Category: News

Why Moving to a Life Plan Community Earlier Is a Good Decision

Why Moving to a Life Plan Community Earlier is a Good Decision

If you’re considering a Life Plan Community like Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, MD, entering at a younger, more active age—typically in your 60s or early 70s—lets you experience the following seven dimensions of wellness more fully.

Physical Wellness: A Foundation for Active Living

Maintaining your physical health as you age is important. It’s a chance to connect with others and have some fun together. When you move to a Life Plan Community earlier, you’re setting yourself up with everything you need to help keep your body strong and functioning well.

At CLV, there are many ways you can stay active. Stroll any of the well-maintained walking paths on our scenic 100-acre campus. Swim laps or enjoy aqua aerobics in our indoor pool. Take an exercise class or work out on our customized equipment. Squeeze in a pickleball game or a bike ride with friends.

Another key part of physical wellness is diet. A healthy diet can help you maintain your energy level, cognitive function and physical strength and of course, sitting down for a meal with friends has its own rewards. 

At CLV, our residents have plenty of delicious dining options, including Zest, our farm-to-table restaurant that serves a variety of chef-designed dishes featuring fresh, local ingredients.

Emotional Wellness: Maintaining a Positive Attitude

Moving to a new place is an exciting experience, and when you make your move while you’re healthy and feeling good, you’ll enjoy launching your next chapter that much more.

Once you arrive in a Life Plan Community like ours, your peace of mind truly blossoms. Gone are everyday worries such as home maintenance, lawn mowing and shoveling snow. Your days can be filled with making new friends, pursuing interests and maintaining a positive attitude.

Intellectual Wellness: Keeping Your Mind Sharp and Curious

You know what happens when you surround yourself with interesting, fun-loving people who are still curious about life? You become more interesting, fun-loving and curious yourself. At CLV, we welcome people from all walks of life, and make sure everyone feels supported and appreciated.

Your intellectual wellness also gets a massive boost from our lifelong learning classes, which we offer in the spring, fall and winter.

Spiritual Wellness: Finding Purpose and Meaning

When you’re not spending your weekends on home maintenance and yard work, you have time for reflection, meditation or whatever gives you comfort.

CLV is an inclusive community, embracing people from all faiths. We celebrate diversity by creating a sense of fellowship and belonging. All are welcome here. We understand that everyone is on their own journey, and there’s a beauty in discovering life’s deeper meanings together.

Vocational Wellness: Continuing to Find Fulfillment

You’ve spent decades learning life lessons, and now’s your chance to channel all that experience into something personally fulfilling.

Our residents flock to our art and pottery studios, woodshop and other spaces to pursue passions they never had time for during their working years. Our community becomes the perfect backdrop for this next chapter of purposeful living.

Social Wellness: A Highly Meaningful Benefit of a Life Plan Community

Studies show socialization to be especially important for older adults’ health and well-being. It can even improve cognitive performance.

When you move to CLV, you’ll develop friendships with people who share your interests, values and sense of humor. Relationships develop naturally through shared meals, activities, special events and daily life at gathering spaces like The Pub, Windsor Terrace Club Room, Café Press and more.

Environmental Wellness: A Culture of Caring

Environmental wellness is the practice of living in harmony with our surroundings. That includes our planet, community and neighbors. We demonstrate our care by making choices that protect and enhance them all.

At CLV, we’re equally blessed by the beauty of nature and the kindness of the people who fill our daily lives. We have a responsibility to be mindful of our impact on natural resources, keep our wooded campus pristine and knock on a neighbor’s door just to make sure they’re feeling okay.

Senior Living in Westminster, MD: The Power of Proactive Wellness

Residents who join us earlier in their retirement can enjoy our award-winning wellness program to its fullest and begin to feel like a treasured member of our community that much sooner. Your future self will thank you for acting early.

To schedule a personalized visit, call 410-453-1655. 

The Beuty of Aging Well

Older adults aging well by walking together.

The Beauty of Aging Well

Aging is a natural part of life, and more people recognize that how we age is just as important as how long we live. The concept of aging well goes beyond adding years to your life; it’s about making sure those years are full of vitality, joy and purpose.

Aging well is personal. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach; however, four key components to healthy aging can help you maintain a satisfying and healthier life.

