John and Alyssa Feroldi
The life story of John and Alyssa Feroldi illustrates love given a second chance, in strength joined by faith and logic.
Originally from Norfolk, Virginia, Alyssa quickly put on traveling shoes, as her father’s Navy career sent the family all over the world. The exciting city, Brooklyn, New York, was John’s birthplace and home of his youth.
In earlier years, Alyssa successfully fought the effects of Diabetes 1, with the life-giving double transplant she had at the University of Wisconsin at age 40. At about the same time, John’s wife died, leaving him with very young children.
John and Alyssa have a mutual friend, Kris. In 2002, she got them together on the phone and set up a blind date. They remember her saying: “John, come to the phone to talk to your future wife.” Kris and John had daughters in the same school. Donna Crean (who would eventually become a resident at The Woodlands) was teaching, and she remembers them well. They figure that Donna has known them for more than 30 years now. This began a life together, with Alyssa learning the challenges and joys of raising “bonus children,” and supporting her husband. John and Alyssa simultaneously credit marrying each other as the highlight of their life.
This remarkable couple loves to spend time walking together in nature, entertaining, and meeting new friends. While John loves pickleball and golf, Alyssa revels in savoring each day. They miss their friends they’ve known from many years living in a neighborhood, but regularly invite them to The Woodlands for meals in the Private Dining Room. They’ve kept longstanding friendships and doubled their friends by moving to The Woodlands.
John is a rare example of a single person receiving a patent. Normally, patents reflect teamwork. He sold not one, but two patents to Verizon, with whom he was employed. Both came about from sitting in traffic, reading the various bumper stickers before and around him. His first patent was a display device, which can be used by authorities to relay messages as in Amber Alerts or for advertising. The second patent was a controlling system for the display.
Why the move to The Woodlands? They grew increasingly tired of “being owned by their house,” for it had five bedrooms and two acres that demanded constant attention. They received invitations by The Woodlands to attend events, and so they did! They found that great enjoyment came of visiting instead of fighting traffic. Their advice? “Move in while you can – you won’t give up anything except tedious responsibilities.” The idea that things are set in place for their future is a great relief. They are so much happier now, and their friends are joining them in attending activities that give joy without the challenges of metropolitan transit.
Anacostia River Ride - June 12
Pontoon Boat for an interpretive riverboat tour of the scenic Anacostia River.
Thursday, June 12, 2025
Reserve your spot now! Contact Barbara Kioker at 703-667-9800 Extension 4097 or bkiker@thewoodlandsccrc.com
Finger Lakes, New York - June 23 - 26
4 Days – 3 Nights
June 23 – 26, 2025
$860 per person …Double Occupancy
Reserve your spot now! Contact Barbara Kioker at 703-667-9800 Extension 4097 or bkiker@thewoodlandsccrc.com
Explore Niagara Falls & More - 4 Days, 3 Nights of Unforgettable Fun September 8-11
Get ready for a scenic getaway to Niagara Falls, Ontario on September 8-11, 2025!
This 4-day, 3-night package includes:
- 3 nights lodging in beautiful Niagara Falls, Canada
- 3 hearty breakfasts and 3 delicious dinners
- Full day guided tour of Niagara Falls, including charming Niagara-on-the-Lake
- Full-day tour of Toronto
- Wine tasting at a local winery
And much more!
Reserve your spot now! Contact Barbara Kioker at 703-667-9800 Extension 4097 or bkiker@thewoodlandsccrc.com
Price: $830 per person Double Occupancy
Exciting April Events at The Woodlands
April Blossoms: Exciting Events at The Woodlands!!
Spring is in full bloom, and April is bringing a fresh lineup of social events at The Woodlands! From engaging performances to interactive activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy as we celebrate the season together.
Reserve your spot today—space is limited for select events! Call 703-667-9800 or email Mariana at maguila@thewoodlandsccrc.com.
The Woodlands Presents: A Historic Garden Week Adventure
Spring is the perfect time to explore the beauty and history of Old Town Alexandria. Join The Woodlands for a special outing during Virginia’s Historic Garden Week and enjoy an exclusive look at some of the area’s most stunning homes and gardens. This self-guided tour features five private homes and gardens, showcasing beautiful architecture, landscaping, and design.
Event Info:
Old Town Alexandria House & Garden Walking Tour
Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Tickets: $55 per person (includes transportation, admissions, and light refreshments)
Don’t miss this chance to experience the charm of Old Town Alexandria in full bloom.
Seats are limited – RSVP by April 18, 2025 by calling 703-667-9800 and ask for Barbara Kiker
Call (703) 667-9800 or email: marketing@thewoodlandsccrc.com
Downsizing Seminar on March 21st
Planning for your next move doesn’t have to be stressful!
Join us for a free seminar where downsizing experts will share a simple, step-by-step approach to organizing and decluttering in preparing for a smooth transition to your next residence.
what you will gain:
• practical tips to simplify the downsizing process
• an organized plan for selling your home
• a proactive approach to your next chapter
DATE: Friday, March 21, 2025
TIME: 10:30 – 11:30 A.M.
PLACE: 4320 Forest Hill Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Enjoy light refreshments, connect with others, and get expert advice to make your move easier.
Seats are limited – RSVP today!
