2017Summer Semester MAY THROUGH AUGUST Hello and thank you for your interest in Watermark University!
Your curiosity is to be commended and it may even be the key to better health. Studies show that satisfying curiosities and learning new things can keep the mind agile and sharp. That’s why we created Watermark University. We know that stimulating the mind and strengthening the body has enormous benefits at any age and may even slow the process of memory loss.
Besides being good for you, keeping your mind and the body active and engaged doesn’t just improve your life – it’s a whole lot of fun! Enroll in a class or two that pique your interest. I’m confident you’ll learn something new and make a few friends along the way. While you’re at it, why not suggest a class or even volunteer to teach a subject you’re passionate about?
Just give us a call to reserve a space in a class that intrigues you. Please keep in mind that class space is limited, priority is given to residents and most, but not all classes are free. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you in a Watermark University course this semester!
Sincerely,
Dennis Del Rosario Community Life Director COURSE FACULTY DAY AND TIME LOCATION
Acrylic Painting Relene Schuster Every other Wed. Art Room 10:30 Even those who have not touched a paint brush are enjoying the painting class w/Relene. Get together with other creative residents for two hours of acrylic or watercolor painting, friendship, good conversations and individualized help. Learn some new painting techniques, make new friends and decorate the walls of your home. All supplies are provided, just bring a picture of what you want to paint or choose one from our collection.
Armchair Theater Katie Jett 2nd Tuesday of each month Art Room 4:00 This will be a seated theatrical reading of short plays. We will meet to decide on which plays we will be 'performing,' as well as whom shall be assigned to each role. You do not need to be a professional actor/actress to join in the fun! Everyone is welcome to participate.
Aromatherapy/ Katie Jett Monthly The Inn Meditation Aromatherapy has been used for its healing benefits for many years. Come discover the age old medicine that Mother Earth has to offer. Learn about all the healing benefits of herbs from your very own kitchen while feeling them for yourself.
Art Lecture 1 Roshna Kapadia May 24 - 2:00 Sky Room “American Impressionism” In early- to mid-nineteenth century America, painting was largely about the beauty of the American landscape. However, in the late nineteenth century a few artists took to painting in the style of Impressionism, the new fad from France. See works featuring modern themes, exploring the effects of light, and done in loose brushstroke, by artists such as Theodore Robinson, William Merritt Chase, John Singer Sargent, and, of course, Mary Cassatt.
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Art Lecture 2 Roshna Kapadia July 26 - 2:00 Sky Room “Historic Figures in Britain”
This presentation covers movers and shakers from the British isles in painting— explorers, and merchants; sailors and navigators, scientists and inventors, military heroes and literary figures from the sixteenth through the nineteenth centuries. Ever wondered what Francis Drake, Captain Cook, Shakespeare, Walter Scott, Jane Austen, the Bronte Sisters looked like? This presentation acquaints you with the visual appearance of many important historic figures from Britain.
Art on the Road Chris Scharles June 8 – 1:00 National Gallery of Art In this class you will go in the National Art Gallery with Chris and explore one of the world’s finest collections of American and European paintings and sculpture dating from the 13th century. Also see the current exhibitions from drawing, painting and photography. Please don’t forget to wear a pair of comfortable shoes.
Art w/ pencils Aref Rahman June 7 – 10:30 Art Room Demonstration
This class showcases Aref’s love of Artwork using color pencils. He is also a self- taught watercolorist. This time Aref will share his passion and creativity using color pencils to capture skies, trees, portrait, landscape and more. Painting the natural world around us can capture a place, a memory, or a feeling. You will be truly fascinated with his life story on how he started with his hobby.
Balance Katie Jett Wednesdays Fitness Center Stabilization 1:45
Balance Stabilization training focuses on the ability to maintain proper posture over the body’s support base. Balance training is beneficial for improving dynamic joint stabilization (the ability to stabilize or keep the joints in proper alignment during movement.)
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Balance Katie Jett Mondays Fitness Center Flexibility 1:15 It is the ability to move any joint through a range of motion. Increased range of motion means increased circulation and stability. This also means less pain in the joints and less chance for injury. Increased flexibility also speeds recover and improves physical appearance through better, taller posture.
Beer Pairings John Niebauer TBA Main Dining Room Chris Scharles Phyllis Koudelka
Learn how to pair food and beer – Everything you need to know about matching meals with lager, ale, stout, and other beers. John, Chris & Phyllis will introduce a variety of beers, and you will have the opportunity to learn about and sample each one. You are welcome to invite your friends and family.
Bible Class Carolyn Bliss Tuesdays TC - 5th 3:00 You are all invited to come and hear what the LORD has to say from His Word, the Holy Bible. Come join with others as Carolyn reads from both the Old and New Testaments and gives interpretation and meaning to the passages.
Book Club Kathy Shields May 29, June 26, July 31 Lobby-Library Jeanne Graef Aug. 29 -2:00 We meet the last Monday of each month in the Library to pick up our new books for the next month and discuss the book we have just finished. Each month we select (with the help of a volunteer in the Fairfax County Library) a book for the group to read. The library furnishes enough books for everyone in the club including, when available, big-print editions. Feel free to attend our next meeting which is listed on the daily Activity Sheet.
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Cell Phones 101 Sonja Creech May 3 - 2:00 Sky Room
Are you behind on mobile technology? Mobile communications devices have come a long way from just being phones. Come and join Sonja for a one on one learning experience to learn the basics of your cell phone.