1. Environmental and physical factors.

Aging well starts with living in a supportive environment where you feel confident and secure—where you can live as you please and enjoy volunteering, crafting, swimming, travelling or whatever else makes you happy.

As your physical abilities and needs evolve, the space you live in should evolve, too. Sometimes this could mean a few simple home modifications, while other times it may involve choosing a community designed to offer both independence and security. When your surroundings align with your needs, you’re free to focus on the things that bring you happiness.

2. Lifestyle and interests.

Engaging in meaningful activities also plays an essential role in aging well. Keeping up with your interests, pursuing hobbies or discovering new passions help keep life stimulating. Approaching your interests, friendships, family, and activities with purpose and balance can give you something to look forward to each day.

3. Social and emotional connections.

Equally important are your personal connections. Staying in touch with the people you care about, whether within your own family and circle of friends, or as a member of an organization you find interesting, offers a sense of belonging and addresses the isolation that can sometimes come with age. Social ties such as a simple phone call, a club meeting, volunteering for a cause or sharing a meal can strengthen your emotional health and contribute to a more satisfying life.

It’s perfectly okay to enjoy spending time alone, but if that solitude makes you feel isolated and disconnected from others, it’s time to find ways to engage.

4. Mind and spirit.

Aging well depends significantly on your outlook—attitude is everything. Maintaining a positive attitude, remaining curious and focusing on what matters to you can help you age well in mind and spirit. Approaching each day with optimism can strengthen your resilience and enhance your overall happiness.

Aging well in Westminster, MD.

Aging well is about finding a thoughtful balance of safety, engagement, connection and perspective. Together, these elements create a life that feels whole and rewarding at every stage. When these elements are in harmony, they add years to your life and add life to your years.

At Carroll Lutheran Village in Westminster, MD, we weave these principles into daily life. From a thoughtfully designed campus to abundant activities, lifelong learning and a holistic wellness program, CLV is a community where aging well is celebrated. To see how Carroll Lutheran Village can support your journey to age well, schedule a personalized visit today. Call 410-453-1655.

Carroll Lutheran Village Chef’s Tasting Event: Keeping it fresh, local and fabulous.

To find inspiration for a recent Chef’s Tasting event, Carroll Lutheran Village Executive Chef Shelley Funt didn’t have to look far.

“We really wanted to do something local,” Shelley said. “We use a lot of local products in our day-to-day operation here, and for this event, we wanted to take that to a higher level.”

Approximately 50 guests were thrilled to experience the event at CLV’s farm-to-table restaurant, Zest. (Due to high demand, there was an encore event.) The fine dining experience began with a Maryland sweet corn salad with fresh greens and house vinaigrette.

“Being in this part of Maryland, we’re able to access a massive bounty of exceptional produce—especially during the summer,” Shelley said.

One of the local partners contributing to the meal was Finksburg Farms, which supplies nutritious microgreens on demand. “The farmer there can usually grow what we need in two to three weeks,” Shelley explained. “So, I just call him up and tell him what I need. He then plants it, grows it, harvests it and delivers it in time for the meal. It’s kind of fabulous.”

The main course featured local rockfish imperial with buttered asparagus and gratin potatoes. “I really wanted to use rockfish,” Shelley said. “It’s a versatile fish that’s super popular here in the D.C./Baltimore area. It’s fished from the Chesapeake Bay, and we paired it with a blue crab imperial.”

To cap off the meal, the culinary team sourced blueberries from a local farm and coupled them with a lemon curd to create a lemon blueberry trifle dessert.

Lots of love for a senior living gourmet dinner

Not surprisingly, the Chef’s Tasting meal got rave reviews. “It went really well,” Shelley said. “We had a few people who were so excited, they wanted to go ahead and move in. They asked me, ‘Is this what you serve every day?’

“No, we don’t serve this type of meal every day, just every week.” Shelley laughed. “Our residents can enjoy a very similar fine dining experience in Zest every Thursday through Saturday.

“Our culinary team also talks about what our residents enjoy eating,” Shelley continued. “Here, that’s a daily conversation. What do residents want? What are they looking for? What can we do to make it different for them? What can we do to make it exciting for them? And freshness always plays a key role.”

Serving the larger community.

