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Announcing the 2022 NLCS Annual Report

The National Lutheran Communities & Services 2022 Annual Report is now available! We celebrated many milestones in 2022 and are excited to share them with you in this report, which has been re-envisioned with video messages from leadership and mission supporters as well...

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National Lutheran Communities & Services Reaffirms Commitment to The Village at Providence Point

— Despite Claims by Lone Opposition Group, Environmental Measures Will Improve Waters of Crab Creek and Protect 124 Acres of Forest Forever — National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) vowed today to continue its fight for The Village at Providence Point...

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Forbes Magazine Names Winchester, VA as Top 25 Places to Retire

Forbes Magazine released its list of the top 25 places to retire, including Winchester, Virginia. While those of us who reside here are well aware of the many benefits of living in this quaint, historic town, now Forbes readers and...

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Lauren Gwinn Honored with LeadingAge Virginia’s 2023 Emerging Leader Award

Award recognizes Gwinn’s leadership, volunteerism and achievements in advancing services and support for older adults The Village Orchard Ridge—A National Lutheran Community is pleased to announce that Resident Experienced Director Lauren Gwynn has been recognized by Leading Age Virginia as...

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Annapolis Planning Commission Shares Details Supporting Its Village At Providence Point Approval

The Annapolis Planning Commission has responded to a request from Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge Mark W. Crooks for information that explains the reasoning behind its decision to approve a variance request for The Village at Providence Point. Read the...

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NLCS and DSD Renewables Announce the Completion of Solar Array

National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) and DSD Renewables (DSD) have completed the installation of a 1.85 megawatt (MW) ground mount solar project at The Village at Orchard Ridge—A National Lutheran Community in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. This recently completed...

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NLCS Announces Craig Wagoner as new vice president of operations

Cyndi Walters, president and CEO of National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) has announced Craig Wagoner’s promotion to vice president of operations for NLCS. Having joined The Village at Rockville—A National Lutheran Community in December 2022, Wagoner quickly provided inspirational...

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The Village at Providence Point Receives Planning Commission Approval

On February 17, The City of Annapolis’s Planning Commission unanimously voted to approve the planned-unit development application for The Village at Providence Point—A National Lutheran Community (Providence Point). After five rounds of public hearings and more than a decade of...

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The Village at Rockville Announces Annual Health Symposium in Partnership with Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center

Free event to be held virtually February 25 from 8 a.m. to noon, offering three hours of CEU credits The Village at Rockville–A National Lutheran Community is pleased to announce the Second Annual Health Symposium in partnership with Adventist HealthCare...

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The Village at Rockville’s Independent Living Expansion Awarded ENR MidAtlantic 2021 Award of Merit

Glenmere was constructed by Howard Shockey & Sons, Inc. and awarded in the Residential/Hospitality Category The Village at Rockville–A National Lutheran Community is pleased to announce Glenmere, an independent living expansion project of 130 apartment homes, has been awarded an...

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Lauren Gwinn Named New Home Care Administrator for myPotential at Home

Gwinn started with myPotential at Home as the Outreach Liaison before being named Home Care Administrator myPotential at Home–A National Lutheran Service is pleased to announce Lauren Gwinn has been named home care administrator for the Winchester based home care...

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The Village at Orchard Ridge Names the 2021 Stellar 7 Over 70 Awardees

The Stellar 7 Over 70 Awards celebrates the achievements of individuals 70 and over in Winchester City, Frederick County and Clarke County, Virginia On October 14, 2021, The Village at Orchard Ridge–A National Lutheran Community named the awardees for the...

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The Village at Orchard Ridge Announces Former NASA Director of Life Sciences, Dr. Joan Vernikos, as Keynote Speaker for Stellar 7 Over 70 Awards

Awards ceremony and keynote address will be held October 14 at the historic George Washington Hotel in Winchester, Virginia In 2019, The Village at Orchard Ridge–A National Lutheran Community introduced the Stellar 7 Over 70 Awards as a way to...

