Honoring Veterans at Meadow View: How One Question Sparked a Community Celebration

November 18, 2025

Earlier this year, Lisa Good was ready for a change. She attended an open interview day at Garden Spot Village, where she met Emma Coward, the recruiting and onboarding navigator. After discussing Lisa’s background—working as a paraprofessional supporting students with emotional needs—Emma suggested a homemaker role at Meadow View. It turned out to be the perfect fit.

“Meadow View feels like home. Everyone is so helpful and so supportive. I definitely feel the team atmosphere in this memory care neighborhood of Garden Spot Village,” Lisa shares.

Lisa’s impact is felt even though she works just a few days a week. She often brings her granddaughter to visit friends at Meadow View, strengthening the sense of community.

Asking the Right Questions

Lisa quickly noticed an opportunity: engaging the men at Meadow View in activities. She began by reaching out to Harold, a resident she knew from church. Their shared connection—Lisa’s family works at CNH New Holland, as Harold did at Sperry New Holland—helped build rapport.

During their conversations, Lisa learned Harold was a veteran, as were several other residents. Harold mentioned that Meadow View didn’t have a flag. Lisa decided to change that.

From Idea to Action

Lisa’s curiosity led her to ask: Who can install a flagpole? Where should it go? How can we dedicate it? Answers came quickly. At a resident council meeting, Lisa presented a hand-drawn map and asked for input. The group chose the far end of the main courtyard for the flagpole. From there, it took a team to pull a dedication ceremony together.

  • Eliza Brown, resilient living coordinator, connected Lisa to the resources she needed to move the vision forward.
  • Laura Feiser, director of Meadow View, reached out to JB Zimmerman, who donated a flag.
  • Scott Ruth, director of grounds, secured and installed the pole.
  • Mark Lockwood, Garden Spot Village plumber and member of the New Holland Legion Riders, organized a motorcycle cavalcade with first responders for the dedication.
  • Bob Totten, retired Army Colonel and Garden Spot Village resident, created a slideshow and read the names of Meadow View veterans.
  • Laura Good, Garden Spot Communities music therapist, played an honorary theme on the trumpet.

A Night to Remember

On Monday, November 10, the Meadow View community gathered to dedicate the new flagpole and honor the veterans. The evening was filled with music, stories, and gratitude.

The event happened because one person asked, “How can we better engage residents?”

Lisa’s story is a reminder that small questions can lead to big changes—and that honoring those who served brings a community together.

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