Army Distaff Foundation

Step Afrika! performances are much more than dance shows; they integrate songs, storytelling, humor and audience participation. The group blends percussive dance styles practiced by historically African American fraternities and sororities; traditional African dances; and an array of contemporary dance and art forms into a cohesive, compelling artistic experience. Residents returned ecstatic following the electrifying performance from Step Afrika!

Attention to detail is one of those quiet attributes that can take an ordinary experience and make it extraordinary. Take Maria for example. Maria is one of our Knollwood Housekeepers. Resident Laila and her daughter, Devra, love putting puzzles together. But as every good puzzler knows, there are times when a piece or two disappears and what should be a complete masterpiece is now a gap-filled frustration. Enter Maria. Maria, while completing her normal cleaning duties, often finds pieces for Laila and Devra that escape their search efforts. Instead of accidentally vacuuming them up, as an ordinary person might, Maria collects the missing pieces she finds and puts them in a special location for Laila and Devra. As Laila and Devra state, "we are grateful for her sharp eyes and nimble fingers. Her attention to detail and diligence in her work are exemplary. Thank you, Maria!" How will you choose to take that extra step for someone in your community today? #KnollwoodStrong #OneTeam #OneCommunity

The Office of Veterans Affairs team through DC Mayor Muriel Bowser visited Knollwood offering personal aid and benefits education to our veterans. In addition to helping residents sign up for #VetsRide (a program that helps veterans receive free transportation), the Office of Veterans Affairs team educated residents on the host of benefits available to them as veterans in DC. We look forward to future collaborations that will help our veterans access additional services and resources!

Each month, resident Bonnie Dawson hosts a birthday celebration for Knollwood residents. The monthly birthday luncheon honors and celebrates residents whose birthdays fall in that particular month. Aimed at bringing people together amidst a beautiful and celebratory atmosphere, the birthday luncheon commemorates the unique story and life of each individual. These moments serve as one of numerous opportunities for members of the community to get to know one another, share stories, and develop lasting relationships. #onecommunity #Knollwoodstrong

In 2019, Knollwood hosted Akara Robotics, serving as a testing ground for their socially assistive robot "Stevie," who was featured on the cover of TIME. CEO, Conor McGinn, and Chief Robotics Officer, Niamh Donnelly, returned to Knollwood, sharing updates on their professional and personal journeys over the past four years, including the success of "Violet" their ultraviolet light cleaning robot that drastically cut hospital room cleaning times during the Covid-19 pandemic. Residents and staff were thrilled to have the Akara team back in-house and look forward to their future successes in healthcare innovation!

One Team. One Organization. One Community. One Future. When communication is the goal, there is no better way to discuss important ideas than to get everyone together in one room. That is exactly what Knollwood's Annual Meeting does. Bringing together residents, staff, and board members, in one room creates opportunities for each party to talk together, listen and connect. Our board members and, especially the chair of our board, GEN. Jack Keane, USA (Ret.), are committed to providing the highest levels of quality and care for our residents to provide the finest in healthy aging services. That includes taking time to meet with residents, hear their thanks, suggestions, and concerns. #knollwoodstrong

A core member of the sales team and a key lifeline for every new resident, Alisi Potauaine received the March Ceca Foundation award. Alisi was nominated for "going above and beyond each day at Knollwood. She is the heartbeat of the sales office wearing so many hats on any given day. Alisi is always the first to step up when there is a task to complete. You will never hear her complaining and she has a wonderful ability to bring calm into any situation. Her warm kindness to new residents extends far beyond the call of duty. Alisi makes living and working at Knollwood a pleasure." Thank you for all you do, Alisi!

Isabel Tom, MPH was an illuminating speaker. Walking the audience through her personal upbringing with her grandparents and the impact of those interactions, Tom outlined the pivotal importance of intergenerational dialogues and relationships. In addition to her book “The Value of Wrinkles” Tom has created a “Grandkid Investigator Kit” that engages children and young adults as special agents seeking to complete various missions, uncovering the histories and personal stories of their grandparents. Audience members and staff shared their fond memories as both grandparents and grandkids. Share one of your favorite memories as a grandparent or grandchild in the comments below.

After 15 years, Knollwood is saying farewell to a community icon, Kathy Byus.    Our Resident Enrichment Manager and Staff Chapel Liaison, Kathy, has impacted our residents and staff in more ways than can be counted. The attendance at her retirement party and the pictures and stories shared there paint a picture of someone who represents all the values that we hold dear: Integrity, Community, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence.    We will miss Kathy as she embarks on this next step in her journey, but we're thankful for the years she has spent with us, the ways that she has gifted us through her presence, and we wish her and her family well in the experiences ahead! 

Join us for an afternoon conversation and book signing with “The Value Of Wrinkles” author, Isabel Tom, MPH. Tom has been Featured on ABC 7's Good Morning Washington, as well as numerous other shows and podcasts, including Building Relationships with Dr. Gary Chapman and AARP’s Take on Today. The event will be on Tuesday, June 11th at 3:00PM in the Anderson Salon at Knollwood Life Plan Community.