Drive
Annapolis, MD 21401
410-266-7300
gingercove.com

Glen Meadows Retirement Community
11630 Glen Arm Road
Glen Arm, MD 21057
410-319-5034
presbyterianseniorliving.org/glen-meadows-retirement-community

Goodwill Retirement Village
891 Dorsey Hotel Road
Grantsville, MD 21536
301-895-5194
goodwillhome.org

Heron Point of Chestertown
501 Campus Avenue
Chestertown, MD 21620
443-214-3556
actsretirement.org/communities/maryland/heron-point-of-chestertown

Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant
9000 Fathers Legacy
Ellicott City, MD 21042
410-465-2005
millersgrant.org

Maryland Masonic Homes
300 International Circle
Cockeysville, MD 21030
410-316-9129
mdmasonichomes.com

Mercy Ridge
2525 Pot Spring Road
Timonium, MD 21093
410-561-0200
mercyridge.com

Mosaic
450 Willow Lakes Drive
Willow Street, PA 17584
888-893-1423
mosaiclancaster.com

North Oaks
725 Mount Wilson Lane
Pikesville, MD 21208
410-602-0318
northoaksseniorliving.com

Oak Crest Village
8800 Walther Boulevard
Parkville, MD 21234
410-469-8053
ericksonseniorliving.com/oak-crest

Roland Park Place
830 W. 40th Street
Baltimore, MD 21211
410-243-5700
rolandparkplace.org

The Residences at Vantage Point
5400 Vantage Point Road
Columbia, MD 21044
888-680-6324
vantagepointresidences.org

The Village at Augsburg
6811 Campfield Road
Baltimore, MD 21207
410-834-4143
thevillageataugsburg.org

Willow Valley Communities
450 Willow Lakes Drive
Willow Street, PA 17584
717-464-6800
WillowValleyCommunities.org

Are you thinking about your next move? Maybe you’re empty nesters and you hardly use half the rooms in your house. Maybe you want to move, but not too far from your kids and grandchildren. Or maybe you’re thinking ahead and want a place that offers independent living with more care in the future. Luckily our area offers plenty of choices.

Purchasing A CCRC
Former astronaut 75-year-old Mary Cleave had a very exciting career. She went into space twice on Atlantis, and worked at NASA-Goddard and NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. “When I went to work at Goddard, my cousin suggested I move to Annapolis,” she says. Cleave lived in her house for 30 years. “I would have kept living there, but one night my hearing aids were out when the low battery on the fire alarm kept beeping, and I never heard it. My sister happened to be visiting and said, ‘You can’t live alone anymore, it isn’t safe.’”

“Since I love the water, I knew I wanted to stay in Annapolis,” she continues. After visiting several communities and talking to people at each, Cleave decided on Bay-Woods of Annapolis, a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).

“In the morning I sit and watch the sunrise over the Bay Bridge. . .”

Cleave moved in 2017. What attracted her to BayWoods is that it is a resident-owned-and-run co-operative community where residents provide vital input on operations. (In Maryland there are only two co-op CCRCs.) Also a must for Cleave was that it was pet-friendly. “I think for people who live alone, a pet is very important,” says Cleave, who lives with her dog Brinx.

“In the morning I sit and watch the sunrise over the Bay Bridge,” says Cleave, who has a one-bedroom with a patio. “It’s a great way to start the day.” Although downsizing can be difficult, Cleave found getting rid of a lot of her stuff to be liberating. And when she has company, she reserves a guestroom at BayWoods.

Elizabeth O’Conner, director of marketing and sales at Blakehurst, says, “Today’s residents are very active.” A gym is a must-have, and many CCRCs have more than equipment and classes. They may offer trainers, indoor pools, hot tubs, steam rooms, walking trails, a putting green—even gardens where residents can grow flowers and vegetables.

BayWoods has plenty of activities and amenities, some unique to that community, such as swimming in the bay off their dock. Cleave says, “With the gym right here, I take classes three times a week and do tai chi once a week. And Brinx, my ‘trainer,’ makes sure we get out and walk,” laughs Cleave.

Is a CCRC Right For You?
A CCRC is a type of retirement community that is part independent living, part assisted living, and part skilled nursing home. Today, many communities offer memory care too, and on-site rehabilitation therapy. According to AARP, a CCRC offers a tiered approach to the aging process, accommodating residents’ changing needs. Upon entering, healthy adults can reside independently in single-family homes, apartments, or condominiums. When assistance with everyday activities becomes necessary, they can move into assisted living, memory care, or nursing care facilities. These communities give older adults the option to live in one location for the duration of their lives, with much of their future care already figured out.

