BATAVIA, IL (September 1, 2015) — The Holmstad retirement community recently celebrated its fortieth anniversary with a week of activities and programming.

Residents Don and Audrey Hallbe dance in The Holmstad’s ballroom.

Throughout the week, residents shared stories, memories, and photos from the past. Using the new StoryCorps app, they audio-recorded personal stories which will be downloaded and archived at the Library of Congress.

Four species of trees—one for each decade—were planted in various parts of the campus. Residents also prepared a time capsule to be opened on the community’s fiftieth anniversary.

Events included a luau, and the community capped off the celebration with an evening of dancing during The Holmstad Ball.

The Holmstad, which means village within a village, seeks to serve the community as well as its residents, said executive director Tom Smith. Its Town Center Art Gallery features visiting professional and local artists’ work and receptions year round. Other community activities include musical performances, author presentations, and educational programming.

The Holmstad is one of 14 Covenant Retirement Communities, the fifth largest nonprofit senior living provider in the nation.