Jane Rohde accepting The Center For Health Design's Changemaker Award at the Environments for Aging Conference from President and CEO of The CHD, Debra Levin

This past Sunday evening at the Environments for Aging Conference held in Baltimore, Maryland, Jane Rohde gave a presentation highlighting people that have shaped her work. She was also awarded the Changemaker Award- the first year The Center of Healthcare Design has awarded to the Long-Term Care space. Jane was recognized for her advocacy on resident-centered and her commitment to better long-term care environments. Jane also had the pleasure of presenting Betsy Brawley with the Lifetime Achievement award, for her 30+ years contributing to positive environments for seniors, particularly those with Dementia. Congratulations to these two deserving recipients, making huge strides in the long-term care community!

Jane Rohde and long time friend and colleague, Betsy Brawley

“There’s a bit of changemaker in all of us, I believe”

— Jane Rohde

Jane pictured with her parents, her husband Patrick, and her friend Yvonne

Jane Rohde presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Betsy Brawley

Friends at family gathered at Wit & Wisdom to celebrate Jane and Betsy's achievements

To read more about the 2015 Changemaker Award presented to Jane Rohde, see the Q&A here and an article here

I had the privilege of attending our Ellicott City Rotarian meeting, Thursday, April 9, 2015 at Tersiguel’s. Listening to our guest speaker; I was imagining ways in which I could be helping others. My helping others, is not my “reinventing the wheel.” It is answering a call to get involved in what is already happening. Simply being present in the moment is what lays the foundation. Then the best way to find out what it is someone else is needing, is to begin by asking them because if you do not know, you cannot help. Sometimes helping means donating money. Other times helping means being a listening ear. Fundamentally, being present and showing support is the very best way to start.

Since I’ve begun working at Perspectives Art And Design I have attended 15 events in less than two months. Some events free of charge and others that required registration and purchase to attend. Nonetheless, these events were already planned & organized. I simply needed to:

1. Show up, and

2. Be present.

At these events, naturally conversing leads to an exchanging of business cards. In my first 50 days, with 150 contacts; I talked to an average of three people a day. To me, this is what it means to be reaching out and networking. What does networking mean to you?

Events are posted everywhere. You never know who you’re going to meet! Ignorance is not bliss. I say, “Get out there!” Helping and supplementing each other’s needs is only possible when we’re advocating, acknowledging and working together. When you’re reaching out and helping others, you’re helping yourself too! To learn more about the Rotary, please visit this link: https://www.rotary.org/en.

-Tera Sade

The Center For Health Design’s Changemaker Award

Local Outreach on Behalf of Perspectives Art & Design