Village Voice - Winter 2015

VillageVoice www.masonicvillages.org

Winter 2015 Vol. 25, No. 1

Trusted Companions

A publication of the Masonic Villages

Winter 2015

The Village Voice is published four times per year.

The Masonic Villages include: Masonic Village at Dallas Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill Masonic Village at Sewickley Masonic Village at Warminster Members of:

LeadingAge LeadingAge PA Kairos Health Systems Masonic Communities and Services Association

Admissions to the Masonic Villages are approved or disapproved 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.

Village Voice Staff

Debra L. Davis editor/public relations manager, Corporate Editorial Board Trudy Plunkett executive assistant, Lafayette Hill Karen Hammond recreation supervisor/concierge, Sewickley Cynthia B. Hollinger supervisor, volunteer services, Elizabethtown Trisha Lamb activities director, Warminster Linda Tressler executive assistant, human resources, Elizabethtown NEXT DEADLINE: Submissions for the spring issue of the Village Voice are due March 17.

Public Relations Department Masonic Village, One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 pr@masonicvillages.org For more information, call 717-367-1121, ext. 33383.

On the cover: Elizabethtown resident Ruth Cielewich and J. Kenneth Brubaker, M.D., C.M.D., medical director, with Bubble the dog.

Photo by Rich Johnson, creative director

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A message from Joseph E. Murphy, chief executive officer

With the excitement and flurry of activity surrounding the holidays, I always look forward to the quiet calm that follows in January. Depending on Mother Nature’s plans, when I find a moment, I reflect on the past year and what the next one holds.

Across our Masonic Villages, 2014 marked the completion of three significant projects: the Sturgeon Health Care Center in Sewickley and 100 new retirement living cottages and the eternal flame monument in Elizabethtown.

Renovations to the Masonic Health Care Center in Elizabethtown continue, and we kicked off the start of a new apartment building and façade updates in Lafayette Hill.

Also in 2014, in Dallas, we saw nearly all the retirement living villas reserved, while in Warminster, we celebrated a major achievement with the Excellence in Health Care Compliance Award for earning three years of deficiency-free surveys from the Department of Health.

Transitional Care Units in Sewickley and Elizabethtown enable Masonic Village residents and individuals from the local community to receive short-term rehabilitation surrounded by dedicated staff

and newly-renovated amenities.

Residents of the Bleiler Caring Cottage found many ways to give back to their local community. The Adult Daily Living Center celebrated special events and creativity.

Hospice services provided special moments for dozens of patients and their families.

The Masonic Children’s Home helped six high school seniors achieve their secondary education goals.

I’m excited for the possibilities of 2015, as Masonic Villages seeks new ways to enrich our residents’ lives and impact the communities around us.

Photo by resident Roger Ford

Village Voice

Formal Gardens illuminated in Elizabethtown

In this Issue Staff Spotlight: Bill Balkovec.............. p. 3 Cover Story: Trusted Companions.pp. 4-8 Health Update..................................... p. 9 Meet Your Guides to Grand Teton National Park............................. pp. 10-11 Village Happenings.................... pp. 12-13 Lifelong Horse Trainer Has Chance to Ride Again..................................pp. 14-16 Bringing Hospice Patients Closer to Nature............................................... p. 17 A Model Craftsman................... pp. 18-19

Village Voice

Dining Across the State............ pp. 20-23 A Soldier’s Compassion.............. pp. 24-25 For the Love of Angels...................... p. 25 Wish List............................................ p. 26 Corporate Employee Matching Gift Programs............................................ p. 27 Increase Your Retirement Income..... p. 27 Memorial Gifts........................... pp. 28-30 Honorarium Gifts.............................. p. 31 Hospice Care Gifts............................ p. 31

Staff Spotlight

Bill Balkovec ~ More Than Maintenance

Bill Balkovec with Masonic Village at Sewickley resident and friend Raymah Horan

Bill Balkovec has been a general maintenance worker at Masonic Village at Sewickley for about 15 years, and he has been on the go since day one.

Prior to pursuing a career in maintenance, he started working on campus as a kitchen aide and later accepted a position as a cook. When he decided he needed a change 12 years later, Bill applied for a job in the maintenance department and hasn’t looked back.

Most general maintenance and repair workers fix and maintain machines, equipment and building structures, as well as work on plumbing, electrical, air conditioning and heating systems. What sets Bill apart is that he does none of these things.

