Village Voice - Fall 2010

VillageVoice

www.masonicvillagespa.org

Celebrating a

Fall 2010 Vol. 20, No. 4

Century of Service

A publication of the Masonic Villages of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania

Village Voice

A message from

Fall 2010 The Village Voice is published four times per year.

The Masonic Villages, which include the Masonic Village at Dallas, the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill, the Masonic Village at Sewickley and the Masonic Village at Warminster, are owned and operated by the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania.

Members of:

American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging Kairos Health Systems Masonic Communities and Services Association

Admissions to the Masonic Villages are governed by the Committee on Masonic Homes, members of which are elected by the Grand Lodge. The Committee on Masonic Homes approves or disapproves applications for admission primarily on the basis of need. Decisions concerning admission, the provision of services and referrals of residents are not based upon the applicant’s race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, familial status, age, sex, limited English proficiency or any other protected status.

The Masonic Villages is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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Joseph E. Murphy, N.H.A., Chief Executive Officer

ith the holiday season right around the corner, I find myself looking toward the new year and reflecting on the one coming to an end.

This year has been one of celebration and progress for our Masonic Villages. The economy continued to present challenges which led us to develop more efficient ways of operating. In the ever-changing landscape of providing long term care, we have kept pace with government regulations, as well as our commitment to initiatives such as Eden Alternative® certification to offer our residents more fulfillment.

Our Home Care Services program in Elizabethtown and Sewickley has been well received as more residents than projected are taking advantage of this flexible and convenient service. In Elizabethtown, our Hospice Care Services are also meeting the needs of many individuals and their families.

In June, the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown hosted the Masonic Community and Services Association (MCSA) Conference, “Embrace the Future with Innovation & Vitality ... It’s Time for a Masonic Renaissance!” MCSA is an organization for executives of Masonic and Order of the Eastern Star care providers nationwide, and the conference was an invaluable opportunity to learn how other facilities are adapting to change within their communities. Seminar topics ranged from methods to maximize efficiency and save money to national research regarding changing preferences in retirement living and services to keeping children safe in a technologically-savvy world.

In wrapping up our centennial celebration at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, I feel our reflections on the past will continue to help guide our way into the future. Building projects, shifting to a “greener” way of operating, growth in residents’ amenities and enhancing staff benefits are all ways we are preparing for our next 100 years of providing loving care and community outreach.

If you were able to attend Autumn Day, I hope you had an enjoyable time. Please see p. 4 for some photo highlights. We were happy to be able to host the event this year, as it is a wonderful opportunity to bring friends and family together for a day full of information, festivities and fellowship.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

Sincerely,

Village Voice Staff Debra L. Davis

Editor/Public Relations Coordinator, Elizabethtown

Your Two Cents are Priceless to Us

Editorial Board Louisa West

Administrative Assistant, Lafayette Hill

Karen Hammond

Activities Supervisor/Concierge, Sewickley

Cynthia B. Hollinger

Director, Volunteer Services, Elizabethtown

Trisha Lamb

Activities Director, Warminster

Linda Tressler

Executive Assistant, Human Resources, Elizabethtown

NEXT DEADLINE: Submissions for the Winter issue of the Village Voice are due Nov. 18.

Suggestions and submissions for consideration can be sent to: Public Relations Department Masonic Village One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or e-mailed to pr@masonicvillagespa.org For more information, call (717) 367-1121, ext. 33529.

On the cover: Fireworks and the Formal Gardens during the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s centennial celebration on June 25. *Photos by Rich Johnson, Creative Director

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The Village Voice Wants to Hear Your Voice!

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n order to better offer our readers useful and interesting information, a link to a survey has been posted on the home page of the Masonic Villages’ Web site, www.masonicvillagespa.org, and on Facebook® to determine how the Village Voice can better serve you. For those who prefer a hard copy of the survey, you may see or contact: • In Elizabethtown - Debra Davis, Editor/PR Coordinator, at (717) 367-1121, ext. 33529 • In Dallas - Carolyn Muroski, Senior Administrative Assistant, at (570) 675-1866 • In Lafayette Hill - Trudy Plunkett, Executive Assistant, at (610) 825-6100, ext. 1216 • In Sewickley - Chris Tomb/Barb Cotter, Administrative Assistants, at (412) 741-1400, ext. 3990 • In Warminster - Cathy Welsh, Senior Administrative Assistant, at (215) 672-2500, ext. 110 We’d like to know what you think we’re doing right, what we could do better and what we’re not doing that you feel we should start. We appreciate all ideas and value our readers’ input. Thank you!

In this Issue...

Therapeutic Recreation Staff and Residents Recognized for Innovation . . . . . . . . . . p. 3 A Champion Volunteer. . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 3 Masonic Village Honored for Eden Alternative® Initiative. . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 3 Autumn Day 2010. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 4 Feeding a Growing Community . . . . . . p. 5 Celebrating a Century of Service. . pp. 6 - 7 A Diamond Anniversary . . . . . . . pp. 8 - 9 Village Happenings . . . . . . . . . . pp. 10 - 11 Staff Spotlight: Cathy Welsh . . . . . . . p. 12 A Reason to Celebrate . . . . . . . . . . . p. 12

The Village Voice • Fall 2010

Your Village View: MVtv Debuts . . . . p. 13 Health Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 14 Your Estate Plan - What you should know about Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 15 Masonic Villages’ Wish List. . . . . . . . p. 16 Memorial Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 17 - 18 Honorarium Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 19 Hospice Care Memorial Gifts . . . . . . . p. 19 “Masonic Village: 100th Anniversary” History Book Order Form . . . . . back cover

Therapeutic Recreation Staff and Residents Recognized for Innovation A

t the Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Institute’s Annual Awards Dinner in June, the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown received the Outstanding Special Event Award for a USO Tribute Show, which, after several months of planning, was presented by residents, staff and community members last November.

The show featured poetry, prose, personal accounts and music honoring America’s veterans – past, present and future. More than a dozen variety acts including dancing, singing and comedy were performed; and a USO Celebrity Alumni Parade recognized past celebrities, such as Bob Hope, who have contributed their talents to USO shows. At the conclusion of the show, all attendees gathered for a social and display of USO-related items.

The Outstanding Special Event Award is given to a therapeutic recreation or activities department from Pennsylvania for an event that demonstrated a unique and innovative service, benefited residents in a unique way and/ or brought recognition to the therapeutic recreation field. This is the sixth time Masonic Village has won the programming/special event award since its

creation in 1999. A second USO Tribute Show is planned for November.

Additionally, a Special Event Program – Honorable Mention was awarded to Andrea Updegraff, Recreation Therapist, and staff from the Lafayette West neighborhood in the Masonic Health Care Center, for the annual October Fire Fest in which staff and residents toasted marshmallows for s’mores and drank hot chocolate around a fire pit in a courtyard.

“My motivation to plan any special event for residents residing on Lafayette West comes from the residents,” Andrea said. “They provide me with simple joys every day. Their smiles, laughs, jokes and kind gestures of many hugs and kisses motivate me to provide the best quality of life I can for them each day.”

Becky Kandrac, Recreation Therapist, received a Presidential Citation which is given for outstanding service to the Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Society. She received the recognition for her work as an author of the society’s “Practical Guide to Planning and Programming for Persons with Dementia.”

Some, but not all, of the residents and staff who helped organize the USO Tribute Show

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A Champion Volunteer

sther Enck, a resident of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, attended the Pennsylvania Therapeutic Recreation Institute’s Annual Awards Dinner with Liz Grosh and Rhonda Conaway, Recreation Coordinators, who invited her as a show of their appreciation for her help hosting activities. When the emcee began describing the recipient of the Volunteer of the Year award, Esther was surprised to learn she was actually a guest of honor.

The Volunteer of the Year Award is presented to an individual who made an outstanding and significant volunteer contribution within some facet to therapeutic recreation/therapeutic activities.

“I was shocked when [the emcee] started talking, and after I looked at Liz and Rhonda, I knew she was talking about me,” Esther said. “It was something I never dreamed of. I didn’t start volunteering to win awards, but it was really nice.”

Esther helps with various events for residents at Masonic Village. She runs the monthly wine and cheese social with two friends, participates in the intergenerational sensory garden program, prepares food, folds napkins, and makes centerpieces, among other things. She doesn’t keep track of the hours or days she volunteers; she is there whenever staff need her.

“I prefer to keep busy,” she said. “I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”

“There is always much to do, many needs to address and lots of residents who are in need of special assistance of one kind or another,” Liz said. “Esther volunteers side by side with recreation staff doing anything that requires time and energy, her two hands and her jolly disposition. Other residents here appreciate all her efforts and often ask us, ‘What would all of us do without her?’ She is a champion volunteer in our hearts!”

Esther, a resident since 2004, was previously employed in the Food Services Department at Masonic Village full-time for 13 years and part-time for five years.

In addition to volunteering, she enjoys playing shuffleboard and recently participated in the Lancaster Senior Games.

“I enjoy working with Rhonda and Liz,” she said. “I’m taken good care of at Masonic Village. I like it here, and my children don’t have to worry about me.”

Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill Honored for Eden Alternative® Initiative

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he Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill, which completed its registration as an Eden Alternative® site in November, was awarded the Eden Seedling Award at the closing session of the fifth Eden Alternative® International Conference, “The Art of Creating Caring Communities: Meeting the Challenges.”

The award recognizes an organization new to the Eden Registry which is so committed and so progressive that it is challenging all others to grow even further. Lorraine Lardani, Administrator of Health Care Services, accepted the Eden Seedling Award on June 15 on behalf of all of Masonic Village staff and residents.

“It was truly an honor to be among leaders of the culture change movement and to have been selected from such an outstanding and deserving slate of candidates,” Lorraine said.

“As we continue to incorporate the Eden principles into our organizational vision to be a center of excellence, we look forward to the journey of enhancing our continuum of care that honors our elders; keeps them involved in living, while realizing their potential; and helps them enjoy the highest possible quality of life.”

(L-R) Masonic Village Eden Associates Adrienne Staudenmayer, Executive Director; Greg Thomas, Director of Food Services; Angela Hurst, Director of Recreation; Lynn Christ, Director of Social Services; Melissa Teske-White, RN, Nursing Supervisor; and Lorraine Lardani (seated) with the award.

The Village Voice • Fall 2010

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The Masonic Villages’ annual open house, held Sept. 25, brought thousands of visitors to Elizabethtown.

