July 22, 2025
Celebrating 25 Years of Gratitude and Growth at Kendal at Lexington
The 25th Anniversary Celebration brought together residents, staff, families, and leaders who have all helped shape this unique and thriving community since its doors first opened in July 2000.
A Night to Remember
The celebration featured a special lineup of speakers who captured the spirit of the occasion. Kendal at Lexington CEO Adam Day, Board Chair Pam Luecke, and The Kendal Corporation CEO Vassar Byrd each shared thoughtful reflections on the past, present, and future of the community. Also, one of Kendal at Lexington’s original residents Mary Coulling took to the stage to offer personal insights and memories, reminding all in attendance of the enduring values that have guided Kendal at Lexington from its inception.
Guests enjoyed gourmet hors d’oeuvres provided by beloved local caterer Southern Inn and live music from Bill Claytor and a string quartet. It was an evening filled with joy, gratitude, and meaningful connection.
Honoring the Journey
Since its founding, Kendal at Lexington has stood as more than a retirement community—it has been a vibrant, evolving place grounded in friendship, learning, and shared purpose. Long-time resident Ruth Woodcock reflected on the early years: “The residents who came early were not concentrating on what we didn’t have; we concentrated on what we did have. We had a beautiful field full of birds and flowers…residents were really resilient and adaptable.”
That resilience, combined with the vision of local founders—many of whom are now residents—built a foundation rooted in community and Quaker values. Their grassroots dedication has shaped Kendal at Lexington into a nationally recognized model for what a retirement community can be.
“We felt gratitude for the vision, hard work, and generosity that transformed dreams and blueprints into the cottages and apartment we are now occupying.”
Mary Coulling
Original Kendal at Lexington Resident
A New Chapter Begins
The celebration also marked a new beginning with the arrival of Adam Day as CEO. His appointment, just a month before the anniversary event, comes at a pivotal time of renewal and forward thinking.
Board Chair Pam Luecke spoke to the excitement of the moment: “The Board and I are excited to celebrate Kendal at Lexington’s 25 years and are looking forward to what the next 25 will bring with a new CEO in place and a community full of wonderful residents.”
Vassar Byrd echoed this sentiment, saying: “Kendal at Lexington’s 25th anniversary is a celebration of those inspiring first local community members who envisioned this gorgeous community, and the enthusiasm of current residents and dedicated employees who continue to make the dream so sweet.”
Remembering the Roots
Leading up to the main event, several pre-celebration gatherings helped set the stage.
- Kendal Trailblazers Talk: Original residents shared poignant stories from the community’s early years.
- Ice Cream Social: A cheerful, informal celebration brought residents and staff together.
- Kendal College Presentation (June 25, 2025): Dr. Lena Hill, Provost of Washington and Lee University, delivered a thought-provoking talk on “Mountaintop Experiences in the Valley; Lexington’s Lifelong Learning Community.”
Even now, three decades from the inception of our first grassroots group, members of that first board with us here today look back on those early days of hard work and uncertainty with fondness and awe.”
—Dianne Herrick, Resident and early founder
Looking Ahead
As Kendal at Lexington turns the page to its next chapter, the community remains deeply rooted in its founding values while embracing the promise of the future. With a new CEO, continued resident engagement, and a renewed sense of purpose, the next 25 years look bright.
Here’s to the visionaries, the builders, the caregivers, and the residents—past and present—who have made Kendal at Lexington a place of true belonging. And here’s to the road ahead.
Happy 25th, Kendal at Lexington!
