Rolling Green Village - Spring 2014

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FESTIVAL OF GIVING Rolling Green Village puts the “fun” in fundraising

Putting the ‘Fun’ in Fundraising Also no secret is what a good time everyone has during Rolling Green’s Festival of Giving, an annual event with a simple mission: provide lots of food, fun and fellowship to benefit a good cause.

“Oh, there’s so much to do,” says Marie, who has lived in a patio home in the continuing care community since 2008. “We are all looking forward to this year’s event!”

1 Hoke Smith Blvd., Greenville, SC 29615 864.987.4612 www.RollingGreenVillage.com

“The 2014 Festival of Giving...is an uplifting occasion with plenty of multigenerational appeal.”

Indeed, Rolling Green Village puts the “fun” back into fundraising.

The 2014 Festival of Giving – slated for Friday and Saturday, April 11-12 – is an uplifting occasion with plenty of multi-generational appeal. It’s designed to share the joy of giving back to the Greenville community, with live music, hearty meals and a variety of activities that everyone can enjoy together.

The Festival includes an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for largest Thera-Band group exercise class; a fishing tournament and kids fishing derby; and the Running on the Green 5K and Fun Walk. Every activity is followed up with mouthwatering opportunity to eat: there’s a dinner-dance Friday afternoon, a pancake breakfast Saturday morning and BBQ Saturday afternoon.

Residents, family, friends – and the public at large – are all encouraged to attend. “The more the merrier, when it comes to giving back,” says RGV Marketing Director Ruth Wood, noting the Festival benefits Meals on Wheels, Loaves & Fishes and the Alzheimer’s Association. “Bring the whole family!”

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BANDING TOGETHER

WINNING TREATS

The 2014 Festival of Giving kicks off with a Guinness World Record Event on Friday, April 11, from 11am-2pm.

Marie Kelley says she’d happily share the secret to her award-winning cookie recipe – except there isn’t one.

First on tap is a huge exercise class – 313 people or more, to be exact – working out with Thera-Bands

“No secret,” she laughs, “except maybe how simple they are to make.”

“The World Record is 312 people using Thera-Bands for 30 minutes – and we plan to break that,” says Wellness Coordinator Blane Ingle, explaining the Rolling Green community came oh-so-close to setting a new record in 2013. “I am very optimistic this time around.”

Marie’s signature sweets earned first-prize in the Resident Bake-Off during last year’s Festival of Giving at Rolling Green Village. “I’d never been in a baking contest before – not in my entire life – so I was shocked, but thrilled, to win the blue ribbon,” says the sprightly senior, who entered her no-bake saltine cookies – a mix of milk, sugar, vanilla, peanut butter, cracker crumbs and nuts – at the insistence of her fellow Rolling Green card club members.

“Everyone loves these cookies.”

Participants include residents, family, staff, volunteers from the benefiting charities, even a busload of students from a nearby school. “You know, some young ‘uns,” Blane laughs. “I am pretty sure the kids will be surprised at just how strong our residents are – that’s really the best part about this event: the chance to show off how healthy, how vibrant you can be regardless of age.”

Maintaining upper body strength and flexibility is vital for the elderly population. “We work on this constantly,” Blane says, outlining Rolling Green’s compelling mix of group fitness classes – everything from low-impact aerobics to yoga and tai chi to calisthenics – as well as water aerobics, lap swimming and hydrotherapy. “These Thera-Bands can be quite a workout. We use elastic resistance all the time; it’s one of the kindest exercises for our joints … even people in their 80s and 90s can do this.”

Breaking the World Record requires three levels of documentation. Each participant fills out a written registration form, the entire class is videotaped, and human monitors are on hand to verify compliance.

“This is a very achievable goal,” says Blane, explaining that the recordbreaking class will comprise a warm-up, a 20-minute routine and a cool-down.

All 313 (or more) people must participate the entire time. “We are excited – and we are ready!”

A gourmet meal follows the Thera-Band class, featuring prime rib, crab cakes, 2

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One of the delicious Bake-Off entries

twice-baked potatoes and key lime pie. There will be live music – and, of course, dancing – and the dinner-dance is open to all ages.