Call (703) 667-9801 or email: marketing@thewoodlandsccrc.com
Author Diana Parsell Discussing Her New Book
Join us at The Woodlands on Friday, March 14 at 10:30 AM for a special author event with Diana Parsell, as she discusses her new book, Eliza Scidmore: The Trailblazing Journalist Behind Washington’s Cherry Trees! Discover the incredible story of Eliza Scidmore, the adventurous woman who traveled the world and fought to bring the beloved cherry blossoms to D.C. Just in time for peak bloom, don’t miss this fascinating journey through history! 🌸
If interested in attending, please call 703-667-9800 and ask for Barbara Kiker
March Resident Panel Discussion
Join us at The Woodlands Retirement Community for an exclusive Resident Panel event! Hear firsthand from current residents as they share their personal experience and the reasons behind their decisions to embrace a maintenance-free, stress-free lifestyle. Following the discussion, enjoy a complimentary luncheon hosted by Woodlands residents, and explore our model apartments with a self-guided tour.
Discover how making the move to The Woodlands has enhanced their daily lives, provided peace of mind, and fostered a vibrant, welcoming community. Whether you’re considering a change or simply curious, this is a wonderful opportunity to ask questions and gain valuable insights.
We encourage you to RSVP to this event. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the benefits of retirement living at The Woodlands!
Event Details
Date: Friday, March 7, 2025
Time: 10:30 a.m.
Location: 4320 Forest Hill Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
Please RSVP by Monday, March 3 by calling Karen at 703-667-9801 or email marketing@thewoodlandsccrc.com
Experience Christmas at The Biltmore House November 17 – 20
4 Days/3 Nights/Asheville, North Carolina
November 17 – 20, 2025
Step into a holiday postcard with a special 4-day, 3-night excursion to the stunning Biltmore Estate—America’s largest privately-owned home, decked in all its Christmas glory. Built by George Vanderbilt and opened on Christmas Eve 1895, the Biltmore House is the perfect setting to celebrate the season.
Your trip includes:
4 days – 3 nights of comfortable lodging
3 delicious dinners
$910 per person (double occupancy)
A magical Candlelight Christmas Tour of the Biltmore House and much more!
Walk the halls of this grand estate lit by candlelight, filled with the scent of fresh greenery and the sound of live holiday music.
It’s a timeless holiday experience you won’t forget.
Reserve your spot now! Contact Barbara Kioker at 703-667-9800 Extension 4097 or bkiker@thewoodlandsccrc.com
Local Marine Veteran Receives Quilt of Valor
Jim Wescoat, 103, is honored before friends and family.
Jim Wescoat was born on Dec. 7, 1921, in Atlantic City, N.J. Exactly 20 years later, after Pearl Harbor was bombed on Dec. 7, 1941, he joined the Marine Corps.
Now 103, he’s the only Marine WWII veteran living at The Woodlands, a retirement community in Fairfax. And on Jan. 10, he received a patriotic quilt there from the Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOV), which makes quilts for military veterans.
“He’s given a lot to his country, and we believe he’s most deserving of this award,” said Madonna Rabatin, the foundation’s Virginia coordinator. “It’s an expression of gratitude from a grateful nation.”
She was among the women who together made his quilt. And her sister, Toni Rabatin, also with the foundation, explained its origin and purpose. A national organization, it was founded in 2003 by a Blue Star mom, Catherine Roberts.
“With a son deployed in Iraq as a gunner atop a Humvee, she had a vision of a post-deployed warrior in the middle of the night, struggling with his war demons, while sitting on his bed, wrapped in a quilt,” said Toni Rabatin. “The quilt not only comforted the soldier but warded off the demons. [Thus], Quilts of Valor was founded with the message, ‘Quilts Equal Healing.’”
“The foundation’s mission is to cover active-duty service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor,” she continued. “While many bear the physical scars of battle, many others have been [affected] in less-visible ways by conflicts past and present.” Then, addressing Wescoat directly, she said they’d come to honor “your service, sacrifice and commitment to our Constitution. We’re indebted and thankful to you for taking the oath to defend our freedom.”
Since its inception, Quilts of Valor has garnered more than 11,000 volunteer quiltmakers and awarded more than 400,000 quilts worldwide. Rabatin said each quilt is created with love, care and gratitude. And she told Wescoat, “Your Quilt of Valor comes from the hearts of many thankful women and men. Through this quilt, you’ll forever be in our hearts.”
Noting that a quilt has three layers, she said the top features many colors, shapes and fabrics representing the many communities and individuals in the organization. The batting – the filling in the center – provides warmth. “It represents our hope that this quilt will bring warmth, comfort, peace and healing to you who receive it,” said Rabatin. “The backing is the strength supporting the other layers and represents the recipient’s strength and the support of your family, our community and our nation. And each stitch holding the layers together represents love, gratitude and, sometimes, the tears of the maker.”
Then, as her sister Madonna wrapped Wescoat’s quilt around him, Rabatin said, “With our deepest appreciation, we say, ‘Thank you for your service and welcome home.’”
Next, fellow Woodlands resident Ron Gallier read a poem he’d written about Wescoat, calling him “Woodlands’ pride and joy and every resident’s friend. It’s not to his age that I raise my glass, but to his incomparable touch of class.”
All the residents were gathered for the ceremony, and the guests included one of Wescoat’s daughters, Martha Wescoat-Andes of Fairfax. With her beaming proudly beside him, he told everyone, “This is incredible. I am so very, very thankful. The thoughtfulness and effort you put into this is outstanding and very much appreciated.
Reprinted with permission from the Fairfax Connection.