March 2017

Annual Anniversary Luncheon Honors Long-Term Staff Members ~ by Barb Brannon

Each January we hold an Anniversary Luncheon for staff who have completed 5, 10 or 15 years of service

at Falcons Landing. This year it was held in the Ballroom at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 24. Each of the honorees

received a lapel pin and an engraved keepsake: a pen for 5 years, a crystal clock for 10 years and a watch

for 15 years.

For the first time, we had 16 employees who had been at Falcons Landing for 20 years–ever since the com-

munity opened. Deciding on an appropriate gift for 20 years of service was a big challenge. Hardy Lister

and Bob Besserer jokingly proposed a car or a cruise (they were among those honored), but that was far

more than the budget would bear. We finally decided that for 20 years, the gift would be $300 and an extra

day off every year from this year on. It was a very welcome gift!

A record 52 employees reached a milestone this year, and there were many fami-

ly members there to celebrate with them. HT Johnson and I each said a few

words about the positive impact our excellent staff has on resident quality of life

and the community’s success. And then, after our scrumptious lunch, each hon-

oree came up to receive the anniversary gift, a Falcons Landing pin with years of

service and a certificate. We were so fortunate to have Kirsten Holman on hand

to take photographs, and family members snapped many more.

I also celebrated my 10th anniversary, which posed a minor problem. I could

hardly present myself with the award and thought the best way to handle it

would be to quietly collect my clock after the ceremony. Imagine my surprise

when HT stepped in to do the honors. It was the perfect solution! HT was chair-

man of the AFROC Board of Directors when I came to Falcons Landing, and

now at the luncheon, he is president of the Residents’ Council. I was surprised!

I didn’t think of that, and I’m very glad he did.

HT Johnson, Sandi Hall, Barb Brannon, 17 honorees, Maria Turcios, Paula Perla, Luis Hernandez, Doris Cruz, Maria Alvarez, Joselito

Sunga, Ercilia Elias, Bob Besserer, Rosa Quintero, Hardy Lister, Glendeen Martin, Jose Vendiola, Roberto Rocha, Brian Woods, Santos

Castillo, Fausto Toledo, Donna Cassani, Evans Nguyen

HT Johnson,

10 YR ANNIVERSARIES:

Barb Brannon, Fred Simpson

PAGE 2 FALCONS LANDING NEWS

HT Johnson, Barb Brannon, Elly Cho, Hardy Lister, Donna McKernin

HT Johnson, Barb Brannon, Dave Curran, Marcel Hopkins, Joan Sweeney, Donna Cassani, Michele Zimmer-Forster, Tiffany Plante

HT Johnson, Barb Brannon, Sandi Hall, Lauren Sims Waters-Jones, Koutouan Assande, Llena Sta. Ana, Jahangir Alam, Ananata Kamara,

Anjelina Oneka

HT Johnson, Barb Brannon, John Jackson Wendy Bailey, Ercilia Elias, David Puente, Jose Perez Gomez, Rhina Sandoval Verciano, Dante

Grayson, Maria Reyes

HT Johnson, Barb Brannon, Bob Besserer, Esmeralda Bonilla, Wilfredo Ochoada, Elsa Quintanilla, Jeffrey Potter, Estelita Atienza, Dominador

Espiridion, Amanda Morales, Eduviges Yanes, Santos Rivera, Mike Bustos, Maria Portillo

MARCH 2017

FALCONS LANDING NEWS PAGE 3

Results of the January 2017 Newsletter Survey

More than 75 of our readers took the time to provide the Editorial

Board of the Falcons Landing News with comments and suggestions

about our monthly publication. We believe the survey results are a

representative sample of the opinions of our residents that will pro-

vide us with helpful guidance and ideas for future issues.

Clearly, the most popular sections of the newsletter are those that

introduce new residents and stories by and about current residents

and the activities we enjoy.

Of those responding, 90 percent wrote that the length of the newsletter was “just right.”

The Editorial Board appreciates your responses and encouragement.

President’s 2016 Annual Achievement Award

David Puente is the 2016 President’s

Achievement Award Annual recipient! Da-

vid has been with Falcons Landing since Oc-

tober 2011. In August 2016, he received the

Monthly Presidents Achievement Award af-

ter a resident nominated him for his exper-

tise, commitment to excellence, and profes-

sional service. As the Annual winner, David

received a dedicated employee of the year

parking place, $300, a certificate of achieve-

ment and a crystal falcon to commemorate

the honor.

Here is an excerpt from his nomination:

“On a recent Saturday, the HVAC system was totally disabled in our apartment. With the weather reports

of extreme heat we knew we had a serious problem. We

called the reception desk and David arrived in less than 15

minutes. When we explained the situation he said he was

sure he knew what was wrong, immediately tackled the

problems, and had us back in business quickly. His on the

spot expertise was really impressive! But that’s not all…

before he left his shift on Saturday he returned to our apart-

ment to check on the status and make sure all was working

correctly, telling us he would check again Saturday morn-

ing… stopping by morning, noon, and just before shift com-

pletion on Sunday. His caring approach, making sure we

understood what went wrong and what he did to fix it in a

language we could easily understand went a long way to ease

our concerns. He is a winner!”

Peter Plante, David Puente,

John Jackson, Wendy Bailey

MARCH 2017

MARCH 2017 FALCONS LANDING NEWS

~ by HT Johnson

The Residents’ Council held its February meeting in the Wellness Center Meeting Room.

The residents who attended were able to ask questions and participate in the discussions;

they add immensely to your Council’s discussions. We trust that more residents will at-

tend our meetings and add to your Council’s support of all residents.

The Falcons Landing website’s Resident Portal continues to improve and provide access

to virtually all information about events, dining, directories of residents and staff, depart-

ment and committee contacts and minutes of Council meetings. With your support and

continuing use, the Portal will continue to improve in supporting all of our needs.

We are fortunate that Falcons Landing’s Benevolence Fund has sufficient resources to help residents who

have difficulty in paying their Falcons Landing bills. The Falcons Landing contract has specific language

that a resident will not have to leave Falcons Landing because of financial inability to pay monthly fees. To

qualify for financial assistance, residents must have substantially exhausted all of their assets. Unfortunate-

ly, when we are in need, our “PRIDE” often prevents us from asking for assistance. If you find that you tru-

ly need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Hardy Lister.

We continue to receive worthwhile suggestions in the Mail Room Suggestion Box. Working with Manage-

ment, we have been able to find solutions to most problems or recommendations that are submitted, or alter-

natives to all of them. Also, Council members continue to receive residents’ suggestions and requests. You

can be certain that the Council reviews all of them. Although we are not always able to adopt or implement

the solution desired, Management (and residents) benefit immensely from your feedback. It is always im-

pressive and gratifying when our CEO, during her monthly “At Ease” sessions, addresses issues that have

been offered by residents at HEARings, via the Suggestion Box or passed directly to a Council member.

For example, some residents had difficulty keeping the trash room door open while they place trash in the

containers. Without delay, Maintenance installed magnetic door holders similar to those in the storage

rooms. Now, the trash room door only has to be opened fully, and the magnetic holder will keep it open. Of

course, we have to release the door as we leave.

At The Johnson Center and West Falls recent HEARings, we were able to attract many family members who

offered insights that have been helpful to Management. The residents and their families gained valuable in-

formation from the discussions.

