Modena Reserve at Bethesda Balloon Volleyball Event Featured in Bethesda Today

Modena Reserve at Bethesda hosted a spirited balloon volleyball match against one of its sister communities, Village Crossing at Worman’s Mill, and the event earned coverage in Bethesda Today.

Here is an excerpt from the story:

A boisterous chorus of whoops and laughter filled the activity room at Modena Reserve at Bethesda, a senior living community, on Wednesday as a team of residents rallied a white balloon back and forth across a net in a spirted game of volleyball against visitors from their sister community, Village Crossing at Worman’s Mill in Frederick. 

About a dozen residents from each community faced off in the lighthearted afternoon tournament at the Bethesda senior living community offering assisted living and memory care at 4907 Rugby Ave. 

Two rows of chairs lined either side of the net as the Village Crossing team served first to cheers from staff waving gold pom-poms while the song “YMCA” blasted over the speakers.

The activity — a popular pastime in many senior living facilities — requires participants to stay seated and replaces a traditional volleyball with a balloon, creating a safer and inclusive game, according to organizers. The rules are fairly straightforward: the balloon must remain in the air during each play. If it pops—which happens often—a new balloon is provided.

“Whoever shows up, plays, but we stand up and hit the ball — that’s not allowed here,” said Village Crossing resident Nancy Orzechowski said with a laugh.

“It’s fun, and we deserve to have fun,” said Orzechowski, who told Bethesda Today she had been playing balloon volleyball at Village Crossing for several months.

For many players, the event offered a chance to try something new while staying active.

“It keeps us active, keeps us moving, keeps us with people,” said Charlotte “CC” Cohen, a Modena Reserve resident who was playing balloon volleyball for the first time. 

While the teams competed enthusiastically during the afternoon tournament, residents said the biggest win came from spending time together, sharing laughs and staying active. 

“People need people. It brings us all together — there’s camaraderie and we cooperate with each other,” Cohen said.

To view the story in Bethesda Today, CLICK HERE.