Sometimes, a new connection begins with something as simple as a batch of homemade cookies.
For Bunny Johnson, it began while delivering cookies and other goodies from her church to Carroll Lutheran Village residents. Afterward, sitting in her car, she decided she wanted to learn more about the community.
“I found a sales counselor and set up an appointment,” says Johnson.
After touring an apartment, she called her son in Nashville. A week later, after seeing CLV for himself, he said, “Mom, go for it.”
She has lived at CLV for nine months and says she has barely scratched the surface of what life at CLV offers.
Finding her place—and plenty to do
Johnson arrived with a rich life of her own. A retired hospital chaplain with a background in social work, pastoral counseling and substance abuse counseling, she has spent much of her life helping others. She also remains active in her church and the Westminster community.
But moving to CLV gave her new opportunities to connect with more people, explore new interests and find a renewed sense of purpose through volunteering, learning and serving others.
One of her first discoveries came before moving in. While staying in one of CLV’s guest rooms, she opened her door early one morning and encountered former neighbors she hadn’t seen in years. They were on their way to help deliver newspapers to residents.
Today, Johnson is the “newspaper girl,” volunteering her time on Mondays to deliver the Carroll County Times, Baltimore Sun, Washington Post and New York Times to resident subscribers.
Johnson participates in two Bible studies and enjoys CLV’s educational and creative programs. From lectures on Gettysburg and monarch butterflies to art classes, which are outside her comfort zone, she continues to discover new interests.
“There are all kinds of opportunities for people to discover something new,” Johnson says.
A ministry of cookies, conversation and connection
One of Johnson’s most meaningful activities is visiting residents in CLV’s Health Care Center. While she often
brings cookies, chili or soup, she says the conversations are what matter most.
“It’s been very rewarding. It’s sort of an extension of my chaplaincy work at the hospital,” she said. For Johnson, these visits bring purpose t her days while allowing her to continue the compassionate service that has shaped her life.
Johnson has always enjoyed cooking, but since moving to CLV, she has expanded her baking skills. Fresh cookies, scones, muffins and coffee cakes have become hallmarks of Johnson’s generosity, helping turn casual encounters into lasting friendships.
On Sunday evenings, Johnson and her neighbors gather on the deck of the community’s Weller Circle apartment building for an informal happy hour. Residents simply bring a beverage and an appetizer and enjoy each other’s company.
And, of course, Johnson brings cookies.
What started with a handful of people now regularly attracts 14 to 18 residents from across the community.
The gatherings reflect what Johnson values most about CLV: friendships form easily and often grow in unexpected ways.
The kindness that makes a community feel like home
What surprised Johnson most was how deeply friendly and caring residents are to one another. Neighbors routinely pick up packages for each other, stop to chat in the hallways and look for opportunities to help. Those everyday acts of kindness quickly made her feel at home at CLV.
Sometimes the smartest move is making the move sooner
Today, Johnson is also a resident ambassador, helping prospective residents learn more about life at CLV from someone who lives it.
As a resident ambassador, Johnson understands why people hesitate. Downsizing and planning for a major transition can feel overwhelming, but she encourages people to explore their options early.
She points to a close friend who had been considering CLV with her husband for four years. After seeing Johnson’s apartment, sharing a meal with her in a CLV restaurant and getting a better sense of what life here could look like, they finally moved to CLV. For Johnson, their experience reinforces an important lesson: planning preserves options. Waiting can mean facing circumstances that make choices more difficult.
“That’s not a scare tactic. It’s real,” Johnson said.
Her decision to visit CLV wasn’t planned. It was a spontaneous stop inspired by a cookie delivery.
For Johnson, the next chapter isn’t about slowing down. It’s about living with purpose, continuing to serve, learn, laugh and make life a little sweeter for those around her.
Looking back, Johnson never expected a simple cookie delivery would lead her to a new home, new friendships and new opportunities to serve. But that spontaneous stop at CLV opened the door to a chapter filled with purpose, connection and, of course, plenty of cookies.
Learn more about Johnson from her WTTR radio interview at bit.ly/BunnyCLV.
Every CLV resident has a unique story. Together, those stories create a vibrant, welcoming community full
of connection, purpose and peace of mind. Discover their stories at clvillage.org/resident-stories.
