THE CHARACTERS
John B. Martin
The fictional community of Washington Spring originated in the minds of John B. Martin and his late wife, Pauline. Their shared vision was to create a enclave of 18 souls who would take the aging process into their own hands by pooling their resources and sharing their skills to create an intentional community. To make their dream come true, John and Pauline oversee the construction of twelve 1100 square-foot cottages, arranged in a circle to face a common courtyard. A former banker and land developer, John's holdings include this large parcel in rural Maryland, and his family's reputation allows him to hold sway with area officials. To populate their community, John and Pauline publish an open invitation to prospective members. Following a hundred interviews, they settle on those who will occupy the proposed new homes. As construction winds down and the community gears up, John faces his greatest defeat: losing his wife to cancer just as their community is preparing to live.
Mary Gray Walterson
Historian and former fellow at the National Archives, Mary Gray Walterson wants to retire in the bucolic setting of Parabar Shores, Maryland. A native of Vermont, her education brought her to the Washington-metro area to work. She brings to the Washington Spring community her research skills to uncover and record the deep history of Maryland's uplands and wetlands by the Chesapeake Bay. Also, a dedicated member of the area Episcopal church, St. James-in-the-Wood, Mary Gray serves on the altar guild and is the priest's unofficial go-to member for all things Episcopalian.
Acton Alexander
Although the Alexander family was deeply rooted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Acton's parents elected to move to Baltimore where they raised their two sons. Acton, the elder child came of age to serve in the Army and in his tours of duty he was awarded medals of honor. In his later life, Acton worked as a high-ranking administrator in Veteran's Affairs, among the first African American to hold an esteemed position. In his role, Acton spear-headed changes in the VA's metro-area care facilities. At Washington Spring, Acton serves as the right hand to John B. Martin, founder of the community.
Waclaw Mulinski
Eldest member of Washington Spring, Waclaw Mulinski hopes to turn his culinary skills to good use at Willow Home, the care home at Washington Spring. In the years leading up to retirement Waclaw devoted himself to learning to cook, following the popular chefs of the day, Julia Child and Martha Stewart. In retirement he volunteered to run the kitchen at Holy Rosary Day School, in Baltimore. He and his dog Bess loved Ostrawski's sausages and walks in the park. Waclaw's entry fee came from the sale of his dry cleaning shops in Baltimore which he ran for thirty years.