Residents' Grandkids Love Spending Time at Woodleigh Chase

When Maryanne Martonik's eight grandchildren visit, there's never a dull moment. Luckily, living at Woodleigh Chase, an Erickson Senior Living community in Fairfax, Va., she doesn't have to entertain them all on her own.

With a range of engaging activities and fun amenities on the 42-acre campus, there are plenty of ways for residents to spend time and bond with their grandchildren.

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"They like the pool a lot," says Maryanne. "We also have a putting green, pickleball, and billiards, which they enjoy."

Staycation vibes

Emilie Gillanders, a grandmother of seven, moved to Woodleigh Chase in 2024 from Arlington, Va. Her grandkids also appreciate the many amenities that make visiting the community feel like a vacation.

"The first time my grandson, Mitch, and his sister, Jacklyn, visited, he said, 'Wow, this is like a hotel.' They were impressed!" recalls Emilie. "When they visit, we usually play a game of Monopoly. Sometimes, we take the game down to the pub area. They also love going to the pool."

And with multiple dining venues on campus, Emilie can focus on quality time rather than cooking and cleaning up. "We usually eat at the Cardinal Café, and they enjoy it. It's a nice experience for them. They can get ice cream, cookies, or fruit," she says.

Bridging generations

Resident Virginia "Ginny" Mahlke has a special family connection at Woodleigh Chase. Ginny's granddaughter, Emily Bell, works as a server at the community's Providence Restaurant. Many local high school and college students work as dining staff in the community.

"Woodleigh Chase is a wonderful place for a first job. There is a lot of support [for the student servers]. Student servers build relationships with residents," explains Ginny. "Too many times to count, I have had residents come up to me to say how wonderful it was to have my granddaughter as their server!"

She continues, "The most important part of the student server program is that my granddaughter and I share an experience--just the two of us. I usually see her during dinner at Providence or check on her before her shift. It is special to talk with her about how her evening went."

Fun with family

To create even more opportunities for residents to spend time with their grandkids, Woodleigh Chase plans events like Grand Camp, a multigenerational event that brings families together for a weekend of fun.

The event features activities such as crafts, making your own pizza, cupcake decorating, a movie night with popcorn and candy, water balloon fights, and an inflatable obstacle course.

"Gatherings like Grand Camp allow residents and their loved ones to spend quality time together while building relationships with staff and other Woodleigh Chase families," says Operations Associate Deja Logan.

Two of Maryanne's grandchildren have participated in the annual Grand Camp.

"They really enjoyed it!" says Maryanne. "They made cars out of cardboard boxes and then sat in their cars [during movie night like they were at] a drive-in movie. There was a table set up like a movie theater concession stand with a popcorn machine and candy bars. It was so much fun."

"Last year, Mitch attended Grand Camp, and when it was over, he couldn't wait for it to come around again this year," says Emilie.

Time to socialize

With dozens of clubs and activities to join as well as a range of amenities, residents of Woodleigh Chase are having just as much fun as their grandkids--every day.

Maryanne moved to Woodleigh Chase in 2024--from just three miles away--to pursue a more social, active lifestyle.

"At first, I wasn't even considering a move to a community like this," she recalls. "It kind of fell into my lap after I saw [Woodleigh Chase] advertised on TV."

She continues, "But I wanted more socialization. I thought, 'Well, this should do it.' And it really has! I'm very happy here."

To learn more about senior living at this vibrant community, request your free brochure to get the scoop on amenities, floor plans, and so much more.

By Danielle Rexrode