By Tom Mackie
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE
When founder John Erickson created the first maintenance-free Erickson community in 1983, Charlestown in Catonsville, Md., he insisted on developing an environment where residents were treated like they were on vacation. Not simply so they could relax and enjoy life after years of hard work and sacrifice, but also so they could pursue their passions and hobbies, and have the opportunity to continue to expand on their minds.
That’s why when you visit an Erickson community like Ann’s Choice you’ll see that the September “Back-to-School” concept is a year-round experience. With climate-controlled walkways that allow residents to go anywhere on campus without having to step outside during the winter months, they can enthusiastically partake in a myriad of activities every month of the year—many of these are new experiences that they never had time to engage in before.
“Just take a look around,” says Donna Donohue, Ann’s Choice retirement counselor, “we’ve got some of the most talented people anywhere. Residents are creating everything from chairs, tables, and bookshelves in the woodshop, to beautiful paintings and pottery in the creative arts studio; and taking all kinds of classes on music, computers, philosophy, you name it.”
Activities and Learning—Part of the Culture
Last month The Erickson Tribune featured two great artists from Ann’s Choice— George Wyllie and Richard Grochowski—who spent a year meticulously creating a detailed model of Ann’s Choice Village Clubhouse. Both relied on the knowhow and experience of one another, as well as amenities like the creative arts studio, the woodshop, and the computer room, to develop this truly original work of art.
As George noted then, the fact that he and Richard lived in such a carefree environment helped provide them with the time and resources to make it all happen.