There’s always something exciting happening at Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury (RWC)! Whether you want to learn about senior living, read helpful resources, or discover how life comes naturally at RWC, you’ll find it all right here. We regularly post articles that highlight our shared experiences and celebrate the people who make this community thrive.
Take a look at a few of our blogs and articles to gain a fresh perspective on all things senior living. Alternatively, our news releases highlight standout local events on RWC’s campus and the incredible accomplishments of our team members and residents.
Messenger is produced four times a year by our team to deliver broader community updates, wellness initiatives, and supportive care tailored to your needs and preferences. You can also expect to see snippets of daily life, resident spotlights, and images of local experiences make an appearance in Messenger.
Past Issues:
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By Harriet Dawson The assignment was to investigate if there are differences between male and female groups of poker players. I took the assignment…for absolutely no pay, I might add,…
By Jay Walker At the turn of the century Loretta Horvath and her husband Ralph – retired from their winery business and in their 70’s – decided to go on…
As told to Celeste Helm I was born into a military family. When I entered the scene, we already had four generations that served going back to the Union Army…
By Mary Kay Rotert Just before the Millenium (AND before the common usage of GPS and cellular telephones), my late husband, Charles Rotert, “decided” that we should take a long…
By Peter & Jenny Saam If the accent doesn’t give it away, the license plates – GDAYM8-1 and GDAYMA8-2 – will. Yes, we still have a lot of Aussie in…
By Bob Street Back in I think it was 1989, the day before my birthday, my wife Pat gave me a “pre-birthday gift”. It was an issue of The National…
If I had to do it all over again… I would not wait. I could have been here earlier, sooner. And that’s what I should have done.
One of the greatest gifts of living here is the peace of mind it brings—not just to us, but to our family as well.
Recently, with a big winter storm approaching, my daughter-in-law sent me a message that really touched me. She said how thankful she is for the peace of mind our choice to age well at RWC has given the whole family.
Knowing that we are safe, supported, and well cared for means everything to them. That’s what RWC truly delivers—peace of mind and safety.
And it doesn’t just affect residents; it impacts our families too. Thousands of people rest easier knowing their loved ones are in a place where they are appreciated, supported, and truly cared for.
In my 22nd year as resident of this vibrant campus, I reflect on the innumerable instances when I was helped, inspired, and uplifted in my independent daily life at RWC. Residents and staff alike will stop and listen to us as we feel a need to be heard, and offer a hug if we would welcome it. Natural trails throughout the campus energize with their serene beauty. And who said mature people don’t like to party? I have felt welcome from the very first day. My children have peace of mind knowing I am safe and cared for. RWC has become my forever home.
I could go on and on about my 14 years but I will try to be brief. I first moved into a cottage in 2011 after my first husband died. I already had a few friends here and soon made many more. I loved the activities, exercise and care from everyone on the staff. I did not come looking for love but I found it with a retired army officer who lived in a large free standing house here. We married on Oct.1, 2016 and had seven wonderful years together. When he died in 2024 I realized it was time for me to declutter and move into the apartments. Passing on the many things I had collected through many years was freeing and I do not miss anything. My 360 square foot studio is on the 3rd floor with large windows looking out over the trees and lake. I am 90 years old and feel blessed.
We moved from a big farmhouse on seven acres at the mouth of the Rappahannock River that became too much to take care of.
Now we have everything we need at RWC, and our grandsons still get to fish—it’s just on our lake here instead of the river.
“A memorable experience for me was when several residents in my block welcomed me with flowers and offered to share their knowledge and experiences on my very first day. Even after four years, the ‘block spirit’ still thrives.”
June Art Show at RWC Includes Watercolors, Acrylics and Oil Paintings Carol A. Muratore spent 32 years as a healthcare executive – ultimately as President of Extended Care at McKesson…
May Art Show Includes Watercolors and Ink Drawings Lucy “Clare” Spooner lives in New York City, travels frequently to Virginia, and spends her summers in the south of France –…
Resident Showing Watercolors, Acrylics, Photography and More at April Show RWC Resident Barbara Touchette (pronounced Touchet) has had a full and adventurous life, and she embraces her art with the…
Teacher Marilyn Sprouse celebrates 25 years of showcasing students’ work Lancaster Elementary School (LES) visual arts teacher Marilyn Sprouse has proudly curated her students’ artwork for Rappahannock Westminster-Canterbury’s December Show…
RWC residents made life and death decisions in U.S. Armed Forces Major James Makin As the logistics analyst for the Army Chief of Staff, Major James Makin was advising very…
Excerpted from Our Neighborhood, a new RWC quarterly publication) By Milena Van Sant I lived as a child and young teen under the iron fists of two dictatorships – the…
