Sustainability, p. 3; Christmas Cheer, p. 8; Lessons from the Heart, p. 11 The Collingtonian

Vol. 29 No. 9 A Monthly Publication of The Collington Residents Association Nov/Dec 2017 Vassar Honors Collington Resident by George Newman The Vassar College generosity, and alumni association has compassion. For honored Collington a faculty [member] resident Glen Johnson to have all of those with its inaugural qualities is rare.” Outstanding Faculty/ Glen’s two stints as Staff Award. acting president came A Vassar during sabbaticals announcement said for Vassar President Glen, who taught Frances Fergusson. at Vassar for nearly Monica Vachher of 40 years and twice the class of 1977, served as the college’s who worked with him acting president, as a Vassar trustee “influenced and Glen and Sipra Johnson with their daughter, Denise, at the during that time, said Oct. 21 Vassar awards ceremony. Vassar College photo. inspired generations of he “brought to that students.” He taught international politics, U.S. role the same dignity and grace that pervades foreign policy, South Asian politics, international all of his activities.” Though the campus was, law, and international human rights in Vassar’s at times, marked with moments of tension Political Science Department. He also was the and strife, she said, “Glen did not shirk from founding director of the International Studies confronting and dealing with tough issues. But Program. importantly, he managed and defused moments Glen holds the title of Shirley Ecker Boskey that could have been incendiary with sensitivity Emeritus Professor of Political Science and and concern.” International Relations. The current occupant Glen and his wife, Sipra, also a former Vassar of that chair, Robert Brigham, said, “Glen lives faculty member, continue to serve the college’s at the intersection of integrity, intellectualism, see Vassar, p. 2 U. of Hawaii Lauds Mary Vassar from p. 1 Olmstead’s Gift alumni as hosts of the Vassar Travel Program. By Frances Kolarek Indeed, the Oct. 21 dinner at which Glen When Mary Olmsted retired from the received his award came shortly before their diplomatic service she had recently completed departure for Sri Lanka. a four-year tour as Ambassador to Papua-New After retiring from Vassar, Glen worked part- Guinea, a new country on a remote Pacific time for two years at the American University island. She once characterized her years there in Cairo, helping to establish an American as “the happiest of my life,” caught up in the Studies program. He has twice been a Fulbright beauty of the sunsets and of the country, itself. Professor in India, where he took a three-year On her arrival at Collington, she established assignment as Director of the American Studies a sizable fund, the income from which was Research Centre in Hyderabad. dedicated to students from Papua-New Guinea Facts about Prince George’s County and at the University of Hawaii. Surroundings compiled by Pat Bozeman A recent letter from the University brings (Taken from Alan Virta’s Prince George’s the news that the Ambassador Mary Olmsted County: A Pictorial History (1984) Fellowship Fund is providing assistance to two Tobacco leaves adorn the columns of the U.S. recipients of scholarships, one a graduate in Capitol, a reminder that the city of Washington Economics, the other in the field of tropical plant was once Prince George’s County tobacco pathology. land. Malia Peters, director of Scholarship Development of the University of Hawaii Foundation, in a letter to Mary Olmsted, writes: The Collingtonian Financed by Residents, “With tuition increasing each year, your Written by Residents for Residents continued support helps alleviate financial 10450 Lottsford Road, Mitchellville, MD 20721 obstacles and provides the confidence our Phone: 301-925-7349 students need to inspire their educational Published monthly (except July and August) by the Collington Residents Association, Inc. journey.” Editor: George Newman; News Editor: Frances Kolarek. Additional staff and contributors for this issue: Editor’s Note Mary Bird, Pat Bozeman, Ann Davie, Marian Fuchs, Bud This is a double issue, covering November Gardiner, James Giese, Carl Koch, Peggy Latimer, Peter Pfund, Bill Preston, Marion Robbins. Doris Walsh. and December and comprising 16 pages Distribution Manager: Ernie Blake. rather than the usual 12. The November This issue and many past issues of the Collingtonian Collingtonian was delayed by the editor’s are now online at collingtonresidents.org. hospitalization (See p.11). Barring further The Collingtonian invites all Collington residents to disruptions, we will return to the normal submit articles, photographs and story suggestions, preferably concerning Collington and its people. We also publication schedule in January. Thanks for welcome “Letters to the Editor” commenting on the Col- your patience and understanding. lingtonian and its content. Submissions may be e-mailed to [email protected] or placed in the Collingtonian 2 The Collingtonian Nov/Dec 2017 mailbox. All submissions are subject to editing for length, clarity and style. On the Road to Sustainability By Pat Bozeman

