EVENTS & NEWS


EVENTS

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

  • HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: MOVEMENT AND MINFULNESS FOR THE NEW YEAR - BEGINS JANUARY 6

    HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: "Movement and Mindfulness for the New Year"


    Offered in partnership with Uplift Yoga


    LINK TO REGISTER


    Date/Time: January 6 through February 14, Mondays & Fridays, 1-1:45 p.m.


    Description: New Year, New You! Start this new year off right. Join us for this chair based fitness class geared for older adults that combines seated and standing exercises to improve balance, and strengthen the core and body. Each class ends with gentle stretching, mindfulness and breath work practices to ease you into the year ahead.


    Instructors: Owner of Uplift Yoga Brenda Norris, E-RYT500, YACEP, and Certified Wellness Coach Carol Ames, MS, CPT, 500 RYT

    Location: The Gathering Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, with direct access from the lower level parking lot


    Address: 18131 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860 (on the campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village)


    Cost: $40 for entire six-week session


    Questions? Email Tdavis@bgf.org or call 301-388-7209

  • BOOST YOUR BRAIN AND YOUR MOOD - FEBRUARY 13

    BOOST YOUR BRAIN AND YOUR MOOD


    Presented by: TOPHER BELLAVIA, BA


    DATE: THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13


    TIME: 10:30-11:45A.M.


    REGISTER ON THIS LINK


    Every day and from moment to moment, we are all improvising our lives.

    Learning a few “improv” techniques can help boost brain health, illuminate possibilities, and foster creative expression.


    Join Brooke Grove and learn how to utilize the skills of improv in your everyday life. Outside worries will melt away as you play improv games and laugh with others in a relaxing and supportive atmosphere.


    You don’t have to be a comedian or a performer to enjoy this workshop, led by Topher Bellavia.


    LOCATION: The Gathering Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center with direct access from the lower level parking lot


    ADDRESS: 18131 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860 (on the campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village)


    COST: Free


    REGISTER: by February 12


    QUESTIONS? Contact Director of Marketing Toni Davis, tdavis@bgf.org or 301-388-7209

  • HEALTHY LIVING: BALANCED BODY, BALANCED MIND - BEGINS March 3rd

    HEALTHY LIVING CLASS: "Balanced Body, Balanced Mind"


    Offered in partnership with Uplift Yoga

    In Person Class


    Date/Time: March 3 through April 11, Mondays & Fridays, 1-1:45 p.m.


    Link to register


    Description: This class, geared to older adults and beneficial to ALL, introduces simple and effective techniques to greatly improve your balance and agility while sneaking in a bit of simple strength training and energizing movement. Each class will begin and end with breathing and grounding techniques which, paired with class exercises, can help to reduce your risk of falls and leave you feeling strong, energized and balanced.


    Instructors: Owner of Uplift Yoga Brenda Norris, E-RYT500, YACEP, and Certified Wellness Coach Carol Ames, MS, CPT, 500 RYT


    Location: The Gathering Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, with direct access from the lower level parking lot


    Address: 18131 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860 (on the campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village)


    Cost: $40 for entire six-week session


    Link to registerLink to Register


    Questions? Email Tdavis@bgf.org or call 301-388-7209

  • NO BONES ABOUT IT: BUILD BONE AND BALANCE FOR FALLS AND FRACTURE PREVENTION - MARCH 20

    NO BONES ABOUT IT: BUILD BONE AND BALANCE FOR FALLS AND FRACTURE PREVENTION


    Presented by: DR. KIM BERCOVITZ

    DATE: THURSDAY, MARCH 20

    TIME: 10:30-11:45A.M.


    REGISTER ON THIS LINK


    Join Dr. Kim as she raises awareness about the importance of bone health during mid-life and later life. In this workshop, participants will learn about risk factors for osteoporosis and simple lifestyle changes to build, maintain and protect bones to live independently – without the fear and risk of falls and fractures.


    This is an evidence-based, state of the art workshop based on 2023 Clinical Practice Guidelines emphasizing the importance of exercise as part of an integrated approach to prevent fractures and manage osteoporosis for postmenopausal women and men 50+.


    Participants will learn how to improve their bone fitness with:

    1. 3 types of exercises to prevent falls and fractures.

