First Community Village Celebrates Diamond Anniversary with Vintage Car Show and Garden Dedication

COLUMBUS, Ohio ­– National Church Residences’ First Community Village (FCV) celebrated summer’s end and the community’s 60^th anniversary with a vintage car show at their Upper Arlington campus at 1800 Riverside Drive. Nearly 200 residents and their guests enjoyed a picnic lunch and voted on their favorite vehicle from among the 28 collectible cars whose owners participated in the event on September 8. The cars, manufactured between 1911 and today, were from the private collections of friends of FCV residents.

In addition to the car show, a ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony of a newly enhanced garden area was held. The garden enhancements were funded through the estate gift of Robert Merkle, by far the largest transformational gift the First Community Village Foundation has received. The completion of the garden coincided with the car show celebration of FCV’s 60^th Diamond Anniversary, which proved to be the ideal time to celebrate both.

“Our community is blessed with the spirit of giving and friendship,” said Suzan Nocella, director of the First Community Village Foundation. “This event combines summer fun with recognition of a generous gift that transformed a garden space on our campus. We are grateful to our friends for sharing their love of collectible cars and to Robert Merkle for his legacy gift that improves life for everyone in the community that he called home.”

Since FCV opened its doors in 1963, it has been a standard-bearer for senior living. It was the first continuing care retirement community in Columbus and today its services span independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation and skilled nursing care. More than 310 residents call FCV their home.

“What an outstanding event. The vehicles and exhibitors were top-notch,” said Senior Executive Director of FCV, Greg Macpherson.

The Vintage Car Show was organized by three FCV residents – David Timmons, Doug Jones and Walter Buchsieb, DDS. The avid car-collecting trio also coordinated outreach efforts to other auto enthusiasts.

“We welcomed the opportunity to invite fellow enthusiasts to exhibit their vintage vehicles to enhance the Village’s 60^th Anniversary Celebration,” added Timmons. “The exhibitors clearly enjoyed the warm hospitality along with meeting residents and answering their inquiries.”

 About National Church Residences

Originating from a Christian commitment of service, National Church Residences provides an array of health care services and a variety of housing options to 46,000 seniors. The nonprofit organization is driven by a vision to scale for mission impact by advancing better living for 100,000 seniors by 2030, wherever they call home. With more than 360 communities across the United States, it is the nation’s largest nonprofit provider of affordable senior housing and the largest manager of service coordinators.  The organization also offers a variety of additional senior living options, home and community-based services, as well as permanent supportive housing for the formerly homeless and disabled. For more information, visit us at NationalChurchResidences.org and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.