In 2009, all Kendal “residents can expect to affiliates approved 13 see more accomplishments sustainability goals. by [the Sustainability] However, Collington (which committee as it works with wasn’t a Kendal affiliate in management to achieve 2009) didn’t begin working their common goals.” on these goals in earnest At about the same time, until 2015. yours truly undertook Since then, under the the project of updating leadership of chair Sara and reorganizing the Case, the Sustainability late Bessie Carrington’s Committee has been original 2015 table, charting working steadily with the Gay Kelly writes a comment for the suggestion Kendal’s goals and the box. Photo by Pat Bozeman. administration to bring the accomplishments made by campus into closer alignment with the goals. Collington toward those goals. After a months- (The table now is published on the Collington long effort, campus-wide accomplishments residents’ website (Collingtonresidents.org). were brought up-to-date, with the Sustainability Scroll down, under Resources, listed on the Committee agreeing to regularly update the left-hand column, to Sustainability Resources, accomplishments table as new efforts are where the table of Kendal goals and Collington’s realized. achievements may be found. Click on “Kendal In addition, a sustainability flier, based on Goals and Collington Assessment.” These Collington’s accomplishments, was written and goals and achievements also are on the Kendal produced by Marian Fuchs. It was delivered webpage (http://www.kendal.org/kendal-affiliate- to the Marketing staff to give to prospective sustainability-initiatives/). Both sites will be residents, further advertising Collington’s updated as necessary.) commitment to sustainability. In the January 2017 issue of the Collingtonian, Beginning Sept. 8, the Sustainability Jim Giese, in an article titled “Aiding the Planet Committee began a 13-week poster publication and the Bottom Line,” reported on Collington series, located in the Clock Tower that becoming a member of the Community ran through Dec. 1, with a closing date for Purchasing Alliance (CPA), allowing the commentary on Dec. 8. The purpose is to community to partner with a new trash hauler, highlight Collington’s accomplishments that saving about $144,000 annually, as well as are in line with Kendal sustainability goals. a five-year conversion by the administration Along with the weekly-changing poster, to move the campus to complete LED light see Sustainability, p. 10 bulb use. Already the cottage walkways have Nov/Dec 2017 The Collingtonian 3 been converted. In conclusion, Jim noted that Hugh then worked for the Pacific Northwest National Lab. His work there contributed to the We Welcome awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the Inter- Our New Neighbors governmental Panel on Climate Change in 2007. A framed certificate on his wall commemorates Hugh Pitcher (Apt. 130, Ext. this achievement. 7594): A Role in a Nobel Prize Hugh was married and divorced twice; he then By Marion Robbins had a partner who is currently living in Washing- A man of many interests, Hugh ton. He has two sets of daughters, born in 1965 arrived at Collington after living in and 1968, and in 1985 and 1987. Three of them Washington, D.C., for 46 years. live nearby. Asked what gives him most joy these He was born in Snyder, N.Y., a small town near days, he said, “seeing my daughters.” He feels Buffalo, but when he was 5 the family moved to that coming to Collington was a good choice. Granville, Ohio. And he happened to find two classmates from Hugh earned a degree in Economics from Oberlin: Bill and Bobbie McCuskey. Oberlin, and then studied at Northwestern. During Hugh continues to be fascinated by patterns, his first year in graduate school, he married anoth- so he’s looking at data, trying to understand how er graduate student. Soon thereafter, he went on patterns, such as longevity, are changing. He to teach Economics at the University of Kentucky. has a sister living on Baffin Island near the Arctic He came to Washington in 1971 to work for Circle, and that brings him to tracking sea levels. the Institute for Defense Analysis for one year, In view of the recent hurricanes and floods, I creating a model of the U.S. economy in case of asked him if he was an optimist about the effects nuclear attack. During the Daniel Ellsberg/Penta- of climate change. He replied, “No, I think I’m a gon Papers affair, the Institute lost its funding, so realist.” Hugh moved to the Labor Department. He had the good fortune to land in a small office providing Priscilla Lindenauer (Cottage support for the Secretary of Labor, who happened 1007, Ext. 7207): From New to be the chairman of the Department of Econom- Jersey to Collington ics at the University of Kentucky, and a friend. By Pat Bozeman With the next change of administration, Hugh Priscilla’s knowledge of CCRCs was offered a job working for the Environmental goes back a number of years, when a cousin was Protection Agency, heading the Jobs Project to doing research for a family relative. When her support environmentally friendly work. Later, he husband died suddenly in 2014, she knew it was was involved in analyzing the levels of lead in chil- time to resurrect the notion of a CCRC for her- dren’s blood. Unfortunately, he says, this contin- self, not wanting to be burdened with the respon- ues to be a problem today. He also was involved sibilities of caring for a house and grounds alone. in studying ozone depletion, including its effect on Fortunately for Priscilla, both her son and skin cancer. After he left the E.P.A., he worked daughter and their families live close by, and it for an NGO studying population issues, such as was her daughter who scouted out nearby retire- insuring that women had access to birth control ment communities. Priscilla says it was clear worldwide. from the get-go that our community was the 4 The Collingtonian Nov/Dec 2017 place for her. Priscilla is a native of Brooklyn, having lived From her childhood in Missis- there until after her marriage, when her husband sippi, Nancy recognized her voca- was transferred to a CPA firm in New Jersey. By tion for science. Early dreams of then, she had a year of teaching elementary school becoming a marine biologist or a under her belt. The Lindenauers lived in Edison, park