The festivities included food, bands (Zembo Highlanders, shown right) and children’s activities. A blood drive was held, staff conducted tours of the Formal Gardens, several classic cars were on display and stands for various Masonic bodies and youth groups featured information and activities. Even the weather cooperated! Thanks to all who attended and everyone who helped organize this exciting event.

Deb Brockman, Director of Admissions and Outreach; Claudia Stephens, Chief Human Resources Officer; and Joy Hubshman, Marketing Counselor, Masonic Village at Dallas, provided admissions and marketing information for visitors.

Special centennial T-shirts, as worn by Deb, Claudia and Joy, are available by contacting the MV Farm Market (see ad on p. 19).

In recognition of Masonic Village’s 10th anniversary as a registered Eden Alternative® site, a celebration in the Masonic Health Care Center during Autumn Day included a craft bazaar featuring resident-made creations, a mini Farm Market, face painting, finger nail polishing, sugar cookie decorating, a fall door decoration craft, and music. Special thanks to the Masonic youth groups who helped escort more than 200 residents to and from the event. The Eden Alternative® promotes active and caring environments which encourage self-worth, camaraderie and excitement for residents and employees.

Resident Gary Stark met Miija and Jessie, therapy dogs, which belong to volunteers Joanne and George Warrick. The two canine companions put on a demonstration during the Eden Alternative® anniversary celebration.

Resident groups, including the Rooster’s Woodworkers, the Craft Group, the Art Association and the Ceramics Club, displayed and sold their work during Autumn Day. Left, resident Jim Berry with his wooden creations.

Residents Roberta Ewing, Jeanne McIntyre and Judy Host enjoyed frozen treats.

In recognition of Walter Balliet’s support of the Masonic Villages, the road leading up to the main entrance of the Masonic Health Care Center (MHCC) has been named Soffge Circle (in memory of William Soffge, a friend of Walter who helped with fundraising for the construction of the MHCC in the 1950s). Shown (l-r) are Jeffrey Coy, Chairman of the Committee on Masonic Homes and R.W. Grand Treasurer; Walter Balliet; R.W. Grand Master Thomas Sturgeon; and Joseph Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, Masonic Villages.

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The Village Voice • Fall 2010

Clowns, an Autumn Day staple, entertained visitors. Shown above are volunteers Pirouette (Nancy Dell), Kuddles (resident Mike Lenker) and Plié (Madison Evans, Nancy’s granddaughter).

Left, resident Lilly Campbell showcases her hand-painted glassware for sale.

Right, donors Michael and Linda Mattes (second and third from left), who dedicated the Formal Gardens for the enjoyment of all who visit the peaceful sanctuary, pose with R.W. Grand Master Thomas Sturgeon (far left); Paula Kauffman, Worthy Grand Matron (second from right); and John Berger, Worthy Grand Patron (far right).

Feeding a Growing Community T

he headquarters for the Pennsylvania Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) sits along Freemason Drive at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown overlooking 102 neatly trimmed cottages with landscaped lawns. The newly-sided structure provides a central location for the social and charitable fraternity to keep membership records and coordinate events for its more than 40,000 members.

In a former life, this farmhouse was home to the Aldinger family: Ralph; his wife, Miriam; and their children, Ralph, Jr., Martha and Marilyn. Long before mailbox-lined streets and cottages encompassed the land, acres of brightly-colored vegetables unfurled beyond the house. As head gardener, Ralph oversaw the vegetable gardens for Ralph E. Aldinger, head gardener more than 40 years, while Masonic Village provided his family with work, recreation and a rather large extended family.

The orchard was started in 1910 with the planting of 4,000 apple, pear, cherry and quince trees. By 1912, workers and residents had planted corn, wheat, oats, grass, tobacco, alfalfa and a vegetable garden. Ralph’s father, Rev. Harry Aldinger, assisted in the construction of the Philadelphia Freemasons’ Memorial Hospital in 1915 and helped to plant oak trees in 1920 in what is now known as the Veterans Grove. Ralph’s uncle worked at the dairy barn.

Married for one year, Ralph and Miriam moved to Masonic Village in 1947 into a new house on Bainbridge Street, which has since been torn down. Ralph worked in the 65-acre vegetable garden five days a week, from 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and an additional half-day. He was later named head gardener, and he and Miriam moved into the garden farmhouse.

Ralph was paid $100 per month plus two quarts of milk per day, two dozen eggs per week, one bushel of potatoes per month and vegetables, and he and Miriam lived rent-free. “Our electricity was supplied from the power house. It was not always an even current,” Miriam said. “Sometimes our lights were bright; other times, they were dim.”

Nearly 85 percent of the vegetables consumed by residents of Masonic Village were grown on location, including onions, rhubarb, asparagus, head lettuce, cabbage, Chinese cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, tomatoes, eggplants, red beets, spinach, radishes, turnips, parsnips, parsley, green and wax beans, sweet corn, pumpkins, sweet potatoes, celery, gourds and Indian corn.

“It was high quality produce and won many prizes each year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show,” Marilyn Rehkugler, Miriam and Ralph’s younger daughter, said.

The chef would request the vegetables, including sauerkraut, Pumpkin harvest with the overhead irrigation as he needed them for menu items. Ralph made sauerkraut in large system shown in the background. Water was wooden barrels, 30 barrels at a time. He placed them in the barn pumped from a lower lake. cellar to ferment until the sauerkraut was needed. Eventually freezers were installed and used for storage after fermentation. With Ralph’s persuasion, Masonic Village purchased other equipment to save time and money such as an asparagus picker, lima bean huller, tomato steamer and corn cutter.

His cold weather tasks included digging trenches to store celery for usage in the winter, trimming trees in the 40-acre orchard and digging graves for the cemetery located on the property. In the larger of two greenhouses, he planted tomatoes. Toward the end of winter, One of Ralph’s vegetable displays he would start other vegetable plants from seeds in the smaller greenhouse. Later, he would transfer the small plants into hotbeds, Head gardener’s house and garage glass-covered beds of soil heated with fermenting manure used for protecting tender plants, where they would grow larger before A greenhouse and hotbeds protected small plants being planted outside. before they were transferred to the fields.

Long before the choo choos of trains and the giggles of children echoed from the Masonic Village & Elizabethtown Model Railroad Club, the structure along Freemason Drive next to the OES Headquarters was home to the village’s cannery. Residents sitting at long tables helped prepare fruits and vegetables, including red beets, tomatoes, corn, green beans, cherries, peaches, pears and plums, for canning. They received a small wage for their work. When two large walk-in freezers were purchased, canning was no longer necessary.

Ralph’s dedication to his garden was evident in the long hours he spent in the fields. He took pride in his work and enjoyed putting together displays for events on campus. For the children in the Masonic Children’s Home, he would carve their names in pumpkins when the crop was green. Once the pumpkins were fully grown, he’d give each child one with his or her name on it. “The children were delighted, although they never understood how their “Being born and living at the Masonic Homes/ names got there,” Miriam said.

Village, I worked in the vegetable garden from See Vegetable Gardens continued on p. 13. age 8 to 22 and then left to go to medical school.

I did some of my graduate work at the MHCC under Dr. Longenecker. I remember helping my dad catch large snapping turtles at the lower lake. We took them to the Grand Lodge kitchen where Chef Gerhart cleaned them and made snapper soup. A few memories follow: the asparagus picker, the large equipment to process the fruits and vegetables, the pea huller, cherry seeder, red beet topper, bean snapper, the peach peeler and the cooking and canning. I also played on the Masonic Village softball team. A great place to live and work.

Congratulations, Masonic Village!”

Marilyn Rehkugler and her mother, Jim Shank, Jeff Boyer and Ralph Picking cabbage, 1969. In the Dr. Ralph Aldinger, Jr., as shared on the Masonic Miriam Aldinger. The cottages Aldinger, Jr., show off their squash background is the Grand Lodge Hall Village’s Centennial Celebration Share a Memory behind them are located on the site crop. Behind them is the lake located and the Masonic Temple.

Web site page. of the former vegetable gardens. along Serpentine Road.

The Village Voice • Fall 2010

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Celebrating a T

Above, the presentation of colors by Elizabethtown residents prior to the concert. Right, a Shrine clown entertains Parker and Jadyn Coley, daughters of Matt Coley, LPN. Below, residents gather on the porch of Grand Lodge Hall for the concert and fireworks.

he weekend of June 25-27 was a festive celebration for all members of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown family.

On Friday evening, residents and employees gathered in the Formal Gardens for refreshments, some “clowning around” with Zembo Clowns and a concert by the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus. Residents from the retirement living area of campus hosted the activities in appreciation for staff and their families, and their daily efforts to care for residents and the village. With funds from the voluntary resident association dues and proceeds from the sale of Masonic Village hats and shirts, residents raised $10,000 for the employee appreciation fund over the past three to four years. Residents also sponsored a magnificent fireworks display which was open to the entire community.

Left, the U.S. Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus performs. Right, residents Ray Betz and Tom Host serve hot dogs.

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n Saturday, June 26, at 2:30 p.m., the Grand Lodge Hall, built from 1911 to 1913, was rededicated in memory of Charles Scott Roberts, son of David G. and Joanne M. Roberts. The following is an excerpt from the dedication address by Thomas K. Sturgeon, R.W. Grand Master: “The Grand Lodge Hall has been called the hub of activity at the Masonic Village, the apex, and the keystone of the community, but perhaps no one said it more simply and profoundly than Past Grand Master Bro. George B. Orlady of Mount Moriah Lodge No. 300, Huntingdon, at the cornerstone ceremony for the Grand Lodge Hall on September 26, 1911: ‘May the structure reared on this site be finished in strength and beauty to fulfill our hopes and purposes!’

“The Grand Lodge Hall is more than stone, an office or even a home. It is a symbol of Pennsylvania Freemasonry’s wildest Hayden Muir, Joanne and David Roberts, and dreams, lofty goals and hopes for the future.

Irene Muir at the Grand Lodge Hall rededication.

Today, we recognize that where we’ve come from is just as important as where we’re heading. As the Committee on Masonic Homes reported in 1985: ‘We continue to marvel at the wisdom and foresight of those Pennsylvania Masons who stood on their lands in the early 1900s and planned our Masonic Homes essentially as it exists today. We are ever mindful of their Masonic legacy to us and are guided in all that we do to care and nurture this sacred trust that it may long endure for Pennsylvania Masons and their families.’”

Special thanks to all residents, including the Rooster’s Woodworkers (right, President Ralph Clare presents a check to Wils Kile, President, Retirement Living Resident Association), who contributed to the employee appreciation fund. The fund was used to sponsor the food, concert and fireworks on June 25.