We will use the Council Corner for other members of the Council to address issues in their areas of interest

and liaison assignments. In April, Hazel Plummer will address assisted living and nursing care in The John-

son Center and assisted living at West Falls. In the June Council Corner, Jim Hardy will cover details of the

Fire and Rescue Fund Drive.

YOUR RESIDENTS’ COUNCIL WILL LISTEN, SERVE AND SUPPORT YOU!

PAGE 4

The Annual Christmas Sale ~ by Roma Wilson

A White House Historical Society representative participated at November’s Annual Christmas

Sale. A total of 80 ornaments were sold at a discounted price of $20 each. The Society donated

the profit of $320 to our Benevolence Fund. Due to your support, it was a win-win event!

FALCONS LANDING NEWS

Book Review: Candice Millard’s Hero of The Empire

~ by Russ Ray

Could there possibly be yet another book published about Winston Churchill? Yes.

Here is a new one by the author who previously wrote interesting tales of Teddy Roo-

sevelt and James Garfield. Just as in The River of Doubt and Destiny of The Republic,

Millard focuses on a specific and relatively unknown period in the life of the protago-

nist.

Many of us first think of Sir Winston as the bigger-than-life figure during Word War

II. World War I buffs may recall a darker chapter of his during the Battle of Gallipoli.

This book artfully covers a less known time in his life -- The Second Boer War. What

emerges during the telling is insight about Sir Winston’s character.

As a young boy, Winston had confessed to his brother that his ambition was “to gain a

reputation for personal courage.” Craving attention and action, at age 21 he signs on as a military observer

and heads off to Cuba during the Spanish- American War.

Upon his return to England, Churchill runs for and is defeated in a local election. His pursuit of glory con-

tinues and his attention turns to new theaters of war. He is witness to conflict in British India and the de-

serts of Sudan, yet he comes home each time without the medals he so covets. Southern Africa beckons.

The Second Boer War is underway. Largely Dutch-speaking settlers, the Boers had been living in south-

ern Africa for centuries and were not about to let the British Empire take their land without a fight.

Winston seeks the help of influential friends for a military officer’s appointment. He fails. Because of his

reputation as an extraordinary writer, he is sought-after by several newspaper publishers, notwithstanding

that the field was crowded with legendary writers like Rudyard Kipling and Arthur Conan Doyle. He set-

tles for a job as a war correspondent with the Morning Post, purchases what seemed to him the necessities

of war (including a case of 10-year- old scotch and 18 bottles of St-Emilion) and sails off to Cape Town

and Transvaal. He sees the journey as a “great and romantic enterprise.”

His escapades that follow will qualify Winston as the hero he strived to be. He is 25 years of age. Few

will question his leadership or his bravery. When the Boers attack and derail a British armored train, it is

the non-combatant, Winston, who takes charge amidst the surrounding carnage. With few lives remaining,

he and others are forced to surrender.

When the Boers realized that they had captured the son of Lord Randolph Churchill, a former Chancellor

of the Exchequer and a member of the British aristocracy, they were thrilled. Confinement follows. He

escapes from prison in Pretoria. How he manages by himself is a testimony to his resolve. His escape

passage to freedom alone makes this book worth reading.

Travel Notice

A group of 20 Falcons Landing Residents ended February by embarking from Baltimore on

Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas for a nine-night cruise. This year’s Annual Falcons

Landing Winter Cruise took the group on a new itinerary, with stops in Charleston, SC, Port

Canaveral and Miami, FL, and several islands in the Bahamas before the scheduled March 6

return to Baltimore.

Now that the end of winter is nearing, it’s time to begin thinking about summer and fall trips. Travel

Agent Andy Lunt will be in the Ballroom for a travel meeting to explore options on Thursday, March 23, at

11:00. Join him to learn how you can enjoy traveling with a group of Falcons Landing friends.

MARCH 2017 PAGE 5

PAGE 6 FALCONS LANDING NEWS MARCH 2017

Our Ballroom Now Features Classical Performances ~ by Harold Wilson

On Thursday, Jan. 5, the Performing Arts Committee (PAC) presented a recorded

New York Metropolitan Opera House performance of Madame Butterfly. A few eve-

nings later the BBC production “Hamlet” was featured. Both drew large appreciative

audiences.

Feedback from our residents to both performances has been very positive. Both

presentations are considered to be “tragedies”; they were the subject of many dinner

conversations in the days following the showings. A PAC representative stated that

the committee is taking advantage of the new Ballroom “streaming” technology to

bring in a variety of performances not previously available to our residents. The

PAC has subscribed to the databases of both the New York Met and Broadway shows.

Additionally, the committee plans to offer presentation of the top five operas as well as the top five

Shakespearean plays during the next few months. Aida was shown on Feb. 8, and Shakespeare’s

“Macbeth” on Feb. 21. The March schedule includes Carmen and “Mid Summer Nights Dream.”

The classical performances are designed to complement the Broadway show series that will continue: In

January, residents enjoyed “Cats,” and in February, from London’s West End, it was “Live With Billy El-

liott” that was nominated for ten Tony awards. In March, “Phantom of the Opera” from London will be

shown.

Editor’s note: If you haven’t yet attended any of these highly entertaining Ballroom presentations, you’re

missing some memorable performances. As chairman of the Residents Activities Committee and a mem-

ber of the Performing Arts Committee, Harold deserves our thanks for his initiatives that take full ad-

vantage of the Ballroom’s huge high-definition screen and its state-of-the-art sound system.

President’s Achievement Award

January 2017

Maria Hernandez was the President’s Achievement Award winner for

January 2017! Maria has been at Falcons Landing since May 2002. She

was nominated by a resident who appreciated her compassionate care and

comfort during an emergency. Here is an excerpt from her nomination:

“I ask that Maria be recognized for her selfless act of coming to my aid

when I was in great distress in the JC mailroom last Saturday. I bent

down to pick up a piece of paper I had dropped and my hip became dislo-

cated. I was in extreme pain and did not have my phone to call for help.

She stayed with me and physically and spiritually supported me until the

Sterling Fire & Rescue team arrived. Without her help, I do not know

what I would have done. I will not soon forget her compassionate aid.”

Congratulations to Maria on being our President’s Achievement Award Winner for January 2017!

FALCONS LANDING NEWS

“I Was There from the Start” ~ by Phil Walsh

These are the words we heard from Maj. Gen. Bob “Rosie” Ros-

enberg, USAF (Ret.), as he began telling us the history of the Na-

tional Reconnaissance Office (NRO) at the Gathering on Feb. 9.

And, indeed, for well over an hour, Rosie recounted a unique and

riveting story to his fellow Falcons Landing residents about our

nation’s efforts over a period of 65 years to develop and deploy the

most ambitious and technologically advanced space-based recon-

naissance systems ever conceived – a story shrouded in utmost se-

crecy by the U.S. Government for most of those 65 years. Rosie

told that story from the perspective of a dedicated Air Force of-

ficer who actually lived it much of his 30-year career and who,

over those many years, was personally responsible for many NRO

mission successes.

We were joined in the Ballroom for Rosie’s NRO presentation by

Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, author of “The Spy Who Couldn’t Spell,” a

recently published true story about a traitor who stole thousands of

NRO photos and intelligence reports to sell to our enemies, the

subject of the subsequent Gathering on Feb. 16, Mr. Bhattacharjee

was accompanied by his wife, Jen Damascio.