Bill is not specifically trained in plumbing or airconditioning, but his lack of formal training has actually made him an expert in completing a wide variety of tasks around campus including one of his main responsibilities: apartment turnover.

Each personal care apartment turnover includes vacating the space, re-painting it, moving furniture and making sure everything is in order and feels like home for the next resident. With an average of several apartments turning over per month, completing the job accurately and efficiently is crucial.

“Bill gives 200 percent on everything he is asked to do,” Pete Jubic, maintenance director, said. “He cares about everything he does and is very thorough.”

Although Bill likes getting his hands in every job from apartment turnover to clearing out building vents to odd “fix-it” jobs, what he enjoys most about his work are the residents. Bill attributes his ability to connect with the residents to his upbringing.

“I was raised by my aunt and uncle, who were both older with friends their same age, so I have been around older people most of my life, and I can relate to them,” Bill said. “I enjoy listening to the residents’ stories. They brighten up my day.”

His latest project has been assisting one resident move who doesn’t have family. When situations like this arise, Bill does everything he can to help the resident complete the move effortlessly and with great company.

“It’s hard to see someone without a family to help them out,” Bill said. “I do my best to make sure they have the help they need.”

In his spare time, Bill enjoys watching the Pittsburgh Penguins play hockey on television and spending time with his two grandchildren. His oldest granddaughter has been in many plays and shows, which he and his wife love to attend. When the weather is nice, Bill and his wife go scope out good deals at local yard sales.

“We try to hit as many yard sales as we can, so we can buy things we really don’t need!” Bill said.

Bill’s kindness, patience and dedication is what makes him such a dependable worker and a great asset to the Masonic Village at Sewickley’s maintenance team – a team that is responsible for the safety and comfort of many residents.

“He is always in a happy mood. He works hard and takes on the extra responsibility,” Pete said. “Our department couldn’t do what we do without him.”

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Masonic Village at Elizabethtown resident Ruth Cielewich and Bubble

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Village Voice

Trusted Companions A peaceful purr, a little lick, a cheerful chirp or a burst of bubbles are just a few ways animals brighten our lives. As any pet owner or animal lover can attest, nothing makes worries subside like a friendly face – furry, feathery or fishy.

As certified Eden Alternative® sites, the Masonic Villages locations in Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and Warminster embrace the philosophy of enabling individuals to receive care, as well as give it, and build meaningful relationships. Whether it is a memory support neighborhood taking in kittens, a volunteer bringing a dog for a visit or a naming contest for newly-hatched lovebirds, animals are as much a part of Masonic Villages as people.

Masonic Village at Elizabethtown

Volunteer services and therapeutic recreation staff coordinate volunteers who bring cats and dogs weekly to the Masonic Health Care Center to interact with residents.

“Recreation therapists will recommend pet visitations as part of an individual’s care plan,” Kirk Rakos, therapeutic recreation supervisor, said. “We figure out which residents will benefit the most. It helps meet people’s needs, like those who don’t leave their suites as often, and allows them to pet and hold the animals. This brings back the good feelings they had being pet owners in the past. It’s comforting. People look forward to the visits, which are scheduled the same time each week.”

One of the memory support neighborhoods has three cats, which staff and residents have raised since they were kittens. Aviaries and aquariums can be found throughout the community as well.

“Some of the residents really take ownership and pride in having cats on their neighborhood. One woman has a pillow under her bed, and the cat is expected to lie there every night.

It brings her great joy and she cares for it,” Cynthia Hollinger, supervisor, volunteer services, said.

For the story of how pet visitations have especially impacted one resident, see Cliff Romberger’s story on p. 14.

Caring Canines Calendar

Chosen from almost 100 submissions across the country, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown resident Ruth Cielewich; J. Kenneth Brubaker, M.D., C.M.D., medical director and 2008 AMDA Medical Director of the Year; and Bubble the dog, frequent visitor to Masonic Village, are featured in the 2015 Caring Canines calendar for the month of March (see photo above). The AMDA Foundation produces the Caring Canines calendar annually to celebrate the benefits of pets in long-term care communities.

“She loved me from the minute she met me,” Ruth said of Bubble. “She fans my face with her tail. Many years ago, I had a dog. We’d read together. I’d spread out the newspaper, and she’d sit on it.”