Choral Singing Gena Photiadis Thursdays Sky Room w/Skytones 1:45
Join the Washington House Chorus and you'll soon find you have a lot of talented friends here. Nothing brings people together like singing. You don’t have to audition-the only qualification is singing! The Skytones aren't wall flowers though. Several times a year they perform for Washington House friends, families and residents. Newcomers are welcome. So come join the fun and belt out a tune.
Classical Music Thomas Pandolfi Aug. 9 - 6:30 Sky Room Series 1 - Piano
Classical Music David Pedrazza May 20 - 6:45 Sky Room Series 2 Anna Nizhegorodtseva Viola & Piano
Ever wish you could drop into a class on Beethoven’s works for the solo piano, or on how music affects your state of mind? Using a simple and enjoyable teaching style, this class introduces the novice listener to the wonders of classical music, from Bach fugues to Mozart symphonies to Puccini operas.
Computer 101 Ken Polk Every 1st Thurs. Lobby-Library Basic 3:00
While modern technology is helpful in accomplishing many of our tasks, allowing us to organize and learn important information and maintain relationships with family and friends, it can often be confusing and challenging to keep up with the many types of programs and applications. In this session, you’ll learn basic computer skills including emailing, web surfing, and many other fun and useful daily skills.
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Cribbage Class Nancy Murphy Thursdays TC-9th 10:30 Whether you are looking to brush up on your skills or interested in learning how to play – this is the class for you! Students of all abilities are invited to participate in this fun game. Bring your spirit for fun and your willingness to learn.
Current Events Mickey Moore 1st & 3rd Monday Library Maricel Obanil 10:00
Confused about what’s in the news? Come and discuss what’s happening - share your opinions, concerns, and questions with others in the group. Bring a few topics which you’d like to discuss. These and others will be posted, and the group will pick three or four for discussion. Everyone will have a chance to voice their thoughts. Coffee, tea, and snacks will be provided.
Dance Aerobics Katie Jett Fridays Fitness Center 9:45
Get your heart rate up and your feet moving in this fun cardio class with Katie. Dance Aerobics will have you moving forward, back, left, and right with fun upbeat songs. Movements include the use of simple and easy to learn choreography as well as some line dancing steps. This is a low to moderate impact cardio class and everyone is encouraged to give it a try!
Distillery Tour Michael Lowe TBA –1:00 Columbia Distillery John Uselton
Come and join us on an afternoon trip to the New Columbia Distillery in Washington D.C. and learn about the process of their signature Green Hat distilled gin. After the tour, you can join the optional free gin tasting and sampling of their Classic and Seasonal Cocktails.
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Fall Prevention Ekaterina Sololieva July 18 – 2:00 Sky Room Update
You can gain and restore strength and stability at every age when you know how. The benefits of this class include fall prevention, better health, and a more enjoyable life. Join us to learn techniques and exercises for moving forward, wherever your starting point may be.
Fashion through Winoka Clements TBA – 2:00 Sky Room the ages “1960s” From behind closed salon doors in 19th century Paris to the present day catwalks around the world, fashion has shaped and been shaped by, the world we live in. In this class, you will learn the current styles starting 1960s, reminisce on past fashion icons as well as learn a thing or two from the fashion industry. Favorite Book Sonja Creech Aug. 2 – 2:00 Lobby-Library Review Bring in your favorite book or one of the many you may have to our new discussion group. Give us an overview of the book, why it’s your favorite and why we should read it! Or join us to just find out another good book to read.
Filipino Cuisine I Maricel Obanil TBA Main Dining Room
Learn some simple and easy recipes from the Philippines as well as a brief history of cooking in the Philippines. Sample the food after the class and Maricel will surely make you come back for the next time. You can also request a copy of the recipes to share with your friends and families. Flow Yoga Katie Jett Wednesdays Fitness Center 4:00 For the more active Yogi, this class combines flowing yoga postures, movements, and breathing techniques with music. There will be a combination of standing and seated exercises to bring the body and mind together in order to create balance. Flow yoga is an excellent way to increase mental and physical balance and flexibility.
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Flower Mawazo Nyabenda Mondays Inn-2nd Arranging 9:30 3rd & 4th This class will demonstrate the art of basic floral arranging. Join Mawazo as she creates her own fresh floral arrangements that you can easily do.
Garden Club Ralph Sesler 2nd Tuesday TC-7th Floor Priscilla Lotsberg 1:00
The nice weather is now here! Come bring your green thumb and let us guide you through creating the perfect garden. The Garden Club will help you learn to plant some of your favorite seasonal plants. So, come and watch your garden grow even during winter!
Garden Ralph Sesler May 30 - 1:00 Off-Campus Excursion I Priscilla Lotsberg
Garden Ralph Sesler June 27 - 1:00 Off-Campus Excursion 2 Priscilla Lotsberg
Garden Ralph Sesler July 25 - 1:00 Off-Campus Excursion 3 Priscilla Lotsberg
Garden Ralph Sesler Aug. 29 - 1:00 Off-Campus Excursion 4 Priscilla Lotsberg
The Garden Club plans to visit beautiful and interesting gardens within the greater Washington area during this term. The sites will be no more than 30-45 minutes away, and transportation is provided by our own Washington House bus. Sites are selected that have available seating to rest and have restroom facilities. We allow approximately one hour at the garden site.