As told by Rosie, the impetus for developing breakthrough U.S. reconnaissance capabilities, and subsequently

establishing the NRO, was the launch of the Russian Sputnik satellite system in 1957. Despite immense tech-

nical challenges and almost equally daunting bureaucratic obstacles, the long-term U.S. response eventually

achieved worldwide, space-based land and sea surveillance capabilities. It is truly a remarkable story of

American ingenuity and technical prowess.

The successes of programs like CORONA,

SAMOS, MIDAS, GAMBIT, and HEXA-

GON were all the direct result of the dedica-

tion, skill, and perseverance of a cadre of

military and civilian space engineers who

are unsung heroes in the annals of U.S. mili-

tary history. Rosie pointed out that many of

these distinguished government servants did

or still do reside at Falcons Landing – peo-

ple named were Lew Allen, Bob Geiger,

Paul Kaminski, Bruce Brown, Richard

Picanso, Howard Schue; Jack Chain and,

of course, someone worthy of special recog-

nition and thanks, Rosie’s wonderful wife of

almost 60 years, Marge.

Thank you, Rosie, for such a superb history

lesson – and for your life-long dedication to

making the work of the NRO truly the pride

of a grateful nation and the envy of the world.

MARCH 2017 PAGE 7

Bill Hilsman, Marge & Rosie Rosenberg,

Mr. Bhattacharjee, Jen Damascio

PAGE 8 FALCONS LANDING NEWS MARCH 2017

I Remember When. . . Going to Berlin ~ by Mick Trainor

Gretchen Greene’s account in the February issue

about living in Soviet dominated Berlin in the late

1940s reminds me of fraught, but happier days of the

1970s. Berlin was still in the Soviet sector, but every

day, the United States exercised its right of access,

confirmed by the Berlin Airlift. to run a train into the

city from Frankfurt in the Western zone. It was

strictly governed by Cold War protocol.

Peggy and I, on vacation in Europe with three little

daughters, signed up for the ride. Our accommoda-

tions for the eastward journey were most comfortable

in an elegant pre-World War II German train. There

was nothing unusual about the trip until we reached

Potsdam on the outskirts of Berlin. Here a politico-

diplomatic kabuki dance took place. A detail of Sovi-

et and East German inspectors accompanied by

American MPs would board the train to inspect pass-

ports before we debouched in Berlin.

We were instructed to recognize only the Russian

authorities and not the illegitimate East Germans. It

was a routine carried out on the daily trip without incident. The only odd aspect was being told to draw the

blinds in our coach until we had passed trough the checkpoint.

Needless to say, this was a torment for three little girls who

ached to know what was hidden beyond the forbidden win-

dows. So they peeked out to see the track lined at intervals with

young Russian soldiers at rigid attention with submachine guns

at the ready.

Knowing nothing of the Cold War, they waved to the soldiers

and unsuccessfully tried to elicit a reaction. No matter how they

tried- waving, making faces, etc., the Ivan directly in front of

our carriage remained resolute and stoic, a menacing statue.

The protocol of passage completed, our

train huffed, puffed and resumed its way

to Berlin. The girls wildly waved good-

bye to the disciplined soldier on the

tracks as we moved on. Then to the sur-

prise of all, he surreptitiously grinned and

waved back to three little American girls

as they passed from sight.

So much for the Cold War.

PAGE 9 FALCONS LANDING NEWS MARCH 2017

The Residents Activities Committee Knows How to Party! ~ by Linda B. Childs

Recently it was noted that the Resident Activity Committee (RAC) really knows how to party! But with

whose money? THE STORE’S!

Everyone loves ice cream. I know, because Bob Besserer told me we eat $27,910 worth of ice cream annu-

ally; that’s 12 gallons a day! Probably you already knew that, because one of our favorite RAC activities is

our Annual Ice Cream Social where we delight in just about every flavor of ice cream and a dozen different

toppings. Who supports this spectacular? THE STORE!

Many residents also attend RAC shows performed by our Falcons Landing Players. The show not only

takes talent, but also a couple of greenbacks. And who supplies that? THE STORE, OF COURSE!

Have you ever attended a RAC Free Spirits event? No? That’s because you probably are still lucky enough

to be half of a couple. Our “single” folk enjoy a fabulous Christmas party every year. And

who helps make this evening even more fabulous? THE STORE, OF COURSE!

And each year on Oct. 31, many of us parade around in silly, scary costumes. Who pays for

the Halloween decorations at this RAC-sponsored party? THE STORE, OF COURSE!

Then there are many add-ons bought by THE STORE --- ping-pong balls, automatic card

shufflers and pool volleyball beach balls, to mention a few.

So where do all the thanks go? TO THE STORE, OF COURSE!

Thank you Joanne Sullivan, Marina Hambric and the devoted crew of THE STORE!

Editor’s note: The Editorial Board of the Falcons Landing News joins Linda in thanking the volunteers of The Store

and our residents who donate so many salable items.

Library Notes ~ by Gretchen Greene

The last few years have produced a resurgence of memories and new interest in World

War II. Two books by award-winning authors come to mind and are reviewed herein.

All the Light We Cannot See, 2014, by Anthony Doerr, Pulitzer Prize winner and many other awards; and

The Nightingale, 2015, by Kristin Hannah who also has many awards and 25 books to her credit. Both

books have been on recent bestseller lists, and both take place in France under German occupation.

The Light We Cannot See involves a young French girl who is blind and is protected by her father and a

young German boy brought up in an orphanage with his younger sister. He is removed from the orphanage

at age 13 and sent to a military school where he is subjected to a harsh, brutal life; but he is saved by his ge-

nius with mathematics and science. The story follows their lives and the course of the war to its end.

The Nightingale is the story of two young sisters who are opposites in personality and disposition and con-

flicted in their responses to the terror they experience. Vianna is married and has a family; she is reserved,

quiet and protective. Isabella is younger, flamboyant, demanding, craves attention and does not consider the

consequences of her actions. They must find a way to be protective and serve their country as they endure

the deprivation. Both must face losing their lives for the greater good. It is not easy or simple.

PAGE 10 FALCONS LANDING NEWS MARCH 2017

Princess “Aida” Visits the Ballroom ~ by Harold Wilson

On Wednesday, Feb. 8, The Performing Arts Committee (PAC) presented the opera Aida

in the Ballroom to Falcons Landing opera lovers. More than 50 residents enjoyed

Giuseppe Verdi’s composition originally written to celebrate the 1871 opening of the Khe-

divial Opera House in Cairo.

This performance originated at the New York Metropolitan Opera House and was

streamed into the Ballroom. The opera was introduced to the audience by one of America’s favorite per-

formers, Renee Fleming. She briefly discussed the singers and spoke about the complexity of the staging

and set designs for this very complicated opera set in ancient Egypt. There were 11 stage elevators em-

ployed to move sets before, during and after the four acts. Verdi composed the perfect recipe for a good

opera: a love triangle, deceit, treachery, broken hearts and finally death.

The first performance of Aida in New York was in 1873. Reviews were very positive. Since then, the

opera has been sung at the New York Met more than 1,100 times.

The performance displayed the very best from the New York Met: wonderful set designs, beautiful cos-

tumes, lovely arias, a cast of over 100, the New York Ballet and the Met chorus. It was truly a lovely

evening. The next opera to be presented by the PAC will be Carmen on March 1 at 7 p.m.

