Lanier Village Estates honors 17 who had 'the vision'

GAINESVILLE - A ceremony Friday afternoon at Lanier Village Estates honored 17 people, some posthumously, who had the vision to build a continuing care retirement community (CCRC) in Gainesville.

The ceremony was highlighted by the dedication of the Founders Garden, designed by Mark Fockele, as part of Lanier Village Estates' year-long 10th anniversary celebration.

The group brought Lanier Village to fruition as a fully accredited, not-for-profit, faith-based continuing care retirement community offering a combination of private residences and carriage homes. Residents are guaranteed access to OakBridge Terrace assisted living and WillowBrooke Court skilled care in partnership with ACTS Retirement-Life Communities.

Those who initiated Lanier Retirement Community Inc. in the early 1990s and who were honored Friday are: Lynda D. Askew, the late Jean S. and Lou Fockele, Gerald N. Fulks, Dr. Henry S. Jennings, Jr., Frank K. Norton, Jr., Leonard Parks, John H. Smith, Eula Pearce Sommer, and George T. Stump. Also, Tracy Vardeman, Max F. Ward, Richard D. White, the late Jane Eve Wilheit and Joe T. Wood. Additional recognition was given ACTS President and CEO Marvin Mashner of West Point, Penn.

Eula Pearce Sommer and Dr. and Mrs. Henry Jennings are founding members and current residents. Lillian Fraser, who literally dreamed of having a life care community in her back yard and got her wish, spent opening night at Lanier Village Estates upon its completion in 2001. She was honored as well as her late husband Grady.

Today, there are more than 450 people who call Lanier Village Estates, which is on Thompson Bridge Road, home.