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Great Decisions Frank Reagan Last Wednesday Sky Room Time – TBA
Learn about and discuss some of the most significant issues facing our country and the world today. We use a text developed by the Foreign Policy Association, along with a DVD, which explores topics of concern regarding international affairs, such as Egypt, Iran, and NATO.
The group reads the material provided then meets to view the DVD and discuss what we’ve learned. Join us for good conversation. Visitors always welcome.
Hawaii Culture Paki Allen May 16 – 7:00 pm Lobby-Outdoor & Dances
Paki Allen’s Polynesian Revue will bring you to the rich culture of Hawaii through dances and music from the different Hawaiian Islands. Paki will introduce you to a brief history of each dance followed by a dance interpretation.
Health and Joann Garcia Every Month Sky Room Wellness Lecture series
Health Talk 1 Joann Garcia May – TBA Town Center “Arthritis Katie Jett The Inn Awareness” Diovanne Barlow The Springs
Health Talk 2 Joann Garcia June - TBA Town Center “Cataract Diovanne Barlow The Springs Awareness” Katie Jett The Inn
Health Talk 3 Joann Garcia July - TBA Town Center “Ultraviolet Diovanne Barlow The Springs Safety” Katie Jett The Inn
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Health Talk 4 Joann Garcia August– TBA Town Center “Immunization Diovanne Barlow The Springs Awareness” Katie Jett The Inn
Throughout the year we generate awareness around specific conditions and physical problems that people struggle with daily. Come join us and learn more about these health awareness months, weeks, and days.
History Alive I Mary Ann Jung June 12-2:00 Sky Room “Rosalie of Riversdale’s War of 1812”
In this class, Mary Ann Jung will portray Rosalie Calvert of Riversdale Plantation and takes you on a breathless journey through the Battle of Bladensburg, the burning of Washington, and the creation of the “Star-Spangled Banner.”Relive the drama of life during the War of 1812 by choosing sides: British vs. Americans. Explore the fascinating day-to-day details of running a plantation in Maryland. And which lucky guests will be chosen to visit President and Dolley Madison?
History Talks Katie Jett Monthly - 2:30 The Inn-3rd
Come and join Katie as she discuss timelines and major figures who affected that moment in history. During the class, you will be able to share your ideas with other residents, discover unknown facts and hear personal accounts of historical events.
"May Day" May 3 "NY Stock Exchange" May 17 "D-Day" June 6 "The Seven Days Campaign" June 21 "Continental Congress" July 5 "Apollo 11" July 19
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History Talks Katie Jett Monthly - 2:30 The Inn-3rd
"Desert Storm" August 2 "Woodstock" August 16
Come and join Katie as she discuss timelines and major figures who affected that moment in history. During the class, you will be able to share your ideas with other residents, discover unknown facts and hear personal accounts of historical events. Jewelry Talk Brenda Foreman, Ph.D. TBA Sky Room “Lalique” This class will focus on the brief period from about 1890 to roughly 1910 in which Lalique revolutionized jewelry design and made Art Nouveau jewelry a worldwide rage – even if a short-lived one.
Jewish Education Gideon Frishman Every First Wed. Conf. Room Series & Shabbat 2:00
Come down and join Gideon to discuss the Jewish holidays and other related topics during our Shabbat services. During the Shabbat, Gideon will incorporate different Jewish holidays to learn the basics – why and how they are celebrated. All residents are invited to attend.
Jewish Talk 1 Gideon Frishman May 5 – 2:00 Theater “Second Passover” Thirty days ago we cleaned our homes and souls of leaven, and matzahed our way through the week-long festival of Passover. And now, Pesach Sheni - a Second Passover!
Jewish Talk 2 Gideon Frishman June 2 – 2:00 Theater “Lag B’Omer” The birthday of Jewish mysticism . . . The spiritual significance of the bow and arrow . . . Can love be true, and can truth be loving? . . . What is Kabbalah?
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Jewish Talk 3 Gideon Frishman July 7 – 2:00 Theater “Shavuot” Shavuot marks the giving of the Torah on Mt. Sinai. The Ten Commandments are read in synagogues, just as they were in the desert on Mt. Sinai over 3,300 years ago.
Jewish Talk 4 Gideon Frishman August 4 – 2:00 Theater “The Three Weeks”
The “Three Weeks” and Tisha B’Av are designated as a time of mourning over the destruction of the Holy Temple and the galut (exile).
Jewish Talk 5 Fred Biederman August 11 – 2:00 Theater “The 15th of Av” Our sages proclaimed the 15th of Av as one of the two greatest festivals of the Year and yet they ordained no special observances or celebrations for it . . .
Kitchen Tour Dining Staff TBA Washington House Ever wonder where your meals are prepared? Join The Washington House Dining Team in a tour of the “Back of the House.” See all the wholesome, fresh prepared food that we make daily and enjoy a special treat after the tour prepared by Chef Natasha.
Knitting and Katie Jett Wednesdays TC-5 Beyond 1:00 pm
Whether you are new to knitting (crochet or needlework) or a seasoned pro, join us to create a new project or work on an existing one while creating memories with friends, new and old.
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Line Dancing Dennis Del Rosario Mondays Fitness Center 3:30 Come join us in learning the basics of line dancing-how to grapevine, do a Jazz box, and a cha-cha step. After we master the basics, we’ll put it all together and dance to a country line dance. It’s a great exercise and promotes memory training.
Meet the Chef Darnell Davis TBA Main Dining Room “Cooking Show”
Enjoy Chef’s demonstration of the joy of making easy meals and have a taste of her delicious cooking.
