A typical apartment living room; most residences have a balcony or patio in this 230-apartment community.
bedroom garden apartment homes to seniors age 62 and older. Each apartment features fully equipped kitchens with a dishwasher and microwave, a washer and dryer, spacious bathrooms and an emergency response system. Most apartment homes also have a balcony or patio. Built in 2003 and bought by Pinnacle in 2009, the community consists of 230 apartments in four elevator buildings, each with four floors.Those who meet the income requirement are eligible for lower rent under the government tax credit program, while rent for residents in “market rate” apartments is higher. “While residents must be at least 62, the oldest resident, a very active gentleman, will soon be 98. Most residents are single women, but we have a few couples,” says business manager Rose Raines. “Our residents come from all over the country. Most are here to be closer to their children who live in the area. We are a pet-friendly community, so small pets 15 pounds and under are welcome.” Greta Kunkle, originally from Naples, Fla., moved to The Gardens of Traville in 2005 to be close to her sons’ families in Potomac and Bethesda. “It’s bright and cheery here,” she says, “and so clean. I don’t like the snow, but I like the little stores and restaurants around here. I have made so many nice friends and I like being independent but not having to run a home.” Mary Elizabeth Alexander has lived in the community for a year. “I like the location and the area amenities,” says the Utica, N.Y. native. Alexander lived in Annapolis before relocating to Rockville to be near her daughters in Damascus.
“The people here are friendly and it’s a good
MIXTURE OF RELIGIONS AND NATIONALITIES.”
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-Kathryn Woods Kathryn Woods grew up on Falls Road and lived on Beall Avenue in Rockville until she sold her house and moved to The Gardens of Traville in 2007. She still works in the area and has a daughter in Gaithersburg. “The people here are very friendly and it’s a good mixture of religions and nationalities. I appreciate the elevator, too,” she says. While there are no specific dining facilities for residents, a Community Room with tables and chairs is ideal for socializing, special activities and parties. “People often have pizza or light meals delivered and eat here, rather than in their apartment,” says Raines, noting that the Traville Village Center’s shops and restaurants are just steps away. The Universities at Shady Grove campus is also nearby and seniors are welcome at its activities. A van is available to take residents to neighborhood stores, medical appointSEE GARDENS, PAGE 34
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May 2012 | Gazette SENIORS 25