Lakewood’s Heritage Day

Celebrating 48 Years of Home 

On Thursday, October 23, 2025, residents, guests, and family members filled Lakewood’s Simms Center to celebrate 48 years of service, legacy, and community.

The annual Heritage Day celebration, planned in partnership with the Heritage Committee and supported by the Virginia Baptist Homes Foundation, honored the people and stories that have shaped Lakewood through nearly five decades of home, care, and connection.

Resident Bette Schwall, a member of the Heritage Committee, recognized ten residents with more than 20 years of residency at Lakewood. Executive Director Heather Crumbaugh followed by honoring sixteen team members who have each served Lakewood residents for more than 20 years, representing a combined 422 years of dedicated service.

Resident Rita Stone, also part of the Heritage Committee, celebrated nine centenarians, residents over the age of 100, whose wisdom and resilience continue to inspire the Lakewood community.

The event included a warm welcome and remarks from Claire Rosenbaum, Heritage Committee Chair, as well as an invocation and benediction by Chaplain Pam Creech.

Jonathan Cook, President and CEO of LifeSpire of Virginia, shared reflections on Lakewood’s lasting legacy.

“We honor the people who have made this place more than just a residence. It is a home, a haven, a living legacy. That legacy is beautifully embodied by our legacy residents, those whose families walked these hallways before them and whose stories continue to enrich our community.”

Cook recognized forty-three legacy families, residents who chose Lakewood after witnessing the care and sense of belonging their loved ones experienced. Many even shared overlapping years at the community, continuing their family’s story side by side.

“These stories, full of humor, heart, and history, remind us that Lakewood is not just a place to live but a place to continue the story of family, friendship, and faith,” Cook said. “As we celebrate 48 years of Lakewood’s heritage, we are reminded that our greatest treasures are not found in archives or buildings but in the lives and legacies of those who call this place home.”

Also offering remarks was Scott Cave, member of the LifeSpire of Virginia Board of Trustees, who spoke with gratitude for the care his mother, Marjorie Cave, received as a Lakewood resident before her passing in 2020.

“As we approach our golden 50th anniversary in 2027,” Cave shared, “my wish is that we continue our path of growth and prosperity together as we strive to fulfill our mission as a unified team.”

Lakewood’s Heritage Day once again reminded everyone in attendance that history lives not only in the past but in every moment shared among those who call Lakewood home.