Earth Day (Month)
I celebrated Earth month at work, creating a few trips that would teach, motivate, and encourage our residents to continue their fight for the environment.
For those who don’t know, I am the Manager of the Programs and Special Events Department at Roland Park Place (RPP). I can’t say the latter without mentioning our latest news, Roland Park Place (RPP), Baltimore’s first and only accredited Continuing Care Retirement Community, has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025 "Best Senior Living" ratings. RPP received "Best" recognitions in the Independent Living, Memory Care, and Continuing Care Retirement Community categories. New this year, RPP received recognition for several categories of service including Independent Living-Activities & Enrichment, Memory Care—Feels Like Home, and Memory Care-Food & Dining. Roland Park Place earned "Best" status in Independent Living, Memory Care, and Continuing Care Retirement Community categories by achieving the highest possible rating for Independent Living, Personal Care and Memory Care. (Needless to say, I am a proud employee.)
As for our Earth month celebration, we visited the Baltimore County Recycling Center, and Veteran Compost in Harford County. Each was outstanding in their presentations. All of us walked away feeling inspired, and hopeful. What we learned was invaluable.
My takeaway was much larger. Our fabulous residents, watching them listen with a keen sense of urgency and importance was inspiring.
I know many who will show up for events like this only to listen to the talk but not walk the walk. They will say to friends, “I did my part.” Sadly, these are the ones who don’t recycle, but not our residents. They are a force. They are on a mission of truth, and to save the planet. I can’t say I was surprised by their questions, but I was impressed by the number. The questions kept coming, and as for the answers, these organizations delivered. (We have visited these places before, so I know someone at each organization had to say, “RPP is coming! Start studying!)
This is another reason I call where I work my masterclass for living my best life. I learn so much from our residents. They remind me every day that age really is just a number. A new discovery for me is, the higher the number, the more determined they are. Each day I feel more inspired than the last. (Don’t misunderstand me, reader. I am not wearing rose-colored glasses. I can’t say I have fun every day, but I love my job, and as for our employees – we have some of the best!)
I don’t want to end this post on a sour note, but sometimes things don’t work out. I wrote the following a few days ago. I really do hope this human, who has much potential for fabulousness, reevaluates this situation to know this was not a grown-up choice, but one of immaturity. I miss you, but the attitude, not so much.
Job abandonment is unprofessional. I was kind, thoughtful, and caring. I always presented you with options. When there were challenges, I worked with you, giving you the benefit of the doubt. I always had an open-door policy.
You let me down, failing to fulfill your promise. I had an expectation. You… An obligation. What I feel now is betrayal and disappointment.
Still, I wish you well. You are smart, intelligent, and capable. I always enjoyed our chats and laughter. I hope you find what you are looking for.
Job abandonment… Not cool. It’s an inappropriate ending. As you age, and mature, you will realize just how wrong you were.
While you have the freedom to quit at any time, it's generally best to do so professionally and with consideration for your employer and colleagues.
I have moved on. I am working a little harder, and working more hours than I would like, but as I tell the residents who so lovingly check in with me… I am okay.
You think I look tired. Occasionally I do. What you need to know is it is better to be tired than unhappy. I am not unhappy. I love my job, and I love you. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your world.
Those who know me well know I fear age. RPP is helping me understand it more. What I now know to be true is, regardless of who you are, no matter how many lotions, potions and pills you use, we all end up in the same place. If you are lucky to have people around who love and care about you, that will make the journey worth it. – paerki