Moving Kathy Zwicker Mondays Fitness Center Meditation 1:30
Learn simple, gentle movements along with breathing and mindfulness exercises that will:
Reduce pain and stress
Promote healing and happiness and
Improve mental focus, balance and flexibility
Music Jerry Roman June 9-3:00 Sky Room Appreciation 1 “Music of Cole Porter”
Music Jerry Roman August 11-3:00 Sky Room Appreciation 2 “Gershwin Music”
Join Jerry Roman every 2nd Friday for an afternoon of musical learning experiences on different genres of music. He will make you remember all those good old tunes as he brings you back to memory lane.
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Music Therapy Cheryl Conway 1st & 3rd Tuesday The Springs-DR 3:30 pm In her music therapy sessions, Cheryl encourages participation. Residents are invited to play instruments (such as drums, bells, and shakers), move to the music, sing, share memories and learn about the music. Most of the sessions are based on themes (i.e., the seasons, holidays or topics of interest, or songs by a particular composer). As a music therapist, Cheryl seeks to use music familiar to her audience. Cheryl is personable, easy to approach, and loves to be of any service to her audience.
Nutrition Talk 1 Saba Barkneh May 1 – 2:00 Art Room “Nutrition and Diabetes”
This course will present the basic principles of nutrition so that you may make better informed choices about dietary intake in order to promote a healthy lifestyle. Information about the several classes of nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fat, vitamins, and minerals) and the physiological processes used to digest, absorb, and utilize.
Nutrition Talk 2 Saba Barkneh June 5 – 2:00 Art Room “Hydration 101”
It is amazing how much we take water for granted! Learn about hydration and its importance to the body. We will look at the facts and the benefits of hydration. You will learn different ways to intake fluid other than drinking water.
Nutrition Talk 3 Saba Barkneh July 10 – 2:00 Art Room “All About Salt”
Learn the different ways salt affects our bodies, negative and positive. How much is too much and how much do you need.
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Nutrition Talk 4 Saba Barkneh Aug. 7 – 2:00 Art Room “How Much Fiber Do I Need?”
Eat more fiber. You’ve probably heard it before. But do you know why fiber is so good for your health? Find out how much dietary fiber you need, the foods that contain it, and how to add them to meals and snacks.
Senior Safety Charlie Lloyd TBA Sky Room
Come and listen to Officer Charlie Lloyd’s lecture on senior safety which will cover topics such as Current Crime Trends, Fraud and Identity Theft and give the latest information on how to protect yourself from being a victim.
Social Dance Katie Jett TBA Fitness Center
For centuries, reports have been written showing the health benefits of dancing to the body, mind, and spirit. Let Katie inspire you with her graceful moves and teach you the basics of Ballroom Dancing. It is also a fun way to express creativity, develop self, and share our culture. Learn Latin dances like Merengue, Bachata, and Salsa. Other ballroom dance to learn include Fox Trot, Waltz, and Swing.
Stabilization Shawn Hallums Tuesdays-1:15 Fitness Center Endurance Training
This class will incorporate exercises that progressively challenge the body’s stability, as opposed to how much weight is being used. The objectives are accomplished through low-intensity, high repetition training, emphasizing core and joint stabilization.
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Strength Shawn Hallums Thursdays - 1:15 Fitness Center Resistance Training
Come down and join our Strength Resistance Training class. Resistance training can improve circulation, coordination, balance, bone and ligament strength. Maintain your independence as you get older, improve your quality of life, allowing you to do the things you enjoy with less effort.
Support Group 1 Katie Jett Every 1st Monday Art Room Coping w/Parkinson’s 4:15
Support Group 2 Colin Snow Every 2nd Monday Art Room Coping w/Stress 3:00
Support Group 3 Colin Snow Last Monday of each month The Springs-M Coping w/Life Changes 4:00
Support Group 4 Colin Snow TBA The Springs-M Coping w/Depression 3:30
Support Group 5 Colin Snow Every 2nd Thursday Conf. Room Caregivers Support 6:30
Burnout is real!! Are you a caregiver for someone? The Fountains at Washington House is offering a group in which caregivers can receive emotional support and discuss issues in caregiving with each other. Please help us help others, and help us ourselves.
Come and join our support groups and have an opportunity to meet, share their stories, experiences, and support one another. This is perfect for individuals who are interested in focusing on personal exploration, establishment of trust, and a safe environment to discuss troubling issues, such as grief and loss, depression, stress, anxiety and adjustment to life challenges. Learn from our team the different techniques how to cope with these issues.
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Tai Chi Connie McKenna, Ph.D Tues. & Thurs. Fitness Center 9:30 A mind and body practice that originated in China as a martial art. Tai Chi incorporates slow, gentle movements with deep breathing and meditation. Sometimes called “moving meditation,” many practitioners believe that Tai Chi helps the vital flow of energy throughout the body, promoting spiritual, emotional, mental and physical well-being.
Tell Us Your Galina Sullivan TBA Conf. Room Story
TUYS continues to develop growing opportunities. This semester, you will emphasize sharing your writings with the rest of us – stories (entire, parts, ideas) ---perhaps in each session. You may also include other types of nonfiction--- essays, journals, diaries, reports, letters, even emails --- everything except poetry and fiction. As you share writings, we will actively listen and provide helpful, supportive feedback. Come, enjoy, learn and teach one another.