Benevolence Fund Questions ~ by Hardy Lister

QUESTION - What is the purpose of the Benevolence Fund? ANSWER – The Benevolence Fund has two

purposes: (1) To assist Falcons Landing residents who are experiencing significant financial hardship and

(2) To improve the quality of life for Falcons Landing residents.

QUESTION – Who is eligible to receive financial assistance from the Benevolence Fund? ANSWER –

Residents of Falcons Landing who have paid an entrance fee and recurring monthly fees but who have ex-

hausted their personal assets and require financial assistance to remain in the community.

QUESTION: Is receiving financial assistance a contractual right of residents? ANSWER: Yes. The con-

tract states, “ Resident’s occupancy shall not be terminated solely for the reason of financial inability of

Resident to pay the Monthly Service Fee, provided Resident has applied to AFROC for dispensation of the

fees and has established the facts which justify special consideration and dispensation by AFROC.”

QUESTION – If residents think they may need to apply for financial assistance, who do they speak to?

ANSWER – They would speak to the Falcons Landing Chief Financial Officer. The process is completely

confidential, and the CFO is the only person who is aware of who has applied for or is receiving financial

assistance.

QUESTION – How much money does the Benevolence Fund have? ANSWER – Currently, the fund has

$2.6M, with $1.4M of that amount designated specifically for financial assistance.

QUESTION – If I want to make a donation to the Benevolence Fund, who do I see? ANSWER – You can

speak to the CFO or anyone in the Business Office

QUESTION – Is my donation to the Benevolence Fund tax deductible? ANSWER – YES, Falcons Land-

ing is a qualifying not-for-profit organization, so any donation to Falcons Landing is tax deductible. We

give a letter to anyone who donates recognizing the donation and stating that it is tax deductible.

MARCH 2017 FALCONS LANDING NEWS PAGE 11

SAR Meetings At Falcons Landing ~ by Marvin Murray

In January, the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) held their regularly scheduled meeting in Falcons

Landing’s Ballroom to announce the winners of the Joseph S. Rumbaugh Historical Oration Contest. This

nationally sponsored contest is designed to give high school students (9th through 12th grades) an oppor-

tunity to explore the influence of the Revolutionary War period on present day America.

Our Fairfax Resolves Chapter sponsors this speech contest to provide students an opportunity to present a

persuasive speech that deals with an event, personality or document pertaining to the Revolutionary War

and shows a relationship with America today. The contest is open to all eligible students attending public,

private, home or parochial school in our local area.

Teachers and administrators at local high schools have maintained a commitment to developing the speak-

ing skills of our nation’s youth by encouraging students to participate in this national contest at one of sev-

eral local SAR chapters. Winners of the Fairfax Resolves Chapter contest are awarded $150, receive the

Joseph Warren Medal and are eligible to compete at the State level competition. Winners of the Virginia

Society contest are awarded a college scholarship and are eligible to compete in the National Contest.

The photo shows the two winning students of the recent contest sponsored by the Fairfax Resolves Chap-

ter. Both attend Bishop O’Connell High School.

Joseph Warren Youth Oration medal

Geography Quiz ~ by Andy Lunt

Answers on page 19

1. Where would you find yourself if you were visiting the birthplace of Alex-

ander Hamilton?

2. Where in the world would you find the Museum of Old and New Art

(MONA)?

3. Where is the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve located?

PAGE 12 FALCONS LANDING NEWS

MARCH 2017

Have You Ever Considered a European River Cruise? ~ by Paul Wieland

I believe that many of our residents would enjoy an enjoyable vaca-

tion of two weeks or more during which you normally unpack and

repack only once. My experiences have been European river cruis-

es; fly overnight to Europe and then board a small, modern river

ship. The vessels vary in passenger capacity up to 160 or more and

feature modern, comfortable amenities and excellent food.

Along with my wife, Margo, I took many such vacations between

2000 and 2010 before moving to Falcons Landing. All were with

Grand Circle Cruise Lines, an excellent company that provides

good value at reasonable cost. There are other cruise lines, of course, that offer similar amenities and ac-

commodations at different costs. Viking, for example, offers cabins that are larger and more upscale, but

usually at a higher cost. There are also Vantage, Uniworld, AmaWaterways (with bikes aboard their ships)

and a new entry from the luxurious Crystal. Probably the biggest challenge about planning a European river

cruise is settling on an itinerary that is the most interesting and intriguing.

Several of my cruises stand out. Besides two superb voyages in Russia, we especially enjoyed “The Seine:

Paris to Normandy,” “The Great Rivers of Europe,” “Cruising Burgundy and Provence to the Cote d'Azur”

and “Christmas Markets Along the Danube.” You’ll enjoy the medieval architecture along the riverbanks as

your ship moves at a slow pace through twists and turns, with beautiful scenery of landscapes, hillside vine-

yards, quaint villages and magnificent cities.

The highlight of the first-mentioned cruise on the Seine was visiting the Normandy D-Day beaches and the

huge American cemetery above Omaha Beach. Following a solemn ceremony, we walked among seemingly

never-ending expanses of white marble crosses and tablets stretched across perfectly kept green grass; we

each left our provided red rose next to the headstone of a 17-year-old soldier from Virginia. This trip can be

taxing for seniors with its many activities and tight schedules.

The Great Rivers 16-day cruise starts in Amsterdam on the Rhine River, to the Main and then the Danube.

The ship passes through 50-plus locks that compensate for different river elevations. The vacation has been

Grand Circle’s single most popular river cruise for years; it includes visits to destinations in the Netherlands,

Germany and ends in Vienna, Austria.

The cruise to the Cote d'Azur begins in Paris for three days and continues for seven days aboard The Pro-

vence with just 46 American travelers and superb French cuisine. It terminates in Arles where artist Vincent

van Gogh spent time. Then, a short bus ride takes you to the Cote d'Azur's premier Riviera hotspot, elegant

Nice, for the final two days.

As for the nine-day Christmas Markets cruise, we booked it on three different years! The arrival day in Vi-

enna allows a brief time to enjoy its market. Grand Circle’s website boasts “You will cruise the Danube

through the most beloved parts of Austria and Germany, and you’ll explore craft-filled Christmas markets in

the company of like-minded American travelers.” The last stop is Nuremberg, with the largest Christmas

market in Germany and its historic remaining landmarks of Hitler’s Nazi party.

Whichever cruise you may choose, it’s likely that you may become enthralled and return to Europe for many

more. It happened to us, but finally we ran out of rivers!

MARCH 2017 FALCONS LANDING NEWS PAGE 13

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Hint: X=F ~ by Norma Lasher

Answer on page 17

Bill Trowell’s Piano Concert Returns Again to Falcons Landing ~ By Paul Wieland

Be sure to mark Monday, March 27th on your calen-

dar for Bill Trowell’s two piano concerts in the Ball-

room! The first will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. with wine &

cheese, then again from 7:30 to 9:30 with coffee & des-

sert, and with different programs in each session.

Marge & Bob Rosenberg once again are bringing back

that talented pianist from Maine to entertain our resi-

dents, family, friends and staff. For new residents, staff

and guests who have not yet enjoyed Bill’s innovative

music, he plays inspiring musical renditions with genuine

warmth and charm, and he interacts with the audience to enhance each performance. In a word, he’s a

“showman”!