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National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) to Require all Team Members to Receive COVID-19 Vaccination

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the leadership team at National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) has worked closely with applicable state and county departments of health, as well as followed any guidelines set forth by the Centers for...

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The Village at Orchard Ridge Announces Nominees for 2021 Stellar 7 Over 70 Awards

Awards ceremony will be held October 14 at the historic George Washington Hotel in Winchester, Virginia The Village at Orchard Ridge–A National Lutheran Community unveiled the nominees for the 2021 Stellar 7 Over 70 Awards in a ceremony on September...

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National Lutheran Communities & Services Names Regina Figueroa as Chief Operating Officer

National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) is pleased to announce Regina Figueroa has been named chief operating officer (COO). Figueroa joins NLCS as previous COO Cyndi Walters transitions to the role of NLCS president and chief operating officer (CEO). Regina...

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National Lutheran Files Amended Application for The Village at Providence Point

National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) filed an amended planned unit development application with the City of Annapolis on July 1, 2021, for its proposed continuing care retirement community The Village at Providence Point—A National Lutheran Community. This submittal, which...

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Nominations Open for 2021 Stellar 7 Over 70 Awards Presented by The Village at Orchard Ridge

Awards will highlight achievements of individuals 70 and over in Winchester City, Frederick County and Clarke County, Virginia WINCHESTER, Virginia – The Village at Orchard Ridge–A National Lutheran Community is pleased to announce the opening of nominations for the 2021...

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National Lutheran Communities & Services Names Cyndi Walters as President and CEO

Walters brings over 30 years of senior living experience to National Lutheran, along with a passion of expanding opportunities for older adults to age as they choose and for inspiring team members who have a heart to serve seniors National...

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National Lutheran Communities & Services Named One of the 2019 Best Workplaces for Aging Services by Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE

Great Place to Work and FORTUNE have honored National Lutheran Communities & Services as one of the 2019 Best Workplaces for Aging Services. The ranking considered feedback representing 223,183 employees working for Great Place to Work-Certified organizations in Senior Housing...

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The Village at Orchard Ridge Launches the Stellar 7 Over 70 Awards

New Awards Program Showcases the Impact and Achievements of Adults Over 70 in Winchester City, Frederick County (Va.), and Clarke County The Village at Orchard Ridge—A National Lutheran Community has announced a new awards event designed to highlight and celebrate...

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National Lutheran Communities & Services Releases 2018 Annual Report

National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) is pleased to share the 2018 Annual Report. The report highlights some of the work NLCS is doing to honor, inspire and support choice and opportunity in service to seniors. It also features three...

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The Village at Orchard Ridge Holds Ceremonial Leash Cutting for a New Dog Park

Through the very generous support of the residents of The Village at Orchard Ridge–A National Lutheran Community, dog owners and dog lovers alike can now share in the use of the brand new Orchard Ridge Dog Park. Residents participated in...

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Impact1890 is Now Accepting Grant Proposals for 2020

Impact1890—A National Lutheran Program is pleased to announce the availability of Impact grants for the 2020 year. Each year, Impact1890 awards grants to non-profit organizations that share in the same passion of serving seniors, particularly those who are aging in...

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The Legacy at North Augusta Dedicates a New Chapel

At the Legacy at North Augusta–A National Lutheran Community, one special thing was missing from the campus, a Chapel. Having a Chapel was on the wish list of Executive Director Cherie Powers and this March her wish came true. The...

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National Lutheran Communities & Services Certified as a Great Place to Work

Great Place to Work Institute has honored National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) with certification as a Great Place to Work. The survey included all team members throughout all NLCS entities, and the ratings measure NLCS’ capacity to earn our...

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The Legacy at North Augusta Receives Bond Financing for Expansion Including a New Memory Care Neighborhood

The Legacy at North Augusta–A National Lutheran Community has received tax-exempt bond financing for an expansion that will add a memory care neighborhood to the existing assisted living community. The bonds were issued through the Economic Development Authority of the...