    2. Activities and movements to modify for proper spinal alignment.

    3. Ways to up-level walks with walking exercises and poles to build bone and balance.


    A highly interactive session that guarantees to get participants moving in and out of their chairs with exercises to improve mobility, balance, strength and posture.


    LOCATION: The Gathering Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center with direct access from the lower level parking lot.


    ADDRESS: 18131 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860 (on the campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village)


    COST: Free

    REGISTER: by March 19


    QUESTIONS? Contact Director of Marketing Toni Davis, tdavis@bgf.org or 301-388-7209

  • THRIVING WITH PARKINSON'S: Exercise for Parkinson's Class - Ongoing

    This ongoing class for those with Parkinson's or other neurogenerative disorders aims to improve posture, balance and circulation while also increasing strength, muscle control and mobility. Offered in partnership with the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA).



    DATE: Every Monday (beginning June 10, 2024)



    TIME: 12 noon-1 p.m.



    INSTRUCTOR: Paul Reavis, certified active aging specialist and certified personal trainer



    COST: Free with $50 annual PFNCA administrative fee



    LOCATION: The Gathering Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center with direct access from the lower level parking lot



    ADDRESS: 18131 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860 (on the campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village)



    FIRST REGISTER WITH PFNCA (if you have not already done so): CLICK HERE 



    THEN REGISTER ONCE WITH BGRV FOR THE DATE YOU PLAN TO BEGIN ATTENDING: CLICK HERE



    QUESTIONS? Contact BGRV Director of Marketing Toni Davis at tdavis@bgf.org or 301-388-7209

  • THRIVING WITH PARKINSON'S: Communications Club - Ongoing

    This weekly wellness and prevention program for individuals with Parkinson's disease and their care partners focuses on the maintenance of communication skills, with an emphasis on strengthening breath support and the ability to project and speak loudly enough to be heard in social settings. Offered in partnership with the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA).



    DATES: Every Wednesday (beginning June 12, 2024)



    b10:45-11:45 a.m.



    FACILITATOR: Nicole Rosenthal, speech-language pathologist, Flagship Rehabilitation



    COST: Free with $50 annual PFNCA administrative fee



    LOCATION: The Gathering Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center with direct access from the lower level parking lot



    ADDRESS: 18131 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860 (on the campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village)



    FIRST REGISTER WITH PFNCA (if you have not already done so): CLICK HERE 



    THEN REGISTER ONCE WITH BGRV FOR THE DATE YOU PLAN TO BEGINNING ATTENDING: CLICK HERE



    QUESTIONS? Contact BGRV Director of Marketing Toni Davis at tdavis@bgf.org or 301-388-7209

  • THRIVING WITH PARKINSON'S: Parkinson's Support Group - Ongoing

    Offered in partnership with the Parkinson Foundation of the National Capital Area (PFNCA), this group provides an opportunity for individuals and families to find support, gain understanding and share caregiving tips.


    DATES: Third Monday of each month (beginning July 15)


    TIME: 10:45-11:45 a.m.


    FACILITATORS: Ritu Sikri, physical therapist and assistant administrator, Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center

    and

    Barbara Hackett, director of volunteer services, Brooke Grove Retirement Village 


    COST: Free with $50 annual PFNCA administrative fee


    LOCATION: Community Partners Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center with direct access from the lower level parking lot


    ADDRESS: 18131 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860 (on the campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village)


    FIRST REGISTER WITH PFNCA (if you have not already done so):  CLICK HERE 


    THEN REGISTER ONCE WITH BGRV FOR THE DATE YOU PLAN TO BEGINNING ATTENDING: CLICK HERE


    QUESTIONS? Contact BGRV Director of Marketing Toni Davis at tdavis@bgf.org or 301-388-7209

  • ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP - Ongoing

    Sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, this group is designed for family, friends and others engaged in the care and safety of someone touched by dementia. In this safe and confidential environment, you can develop informal and mutually supportive social relationships, gain understanding, share caregiving tips and discover other helpful information. Offered in partnership with MedStar Health's Center for Successful Aging.


    DATE: Second Thursday of each month (beginning June 13, 2024)


    TIME: 12:30-1:30 p.m.