The Wit of Elaine Flynn Wed. July 19 Sky Room Dorothy Parker 2:00
Come learn about Dorothy’s escapades in New York, in Hollywood, and as she travels in Europe, and spending time at a home which inspired F. Scott to write The Great Gatsby. Come listen to excerpts of her stories, magazine articles from Vanity Fair and The New Yorker and her poems including those from her best seller, Enough Rope. Once you get to know (or renew your acquaintance of) Dorothy Parker you will see why she was considered a legend in her own time. (audience members have the opportunity to participate by wearing flapper accessories that I bring if they so desire).
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Travel to John Niebauer TBA Sky Room Exotic places Come and join our Executive Director, John Niebauer for his amazing stories of his travels around the world. He will talk about his recent experiences visiting unusual places with unique food and sights.
Trivia Mickey Moore Mon. & Thurs. Sky Room 3:15
This is one of the most popular classes at our community. In our Trivia class, you will keep your mind moving as you mentally search through years of knowledge to find the answer to the question at hand. And while you may not always have the correct answer, you are sure to leave class having learned something new - which you may need to know in a future class.
Wine & Art Katie Jett May 20 – 11:00 The Springs-Patio on the Patio Maricel Obanil
Join us for painting and beverages on The Springs patio! All supplies will be provided, and the painting will already be sketched onto the canvas. Just pick out your paint colors and your brush and enjoy. This is a fun social activity where you will get to take a nice piece of artwork home with you. Materials and instruction will be provided, registration for the event is required.
Wine Pairing Phyllis Koudelka TBA Main Dining Room
Join Phyllis, our Dining Service Director for a tasting adventure in wine and food. What will it be: a robust red wine, fruity wine or a delightful sparkling wine? Let’s pair your choice with the best type of food to enhance your wine experience. Always remember: drink what you like, eat what you like…. ENJOY LIFE!
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Winery Tour Kirk Wiles May 25 – 10:30 Paradise Springs Winery Join us for our travel to Clifton, Virginia and visit the Paradise Springs Vineyards and winery for a daytrip of fun and learning about the wine-making process. After the tour, we will have a tasting adventure of their local wines.
Yoga Lecture Katie Jett June 7 – 4:00 Fitness Center
Come and join Bonnie and learn the history of Yoga, the benefits and effects of Yoga in your mind and body wellness. This also includes a demonstration of basic Yoga exercises.
WATERMARK UNIVERSITY What’s your passion? Music, creative writing, art, international culture and dance, floral arranging, travel, exercise-the sky is the limit! Watermark’s mission is to find the passion within you (residents, associates, family members, and friends) and encourage you to share what you love with The Fountains at Washington House. That’s the excitement surrounding Watermark University, as a curriculum designed toward learning and engagement, exercising both mind and body.
Location Guide
A – Auditorium SR – Sky Room MDR- Main Dining Room ART – Art Room O - Outing FC- Fitness Center L- Lobby TC- Town Center THE SPRINGS – Health Care LL – Lobby Library INN – Assisted Living (2nd,3rd,4th ) DS- Dance Studio Conf – Conference Room T - Theater
NOTE: Dates, times and locations are subject to change. Please check the Daily Sheet or call the Community Life Department with questions.
18 Faculty Biographies:
John Niebauer: John is the Executive Director and comes from the Minneapolis / St. Paul area of Minnesota. He has worked in management at two other communities with Independent Living, Assisted Living and Sub-Acute healthcare services, as well as run a Home Health, Hospice, and IV Care agency over the past several years. He loves the outdoors and has a passion for a variety of activities including camping, hockey, tennis and travel.
Dennis Del Rosario: Dennis possesses a unique blend of education, creative planning abilities, and related work experience in recreational programming for seniors. He has Bachelor’s degrees in Nursing and Zoology from the University of the East in Manila, Philippines. Dennis enjoys singing and is currently a member of The Washington Chorus. He also loves dancing, gardening, traveling, cooking and taking care of his red-bellied parrot “Rita.”
Phyllis Koudelka: Phyllis is our Dining Services Director. She has a Bachelor of Science in Hotel Management from Cornell University. In 1976, she represented the United States in the Culinary Olympics and won 2nd place. Phyllis is a Chicago native who relocated every 18 months for many years as an Executive Chef in the hotel industry. She joined the Washington House in January of 2013 and is enjoying her role as a Food Service Director. She is very excited to be a part of our Watermark University.
Maricel Obanil: Maricel is one of our Community Life Assistants. She enjoys being very creative and traveling around the world. A native of the Philippines, she’s a great addition to our Watermark University classes.
Chuck Hucka: Chuck is the former President of the Resident Council and he helps create flyers for our garden club and Skytones concert. Chuck’s vision is to see a community where all residents have the chance to enjoy themselves and learn along the way.
Gideon Frishman: Gideon is semi-retired and a proud grandfather. You can find him leading our Sky Tones Chorale in the springs as well as our Friday Shabbat Services. He also volunteers to lead our Jewish high holy days.
Audrey Relene Schuster: Relene Schuster is an artist, and teacher creating multimedia works of art using watercolor, acrylic, pastel, charcoal and ink. Relene has taught at retirement communities in the area for several years and with Fairfax Co. Adult Education. She currently has a studio at The Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton, VA.