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The Village at Orchard Ridge Named a High-Performing Facility and Best Nursing Home by U.S. News & World Report

WINCHESTER, Va. – The Village at Orchard Ridge — A National Lutheran Community has been ranked as a top facility by U.S. News & World Report for the community’s quality of overall care, considering both long-term residents and short-stay patients,...

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National Lutheran Communities & Services' Annapolis CCRC Receives Approval from the Maryland Department of Aging

National Lutheran Communities & Services’ (NLCS) proposed Annapolis-based continuing care retirement community, The Village at Providence Point—A National Lutheran Community, received approval from the Maryland Department of Aging for its feasibility submission on February 14, 2019. “The Maryland Department of...

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Eye on Annapolis Highlights NLCS' New Plans for Providence Point

National Lutheran Communities & Services recently filed a planned unit development application for The Village at Providence Point–A National Lutheran Community in Annapolis, Md. (Pending approval by the Maryland Department of Aging). This latest site plan balances community feedback and...

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The Village at Orchard Ridge Named 2018 Best Large Business of the Year by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber of Commerce

The Village at Orchard Ridge–A National Lutheran Community, announced today that it has been named Best Large Business of the Year by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber of Commerce. The Village at Orchard Ridge’s mission unites team members, board...

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Grants Available for 2019

Impact1890—A National Lutheran Program is pleased to announce the availability of Impact grants for the 2019 year. Each year, Impact1890 awards grants to non-profit organizations that share in the same passion of serving seniors, particularly those who are aging in place...

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Allison Combs Named Sales Director for National Lutheran Communities & Services

Rockville, MD-  National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) named Allison Combs as Sales Director in January 2018. This is a newly created position for NLCS, which will help oversee sales efforts and initiatives throughout the National Lutheran family of brands....

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National Lutheran Communities & Services Contributes to Seniors Affected by the 2017 Hurricanes

Rockville, MD- National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) rallied to help the victims of the 2017 hurricanes that swept through parts of Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico, leaving widespread damage. A total of $24,510 raised for disaster relief went directly to...

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The Village at Rockville Ranks Second in Montgomery County and Fourth in the State of Maryland

Rockville, MD- The Village at Rockville—A National Lutheran Community ranks number four in the state of Maryland out of 203 senior care providers, and number two out of 33 providers in Montgomery County. “We are incredibly proud to be listed...

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National Lutheran Awards $263,000 in Grants for 2018

Rockville, MD- National Lutheran Communities & Services’ (NLCS) Community Impact Council awarded 33 grants for the 2018 grant year, totaling $263,000. This marks the fifth year of the grant program, with an increase in amounts requested, number of grant recipients and...

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The Village at Orchard Ridge Resident Rhoda Kriz Named Distinguished Fundraising Volunteer

On November 17, in conjunction with National Philanthropy Day, the VA, Tri-State Association of Fundraising Professionals held an awards luncheon to recognize contributions of philanthropy, and those people active in the local philanthropic community. National Philanthropy Day provides an opportunity...

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The Legacy at North Augusta Welcomes Chaplain, Rev. Carl E. Trost

National Lutheran Communities & Services announces the appointment of the Reverend Carl E. Trost as chaplain at The Legacy at North Augusta—A National Lutheran Community. Rev. Trost comes to The Legacy at North Augusta with 24 years of experience as...

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Hear Us on WASH-FM

National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) is getting into the Christmas spirit with its sponsorship of 24/7 holiday music on WASH-FM 97.1 from Nov. 17- Dec. 25 and on WMZQ 98.7 on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You'll hear on-air spots...

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National Lutheran Receives 2017 Gold Award Designation for Its Website

National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) was the recipient of the 2017 National Mature Media Awards (NMMA) gold winner designation for its website, www.nationallutheran.org. The 2017 awards reflect 2016 work, which was when NLCS revamped the design of its website....