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The Village Voice • Fall 2010

In the Masonic Health Care Center, residents tossed bean bags and rings, guessed the number of jelly beans in a jar and participated in Masonic Village history trivia during the Centennial Carnival held June 21. Left, Snellie, Helen Allen, Dale Bell and Curly take in the festivities, and right, Barb Emert tries out the bean bag toss.

Century of Service A

lso on Saturday, June 26, at 7 p.m., a Centennial Banquet was held for residents, staff, donors, Committee on Masonic Homes leadership, members of Masonic organizations from across the state, and friends and family. The Central Pennsylvania Symphony played throughout dinner and was followed by a performance from Norm Crosby (shown below, right), one of America’s favorite funnymen and a Mason. The following is an excerpt from remarks made at the event by Thomas K. Sturgeon, R.W. Grand Master (shown below, left): “Yesterday marked the Centennial for our Masonic Village here in Elizabethtown, commemorating exactly 100 years since the first resident, Bro. William M. Geesaman, age 62, of Cumberland Valley Lodge No. 315, Shippensburg, moved into the Guest Home ... June 25, 2010, we admitted Sister Evelyn Holberg, Capital City Chapter No. 146, Oberlin, the first resident who joined us at the commencement of our second Century of Service.

“This is exactly what our forefathers, the visionaries who dreamed, planned and built this community with their hands and their hearts, not only hoped, but expected, of those of us who celebrate here today.

“Over the past century and here among us today, are members of our Masonic family who have served our nation proudly and preserved our freedom so that great institutions such as this one, could be built to reach out and serve our brothers and sisters who have a need.

“For it is only in free countries such as our blessed United States of America, that Freemasonry can exist. And it is only through Freemasonry that our Masonic Villages have grown, like the grand old trees in the grove representing our nation’s heroes, to do God’s work in this place, which has often been called ‘the closest thing to heaven on earth.’”

Top photo, a reception was held prior to the Centennial Banquet (shown below), which more than 600 people attended.

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commemorative worship service held Sunday, June 27, brought together many members of the Masonic Village family. The past 100 years were remembered while reflecting on the next century. “Lord, as we celebrate this 100th anniversary, may you continue your blessings upon this place, these people, our community and the charity that has helped sustain this, our Masonic Village,” Pastor A. Preston Van Deursen, Director of Pastoral Care, said.

Left, the Masonic Village 100th Anniversary Festival Choir performs. Right, a new lectern, which was made by the Rooster’s Woodworkers (Dean Miller and Ralph Clare, far left) in memory and honor of the first full-time pastor at the Masonic Village, Pastor Dr. Charles H. Lacquement (employed from 1973 to 1999), is unveiled before his family and Pastor A. Preston Van Deursen (third from left).

Right, residents of the Washington 2 neighborhood gathered for a tree planting ceremony on June 22 in the courtyard outside of the Masonic Health Care Center cafeteria. As a gift for the Masonic Village’s 100th anniversary, the residents raised money to plant a chestnut tree for future generations. The chestnut tree was chosen because of late resident Howard Peterman’s vision to plant an American chestnut tree, which 100 years ago, when the Masonic Village was created, had almost reached extinction.

At a special 100th anniversary party held in the Lafayette East neighborhood, Ronald Straw, a resident since 1996, celebrates with cake and ice cream.

In honor of eight residents who are age 100 and older, a birthday party was held July 9 featuring food, music and fellowship. Friends and families from across the states attended. Above right, Louise Metcalf, 101, with her granddaughter, Laurie Milson. Right, Leona Enck, age 102, (third from left) and guests (l-r): resident Gloria King; Susan Schafer, CNA; Bill and Pat Stephens, volunteers; and Edith Hunsicker, widow of Clarence Hunsicker, who passed away in 2010 at age 101.

The Village Voice • Fall 2010

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A Diamond A T

he year 2010 has been one of – he led me behind a heavy curtain many milestones for Audrey and gave me a kiss.” and Jacob “Murph” Cohen, When classes were over for the residents of the Masonic Village at summer and Audrey returned to Elizabethtown. On April 21, Audrey Berwick, the two communicated by celebrated her 100th birthday, mail. and a few days later, on May 1, “Back then, we used telephones Jacob turned 101. On Aug. 31, for emergencies only,” Audrey said. they commemorated an event few “We wrote each other once a week. married couples experience: their I decided to write a few letters 75th wedding anniversary. using a cryptogram, so he had to Their anniversary celebration solve it before he could read my was a modest affair; no trip to note.” an exotic locale or dinner at a One of Jacob’s letters included fancy restaurant. To honor a union a marriage proposal. which includes three children, By the summer of 1935, he six grandchildren, seven greatwas attending training in Texas Audrey and Jacob Cohen, July 2010 grandchildren, countless memories to become an IRS agent. Audrey and laughs, and despite a recent change in living arrangements, a had learned from the Education Department at Penn State that if she timeless devotion, family gathered with the couple in late August for changed from a major in music with a minor in math to a major in dinner. They skipped the diamonds though, because for the Cohens, music and a minor in education, she could graduate that summer. their love for one another is the real gift.

“Since I received Jacob’s letter, I was happy with that,” she said. “I Audrey and Jacob moved to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown got two degrees the same summer.” She agreed to meet him in San in 1999. They shared an apartment in the retirement living area of Antonio where they would be wed. the campus until five years ago, when Jacob experienced some health “I was preparing to leave when I received a telegram from him, problems and moved to the Masonic Health Care Center. Audrey saw saying ‘hold everything.’ We didn’t use phones, so that was the fastest her “honey,” as they affectionately call one another, every day until way for him to reach me,” Audrey said. “He was being transferred to recently, when her health led her to cut back to two visits per week.

Wichita [Kansas]. I was able to change my train, and my parents drove Jacob, originally from Nesquehoning where his family owned me to the train station in Harrisburg. He took the train from San Antonio. a men’s clothing store, spent time working at a coal mine prior to Our trains arrived in Wichita within a half hour of each other.” attending Penn State University. After graduating college in 1931 and Audrey packed all her belongings in a suitcase and trunk, and passing the exam to become a Certified Public Accountant, he worked carried with her a .22 rifle Jacob had given her as a Christmas gift, not for the Internal Revenue Service and Fred Waring Enterprises before for protection, but because the two enjoyed riding bicycles into the settling into an accounting career, which eventually included running country for target practice. his own practice. J.L. Cohen & Associates, Ltd., continues to operate “My mother hadn’t been any farther than New York City when she with locations in Stroudsburg and Easton. took that train to Kansas,” daughter Marie Boltz said. “I can’t even Audrey grew up in Berwick, where her father was a blacksmith, imagine doing something like that.” a trade which became obsolete as car manufacturing increased, and Audrey and Jacob obtained their marriage license at the courthouse later a salesman. Her mother graduated from Wyoming Seminary and and quickly found an apartment to rent. Audrey asked the property taught in one-room country schools. Born in 1910, Audrey has a few manager if she could borrow her iron to press her wedding dress. “She memories of World War I. While her mother asked if we’d been married long, and I told her was pregnant with her brother, she remembers we’re not married, yet!” Audrey said. fetching sugar using coupons which were issued On Aug. 31, 1935, they were wed in the due to rationing, a task which almost always presence of a minister and a janitor. made her late for school. She also recalls a “I know most parents take pride and joy in German family who lived down the street from seeing their daughter walk down the aisle,” Jacob her. They were ostracized despite having no said. “So I wrote her parents a letter and promised involvement in the war. “My father didn’t think them I would take good care of her all her life.” that was right,” she said, and he remained friendly They celebrated at a restaurant and attended with them. a dance at the airport. There was no official Audrey graduated from Bloomsburg State honeymoon, but by that point, the Cohens were Teachers College in 1929. She taught junior high happy to be together. school while continuing to earn credits toward a When asked about the secrets to a happy bachelor’s degree at Penn State University. marriage, Jacob recommends tolerance.

It was at Penn State in the summer of 1934 “One of the most interesting aspects of our where their paths crossed. Audrey was residing family is that my parents come from different in the Acacia House, which was run by members religious backgrounds. As kids, we were given of the fraternity who cleaned the residence and experiences in both Christianity and Judaism, and cooked for the boarders. One night, the members were allowed to choose which one suited us,” invited some friends over for a dance.

Marie said. “We were brought up to be respectful “They played Victrola records and Jacob of all religions. It’s nice because now the next asked me to dance,” Audrey said. “We danced generation of our family is experiencing the same Jacob and Audrey with their children, well together. Later that night – I’ll never forget it thing. We all get along and love each other.”

Marie, Eloise and Mike in 1945.

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The Village Voice • Fall 2010

Anniversary For Audrey, she feels the best way Shopping Center, Pocono Hospital to achieve marital bliss is through onBoard, YMCA and Temple Israel. the-job training.

He is a member of Pocono Lodge When they were first married, “I No. 780, Cresco. Audrey served as didn’t know how to cook, not even president of the boards of the Cancer potatoes,” she said. “My sister wrote Society, Pocono Girl Scout Council, me a basic cookbook, including Monroe County Library and American how long to boil potatoes. One day Association of University Women I went into a butcher shop and told (AAUW). the butcher ‘I would love to cook a To celebrate the couple’s 50th chicken.’ He told me how long to bake wedding anniversary in 1985, a it and to make sure I tasted it before “semi” surprise party was thrown and I served it. It was so good, we ate the attended by many family members and whole chicken in one meal! I wasn’t friends. For Audrey’s 100th birthday always successful, but eventually I in April, her family visited Masonic The Cohens, their children and grandchildren in 1996. Back row learned. I think my kids would say I Village and, per her request, headed to (l-r): Mike Cohen, son; Gus Coutsouros; David Boltz; and Tom am a good cook.” the Pennsylvania State Museum to see Gaynor. Second row (l-r): Andrew Cohen; Vivian Cohen; Cynthia The Cohens resided in several the newly restored mastodon (a large Coutsouros; Marie Boltz, daughter; and Susan Gaynor. Third row: cities across Kansas before moving (l-r) Sarah Cohen; Arnold Falleder; Eloise Falleder, daughter; and tusked extinct mammal) skeleton. It to Forest Hills, N.Y., then Dumont, Jacob Cohen. Front row (l-r): Samantha Falleder, Augusta Falleder was a significant exhibit to her because N.J., and lastly, Stroudsburg, Pa., the fossil was found in Marshalls and Audrey Cohen. where they lived for 50 years. Their Creek near Stroudsburg. first “child” turned out to be twins. Fathers were rarely allowed in In the last 100 years, one of the biggest changes in society, the delivery room, but Jacob was present for the births. “The doctor according to the Cohens, has been the way people communicate. delivered one and was washing up when his assistant said another was They remember a day and age when telephones were reserved for coming,” he said. emergencies and are amazed to see people today constantly connected “I was given ether, so I don’t remember a lot of it, but when I around the world. “Who would have thought of people using cell awoke, the nurse asked, ‘How’s our mother of two?’” Audrey said. “I phones?” Audrey said. “They have no wires, and you carry them in couldn’t believe it and went back to sleep. Finally, they brought them your hand!” in for me to hold.”

