What’s New at RiverWoods

It's Never Too Late to Live Out Your Dream at RiverWoods!

December 13 , 2007

When you hear someone say, ‘we’re moving to a retirement center’, you may think that they have to give up everything they once enjoyed, including their independence.  But if you visit RiverWoods Senior Living Community you will find that this is far from the truth.  The dedicated staff of this community work hard to provide opportunities for residents living in every area of the campus (independent living in the Garden Cottages or RidgeCrest Court Apartments; assisted living in Riverview Manor; or in the Nursing Care Center) in order for them to remain active and do the things they’ve done all their lives – and in some cases to live out a dream they’ve always had!

Persons now living at RiverWoods brought all types of talent with them and were looking for an opportunity to display this talent.  Karla Mitchell, RiverWoods Community Service Administrator, saw the need and decided to create a space to turn those dreams into reality.  Thus, Studio 35 was created. Four Garden Cottages were slated to be torn down due to the age of the units, but residents thought it would be the perfect place for a studio of their own.  A focus group of residents and staff was formed to decide what should be in the studio, such as what kinds of classes did they want; what supplies and furniture would they need; etc.  The outcome of these conversations led to the following:  a stained glass shop; painting room; scrapbooking room; a space to hold lectures; a computer lab; and a kitchen for cooking classes.  Other ideas may be implemented in the future.  Residents helped design the space, and an Open House was held in October that was attended by over 200 residents and staff. 

“It is simply amazing; you actually think you are walking into an art studio,” commented Tony Cooper, RiverWoods Executive Director.  “All this would not have been possible without the organization and planning of Mrs. Mitchell and the residents involved.” 

If you are ever in the area, stop by Studio 35, located at 35 Maplewood Drive in Lewisburg, and watch the ‘artists at work’ or sign up to take a class of your own.