Bill Trowell makes each concert such a delightful experience that you may find that you’re humming

along or tapping your toes. The music from his last five concerts ranged from Gershwin and Mozart to

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Phantom of the Opera” and Scott Joplin’s “The Entertainer”…and everything

in between. Bob recalls a few quotes from attendees at past concerts: “Great Artist, he put so much

emotion into each piece he plays, enjoyed sharing immensely, smiling as he performs,” “Grand and

glorious concert,” “Delightful trip down memory lane.”

Come and enjoy Bill Trowell’s musical artistry, thanks to the continuing generosity of Marge and Bob;

and don’t hesitate to enjoy Bob Besserer’s “concert goodies.” If you attend the afternoon concert,

there’s a high probability that you’ll return for the evening performance – Bill is that entertaining!

Marge said that you can hear Bill’s music at the following website: http://billtrowellmusic.com/

PAGE 14 FALCONS LANDING NEWS MARCH 2017

James K. Polk, 11th President of the United States ~ by Dave Hopkins

At a recent meeting of this newsletter’s Editorial Board, it was suggested that in recog-

nition of Presidents’ Month, the Falcons Landing News should feature an article on U.S.

presidents. It was said that everybody knew about George, Abe, Teddy and FDR. But

what about those we might consider “lesser” presidents who actually did good things?

Most are just not remembered. After all, how many of us ever took a flight from the

Millard Fillmore Airport or attended the Chester A. Arthur Elementary School? Few,

we concluded. And so, below, we briefly offer for your consideration the life and works

of James K. Polk. There may be more articles about “forgotten” presidents—it might be

fun to learn more about Rutherford B. Hayes or Martin Van Buren. And then again . . .

James Knox Polk was born in a North Carolina log cabin on November 2, 1795 and later moved with his

family to Columbia, TN, where his father became a prosperous land surveyor, planter and businessman. Ed-

ucated in the law, Polk was never the dynamic figure of others of his time. He was the original “dark horse”

of politics when nominated for the presidency in 1844. Barely known outside of Tennessee, he had served as

governor and as a representative in Congress during Andrew Jackson’s time in the White House. Polk’s op-

ponent was the formidable Henry Clay, but Polk won the election principally on his promise to annex Texas,

an independent nation, no matter the opposition of Mexico. He annexed, and a two-year war followed.

The nation mostly had supported the war, though a substantial minority considered it an unjust war—one

spokesman in opposition was a young congressman from Illinois named Abraham Lincoln. Generals Zacha-

ry Taylor and Winfield Scott led the way to victory, and younger officers such as Robert E. Lee and Ulysses

S. Grant learned the ways of war. By peace treaty, Mexico ceded to the United States what are now the

states of California, Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming.

The spirit of the time was of “manifest destiny,” that the United States should reach from shore to shore by

acquiring the vast Oregon Territory, also claimed by England. Polk averted another war by compromise that

gave the United States all territory below the 49th parallel, presently the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho

and parts of Montana and Wyoming. In the four years of his single term as president, Polk increased the

size of the United States by one third. After the acquisition from Mexico a few years later of a small piece

of territory termed “the Gadsden Purchase,” the lower 48 reached today’s dimensions.

True to his word, Polk served but one White House term as he had promised in his campaign, when he also

announced he had four goals: reduction in tariffs, creation of an independent treasury, settlement of “the Or-

egon question” and the acquisition of California. He accomplished all four. Harry Truman termed Polk

“great, as one who said what he was going to do and did it.” Although historians were not very kind, there

really wasn’t anything “lesser” about James K. Polk.

Kudos to the Dining Staff and Residents

During dinner on Feb. 2, residents were entering the Dining Room when a loud siren sounded and eve-

ryone was evacuated. A kitchen fire had started, but there were no injuries. The dining staff acted with

aplomb. The fire department soon arrived, closed the kitchen and had everything under control. Resi-

dents were told that they could obtain their meals in the Woodburn Cafe and return to their Dining

Room tables. The dining staff was efficient, and the residents were patient!

MARCH 2017 FALCONS LANDING NEWS PAGE 15

MOAA Quarterly Meeting and a Special Gathering ~ by Bill Hilsman

Your Falcons Landing MOAA Chapter will conduct its quarterly meeting in the Ballroom on Thursday,

March 30, at 7:30 p.m. All residents are invited. Our Chapter is truly one of the most special organiza-

tions in support of our veterans, their spouses and widows.

Many organizations support our military veterans. Like many of you, I have joined different groups,

and we paid all our dues, hoping it helped. What’s different now is that the our MOAA Chapter is an

“action” organization with our support activities like the Gatherings, a speakers bureau of residents that

addresses major issues with our neighbors and the great work of our MOAA team in coordination with

the Falcons Landing Bereavement team. Our Auxiliary has programs in support of our residents in The

Johnson Center and West Falls. With partners in the local area, we now have programs that reach be-

yond our gates and into the Loudoun community to find and help veterans and their families who some-

how were lost in the system.

I ask that you come to this important meeting, and if you are not a member of our Chapter, please join

and help with our activities. We will update our programs and introduce you to the Chapter’s potential

new partner, the Code of Support Foundation that can help us help our local veterans. We at Falcons

Landing are fortunate, but we are finding many veterans and their families who are not so fortunate;

some really need the help we can provide, but only if we know who they are and where to find them.

Come, listen and leave with a commitment to help even in the smallest way.

Regarding the Code of Support Foundation, the organization was formed in 2011 by a group of veterans

headed by Maj. Gen Alan Salisbury (USA Ret.). The original purpose of the “Code” was to increase

awareness amongst the 99% of Americans not directly involved with the sacrifices and hardships of

members of our armed services, our veterans and their families. The six-point Code to be signed by in-

terested Americans asks them to keep faith with members of our military as they carry out their missions

and with the veterans who may need the support of the American people.

However, the Foundation has moved beyond their initial purpose and are now involved directly through

two programs: “Case Coordination” and “Patriotlink.” The first program, by using caseworkers, pro-

vides direct help to active duty personnel, to veterans and to their families in need; they find resources

that can solve problems. The second program, Patriotlink, develops a database to link the many thou-

sand of programs that support the military and veterans.

The Knit Wits ~ by Barbara Bridenbaugh

On Jan. 25, the Knit Wits delivered a collection of knitted and crocheted hats, scarves and an af-

ghan to Sugarland Run Elementary School as its first Outreach donation for 2017. The Store added

to our donation by providing a useful assortment of warm weather clothing, sheets and towels. The

school is most grateful for our continuing support, and the Knit Wits extend our thanks to all the

residents who are involved in making this a worthwhile program.

We welcome all needle workers to join us in the Crafts Room at 2 p.m. on the

first and third Wednesdays of each month. You need not knit for charity. Just

bring you own ongoing needlework project and enjoy yourself.

PAGE 16 FALCONS LANDING NEWS MARCH 2017

~ Edited by Flo Goelz

Falcons Landing Interesting Tidbits

Why is it that gravity works stronger against us the

older we get? Be careful! It's out to get us!

A word of caution – be extra careful stepping out of

the shower! Every year it seems that gravity gets a lit-

tle stronger.

Those Echodots some of us have are very sensitive to

our voices. One resident was telling her husband about

another resident who heard Alexa respond to hearing

“Alexa” mentioned on TV. When she told her husband

about it, Alexa heard her and responded, “I don't un-

derstand that.” When we talk about her we'll have to

spell her name out like we used to do around our tod-

dlers.