There are no fees to participate, but a recommended donation of $10 per person benefits Meals on Wheels.

“We are so appreciative,” says Meals on Wheels Executive Director Catriona Carlisle, whose organization enhances the lives of homebound individuals by providing nutritious meals, personal contact and related services. Volunteers deliver a hot lunch every Monday through Friday to nearly 1,500 seniors throughout Greenville County. “Rolling Green’s donation from the 2013 Festival of Giving fed one client for an entire year. That was fantastic.”

Catriona also serves on the RGV Board of Directors. “Rolling Green Village is home to so many kind, generous residents,” she says. “They are truly looking to give back and make a difference in this community.”

W W W. R O L L I N G G R E E N V I L L A G E . C O M

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BANDING TOGETHER

WINNING TREATS

The 2014 Festival of Giving kicks off with a Guinness World Record Event on Friday, April 11, from 11am-2pm.

Marie Kelley says she’d happily share the secret to her award-winning cookie recipe – except there isn’t one.

First on tap is a huge exercise class – 313 people or more, to be exact – working out with Thera-Bands

“No secret,” she laughs, “except maybe how simple they are to make.”

“The World Record is 312 people using Thera-Bands for 30 minutes – and we plan to break that,” says Wellness Coordinator Blane Ingle, explaining the Rolling Green community came oh-so-close to setting a new record in 2013. “I am very optimistic this time around.”

Marie’s signature sweets earned first-prize in the Resident Bake-Off during last year’s Festival of Giving at Rolling Green Village. “I’d never been in a baking contest before – not in my entire life – so I was shocked, but thrilled, to win the blue ribbon,” says the sprightly senior, who entered her no-bake saltine cookies – a mix of milk, sugar, vanilla, peanut butter, cracker crumbs and nuts – at the insistence of her fellow Rolling Green card club members.

“Everyone loves these cookies.”

Participants include residents, family, staff, volunteers from the benefiting charities, even a busload of students from a nearby school. “You know, some young ‘uns,” Blane laughs. “I am pretty sure the kids will be surprised at just how strong our residents are – that’s really the best part about this event: the chance to show off how healthy, how vibrant you can be regardless of age.”

Maintaining upper body strength and flexibility is vital for the elderly population. “We work on this constantly,” Blane says, outlining Rolling Green’s compelling mix of group fitness classes – everything from low-impact aerobics to yoga and tai chi to calisthenics – as well as water aerobics, lap swimming and hydrotherapy. “These Thera-Bands can be quite a workout. We use elastic resistance all the time; it’s one of the kindest exercises for our joints … even people in their 80s and 90s can do this.”

Breaking the World Record requires three levels of documentation. Each participant fills out a written registration form, the entire class is videotaped, and human monitors are on hand to verify compliance.

“This is a very achievable goal,” says Blane, explaining that the recordbreaking class will comprise a warm-up, a 20-minute routine and a cool-down.

All 313 (or more) people must participate the entire time. “We are excited – and we are ready!”

A gourmet meal follows the Thera-Band class, featuring prime rib, crab cakes, 2

S P E C I A L

A D V E R T I S I N G

F E AT U R E

S P R I N G

2 0 1 4

E D I T I O N

One of the delicious Bake-Off entries

twice-baked potatoes and key lime pie. There will be live music – and, of course, dancing – and the dinner-dance is open to all ages.

There are no fees to participate, but a recommended donation of $10 per person benefits Meals on Wheels.

“We are so appreciative,” says Meals on Wheels Executive Director Catriona Carlisle, whose organization enhances the lives of homebound individuals by providing nutritious meals, personal contact and related services. Volunteers deliver a hot lunch every Monday through Friday to nearly 1,500 seniors throughout Greenville County. “Rolling Green’s donation from the 2013 Festival of Giving fed one client for an entire year. That was fantastic.”

Catriona also serves on the RGV Board of Directors. “Rolling Green Village is home to so many kind, generous residents,” she says. “They are truly looking to give back and make a difference in this community.”