She recently had a technological awakening thanks to one of her By 1940, they had three children. Both remember clearly how life great-grandsons: “He had a tiny device in his hand, and I asked him changed during World War II. “The war affected everybody,” Jacob what it was,” she said. “He told me it was an iPod that plays music. I said. “I held down two jobs – one with an airplane manufacturer and couldn’t believe it. He brought me into the 21st century.” the other was an office job. It was tiring and difficult. Everyone had While Jacob prefers Audrey do most of the talking, the two help to do it though.” Again, there was sugar rationing and gasoline was each other remember details of their lives – everything from the name scarce. The family grew a victory garden to reduce their dependency of the couple they played bridge with to their anniversary date. She on the pubic food supply and support the war efforts. quizzed him on the number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren “We didn’t have a lot of money growing up,” Marie said, “but we they have, and he passed with flying colors. didn’t know that. My father’s parents were European immigrants. He Without hesitation, they both agree the secret to their longevity has became a well-respected community leader and has done wonderful been a happy marriage. “At least for us, it is,” Audrey said. “We don’t things with his life. My mother is proud and always wants to do things know any other way. right.”

“It’s been a busy life, happy and healthy, but now we’re tired and Jacob and Audrey played bridge with the same couple, whom are so glad to come to Masonic Village where health care, recreation, they met in Forest Hills, for many years. The four took a trip to Asia clubs, music and meals are here for the taking. Thank you, Masonic together and enjoyed riding their friends’ yacht from Florida to Long Village.”

Island. They also played in a Stroudsburg Bridge Club for many years.

After retiring from accounting, Jacob remained active with the Monroe County Public Library, Stroudsburg Rotary Club, Stroud

Left, Audrey in her Girl Scout leader uniform, 1966, and Jacob in a business photo, 1955. Right, Jacob and Audrey at their 50th wedding anniversary celebration in 1985.

The Village Voice • Fall 2010

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Village Residents of Lafayette Hill shine with pride as they wear their medals won at the Senior Olympics. With assistance from staff, 13 residents placed second overall as a team.

The William Slater II Master Mason’s Club in Sewickley sponsored the second annual fishing outing in June for male residents of the Star Points personal care building and Valley Care Masonic Center.

Beautiful weather and a picnic lunch made the event extra special for the fishermen. New fishing hats were awarded for catching the first fish and the largest fish (a bass weighing 35 lbs. and measuring 20”). Left photo: Ed Tessaro and Chuck Kelly. Right photo: Tracy Miller proudly shows off his catch.

Senior Games participants gather for a celebratory luncheon in Elizabethtown.

36 residents participated in swimming, shuffleboard, billiards, bowling, bocce, horseshoes, pinochle and line dancing.

Residents from Sewickley enjoy a Just Ducky tour of the Pittsburgh area which included sites on land and sea.

Lafayette Hill resident Julia Fitzgerald visits with Hooties, a friend of Debbie Donnelly, RN.

Residents in Sewickley enjoy the first in a series of outdoor evening concerts held in the courtyard of the Star Points Building. Using funds raised through a Christmas in July sale in the Gift Shop, the Masonic Village at Sewickley advisory council sponsored an accordion player in June, a Dixieland band in July and a beach party in August.

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The Village Voice • Fall 2010

Residents in Elizabethtown cool off at the Summer Sizzling Dance Party with the Andy Angel Band. Shown to the left are Evelyn Grube and Jenny Rodger, and to the right are Jane and Charles Hafer.

Thomas K. Sturgeon, R.W. Grand Master, with residents Betsy Allyn, Ann Phipps and Lannie Gartner at the ground breaking for renovations to the Valley Care Masonic Center, the oldest portion of the Masonic Village at Sewickley campus. The project is expected to take two years to complete.

In Warminster, staff and residents take a stroll on a nice summer day: (l-r) Helen Taylor with Stoli Gjeka, Housekeeper/Porter; Louis Tonik with Florika Saraci, Housekeeper/Porter; Eleanor Linkenhonker with Indeera Ennis, Housekeeping Coordinator (rear); Liese Hagdorn; Kaye Benson with Ruth Carr, Housekeeper/ Porter; Carmen Ruggero with Florence Johnson, Housekeeper/Porter (rear); and Grace Smith with Pam Cooper, Activities Assistant (rear).

From left, National Sojourners Ray Vaughan, Russell Baker and Chet Brown, along with Geraldine Vaughan and Louise Brown, educate retirement living residents in Elizabethtown about the history of the American flag.

Happenings In Elizabethtown, residents, including Richard and Barbara Zell, toured the 23-acre Hershey Gardens and Butterfly House.

Warminster residents Liese Hagdorn and Jane Hornberger enjoy a slice of summer from Pam Cooper, Activities Assistant.

In June, R.W. Grand Master Thomas K. Sturgeon visited Lafayette Hill to present 18 Masons with service awards and certificates for 25, 60 and 65 years of membership. The honorees had a combined total of 1,035 years in the Masonic fraternity.

Shown to the left are Patricia and Raymond Barker, and to the right are William McCain and Grand Master Sturgeon.

Prior to a concert featuring the Pittsburgh Banjo Club, Sewickley resident Barrett Oliver plays some tunes for Bo Pollock.

Residents in Lafayette Hill take part in a fitness demonstration during a Health Fair held June 11.

Congratulations to three residents who received blue ribbon honors at the Elizabethtown Fair: (l-r) Don Morgan, for his stained glass art; Jim Berry for his carved chair frame; and Terry Kuntz for his chair caning.

At Sewickley’s annual summer festival, residents celebrated the season with a round of golf, country music, food, games and fellowship.

Shown above, BJ and Joe Manzinger, and right, Marge Grady, Dorothy Moore, Ellie Oliver and Dotty DeWeese.

Thanks to all contributors to the Order of the Eastern Star’s PawPrints for Pennsylvania Patriots project through which people have made donations to fly a flag at one of the Masonic Villages in honor or memory of a loved one. The proceeds from the flags help provide service dogs for returning soldiers and veterans.

The following flags will be (or have been) on display on Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day and Veterans Day: in Dallas, 16 large and two small flags; in Elizabethtown, 99 large and 45 small flags (seen above); in Lafayette Hill, four large and three small flags; in Sewickley, 25 large and 15 small flags; and in Warminster, 14 large and two small flags. This is an ongoing project, and additional flags will be added periodically. Thank you for your assistance in making this a successful program for the OES and veterans who have a need for a service dog.

Residents from the Masonic Children’s Home take in a Lancaster Barnstormers’ game. L-R: Thea Bert; Tianee Gatewood; La’Tia Gatewood (front); Cara Goss, Child Care Worker; and Sierra Firestone.

In Lafayette Hill, on June 3, staff and family reverently gathered to remember those residents of Whitemarsh Commons, the nursing care neighborhood, who had passed away since January 2010.

A short biography of each deceased resident was read, after which staff and friends shared their memories of each person. Then, a family member or staff person picked up a rose from the table and placed it in a vase to represent their deceased loved one/friend.

Spending a summer day at the ballpark also rooting for the Lancaster Barnstormers are Elizabethtown residents Audrey Stroup, Ann Layfield, Preston Layfield and Bill Hall (standing).

Sewickley residents attend a Washington Wild Things baseball game, thanks to the William Slater II Master Mason’s Club.

The Village Voice • Fall 2010

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Staff Spotlight: Cathy Welsh

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Not Just Another Day at the Office

hen Cathy Welsh reports to her job as Senior Administrative Assistant at the Masonic Village at Warminster, the most routine part of her day ends with her commute to work. From the time she parks her car, she is prepared for anything.

“It’s never just another day at the office,” she said. “There is a lot of diversity here. Some days I’m a nurse; other days, a social worker. We’re a smaller community, so it’s all hands in.”

“Cathy is a Senior Administrative Assistant with a unique position,” Anne Maher, Administrator, said. “Because of our small size, Cathy gets to wear many hats and makes them all fit.”

Her tasks include administrative duties, scheduling doctor appointments and transportation, talking with residents who stop in to visit, assisting job applicants and helping with any other problems which may arise.

“She is also our so-called ‘lunch lady’ during the week. She can be found in the dining room from 12 until 1 p.m. assisting the residents, pouring drinks and just helping to make their dining experience more enjoyable,” Jackie Deeken, Nursing Administrative Assistant, said.

The best part of her job is growing close to residents. With their varied backgrounds, each has something new to share.

“We have such a nice group of residents who are so happy to be here,” she said. “You can learn so much from them.”

“Cathy is usually the first person a new resident and family meet,” Anne said. “She always greets them warmly and makes them feel at home. She is so skillful at finding common ground to make them feel this is an inviting home. She has an Cathy and her husband, Jim uncanny ability to remember the smallest details she observes or that folks share with her. This is great for building bridges.

Residents gravitate to her open door because they know she will listen, and she will help with any problem they may have.”

Cathy has also recruited her family to experience Masonic Village. Her oldest daughter, Shannon, worked as a dietary aide while she was in high school and was so fond of the residents, she is currently attending nursing school. Her youngest daughter, Mary Cate, volunteered and works as a dietary aide. Her mother, Mary Rita Burns, volunteers to help with activities and meet with residents.

“Cathy is always there for the residents as well as the staff and family members,” Jackie said. “She is very generous. While I was out sick this past winter, she went out of her way, in the snow, to provide me with a kitchen-full of groceries!”

In her free time, Cathy enjoys crafts, gardening, working on projects around the house, reading, cooking (and eating) and bike riding. Her idea of the perfect day is going to the beach, preferably the Jersey shore, with a chair, umbrella and a good book. For her 25th wedding anniversary this November, she and her husband are going on a cruise.

“I’ve learned patience and compassion,” Cathy said, in her 11 years at Masonic Village. “There are challenges with my job, but also a lot of nice moments.”