“I came in needing a walker, graduated to a cane and, thanks to the in-house physical therapy, I now need nothing.”

When you choose a facility, it’s also important to know what type of contract it offers. These contracts can be very complex; treat this decision like you would any major investment, including seeking assistance from a lawyer or someone very knowledgeable. In addition, you should determine that the finances of the CCRC are healthy so that your present and future services are safeguarded.

Ray, 83, and Phoebe Sachs, 80, are no strangers to moving. “We’ve lived in New York, Chicago, Delaware, D.C., and moved about 10 or 12, times,” says Ray. While living in a Baltimore condo, with their three children living all over the country, the couple decided a CCRC would give them the future security they wanted. Their children agreed.

“We are very active and decided we’d make the move while we could participate in the activities and be part of the community,” says Ray. After checking out several CCRCs, they chose Blakehurst. “It had what we wanted—care if we need it, attractive surroundings, lots of activities including woodworking (where my wife is the only woman), walking trails, and we were able to make changes to the apartment.”

Making changes was very important to Phoebe, who was a builder and does interior design. “We made our second bedroom into a library and totally redid the kitchen,” she says. “We can cook, but they do such a remarkable job with the food and it’s so convenient, we don’t.”

“Our new appliances aren’t getting much of a workout,” admits Ray.

Typically, residents in independent living get at least one meal a day. In assisted living, memory care, and nursing, there are three meals provided. “At BayWoods the food is fabulous and healthy,” says Cleave. “I’m eating better than I ever did. And I don’t have to think about what I’m going to make for dinner, shop for it, and cook it.” Many CCRCs offer a variety of dining options beyond a dining room, including informal choices such as a café, bistro, deli, or pub. Some even have outdoor dining.

A Rental CCRC
Kathryn Lewis, age 72 and retired from working for the State of Maryland, was living with her son and his family. But after she had a knee replacement and ended up in rehab, she knew she could not return to her son’s house and its stairs. “The staff at the rehab facility suggested I consider moving to the Atrium Village in Owings Mills,” she says. Lewis moved there in 2021.

“I came in needing a walker, graduated to a cane and, thanks to the in-house physical therapy, I now need nothing. What was so great was that I didn’t need to leave Atrium Village and didn’t need family to take me to therapy,” says Lewis. As an ordained minister, Lewis loves volunteering at Atrium Village and doing activities: Bible study, choir, trivia, happy hour, movies, games, discussions, and exercise classes including Zumba and yoga.

At Atrium Village there are no entry or buy-in fees, or a commitment of retirement assets, as with most senior living communities. The cost of an apartment, dining options, all activities, fitness, housekeeping, and other services is included in a monthly lease.

Atrium Village has independent, assisted, and memory care. And it just underwent a $13 million renovation. Angela Spence, senior divisional director of sales and marketing for Senior Lifestyle, the company that manages Atrium Village, was involved in the renovation. According to Spence, the multimillion-dollar renovation is part of a 20-year anniversary transformation to create a next generation senior living experience.

“There are still some people who think of senior living communities as nursing homes. We need to overcome that stigma. Since COVID and with the renovation, our goal is to have programs that help residents get back into life and find a purpose. Living well is all about having a purpose,” says Spence.

Anyone visiting many of today’s CCRCs would never think of them as nursing homes. Many who live there say it’s like living on a cruise ship; it just doesn’t move.

Part of the renovation at Atrium Village included an array of new services and upscale amenities. In addition to two restaurant-style dining venues, there are two new bistros, a library, wellness center, salon, art studio, hospitality lounge, movie theater, and family center.

Happy hour is also big at many CCRCs. Spence says, “We added more happy hours after the residents requested them.”

Many of the CCRCs have continuing education. At BayWoods there are lectures given by neighboring St. John’s College scholars. Atrium Village partners with the Community College of Baltimore County to offer instructor-led classes.

CCRCs arrange trips, art classes and, yes, the list of activities and amenities goes on and on. But don’t worry, you can be as active as you want, or if you prefer a quieter experience, you can have that too. It’s all up to you.

