If you happen to be at Mountain View Terrace on the first or third Sunday of the month, you’ll likely hear as many as a dozen voices rising in harmony, singing beloved hymns, sometimes accompanied by piano, sometimes a cappella. Among those voices are residents Lawrence and Linda Bennethum, who have become familiar participants in this resident-led choir.


S


“Staying engaged can improve mental health, reduce depression, and foster emotional support. It creates a sense of purpose and belonging.”


ince returning to the New Holland area from southwestern Virginia nearly two years ago, the Bennethums have found joy and belonging through music. “People get together and sing


their hearts out,” Lawrence shares. “Anyone who wants to sing can join; we aren’t trying to be a professional choir.”


Te informal gathering is simple but meaningful. One resident brings hymnals donated by a local church. Another sits at the piano, adding depth to the melodies. “It’s like an old-fashioned hymn sing,” Lawrence says. “We just call out the name or number of the song and away we go. I always enjoy the times together and leave feeling happy about having taken part.”


For Lawrence and Linda, this musical part of each Sunday is more than just entertainment, it’s a way to build relationships. “We’ve gotten to know our neighbors better through this,” he explains. “We also have game nights, but we know some people would rather sing than play games. Tis gives us the chance to understand who they are and what they’re all about.”


Ana Montanez, Resident Services Coordinator at Mountain View Terrace, is thrilled to see residents like the Bennethums taking initiative. “Tey love the time they spend together sharing ideas and supporting each other,” she says. “Staying engaged can improve mental health, reduce depression and foster emotional support. It creates a sense of purpose and belonging.”


According to Lawrence, it’s a place where voices, and lives, come together in harmony.


HDC MidAtlantic and Landis Communities share the common vision of providing quality housing for local seniors while prioritizing resident quality of life as they age. Currently, the organizations are partners at Mountain View Terrace where the operations team from HDC cares for resident needs and the building.


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Fall 2025 • 17


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24