Shelley explained how CLV’s commitment to the Westminster, MD, community extends beyond supporting local businesses and farmers. “Of course, we love to serve our residents,” she said, “but we’re here to serve people, whether they’re our residents or not. We do a lot of volunteer work to support the community.”

Shelley and team prepare meals for local churches to feed those who are less fortunate. “We just did a lasagna meal for a church that fed about 45 people,” she said. “We also partner with LifeBridge Health Hospice and Palliative Care in Carroll County, and work food events to help support their organization.”

Whether it’s a fine dining Chef’s Tasting event, a casual everyday favorite dialed up in an unexpected way, or serving people beyond our walls, Carroll Lutheran Village’s culinary team always put in the extra effort. If all this has your taste buds tingling, learn how you can be a part of CLV’s next senior living event.

Or get an up-close and personal view of our scenic 100-acre senior living community by scheduling a visit or calling 410-453-1655.

Senior Living Costs to Consider

Our residents’ and team members’ health and safety will always be our highest priority. Our communities are committed to proactive health measures and strong partnerships with trusted healthcare providers to ensure timely access to preventive care, including vaccinations.

We remain committed to staying informed and responsive, continuously evaluating best practices to make thoughtful decisions. This ongoing commitment to science-based practices helps us maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone who lives and works in our communities.

Senior Living Costs to Consider

A simple change in perspective can provide lifelong benefits. A positive attitude makes difficult situations easier to manage and research suggests it may lead to a longer lifespan, lower stress, improve resistance to illnesses and increase physical and mental well-being. Try these tips to live each day happier and more optimistic:

Surround yourself with positive people.
When you surround yourself with optimistic people, the attitude becomes contagious.

Be forgiving.
Try not to dwell on past events by blaming yourself. Instead, focus on making improvements, and learning from your mistakes.

Write in a gratitude journal.
Daily reminders of everything you’re thankful for helps to maintain a positive outlook. Journal entries can include events such as enjoying your favorite cup of coffee or hearing the birds sing in the morning. Anything that brings joy to your day is certainly worth recognizing.

Help others.
Inquire about volunteer opportunities or help a neighbor who may need some added support. This helps to acknowledge and appreciate your contribution to your community.

Laugh more.
Laughing has been proven to reduce stress and improve your mood. Your positive energy will result in being more motivated and provides energy you need to get through the day.

Let go of expectations.
Negativity often begins with unrealistic expectations of yourself or others. It is important to understand that no one is perfect and accept yourself and others as they are. Do your best to live life to its fullest, and learn to forgive yourself when things don’t go according to plan.

Life is full of challenges. How you react to them makes a difference. A positive attitude can give you the strength to make the best out of situations and may result in less stress. Adopt a happier, healthier lifestyle – be positive.

About the Author

Sherry Stick is the fitness and aquatics coordinator at Carroll Lutheran Village, our sister community, and has been working for Carroll Lutheran Village for nearly 20 years.

Senior Living Costs to Consider

Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant recently held a groundbreaking for its Phase Two Expansion project, which includes a new Performing Arts Center/Chapel, new independent living apartment building and expanding its Health Care Center and assisted living to include a new memory care support neighborhood. The project will permit the community to serve more of Howard County, MD’s growing older adult population.

The Performing Arts Center/Chapel, a multifunctional 17,000+ square foot space, will serve as a hub for residents and team members to gather, worship and celebrate. Designed as a multipurpose gathering space, the Performing Arts Center/Chapel will easily adapt to formal and casual events including community celebrations, performing arts concerts and movie showings, from a 34-seat tiered movie theater, as well as worship services.

LVMG’s expansion project also includes constructing a new apartment building for independent living, which will include 43 apartments and a gastro pub with indoor/outdoor dining for residents to enjoy chef-prepared meals in a casual social setting. The community is expanding its assisted living neighborhood, including adding a new memory care support neighborhood, and Health Care Center to include 16 additional beds.

“The project allows us to enhance our amenities and services for existing residents and grow to meet the needs of older adults in Howard County,” said Jeff Branch, president and CEO of Lutheran Social Ministries of Maryland, the managing organization of LVMG.

