Leisure World of Maryland Prepares to Mark 50th Anniversary

Silver Spring, MD; May 13 – The flags finding their way to lampposts around Leisure World of Maryland in the next few days are the first indicators of the big celebration the community is planning to mark its 50th anniversary with a week of events themed “Forward@50!” September 10-17, 2016.

“In addition to all of the events we’ve planned for our 8500 friends and neighbors, we’re celebrating our connection to the wider Montgomery County community in a big way;” said Forward@50 Committee Chair Sandy Marks. ”Going out from Leisure World to the wider community are thousands of dollars of life-enhancing kitchen products our residents are donating as part of our 50 Kitchens effort for A Wider Circle;” she explained. “And coming into Leisure World from the wider community will be the folks we’re inviting from the general public – we’re opening our gates for a Community Open House for the first time ever!” she added.

Highlights of the week will include: a cabaret show and dinner on September 10; September 11 picnic with elected officials with more than 1000 expected to attend; two-day 1966 film festival; and September 13 Community Day; where donations to stock 50 kitchens in Montgomery County will be revealed and given to A Wider Circle to distribute. A cocktail party; concerts; sock hop and fireworks will also mark the week for residents; while a Realtor golf tournament and luncheon September 16 and a September 17 Field Day and Community Open House will give residents the opportunity to share their love of their community with their neighbors.

This week-long celebration will be the product of an 18-month planning process by the Forward@50 Committee of Leisure World residents and staff. In addition to Marks and Vice Chair Yolanda Hunt, Its members include: Marian Altman; John Carr; Faye Freedman; Maureen Freeman; Ruth Friedman; Nancy Gordon; Marcia Hahn; Shirley Henderson; Marti Jacobs; Henry Jordan; Dee Martynuska; Laura Nickle; Noreen Potter; Joel Swetlow; Robert Tahler; Bud Tardiff; and Leah Weisman. The celebration is also made possible by several generous sponsors, including : H & H Concrete; McFall & Berry; MedStar; Minkoff Company; East Coast Building Services; Comcast; and IDI Maryland.

Leisure World of Maryland is a private; 610-acre community for adults age 55 and over that is known for its expansive recreational facilities and educational opportunities. Leisure World is home to some 8500 residents; as well as an 18-hole golf course; medical facilities; interfaith chapel; and multiple clubhouses with restaurants, ballrooms, classrooms, pools, a health club; wood shop, pottery studio and many other amenities. Residents own their homes; paying a monthly fee that includes the entire Leisure World amenity program. Leisure World also has its own post office and encompasses three voting precincts. The array of housing includes luxury condominiums, townhomes, patio homes and single-family homes.