CATONSVILLE, Md.—Charlestown residents recently adopted Riverview Elementary School for the 2010–2011 academic year.

Led by the Charlestown Rotary Fellowship, the community held a collection drive in an effort to supply students with some of the tools needed to begin the school year. The effort brought in more than 400 children’s books, allowing each student to have a “Back to School” book to call their own.

Additionally, generous monetary donations went toward purchasing school supplies such as new backpacks, notebooks, pencils, and lunch packs for 30 students.

The items were collected on August 13.

Keeping up with the need to promote literacy locally and abroad, the Rotary Fellowship will hold its annual book collection on Friday, October 29, in the Cross Creek Station lobby at Charlestown from 9 a.m. until noon. Residents are asked to hold on to adult and children’s books, textbooks, and reference books so they can donate them on collection day.

Charlestown residents are also encouraged to attend the Rotary Fellowship meetings, held on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Brookside building’s classroom. You need not be a Rotarian to attend. The next meeting with be September 13, and the topic of discussion will be future projects.

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa.—Move over, Michael Phelps! Ann’s Choice resident George Scott earned 17 medals, including an impressive 15 golds, at the 2010 Keystone State Games.

This year’s competition for seniors took place from July 19–25 at the Central York High School stadium in York, Pa. Scott entered eight events: 100-meter run, 200-meter run, high jump, triple jump, long jump, shot put, hammer throw, and basketball shooting.

“Competing for the first time in 2009 allowed me to set standards for this year,” said Scott.

A graduate of Temple University who worked for almost 40 years as a TV technician for Channel 3 in Philadelphia, Scott—now retired and living at Ann’s Choice—has been following a fitness regimen for the past year that takes him from the basketball court to the dance floor.

Three days a week, Scott can be found at the YMCA in Doylestown, Pa., shooting hoops and playing guard against twentysomethings and players of all ages in pick-up games.

Scott then practices his moves as a member of two ballroom dancing groups in Bucks County—plus the square dancing group at Ann’s Choice.

His advice to people of all ages is simple: “I tell everyone to stay active so you can stay fit. Do a lot of walking, but most importantly do something you enjoy. You have time to do anything you really want to do.”

For Scott, athletics fit that bill. “I enjoy not only the competition, but also the social interaction of playing basketball and meeting new people at events such as the Keystone Games. Team sports have a way of keeping you mentally sharp as you have to figure out the next move or shot.”

What’s his next move? Scott plans to keep practicing, setting his sights on the 2011 Keystone State Games, to be held in Greater Hershey/Harrisburg. For more information on the competition, including results, visit www.keystonegames.com.

About 250 people attended the event, which was open to the public.

“Many of the residents at Cedar Crest have immense talent and artistic ability,” said Executive Director Cathy Guttman, “and we were delighted that they wanted to display their various gifts.”

Related story: “THROUGH THE LENS” captures the lives of Cedar Crest’s 25-plus resident photographers. One man, who takes pictures in his Cedar Crest neighbors’ gardens, explained the allure of being a shutterbug: “It’s the challenge of it all…You need to do things like consider the breeze, lighting, backlighting, and backgrounds. You make one change and it affects everything else. It can be a humbling experience. I’ve been doing this for years, and I’ve yet to take a perfect picture.”

SILVER SPRING, Md. (July 13)—Riderwood resident Jean Sammet, a computer expert and author, has been named a 2009 recipient of the “Computer Pioneer Award” by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers’ Computer Society. She was cited for her “achievement as one of the first developers and researchers in programming languages.” She received the award at a technology conference held this month in Denver, Colo.

Sammet wrote an 800-page book in 1969, entitled Programming Languages: History and Fundamentals, that is still used in the industry.

She worked as a software programmer in Bethesda, Md., before moving to Riderwood in Silver Spring, Md.

Sammet is past president of the Riderwood Computer Club. She hosts a monthly computer program on behalf of the club on Riderwood’s closed-circuit TV station.

The Institute for Electrical and Electronic Engineers’ Computer Society is “the world’s leading membership organization for computing professionals, advancing the theory and application of computing and information technology,” according to the organization’s website.