ranger were thwarted when N.J. for a few years before moving north to Te- she discovered an intolerance aneck, where she lived until moving to Collington. to immersion, then confronted Nancy Brown She says, “I met my husband when he was “Jobs for Men Only” policies at the National Park a toddler and I was in a baby carriage.” His and Service in the 1950s. Her biology professor at her older sisters were friends in the same school Millsaps College pointed her toward the National grade, and their mothers became friends before Institutes of Health. She worked in a National Priscilla’s birth. Following public school, she Cancer Institute laboratory while taking graduate earned a Bachelor’s degree in education from courses in microbiology at the University of Mary- Brooklyn College, part of the City University of land, and attained a Master’s in Public Adminis- New York system. Later she acquired an M.Ed tration from American University. Positions in ad- from William Patterson College (now University) ministration of NIH grants and contracts followed. in Wayne, N.J. Priscilla taught in New Jersey and Before retiring from NIH, Nancy worked for New York City throughout her adult years, con- seven years at the National Institute of Allergies ducting at-risk remediation classes as part of Title and Infectious Diseases. Her team helped iden- One’s early intervention program, and later teach- tify HIV, and later devised drug cocktails for vari- ing children with multiple disabilities. ous cohorts of AIDS patients. Here at Collington, Priscilla has very good Nancy encountered one of the great “what ifs” things to say about the physical and occupational of a scientific career when the peer reviewers of therapies she’s received, as well as taking an ac- her team’s research on a virus that could repli- tive part in the Balance and Beyond and AquaFit cate with RNA only (and no DNA) delayed accep- classes. Having osteoporosis and being told by tance. Another magazine published corroborative her doctor she was at risk for a fall, she has been results from another research team, which even- proactive in taking advantage of what Collington tually was awarded a Nobel Prize. has to offer to augment her daily safety. While busy with her career, Nancy found time For rest and relaxation, Priscilla enjoys the fre- to travel extensively in the United States and quent social gatherings of residents in her cluster neighboring countries. Upon retirement, she and she loves to read. She also likes the chal- bought an RV and travelled in all 50 states, and lenge of crossword and math puzzles. many Canadian provinces. When at home, she And how about a fun fact? She attended the volunteered as a reader for audio books, and was same high school in Brooklyn as Woody Allen a “panda interpreter” at the National Zoo, telling and American composer John Corigliano. hundreds of visitors about the pandas. Ten years after retiring, Nancy moved to Maine with Lois. Nancy and Lois Brown (Cottage 5015, Ext. Lois met Nancy at one of her “salons” at 5081): Travel and Adventure Nancy’s home near Washington. Lois, a native By Mary Bird of New York City, moved to Washington after Lois and Nancy share curiosity for nature, see Newcomers, p. 6 people and places. Nov/Dec 2017 The Collingtonian 5 Newcomers from p. 5 Godelieve Bartley (Apt. 321, dropping out of Hunter College Ext. 7573): Multilingual to marry (and divorce), and lived Teacher in our area here on and off for 25 By Mary Bird years. During her first stay, she Godelieve moved to Collington sought training as a registered last May, a few years after the nurse in order to improve life for death of her husband of 47 years. A SAGE water Lois Brown herself and her daughter. Dur- aerobics class had introduced her to Collington. ing four years of nursing at the She is still taking SAGE fitness classes but is Houston Medical Center, she missed the cultural also trying out many Collington activities: medi- advantages of Washington, so came back east. tation group, yoga, marketing, weed warriors, She also returned to college (the University of estate sales, Collington singers, and the trip com- Maryland) to finish her bachelor of arts with a mittee. degree in political science. Lois went on for a Godelieve and her family lived in Prince degree in civil engineering. With this degree, she George’s County for more than 30 years, most of left nursing for a new career as an environmental that time in Upper Marlboro. For 15 years, Gode- engineer with Bell Atlantic and its successor, lieve has been a volunteer docent leading tours Verizon. She obtained a transfer to Maine, to be at the Calvert House Museum/ Riversdale House with Nancy. In 2013, Nancy and Lois married in English, French, and occasionally, Dutch. The there. mansion was built by a Belgian family whose For nine years Nancy and Lois lived the daughter married George Calvert, a descendant snowbird life, wintering in Florida, summering in of the fifth Lord Baltimore, Godelieve, who was Maine. While at home, Lois recruited and co- born in Belgium, acts as liaison between the ordinated over 1,250 volunteers for their town’s Riversdale Historical Society and the Belgian summer festival. Nancy volunteered in the local Embassy in Washington, DC. library and edited a memoir by a woman with Godelieve met her American husband at uni- Down syndrome. versity in Belgium. When his student year ended, Nancy and Lois also travelled and continue to they married and moved to the United States. travel extensively. Last February, a few months While her husband established his career in before moving to Collington, they took a Roads the insurance and annuity business, Godelieve Scholar river cruise to Cambodia and Vietnam. taught at the Defense