Oh, the Drama! Fall Newsletter

fall newsletter thumbnailAt St. Mary’s Woods, our residents have a real flair for the dramatic.  But in a wonderful way!

Our new drama club, The Woodsy Players, recently presented their very first performance.  The play Borrowed Laundry is a quirky comedy set in a local dry cleaners business.  They were amazing!  The audience loved the witty banter and hilarious costumes.

There were also other things to celebrate this fall, including our annual Tailgate Party and a family favorite, our Flannel Fest.

You can read all about these fall happenings and more in our Fall 2024 Newsletter.  Download or pick up a copy at the front desk today – while supplies last!


Stars and Stripes Forever: Summer Newsletter

Summer is filled with friends, family and fun – especially at St. Mary’s Woods!
Check out a few of our favorite summer highlights – including some red, white and blue festivities – in our Summer 2024 Community Newsletter!


Daytime Eclipse and More: Spring News

Spring has been a busy and exciting time at St. Mary’s Woods!

A once-in-a-lifetime event in April – the solar eclipse – was a reason to “look to the skies” and take in the wonder of the universe.  It was also an opportunity to learn more about the cosmos.  We were also busy learning how to be better drivers, being creative with paint and acting, and much more.

Read all about it in our Spring 2024 Newsletter – download the PDF or pick up a copy at the front desk (while supplies last!).


Celebrating Veterans and More: Winter News

newsletter previewShorter days and cooler temperatures can’t put a damper on the fun we have at St. Mary’s Woods.  Winter is still a time filled with exciting events and time with friends!

This winter was no different.  A Veterans Day celebration in November honored our amazing Veterans and their sacrifices for our country.

On a wonderfully lovely day, our chili cook-off brought us outside for food and fun.  Indoors, residents created painted masterpieces and delicious gingerbread scenes.

Read all about it and more in our Winter 2023-2024 Newsletter!


A 35th Anniversary Celebration: Fall News

fall newsOn October 5, St. Mary’s Woods residents and family members celebrated our community’s 35th anniversary. We recognized the momentous occasion with reflections from our board of directors, management team, and special guests, including an opening prayer and remarks from His Excellency, Bishop Barry C. Knestout of the Catholic Diocese of Richmond…

Read more about our 35th anniversary celebration, view photos of the event, and learn more about what our residents and families have been up to this fall when you download our Fall 2023 Quarterly Newsletter!


The Fourth and More: Summer Newsletter

community newsletter previewOur residents are never ones to stay idle.  This is especially true during the summer months when warm weather, sunshine, holidays, and more give us reasons to get out and celebrate life!

The transition from spring to summer included the honoring of wonderful people in our lives – our parents.  Mother’s Day and Father’s Day were occasions to gather together and create new memories.  Independence Day was also a blast as we sported our red, white, and blue.

Read all about these stories and more in our Summer 2023 Community Newsletter!


Happy Happenings: Spring 2023 Newsletter

Smiling faces can be found all over the St. Mary’s Woods community.  You could say we have spring fever – in a good way!

A visit from our favorite Richmond mascot, Nutzy, was fun for everyone and gave us a great opportunity to enjoy our front porch.  As the weather has changed, residents and staff alike have been outside basking in the sunshine and getting fresh air!

Plus, we are about to celebrate 35 years serving seniors and their families in Richmond!  Read all about it in the Spring Marketing Newsletter!


Season's Greetings: Winter Newsletter

Whether it’s a special holiday, a birthday, or just a quiet weekday afternoon, you know that every day is special at St. Mary’s Woods.

Download the latest issue of our community newsletter and you’ll see what we mean!  For Helen, the decorations on her door always give her and her neighbors something to smile about.   Our guests and employees agree!   During the Christmas season, our team puts a twist on the traditional gingerbread house and creates a miniature city that is unlike anything else you’ve seen.

Read all about it (and see the photos for yourself!) when you download our Winter 2022-23 community newsletter.


Amazing Stories: Fall Newsletter

newsletter previewFall is one of our favorite times of the year – there’s so much to love.   Who doesn’t love a great story?  We do!  Especially when they involve our wonderful, vibrant, and interesting residents.

Check out our latest newsletter and read about our resident, Miki, and her wonderful art collection and globe-trotting lifestyle.  You’ll also see the special treats our resident have been enjoying, the memories that were created at our recent “Family Flannel Fest,” and maybe learn something new.

Discover these stories and more in the St. Mary’s Woods Fall 2022 Newsletter.   You can also grab a copy at the front desk during your next visit to our community!


Music, Pizza, and More! Summer Newsletter

 newsletter previewSome of the most interesting people you’ll ever meet can be found in the halls of St. Mary’s Woods.  Their life stories are so full and rich.  One such story is that of our very own “Bugle Boy,” Mike.  The story of his life and a special instrument is one you don’t want to miss!

Read the summer issue of the St. Mary’s Woods newsletter to read Mike’s story, plus a few of the things that have been happening in our building, like our new men’s group Pizza Party.   You’ll also find a helpful article from our administrator, news about our rehabilitation partner, and more.


Birthdays, Art, and More: Spring Newsletter

From once-in-a-lifetime celebrations to amazing artwork and springtime newsletter previewparties, our latest newsletter has it all!

We were thrilled to honor our resident, Nanye, and her entry into the “Centenarian Club” as she turned 100 years old.  We also highlighted the work of our creative and talented residents who have produced so many amazing works of art during their time in our community.  And everyone had a blast at our Spring Fling – we have the photos to prove it!