“Families, visitors and staff know Cathy is the ‘go to person’ for assistance, information or just to make them laugh and brighten their day,” Anne said. “Her kindness, dedication, respect for and appreciation of all make her a true model of Cathy and her daughters (l-r) Shannon, Mary Cate and Casey. Her mother, Mary our Mission of Love.”

Rita Burns, a volunteer, poses as a model for a Masonic Village photo shoot.

A Reason to Celebrate Submitted by Julian Richter, Volunteer paramedic and Board Member, Northwest EMS

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“Rebirth Party” is traditionally held by ambulance services so resuscitated patients and their rescuers can meet one another. The EMS crews and police officers fill in missing details of the event for the patients and their families, and patients have a chance to thank their rescuers. Fred Hummler, a resident of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, feels very fortunate to have been a guest of honor at one of these parties.

On Feb. 17, two Northwest EMS crews responded to a call for a cardiac arrest at a grocery store parking lot. The first ambulance arrived at the scene to find a car with its driver’s side wedged against a snow bank. Elizabethtown police officers used their batons to smash the passenger window and open the At his Rebirth Party, Fred Hummler (center) meets a few of his rescuers (from left) locked door, and helped the ambulance crew pull Fred out of his car. dispatchers Steve Wolf, Bill Pope and Kim Huber, Paramedic Suzette Kreider, and “I returned home from dialysis that morning, and my wife asked me to EMTs Bill Splain and Nick Hessong. pick up a few things at the grocery store,” Fred said. “I was going into the hospital the next day for surgery to relieve sciatic pain. I wanted to fill the gas tank for my wife so she didn’t have to do it while I was recovering.”

Fred said he remembers tearing off the gas receipt from the pump and getting back in his car. His next memory wasn’t until nine days later, when he was taken from Hershey Medical Center to Masonic Village for rehabilitation. Today, he has had a 95 percent complete recovery, both physically and mentally, thanks to the quick response of a team of rescuers and a new treatment for chilling the brain of a cardiac arrest patient.

The attendant at the grocery store gas pumps started the rescue process by recognizing Fred was in trouble and immediately calling 911. The police arrived within a couple minutes. One Northwest EMS ambulance pulled in and CPR was started within three minutes of Fred’s heart stopping. The second ambulance arrived a minute later, bringing reinforcements.

When they saw the permanent port for dialysis treatment in Fred’s arm, the crew knew what drugs to give because dialysis can deplete certain chemicals in the blood that regulate the heart. As the ambulance arrived at the hospital, Fred’s heart resumed beating and the medics could feel a pulse. He was immediately given “induced hypothermia,” a new treatment that lowers the body temperature by several degrees to improve the chances for recovery without brain damage. In Fred’s case, the procedure was a success.

Fred and his wife, Margaret, moved from Coatesville to the Sycamore Apartments at Masonic Village in April 2008.

“It was the best move we ever made,” Fred said. “Everyone here is so friendly and nice. While I was in the hospital, at least nine or 10 people offered to help us, any time, any place. I received almost 90 cards, most of which were from neighbors in our apartment building. It’s like a big, extended family.”

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The Village Voice • Fall 2010

Your Village View: MVtv Debuts in Elizabethtown I

n 2002, a group of residents at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown formed Channel 18, a 24-hour campus television station featuring activity calendars, announcements and replays of the previous day’s programs, fitness classes and church services. Eight years later, in a world where technology is changing every day, residents felt it was time for an upgrade. Through fundraising efforts, they were able to raise enough money to purchase a new in-house television communication system, which includes better features and the capability to operate two channels while remaining easy to operate. To represent the additional channel and other changes, this service is now referred to as MVtv. “Volunteers can update the new system from their computers at home, so they don’t have to go into the office as often,” Wils Kile, chairman of the $25,000 drive for Channel 18 improvements, said. “There are so many things we can do now, including run a station for retirement living residents and one for those in residential living since they have different activities. We can put up a weather warning immediately; add photos easily; the slides transition faster; and the graphics are better.”

“At the bottom of the picture, the date, time and weather are listed 24 hours a day,” Yolanda Weider, MVtv coordinator, said. “Many of the residents have been looking forward to that and the fact that this new presentation is more readable.”

Due to recent digital changes in cable television, the former Channel 18, for retirement living residents, is now found on channel 95, and the residential living station is on channel 66. Both channels will air various programs from around campus and can be viewed by residents in the Masonic Health Care Center and Freemasons Building. A 10-member team of volunteers videotapes events, updates activity announcements and uploads photos.

The campaign to raise money began last October. In just three short months, the $25,000 goal was met and exceeded by $6,000, which allowed the second channel to be created, and also covered the cost of servicing/installing the system and the purchase of carrying cases for the cameras. Residents, various resident clubs and Masonic lodges contributed to the effort.

“The response was fantastic,” Wils said. “And things were tough at that time with the economy.”

The stations have been up and running since June. A professor and five students from Elizabethtown College helped with the video equipment setup and showed residents how to use some of the new camera features.

“The system is so flexible, and we can put changes up immediately,” Wils said. “It’s also a new chance for people to be active. It’s very exciting.”

“The most important thing is that residents be aware of all the activities MVtv volunteers: (l-r) Richard Zell, Ron Deuel, John Larsen, Dot Stout, happening on campus,” Yolanda said. “It widens their outlook on opportunities at Masonic Village.”

Carole Sieber, Bob Wheeler and Bill Stevenson. In the front row, Neda Any resident who would like to volunteer to record programs or help operate the Mae Wert, Doris Ecklund and Yolanda Weider. *Not pictured: Phyllis MVtv stations may contact Yolanda at ext. 15404.

Stevens.

Vegetable Gardens continued from p. 5 Masonic Village was an ideal place for the Aldingers to raise their children. They had plenty of room to run and play and lots of friends at the Masonic Children’s Home. “My favorite memories are of my brother, sister and me ice skating on the fish pond along with children from the children’s home, swimming in the outdoor pool each summer, walking to the dairy barn with my sister to pick up fresh milk (part of Dad’s wages), and attending Friday night movies in the Deike Auditorium,” Marilyn said. “I also attended dances at the Thomas Ranken Patton Masonic Institution for Boys.”

The young Aldingers learned the value of hard work, too. Along with the children from the children’s home, Martha, Ralph, Jr., and Marilyn would ride a tractor-pulled wagon out to the fields to pick vegetables. They were paid by the basket. Their positive childhood experiences led them all to work at Masonic Village as adults (see Ralph, Jr.’s memory on p. 5). Martha Wess, Miriam and Ralph’s older daughter, worked as a housekeeper in Grand Lodge Hall, as the organist at Sell Chapel and as an RN for 20 years in the Masonic Health Care Center. She served as Director of Nursing.

Marilyn volunteered in the health care center bringing a book cart to residents and helping in the activities department. She worked in the cannery and the kitchens of the Grand Lodge Hall and Masons Care Building, now called the Freemasons Building. For the past 27 years, she has served as an RN in the health care center.

“The best part of my job is when I can find some time to talk with residents,” she said. “They come from all kinds of different backgrounds and professions, and have traveled to many different places. They have lots of interesting stories to share and enjoy reminiscing. They even share their expertise and advice from time to time.”

Once her children were older, beginning around 1968, Miriam worked in the cannery, then in the Grand Lodge Hall as a housekeeper and lastly, in the activities department in the Masonic Health Care Center, where she led bingo games, showed movies, held craft classes and was in charge of the kiln for ceramics.

She also found herself volunteering as the substitute Bible study teacher. “Rev. [Charles] Lacquement said to me, ‘If you can talk, you can do it,’” Miriam said.

Outside their lives at Masonic Village, Miriam and Ralph were active in their church, volunteering as deacons. Ralph, a 33° Mason, was involved in the Masonic fraternity, serving as Grand Steward under R.W. Past Grand Masters William Carpenter; Carl Stenberg, Jr.; and Arthur Kurtz, and was an advisor for the Order of DeMolay. Miriam is a Past Matron of Elizabethtown Chapter No. 407, OES, and served as Associate Bethel Guardian of Elizabethtown Bethel No. 15, Job’s Daughters, and Associate Grand Guardian of Pennsylvania Job’s Daughters.

Ralph retired in 1990, at which point much of the garden work at Masonic Village ceased. Miriam retired in 1993, and two years later, Ralph passed away in the Masonic Health Care Center. “Ralph was dedicated to the Masonic fraternity and his job, and he wouldn’t have changed any part of it for the world,” Miriam said.

“Living at the Masonic [Village], the residents were like family,” Marilyn said. “They always made my sister and me jewelry, and we would visit with them and bring homemade soup, home-grown strawberries and other goodies. My parents invited residents for supper and to picnics at our house.”

“It was a tremendous place to raise our kids; a good environment and good people to work with. We were treated like family by everyone,” Miriam said. “We were invited to big banquets and concerts held at the [village]. Residents would come and sit on our porch. We never locked our doors, and sometimes they would use our kitchen when we weren’t home.”

“The Masonic Village has been a major part of my family’s life,” Marilyn said. “It has been a privilege to have grown up here, and I continue to be grateful and fortunate to be able to work ‘at home.’ I’m proud to be a part of a place that has a history of being so helpful to people.”

Cannery workers, 1969

The Village Voice • Fall 2010

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by J. Kenneth Brubaker, M.D., C.M.D., Medical Director, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown

Dealing with Depression T

he word “depression” may elicit different responses among people who are 55 years of age and older. For some, depression is viewed like any other illness such as hypertension, heart disease or hypothyroidism. To others, depression may be viewed as an illness reflecting one’s lack of faith in a supreme being.

Depression is a very common medical problem among older adults, and is often broken down into two categories: major depression and minor depression. In all cases of depression, a person will experience a depressed mood and/or loss of interest or pleasure. To diagnose a major depression, one must also experience four of the seven symptoms listed below for a minimum of two weeks. For a diagnosis of a minor depression, one must also experience two or three of the below symptoms for two weeks.

1. Weight loss or gain 2. Insomnia or hypersomnia 3. Restlessness or tiredness 4. Decreased energy 5. Feelings of guilt 6. Inability to concentrate 7. Thoughts of depression or suicide Increased rates of depression are found among older adults who seek medical care in the community and in hospital settings. For example, major depressive disorders are observed in 6 to 10 percent of older adults in primary care offices and 12 to 20 percent among those living in nursing homes. Even higher rates are observed in older adults who are hospitalized, ranging from 11 to 45 percent. In addition to major depression, other studies indicate higher rates of minor depression exist among nursing home residents, ranging up to 50 percent.