Gena Photiadis: Gena is a local pianist/keyboardist in the DC Metro area. In 2011 she graduated from George Mason University with a Bachelors of Music degree with a Concentration in Piano Performance and a Jazz Studies minor. In 2009 she competed in the Schlern International Music Competition in Northern Italy, where she won first place. She currently performs several different styles of music, including jazz, classical, choral, funk, rock, and R&B. She accompanies soloists and choirs throughout the area and teaches regularly.
19 Aref Rahman: Aref is our Business Office Associate at Washington House. His real name is Khondokar but everyone knows him by his middle name “Aref”. He is originally from Bangladesh in South East Asia. He received his MBA in finance from National University of Bangladesh. He came to the United States in January 2010, and started working at The Washington House in May 2011. Aref’s hobbies include painting, photography, sports (especially cricket), shooting at the gun range, and riding motorcycles.
Chris Scharles: Chris is the Director of Engineering here at Washington House. He has been working here for 21 years. In between construction projects, he paints and builds motorcycle. He likes to go to art galleries and museums. Chris also has a passion for creating gardens.
Winoka Clements: As an “Army Brat” born in Fulda, Germany, Winoka traveled quite a bit as a young child and hopes to continue traveling now that her children are grown. Just 2 years shy of making it into the Baby Boomer generation, Winoka embraces the best of her Generation X, while learning so much from the “Silent”, “Boomer” and “Millennium” generations in our unique environment. She is a grandmother of two and the owner of a 4-year old Shi-ba Inu, a Japanese dog breed she fell in love with while living in Colorado. Winoka holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification, a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources and a graduate degree in Instructional Design. She is currently pursuing a second Masters in Executive Coaching. As an avid reader she enjoys a wide range of authors. Some of her favorites are: Alice Walker, Lee Child, Jodi Picoult, and May Angelou. Winoka started with The Washington House in July 2014 and hopes to share her openness to new ideas while embracing different cultures through workforce development topics as well as diversity and inclusion celebrations. Cheryl Conway: Cheryl is a board-certified music therapist. She has a bachelor’s degree in music education from Baldwin-Wallace College. After teaching music , servicing group health insurance policies, and taking care of her mother who had Alzheimer’s Disease, Cheryl discovered music therapy. It was a perfect match of her musical abilities and her dedication to making a difference in this world. She earned a graduate certificate in music therapy from Shenandoah University in Winchester, VA. She lives in Springfield, VA and for 7 years has been the owner and operator of MusiCapability, LLC. The mission of this business is to provide superior music therapy to the elderly in Northern Virginia. Cheryl leads music therapy sessions with groups and individuals in nursing homes, adult day-care centers, assisted-living facilities, and in client’s homes. Joe Luquire: Joe helps out during our Skytones concerts. He enjoys engaging our residents in song and dance especially during our Skytones performances.
Mawazo Nyabenda: Mawazo is another dining room supervisor who has a passion for floral design. This is her first year to teach a class on basic fresh floral arranging. Mawazo started working in our dining room since February of 2013. Mickey Moore: Mickey is one of our dedicated residents at Washington House who is actively involved with many of our programs. Before moving east, the Utah native worked with young people in summer recreation programs. In 1956, she left her home state for Alexandria to teach at the new Francis C. Hammond High School. Thus began a 32 year career in the Alexandria Public Schools – teacher, assistant principal, principal and assistant superintendent. 20 Mickey earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Utah and her Master’s Degree from The American University in Washington D.C. Carolyn Bliss: Carolyn was born in Washington D.C. in 1944 but lived in Arlington, Virginia all her life until she moved here to Washington House in 2013. She graduated from college in 1964 with an associate in Science degree. Carolyn worked as a secretary with the Federal Government for almost 35 years and also worked in full-time Christian ministry for a few years. She loves to sing in harmony and has sung in choirs and special singing groups. Carolyn has been involved with horses for most of her life and started riding at age 6. She loves to paint and draw horses with oils or acrylics. She is grateful to the Lord for all His blessings in her life and for His unconditional love for her. Susan P. Thompson, PhD: Dr. Thompson is a professor and the Assistant Dean of Physical Education at Northern Virginia Community College Annandale Campus. She received her doctoral degree in Physical Education from George Mason University. Dr. Thompson has been bringing her physical therapy students here to The Fountains for many years. She started our class on Intergenerational fitness program and became popular to all our residents. Joann Garcia: Joann has been a registered nurse since 1982, working in long term care and sub acute rehabilitation. Positions held range from Charge nurse to Director of Nursing. She has also worked as an RN consultant in the area of nursing leadership and quality improvement. She has a passion for caring seniors and very much enjoys working at Washington House. She lives in Maryland, enjoys traveling and spending time with her sisters and her sister’s two chocolate Labradors.
Shawn Hallums: Shawn have been a Personal Trainer for 11 years. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington with a degree in Physical Education major in Exercise Science. Shawn is a certified zumba and yoga instructor. Jerry Roman: Jerry is one of our excellent entertainers here at The Fountains at Washington House. He is knowledgeable of all the genres of music and keep our residents engage every time he performs. Jerry performs in many events around the DC Metropolitan area. Ralph Sesler: Ralph is a two year Fountains resident and was born and raised in Uniontown, Pennsylvania – a coal mining region south of Pittsburg. He has three children and four grand children. After high school, Ralph enlisted in the Navy and spent 34 years in various assignments and retired as a captain. He worked for Sperry/Unisys corp. for 10 years and retired again in 1992. A longtime interest in gardening and landscaping led to a Master Gardener Course and certificate. Rose and vegetable gardening filled his days along with Rotary Club and church duties in Virginia Beach. At the Fountains he enjoys the extensive activities, fine staff, and the company of good friends. Ralph will be leading garden club excursions.