Bubble is owned by volunteer Joanne Kaldy, of Harrisburg, who has helped coordinate the calendar for several years. She has had Bubble since she was nine weeks old. For the first year, Bubble’s training has focused on the basics and socialization to make sure she is comfortable with all kinds of people and situations. Bubble is working with a trainer to prepare her to sit for her Canine Good Citizenship, a certification earned by

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Robert Gordon, of Lafayette Hill

many therapy dogs.

“As an animal lover myself, I’m a big believer in the power of pets on the lives of people in post-acute/long-term care facilities,” Joanne said. “I wanted to be part of this. As I walk through the halls with Bubble, people stop me. They want to pet her and hold her. They tell me stories about pets they’ve had over the years. Their eyes light up, and they get the biggest smiles on their faces. It’s incredibly powerful.”

Staff held a reception for Ruth, Dr. Brubaker and Bubble to celebrate their month in the spotlight. Ruth’s family attended, and calendars were available for purchase with part of the proceeds benefitting the Arline M. Hughes Caring Fund, which expands recreation and therapeutic programs that promote wellness and creative expression, grants special requests and wishes, and provides specialized items for residents. Calendars may be purchased online at www.CaringCaninesCalendar.com, and all proceeds benefit the AMDA Foundation.

Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill

Upon a new resident’s arrival, staff at Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill ask them about their level of animal affection and include them in visitations as desired. They also recommend animal interactions as needed for those they feel would benefit from a furry or feathery encounter.

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“I believe all residents who love animals benefit from pet visits,” Angela Hurst, director of recreation, said. “... just by the responses that the residents give the animals, such as holding them to caress their fur or letting some animals lick their hands, or the smiles on residents’ faces and the way their eyes light up.”

Paws for the Spirit, an animal therapy organization, visits occasionally, bringing along a rabbit, dog and guinea pig.

Angela hopes to make the visitations a monthly occurrence.

Every other Wednesday, Debra Jordan, from the local community, brings certified therapy dogs to greet residents in the Whitemarsh Commons nursing area. Her dogs include rescued Greyhounds and other small dogs. Throughout the personal care and nursing areas, residents enjoy an aviary and two aquariums.

Masonic Village at Sewickley

Residents in Masonic Village at Sewickley’s Sturgeon Health Care Center enjoy friendly, furry visitors that trigger smiles and memories. A group of about eight volunteers, all from the Sewickley area, take turns bringing their dogs throughout the week. All the dogs are certified by Therapy Dogs International, which requires temperament testing and continuously updated veterinarian health records.

“The visits really brighten residents’ days,” Megan Zulauf,

Village Voice

June Maag, of Lafayette Hill

Jane Radcliff, of Warminster

music therapist who also helps with therapeutic recreation, said. “We had a resident who I hadn’t heard speak a whole sentence in a very long time, but when the dog came by his side, he said, ‘Good boy. Who’s a good boy?’ Many of our residents sit up straighter and reach out to pet the dogs. It seems to calm them and connect them with something positive, and it gives them something to talk about.”

Resident Stewart Morgan grew up on a farm and has always loved animals. He is often sleeping in his recliner chair when the dogs come for their visit, and they immediately wake him up. Sometimes, he escorts them down the hall as they visit other residents. One of the volunteers, Terry Rafalko, knows how much these visits mean to Stewart and made sure she stopped by with dogs even when she was busy during the holiday season.

Another resident, Jim Phipps, had a bulletin board of his “grand” cats and dogs in his suite, and he would invite his wife, Anne, who lives in a different part of the campus, to enjoy the dogs’ visits with him. Jim passed away in September, and his family held his memorial service at Masonic Village.

One of the pet therapy volunteers, Stephanie O’Kane, and her golden retriever, Kira, stood at the door so people could pet Kira as they entered.

“She knew Jim was such a dog lover,” Megan said. “One of the people attending smiled and said, ‘Of course Jim would

have a dog here.’ It meant a lot to the family, too.”

Recreation staff also plan visits to Animal Friends, a pet adoption and resource center where residents interact with dogs, cats and bunnies, as well as trips to the National Aviary to see penguins and other birds. Twice a year, they welcome Waffle and Tirzah, two trained cats, one of whom “drives” a miniature Model A car. Annually, staff coordinate a petting zoo which brings goats, horses, pigs, bunnies and puppies to the campus.