These depression rates are consistent with the research findings of Dr. Ira Katz, a geri-psychiatrist from the University of Pennsylvania. In nursing homes where he performed screening depression tests, as well as among those individuals who were already successfully treated for depression, he found the rate of depression ranged between 65 to 70 percent of all nursing home residents.

Why is depression so common among nursing home residents?

Researchers in the mental health field have learned that common risk factors contributing to depression include macular degeneration, stroke, heart attacks, significant hearing loss, alcohol abuse, a family history of depression, change or changes in environment, loss of one’s driver’s license and loss of vision. People who experience a stroke have up to a 60 percent chance of developing a major depression within the first 24 months following a stroke. Forty percent of residents with Parkinson’s disease develop signs and symptoms of depression. People with memory loss have up to a 50 percent chance of developing a depression. Thus, one can deduct depression is closely related to losses a person experiences during aging.

It is also important to remember there are a number of medications that can contribute to depression. These can include medications for seizures, treatment of Parkinson’s disease, medications for anxiety such as Xanax and Ativan, pain medications and many others.

Depression can develop as a result of an underactive thyroid or low B-12 levels. Thyroid and B-12 deficiencies are commonly diagnosed in the older adult population. In addition, medications can also contribute to suppressing the thyroid gland which causes hypothyroidism. Two commonly used medications, lithium and amiodarone, are some of the worst offenders for suppressing the production of the thyroid hormone levothyroxine.

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The Village Voice • Fall 2010

Grief is a common experience among all ages, but it is especially common among older adults as they experience the loss of friends, spouses and other extended family members. Grief may present like a depression but shouldn’t last beyond six to 12 months. While grief is commonly associated with symptoms of depression, a grieving person usually does not experience the common signs and symptoms that are observed with a depressed mood, namely loss of interest or pleasure.

Treatment of depression is very important since depression usually affects one’s quality of life. Some people prefer working closely with a psychologist without the use of antidepressant medications, while others prefer taking antidepressants with or without therapy. Psychotherapy, combined with an antidepressant, has been associated with a longer period of remission after recovery from the acute onset of depression.

Fortunately, there are many antidepressant medications which can be helpful in the treatment of major or minor depressions. Citalopram (commonly known as Celexa) is one of the most frequently used antidepressant medications in older adults since it has few side effects.

Other commonly used antidepressants include Remeron, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Cymbalta and Effexor. It is important to remember there is no one antidepressant that is superior to another. If one antidepressant isn’t effective within six to 12 weeks, another will be tried. Sometimes, one antidepressant will help the depression, but an additional antidepressant may be required, similar to the additive benefits of treating hypertension with more than one antihypertension medication.

One of the most difficult decisions to make occurs when an older adult with depression doesn’t respond to antidepressants. This situation can occur with 20 to 30 percent of those undergoing treatment for depression.

Medical research has consistently demonstrated that ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) can be very effective among those who are non-responders to antidepressant medications. Frequently, many older adults with depression and their extended family members are reluctant to accept the physician’s recommendations to consider ECT as an effective alternative treatment for those who have not responded to oral antidepressants.

Another difficult decision is determining when treatment for depression can be discontinued. For younger people with a depression, the length of treatment is usually six to 12 months with subsequent slow reduction of the antidepressant medication. Treatment of older adults is much more complicated. Over the past 10 years, there have been several side effects associated with antidepressants which impact patient safety. Two reported adverse effects are gastrointestinal bleeds and increased falls.

Further compounding this issue is the fact that experiences among many geriatricians have shown that patients with a history of recurrent depression throughout adulthood and those with a late life onset of depression do very poorly if the antidepressant is discontinued after six to 12 months.

Ultimately, the decision of the patient/family and physician depends on weighing the risks and benefits between long-term antidepressant treatment versus discontinuing the antidepressant after six to 24 months. This decision is compounded by the fact that discontinuing antidepressants in some older adults contributes to reoccurrence of the depression, and restarting the same antidepressant at the same dosage is no longer effective. In those situations, the remaining option is often ECT. Depression is common among adults, especially those age 70 and older, and causes for depression may include one’s genetics, medications, medical problems and multiple experiences that are often associated with losses.

Depression is very treatable. The sooner an older adult and/or his/her physician recognize the signs and symptoms of depression, the quicker it can be treated successfully.

Your Estate Plan (Second of a four-part series)

by Alvin H. Blitz, Chief Director of Gift Planning

Planning for Your Future: What you should know about Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney

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t any stage in life, an unexpected accident or serious illness can put strain on a family or caregiver, especially if a loved one is unable to communicate his or her wishes regarding health care. Creating a Living Will (also referred to as Advance Directives) and/or declaring a Health Care Power of Attorney protects family members or caregivers by preparing them for possible future decisions. These tools outline your wishes to help family and friends make the health care choices you would want.

A Living Will is a document used as a method by which people who have been incapacitated can exercise their qualified legal right to instruct a medical provider which life-prolonging procedures to withhold or withdraw once they have been determined to be terminally ill or permanently unconscious. A “life-prolonging procedure” means any medical procedure, treatment or intervention which uses mechanical or artificial means to sustain, restore or supplant the normal bodily function. Keep in mind; however, a Living Will does NOT instruct the medical provider to withhold procedures which would provide comfort or alleviate pain.

Complementing the Living Will is the Health Care Power of Attorney.

A Health Care Power of Attorney appoints a person chosen by you to make health care decisions on your behalf if at some point you lack the capacity yourself. Unlike a Living Will, the person you appoint can act regardless of whether you are terminally ill or permanently unconscious.

One must be a competent adult to provide instructions for his/her health care in the event of incapacity. In most states, the law authorizes a person, referred to as the “principal,” to appoint a surrogate decision maker(s) (usually referred to as the “agent”), who can be authorized to make any health care decisions, including those concerning end-of-life treatment.

The trend today has been for an individual to appoint someone to be empowered to make both health care and end-of-life decisions in a single document, sometimes referred to as a “Comprehensive Health Care Advance Directive.” Because it is more comprehensive and flexible than the other available planning tools, a Comprehensive Health Care Advance Directive is the preferred legal tool for planning these types of decisions.

A new Pennsylvania law, Act 169, took effect on Jan. 29, 2007 to revise and update laws covering health care decisions. It regulates advance health care directives like Living Wills and Health Care Powers of Attorney, and authorizes family members to make decisions for their loved ones.

The Pennsylvania act includes a form document which can be used to appoint an agent for a combined Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will. The form document was not intended to be used to cover every possible health care circumstance, so talk with your attorney about creating a more comprehensive and personally-crafted document.

Probably the most important decision in the preparation of your Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will is selecting the right “caregiver” or agent to choose the care you would want when you cannot make you own health care decisions.

A recent article published on the Web site www.WebMD.com suggests the following qualifications/recommendations when choosing an agent: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Is at least 18 years old.

Knows you well and understands what makes life meaningful for you.

Understands your religious and moral values.

Will honor your wishes and do what you want, not what he or she wants.

Will be able to make difficult choices at a stressful time.

Will be able to refuse or stop treatment if that is what you would want, even if it may result in your death.

Will be assertive with health professionals if needed.

Will be able to ask questions of doctors and others to get the information needed to make decisions.

Lives near you or is willing and able to travel if needed to make decisions for you.

Most individuals will choose a spouse or other family member as their agent. A close friend or even your attorney or another professional advisor, under certain circumstances, may be advisable. It is also prudent to choose a backup agent should your primary choice not be available or refuse to act as your agent for some reason. Most importantly, you should discuss your personal views on health care and end-of-life treatment in advance with the person you select. This will go a long way in guiding your agent to confront any difficult health care decisions on your behalf.

Finally, make sure you follow through on having a Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will prepared or revised before it is too late.

You should make sure the documents are part of your estate planning document package, along with your Will and Financial Power of Attorney.

You should also review these documents every five years or after a major life change for yourself or your primary agent.

Some good resources on Advance Directives and/or Health Care Powers of Attorney can be found at the following Web sites: • www.paelderlaw.com/PA_Attorneys_Guide_to_AD.html • www.abanet.org/publiced/practical/books/wills/home.html • http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server. pt?open=514&objID=616385&mode=2 If you do not have the ability to access these articles online, feel free to call the Office of Gift Planning at (800) 599-6454 and request copies of the Web site articles listed in this column. We will be happy to send them to you at no cost. Should you have any particular questions about this article or need assistance finding an attorney to prepare a Health Care Power of Attorney or Living Will for you, you can reach me at the above telephone number or e-mail me at ablitz@masonicvillagespa.org.

Financial information about Masonic Charities can be obtained by contacting us at 1-800-599-6454. In addition, Masonic Charities is required to file financial information with several states. Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, (303) 894-2680, http://www.sos.state.co.us/. Florida: SC No. 00774, A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. Georgia: full and fair description of the programs and activities of Masonic Charities and its financial statement are available upon request at the address indicated above. Illinois: Contracts and reports regarding Masonic Charities are on file with the Illinois Attorney General. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (800) 825-4510. Michigan: MICS No. 11796 Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-2366167. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs. gov/ocp.htm#charity. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. New York: A copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: Financial statements are available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: The notice of solicitation required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of Masonic Charities is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 1-800-332-4483. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. REGISTRATION IN THE ABOVE STATES DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION OF MASONIC CHARITIES BY THE STATE.

COMPLETE AND MAIL THIS FORM TO: Office of Gift Planning, Masonic Charities, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022  Please send me/us additional information on including a Masonic Charity in my/our estate plan.  Please contact me/us to answer my/our questions concerning the preparation of a Living Will and/or Health Care Power of Attorney.  Please send me/us copies of the documents referenced in this article.  Please send me/us information on your Franklin Legacy Society that recognizes individuals who have included a Masonic Charity in his/her Will or Living Trust. 

I/We have already included one of the Masonic Charities in my/ our Will(s).

Name: Address: City:

State:

Telephone: (

Zip:

)

E-mail Address:

The Village Voice • Fall 2010

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Masonic Villages’ Wish List S • • • •

ince the Masonic Villages’ Wish List was last published, many generous individuals, lodges and chapters have donated funds for the following items: A new piano dolly at the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill APM2 mattresses, a full lift and a sit and stand lift for residents in the Masonic Health Care Center at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Mattresses, music lessons and instruments for the children at the Masonic Children’s Home Renovations for the Activity Room and Assembly Room, and two Advent banners, two Christmas banners, two Christ candles and two candle sets for the Pastoral Care Department at the Masonic Village at Sewickley

All these items have an impact on the lifestyle and care provided for residents of the Masonic Villages. As just one example, the items received by the Pastoral Care Department at the Masonic Village at Sewickley will enhance the spiritual well-being of residents: “In developing a worship program, it is important to try to create an atmosphere that is similar to a regular church; a sense that when you gather in fellowship, you are gathering in ‘sacred’ space,” Rev. Tim Reichard, Director of Pastoral Care, said. “For many residents, church involvement was a significant part of their lives before coming to Masonic Village, and it is important to maintain that connection to provide them with a sense of the familiar as they transition to a new life and environment.