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National Lutheran Communities & Services’ Chief Philanthropy Officer Awarded Valparaiso University Alumni Service Award

Rockville, MD- National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) is pleased to announce that Chief Philanthropy Officer Kathryn Baerwald has been awarded the Alumni Service Award from Valparaiso University, in Valparaiso, Ind. The award recognizes alumni who have rendered outstanding service to...

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The Village at Rockville Welcomes Alice Benson as Director of Philanthropy

ROCKVILLE, Md. – We are pleased to announce that Alice Benson, CFRE was named the Director of Philanthropy for The Village at Rockville—A National Lutheran Community, effective September 5, 2017. A life-long resident of Montgomery County, Md., Benson joins The...

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After 30-Years of Service Rev. William Hall, II Retires from NLCS Board of Trustees

Reverend William “Bill” Hall, II retired from the National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) Board of Trustees in August after 30 years as the Virginia Synod's Bishop’s designee. Rev. Hall played an integral role in the expansion and growth of...

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Penning Poems, Accomplishing Goals and Creating Legacies

Some may think that publishing a book at age 83 may be daunting, but for Thomas Karman, resident at The Village at Orchard Ridge—A National Lutheran Community, it was an opportunity to preserve a legacy for his family and share...

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Development Plans Filed for The Village at Providence Point

National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) filed development plans with the City of Annapolis on Tuesday, July 25, 2017 for its new continuing care retirement community (CCRC) The Village at Providence Point—A National Lutheran Community. The filing included a forest...

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Remembering a co-worker, friend and mother

On June 29, 2017, what would’ve been Kris Sackett’s 73rd birthday, family, friends, residents and staff at The Village at Rockville—A National Lutheran Community gathered to pay their respects and honor the former Independent Living Program Housing Manager with the...

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Study Says Virginia is Most Accommodating State for Retirement

At National Lutheran Communities & Services, we have always loved all that Virginia has to offer seniors when they retire. With two communities and our home care and home health service located in Virginia, we were confident that more people...

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National Lutheran Communities & Services Hosts Valparaiso University Students for Fourth Summer

Rockville, MD- For the fourth year in a row National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) will welcome a small cohort of students from Valparaiso University. Michelle Andersen, a social work and psychology double major, Katie Bahn, a nursing major, and Madelyn Nieter, a...

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The Village at Orchard Ridge Welcomes Belinda “Dee Dee” Barbour as Director of Philanthropy

Winchester, Va. – We are pleased to announce that Belinda “Dee Dee” Barbour was named the Director of Philanthropy for The Village at Orchard Ridge—A National Lutheran Community, effective May 1, 2017. A lifelong resident of Winchester, Dee Dee joins...

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National Lutheran Communities & Services Unveils New Name for Annapolis Retirement Community

Rockville, MD- National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) unveils a new name for its continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Annapolis. The community, previously known as The Village at Crystal Spring, will now become The Village at Providence Point—A National Lutheran...

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What does 100 years [young] look like?

If you were asked to describe what a vibrant 100 years of life looks like, do you think you could? After meeting Helen Barrow, a 100-year-old resident at The Village at Rockville–A National Lutheran Community, you would have the answer...

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NLCS Announces New Plan For CCRC in Annapolis

National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) is pursuing a new plan to develop a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Annapolis through a Special Exception Process with the City of Annapolis. Presenting a new plan that focuses solely on the...

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National Lutheran Communities & Services Partners with American Public University to Enhance Employee Education Options

Rockville, MD- National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) is partnering with American Public University (APU) so employees can take full advantage of NLCS’ tuition reimbursement program, earning an online degree or certificate from APU. NLCS values lifelong learning, not only for...

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Permanent IRA Tax Benefit for Donations

Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCD) from IRAs have been made permanent through the PATH Act of 2015. This legislation allows individuals 70 ½ or older to direct a portion or all of the annual required minimum distribution (RMD) to a charity...

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National Lutheran Awards $253,500 in Grants for 2017

National Lutheran Communities & Services’ (NLCS) Community Impact Council awarded 30 grants for the 2017 grant year, totaling $253,500. This marks the fourth year of the grant program, with a significant increase in amounts requested, number of grantees and awarded...