Read more when you download the full version, here: St. Mary’s Woods Spring 2022 Newsletter.


2022 Richmond Top Workplace Awards Announced

St. Mary’s Woods has been honored as a Top Workplace for the second year in a row!

The results are in — a recent Richmond Times-Dispatch article announced the Top Workplaces of 2022 in the Richmond, Virginia area.  The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC.

According to the article, “employers who scored the highest locally — and exceeded national benchmarks — made the list.”   We are honored to have been included among the wonderful local organizations that were recognized.


So Many Reasons to Love SMW! Read More in Our Winter Newsletter.

Residents have been busy at St. Mary’s Woods this winter season!  From special holiday celebrations and art show events to crafting their own “reasons to love” our community, there hasn’t been a dull moment.

Our latest newsletter covers it all, including some valuable information about our visiting medical providers and how St. Mary’s Woods is a place for families – including residents AND team members.

Read all about it when you download our winter 2021-22 community marketing newsletter.


Classic Hobbies and New Fun: St. Mary's Woods Summer Newsletter

summer newsletter previewSee what’s new at St. Mary’s Woods, from our classic hobbies and events, to new programs and technologies.  Download our most recent newsletter to read all about what’s been happening in our community:

St. Mary’s Woods Quarterly Newsletter: Summer 2021

Hardcopies are available at St. Mary’s Woods (quantities are limited).  Inquire at the front desk.


St. Mary's Woods Recognized as Top Work Place

Richmond Times-Dispatch Names St. Mary’s Woods a Winner of the Greater Richmond Area Top Workplaces 2021 Award

St. Mary’s Woods has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2021 honor by The Richmond Times-Dispatch Top Workplaces. The list is based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage, LLC. The anonymous survey uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization: including alignment, execution, and connection, just to name a few.

“During this very challenging time, Top Workplaces has proven to be a beacon of light for organizations, as well as a sign of resiliency and strong business performance,” said Eric Rubino, Energage CEO. “When you give your employees a voice, you come together to navigate challenges and shape your path forward. Top Workplaces draw on real-time insights into what works best for their organization, so they can make informed decisions that have a positive impact on their people and their business.”


A Reason to Smile! Quarterly Newsletter Now Available

It’s here!

Don’t miss the latest edition of our quarterly marketing newsletter.   Click here to download a PDF of the Winter 2020-21 issue!  Read about all the lovely holiday festivities we enjoyed in December, a new addition to our Chapel, recent vaccination clinics, and more!  Interested in a hardcopy?  Contact the front desk (quantities are limited!).


Heroes Everywhere

Have you had the chance to read our new Spring 2020 Marketing Newsletter?

In this very special issue of our newsletter, you will see what truly makes St. Mary’s Woods such an amazing place to live.  The people.  To our wonderful and dedicated staff, we say THANK YOU!  During this unique and challenging time, you have stepped up to serve our residents in amazing ways.

Be sure to take a look at some of the friendly faces that you will recognize as the HEROES of St. Mary’s Woods.


Winter 2019-2020 Marketing Newsletter

Have you gotten your copy of the St Mary’s Woods Newsletter (Winter 2019-2020)?

Well-being was our focus this season – as it always is in our community!  Download the PDF to read all about how our residents and community members are maintaining healthy emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual practices to live a well-rounded and healthy lifestyle.  You’ll also see some great photos of our residents enjoying some of the activities they love most!


St. Mary’s Woods Celebrates Chinese New Year

On January 24, the Richmond Chinese Folk Dancers visited our community to celebrate the New Year with residents of St. Mary’s Woods. They showed us the custom dances from different areas and cultures of China while wearing festive, matching costumes. It was a colorful experience with beautiful music and dance. Refreshments from our dining team reflected the delicious flavors of traditional Chinese foods and teas. Residents commented that it was one of their favorite programs in recent memory!


“Sojourner Truth” Performance

On February 11, St. Mary’s Woods welcomed “Sojourner Truth”a dramatic portrayal of the African-American abolitionist and women’s rights activist of the same name.

A slave from the state of New York, Sojourner was the first black woman to win her case against a white man, winning her son back from slavery in Alabama in 1828.  She talked to us about “Ain’t I A Woman” just like she did to the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in 1851. It was amazing, thought-provoking, and emotional to learn of the pain and adversity that Sojourner endured.

Evelyn Allen of Richmond portrayed the important historical figure of Sojourner and even sang a spiritual, “All God’s Chillin Be Free.”  The audience was so impressed with her detailed depiction of Sojourner, including her dress, cane, and southern dialect.


2019 STAR Award Nominee: Zada Mehmedovic

The Annual CSM STAR Awards Program (presented by our management firm) was designed to recognize the most outstanding employees from their senior living communities across the state. Standing for “Special Thanks And Recognition,” this program highlights the best employees in the company.  Each community, including St. Mary’s Woods, nominates one deserving team member to be awarded this honor.

St. Mary’s Woods’ 2019 nominee was Zada Mehmedovic, CNA. She was recognized at a special luncheon presented by CSM for all STAR nominees.

According to co-workers, “Zada is a role model for excellence every day.  She leads with action, she is consistently dependable and dedicated to every aspect of her job.  Zada’s strong work ethic, dedication, and commitment to the nursing profession are apparent in her daily routines. She is critically important to the evening shift and St. Mary’s Woods as a whole.”

Congratulations to Zada for achieving this special honor!