Masonic Village at Warminster

The animals that live at and visit the Masonic Village at Warminster are beloved by residents and their families, staff and visitors alike. They recently welcomed Winston, a 9-yearold Golden Doodle, to the family. He comes to work each day with Trisha Lamb, activities director, who adopted him based on his gentle, yet energetic, demeanor.

“He has lots of personality,” Trisha said. “The residents like to watch his antics. Every morning, when I ask him if he’s ready to go to work, he starts jumping around the living room.

He likes to make friends and meet people.”

The first day Trisha brought him to Masonic Village, she opened the door to the courtyard, and he immediately ran over to a gentleman sitting outside. The two greeted each other like old friends.

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A “He just lights up every time he sees Winston,” she said.

Another staff member brings her Cocker Spaniel into work with her, and family members often bring pets for visits.

A volunteer recently started visiting with her two Bernese Mountain Dogs (a cross between a Golden Retriever and a St. Bernard), which are certified therapy dogs. Their large size makes them easy to pet. A neighbor of Masonic Village walks his two Newfoundland dogs past the activity room each day, and one of the dogs often sticks its head in the window to greet residents.

“The dog looks like a big bear,” Trisha said. “It’s spontaneous and fun for residents.”

Other animals include two cockatiels and a parrot.

Henry, a cockatiel, says a few phrases and allows staff to take him out of his cage. He sits on shoulders, fingers and, sometimes, heads. The outdoor courtyard features a pond with several carp, including Charlie, who is almost two feet long, and smaller fish. Three new indoor fish tanks were recently donated by the Masonic Village at Warminster Advisory Board. A 36-gallon tank sits along a glass wall in the nursing area, and colorful fish and a small shark can be seen from both sides. Staff are considering adding a tortoise to their host of animals, and they’ve also invited other animals for visits in the past including a local alpaca farm, and sheep,

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A

B

C

D

calves and bunnies as part of a petting zoo.

Staff take note of which residents prefer pet visitations and also who they think may benefit from a friendly encounter.

Trisha recalls one woman who was having a hard time and feeling depressed. Whenever she saw a dog, she’d start talking about the one she had as a child.

“It allowed her to focus on the animal and not her problems,” Trisha said. “Animals are a good way for someone who may be suffering to focus on something positive. Animals are non-judgmental. No matter what condition someone is in – if a person can’t communicate or has trouble physically doing things – animals just want to give of themselves. Scientific studies show animals provide stress relief for residents and staff. They also connect people to their past when they may have had a pet.”

Photo A (two): Left, Grace Peterson and right, Audrey Hagerty at Sewickley’s petting zoo. Photo B: Stewart Morgan, of Sewickley, with Gus and Oliver. Photo C: Cliff Romberger, of Elizabethtown, with a visiting therapy dog. Photo D: Debra Jordan with her dogs in Lafayette Hill

Village Voice

Health Update

by John J. Mast, M.D., C.M.D., associate medical director, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown

Maintaining Your Weight Later in Life Maintaining a stable weight is key for aging successfully.

Weight gain or weight loss can be a concerning harbinger of illness. Obesity is a health risk factor for many, up to the age of 85.

After age 85, obesity is associated with longevity, and weight loss becomes a real concern.

Weight Loss

Most people are happy to lose weight, but later in life, weight loss of 10 percent or more over a six-month period increases the risk of death in the next six months. It is time to stop restricting your diet and stop reducing high calorie food. Start consuming more ice cream and rich desserts. If you don’t have an adequate appetite, you can also increase calories in the form of liquid mixed with whole milk: milkshakes, Ensure, Boost or Instant Carnation Breakfast. Depression can reduce appetite, and medication may help treat it.

Weight Gain from Calories

Some individuals struggle to avoid weight gain due to excessive calorie intake. Our bodies do a good job getting ready for the upcoming famine by storing fat ... but the famine doesn’t come.

For those under age 85, obesity is associated with heart disease, strokes, high blood pressure, cancers, high cholesterol, gallbladder disease, sleep apnea, arthritis and other conditions.

To avoid gaining weight and maintain proper balance, adjust your intake of calories and output of energy. The amount you eat is often dependent upon the foods you eat.