    LOCATION: Community Partners Room at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center with direct access from the lower level parking lot


    ADDRESS: 18131 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860 (on the campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village)


    FACILITATOR: Deanna Cho, LCSW-C, MedStar Center for Successful Aging


    COST: Free


    TO REGISTER: CLICK HERE and register on the date you wish to beginning attending the support group

  • VIRTUAL ASSISTED LIVING FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP -Ongoing

    Family members and other caregivers of The Meadows/The Woods assisted living residents are invited to participate in this online support group! Confidential sessions are generally held on the fourth Thursday of each month and are facilitated by Social Worker Wisma Satriano, LCSW-C, and former BGRV Chaplain Bill Neely. Consistent attendance helps to develop rapport, trust and continuity. A free gmail account is needed to participate.


    DATE: Fourth Thursday every month


    TIME: 3-4 p.m.


    PLATFORM: Google Meet


    RSVPs ARE REQUIRED: Send your request and email address to Wisma Satriano at wsatriano@bgf.org or 301-260-2312. There is a maximum of 12 participants.

  • VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION - Ongoing

    No matter what your skills, interests or talents, there is a place for YOU as a volunteer at Brooke Grove Retirement Village!  Share your passion, fulfill student service learning (SSL) hours and "touch people's lives."


    DATE:  LAST Thursday of each month


    TIME:  5:30-7 p.m


    PLACE: The Gathering Room 


    LOCATION: Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (on the campus of Brooke Grove Retirement Village)


    ADDRESS: 18131 Slade School Road, Sandy Spring, MD 20860


    OPTIONAL: If you prefer, you may schedule a one-on-one Zoom or FaceTime orientation session at a more convenient time.


    FOR INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER FOR ORIENTATION: Contact Director of Volunteer Services Barbara Hackett at 301-570-7081 or volunteers@bgf.org. A Volunteer Application may be downloaded from our website at bgf.org/volunteers. All volunteers must present proof of COVID-19 vaccination.


NEWS

  • BGRNC Receives Highest Possible Rating from U.S. News & World Report - December 31, 2024

    Short-term rehabilitation at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center (BGRNC) has  once again earned the highest possible ranking, "High Performing," in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Nursing Home ratings, published on November 14. 


    The 2025 edition features ratings of more than 15,000 U.S. nursing homes, evaluated on patient and resident outcomes such as infection rates, staffing levels, reliance on antipsychotic drugs, health inspection results and other quality indicators. Only 19% of the reviewed skilled nursing facilities earned the High Performing rating in the short-term rehab and/or long-term care categories.


    "Nursing homes that have earned the recognition of U.S. News have a track record of achieving better outcomes for patients and residents," noted Daniel Lara Agudelo, health data analyst at U.S. News.  "It's energizing to see such acknowledgment of our team and the work they do!" said Brooke Grove Foundation President Dennis Hunter.

  • Walk to End Alzheimer's Campaign Tops $30,000 - January 1, 2025

    Brooke Grove Retirement Village's (BGRV) 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's team of staff, residents, volunteers, family members and friends surpassed its $20,000 goal and raised $30,388 to benefit the Alzheimer's Association National Capital Area (ALZ/NCA), according to team co-captains Toni Davis, BGRV's director of marketing, and Michelle Hato, Marketing intern.


    A top area fundraiser for many years, BGRV has raised more than $500,000 for the cause since the organization began participating in the Walk in 2003. The NCA Chapter raised more than $867,000 in 2024, which is an additional reason for celebration.


    "This is a remarkable achievement during another year in which so many are facing financial challenges," said Ms. Davis. "Because of the efforts of our team members and the generosity of donors throughout the Washington metropolitan area, the Alzheimer's Association will be able to continue its vital work." Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. It is dedicated to finding not just the cure, but preventative methods and treatment.


    Local businesses, vendors and BGRV residents and their loved ones also supported the campaign by participating in a raffle and making generous gifts in response to a direct mail appeal. Raffle gifts were a $750 Visa gift card, $500 Visa gift card and dinner and a show for two at Grillmarx and Olney Theatre Center.


    "Thank you for all the care you provide for those who are not able to care for themselve in this stage of life. We know that your job is not easy, and yet you continuously show up and provide for those in need," said Paige Cofield, director of development, Walk to End Alzheimer's, ALZ/NCA. "You also partnered with us in the Walk to raise funds to help support caregivers like yourself. Your dedication and commitment are truly inspiring."

  • On-site Dialysis Now Open

    As part of our commitment to provide our residents with the best care and quality of life, DaVita dialysis will offers on-site dialysis for current patients and rehab guests at Brooke Grove Rehab & Nursing Center beginning in June.   