Language Institute for Their next trip will be a river cruise from Bucha- three years, then moved to the Prince George’s rest to Amsterdam. County School system. Her bachelor’s degree in Nancy and Lois enjoy the close Collington speech pathology and master’s in special educa- community; finding exercise on their doorstep tion were a good mix for her to contribute to Indi- (walking their two dogs and in the fitness room); vidual Educational Plans for numerous students. and having choices and more choices. Nancy Godelieve also served as secretary of the P.G. can show her skill as a “pool shark” and memoir Chapter of the Council for Exceptional Children. writer, while Lois joins in the Booker and Beyond Godelieve and her husband had one son, who group and Tai Chi. They both are avid gardeners. now lives in Los Angeles. An early travel adven- Nancy and Lois have two granddaughters, one in college and the other finishing high school. Nov/Dec 2017 The Collingtonian 6 ture took them with their son camping at KOA El Paso, Texas, where their first son was born. sites throughout Mexico and Central America. They lived close to the Mexican border and More recently, Godelieve and James went on 14 she remembers the Mexicans “flirting with me cruises, including one up the Amazon in Brazil. because I had dark hair and eyes.” Her hus- Some of the fun has gone out of travel since band served with the Strategic Air Command James died, but still Godelieve is planning a trip and asked to be transferred. They were sent to to Australia to visit friends in Perth. Also, Gode- Rome, N.Y., only three hours from Scranton. lieve still has family in Europe to visit. When her second child, a daughter, was due, Since retiring in 2002, Godelieve has helped Helen moved back to Scranton so that her moth- plan pre-retirement conferences offered by the er could help her. Prince George’s Public School Retirees Associa- The next step for Helen and Charles was Ha- tion for other teachers. She occasionally works waii, where they lived for three years. Another with the legislative committee of this organization son was born there. She remembers the day as well. Hawaii became a state, and she thought the Besides her many activities in- and outside island would sink from the many fireworks sent of Collington, Godelieve enjoys the company of off. They eventually landed at Andrews Air Force her in-laws’ family, and long-time friends and col- Base, where her husband completed 20 years leagues in this area. of service. Their last child, a daughter, was born there. Helen Dziduch (Apt. 237, Helen worked with special education children. Ext. 7540): Italian Heritage, While she was interviewing for a job working Polish In-Laws with handicapped children, a child came into the By Marian Robbins office and gave her a big hug. She was hired instantly! It was a wonderful job where she could Born in Scranton, Pa, Helen be off during the summers. Her father had con- is very proud of her Italian heritage. Her father gestive heart failure and Helen nursed him off left Lombardy to join a cousin in White Plains, and on for many years. N.Y. Drafted into the Italian Army during the First Unfortunately, she lost her husband to cancer World War, and sent to serve in the Alps, the in 1999. After selling her house, Helen moved to father returned to America as soon as the war Collington to be near her children. She feels sur- ended. He met Helen’s mom, who lived with her rounded by caring people and is blessed to have cousins in a boarding house in Scranton. her sons come to visit her every Thursday. Her Helen is one of nine children. She has memo- daughters live farther away, but come as often as ries of coloring, playing with cut out dolls from they can. The mother-in-law of one of her sons magazine catalogs, and not being allowed to is also a Collington resident. Helen has joined be angry! She was introduced to her husband, an art class, where she still enjoys coloring. She Charles, who was serving with the Air Force, at also feels blessed to have a Roman Catholic an evening of music and dancing in a beer gar- priest from Eucharistic Ministries bring her com- den. Married soon thereafter, Helen went to live munion every week. Her biggest joy comes from with his Polish parents. Because they spoke very seeing her children, and she hopes to spend little English, she enjoyed the opportunity of pick- Christmas at her daughter’s home. ing up Polish words. Soon thereafter, Charles was transferred to Nov/Dec 2017 The Collingtonian 7 Christmas Cheer in November By Marian Fuchs A week after the Holiday Bazaar Harris took possession of all the left- (See p. 16), Collington had its second over goods and drove them to a church holiday shopping event on Nov.10. thrift shop in Southern Maryland. So This was the Christmas in November the recycling and re-use will continue. sale put on by the OO Shop. Tables At this year’s sale, some of the displaying holiday gifts were arrayed happiest shoppers were members around the room, and OO Shop of two refugee families adopted by manager Joe Howard had priced things Mary Kim. When she learned about to sell. There were bargains to be had the families, Marion Henry made – most prices $3 or less. The Glass a substantial donation to both of Case wing of the 00 Shop had more them, and they used her gift to make special Christmas gift items for sale – substantial purchases, leaving the sale Helen Svensen was several tables of them. They, too, were a happy camper at with bulging bags of goodies. doing a brisk business. the “Christmas in November” sale. At the end of the sale, resident Larry Photo by Marian Fuchs. Enjoying the Revamped Courtyard By Frances Kolarek