Branch; Michelle Rosenheim, LVMG’s Executive Director; LSMMD and LVMG’s board chairs; LVMG’s resident council president; and team members from Harkins Builders participated in the ceremonial groundbreaking.

Members of LSMMD and LVMG eagerly awaiting the expansion project groundbreaking.

The participants dig in excitement as the expansion project groundbreaking begins coming to fruition.

Members of LSMMD and LVMG take part in the ceremonial groundbreaking

CEO Jeff Branch with others at the expansion project groundbreaking ceremony

Members of Harkins Builders at work during the expansion project groundbreaking

Senior Living Costs to Consider

At Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant’s FY25 Annual Fund Campaign kick-off event, three residents were celebrated for their tireless efforts in supporting the community’s Employee Appreciation Committee with the Outstanding Resident Fundraisers of the Year award. Linda Graham, Kathy Hottel and Lois Clark have raised over $80,000 in FY2024 for the resident-led initiative.

The funds raised support the Employee Appreciation Gift Fund for hourly team members. Based on the number of hours team members worked in the previous year, they are awarded a gift check at the anticipated annual event.

“There’s always a little extra excitement in the air as the event draws near. Sometimes I wonder which group is more excited – the team members receiving the gift checks or the residents who eagerly look forward to giving the gift checks. Their contributions to the gift fund as well as their time and energy enhance a sense of community – one of our core values,” stated Michelle Rosenheim, LVMG executive director.

Additionally, throughout the year, the committee likes to provide the team with fun activities, reminding them of just how special they are to the residents they serve. For example, the Employee Appreciation Committee has surprised team members with dessert socials, luncheons, Valentine’s Day Cards, Halloween treats and more.

“Those who are the happiest, are those who seek to bring happiness to others. I enjoy giving to others without any particular reason. The payback is in six figures: S-M-I- L-E-S,” said Graham.

Like many Life-Plan Communities, LVMG’s team members may not accept tips or gifts from residents and family members. Wanting to express their gratitude, residents started the Employee Appreciation Gift Fund five years ago.

According to Hottel, the three make-up a small portion of the Employee Appreciation Committee. Others who support the Employee Appreciation Gift Fund, whether it be time, ideas, skills and/or donations, help make the Employee Appreciation Gift Fund successful. “The gift fund would not be possible without the very generous contributions made by LVMG residents,” stated Hottel. Lutheran Social Ministries of Maryland’s Finance team is also involved in preparing the gift checks.

Residents and team members are consistently reminded of their relationship with each other from The Giving Tree, a wooden tree-like structure hand-crafted by the Woodshop residents and designed by Hottel’s husband, Jim. For every resident donation received, to the gift fund, a hand-made quilted leaf is added to the tree.

“I am truly honored to work alongside such generous and inspiring residents and donors alike. They are the heart of this community and the reason I love what I do. Their commitment to our mission makes me proud to serve and motivates me every day to help make a difference,” stated Karen McNamara, director of philanthropy at LMVG.

The Outstanding Resident Fundraiser(s) of the Year award celebrates an individual, group or couple who shows exceptional dedication, passion and creativity in raising funds to benefit LVMG residents or team members. This award recognizes the resident(s) who have gone above and beyond to generate support and awareness for a charitable initiative.

The recipient(s) of this award demonstrate outstanding leadership, innovation and perseverance in fundraising activities, inspiring others to get involved and make a difference. The recipients(s) selfless commitment to fundraising has made a significant impact on the LVMG community and helped to advance the organization’s mission. This award honors the recipients(s) hard work, generosity and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place.

Support LVMG’s 2025 Annual Fund Campaign

Help us raise vital funds for resident assistance, scholarships for team members and unrestricted dollars to use where needed most. You can support our mission by donating online. Thank you for your generosity!

The Giving Tree, a wooden tree-like structure hand-crafted by the Woodshop residents. For every resident donation received, to the gift fund, a hand-made quilted leaf is added to the tree.

The Employee Appreciation Committee made Valentine's Day Cards for team members.

The Employee Appreciation Committee provided lunch for team members.

The Employee Appreciation Committee made beautiful baskets filled with treats for team members.

Three residents were celebrated for their tireless efforts in supporting the community’s Employee Appreciation Committee with the Outstanding Resident Fundraisers of the Year award.

