News – Covenant Village

What’s New at Covenant Village

Covenant Village Resident Elected Speaker for the North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature

The North Carolina Senior Tar Heel Legislature (NCSTHL) elected Gaston County resident Gayla Woody as Speaker for the 2025–2027 term. Gayla is a resident of Covenant Village. Newly elected Speaker Woody unveiled plans for stronger legislative advocacy, improved member training, and deeper collaboration with aging organizations. Woody, a dedicated advocate for older adults and a seasoned leader in aging services, was appointed…

By Contributing Writer

JoAnn Burris-Employee Spotlight

“Whatever I do, I pray that my work will please the Lord. If I am serving and helping others, I know God is watching over me.” JoAnn Burris works as a CNA in ARISE Health Center at Covenant Village. She began serving in the Woodlands wing and now works in the Courtyard. This year, she received her ten-year service award. “I love…

By Contributing Writer

Chicken Chat Employee Spotlight

From Chicken Chat to Chicken-Smart! Watch the video: Chicken Chat (November 13, 2025) During her work week at Covenant Village, Wanda Flowers is highly focused on helping residents improve their physical health. As Director of Covenant’s ARISE Wellness, Wanda is often seen in the gym, exercise room, and around the pool, encouraging residents. “One thing I love most about my job…

By Contributing Writer

Active Living is the key

Active Aging Week will take place October 6-10, 2025. The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) launched the first Active Aging Week in 2003. The intent of this special emphasis was to celebrate and highlight the positive aspects of aging. “The overarching goal of Active Aging Week is to challenge society’s negative perceptions of aging by demonstrating that individuals over 50 can…

By Contributing Writer

Man with hands on piano keyboard with colorful backgroun

Music for the Mind, Body, and Soul

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything.” — Plato International Music Day is a global celebration of the power of music—its ability to bring people together, spark joy, and express culture, emotion, and history. It’s a day to honor music in all its forms and recognize the role music plays…

By Contributing Writer

Stepping Stones to a Life Well-Lived

Life is a journey, and along the way we’re bound to encounter both sun-drenched paths and treacherous, rocky terrain. It’s during the challenging times, when we’re faced with unimaginable events or tragedies, that the simple things we cherish become our most important anchors. They are the stepping stones that guide us, offering peace and happiness, even when the world feels chaotic. Do…

By Contributing Writer

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Life Enrichment with a University Connection

A group representing Covenant Village and Belmont Abbey College traveled to Greenville, SC, to learn more about a lifelong learning program developed through Furman University. The group also had the chance to tour the Woodlands at Furman, a residential life plan community located adjacent to the university. Nancy Kennedy, Director of Furman’s OLLI (Osher Lifelong Learning Institute), provided a tour of their…

By Contributing Writer

picture of dining room chairs with fireplace and mountain modern design features

Partnership with CCL Hospitality Group to Enhance Dining Experience

Covenant Village, a comprehensive Life Plan Community in Gastonia, NC, is excited to announce a shared, strategic partnership with CCL Hospitality Group, a leading provider of dining and support services in senior living. CCL will provide overall Dining Management leadership for the daily operation of Covenant Village’s dining venues. The partnership with CCL continues the community’s plans to elevate the culinary experience…

By Contributing Writer

view of construction of Stonecrest Villas at Covenant Village

One year later

One year ago, on July 18, 2024, Covenant Village celebrated the historic groundbreaking event that marked the first major renovations since 2002, the first new residences since 1996, and the commencement of several transformative projects integral to Covenant’s Master Plan for the next five to ten years. In her remarks at the groundbreaking, Attorney Nancy Pascall, then chair of the Covenant Village…

By Contributing Writer

Giving Recap: 2025 Spring Season of Giving

On July 10, 2025, Covenant Village celebrated its second annual Legacy of Care Season of Giving with an event that highlighted major advances made in its Legacy of Care philanthropic program. More than $526,000 was raised during May and June in support of the five philanthropic pillars of Legacy of Care, representing the Benevolent Fund, Workforce Investment, Enrichment and Innovation, Capital Support, and…

By Contributing Writer

Vase of roses on a table with inset photo of lady holding a vase with a rose

When Legacy Giving Literally Comes Up Roses

Previously published in the May 2025 issue of The Villager newsletter. While most future residents planning the move to Covenant Village are focused on what to do with their furniture and other valuables, Mildred and George Manning had a very nonconventional consideration: What to do with their rose bushes. The roses were celebrated in Gastonia’s Armstrong Park neighborhood and enjoyed by friends,…

By Contributing Writer

Meet our 2025 Employee Education Scholarship Recipients

— Portions of this article were printed in the June 2025 issue of The Villager newsletter and shared at the June 3, 2025, Scholarship Night event, thanks to Katie Proffit, Assistant Director, Human Resources, and Jenn Barker, Senior Director of Human Resources. The featured highlight video of Scholarship Night is available on YouTube – Scholarship Night 2025 Link On June 3, Covenant…

What’s New at Covenant Village

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