Collington’s Courtyard, recently spiffed up planted will bring new color to the site and we with the aid of a Collington Foundation grant, can look forward to many more occasions to was the scene of three outstanding cocktail socialize. parties given by the Hospitality Committee Photo by Peggy Latimer during the warm days this fall. Nov/Dec 2017 The Collingtonian 8 In the spring the wealth of bulbs recently Woodshop Saves Mon Dieu! Treasured Rocker By Doris Walsh Ed knew how much I liked rocking chairs. On my birthday, many years ago, a beautiful shiny black wooden rocking chair, with gold trim and early American designs painted on the head board, appeared in our living room. With great pleasure I rocked our children, grandchildren, The restored rocker. nieces and nephews to Photo by Doris Walsh. sleep with its soothing motion and calming sounds. The early American designs faded from frequent use. Then for some strange reason, an adult visitor stood on one of the rocker legs and broke it. I carried my chair to numerous Tim Sabin, left, and Ed Robbins share a professional furniture repair shops only to be tense moment in the Drama Committee’s pro- told, “Can’t be fixed,” and “Get rid of it and buy a duction of “Heroes,” Tom Spottard’s translation new one.” of “Le Vent Des Peupliers (The Wind in the Pop- Unwilling to part with my chair, I patched lars).” it best I could with wood glue, tape and The comedy centers on three French veter- sometimes rubber bands. Alas, it could not be ans of World War I who are bored with life in rocked. In preparing for our move to Collington, the old soldiers’ home. Tom McCain was the it survived the dreaded downsizing and came third soldier; Nadine Hathaway sang Edith Piaf with us. I was telling this tale to our neighbor, chansons; Marilyn Haskel provided musical Chris, and she immediately said she could take accompaniment, including a rousing rendition it to the wood shop at Collington to be fixed. of La Marseillaise. Pat Howard had a silent but Sure enough, in a few weeks she brought back forceful role as Sister Madeleine, overseer of my chair. The talented residents had fashioned the home. a new matching shiny black wood rocker leg! The production played to large audiences for With function restored, I am again enjoying three nights, Nov. 15-17. the soothing motion and calming sounds of my Photo by Peter Pfund rocking chair and all the sweet memories that Nov/Dec 2017 The Collingtonian 9 come with its use. Restaurant Review: Rasika – A Splurge, but Worth It By Carl Koch Rasika offers modern Indian cuisine show- fennegreek and Malai Palak, finely minced spin- casing tandoori and regional dishes. The Penn ach with garlic, chiles, and onions. None of the Quarter eatery is convenient to the museums, es- dishes were particularly spicy but all were savory. pecially the art museums, the Capital One Center Coffee followed, with a shared dessert called (formally the Verizon Center) and can be reached Pista Kulfi, pistachio ice cream rolled in chopped easily by Metro from the Largo or New Carrollton pistachios – very delicious! The bill was $102 stations. without tax or tip. That’s a lot of money for lunch, The Washingtonian magazine has ranked Ra- but after all we had drinks and six different dish- sika at 11th out of the magazine’s “top 100” restau- es. Also, it was a beautiful August day, the trip to rants in the Washington area. The Washingtonian the restaurant was quick and easy, our table was lists it as “expensive” but the majority of the higher in the front so that we could see outside and we ranked places were said to be “very expensive”. may have gotten a little carried away. The only Within this past year, Rasika has been visited negative I found was weak coffee! This is truly a by many Washington notables, including Ruth great restaurant. Bader Ginsburg, Ivanka Trump, and the Obamas. Rasika, 633 D St. NW, Washington, DC 20004 202-637-1222, rasikarestaurant.com th Michelle took her husband there for his 56 birth- Lunch – Monday – Friday 11:30am – 2:30pm day and had been seen lunching there with her Dinner – Monday – Thursday 5:30 – 10:30pm Friday – Saturday – 5:00pm – 11:00pm women friends. Closed Sunday A beautiful sunny and cool day in August found Sustainability from p. 3 my wife Joyce and I traveling by car to Rasika for paper, pencil and a suggestion box were lunch. Inside, the restaurant was bright and the provided for residents and staff to make tables well-spaced. By using hanging beads as comments and suggestions. The community well as curtains laced with golden thread to break is engaged, as a good number of suggestions up a large room into several smaller spaces, the received attest. It should be noted that two general impression was one of elegance. With Kendal goals – numbers 4 and 10, relating abundant waiters and busboys, our courses were to energy management in buildings and served well-spaced and the table kept impec- green cleaning materials – as yet have no cable. Collington accomplishments. These goals will, We had drinks, wine for Joyce, a gin and tonic nevertheless, be posted to encourage residents for me. We split the Reshmi Kebab appetizer, and staff to give them serious consideration. spiced minced chicken cooked on a skewer with a tasty mint, coriander, green chili sauce. Joyce All suggestions are gathered, charted and chose the Halibut Curry and I the Chicken Tikka are being discussed at the Sustainability Masala as our entrees. Vegetable side dishes Committee’s monthly meetings, with an eye were: the Dal Makhari, lentils, tomatoes, garlic, toward what further initiatives Collington might take. Your continued interest and participation 10 The Collingtonian Nov/Dec 2017 in this project is greatly appreciated. Lessons from the Heart By George Newman To paraphrase Samuel