BUCKS COUNTY, Pa. (July 1)—Summer is often the most difficult season for nonprofit organizations when it comes to donations. That’s why Ann’s Choice held its 3rd annual food drive from June 20–26 to support the Bucks County Housing Group, Inc. (BCHG).

BCHG provides housing and related social services to homeless and low-income families. As part of its efforts, BCHG runs three food pantries strategically located throughout Bucks County (in Doylestown, Penndel, and Milford Square).

“Food is especially needed in the summer because children can no longer partake of low-cost school lunches,” said Joan Greenberg. Greenberg cochaired the food drive, which benefited the Doylestown location, along with neighbor Jane Neiger; both are members of the Doing Good Committee, a service group supported by the Philanthropy Department at Ann’s Choice. They asked for a variety of foods to be donated, and people living at Ann’s Choice responded to the call with cans and more cans.

Exceeding its one-ton collection goal, the Doing Good Committee presented the pantry with 2,396 pounds of nonperishable goods and $70 in grocery gift cards.

“We were overwhelmed with the generous donation from Ann’s Choice,” stated Kate Bianchini, coordinator of the Doylestown Food Pantry. Her location serves approximately 270 families and 1,000 individuals each month. “Their resident volunteers were wonderful and well organized. Receiving consistent contributions from community partners such as Ann’s Choice means a great deal.”

TINTON FALLS, N.J.—In honor of those serving overseas, Seabrook provided some comfort to troops and offered its own special “thanks” for the tremendous sacrifice on the part of military personnel.

Residents donated approximately 1,000 items—including snacks, sunscreen, toiletries, and other comforts of home—to American Recreational Military Services (A.R.M.S.), a nonprofit organization that ships the items to military personnel from New Jersey.

Jane Finton, who participated in the collection efforts, lives at Seabrook and has a grandson currently serving in Iraq. “I also had a son who served in the Army, so I can relate to those who have family members in the armed forces,” she said. “I send boxes to my grandson and wanted to help some of the other troops as well. I think it’s a great idea because they need something to give them some happiness. I’m happy to be able to help, and I’ll be even happier when we don’t have to do this anymore at all.”

For the past few years, Seabrook residents have donated supplies to various organizations that ship these useful items to those serving in the military.

“After past successful drives, we wanted to continue to help here at Seabrook and do whatever we can to support the men and women who are sacrificing so much overseas,” Seabrook Executive Director Art Sparks said. “The small items that are being donated are ones that we often take for granted in our daily lives, but they may provide some comfort for our troops.”

The troop collection drive is one of several volunteer efforts in which the community is involved. Residents regularly support the FoodBank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties, the United Way, Bradley Food Pantry, Interfaith Neighbors, the United Methodist Church of Asbury Park, Toys for Tots, and the Arc of Monmouth County.

A.R.M.S. was founded in 2003 by a group of grassroots volunteers who wanted to give something back to the military and their families. In a matter of months, this small organization had grown from just a handful to more than 325 volunteers throughout the tri-state area. Today A.R.M.S. continues to serve the local armories. The nonprofit organization supports the area unit Family Readiness Groups and provides direct assistance to family members in need. In addition, A.R.M.S. has been working with the local military bases to address quality of life issues for soldiers and their families.

HOUSTON, Tex. (June 21)—Christmas may be a long way off, but at Eagle’s Trace, several elves are working their magic for a summer toy delivery. With a little woodcarving and a dab of glue, they are making everything from toy cars and jigsaw puzzles to dolls and doll furniture.

Working in partnership with Child Protective Services (CPS), Eagle’s Trace residents who belong to the community’s Woodworkers, Doll Makers, and Quilters clubs have made 150 handmade toys for underserved children in the Houston area.

Each February, members from the Woodworkers get together and draw up plans for toy designs. Common toys include puzzles, trains, backloaders, bulldozers, dolls, and doll beds. CPS picked up the toys on June 21.

“We know the kids appreciate the toys we make,” said Eagle’s Trace resident Ray Hope, a cofounder of the program and founding member of the Woodworkers. “We hear the stories and read the letters about how some of these toys become prized possessions. It’s a great program.”

