At Someren Glen, we cherish the stories and connections that make our community truly special. Recently, the power of legacy giving came to life in a remarkable way, bringing joy to residents and enhancing our shared spaces.
A Heartfelt Contribution

A beloved resident of the community, moved by the generosity of her late sister-in-law—who also briefly called Someren Glen home—chose to share a meaningful estate gift with us. This heartfelt contribution is being carefully stewarded to improve the lives of all residents, starting with a magnificent new piano that has already struck a chord within our community.
The new Yamaha U1TA3 TransAcoustic™ piano, finished in elegant Ebony Polish, is a true masterpiece. This state-of-the-art instrument offers the beauty of a traditional acoustic piano while featuring innovative volume control technology. Residents can experience the full resonance of natural sound, whether played at full volume or in a more subdued mode for quieter moments. It even allows for private practice through headphones—a perfect blend of classic artistry and modern convenience.
Chaplain Cindy Simpson carefully researched which piano would best serve the community. She found one that met a variety of needs, stating, “This piano offers an amazing amount of flexibility for all types of resident, family, and team member use. From my end of the world, it is wonderful to have an option to create such beautiful music for our religious services.”
The piano made its public debut at our recent Wine Down Wednesday Celebration, where team member Phillip Friedrich showcased its stunning capabilities. Residents were delighted by the piano’s rich, expressive tones and, perhaps most importantly, the assurance that this instrument “can hold a tune!”
The Impact Of A Legacy Gift

Lydia Friend, and her daughter Julie Highsmith were in attendance to see and hear the impact of the gift from the estate of their beloved sister-in-law and aunt.
“My sister-in-law lived a modest life, using her skills as a nurse to serve people both internationally and here in Colorado. Through her legacy gift, she entrusted our family with a beautiful opportunity to pay it forward. She would be honored to know that her generosity is making beautiful music for the Someren Glen community.”
This legacy gift extends far beyond music. Additional funds will support the enhancement of Someren Glen’s outdoor spaces, including updated and new planter boxes, comfortable benches, and other improvements designed to invite residents to enjoy the beauty of our gardens. These enhancements will foster connection, relaxation, and continued appreciation for the vibrant environment of Someren Glen.
This thoughtful gift is a beautiful example of how legacy giving can leave a lasting impact. The generosity of one resident, inspired by a meaningful family bond, has created a ripple effect of joy, music, and shared experiences for generations to come.
We have new resources available to learn more about planning for legacy gifts, including an estate planning guide. Please visit https://www.clclegacy.org/
We extend our deepest gratitude to Lydia and her family for enriching the lives of all who call Someren Glen home. The melody of her generosity will play on for years to come.
About the Author
Stormie Foust Maley, Annual Giving Manager, is a born Midwesterner and Certified Eden Alternative Educator who believes passionately that individuals can make a difference in the lives of others. She worked for nine and a half years at Dayspring Villa Assisted Living, a neighborhood of Christian Living Communities, prior to her role as Annual Giving Manager. There she learned firsthand the joy of building a purposeful and resilient community through a person-directed care mindset.