OrrVilla Retirement Community celebrates 40 years
OrrVilla Retirement Community came together with the OrrVilla board members, past and present staff, and all independent residents to celebrate the Orrville retirement facility’s 40th year.
Almost 45 years ago, a group spearheaded by Peter Wiebe, the pastor at Oak Grove Mennonite Church, began meeting to formulate a vision for both affordable housing and for a retirement community.
In many ways they were both trailblazers and risk takers. They were able to secure a $1.5 million loan from the USDA, which allowed them to build Evergreen Place. At the same time, these trailblazers began building several Locust Court condominiums.
Forty years later OrrVilla Retirement Community came together to celebrate the success of its vision and accomplishments along with the OrrVilla board members, past and present staff, and all independent residents.
Special recognition was made to staff and residents during the ceremony.
Among those in attendance were Morris Stutzman, board president, an attorney in Wooster who has been with the organization for over 40 years and who continues to share a wealth of experience and knowledge; past executive directors Mike Leiter and George Bixler; current executive director Myron Weaver; and residents Neva Massie, honored for 35 years, Dolores Swier (30 years) and Mary Hann (25 years).
OrrVilla Retirement Community continues to build on the foundation of its forefathers. Currently under construction are two new Locust Court condominiums. Evergreen Place is a HUD subsidized community with 50 apartment units and remains full with a waiting list.
OrrVilla is a nonprofit retirement community with both assisted and independent living accommodations for senior adults age 62 and older. It is affiliated with the Mennonite Church and open to all denominations. For more information about OrrVilla, call 330-683-4455 or visit www.orrvilla.org.