Senior Living Costs to Consider

Renate Soulen was recently honored as Outstanding Resident Volunteer of the Year at Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant inaugural Annual Fund Campaign kickoff event. She received the award because of her remarkable contributions to LVMG and the broader community.

Over the past year, Soulen has dedicated 561.5 hours to serving others. Her efforts include:

Knitting Group – Founded by Soulen in 2019, she helps create scarves and hats for the military, blankets for the Linus Project and winter clothing for the Children’s Home.
Health Care Committee – As the program director, she organizes monthly presentations and secures expert speakers for the community.
Miller’s Grant Matters – Soulen is the managing editor, leading a dedicated team to produce an informative and engaging community newsletter.
Chorus and Seasonal Choir – She participates in weekly rehearsals and seasonal performances.
Opera Group – Soulen coordinates tickets and transportation for fellow opera enthusiasts, ensuring smooth outings for the group.
League of Women Voters of Howard County – She helps register voters and assists at candidate forums, contributing to the democratic process.

“Renate has such a generous heart for helping others. I’ve seen how her generosity and kindness make a difference at LVMG. She inspires me and many residents to give more of our time and talents,” said LVMG’s Director of Philanthropy, Karen McNamara.

Soulen’s commitment to volunteerism enriches the community and inspires others to engage. Her leadership, compassion and dedication to service shine through in every initiative she undertakes. Rooted in her faith, she channels her talents into meaningful causes that reflect her values.

“Following the teachings of my faith, I believe we all have a responsibility to use our talents to contribute to the world around us. During my years as a full-time physician and parent, I had little time for volunteering. Now, I focus my efforts on causes that align with my interests and skills—health care, music, writing, knitting and democracy,” said Soulen.

LVMG’s Executive Director, Michelle Rosenheim added, “We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and compassion Renate brings, not only within our senior living community but also in the broader community.”

The Outstanding Resident Volunteer of the Year award recognizes a resident within the community who has demonstrated exceptional dedication, commitment and selflessness in giving his/her time and talents to help others. This award honors a resident who has shown exemplary volunteer service, going above and beyond to make a positive impact on the community, neighbors or local organizations.

The recipient of this award has shown outstanding leadership, compassion and a strong sense of community spirit in his/her volunteer efforts. The recipient’s hard work and commitment have improved the lives of those around him/her but have also inspired others to get involved and give back. This award celebrates the recipient’s generosity, kindness and unwavering dedication to making the community a better place for all.

Support LVMG’s 2025 Annual Fund Campaign

Senior Living Costs to Consider

Right to left: Paige Mills-Haag, Lutheran Social Ministries of Maryland’s vice president of philanthropy; Sherri Collins-Witzke, outstanding community philanthropist award recipient; and Karen McNamara, director of philanthropy at Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant.

Sherri Collins-Witzke received the Outstanding Community Philanthropist Award at the Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant Annual Fund Campaign Kickoff Event in recognition of her commitment and dedication to Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant through her philanthropic efforts to give back and help others. Her support for LVMG continues to help us build a stronger community, providing vital resident assistance to LVMG residents who have outlived their resources due to overseen circumstances and providing scholarships to LVMG team members to pursue their education and professional certifications.

Collins-Witzke has a passion for helping others and giving back to the community. “I am truly blessed to be able to support our community partners, and sincerely thank you for this recognition,” said Collins-Witzke.

Beyond her dedication and commitment to supporting LVMG, she also serves on Howard County Chamber of Commerce’s board of directors and as vice chair of the board of directors for Blossoms of Hope, an organization that helps enhance the quality of life of Howard County residents through beautification projects and support for Howard County; cancer-related, mental health and other causes. Additionally, she is a member of Gilchrist’s 2024 Taste of Howard Committee and event chair for Howard County’s Good Scout Award Breakfast.

One of my favorite sayings is, “You have two hands, one to help yourself and the second to help others. I help others because it is the right thing to do. So many people in the community are in need, and I am so thankful I can help, even in small ways. Giving time, talent and treasures to others enriches my life and fills it with positive feelings. Thank you for the opportunity to help,” stated Collins-Witzke.