21 Connie McKenna: Connie McKenna, PhD, tai chi leader. Dr. McKenna came to us in 1998 when, because of her professional experience in education and adult family care, and service on the Alexandria Commission on Aging, she was invited to serve on the Board of Directors for the Washington House Community Outreach Program. In that capacity, she proposed opening our Fitness Center to community participation and was gratified when the Board agreed to provide that opportunity. She immediately joined the Fitness Club and has been an active member of ever since. Connie learned tai chi in California many years before she moved to this area. She is enthusiastic about sharing the benefits of simplified tai chi for seniors Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:90 - 10:00 am.
Jeanne Graef: Jeanne was born in Mansfield, Ohio and the eldest child of young parents. After college Jeanne worked for the U.S. Weather Bureau at Washington National Airport. She also went into the retail business on King St. in Alexandria until she was 70 years old. Jeanne moved to Washington House in 2004 with her husband Harry who passed away in 2007and has three wonderful children. Jeanne helps to lead our book club once a month. Kathy Shields: Kathy is a dedicated & active resident at Washington House. In her previous life she was a flight attendant with United Airlines for 18 years. After leaving the friendly skies, she became a legal secretary with Clifford Chance in Washington, DC. Currently, she is secretary of the Resident Council. As an avid reader of a wide range of authors, she will be taking the reins of the Book Club from Jeanne Graef with the monthly meeting. Sonja Creech: Sonja worked as a Retail Store manager for 27 years before recently transitioning into the senior living community. She is married to her husband Carlton with one daughter and two very spoiled cats “Maggie Mae and Patches.” Sonja is passionate about helping families make the transition to senior living smooth and easy. In her spare time she is an avid reader who enjoys all genres. In addition Sonja loves to work on cross-stitch projects for friends and family. Ekaterina Sololieva: Ekaterina, originally from Russia, came to us in 1996 and took a pre-med course at Central College Pella, IA . She graduated early in 2.5 years . Received her doctoral degree in therapy from DMU and its osteopathic school of medicine in Des Moines IA and graduated in 2006. She currently works full time here at Washington House Rehabilitation Department. Charlie Lloyd: Officer Lloyd is a Crime Prevention officer for the City of Alexandria. He has been a police officer for 20 years, and is currently assigned to the Crime Prevention Unit. Michael Lowe: Michael is the co-owner of the New Columbia Distillery. He spent a couple of years in a Navy submarine and a few more at private DC law firms. He retired from the law in 2008, bought himself several cocktail books and started investigating the art and science of distilling.
John Uselton: John is one of the owners of New Columbia Distillery. From Houston to Boston to Washington, John has worked in all capacities of front-of-house restaurant work—from humble busboy to award-winning bar- tender to savvy manager.
22 Katherine Jett: Katie is the newest Community Life Associate here at Washington House. She holds a degree in Equine Racing Management and has worked at racetracks across the U.S. before starting a family in 2006. Katie started dancing at a very young age and has taught ballroom dance for Arthur Murray dance studios and other dance forms (ballet, jazz, tap) for various Performing Arts Centers. She has a passion for fitness and holds certifications in group exercise instruction, aquatic exercise instruction, yoga, and personal training, as well as licenses for zumba and aqua zumba instruction. When she is not here working, you will find Katie spending time with her 9-year-old twins. Her favorite activities are anything creative or artistic and any outside physical activities.
Galina Sullivan: Galina was born in the Soviet Union. She received a college degree in teaching the English language. In 1970 she left her country for France and later moved to England where she established a technical translation company. From 1973 till 1996 Galina worked for Occidental Petroleum Corporation, a US oil company, as Head of the Russian Technical Documentation Division. She participated in all the Company’s dealings with the Soviet Union and also acted as a personal interpreter and consultant for the Chairman of the Board Dr. Armand Hammer. She also arranged exhibitions of A. Hammer’s art collection and publication of his biography throughout East European countries and in China. In 1996 Galina retired and moved with her husband from Washington D.C. to Florida. Colin Snow: Colin is the Social Worker for Washington House. He grew up the child of a career State Department Officer, and as a result was hauled around to Mauritania, France, Cote D’Ivoire before finishing out high school in Bethesda, MD. After a B.A. in Film Studies from Vassar College, he worked a variety of jobs including production assistant-ing, waiting tables, and ghost-writing memoirs before he discovered that he had an interest in Social Work. He completed an MSW at CUNY’s Hunter College and worked in an adult day care center before coming to Washington House. His favorite things include watching movies, reading novels, listening to music, watching dance performance, going to museums, and talking about any of the above. Darnell Davis: Darnell is our new Executive Chef at Washington House. He has an associate degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales in Charleston, SC. Before coming here at Washington House, Darnell has an extensive working experience in a retirement home setting and different hotel group. He will be continuing our Watermark Class “Meet the Chef” cooking show. Mary Ann Jung: Ms. Jung is an award-winning actress and Smithsonian scholar. You have probably already seen this performer, scholar, writer, and director, but not in modern clothing! Ms. Jung has appeared on CNN, the Today Show, Good Morning America, and in newspapers around the world as famous women from history. She will be our newest addition to our Watermark University faculty portraying and presenting historical women such as Julia Child, Sally Ride, Amelia Earhart and many others. Roshna Kapadia: Roshna is our wandering docent who brings the museum to Washington House by a series of art lectures. She has a BA from Tufts University, an MA in South Asian Studies from the University of Pennsylvania and an MA in Art History from George Mason University. She has lived in the Washington DC area for 25 years.
