Covenant Woods is proud to announce that Mike Scheff, Director of Dining Services, received the Vision Award at LeadingAge Virginia’s annual conference held in Norfolk, VA. LeadingAge Virginia is an association of not-for-profit aging services or organizations serving residents and clients across the senior care continuum, working together to expand the world of possibilities for aging. The Vision Award recognizes an individual who has made an outstanding contribution to aging services, providing inspirational leadership, vision, and dedication in achieving their organization’s mission. The award showcases candidates who respect the past, lead today, and create the future.
Mike has created a dining program that is well respected on campus by residents as well as through the local community. Nancy Gallihugh, resident, says “The dining staff is excellent and supportive of residents. Mike runs a wonderful team and supports them because he IS one of them. He is in the kitchen working with them as much as he is in his office.” Mike has created a positive work environment for his staff and his leadership is seen through his staff’s work ethic.
A large part of the dining program at Covenant Woods is the farm-to-table garden. Over the past six years Mike has worked tirelessly, growing the garden to a successful farm-to-table program that serves all three dining venues on campus. This program offers fresh, organic ingredients for daily menu items at Covenant Woods and has also partnered with local churches and food agencies, such as Feed More, to support those with limited access to fresh produce. This mission to help the local community is one of the tangible parts of Covenant Woods’ 140-year mission.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mike saw an opportunity to again support the local community through catering services – and Woodhouse Catering was born! What started as a way to serve quality food beyond the walls of Covenant Woods, has grown to a busy 2023/2024 wedding season and the opportunity to cater large Hanover County community events. Woodhouse Catering uses farm-to-table ingredients to serve our guests made from scratch dishes. Mike is at the forefront of this company and the growth since its inception.
Thom Wright, President & CEO, states “Mike is an inspiring leader and innovator who has achieved what many senior living culinary services only dream of.” See below for a video testimonial of his leadership and vision for the outstanding Farm-to-Table program and Woodhouse Catering that was created by residents and colleagues. We are grateful for Mike’s service, ingenuity, vision, and leadership. Please join us in congratulating Mike on this well-deserved recognition
Visionary Award from Kori Neal on Vimeo.