Local Ownership Making a Difference

Driving along I-70 at the southern edge of Frederick City it's hard to miss Tranquillity at Fredericktowne's stately building. It's a striking sight, manicured and swathed in the rich tones of native red clay brick. But one of Tranquillity's most appealing features is not readily seen from the highway or from its well-appointed lobby. The roots of its charm begin at its creation.

A chain of assisted living facilities initially targeted the site, because of its prime location at the crossroads of many major thoroughfares in on of Maryland's fastest growing areas. When their deal fell through, two Frederick County residents saw an opportunity to build an assisted living community dedicated to serving the local community, Russell Horman, a lawyer who is well versed in real estate law and the son of former County Commissioner, Russell Z. Horman, was already attuned to the needs of this area's elderly population through his diverse volunteer efforts. He and friend, schoolmate, Ronald Foland, President of H. Frank Foland & Son, Inc., took up the torch.

Says Ron Foland, "We were looking for a way to be more involved in the community and to give something back by offering a facility that could be reasonably priced and take care of our elder citizens. Assisted living fills the void between total independence and nursing home care."

They utilized their respective expertise to lay the groundwork for the project, including bringing in two more partners to supplement their efforts and round out the group's capabilities. Dennis J. Garbis, an environmental engineer, is the third of Tranquillity's founding fathers. George Desmond, President of Desmond Construction in Lancaster, PA, is the group's fourth member.

Together, these partners have been able to take Tranquillity at Fredericktowne from a solid idea to a comfortable, state-of-the art facility. Without a question, it made good business sense to build. Without fail, the owners note that their greatest reward is not money, but the satisfaction of seeing fellow citizens, friends, and even family members, living in a positive, supportive environment with individualized care.

The owners' local focus is a real benefit because it gives them a unique perspective on all this area has to offer and makes them accessible to Tranquillity's residents, staff and administration. "We are in touch with what's happening and we can make quick decision based on what we fell is right. Things aren't dictated by some faraway corporation that doesn't have any personal knowledge of these individuals and this place."

"We want to see the place filled with happy residents who are involved with the community in various ways," says Russell Horman. "We invite everyone to come out and visit, volunteer, make a friend, and know that Tranquillity is here if and when you need us.

Biographies

Owner - Ronald F. Foland

Owner - Dennis J. Garbis, P.E.,

Owner - George C. Desmond

Owner - Russ Horman