Todd is executive director of Spring Hills Senior Communities-Mount Vernon, an assisted-living center. Seniors at the center recently teamed up with students from Riverside Elementary School to plant food in the community’s organic garden and educate the youngsters about gardening and healthy living.
How did the planting event go?
It was beautiful. We have a senior who’s a master gardener — [she] did a demonstration to the children on how to plant the seeds.
What are some of the goals behind starting the garden?
We … take a lot of pride in the local market. Our company feels it’s very important to stay local — how more local can you get than your own backyard? We made it all organic — we already have some growth. Our eggplants have shown growth, and our melons have started.
Have you been to the first lady’s garden at the White House?
No — I would love to go. I always say, “We’re like the White House now — we’re planting our own produce.” I get [pretty inspired] by the fact that she’s growing fresh produce.
So you’re clearly into organics. Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s?
I’m a Whole Foods person. I love Whole Foods. They have a lot of local produce that’s shipped [there].
How did you end up at Spring Hills?
I’ve been in health care for 16 years — I’ve devoted my life to seniors. This is my calling. This is what I was meant to be. I just feel very blessed, because one day, I will hopefully be a senior. I feel like it’s my obligation to train people today to take care [of them]. There’s a different journey you go on every day, and you have to focus on the joyous moments. They’re what [get] you by.
– David Sherfinski
