[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 113 (Wednesday, July 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1099]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO LEISURE WORLD OF MARYLAND

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 2016

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Leisure 
World of Maryland's 50th anniversary.
  Leisure World was founded in 1966 by Ross Cortese, who observed that 
the population of older citizens was growing and thought that their 
special needs were not being met. His vision was ``gracious, carefree, 
secure living for adults in a self-contained community that provides 
all the facilities but none of the drudgery of home ownership.'' His 
innovative dream created self-contained senior communities, offering 
rewarding living for older people still interested in leading active 
and enriched lives.
  The first residents of Leisure World of Maryland moved into their new 
``manors'' in August 1966. The available housing options at the time 
were townhouses called ``Berkeleys'' and one-story duplexes called 
``Carvels'' near the first Clubhouse and across the street from the 
18th hole of the golf course. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, Cortese 
continued developing single family homes, townhomes and duplexes, along 
with the community's golf course, administrative facilities and medical 
center, and investing in the community's physical and social 
infrastructure.
  Over the years, Leisure World continued to expand and provide seniors 
with additional housing options and facilities. In 1980, Cortese teamed 
up with renowned Watergate developer Giuseppe Cecchi and his company, 
The IDI Group Companies, to complete the development of the community. 
IDI reconfigured the site plan in a way that increased density through 
luxury multifamily condominium structures while preserving parkland, 
improving the golf course, and adding a second community clubhouse. The 
final condominium units were completed in 2013.
  Today, Leisure World of Maryland continues to be a model for active 
living. Home to more than 8000 residents aged 55+ and including three 
voting precincts, Leisure World offers its residents a wide variety of 
services and amenities, including restaurants, clubhouses, a medical 
center, an interfaith chapel and an 18-hole golf course. Residents 
participate in an extensive program of fitness classes, lectures, 
concerts, trips, and nearly 100 clubs and organizations. Miles of 
walking trails lead through a beautiful blend of pristine landscapes 
and natural settings.
  Leisure World is a rare gem in Montgomery County and in the State of 
Maryland. Its residents enjoy an outstanding quality of life and are 
active and engaged members of both the Leisure World community and the 
greater community outside its gates. I urge my colleagues to join me in 
extending our congratulations to Leisure World of Maryland as it 
celebrates its 50th anniversary and our gratitude and appreciation for 
its residents' contributions to our community.

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