Broadmead Celebrates Our Team Member of the Year

At Broadmead, our tight-knit community gives our team members and residents the opportunity to develop long lasting friendships, creating a warm and welcoming environment for all to enjoy. Each of our team members are incredibly important to both our residents and to Broadmead, and we truly could not have such a friendly community without their dedication.

Each month, both residents and team members have the opportunity to nominate someone who goes above and beyond in their daily work for Team Member of the Month, which then culminates each year with the selection and celebration of Team Member of the Year.

Broadmead is pleased to announce that our 2023 Team Member of the Year honor goes to Allen Fleming! Allen was named Team Member of the Month for the second time in March of 2023 and on Leap Day, February 29, 2024, was celebrated as the 2023 Team Member of the Year at a lively gathering in the auditorium.

Applauded by residents and team members alike, including his brothers Jerrell and Dion and wife Tonya, Allen was praised for his dedication to the Broadmead community.

Robin Somers, President & Chief Executive Officer, said, “When I’m not at Broadmead, I breathe easier knowing that Allen is on duty.” Described as a “true hero” by Kristy Krueger, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, following the notification of a maintenance emergency. Joyce Malone, Vice President of Facility Services, said, “Allen is always dependable, and consistently goes above and beyond.”

Congratulations, Allen! We thank you and all of our past Team Members of the Month for your unwavering dedication and commitment to our residents and community.

Available Now: The Dalton

Beautifully staged and ready for viewing, Broadmead has one studio-style Dalton Garden Home available. The Dalton features an open concept layout with a spacious kitchen, a well-appointed bath, generous walk-in closet with laundry, an abundance of storage space, and a beautiful walk-out patio to enjoy the scenic campus.

The Dalton is our most affordable opportunity to make your move to our wonderfully welcoming community.

To learn more about current availability, schedule a private learning session, or for any other questions about our community, please contact us!

A Taste of Tai Chi

Photo and story by Margaret Warden

Our Wellness Center has a Tai Chi class. The instructor is resident Dick Wobus, who is certified to teach Tai Chi for Arthritis. He has been practicing Tai Chi for over 20 years and knows and practices multiple schools. Our Broadmead class is based on the work of Dr. Paul Lam, who currently practices medicine and Tai Chi in Australia. Dr. Lam has developed a series of Tai Chi routines for various medical conditions including arthritis. You can find a sample here.

Many know Tai Chi is an Asian exercise regime, but may not know its rich history.

Tai Chi Chuan is a Chinese martial art practiced for self-defense and health. It has been in existence for many centuries and is an outgrowth of thousands of years of tradition, formed from the teachings of Chinese philosophy, plus medical and monastic practices.

Tai Chi is a series of stylized, dance-like, slow movements of the body that flow from one position to the next. There are five traditional variants, or schools, each with its own series of forms (movements), with many sequences based on the number of forms to be included in the routine, or set, to be performed. It can be practiced for health and at the competitive level.

Tai Chi is practiced by millions all over the world for health. It can be done by anyone, and has been adapted for practice while seated. The strongest evidence of Tai Chi’s benefits, confirmed by studies, is in balance and fall prevention. The next is for mental health improvement, since Tai Chi has a meditation/mindfulness component. Because the whole body is moved in gentle ways, it is beneficial for arthritis and for improving flexibility, posture, and coordination.

(Pictured—L to R: Dick Wobus, resident and class instructor; Anita Langford, Broadmead trustee and community member; and Helen Grady, community member)

Learn about the many offerings available at Broadmead's Health & Wellness Center

Broadmead Acquires Painting by Jerry Prettyman, Painter of Jazz

Written by Jackie Mintz

The latest addition to the Broadmead Collection is a large colorful painting by Pikesville-based artist Jerry Prettyman. Titled “Blues Invasion,” the work (pictured above) centers on a pianist turned towards and staring at the viewer, surrounded by a swirl of other musicians and instruments and eye-like icons.

Reflecting his devotion to Jazz and the Blues, the bulk of Prettyman’s work draws its inspiration from the world of that music and its musicians, themes and instruments. “Blues Invasion,” says Pretttyman, “seeks to encapsulate the essence of the blues, the musical genre originating in the experiences of African Americans. The term ‘invasion’ suggests a powerful and pervasive presence, and the profound impact of the blues on music and culture.” Much of the artist’s work is influenced by elements drawn from African tribal art.

A native of Chicago, Prettyman moved to Baltimore and studied art at Catonsville Community College, Maryland Institute College of Art and Morgan State University. He was a graphic designer for many years at the Maryland Department of Health and Human Services.

Prettyman has exhibited widely: at the Corcoran Gallery of Art in D.C., Duke University, the Smith/Mason Gallery at Bowie State University, the Banneker Douglas Museum in Annapolis, and Indianapolis Art Center. His work is in numerous collections, including the David C. Driskell Center for the Study of Maryland Arts and Culture.

An exhibition of Jerry Prettyman’s work at Broadmead is scheduled for early 2025.

Are You Wasting Money by Living in a Home That is Too Big?

Courtesy of myLifeSite

One common concern for many people considering a retirement community move is that it will be difficult to downsize their living space. This apprehension about downsizing is understandable for a number of reasons, but there are other important considerations that older adults should factor into this equation and their senior living decisions.

If you are considering downsizing, either to a smaller home or to a retirement community, it is worth considering how much space you truly need in order to be comfortable. It can mean big savings not only on the home’s price tag but in the long term when you tally up those monthly and annual homeowner’s expenses (like utilities, maintenance, etc.).

Read The Full Article: Are You Wasting Money by Living in a Home That is Too Big?

Broadmead Snapshot

Painting by Lynn Jones

The latest display in the Broadmead Artists space at the Wellness lobby showcases the artwork of Lynn Jones, a resident who has skillfully utilized oil paints to depict and reflect upon the various places she has called home or explored. Pictured above is Lynn's painting of "Cadi", beloved pet owned by the late Sibylle Ehrlich.

“Lynn Jones: A Life Well Painted” will be on display through May.