unit, where I spent a week, Johnson: A heart attack appears first-rate in every concentrates the mind respect. wonderfully. Obey your captors. I can testify to that. The last time I spent a What follows are some night in a hospital, I was lessons from my newly 5 years old, getting my concentrated mind. tonsils out. That hardly Fear not: this will not be prepared me for this stay. a detailed account of Like many men, I’m used my medical history, as to at least the appearance fascinating as that is to of being in control of me. But I think – I hope – I learned from my my life. It’s a culture shock to be dependent experience, and perhaps some of the lessons on nurses and technicians for basic needs, are useful. to say nothing of a schedule of blood draws, blood pressure checks and other indignities Respect your genes. My father suffered a fatal heart attack at age 70, 10 years younger that occupy day and night without apparent than I am now. As I moved through my 70s with reason. Especially difficult were my three days no outward signs of heart disease, I thought I in the Critical Cardiac Unit, where patients are had beaten that rap. You don’t, after all, get all tethered to monitors and can’t get out of bed your genes from your parents. My aunt, who without help. I was not, I confess, an easy thought the major food groups were cookies, patient. I think women generally are more cake, and ice cream, lived to 92, and it wasn’t sensible about this. It’s probably one reason her heart that did her in. Unfortunately, it turns they outlive us. out that I inherited her sweet tooth and my Develop some empathy. Belatedly I realize father’s arteries. that the conditions of confinement I complained about comprise daily reality for a substantial If you suspect something is wrong, it number of people, including many residents of probably is. I didn’t have the classic elephant- on-the-chest symptom. But I had enough our Creighton Center. Their courage merits our pain, and a cold sweat, to merit a trip to the admiration. emergency room. Be grateful for life. That’s a cliché, but sometimes clichés carry truth. I’m writing this a Don’t fear Prince George’s Hospital. Its reputation at Collington is not stellar. The few days before Thanksgiving, a holiday whose building is old and the emergency entrance meaning I more than ever take to heart, in more unwelcoming. But the staff is competent, ways than one. compassionate and hard-working. The cardiac Nov/Dec 2017 The Collingtonian 11 Born to be a Horticulturist By Ann Davie Q. What do a kernel of corn, a peach pit, Collington’s job description popped up. and a grapefruit seed have in common? He firmly believes it was meant to be. A. They were the objects of a curious Kyle started with us Sept.1, knowing 5- year-old, who wondered, “What will hap- that he wanted to facilitate the plans pen if I plant these?” that have been developing among resi- Kyle Olsen, Collington’s new horticultur- dents here, rather than take over with a ist, told me this story to illustrate how he new program. He has proven himself to has been drawn to plants and horticultural be an effective advocate for plans com- questions “forever.” He enthusiastically ing from several resident committees. reported that he did plant those things, and An example is the Weed Warriors’ work that the result was edible food – a long to improve the trail on either side of the time later! Caption: Kyle Olsen. hilltop. With Jacob Kijne’s design and Photo by Ann Davie. Kyle grew up in Kensington, Md., Kyle’s assistance in managing materi- went to the University of Maryland to study agri- als and workers, there are now six barriers made culture and education, and was tapped after his of 6x6s, pebbles and sand to drain water off to sophomore year to begin preparing to teach agri- either side of the trail. cultural horticulture. A job doing just that in a high Kyle works with Alice Nicolson on many proj- school in rural Virginia showed him that what he ects, the largest of which right now is the Bee really wanted to do was to focus on horticulture, Meadow, on the left of the main drive into campus which is NOT mowing, digging, and planting only where a beehive can be seen above a slanted but involves learning and practicing sustainability, hill which is to be planted in wild, native, natural techniques of growing and advances in the field, plants and flowers. Another example is that the making the environment livable in an integrated Grounds Committee needed “follow through” way. as they chose locations for six trees bought to For twenty years before coming to Collington, replace trees taken down during the recent lake Kyle did just that – taught horticulture to special improvements. He also has worked with Mar- needs children and to the small number of fas- keting Director Lindsey Hamilton to be sure the cinated youth who chose his courses in Charles campus entrances are seasonally appealing to County schools. When the program ended, Kyle our visitors. was 59 years old, and had to construct his first Kyle and Walter Lewis, who has been with Col- resume because a friend had told him he would lington for several years, make up a team that re- be “perfect for jobs in the National Parks.” But he sponds to individual work order requests. Some found himself overqualified because of his years examples include advising newcomers about in his own landscaping businesses and the wide what Collington will do for their property and experience he enjoyed helping people make good what they may do; keeping an eye on the newly- decisions about planting. And just at that moment, landscaped Courtyard; removal of trees downed through a connection he can’t even remember, by storms; and completing the removal of green mold from the siding of cottages. 