Adjusting Calorie Intake

The primary culprits for weight gain are sugary and starchy foods, including rice, potatoes, pasta, baked goods and desserts, as well as sweet drinks, juices and even sugar-free drinks. Sweets and starches are burned rapidly for quick energy, resulting in a sharp spike of insulin. The body produces insulin to be able to use this quick energy in fat and muscle. Insulin works in fat cells to make more fat when the sugars aren’t used up immediately by muscles through vigorous exercise.

Insulin is designed to keep the body perfectly balanced when eating slow-burning natural carbs found in whole grains, whole

fruit and vegetables. The insulin, however, doesn’t work so well with rapidly-burning starches and sweets. When the insulin remains in the body but the rapidly-metabolized sweets and starches have been used up, the insulin prevents the burning of fat for energy, causing the body to need more starch for fuel. This is why a few hours after a carbohydrate-based meal, you experience insatiable carb cravings which erode willpower and result in excess calorie consumption.

Adjusting Calorie Output

To increase the amount of calories burned, you need at least an hour of vigorous exercise daily such as walking, swimming or visiting a fitness center. If you eat at campus restaurants, try increasing your walks to and from meals or parking further from your destination. Arthritis and pain may be a barrier to exercise.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol), taken 30 minutes before exercise, can make it easier to exercise with greater intensity for a longer duration. If acetaminophen doesn’t help your pain, talk to your doctor about other solutions.

Weight Gain from Salt

If you have heart failure or edema, you need to monitor your weight daily to watch for water weight. Avoid salt and salty foods, not fat or calories. Just one salt-loaded meal or large serving of salty snack foods can cause several pounds of weight gain from retained fluid. Be careful to check your weight at the same time each day, on the same scale, and wear the same amount of clothes. Rapid weight loss or weight gain indicates a change in fluid weight, not fat weight. If you experience rapid gain (more than two pounds in a day or more than three pounds in two or more days), you may need to call your medical provider or take an extra diuretic, if instructed.

With close monitoring and changes in daily habits, it is possible to maintain a healthy weight at every age.

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Meet Your Guides remaining federal land in the valley as Jackson Hole National Monument. The valley of Jackson Hole was home to early settlements and is now considered a small civilization that signifies the “last of the old west.”

In 1950, the original park, donated surrounding land and the Jackson Hole National Monument were combined to form present-day Grand Teton National Park. After World War II, more people owned cars and began to explore America, which was the start of the tourist attraction that Grand Teton experiences today.

Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming holds true to its beautiful mountain ranges, pristine lakes and ranging American elk. At least that’s what Masonic Village at Elizabethtown residents Jim and Virginia McCall say, and they’re the experts.

Jim and Virginia have been volunteering and working in the field of park tourism at various national parks for over 20 years, and they have enjoyed every minute of it. Both Jim, who has a background in chemistry and sales, and Virginia, who did social service work for the American Red Cross, were looking for postretirement opportunities when they came upon the field of park recreation, which seemed to marry two of their biggest interests: sight-seeing and adventure, especially at Grand Teton National Park.

The Last of the Old West

The history of the Teton Range, part of the Rocky Mountains, dates back thousands of years, and the stunning wildlife, plants and environment have brought millions of tourists to Grand Teton since it was first established.

In 1929, Congress created the original park to protect the Teton Mountain Range and several lakes around the foot of the mountains. In 1943, President Franklin Roosevelt declared the

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Faces of the Park

Virginia first applied to Grand Teton in 1996 as a volunteer park ranger. After two seasons, she was hired for a paid park ranger position and currently works from the beginning of May through mid-September, the park’s busiest season.

Starting up the Visitor Center’s computers and checking the weather alerts before guests begin to arrive at 8 a.m. is how Virginia starts off her work-day. As a park ranger, she helps visitors plan and prepare their back country camping trips by giving them activity recommendations, information on how to prevent incidents and tips on what to do if a dangerous situation arises.

She and Jim have hiked the trails of Grand Teton several times, so she also uses her personal experiences to explain the demands of the different trails to visitors.

While Virginia is providing visitors with tips to avoid danger, Jim is helping those who are already in it.

Jim volunteers with Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) personnel and lake patrol rangers. His main responsibilities include driving an ambulance and boat patrolling Jackson Lake.

Jim has assisted at numerous accident sites including hiking falls, traffic accidents and boating injuries, all of which can

Village Voice

to Grand Teton National Park

be considered very serious. With the nearest hospital 40 miles away, Jim often drives a long commute in stressful emergency situations.