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NLCS Office Staff Donate 454 Pounds of Food to Manna

While it is a season of thanks for many, the holidays can also be a difficult time of year. It is that spirit that spurred National Lutheran Communities & Services' (NLCS) office staff to collect canned goods and non-perishable items...

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Hear Us On WASH-FM!

National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) is getting into the Christmas spirit with its sponsorship of 24/7 holiday music on WASH-FM 97.1 from Nov. 18- Dec. 25 and on WMZQ 98.7 on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. You'll hear on-air spots...

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Former Summer Intern Shares His Experience

Sylas Buller, a Calling and Purpose in Society (CAPS) Fellow from Valparaiso University, spent his 2016 summer with National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS).  Specifically, he served at our Rockville-based retirement community, The Village at Rockville—A National Lutheran Community.  During...

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Dr. Classie Hoyle Joins National Lutheran Communities & Services’ Board of Directors

Rockville, MD- Dr. Classie Hoyle, Ph.D., has been named to National Lutheran Communities & Services’ (NLCS) Board of Directors for a two-year term. Board elections took place during NLCS’ July 2016 meeting. Hoyle’s board term begins October 2016.  “Dr. Classie Hoyle...

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Cynthia Walters Joins National Lutheran Communities & Services as Chief Operating Officer

Rockville, MD- Cynthia Walters has joined National Lutheran Communities & Services (NLCS) as Chief Operating Officer (COO), a newly appointed role for NLCS. Walters brings over 28 years of senior living experience to this new position. “The COO is a new...

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The Village at Orchard Ridge Hosts Clinical Pastoral Education Interns

This fall, The Village at Orchard Ridge—A National Lutheran Community in Winchester, Va. welcomed two new interns into National Lutheran Communities & Services’ Satellite Program of Eastern Mennonite Theological Seminary’s Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) curriculum. Pastor Haley dos Santos joins...

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National Lutheran Lends a Helping Hand on ELCA Day of Service

National Lutheran Communities & Services’ (NLCS) employees dedicated their time and effort on September 8 and 9 at their communities in support of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) Day of Service. The ELCA Day of Service, observed on...

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The Village at Rockville Partners with Strathmore’s Artist in Residence Program

ROCKVILLE, Md. – The Village at Rockville—A National Lutheran Community (TVAR) is excited to partner with Strathmore’s Artist in Residence (AIR) program to host five concerts at the senior community through spring 2017. Strathmore created its Artist in Residence (AIR)...

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Never Too Old to Go for Gold

As the nation’s young rising athletes competed in the 2016 Summer Olympic Games in Rio, one 92-year-old resident at The Village at Rockville—A National Lutheran Community was doing just the same—vying for gold.                 For the past 27 years Edward...

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Marta Spangler Appointed as The Village at Rockville’s Director of Philanthropy

ROCKVILLE, Md. – The Village at Rockville—A National Lutheran Community is pleased to welcome Marta Spangler as the Director of Philanthropy, effective August 1, 2016. Spangler brings a unique perspective with years of global funding experience, most recently as the...

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How a Typo Helped Those in Need

What do you do with 300 custom-imprinted blankets that have a typo?  The Village at Rockville—A National Lutheran Community (TVAR) was in that predicament earlier this week.  Rather than letting the warm fleece blankets go to waste because of a...

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New IRA Tax Benefit for Donations

For those aged 70 & a half or older, it is once again possible to make tax-favored charitable gifts from traditional and Roth IRA accounts. On December 18, Congress passed and the President signed legislation retroactively extending the charitable IRA rollover...

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National Lutheran Awards $221,250 in Grants to Local Organizations

National Lutheran Communities & Services’ (NLCS) Community Impact Council awarded 21 grants for the 2015-2016 grant year, totaling $221,250. This marks the third year of the grant program, with a significant increase in applicants and awarded funds throughout Maryland, Virginia,...

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