One lady resident received one of those “Hi, Grandma”

phone calls. She hung up on him, realizing it was a

scam, but she wished later that she had strung him

along. “Johnnie sweetie, are you in trouble? How much

money do you need?” That would have been fun.

Another scam is from a person who asks, “Can you

hear me?” If you say “yes” your voice will be electron-

ically attached to something you wouldn't agree to. Just

say “Uh huh” or "I hear you.” I would just quietly hang

up.

Our Private Dining Room is being refurbished top to

bottom, the first time in 20 years, except that tables

were refinished eight years ago.

Why do companies keep sending us calendars? There

were at least forty unwanted ones stacked up in the

Mail Room drawer. The businesses that actually sell

calendars must be having a hard time selling them!

Overheard: “I always take life with a grain of salt –

and a slice of lemon and tequila.”

We love that new Resident Portal for our computers!

We can look up all the staff photos and all those of the

residents. We can check out At Ease notes and all sorts

of Falcons Landing information. Tiffany can answer

any questions you have about it.

FLAX Notice ~ by Sandy Anderson

FLAX (Falcons Land-

ing Accoutrement eX-

change) is a service

from which residents

can borrow medical

equipment. This equip-

ment includes only

wheelchairs, walkers,

Rollator walkers, canes, reachers/grabbers and

long shoehorns.

An electric scooter is available periodically, but

requires a doctor’s prescription, approval from

President/CEO Barbara Brannon and instruc-

tions for use by the Rehab Department.

Each building and the houses have two repre-

sentatives who have access to the FLAX Room.

If your representative is unavailable, please

contact any name on the list for assistance.

The FLAX Representative list is maintained at

the Information Desk, the Resident’s Portal and

is posted on the door to the FLAX Room,

which is located in the Mezzanine of Building

5 (Room 5010).

Did you hear about the resident who was held

up at the bank? She was on her way to run her

exercise group at The Johnson Center but on her

way she stopped at our bank to deposit some

checks. There were two ladies in front of her so

she had to wait for her turn. She showed up a

few minutes late in TJC and apologized to her

group for being late because she was held up at

the bank. WHAT?!

Have you tried the new Cyber Cycle that HT

and Ann Johnson donated to the Fitness

Room? The screen shows you racing other bicy-

cles or running down dragons, etc. What excite-

ment! Alva can show you how to use it.

PAGE 17 FALCONS LANDING NEWS MARCH 2017

The Gathering Featuring the Former President of NYU ~ by Bill Hilsman

“Take me out to the ballgame.” Yes, the 2017 baseball season is

only weeks away. On March 16 we will have a special Gathering

luncheon in the Ballroom beginning at 12 noon. Just like being at

the game, hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, sodas, beer and ice cream

will be on the brunch table.

Our speaker will be

John Sexton, recently

retired as President of

New York University.

While there, he grew the university, expanding aggressively

at home as well as turning the school into a global franchise.

A graduate of Harvard Law School, and later clerking for

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Warren E. Burger, he then joined

New York University as a law professor. In addition to being

one of the school’s “teacher of teachers,” John became their

chief fundraiser and advanced to the position of president of

the university.

One of his most notable courses was “Baseball as a Road to God.” In fact, he later wrote a book with the

same title. On his first day at NYU, he stated his philosophy. “It’s all about thinking strange.” As a

young man, he worshipped the underdog Brooklyn Dodgers and had Jackie Robinson’s number sewn into

the sleeve of his academic gown. Don’t ask him to

talk about Walter O’Malley, who moved the Dodgers

to Los Angeles after the 1957 season.

With his background, John could probably talk about

anything, but since this is the Falcons Landing pre-

season program for the 2017 baseball season, I would

expect that he will charge us to “think strange.”

This will be a casual dress, baseball uniforms and

hats if you have them, and a baseball lunch with John.

Play Ball!

Brain Workout

Answer to Cryptogram on page 13:

When the hook and ladder fire engine frequents our Johnson Center for 911 calls, does the driver realize

in advance the difficulty that extra length causes? He has to back up many times to navigate the rotary.

~ by Norma Lasher

MARCH 2017 FALCONS LANDING NEWS PAGE 18

Always Superb Entertainment: Virginia Grand Military Band Concerts ~ by Paul Wieland

If you enjoy live musical entertainment,

don’t miss the concerts of the Virginia Grand

Military Band. An all-volunteer organiza-

tion, the VGMB is comprised of 80-plus top-

caliber retired and active-duty musicians

from our military service bands and a large

support staff for each performance; no one is

paid, not even the music director and con-

ductor, the renowned Loras John Schlissel who has distinguished himself as a prominent conductor, com-

poser, orchestrator and musicologist. Known as the “Maestro,” he is expert in the history and world of

various musical genres.

The VGMB is supported by tax-deductible contributions by long-time patrons whose names are listed in

the program of each of the five Saturday evening concerts that begin in September and conclude on the

Memorial Day weekend. Falcons Landing has supported the VGMB for many years, and prime seating is

reserved for our residents. Interestingly, the names of nine Falcons Landing donors are listed in the pro-

grams. Glenn Carus, who took over for the late Louise McCullough, is our POC.

The VGMB’s third concert of the 2016-2017 season was performed on Saturday evening, Feb. 4, at the

band’s regular venue, Alexandria NOVA’s Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center. A group

of enthusiastic residents boarded a Falcons bus for the trip that was piloted by Michelle, one of our expert

drivers. The evening did not disappoint; the Maestro was in his usual rare form. Prior to each selection,

he provided interesting and humorous information about the music and its composer and how the song be-

came popular. Featured were the works of John Philip Sousa, Sir Edward William Elgar, Brazilian Anto-

nio Carlos Gomes and American composers Leroy Anderson and George M. Cohan.

Maestro Schlissel noted that John Philip Sousa was better known in his heyday than the president of the

U.S., and that for a short time Sousa had three musicals playing on Broadway. The band played several

Sousa marches including “Semper Fidelis,” the official march of the U.S. Marine Corps. The other high-

lights included Anderson’s familiar “Bell of the Ball” and a Cohan medley titled “Star-Spangled Spectacu-

lar” with Broadway tunes “Mary,” "Over There," "Give My Regards to Broadway," "The Yankee Doodle

Boy" and "You're a Grand Old Flag.”

As usual, the concert concluded with John Philip Sousa’s “gift to the American people,” as the Maestro

describes the popular classic “Stars and Stripes Forever”; and as always, it featured the stage-center

“tweeting” of seven piccolos as the huge American flag was lowered behind the musicians.

During the bus ride home, the residents were

heard discussing the evening and agreeing

that the next VGMB concert scheduled for

March 18 is “not to be missed”! Where else

could one find such marvelous musical enter-

tainment by top professional musicians led by

a living legend – all for a “pay at the door”

$15 and free door-to-door transportation?

Mark your calendar now!

PAGE 19 FALCONS LANDING NEWS

MARCH 2017

~ by Norma Lasher

In Building Three Gallery for March, the exhibit will be entitled "Boats."