12 The Collingtonian Nov/Dec 2017 see Horticulturist, p. 15 Woodmoor Centre Growing Fast By James Giese In September, Nordstrom for eating-in or taking out pre- Rack became the latest store pared food. added to the Woodmore Towne The EDC credits the shop- Centre, a 245-acre mixed-use ping Centre’s success to its development at the north end location directly off I-95 and the of North Campus Drive, a short surrounding area’s income, ac- distance from Collington. The cording to Bannister. In 2008, discount outlet clothing store Opening of Nordstrom Rack at the average household income Woodmore drew a crowd. joins other major tenants: Weg- within a five-mile radius was re- mans grocery and pharmacy, COSTCO member ported to be $76,000 and in 2013, $89,000. discount store and gasoline station, J C Penney Nordstrom Rack is a part of a second-phase and Old Navy clothing, PETCO pet supplies and 59,000-square-foot development of a five-acre Best Buy electronics. There is also a 24-hour track in the Centre, according to a July 5, 2016 Fitness USA located on Ruby Lockhart Drive just article by Rebecca Cooper in the Washington after the turn-in to the Centre from Saint Joseph Business Journal. A site plan at the Centre’s Drive. website indicates a similar sized parcel between Two large restaurants have also recently Nordstrom and the COSTCO gasoline station, opened: Hook and Reel Cajun Seafood and upon which three major restaurants might be lo- Kobe Japanese Steak House, joining Copper cated. Also under construction behind Wegmans Canyon and several smaller operations. is a 120-room hotel. according to the site plan, According to an August 2016 Bisnow article by which is to be a Hampton Inn. The site plan in- Jon Banister, Petrie Richardson Ventures, in joint dicates more than 3,200 parking spaces will be venture with Prudential Real Estate Investors, provided on the commercial site. Also planned closed on a $175-million financing deal for the are 108 townhome residential units on Ruby development on Sept. 30, 2008, the day after the Lockhart Drive across from the fitness center. stock market experienced the single biggest drop Most of the residential development at Wood- in its history. Eight years later, according to Ban- more Towne Centre is being done by D R Horton nister, the risk had paid off with the Towne Cen- -- some 1,100 single-family, townhomes and tre raking in roughly $600 per square foot, ac- condo apartment units. According to the com- cording to the Prince George’s County Economic pany’s website, prices range from $295,000 for Development Commission (EDC). The EDC said a 1,600- square-foot, three-bedroom, two-story the development is anchored by “Wegmans’ No. townhome to $523,490 for a 3,389 square-foot, 1 store in the country in prepared food sales.” four-bedroom, two-story free-standing home. The Woodmore store was the first Wegmans Apparently sales having been going well, since to open in Maryland. The chain has been rated construction is approaching completion. first in the retail grocery business for customer satisfaction and also features numerous choices Nov/Dec 2017 The Collingtonian 13 He Played Key Role in Cold War By Norman Kempster In the history of the In 1972-74, Ray was Cold War -- the ideologi- chief of staff of the U.S. cal conflict between the delegation that negoti- United States and the ated the first super-power Soviet Union that de- arms control treaties, the fined the last half of the pacts popularly known as Twentieth Century -- no SALT-I and ABM-I. name seems to come Although the Cold War up more regularly than has receded more than a Raymond L. Garthoff. quarter of a century into Now a Collington resi- history, relations between dent, Ray Garthoff helped to shape that history as the United States and Russia have deteriorated a CIA analyst, ambassador, State Department of- dangerously in recent years, causing some to ficial and arms control negotiator. And as a non- predict a renewal of the Cold War. For his part, government scholar, he wrote part of the history. Ray does not buy it. In the late 1980s, he was among the first Russian President Vladimir Putin’s effort to American analysts to recognize the importance build Russian world influence, and U.S. pro- of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s Perestroika grams to extend Western dominance, will cause policy of government reorganization that relaxed tensions between Washington and Moscow, Ray international tensions. Many American observ- said, “but it doesn’t rise to the level of a new Cold ers, including some of Ray’s former colleagues War.” Current tensions, he said, do not have the in the State Department and CIA, considered the ideological basis that fueled the conflict of the Soviet policy a trick intended to cause Washington last century. to drop its guard. History, as is now recognized, Ray’s appointment to an ambassadorial post demonstrated that Gorbachev was sincere. – traditionally the apex of a Foreign Service of- Unlike conventional wars for which historians ficer’s career – was also part of the Cold War. In usually can date the start and the end, there is no 1977, he was named by President Jimmy Carter agreed timeline for the Cold War. But Ray said to be ambassador to Bulgaria, then a significant the most likely duration is from 1946 to 1990. part of the Soviet bloc. While in Sofia, the Bul- His own career spans almost all of that period, garian capital, Ray played a significant role in an starting in the ‘50s as an analyst of Soviet policy emerging U.S. policy of relaxed tensions toward for the Rand Corp., a private firm with close ties the Soviet satellites in Eastern Europe. to the U.S. military, and lasting until his service A photo of Ray with Carter hangs on the wall as an advisor to government policy makers fol- outside the Collington dining room, part of a dis- lowing his formal retirement from the State De- play of pictures of Collingtonians with heads of partment in 1980. state from the United States and foreign nations. 