“We are also very blessed to have individuals who help strengthen the ministries carried out here at the Masonic Village at Sewickley through donations to the program. It is their spirit of giving and benevolence that helps the residents worship in a ‘sacred’ environment, and feel in that time and place a deeper connection to God’s presence.”

THANK YOU to everyone for helping make wishes come true for residents of the Masonic Villages! An up-to-date list is available on the Masonic Villages’ Web site, www.masonicvillagespa.org/wishlist.php or by contacting the Office of Gift Planning at (800) 599-6454.

QTY. CAPITAL NEED COST TOTAL PER ITEM COST

QTY. CAPITAL NEED COST TOTAL PER ITEM COST

Masonic Children’s Home 20 Mattresses $200 $4,000 5 File cabinets $200 $1,000 12 Kitchen counter stools $100 $1,200 5 Porch gliders $300 $1,500 5 Picnic tables $300 $1,500 2 Treadmills $1,000 $2,000 5 Medicine cabinets $500 $2,500 2 Carpet for enclosed porch $1,415 $2,830

Carpet for offices $6,412 20 Dining room chairs $100 $2,000

9 Lifts - sit to stand (includes estimated shipping) 5 Low electric beds 1 Nurse call bell system - wireless 1 Security system 5 Wheelchairs - Broda (comfort seating at end of life) 15 Wheelchairs - Specialty 10 Whirlpools (tubs) 1 Wireless internal access

Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill 6 Recliners $676 $4,056 2 Insulated camcart $675 $1,350 1 Lobby facelift $28,000 $28,000

(furniture, lamps, drapery, etc.)

Theatrical Therapy for residents $3,000 $3,000

(12-week class) Plants/Planters $3,375 1 It’s Never Too Late $24,000 $24,000

(computer systems that empower individuals to connect, engage & enjoy life) 1 Mechanical lift $5,300 $5,300 1 Portable digital wheelchair scale $2,000 $2,000 64 Bedspreads $80 $5,120 1 Van with lift $45,000 $45,000

Masonic Village at Warminster 5 Fall mats 20 Lounge chairs 20 Over bed tables

$155 $150 $265

$775 $3,000 $5,300

Masonic Village at Elizabethtown

Bleiler Caring Cottage renovations 1 10 to 15 passenger van

$5,100 $34,607

$5,100 $34,607

$1,200

$104,400

$5,000

$15,000

$3,700

$33,300

Clinical Needs

87 APM2 mattresses - 80 x 35 (prevent skin breakdown) 3 Bariatric bed and equipment

(used for larger residents) 9 Lifts - full

(includes estimated shipping)

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The Village Voice • Fall 2010

$3,800

$34,200

$5,000 $100,000 $100,000 $2,100

$25,000 $100,000 $100,000 $10,500

$1,000 $20,000 $20,000

$15,000 $200,000 $20,000

Quality of Life Needs

49 Ceiling panels - ocean, sky, etc. $215 $10,535 (for residents who are bed bound) 3 Furniture for resident balconies $1,000 $3,000 10 Horticulture gardens - raised $500-1,000 $5,000-10,000 (depending on the size and materials used) 1 It’s Never Too Late $24,000 $24,000 (computer systems that empower individuals to connect, engage & enjoy life) 2 Keyboards - digital $2,500 $5,000

Masonic Village at Sewickley 1 Photosmart compact printer $250 $250 (with extra cartridges) 2 Outdoor tents - 20 x 20 $1,800 $3,600 1 All-in-one music system $500 $500 1 Handrail tilt and roll scale $1,550 $1,550 (nursing home resident need) 1 Shuttle bus for residents $125,000 $125,000 1 ARJO maxi lift $7,400 $7,400 (nursing home resident need) 1 ARJO sit to stand lift $4,100 $4,100 (nursing home resident need) 1 Channel E stimulation $4,400 $4,400 (nursing home resident need) 1 Occupancy sensors $20,000 $20,000 (for apartment hallways) 1 Computer and printer $1,250 $1,250 (Social Services Department) 2 Computers and printer $1,000 $2,000 (Social Services Department) 1 Computer $1,175 $1,175 (Food Services Department) 1 Automobile for campus travel $12,000 $12,000

Memorial Gifts May 1 - July 31, 2010 Below is a list of individuals (names are shown in red) whose loved ones have made a gift in their memory to one of the five Masonic Villages located at Dallas, Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley or Warminster.

Great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the names listed below. We regret any errors or omissions.

If an error has been made, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at (800) 599-6454, (717) 367-1121, ext. 33003, or by e-mailing giving@masonicvillagespa.org. Thank you.

Ralph W. Adams David A. Adams Joan Albert G. Edward and Rowena Morelock Francis J. Anderson Harry A. Houseman Lodge No. 717 George R. Andraso Charles L. Perkins Marian Arndt Edward J. Arndt Samuel H. Arrell, Jr. Virginia Arrell Alfred Asheuer Alfred M. Asheuer Sterling E. Ault Doric Lodge No. 630 William D. Baker, Sr. Jane A. Baker Judith Ballenger-Thompson Christine Brunn Donald W. Banzhof James L. Benedict Patricia A. Ruth Stanley N. Barer Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Marian Barnett Robert C. Barnett Russell E. Beam Harry and Jean Lamb Russell L. Berger Edith M. Berger Mary LaVerne Boen Friendship Chapter No. 551, O.E.S. Helen Bonar Gloria Massarelli Paulette Mike Ernest L. Boyer, Sr. M. Ruth Boyer Joseph P. Bricknell Paul P. Bricknell Merville C. Broadbent Bruce and Joyce Broadbent Robert L. Brocklehurst Lake Lodge No. 434 Millard Guy Christmas, Jr. Kenneth and Jan Engle Barbara Miers Hans C. P. Chun Jack C. Chun Vance J. Cole Samuel E. Cole Emil D. and Sylvia Conti, Sr. Emil D. Conti, Jr. Isabelle “Polly” Croft Stuart and Barbara Brown Bill and Jean Frankhouser Mary Anne Klemkosky

William S. Marshall, III and Nancy L. Orn Louis and Sophia Miller Grace Cunningham John M. Cunningham, III J. Robert Cunningham Harry and Doris Longenecker Sylvia L. Curry Ann M. Lumadue Bernard T. D’Agostino Southampton Square Club Barbara Daley Jay and Ilene Klein Tom and Ruth Mason Dan Radcliff and Family Carol J. Davis John A. Davis Donald G. Day Bluestone Lodge No. 338 Bud Deibert Hilda Deibert, Jane and Beth Philip Devor Vivian Gelfand Jerome and Barbara Glickman Neal and Carole Hecht Scott Hecht Steve and Marlene Hilkowitz Howard M. Levy Dave A. Micha J. Victor DeWeese Elizabeth B. Allyn Sarah H. Brown Susan B. Dibert Ray R. Diehl Doris H. Diehl Joseph H. Duke Dorothy L. Duke Mary Lou Dyer Fred G. Dyer, Jr. Horace S. Dyer, Jr. Richard E. Dyer Loraine Neitzel Charles W. Emlet George S. Mark, Jr. Frederick “Fred” Engel Eleanor A. Burrell Ann S. DeMatto Elizabeth A. DeMatto Eleanor J. Durkin Joyce Gallagher Gertrude B. Hilborn Mr. and Mrs. Frank Johnson, Jr. Patsy A. Pinkham Southampton Square Club Nancy J. England Robert M. England Harry W. Epp Southampton Square Club David F. Espenshade Marion F. Attaviano

John P. Espy, Jr. Tyrone Lodge No. 494 John Farnsworth Frackville Lodge No. 737 H. Howard Fasnacht Richard E. Brandt Marilyn M. Fink Virginia G. Crump Kenneth R. Harms Jane E. Weirich White Rose Chapter No. 360, O.E.S. Betty Witmer Eleanor L. Wolf Geraldine F. Freidly Mike and Rosa Mastromatteo Mr. and Mrs. Harry E. Roberts, IV Michael and Marsha Thatcher Family Larry E. Freitag Doric Lodge No. 630 David H. Frey Durbin B. College Michael G. De Matteis Katherine E. Miller C. Robert and Leota Mills Shirley L. Rotz Richard E. Schur Curtis C. Fritz Carroll S. Arnold L. Marie Fry Doris E. Bolze Jim and Susan Guldner John and Shirley McKee Dr. A. I. Garner, Sr. William S. Snyder Lodge No. 756 A. Richard and Kathryn Geesaman Carlton B. Geesaman, Sr. Harry E. Gerhard Harry E. Gerhard, Jr. Jonas W. Gerhard Harry E. Gerhard, Jr. Joe R. Gerson Donald L. Baker Clyde F. Gibson, Jr. McKinley-Stuckrath Lodge No. 318 Mildred Ginther Harry and Mary Millinghausen Barbara E. Shields Gladys Hacker Goetz James F. and Nancy Standish, Jr. Margaret Gorrie William C. and Carol Stevenson, Sr. Jean N. Graham Russel M. Graham Stanton I. Green Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19

John A. Greer George T. Stroup, Jr. Donald E. Gregg Helen D. Gregg Griff Raymond Griffiths Ralph C. Gronlund Ferree C. Grossman, Jr. Lorraine Tubo Richard Haberlein John T. and Mary Peace, Jr. Joseph F. Haigh, Sr. Georgia H. Haigh Isreal J. Halpern Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Lawrence E. Hamill Margaret M. Hamill James R. Hartman Ronald J. Hartman Christian F. Heath Tyrone Lodge No. 494 Margaret Hitchcock Harry and Mary Millinghausen Barbara E. Shields Bertha D. Hollinger R. Dennis Hollinger Virginia S. Holt Andy Wilson Ernest M. Hoover Tyrone Lodge No. 494 Ulysses and Lillian Hunsberger John W. Hunsberger Clarence L. Hunsicker Cynthia Kern Emily Jiosne Richard N. Jiosne Gerald E. Johns Irmgard Johns Betty Karasch William H. Karasch Amy Keller Wilhelm Ned and Phyllis Masenheimer Thomas F. Kenney Stephen L. Kenney Charles “Max” Kinch Blanche I. Kinch and Family Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Murray Vera N. Peregrim George and Harriet Sterner Ellwood W. Kirk, Sr. Ellwood W. Kirk, Jr. Mary and Dick Knox Mary Knox Allan Kreiss Donald and Donna Berry William and Kay Dimeler Elizabeth A. Helm Donald and Margaret Rineer Frederick T. Kull, Sr. F. Thomas Kull, Jr. Continued on next page

