Greenspring	UPDATED: Friday, October 03, 2008
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Crusader for change

Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2008

By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

Spearheading a movement to bring a second Erickson community to northern Virginia, Chair of the Loudoun County Commission on Aging, Charlotte Nurge, will be among the first to move to Ashby Ponds when the community opens its doors this month.

Fulfilling an important need
“Our senior population is growing,” says Nurge. “We are witnessing the coming of age of the baby boomers. Yet all of the new housing being built in the area is so big—perfect for younger families, but not for those of us who are getting older. I am almost 87 years old and recognize that my needs are changing. By opening Ashby Ponds, Erickson affords me the opportunity to have my needs met right where I live. And that is a first for Loudoun County.”

As Chair of the Loudoun County Commission on Aging, Nurge asked the board of supervisors to consider bringing an Erickson community to Loudoun, one of the fastest growing counties in the nation. “Our goal is to meet senior need—all of us,” says Nurge. “Ashby Ponds was something we really needed. I thought it was a necessity, so I brought that information to the board of supervisors.”

Living among friends
Not only does Nurge feel that Ashby Ponds is important to the Loudoun County population, she also feels it is the right place for her. “I’m most looking forward to a new challenge, new experiences. I have lived on my own for 32 years. Having lived by myself for so long, I feel that it’s easier to live in an environment filled with people.

“Over the last year, I have met many of my soon-to- be-new neighbors. Two of my dear friends are also moving to Ashby Ponds, as are other friends I have known for quite a while. It really is remarkable.”

In addition to the friends she has already made, Nurge looks forward to making many new ones.

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“I visited Ashby Ponds for a luncheon over the summer,” says Nurge. “A couple came in and sat down at my table, and we started talking. Rather quickly, the woman and I discovered that we had both worked in the same Fairfax County school together 52 years ago. We didn’t recognize each other, but after so many years, to sit down with someone you worked with so long ago is really startling.”

Words of advice
In her position on the Commission of Aging, people continually ask Nurge why she has chosen Ashby Ponds and why she feels so strongly about the lifestyle Erickson provides.

“I tell anyone who asks to come to Ashby Ponds and see it for themselves,” says Nurge. “My philosophy is try it—you’ll like it. It’s a wonderful experience to see an Erickson community in person. I can’t see how anyone wouldn’t be taken in by how well the people live together. For me, I visited Greenspring, and it was a great example of what life would be like at Ashby Ponds.”

Even after making the decision to move to Ashby Ponds, Nurge continued to visit the site to ask questions and continue the learning process. “Erickson really goes a long way in helping prepare for your move,” says Nurge. “Ashby Ponds has hosted a variety of informative meetings providing helpful moving information.

“I feel any visit to campus is also an opportunity to ask questions and to become acquainted with the community and new neighbors. The staff at Ashby Ponds is great. They are all very open with everybody, answering questions, and always being very helpful.”

Grand opening, new beginnings
Attending this month’s grand opening, Nurge couldn’t be happier about what lies ahead not only for herself, but for the older population in Loudoun County.

“We never cease to learn in our lives,” she says. “Meeting and making new friends—that’s really what life is all about. And Ashby Ponds is a great place to do that. Most seniors have lived through so many different things from depression to war. We’ve learned a lot, and we’ve learned that having good friends always helps out.”