Long-Time Vienna Resident Prepares for Historic Anniversary

In less than 20 months, Vienna, Va., will recognize the 160th anniversary of the Battle of Vienna and Meg Lay is embarking on a journey to learn more about the conflict, personalities and implications today. Lay has lived in the historic Ayr Hill area for four decades.

She and her late husband moved into their historic home because it and the entire town appealed to them. The small stone dwelling on the property was part of a dairy farm; it now serves as a workshop that’s part of the larger home.

The Lays were both born in England, so America’s Civil War was familiar to them, but they didn’t know all the details.

Through the years, they came to understand the importance of their home. In 1861, Union and Confederate forces converged on Vienna; it was the fifth conflict in the Civil War and the first time in history that trains helped move troops.

“The spring on our property was a source of water for soldiers,” says Lay. “The water was essential to keeping up the strength of the troops.”

Her six grandchildren have lived in or close to the house, a grandson lives with her and her children all live in Northern Virginia. Lay’s also proud of the extensive gardens on the property that her two dogs love to explore.

“My dogs are essential to my life,” says Lay. “I can’t imagine having to leave this home and not having them with me.”

She’s committed to staying in her home as she ages and, as a member of Goodwin House at Home, is confident of her ability to age in place. Goodwin House at Home is a unique way to combine long-term care insurance benefits with care coordination and personalized plans, offered by the nonprofit Goodwin House.

There are only 33 programs like this in the U.S. and their popularity is growing, with a large increase in just the last five years. A recent survey found “3 out of 4 adults age 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities as they age—yet many don’t see that happening for them.”

Lay trained in the United Kingdom and the U.S. and can work as a registered nurse in both countries. Her interests include gardening and painting, with watercolors being her primary focus.