An Over-55 Community
The Weidmans, Hope, 70, and Tim, 69, were no strangers to life at a 55-and-over community. They had lived in one in New Jersey for seven years and loved it. “When I retired after 38 years of teaching, we decided to move to a place that would be fun. A 55-and-over community fits the bill,” says Hope.

But trips to visit their son and his family in Virgina became too much. “So we started looking. We checked out Delaware, Virginia, and Maryland. When we visited Four Seasons on Kent Island it was everything we wanted.” There were single-family units and condos, walking trails, a pool, pickleball, and, best of all, there were other people their age for socializing. The Weidmans moved into a two-bedroom, two-and-half-bath home with a den and screened-in porch in 2021.

According to Veronica Lawson, an associate broker at Real Broker, LLC, these communities are ready-made for like-minded individuals for whom physical and emotional well-being are key.
Things like social activities and planned trips to local events create a strong sense of community that in turn create a fun and safe environment. Fifty-five-plus communities are becoming more and more popular as many healthy retirees look for active communities once retired.

And for some, buying before they retire is part of their long-range retirement plan. That was true for Gamini Dharmasena, 62, and his wife Desilva, 59, both scientists living in New Jersey. “We aren’t planning to retire for five years but thought prices would only keep going up. For my wife, who grew up in Sri Lanka, being by the water was a must. We checked out several places on the East Coast but were afraid of hurricanes in North Carolina,” says Gamini.

After filling out information online for Four Season on Kent Island, they got a call from a realtor. They visited and fell in love with the area and were attracted to a 55-plus active community with lots of activities and opportunities to be social.

The Dharmasenas purchased a single family, 3,500-square-foot home with the master bedroom on the first floor and a screened-in porch. It backs on trees and is a five-minute walk to the water. “Our 5,000-square-foot home on five acres is a lot to look after. When we retire, we’ll be ready to downsize,” says Gamini. Plus, they love to travel and won’t have to worry about the house. For now, the Dharmasenas plan to use it as a vacation home twice a month until it becomes their permanent home.

 

To learn more about retirement options check out these helpful websites:
• aging.maryland.gov
• continuingcarecommunities.org
• aarp.org/caregiving/basics
• seniorliving.org/continuing-careretirement-communities

We spend a lot of time focusing on gender equality issues (gender discrimination, equal pay, and sexual harassment, to name a few), but in honor of Women’s History Month, spend some time looking back at our local and national history and reflect on how women of the past paved the way for future generations of female change-makers.

Women’s History Month at the B&O
March 1-31. Throughout Women’s History Month, visit this downtown museum to learn about the history of women’s involvement in the railroad industry and how they helped to construct the B&O Railroad. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St. Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free.

Conjure Woman: Faith Healers, Hoodoo, and Spirituality
March 2. Spend the afternoon exploring the history of conjure women in the black community, featuring a discussion and lecture about the roots of the mystical tradition. The Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St. 1 p.m. Free-$8.

Celebrating Lillie May Carroll Jackson
March 7. In a partnership with the Walters Art Museum and Morgan State University, ceramic works by Robert Lugo featuring portraits of prominent Baltimore civil rights leader Lillie May Carroll Jackson and her daughter Juanita Jackson Mitchell will be on display at 1 West Mount Vernon Place. Attend this special talk to hear from experts at the Walters about the life and legacy of these two women. Lillie May Carroll Jackson Museum, 1320 Eutaw Pl. 6:30-7:15 p.m. Free.

Women Artists in Antiquity
March 10. Hear Patrick Crowley, assistant professor of art history at the University of Chicago, give a thought-provoking lecture about contributions from female artists of antiquity. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St. 2-3:30 p.m. Free.

Maryland Women Through History
March 15. Presented by the Maryland Historical Society, this afternoon program examines the lives of historical local women from colonial times through the 20th century, with a special emphasis on Baltimore socialite Elizabeth Patterson Bonaparte. Enoch Pratt Free Library, 1303 Orleans St. 1 p.m. Free.

Women of the Wine World
March 28. Learn about how the centuries-old world of wine was shaped by women, and take notes on prominent female winemakers who continue to produce some of the most sought-after bottles of reds and whites. Bin 604, 604 S. Exeter St. 6-8 p.m. $10.

Women in Maryland
March 31. From spies and detectives to suffragists, local author Lauren Silberman will share her research on some of the Old Line State’s most noteworthy women. B&O Ellicott City Station Museum, 3711 Maryland Ave., Ellicott City. 3 p.m. $12.