Following the June delivery, the Woodworkers will build a second batch of toys for distribution in November.

John Gants, who lives at Oak Crest, partnered with General Services Director Joyce Malone to win the 1st Annual Dancing With the Oak Crest Stars dance competition with a captivating rendition of the Charleston.

PARKVILLE, Md. (June 15)—Move over, Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough. There’s a new award-winning dance couple in town.

Oak Crest resident John Gants teamed with General Services Director Joyce Malone to earn top honors in the 1st Annual Dancing With the Oak Crest Stars competition.

After months of practice, the two impressed the judges and voters with their version of the fast-paced Charleston, the dance that became popular after appearing with the song, “The Charleston,” by James P. Johnson in the Broadway musical Runnin’ Wild.

“With more than 11,000 votes cast, John and Joyce weren’t the only winners of our first ever dance competition,” said Oak Crest’s Director of Philanthropy Todd Sullivan. “Over $19,000 was raised for the Oak Crest Benevolent Care and Student Scholars’ Funds, and we’re already recruiting couples for next year.”

Seventeen couples competed in all. Each team was composed of one resident with one staff member. They were evaluated in a two-tier process: Following the dance numbers, a panel of three judges consisting of Oak Crest Executive Director Colleen LoPresto, Pastor Elmer Klein, and internationally award-winning ballroom dancer and Oak Crest resident Darlene Carter graded the couples. (See related story: Oak Crest dancer steals spotlight in national competition.) The residents of Oak Crest then voted on their favorite performances during a two-week window. The results were tallied together.

Oak Crest resident Evelyn Schroedl and Restaurant Manager Paul O’Callaghan placed second, while Oak Crest resident Elsie Sartorio and Security Officer Arnaldo “Nandy” Rivera finished third.

CATONSVILLE, Md. (June 14)—Charlestown VFW Post 476 is sponsoring a month-long drive in June to support Operation Uplink, a program that provides free telephone time for deployed service men and women to make calls to friends and loved ones back home.

The calls are made from secure locations overseas, and since 1996, more than 11 million phone cards have been distributed to active military service members through the program.

“There are many creative ways to support the brave men and women who are currently serving our nation in Iraq and Afghanistan. Connecting them to their family members at home is so important, and that’s why Charlestown VFW Post 476 is enthusiastically sponsoring the campaign for Operation Uplink in June,” stated John Hanlon, past Post Commander and current Charlestown resident.

Donations may be sent to:

VFW Post 476

Quartermaster Ed Dunn

c/o Charlestown Retirement Community

715 Maiden Choice Lane, HV-517

Catonsville, MD 21228

Checks are payable to “VFW Post 476.” For more details, contact Ed Dunn at 410-242-5401.

Additional information regarding the program history can be found at www.operationuplink.org.

SPRINGFIELD, Va. (June 10)—Recycling efforts in 2009 that resulted in the collection and processing of 64 tons of cardboard and 45 tons of commingled materials earned Greenspring a 2010 Fairfax County Business Recycling Award. The county’s Recycling Manager Pamela Gratton presented the award on June 10 to Greenspring’s Executive Director Will Nance live on the community’s in-house TV station, Channel 6. EnviroSolutions, the trash and recycling hauler for the community, nominated Greenspring for the award. The Business Recycling Awards recognize Fairfax County businesses and nonprofits that implement innovative programs in waste reduction, recycling, and reuse.

Fairfax County selected Greenspring not just for the sheer amount of recyclables collected but also for its efforts to expand the program’s reach. This year, Greenspring’s recycling program grew to include ink cartridges and batteries, communications and education techniques, and a three-person “Green Team” committee.

“Greenspring is honored to receive a Fairfax County Business Recycling Award,” Nance said. “It’s great that the county recognizes the partnership that Greenspring’s management team has with its residents to maximize the amount of material that we recycle.”

Recycling is but one facet of a broad environmentally friendly business philosophy at Greenspring that also includes water and energy conservation, reduction of vehicle emissions, and elimination of harsh chemicals in cleaning products.