14 The Collingtonian Nov/Dec 2017 This is one of an occasional series of articles on the “back stories” of the “photo wall.” Horticulturist from p. 12 An example of a project to come is the plant- ing and repair around places recently disfigured, such as the one in the 3000s, where sidewalks and ground had to be dug up to repair water main leaks. It is a great relief to have an advocate who What to Plant to Discourage Deer can organize the steps to get the project com- pleted done and the grounds made attractive. Spring is cheerful when we can enjoy so many Kyle’s family include his wife Natalie, who joins flowers planted as bulbs the previous fall. So here him in many interests (landscape design, floral we are in late autumn; are we going to plant now design, advising friends and family about plant for our future enjoyment? Our friends the deer design). They are the proud parents of a son in are expecting us to plant delicious tulips and lil- Georgia and of a daughter and granddaughter ies. Let’s fool them by planting bulbs that produce flowers they can’t stand to devour. who live nearby. Kyle’s parents, in their 90s, Daffodils are safe, and they come in a great maintain their home in South Carolina, and Kyle variety of forms and color combinations. They is attentive to try to keep his father “off ladders make a very dependable choice. Hyacinths are and roofs.” also safe, and their range of colors includes every color except yellow. Flowering onions are Reigle Family Expands dependable and safe, and may even protect adja- By Rob Reigle cent susceptible plants from being eaten. Besides My wife Samantha the ball-shaped flower clusters of the flowering and I were given the gift onion, there are some that produce blooms that of Lucy Lynn Reigle on are spidery or feathery. Oct. 8. Weighing in at 7 It is surprising but fortunate that bearded or pounds 9.4 ounces, Lucy German iris is safe. The colors and forms of this has been a great baby popular flower are breath-taking and beautiful. and for the most part Tubers are usually planted in August, but this only cries when she has vigorous plant seems to take hold whenever it is a good reason, as when planted. she is ready to eat. Lucy Consider some other fall-planted bulb crops with now smiles at us and a badge of safety from deer: winter aconite, grape even tries to talk, moving her mouth and making hyacinth, scilla siberica, and cyclamen coum. some sounds. So how about planting fall vegetables instead? Well, it is pretty late to grow veggies outside, and, One resident said to me, “Because you work besides, they are very delicious to deer. Except at Collington, Lucy has many grandparents here.” onions and garlic: you can plant them now, but I appreciate the great culture we have here at you will get better results from spring planting, Collington and I am very thankful for the positive and bulb “sets” are available then. thoughts and congratulations I have received If we avoid planting all those flowers that deer from residents. love to eat, will they starve? Not on your life! Rob Reigle is Collington’s IT manager. The whole world of vegetation has been on Nov/Dec 2017 The Collingtonian 15 their dinner plate for millions of years. Busy Bazaar Builds RA Coffers Collington’s annual Holiday Bazaar, held on Nov. 3, raised about $4,000 for the Residents Association, said Maja Keech, chief organizer of the event (The OO Shop’s “Christmas in November” event later in the month was also a success. See page 8). Top right, Martha Pollick, left, is delighted by an exhibit of decorated wine bottles, as is Roberta Decker. Photo by Bud Gardiner Rhea Hawkins is behind the counter.

Sue Embree Quoted in ‘Code Girls’ By Norman Kempster

Every year during World War II, future from the National Archives and from inter- Collington resident Sue Embree, then a ju- views with some of the surviving partici- nior naval officer, applied for a transfer from pants. her stateside job to an overseas post. Sue Embree, quoted under her maiden Every year, she was turned down. The name of Suzanne Harpole, appears in the U.S. military was not sending women index at least five times, including the re- abroad except for nurses. counting of her ill-fated effort to participate So, she stuck with her post -- one of the most in the war, closer to the front. important, and secret, assignments of the war. There were less weighty events as well. The She was one of about 10,000 women assigned book quotes Sue as recalling that upon return- by the army and navy to break German and ing to her “oh so respectable” boarding house in Japanese codes. Washington following a brief leave, she discov- Their efforts, once so secret that it would be a ered that her room had been sublet to a military crime to talk about them with anyone outside of officer and his mistress who were making good the program, are credited by some with hasten- use of it. ing the allied victory, or even possibly turning In addition to Sue, at least one other future defeat into victory. Collingtonian was assigned to the code-breaking Although the secrecy that surrounded the program although she is not cited by name in the program survived the war for decades, the story book. Rickie Evans, then known as Mary Rich- has now been told – most recently in the just- ardson, worked at Arlington Hall, headquarters of published book, “Code Girls,” by Liza Mundy. the code-breaking effort. The book features personal accounts, gleaned