The nation’s capital and much of the Northeast is now recovering from record snowfall at the hands of Winter Storm Jonas, but during the storm, more than 200 staff members at continuing care retirement / life plan community Greenspring stayed overnight and throughout the storm to support the more than 2,000 residents on campus.
“We have a fantastic, dedicated team here at Greenspring,” said Ben Cornthwaite, executive director of the community, located in Springfield, VA. Employees from departments such as maintenance, housekeeping, resident life and dining services spent the time away from their families, lending a hand wherever needed.
“They worked hard every day and always had a smile for the residents,” said Mary Sue Garner, Resident Council President at Greenspring, one of 18 CCRCs managed by Erickson Living.
While the team worked outside to clear snow from roadways and walkways on the 58-acre campus, Greenspring’s dining staff prepared resident and employee meals, including free hot beverages and cookies, and prepared hot dinner buffets each night. More than 60 resident volunteers also assisted with service in the dining rooms, collaborating with employees to serve more than 2,500 meals each day during the storm.
“Resident volunteers donated their time willingly, which helped to provide excellent service to Greenspring residents during the blizzard,” said Katherine Knoble, volunteer program coordinator at Greenspring. “Those residents have now earned the distinction of being a member of the ‘Jonas Volunteer Team.’ They were presented with a ‘Jonas Blizzard Volunteer’ button and are wearing it with pride.”
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