23 David Pedrazza: Violist, born in Reynosa, Mexico, David started his musical studies at 14 in the OCJM under Jose Vazquez. Later on he received a full scholarship to study the Bachelor of Music at Shenandoah Conservatory. David holds a Professional Performance Certificate from Lynn University Conservatory of Music and recently he finished his Master of Music at the same institution with an award of full scholarship. David has performed in many countries such as Mexico, Bahamas, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Panama, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Peru, Spain, France and the UK. Currently he is part of the Con Brio Quartet, Symphony of the Americas and he is on the faculty at the Prep Department of Palm Beach Atlantic University.
Thomas Pandolfi: American pianist Thomas Pandolfi is an exciting virtuoso who, with each passing season, is becoming more and more sought after by audiences worldwide, and showered with superlatives by critics for his passionate artistry and amazing technique. A graduate of The Juilliard School, Mr.Pandolfi earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees as a scholarship student. He is the father of two beautiful children, and resides in Washington, DC.
Anna Nizhegorodtseva: Anna started her piano studies at the age of 6 and in 2000 she graduated from the Music School of Art in Nizhny Novgorod. She obtained her Bachelor of Music from Nizhny Novgorod Balakirev College of Music and her Masters from Nizhny Novgorod State Conservatory. Currently Anna is enrolled in the program of Doctorate in Musical Arts at The Catholic University of America in Washington DC. Brenda Forman: Dr. Brenda Forman spent her working career in the world of government and aerospace. But all her life she has loved jewelry and after she retired, she was finally free to study it in depth. As a member of the Faculty of George Washington University’s Fine Arts and Appraisal Program, Dr. Forman taught a full-semester course on the History of Jewelry from 3000 B.C. to the mid-19th Century. Dr. Forman was featured on the Discovery Channel’s television program, “The Hope Diamond,” part of Discovery’s “Unsolved History” series, where she spoke about the great theft of the French Crown Jewels in 1792. She is former Editor of The District of Gemology, the quarterly newsletter of the D.C. Chapter of the Gemological Institute of America Alumni Association. Mike Daho: Mike has been working as one of our Dining Room Supervisors since October 2015. He was born in San Francisco, CA. and moved to Virginia in 1987. Mike grew up in the restaurant business working for his father’s pizzeria on the weekends. He also worked at Bob Evans Restaurant, Popeye’s and Heather Retirement Community. Mike enjoys going to music concerts, listening to all kinds of music and he also enjoys reading and watching movies.
Kirk Wiles: Kirk is the manager of Paradise Springs Winery. As a graduate of the University of Miami, Kirk moved back to Virginia in 2004 and started connecting the dots in putting together what would be Fairfax County’s first and only winery.
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Saba Barkneh: Saba is a Registered Dietician here at The Fountains at Washington House. Saba enjoys teaching the residents and family members about healthy eating. She is looking forward to sharing her knowledge on various topics of nutrition. Kenneth Polk: Ken has been working here at Washington House for more than year as a sales associate. Prior to his work here, Ken has 15 years of experience managing retail stores. Ken enjoys music, art, movies and reading. Frank Regan: Frank is one of our residents who is actively involved with several of our activities such as the Book Club, The Skytones, Great Decisions, and Battle of the Sexes. Frank was born in Washington D.C. grew up in Alexandria, VA where he was once a student of Mickey Moore (also a resident at Washington House.) Frank has a BA degree in history and political science. He taught US History and Government at Loudoun Valley HS in Purcellville, VA from 1963 to1966. He then joined the U.S. Peace Corps from 1966 to 1969 where he fulfilled a longtime dream of seeing the world. He retired as a social studies teacher for Fairfax County in 1969 to 1995. Since his retirement, Frank has been in several bowling leagues and he is a big Washington Nationals baseball fan. Frank’s belief that a life of continued learning is the best way to go….it takes a lifetime (and more!) to rid us of a mere part of our ignorance. At the same time we should not be in a mad race to get there! His favorite African proverb is “sannu, sannu, baya hanna zuwa” (Slowness does not prevent you from getting there!) Paki Allen: Paki was born and raised in the lovely town of Lahaina on the Island of Maui, Hawaii. Being raised in the entertainment business, he began entertaining at the early age of 10, as a Hawaiian dancer in his family’s Luau show nightly at the Maui Surf Resort. Over the years, he has studied Hawaiian and Polynesian dance history, culture, and language with many accredited authors on each subject. He has entertained in Japan, China, Korea, Tahiti, Europe and 48 states in America. Paki appeared in many television shows including the Today Show, Good Morning America, Regis and Kathy Lee and many more. Kathy Zwicker: Kathy has been a teacher for decades and a healthcare practitioner for 16 years. She is a certified Neuromuscular Therapist, Board Certified in Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, and a certified Qigong instructor. Her greatest satisfaction comes from helping others improve their wellbeing. She has special compassion for those with chronic pain, illness, or recovering from trauma.
25 INDEPENDENT LIVING • ASSISTED LIVING • REHABILITATION • SKILLED NURSING 5100 Fillmore Avenue • Alexandria, VA 22311 • 1-703-845-5100 • www.watermarkcommunities.com A WATERMARK RETIREMENT COMMUNITY