That philosophy and her actions to help are why she was recognized as LVMG’s Outstanding Community Philanthropist and 2024 Chapter Volunteer for The Ark of Howard County, a non-profit multi-service organization that provides support for nearly 300 people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

“I am so inspired by Sherri’s work and commitment to helping others. Her dedication to being an active member of the community and a leader has made a profound impact on many lives.” stated Karen McNamara, director of philanthropy at LMVG.

Collins-Witzke is a third-generation licensed mortician in her family-owned funeral home, Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home. She is now working alongside her daughter, Samantha Logan. They support and help families with their funeral arrangements, providing personalized services to help families get through difficult times.

The Outstanding Community Philanthropist of the Year award honors an individual who has demonstrated exceptional generosity, leadership, volunteerism and commitment to making a positive impact on the Howard County community through their philanthropic efforts.

This award recognizes a community leader who has shown exemplary dedication to building relationships, creating positive change within the community, supporting charitable causes, organizations and initiatives that address important social issues and improve the lives of families and residents of Howard County.

“Sherri is a rare gem and wonderful human being! We are proud to recognize her commitment to service, volunteerism and philanthropy with this community award,” said Paige Mills-Haag, Vice President of Philanthropy, Lutheran Social Ministries of Maryland.

Support LVMG’s 2025 Annual Fund Campaign

Senior Living Costs to Consider

Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant, a Life Plan Community in Ellicott City, MD, has been recognized as the Best of Howard by Howard Magazine’s readers. This recognition marks the sixth consecutive year LVMG has been recognized for excellence in senior living.

“We are grateful to have received this recognition. It reflects our dedication to provide our residents with excellent service and care, and we look forward to providing the same level of excellence to more residents, thanks to our expansion project,” said Michelle Rosenheim, LVMG’s executive director.

With Howard County’s 65 and older population expected to increase by nearly 50% between 2020 and 2030, according to the demographic overview prepared by Howard County’s Department of Planning and Zoning’s Research Division in 2022, LVMG’s expansion project helps address a vital need.

New buildings and amenities include an independent living building, adding 43 apartments to the community; Performing Arts Center/Chapel, a large multi-functional space that can be utilized for worship services and performing arts and other events; and a gastro pub with indoor/outdoor dining for residents to enjoy chef-prepared meals in a casual social setting.

The community is also expanding its Health Care Center to serve up to an additional 18 residents and assisted living to include a new memory care support neighborhood serving up to 20 residents.

The new memory care neighborhood will include contemporary features that provide an inviting, safe and secure environment, filled with engaging activities that take a modern approach to memory care support including a garden, which will help boost mood and emotional well-being and trigger pleasant memories as well as provide a quiet space for easing stress, anxiety, agitation and pain.

“Those state-of-the-art features and first-class amenities may make LVMG a top-notch community for residents, but the people – residents and team members – make the community special,” said Dorothy Plantz, LVMG’s board of trustees’ chair.

LVMG has grown tremendously since opening our community in 2016 and continues to expand to support Ellicott City’s older adult population.

Lutheran Village at Miller’s Grant is a not-for-profit Life Plan Community. It is the home to 337 residents in independent living, 28 residents in assisted living and 31 residents in skilled nursing/long-term care. For more information about LVMG, call 410-696-6700 or visit millersgrant.org

Category: News

Why Moving to a Life Plan Community Earlier Is a Good Decision

Why Moving to a Life Plan Community Earlier is a Good Decision

The Beuty of Aging Well

The Beauty of Aging Well

Carroll Lutheran Village Chef’s Tasting Event: Keeping it fresh, local and fabulous

COVID-19 Updates

Senior Living Costs to Consider

Maintaining a Positive Attitude Goes a Long Way

Senior Living Costs to Consider

About the Author

Phase Two Expansion Project Groundbreaking

Senior Living Costs to Consider

Residents Awarded for Supporting Team Members

Senior Living Costs to Consider

Support LVMG’s 2025 Annual Fund Campaign

The Power of Volunteerism: A Resident’s Impact

Senior Living Costs to Consider

Support LVMG’s 2025 Annual Fund Campaign

Business Owner Awarded for Philanthropic Service

Senior Living Costs to Consider

Support LVMG’s 2025 Annual Fund Campaign

Life Plan Community Awarded for Excellence

Senior Living Costs to Consider