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Boleslav and Veronica Kumelesky Anna Skasko and Grandson Joseph C. Skasko David T. Lamb Harry and Jean Lamb Henry J. Larsen Southampton Square Club Grant D. Laudermilch David S. Laudermilch Donald W. Leavitt Mary Q. Leavitt Roy Liebgott Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Sam Littman Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Loved Ones Richard and Bonnie Gilbert Henry D. Luciano Mary C. Luciano Robert J. Magill Juniata Lodge No. 282 Melvin W. Maki E. Jane Maki Edward Louis Marakovits, Jr. Manoquesy Lodge No. 413 Samuel E. Mark Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 David C. Marks Marion Lodge No. 562 Alfred Mash Alfred M. Asheuer Charles and Anna Mayer James D. Mayer Eugene E. McClain Betty Anne McClain Byron O. McCollum Hanna M. McCollum Robert and Roxanna McGee Christopher A. McGee Zigfrids Mikelsons Christian and Constance Reynolds Karl H. Miller Terry L. Miller Harry S. Mills, Sr. H. Sinclair Mills, Jr. George W. Minnich Ann D. Minnich Anna E. Moore Valley Care Association Virginia Court Order of the Amaranth Wayne, Cathy and Amanda Moreland Helen R. Oesterling Eugene C. Moore Marie Clugh Dorothea J. Coulson Harrisburg Forest No. 43, Tall Cedars of Lebanon Ronald Kaminski Kristen M. Kaskie Marian E. Seibert Paul R. and Esther Swab, Jr. and Children David and Elizabeth Morris Roland B. Morris, Sr.

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James W. Morrisey Tyrone Lodge No. 494 Melvin A. Mumaw Ruth B. Mumaw Fred D. Mumma William F. Mumma Moses C. Murphey, III Janice T. Murphey Ethel M. Myers Joyce Myers-Brown William L. Painter Carolyn B. Painter Charles J. Parker Vanita W. Parker Jean Eakin Parker Vanita W. Parker Roy E. Pastorius, Sr. Roy E. Pastorius, Jr. Clyde T. Perkins Alma, Dewey and Jane Perkins Frank Peterka, Sr. Robert F. Walleck Richard G. Peters Eureka Lodge No. 290 Matthew H. Petersohn Sandra L. Petersohn Chester A. Pierce Ann E. Fall Arthur E. Prack, Jr. Florence A. Prack Evelyn R. Price Friendship Chapter No. 551, O.E.S. Richard R. Rabold Richard J. Rabold Joseph Reid Marjorie Reid Doris H. Reynolds George and Florence Melick Oswald Richards Dorothy R. Richards George T. Roberts, III Kenneth D. Hughes The MacDonalds - Craig, Karen, Allan and Brenda Nona O’Mara Sundi O’Mara Robert A. Roux Carl S. Boselli Irene Rusk Charles E. Rusk Earl H. Russell, Sr. William S. Snyder Lodge No. 756 William F. Schrader, Jr. George P. Fichter, III Pantages Family William R. Schuler, Sr. William R. Schuler, Jr. Kenneth A. Seamans Henry H. Schell LeRoy K. Seip Laura Seip Howard C. Shaud Tyler and Claire Nutter Shaud Family Virginia Sue Sheffer James B. Sheffer, Jr. Conrad Shipe Chartiers Lodge No. 297

The Village Voice • Fall 2010

Sam K. Spanos Samuel W. Spanos James H. Staver, Jr. Nellie D. Staver Ruth Stellfox-Miller Charles A. and Betty Astfalk John R. Bingnear Friendship Chapter No. 551, O.E.S. John and Sara Houpt Debra J. Miller Eleanor I. Smith Alan and Rosemary Stratton Raymond J. Stettler Dennis R. Stettler Paul R. Stewart Seth Steinheiser John Wesley Stitt L. Sherwood and Britta Lennartson H. Barton Stone Helen A. Stone Evelyn Marie Stromberg Dorothy J. Higgins Donald F. Sweitzer Joseph and Debra Martin Henry Tatum David M. Tatum Edward Teitelman Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Augustus W. Thomas William A. Thomas Ruth B. Trexler John E. Behrle Daniel D. Browning, Jr. Ronald and Chaya Fischman Hershey Trust Terrence and Diane Larson Dennis and Laurell Meredith Terry Muldawer Eve Prensky Fred Roe Dr. and Mrs. Dennis Yankosky

Harry B. Troutman Amelia E. Troutman Djuka B. Vurdelja George and Marjorie Vurdelja Frank J. Walleck Robert F. Walleck Edith C. Ware Morris Chapter No. 14, O.E.S. Gloria A. Welms Daniel J. West Frackville Lodge No. 737 Jack W. Westafer Joanne D. Westafer Jay T. White James F. White Helen Wiegand Robert W. Wiegand Dennis “Butch” and Amy Wilhelm Richard and Ruth Koch Mary A. Murphy Douglas H. Wilson Mildred C. Wilson Robert W. Wilt Juniata Lodge No. 282 William C. Winthrop Shirley L. Winthrop Howard P. Wittel Melna F. Bailey Bill and Jean Frankhouser James R. Rodisch Arthur Wood Mark A. Bennett Clare E. Yarnell Frackville Lodge No. 737 Thomas E. Yingling Tyrone Lodge No. 494 Edward I. Zall Stephen L. Kenney Helen T. Zerfoss Joanne Spisak

Heading in the Right Direction

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Elaine Bleiler, a resident of Masonic Village; Missy Kilmer, Residential Cottage Coordinator; and Danette Nickel, Personal Care Attendant, display the GPS recently donated to the Bleiler Caring Cottage by Jacqueline and Eugene Hieber.

Honorarium Gifts May 1 - July 31, 2010 Below is a list of individuals (names are shown in red) whose loved ones have made a gift in their honor to one of the five Masonic Villages located at Dallas, Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley or Warminster. Great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the names listed below. We regret any errors or omissions. If an error has been made, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at (800) 599-6454, (717) 367-1121, ext. 33003, or by e-mailing giving@masonicvillagespa.org. Thank you.

Ad Lucem Lodge No. 812 Infinity Lodge No. 546 Louise M. Bachman William B. McIntyre, Jr. Helen Bruderer 90th Birthday Robert T. Faulds, Sr. Susan J. Felegy Charmaine Florey Betty L. MacAdam

David and Avis Ann Bryan Robert B. Greer, III Joan C. Kozik DiMatteo Francis V. Florentine Ann Dinsmore Alma, Dewey and Jane Perkins Roberta Ewing Alma, Dewey and Jane Perkins H. Howard Fasnacht’s Twin Daughters’ 70th Birthday Richard E. Brandt

Anita H. Kirk Ellwood W. Kirk, Jr. Beverly Kopp Robert H. Landis Evelyn L. Miller Terry L. Miller Libby Moore-Wolf Valley Care Association Dorothy K. Olweiler Jacob N. Olweiler

William S. Spanos Samuel W. Spanos Staff at Masonic Village at Sewickley Norma M. Gentile Claudia J. Stephens Mark A. Pagano Ralph B. Watson, Jr. Charles E. Cloutman

Hospice Care Memorial Gifts May 1 - July 31, 2010 Below is a list of individuals (names are shown in red) whose loved ones have made a gift in their memory to Masonic Village Hospice Care which is offered at our Elizabethtown location. Great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the names listed below. We regret any errors or omissions. If an error has been made, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at (800) 599-6454, (717) 367-1121, ext. 33003, or by e-mailing giving@masonicvillagespa.org. Thank you.

M. June Beears David and Delores Walmer Glenn H. Bradley David and Delores Walmer Elizabeth J. Greenawalt Henry H. and Twyla Baker, III Norman and Cheryl Deffibaugh Jim and Marie Eshleman

Frances R. Kauffman Joann Hill Mildred E. Myers Lloyd E. Manherz, Jr. Mike and Beth Flack Clyde T. Perkins Larry and Mary Jane Barenbaum Edward and Linda Bechtel Agnes Fox

Debra Lenker Richard and Bernie Myers, Sr. Alma, Dewey and Jane Perkins Steelton-Swatara Lodge No. 775 Arthur J. Reese Terry and Betsy Allison Scott Dwight Providence F. Eshelman Jim Reese

Edith R. Schroeder Debbie Sentz Dave and Linda Stoner Kelly Ann Strayer If you have questions or would like more information about Masonic Village Hospice Care, please call (717) 367-1121, ext. 18449.

Apple Season is in Full Bloom!

Apples, cider, pumpkins, fall decorations, 1000s of hardy fall mums & Masonic Village centennial items now available Pick-Your-Own Apples in October Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MasonicVillage Fresh Local Produce

FARM MARKET

We ship across the USA! View our catalog online for lots of holiday gift ideas www.mvfarmmarket.com. Call (717) 361-4520 or e-mail farmmarket@masonicvillagespa.org.

Hours: Mon. - Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown

(Located on the grounds of the Masonic Village)

The Village Voice • Fall 2010

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Masonic Village One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2199

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Explore 100 Years of History This exquisite 212-page keepsake, complete with a comprehensive narrative of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s foundation and growth, displays hundreds of photographs, shares thousands of facts and features first-hand accounts from people whose lives were transformed through the benevolence of members of the Masonic family.

MAKES A G REAT GIFT !

To ensure a rrival in tim e for the holid ays, please order no late r than Dec. 11.

History Book Order Form Please send $47.40 (includes tax and $5 shipping & handling) for each book.

Total quantity:

Total amount = $

Name Address City State Zip Make checks payable to Masonic Village or pay with a credit card:

” 10” x 13 x & shipping ta $40 plus

q Visa

q MasterCard q Discover

Card Number Exp. Date

Phone

Signature

Order using the form to the right. Also available in Gift Shops (Grand Lodge Hall, Masonic Health Care Center and Retirement Living Clubhouse), the Masonic Village Farm Market, by calling (717) 361-4520 or online at www.masonicvillagespa.org.

Return form and payment to:

Masonic Village Farm Market, Attn: Centennial Book Order, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Allow at least two weeks for order processing and shipping.