Blakehurst the Perfect Home for a Pair of Lifelong Musicians
When world-class musicians Sharon Myer and Steve Yusko decided to move into Blakehurst, they didn’t just find a place to live — they discovered a stage, a studio, a classroom, and a community where they could continue to grow and thrive.
Blakehurst, Towson, MD’s premier senior living community, is home to many artists, educators, scientists, philanthropists, and other fascinating people. Among the many benefits of living there are the amenities and support to continue to persue your passions, while also enjoying opportunities to get to know and learn from your accomplished neighbors.
Yusko, a composer and music scholar who spent 34 years in the Music Division at the Library of Congress, has turned his encyclopedic knowledge of music into a beloved lecture series called Irresistible Music. The series is part of the Inquisitive Minds programming and draws crowds every Friday. The sessions proved so popular that he offers two presentations, one in the morning and one in the evening, to ensure that everyone who wants to attend could attend. Yusko curates dazzling presentations of performances, symphonic insights, and rare recordings — complete with his own commentary and multimedia flair. His most recent talk was about a relatively obscure ballet set to Grieg’s “Peer Gynt.”
Myer, a Juilliard-trained musician who played viola in the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra for 40 years, has shared her skills and talents through full concerts at Blakehurst. Now playing violin, she regularly collaborates with pianist (and fellow Blakehurst resident) Deanna Hauser and recently wowed her neighbors with a program of classical favorites and unexpected encores. “We’re already talking about the third performance,” she says with a gleam in her eye.
Finding the Right Fit
The couples’ decision to join the Blakehurst community in 2022 was driven by more than just proximity to Baltimore’s cultural scene and their families. They wanted a life plan community where they’d have access to a full range of health services, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, and rehabilitation, should they ever need more support.
“I was an only child,” explains Myer. “My parents moved into a similar community, and I didn’t have to worry about them. I have two children, and Steve has two godchildren. We both felt very strongly that we didn’t want to burden anybody. Coming to a life plan community was just the perfect solution. I knew how well it worked for my parents — they lived to be 99 and 94.”
They briefly explored options in New Hampshire, where they also live part of the year, but found those communities too remote and far away from the grandchildren. Blakehurst’s location in Towson, MD, struck the perfect balance — it’s close enough to Baltimore, with its concerts, yet more peaceful and lush than the city.
They were also impressed by how welcoming their neighbors at Blakehurst have been. “We found friends quickly,” Myer recalls, “both residents on the younger side, like us, and those who are just young at heart.”
Grounds for Inspiration
Blakehurst’s green spaces and gardens provide inspiration for Yusko’s photography. He walks the grounds with a keen eye and a camera in hand — often capturing the essence of the campus. He and Myer are also active on the Bluebird Committee, caring for Blakehurst’s birdhouses and supporting local wildlife.
Myer enjoys Blakehurst’s pool, beautiful art studio where she works on pottery projects, and welcoming energy. “It’s nourishing,” she says of the creative atmosphere and the freedom to keep making and sharing art.
Life, Love, and Papageno
Their love story, which began with a Match.com message and a shared love for obscure composers, continues to bloom at Blakehurst. Their home is shared with two adored cats—Rosa, named for a cherished caregiver from Sharon’s childhood, and Papageno, a nod to the bird-catcher in Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.”
Whether sharing knowledge about Prokofiev and Shostakovich, or performing Fauré and Telemann, or simply enjoying time with neighbors, the pair embody the kind of passionate, purpose-driven living that makes Blakehurst so special.
As Myer cheerfully declared on her first morning at Blakehurst, “I’m here to meet people and have some coffee!”
Two years later, they’ve done just that — and brought a whole lot of music along with them.
Is Blakehurst Right for You or a Loved One?
To learn more about Blakehurst’s vibrant lifestyle, services, amenities, and care options, schedule a tour at https://blakehurstlcs.com/contact/.