Erickson Tribune

Greenspring

UPDATED: Friday, October 03, 2008

Ashby Ponds opens its doors

Posted on Wednesday, October 01, 2008
 

By Kelly A. Shue
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

After more than a year of planning, preparing, and building, Ashby Ponds officially opens its doors Thursday, October 2 to a fanfare of festivities. Almost 600 community members, Erickson staff, and local politicians come together to celebrate this important milestone.

Something remarkable
As guests arrive they are escorted to a large tent in front of the Cardinal Clubhouse to witness the opening ceremonies and enjoy the welcoming music of a barbershop quartet. Monitors continually run a DVD illustrating the various stages of construction as well as unique Ashby Ponds events from the last year. Next,  Executive Director David Gallagher addresses the crowd.

“The grand opening is a wonderful opportunity for current and future residents, the employees of Ashby Ponds, and all of our partners to celebrate the genesis of something truly remarkable—a place where people will come together and share their gifts and talents to literally create a community,” he says.

“Ashby Ponds isn’t just about beautiful facilities, convenient services, improved financial and physical security, and successful aging—it is about living better and continuing to make a difference in the world around you,” Gallagher continues, the crowd’s enthusiasm building. “Our residents and employees have so much to offer, and a community like Ashby Ponds is a place where people matter. Therefore, this is not a dedication of a building; it is a celebration of a community and a new lifestyle available in Loudoun County.” The crowd applauds.

Getting the party started
Following the opening ceremony, guests proceed to the Cardinal Clubhouse to enjoy a delicious, gourmet-style meal prepared by Erickson’s top chefs including beef tenderloin and grilled salmon. Members of Heritage High School Jazz Choir, from Leesburg, Va., perform their most spectacular numbers.


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Guests are invited to walk through the clubhouse for an up-close-and-personal look at the world-class amenities community members will enjoy including an all-season swimming pool, computer lab, classrooms, and two restaurants.

“I’m really looking forward to all the new activities,” says Julia Ferguson who moved to Ashby Ponds with her husband, Tom, from Centreville, Va. “I can’t wait to learn how to play pool. I’ve never played, but I’m really looking forward to learning. I also love to swim, and I’m so excited that I’ll have a swimming pool right down the hall.”

“Our new apartment home is going to be right next to this clubhouse,” says Gayna Dunsmore who is moving to Ashby Ponds with her husband, Emmett, and dog, Kassee Joy, from Oak Hill, Va. “We’ll be able to look out at the gym, and I want to be one of the first one’s out there.”

Answer to a prayer
For many Ashby Ponds first community members, this is a dream come true.

“When I heard that Erickson was coming to the area I said, ‘Alleluia,’” says Mary Terry.

“Prior to hearing about Ashby Ponds I looked at Greenspring and really loved it, but I live in Herndon, Va., and it just seemed so far,” says Jane Catron. “Once I heard Erickson was coming to Loudoun County, I, too, said ‘Alleluia.’”

Making new friends
For others, the opening of Ashby Ponds is the beginning of a new chapter in their lives—one where new friends and new activities will take center stage.

“We have been so anxious for Ashby Ponds to open,” says Mrs. Dunsmore. “It’s going to be so much fun getting to know all our new neighbors. And because we will all be new together, it should be easy to become acquainted.”

Tom Ferguson agrees. “As you start talking with people, you quickly discover the variety of expertise and experiences everyone has,” he says. “It’s amazing. Sharing these experiences will be invigorating and stimulating.”

Looking ahead
Now that Ashby Ponds is officially open, new community members eager to  put their own unique stamp on this developing community continue to move in. Ultimately, what Ashby Ponds becomes will be a result of their contributions from the creation of new clubs, groups, and activities.

“We have a number of active years ahead of us, and we want to make the most of all that Ashby Ponds has to offer,” says future community member Roger Cole from Lake of the Woods, Va. “I’m still working on the side and want to continue that, and my wife, Patricia, is an artist and wants to continue doing that, too. We are so excited that we’ll be able to do it all at Ashby Ponds.”



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