    This means residents on dialysis can dialyze conveniently and comfortably—with no more trips to a dialysis center. By removing the need to travel to treatment, patients may experience reduced stress and benefit from smooth care coordination.


    Davita is a dialysis leader with 20 years experience and established and proven clinical procedures. 

  • "Knit One, Crochet Too" Club Donates Blankets to Comfort Cases - March 4, 2024

    In what has become an annual tradition, members of Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center's "Knit One, Crochet Too" Club recently delivered 70 handmade, child-size blankets to Comfort Cases in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The colorful covers were created during weekly meetings led by volunteer Leslie England and by members working at home.


    Comfort Cases provides backpacks filled with comfort and personal care items to kids living in foster care. "We shared prayer and sent the blankets off with blessings for the foster children and hope they will feel our love and compassion," said Director of Volunteer Services Barbara Hackett.


    For more information about the club or volunteering at Brooke Grove Retirement Village, contact Volunteer Services at 301-570-7081 or volunteers@bgf.org. 

  • MSAC Grant Brings Arts-Centered Programming to AL Residents - January 4, 2024

    The Meadows/The Woods assisted living (AL) has been approved to receive a Touring Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), according to AL Director of LIFE Enrichment Samantha Dubendorf. The $5,000 award allows the LIFE enrichment team to collaborate with Story Tapestries to continue bringing impactful, arts-centered programs to AL residents in 2024.


    Story Tapestries artists use the power of dance, storytelling, theatre, music and visual arts to inspire creativity, energize the mind, promote confidence and spread joy. "We look forward to some new and interesting programming this spring!" said Ms. Dubendorf.

  • Volunteer Services Partners with Sherwood's LFI Program - January 3, 2024

    Volunteer services at Brooke Grove Retirement Village recently welcomed a group of new volunteers from the Learning for Independence (LFI) program at neighboring Sherwood High School. The department's partnership with LFI provides special education students with opportunities to learn occupational skills, enjoy social interaction and experience positive behavior development. The students spend two hours each Monday through Thursday volunteering on campus.


    "We hope to provide hands-on training and life experiences that will create excitement and enhance the lives of these students," said Director of Volunteer Services Barbara Hackett. Since last fall, they have assisted with holiday decorating, supported the environmenal services and LIFE enrichment teams, participated in brain fitness games and art, and were instrumental in the success of the department's collaboration with Sharp Street United Methodist Church and their holiday outreach project for the needy and homeless. "Volunteer Sarah Goforth and I love working with the students!" remarked Ms. Hackett. "Their enthusiasm is so gratifying."

  • Village LIFE Newsletter - January 2, 2024

  • A Taste of Senior Living Brings Sweet Success to BGRV Chefs - March 4, 2023

    Brooke Grove Retirement Village (BGRV) chefs wowed the crowds with their culinary sensations at "A Taste of Senior Living" held on March 2 at Ten Oaks Ballroom in Clarksville, Maryland. Hosted by LifeSpan Network, this friendly but highly competitive event featured the best in local senior living cuisine offered by 19 chef teams.


    Executive Chef Derrick Gregg, Supervisor/Chef Clive Reid, Resource Chef Preston Cravey and Corporate Executive Chef Charlie Ware of Unidine at BGRV won "Best Entree" for their mouth-watering, honey-garlic jerk wings and Caribbean coleslaw. "Spectators and fellow chefs raved about how delicious it was!" said Unidine General Manager Alexandria Barnes, who oversees dining services at Brooke Grove Rehabilitation and Nursing Center and The Woods assisted living. "Many guests asked for seconds, thirds and even to-go boxes! I'm extremely proud of and grateful for our awesome team." "Your table was impeccable, the plate presentation beautiful, and obviously it was on pointn for flavor," added BGRV Executive Director Patty Gomez in a letter of congratulations to each chef.


    Chef Victor Vilche and his team from independent living (IL) also made a distinctive impression on diners with their delicious Korean-style meatballs with sesame-ginger chili sauce and Sous Chef Imran Sos's Napa cabbage salad with peanut dressing, which has been enjoyed by the IL community in the past. Server Mahboob Ullah Khan assisted with the presentation. "Though we did not win this time, our culinary team made Westbrooke proud!" remarked Director of Independent Living Larry Willett. "We are thankful for their talents."

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