[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 160 (Thursday, September 27, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING WESTMINSTER AT LAKE RIDGE ON ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY

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                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 27, 2018

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Westminster at Lake 
Ridge on its 25th anniversary and to commend the staff, residents, and 
volunteers for their commitment to the community and their dedication 
to the well-being of all who call Westminster home.
   Although we are celebrating Westminster at Lake Ridge's Silver 
Anniversary, the origins of this exceptional community date back more 
than 40 years to 1977, when the late Myles Golbranson began his efforts 
to establish a Presbyterian-sponsored life-care retirement community in 
Northern Virginia. For the next 8 years, he led an Ad Hoc Committee to 
assist with exploring options. In 1985, it appeared that the unwavering 
efforts to establish a retirement community were within reach when Mr. 
S. Parker Oliphant offered to donate a 37-acre parcel of land located 
in Centreville, VA. Project design and site-analysis began, as did 
fundraising efforts for pre-construction expenses. In 1988, the project 
was suddenly derailed due to water management and zoning complications. 
Later that year, an alternate 62-acre site was identified in Lake 
Ridge, VA. In 1993, Westminster at Lake Ridge opened its doors, finally 
fulfilling Myles Golbranson's dream.
   In the last 25 years, Westminster at Lake Ridge has grown 
significantly and is now home to approximately 400 residents. Amenities 
and services are available to suit the interests of the residents--
whether it is joining a book club, participating in fitness classes, 
fishing in one of the two ponds, or strolling through the wooded trails 
to the Occoquan River. Residents are also actively engaged in the 
community--volunteering with local schools, hospitals, and at civic and 
cultural events. The Flying Fingers, a group of residents who knit and 
crochet items, has created countless articles of clothing and blankets 
for many charities including Ellie's Hats, which provides the handmade 
caps to children who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy 
treatments.
   The activities, amenities and health services provided by 
Westminster at Lake Ridge are guided by its mission: to provide a 
continuum of care to older adults that fosters independence, dignity, 
and self-determination. These core values have been central to every 
expansion of activities and health care services including the Memory 
Support Neighborhoods for those who suffer from Alzheimer's disease or 
other forms of dementia. To ensure the safety of those suffering from 
debilitating memory issues, Westminster at Lake Ridge has partnered 
with the Prince William County Sheriff's Office on Project Lifesaver--a 
GPS program that can instantly locate a participating resident who may 
have wandered into an unsafe environment.
   In 2015, in recognition of its exceptional care and opportunities 
for older adults, Westminster at Lake Ridge was fully accredited by the 
Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities--Continuing 
Care Accrediting Commission (CARF-CCAC.) In the United States, fewer 
than 10 percent of all continuing care retirement communities have 
received this accreditation, which is granted only after successfully 
completing an in-depth, multi-day audit by CARF-CCAC. In addition, 
Westminster at Lake Ridge has received the highest rating possible, a 
5-star overall rating from Medicare.
   Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to represent this extraordinary 
facility. Westminster at Lake Ridge provides an exceptional quality of 
life for active retirees, as well as more intensive compassionate care 
when needed. I thank the staff and volunteers for their dedication to 
their mission and commend them as well as the hundreds of residents for 
their service. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
Westminster at Lake Ridge on its 25th anniversary and in wishing all 
who live and work in this vibrant community continued success.

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