The thought behind this theme was the desire to paint the scenery on the

waters of the various places one visits when traveling. Naturally, one

would expect paintings of many different vessels that displace water and

can transport people and things, and which permit propulsion. For boats,

the dictionary adds that there is an appropriately shaped serving dish of the

same name called a gravy or celery boat, as well as a container that holds

incense before it is placed in a censer for ceremonial use. What our artists

paint for this exhibit will be revealed in March.

Building Two Gallery will show "Far Away Places -- With Strange Sound-

ing Names" for those who frequent Buildings One and Two. You will find

Africa, Australia, Japan, China, Mexico, Italy and many other locations

represented in this international display. Don't miss it!

The Johnson Center Gallery on Floor One will display a collection of quilts

for residents, visitors, and staff. It will be the last stop for these quilts, so if

you haven't had a chance to view this display, either go into the Lobby of

The Johnson Center from the parking lot or take The Johnson Center eleva-

tor down to Floor One from the walk-through by the Woodburn Café.

The Johnson Center Gallery on Floor Two is showing "Holiday Card 16" even

though we are in March now. We will be putting away those December memo-

ries soon. New Year's Resolution: No time-sensitive themes next December!

We are still searching for at least two people to learn the new hanging system so

they can back up The Lashers when they are out of town. It could even be a

group effort, but strength and height are really handy for hanging art for shows.

Please let The Lashers know if you will understudy them on hanging day: 571-

434-7476 or note in 3405 Mail Slot.

Art News

Answers to the Geography Quiz on page 11:

1. While the hit musical of his name has awakened interest in Alexander Ham-

ilton, few know he was born on the island of Nevis in the West Indies.

2. MONA is the largest privately funded museum in Australia and is located in

Tasmania.

3. You’d find the Huilo Huilo Biological Reserve in Chile’s lake country

along its eastern border with Argentina.

PAGE 20 FALCONS LANDING NEWS MARCH 2017

Continuing Education: Why Not Travel By Amtrak? ~ by Harold Wilson

Falconites are very accustomed to dinner conversations about

exotic travel destinations involving interesting flights and cruis-

es. Rarely do you hear a discussion about the alternative way to

travel: by rail. I hope this article piques your interest in a more

relaxed way to travel: sitting in the club car with your favorite

beverage and watching America pass by your window!

Train travel can be an inexpensive and less stressful alternative

to airports and highways. This is especially true if you can plan

ahead and be a bit flexible with your timetable–a perfect description for most of Falcons Landing resi-

dents. Consider travel within the “Northeast Corridor” of the U.S. If you are prepared to book two weeks

in advance and are a bit flexible with your schedule, you can have fun trips on the train at a very reasona-

ble cost. The table below shows sample fares:

Want to be more creative? Another option is an extended trip across the USA via train. Discount “Rail

Passes” are available for you. They allow you to disembark in a city, take a tour, stay over in a hotel and

then continue your journey according to your personal schedule.

Sample prices:

15 Days, 8 Segments: $459.00

30 Days, 12 Segments, $689.0030 Days (12 segments)

45 Days, 18 Segments, $899.00

Do I need tickets and reservations? Yes. Your USA Rail Pass is not a ticket. When traveling on a USA

Rail Pass, you must have a ticket and a reservation for each train you board. You must make reservations

and pick up your ticket(s) before boarding any train. There are no additional costs for the tickets. Reser-

vations for train travel should be made as far in advance as possible; seats available for USA Rail Pass

passengers are limited on each train.

Don’t want to commit to a lengthy schedule? Senior Tickets are available on most lines and segments:

15 percent off the lowest posted fares. Need assistance arranging a tour? Call 866-659-3723 to speak di-

rectly with an Amtrak tour coordinator. Want to check the possibilities online? amtrak.com

Also, don’t forget that for a modest fee, Resident Services offers drop off/pick up service to Union Sta-

tion during working hours. So, grab a friend, take a weekend or month and “ride the rails!”

To/From Washington

Philadelphia, PA $39

New York, NY $49

Baltimore, MD $14

Trenton, NJ $49

Wilmington, DE $39

Newark, NJ $49

`

PAGE 21 FALCONS LANDING NEWS MARCH 2017

The Gathering ~ by Bill Hilsman, Harold Wilson and Linda Childs

The Gathering/RAC joined forces to schedule an academic Islamic expert to

Falcon’s podium. In response to numerous resident requests, RAC’s Continu-

ing Education Committee has teamed with The Gathering to invite Dr. Peter

Mandaville, Professor of International Affairs at George Mason University’s

Schar School of Policy & Government, to present an Academic Tutorial on the

Islamic religion on Tuesday, March 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Ballroom.

Dr. Peter Mandaville is an American academic and government official. From

2015-2016, he was Senior Advisor in the Secretary of State's Office of Religion

& Global Affairs. His previous government work included serving as a mem-

ber of the State Department's Policy Planning Staff (2011-12) under former

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, where he was part of the team that helped

shape the U.S. response to the Arab Spring.

Since 2000, his main professional home has been George Mason University in Virginia where he is Profes-

sor of International Affairs in the Schar School of Policy & Government. At Mason, he also served as

Founding Director of the Center for Global Studies and Co-Director of the Ali Vural Ak Center for Global

Islamic Studies. Earlier in his academic career he was a lecturer in International Relations at the Universi-

ty of Kent at Canterbury (1998-2000).

Dr. Mandaville is also a Non-resident Senior Fellow with the Center for Middle East Policy at the Brook-

ings Institution and an Adjunct Scholar with the RAND Corporation. Previously he was a Visiting Senior

Fellow at the Pew Research Center (2009-10). He is widely regarded in Europe and North America as a

leading expert on political Islam, Middle East affairs and on Muslim communities.

Of unique interest, both Professor Mandaville’s grandparents and parents were Saudi Arabian oil executive

expatriates; consequently he was born in Saudi, attended school there, speaks Arabic and has a natural un-

derstanding of Muslims from a non-Muslim point of view.

The RAC Committee reviewed several curriculum vitaes of Islamic experts and selected Professor Manda-

ville because of his strong academic credentials combined with his political and “real world” experiences.

We know he will offer a frank, non-biased approach to the explanation of this complex subject.

Some of the topics Professor Mandaville will cover in his lecture: The origins of the Islamic faith The history, growth and expansion of the religion A brief overview of the Quran An explanation of how Muslims “look at the world” The belief differences between Shias and Sunnis Differences between Muslims of varying ideological orientation, including jihadism

The presentation will be a combination of lecture and hopefully a robust Q & A session. Our primary goal

is “Education.”

Dr. Peter Mandaville

PAGE 22 FALCONS LANDING NEWS MARCH 2017

St. Valentine Visits Falcons Landing ~ by Harold Wilson

Valentines was a special evening this year at Fal-

cons Landing. The evening began with a scrump-

tious “reservations only” buffet dinner prepared by

Bob and his staff, and each lady was offered a long-

stem red rose upon entering the Dining Room. The

Chef’s offerings included multiple delicious en-

trees, veggies and creative salads. The Pastry Chef

offered the “crowning touch” with a wide variety of

luscious desserts….all stressing CHOCOLATE!

Following the

feast, the Performing Arts Committee invited the residents

to the Ballroom for a romantic music concert. Residents

Lois Coen and Dixie Kenyon had added festive, beauti-

ful Valentine décor, and each table included valentine

cards written by students from Sugarland Elementary and

the Virginia Academy. Tiffany Plante and the staff of Res-

ident Services topped off the decorations with dozens of

freshly made cupcakes and coffee.