W W W. R O L L I N G G R E E N V I L L A G E . C O M

more on back  R O L L I N G

G R E E N

V I L L A G E

3

FISHING & RUNNING FOR A GOOD CAUSE Festival of Giving resumes bright and early Saturday, April 12 – beginning at 6am – with a Fishing Tournament and Kids Fishing Derby at Rolling Green’s own beautiful lake. Prizes will be distributed during a BBQ lunch following the competition.

and a 1-Mile Fun Walk begin at 9am on a beautiful course around the Rolling Green campus, followed by a pancake breakfast, live music, and an awards ceremony for runners and walkers.

As with the Festival’s other activities, there’s no fee to Some mighty fine fish are ready to get caught up in participate in Running on the Green but the recommended all the fun, and while there are no fees to participate, a $10 donation benefits the South Carolina chapter of recommended donation of $10 per fisherman benefits the Alzheimer’s Association. Last year’s event ran up Loaves & Fishes. $1,500 to support the organization’s mission to eliminate “We’re delighted that the fishing tournament supports Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support Loaves & Fishes,” says L&F “The Festival of for all affected; and to reduce the risk of Development Coordinator Tessa May, explaining that her organization Giving is an ideal dementia through the promotion of brain health. “rescues” prepared, perishable food from grocery stores, restaurants, hotels and other commercial entities and then delivers it to other nonprofits that serve the hungry. “Donations are crucial to our mission.”

opportunity to get the family together while helping some very worthy charitable organizations.”

Last year’s Fishing Tournament and Kids Fishing Derby netted $1,200 – a total that yielded an exponentially greater dollar amount of food for those in need.

“Loaves & Fishes is able to translate every dollar raised on our behalf into eleven dollars worth of food for the hungry,” Tessa explains. And with some 61,000 people in Greenville County considered food insecure, “another great benefit of the Festival of Giving is that it raises awareness about the issue of hunger in our community.”

For those who’d rather work up a sweat, Saturday morning also features Running on the Green. A 5K Run

“(Running on the Green) is such a fun way to get outdoors, share a meal and contribute to a good cause,” says Dr. Jerry Polsinelli, who moved to Rolling Green Village three years ago with his wife, Ginny.

“It is quite an event with a big turnout from residents and their family members.”

The 2013 Festival of Giving was indeed a family affair for the Polsinellis, who were joined by their daughter, Janet Baker, as well as their granddaughter Dana and her fiancé Jeremy. Jerry and his wife enjoyed the walk while the younger generations ran the 5K … then they all celebrated together when Jeremy – an avid runner – won the race.

“The Festival of Giving is an ideal opportunity to get the family together while helping some very worthy charitable organizations,” Jerry says.

HONORING A LEGACY OF GENEROSITY Rolling Green Village is a continuing care community where seniors enjoy a safe, secure and carefree lifestyle. Nestled on 175 beautiful acres, the campus comprises a variety of independent living options: apartments (ranging from studios and efficiencies to two- and three-bedroom layouts) and six neighborhoods of individual patio homes with one to three bedrooms. Housing is also available for those in need of assisted living and memory care.

A Wellness Center features an indoor pool, aerobics activity room, cardio/ strength training room, wellness clinic and massage therapy suite. Other facilities include a beauty salon, library and craft/hobby room. Pristine lakes, wildflower patches and walking trails are among the natural amenities.

The community’s 650 residents enjoy a full roster of events, activities and field trips, everything from book clubs to holiday parties to yoga classes … and, of course, the Festival of Giving.

Rolling Green was founded as a mission, not a money-maker; it is entirely devoted to providing a vibrant, healthy environment for senior adults. The doors opened in 1986, but its legacy extends back to 1973 when Hoke and Mildred Smith – a couple grateful for their shared blessings and therefore always willing to give back to others – donated some of their farmland to help establish a faith-based retirement home. Their only request was that the work honor God and serve as many people as possible.

“Rolling Green Village was built upon the generosity of Hoke and Mildred Smith,” says RGV’s Ruth Wood, “and the Festival of Giving is a natural extension of their legacy. We are so happy to give back to the Greenville community.”

For more information visit us online at www.RollingGreenVillage.com or contact Ruth Wood at ruthwood@rollinggreenvillage.com 1 Hoke Smith Blvd., Greenville, SC 29615 | 864.987.4612