Business & Leadership: Christwood Retirement Community

CHRISTWOOD TURNS UP THE VOLUME ON COMMUNITY CULTURE

For nearly three decades, Christwood Retirement Community has been a place of enrichment and innovation. And not just for the people who live there. As a not-for-profit Life Plan Community, Christwood has always kept one eye on the community beyond its gates, fostering connection, creativity, and wellness throughout the Northshore region.

Over time, that mission has taken shape in new ways. The Christwood Community Center offers a state-of-the-art fitness facility for adults 55 and up and is open to the greater Northshore. The Atrium Gallery features rotating exhibits from local and regional artists. The community hosts public concerts and events that bring people together from all over the region. And this fall, two indoor pickleball courts and a high-definition sports simulation room will join the offerings.

The newest addition is WCWD 89.5 FM, a public radio station dedicated to classical music. In partnership with WWNO 89.9 FM, New Orleans’ NPR affiliate, Christwood now offers 24-hour classical programming to listeners across the Northshore. It is a meaningful milestone for a place that has always believed in enriching lives.

The idea began with Christwood Executive Director Rev. Stephen Holzhalb and WWNO General Manager Paul Maassen. Their longstanding collaboration, rooted in Holzhalb’ tenure on WWNO’s board, sparked discussions about establishing a Northshore bureau to extend classical music broadcasting beyond New Orleans. When the FCC announced an upcoming window for new license applications, Maassen encouraged Christwood to step into the opportunity.

With guidance from WWNO’s Mark Balkin, Christwood submitted the application and received approval. The technical foundation for the station was laid by WWNO Engineer Robert Carrol, who located the transmission tower on Clear Creek Stud Thoroughbred Farm in Folsom. The tower was originally built by Christwood’s first executive director, John Lohman, adding a full-circle connection to the project. Christwood IT Director Ken Hamlin led the station’s development and launch.

WCWD 89.5 FM is more than a station. It is a reflection of Christwood’s values. The initiative underscores Christwood’s dedication to public service, the arts, and lifelong enrichment. From wellness programs to public art and now classical radio, Christwood continues to find new ways to invest in what makes life richer - for residents, for neighbors, and for the entire Northshore.

100 Christwood Blvd, Covington, LA 70433 (985) 898-0515 • christwoodrc.com