The European concert featured Andre Rieu and his

Strauss Orchestra. It had been recorded live in the Piazza

della Repubblica in the mountain town of Cortona, Italy, a

3000-year-old, walled hilltop town in the heart of Tuscany

approximately 50 miles southeast of Florence.

Andre Rieu’s concerts are always a favorite at Falcons Landing, and this particular event

truly “moved” our audience. The music, setting, costumes, voices were combined to make

for a perfect Valentines concert. There was a huge crowd of mostly young people at the out-

door concert in Corona, and it was a joy to see

them truly enjoying and appreciating the even-

ing and the beautiful music. Our residents

filled with pride when Andre’s orchestra played

the national anthems of Italy and France, and

we all witnessed the positive and respectful re-

sponses from the young Europeans. Many of the

romantic classics drew tears from our European

friends as well as several Falconites.

We were all a bit sad when the music ended and

we had to leave beautiful Cortona! However,

Harold assured us that there were more Andre

Rieu concerts on the Ballroom schedule. Cortona’s Piazza della Repubblica

Harold Wilson and Anne McDonald

Support Groups

PLEASE CALL MICHELE A. ZIMMER-FORSTER AT (703)

404-5116 TO CONFIRM ATTENDANCE. GROUPS WITH

LESS THAN 3 CONFIRMED PARTICIPANTS WILL BE CAN-

CELED!

THE PARKINSON SUPPORT GROUP meets on Friday,

March 3, 2017, at 2 p.m. in the Wellness Center Conference

Room. Discussion about Parkinsonian delusions and hallucina-

tions after looking at a brief video to get the conversation start-

ed.

THE VISION SUPPORT GROUP meets on Tuesday, March

14, 2017, at 2 p.m. in the Wellness Conference Room. A repre-

sentative from the Virginia Department for the Blind will dis-

cuss the services available through their organization for all

levels of care.

THE CAREGIVERS SUPPORT GROUP meet on Tuesday,

March 21, 2017, at 2 p.m. in the Wellness Conference Room.

Building a memory library!

THE HEARING SUPPORT GROUP will take place on

Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at 2 p.m. in the Wellness Confer-

ence Room: Dr. Linda Himler Au.D, CCC-A, FAAA, ABA

from Ascent Audiology will talk about what is new about hear-

ing aids and about hearing aid maintenance and answer ques-

tions. She is seeing patients at the Wellness Center at Falcons

Landing.

GRIEF THERAPY GROUP will be 6 sessions on the follow-

ing Thursdays: 3/9; 3/16; 3/23 and 3/30 as well as on 4/6 and

4/13. Sessions begin promptly at 10 a.m. and last for one hour.

The group meets in the Wellness Center Conference Room.

All persons who have experienced a recent loss or are still

grieving over the loss of a loved one, are welcome to attend.

PAGE 23 FALCONS LANDING NEWS MARCH 2017

Please call the Wellness Center at 703-404-5224 to

schedule appointments, except as noted. ~ by Michele A. Zimmer-Forster,

LCSW, CSW-G, Resident Counselor

Please check Channel 1970 and the

telephone information line for updates

Nadine Amos—Jan 30

Catherine Hanton—Feb 12

Edith Shiely—Feb 13

Acupuncture : Virginia Mitchell

a.m. Wednesday, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Audiology: Ascent Audiology & Hearing

p.m. Tuesday, March14, 28

*Please call their office at (703)723-9672 to schedule an

appointment*

Audiology : Blue Ridge Speech & Hearing

p.m. Wednesday, April 12

Dentistry *MOBILE DENTIST*:

Dr. Robert Mantoni

a.m./ p.m. Thursday, March 9

*Please call their office at (301) 587-7406 to schedule an

appointment* (The Mobile Van will be located outside The

Johnson Center)

Dietitian (Complimentary Consultation):

Isabel Maples, MED, RDN

p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 14

Internal Medicine:Dr. Ann Mecherikunnel

Monday/Wednesday/Friday Morning

*Lisa DeGilio, NP – Call Wellness Center to make an

appointment

Massage Therapy: Sabine Hutto

By appointment only, phone number is 202-243-9144

Orthopedic Hand Surgeon: Dr. Paul Mecherikunnel

a.m. Every Wednesday Morning

Podiatry: Dr. Gary Gregasavitch

p.m. Friday, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Podiatry: Dr. Joanna Shuman

p.m. Monday, Mar. 20

Psychiatry: Dr. Paluvoi

a.m. Monday, March 3, April 7

Psychiatry: Dr. Rosecan

a.m. Monday, March 27

Psychiatry: Dr. Williamson

a.m. Every Tuesday afternoon

Urology: Dr. Bilowus

a.m. Wednesday, March 15

The Mission of the Air Force Retired Officers Community

is to operate a first-class, not-for-profit, continuing care

retirement community for the benefit of honorably dis-

charged military officers, their spouses and widowed

spouses. We shall provide facilities and services that sup-

port and enhance the health, security, well-being and

happiness of residents. We also provide charitable ser-

vices to our neighbors while fulfilling our fiduciary re-

sponsibility to our members.

FALCONS LANDING NEWS MARCH 2017 PAGE 24

Falcons Landing News

20522 Falcons Landing Circle

Potomac Falls, VA 20165

Telephone: 703-404-5224

Fax: 703-404-5339

Email: aburke@falconslanding.org

Published monthly by Falcons Landing, a continuing

care retirement community owned and operated by the

Air Force Retired Officers Community, Washington,

D.C. Distributed to the residents of Falcons Landing.

Archival copies are available in the Falcons Landing

Library. Contains articles and information of interest to

Falcons Landing residents and chronicles the history of

Falcons Landing.

Production Editor: Ande Burke

Editorial Board

Others contributing to this issue:

Barb Brannon Phil Walsh

Norma Lasher Barbara Bridenbaugh

Andy Lunt HT Johnson

Donna Cassani Michele Zimmer-Forster

Harold Wilson Roma Wilson

Marvin Murray Hardy Lister

Kirsten Holman

Exit Laughing

Compiled by Flo Goeltz

God grant me the senility to forget the people I never liked,

the good fortune to run into the ones I do, and the eyesight

to tell the difference.

Now that I'm older here's what I've discovered:

1. I started out with nothing, and I still have most of it.

2. My wild oats have turned into prunes and all-bran.

3. I finally got my head together, and now my body is fall-

ing apart.

4. Funny, I don't remember being absent-minded.

5. Funny, I don't remember being absent-minded.

6. If all is not lost, where is it?

7. It is easier to get older than it is to get wiser.

8. Some days, you're the dog; some days you're the hydrant.

9. I wish the buck stopped here; I sure could use a few.

10. Kids in the back seat cause accidents.

11. Accidents in the back seat cause kids.

I call my bathroom “the Jim”. It sounds good

when I say, I go to the Jim every morning.

Paul Wieland

(Chairman and Editor)

Ray Zogran

(Chairman Emeritus)

Jack Scharfen

(Chairman Emeritus)

Bebe Rice

Frances Rowan

Arnold Braswell

Howard Schue

(Residents’ Council liaison)

Flo Goelz

(Staff Artist)

John Kinniburgh

(Staff Photographer)

Geri Madigan

Mick Trainor

Gretchen Greene

Jim Mullen

Dave Hopkins

Russell Ray

Jim Haynes