Ashby Ponds Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Ashburn, Virginia--For the last ten years, Ashby Ponds has fulfilled the Erickson Living motto: "We share our gifts to create a community that celebrates life." 

From September 12–September 17, residents and employees celebrated the life they helped create with a full week of festivities in honor of the community's ten-year anniversary. 

"What strikes me, and anyone who has visited Ashby Ponds, is the engaging and energized people who make Ashby Ponds a true community," said executive director Craig Karczmer. "Over the last decade, residents organized over 150 clubs and activities, dazzled us by showcasing their talents in concerts, plays and art galleries, and graciously volunteered their time and energy in our local community."

Festivities commenced on September 12 with live musical performances from some of the campus' favorite entertainers including Ann Todaro, Tony Greenfield, and Norma & Morrie Kelsey.

The next day featured two events.  In the morning, Ashby Ponds hosted a Founders Breakfast to honor residents and employees who joined the community prior to December 31, 2018.  In the evening, community members participated in the 8th Annual Resident & Staff Talent Show.  Attendees were delighted by performances from the zumba, karate, and sign language clubs, the resident line dancers and a wide variety of talented resident musicians.

In honor of the anniversary, this year's talent show included a joint resident/staff performance of the original song "10", written and choreographed by Mary Trondeau and based on the song "One" from the Tony-award winning musical, "A Chorus Line."  

Ensuring that all residents enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate, a Mad Hatter Tea Party was held at the continuing care neighborhood, Maple Grove, on September 14. 

"Everyone was encouraged to wear fancy hats while enjoying an afternoon of music and tea," says Mary Terry, a member of the 10th anniversary planning committee.  "Even the staff got involved, dressing up in costumes from Alice in Wonderland."

The centerpiece of the ten-year anniversary celebration was the gala on Sunday evening. Dressed in semi-formal attire, guests enjoyed music from the Loudoun Jazz Ensemble while celebrating with dancing and dining.

The festivities concluded on September 17 with the dedication of Farmwell Hall, the newest meeting place at Ashby Ponds dedicated to the moral, spiritual and intellectual growth of residents.

"My husband Greg and I are very happy that, ten years ago, we chose Ashy Ponds for our home," says Joanne Harney.  "We are grateful every day.  We've made so many dear new friends and have helped to start, or participate in, many new clubs and projects that fill our days with companionship and the satisfaction of giving back.  It's a wonderful way to enjoy living a good life!"

About Ashby Ponds: Ashby Ponds, one of 19 continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living®, is situated on a scenic 132-acre campus in Ashburn, Virginia. The community is located in Loudoun County and is home to 1,300 residents. Additional information about Ashby Ponds can be found at AshbyPonds.com.