2022 was a year of milestones, celebrations and adventure at The Village at Orchard Ridge. Orchard Ridge achieved a major milestone in National Lutheran’s sustainability imperatives with the completion of construction on a 1.85-megawatt solar array that will meet approximately 85% of Orchard Ridge’s independent living energy needs. The solar array converts seven acres of unbuildable land on the 132-acre campus into a renewable clean energy source that reduces the community’s carbon footprint and energy costs while achieving an estimated 8%+ internal rate of return (IRR). All throughout the year, Orchard Ridge residents and team members celebrated holidays, events, good works and special trips together – and often with family and guests sharing in the fun and adventure. In August, Orchard Ridge celebrated an expansion to its continuum of care with the opening of a new 17-residence Assisted Living Neighborhood on the third floor of the Clocktower and Proclamation Place buildings. In November, the Orchard Ridge Residents’ Association hosted its annual Grateful Giving lecture series featuring internationally recognized author, speaker and “public theologian” Brian D. McLaren who gave a compelling lecture entitled, “Do I Stay Christian?” This event brought the greater Winchester faith community and Orchard Ridge residents together in faith and gratitude.
