 Christian Village is in the midst of a multi-million dollar
expansion project that includes not only this facility,
but also an expansion of its nursing care building.
On Friday a large group of guests gathered outside the new facility
to join in the celebration. Opening remarks were offered by
Christian Village Administrator Jo Hilliard. Hilliard acknowledged
the many people who had worked hard to bring the new building to
fruition, including the overseers of the projects and the
construction firm that completed the building.
Senior Vice President of Christian Homes, Inc., Gordon Venturella,
spoke next acknowledging the many donors who had made completion of
the project possible and noted specific areas of the building
including the spa, one of the private rooms, the laundry room and
the hair salon. He finished saying they were most grateful to the
building sponsor, the Woods Foundation.
Venturella introduced David Goldwitzer and Blinn Bates of the Woods
Foundation. Robert J. Woods and Joan Jarrett Woods, now both
deceased, created the Woods Foundation to support the needs of the
community through their philanthropy. Bates said that when
considering the Christian Village project, the Foundation’s Board of
Directors felt the project would be of such great importance to the
local community.
Goldwitzer and Bates pulled the cover from the sign which read, The
Woods Foundation Garden Villa.
Christian Village Chaplain Ryan Edgecombe then addressed the group
with a word of scripture. He also explained that a Cloud Nine
Dogwood tree was being planted as a dedication of the new facility.
He read a Prayer of Dedication, which would then be buried with the
tree. In addition, three other written prayers are to be placed in
the ground; one from a resident of the Village, one from an
employee, and one from a volunteer at the Village.
“We plant this tree as a symbol of your provision and as a symbol of
the life that will take place at the Woods Foundation Garden Villa.
As this tree grows, may the neighbors who move into this home grow
in spirit, grow in grace, and grow in wellness.
“As this tree blooms in the spring, may those you have entrusted
into our care continue to bear fruit and beauty as they positively
impact other lives created in your image.
“As this tree provides shade in the summer, we ask that you provide
relief and rest and reprieve in times of change or challenge or
fear.
“As this tree loses its leaves in the autumn and is preserved in the
winter, may this tree be a living testimony to those living in the
Garden Villa, even as our bodies fail us, you are doing good work
through us that sometimes only you can see until the spring comes.”
Edgecombe finished his prayer with thanksgiving for all the work
that has gone into the creation of the new facility.
After the planting ceremony, the Lincoln/Logan County Chamber of
Commerce Ambassadors, Lincoln Mayor Marty Neitzel, Aldermen Jeff
Hoinacki and Todd Mourning joined members of the Christian Village
in cutting the ribbon on the new building.
Hilliard then invited everyone to come inside the building. Inside,
there were refreshments, special music, a few words spoken by Mayor
Neitzel, a speech from Dr. Keith Ray of Christian Homes, Inc. and
tours of the building.
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After a few minutes, Hilliard asked for attention and addressed the group
gathered inside the communal area of the building. She began saying that
Illinois Representative Tim Butler had planned to attend but was at the last
minute unable, so he had asked a member of his staff to come in his stead. She
also noted that Tim Searby, a former Director of Christian Village was present,
as well as one of the Villages original board members Gerald Carter, along with
his wife, Nancy.
Hilliard said that the Village Board had greatly appreciated the support it
received from the city of Lincoln, first with Mayor Keith Snyder, and now with
Mayor Marty Neitzel. She then asked Neitzel to come up and say a few words on
behalf of the city.
Neitzel began by welcoming all visitors to Lincoln to town and expressed
appreciation for all that were in attendance. She congratulated the Christian
Village on their accomplishment in opening the Garden Villa and noted that there
were still projects ongoing at the campus and many more great things to come,
all of which would offer great benefits to the senior population of the Logan
County community.
Dr. Keith Ray was next to speak for Christian Village’s parent company Christian
Homes. Dr. Ray has been present through the several stages of construction on
this project.
He included in his opening remarks expressions of appreciation to all the CV
staff who have supported this project with special thanks to Administrator Jo
Hilliard.
After a word of prayer, the Christian Village Ensemble sang “A Christian Home.”
Hors D’oeurves were then served to guests, while others took advantage of the
opportunity to walk through the facility and view the rooms that will be private
living quarters, as well as the many amenity rooms that will offer supportive
services.
The Woods Foundation Garden Villa is already open, and residents have moved in.
The Villa houses 12 assisted living private apartments. The
new facility is under the direction of Cindy White, who has been with Christian
Village since 2009.
Anyone interested is securing an apartment at the Garden Villa may call
217-732-2189 to schedule a personal tour.
[Karen Hargis/Nila Smith] |
