News

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

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

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

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.