Both Jim and Virginia endured two weeks of training during the first stages of their employment, but they have also learned a lot on their own.

“Much of our knowledge comes from self-study and experience. When you put on your uniform, visitors expect you to know the answers to their questions. You are the face of the park,” Virginia said.

With the tallest mountain peak at 13,770 feet (the Grand Teton), which often brings about rapidly shifting weather conditions, visitors fishing or floating the Snake River are strongly advised that safety precautions are not to be taken lightly; Jim and Virginia’s positions are crucial in protecting those who may be hiking, biking, rafting, driving or sight-seeing wildlife.

Off the Clock

Besides assisting visitors, Jim and Virginia enjoy seeing

one-of-a-kind sights through their positions at Grand Teton, sights which many only see in photographs.

According to the McCalls, summer is the best time to be at Grand Teton. With wildflowers blooming, lakes mirroring the Teton Mountain Range and streams cascading down rocky canyons, it is a breathtaking scene.

Along with living in Wyoming and Pennsylvania, Jim and Virginia have a home in Arizona, which they purchased after becoming familiar with the area during their work at Tonto National Monument in the Sonoran Desert.

The couple stays in Arizona for most of the winter, in Wyoming for the summer through the beginning of fall, and then at Masonic Village for most of the fall into winter. Changing locations may seem stressful for some, but for now, Jim and Virginia wouldn’t have it any other way.

Though they travel, live and work throughout the country, Jim and Virginia are happy to come back to Masonic Village and spend time with their four grandsons.

“Just the way we live is a great adventure,” Jim said.

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Village Happenings Right photo, volunteers set up the Massing of the Colors flag display in Elizabethtown. Left photo, resident Russ Baker and volunteer Brandyn Snyder during the closing ceremony.

Congratulations to residents in Lafayette Hill, shown above with 6abc reporter Lisa Thomas-Laury, for placing first in the 34th annual Senior Games! Events included a wheelchair race, bean bag toss, hat/scarf relay, soccer kick and ball toss.

Residents in Sewickley had a blast at the Autumn Bash with German-themed food, drinks and entertainment. Shown above left, Harry and Helen Abrams and Tony Lisanti, and above right, Bob Lenhardt and Eric Gross, executive director.

Below, Marian Metzger enjoys some Halloween treats in Warminster.

Residents and the community gathered for a Veterans Day program in Elizabethtown.

For some serious cards (and serious fun), the Poker Club in Dallas meets every other Thursday, at 2:30 p.m., in Irem Clubhouse’s Acacia Room.

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Village Voice

Participants and staff at the Adult Daily Living Center in Elizabethtown really got into the Halloween spirit!

At Octoberfest in Dallas, residents and visitors enjoyed fall foliage, live music, seasonal goodies and local vendors.

Shown left, Ingrid Prater, and right, Eddie Bozette.

Residents and staff in Lafayette Hill dressed in their Halloween best.

Katherine Hankins works on a clay project during a group program with The Kitschen - A Traveling Art Studio in Lafayette Hill.

At the first annual Holiday Gathering and Formal Gardens Illumination, staff and residents in Elizabethtown, including Nancy Parke, sang carols and visited with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

At the Arts and Music Holiday Celebration in Dallas, residents and the community perused works by local artists and enjoyed tunes by local musicians. Shown in left photo: Barbara Boone, Kathy Golembeski, Sharon Burton, MaryAnn Size and Nancy Lamberton.

Thanks to the Philadelphia Junior League Larks who sang carols for residents in Lafayette Hill’s Whitemarsh Commons.

In anticipation of the many visitors expected throughout the holidays, residents in Warminster, including Esther Korn, helped deck the halls.

Hower pose Bob Knies and Deb ood’s winning with their neighborh nnual Festival tree as part of the A town. of Trees in Elizabeth

Above left, Cathy Frasca greets the man himself during the Cocktails with Santa party in Sewickley. Above right, Jerry Kyler enjoys a cocktail and good conversation.

Residents in Elizabethtown decorated trees in their apartment buildings. Left photo: (back row) Joanne Sutter and Dottie Broucht and (front row) Pat English and Dorothy Poffenberger. Right photo (l-r): Jackie Sentz, Susan Winther and Dorothy Savage.

Residents in Sewickley used Plarn (yarn made from recycled plastic bags), to crochet sleeping mats which were sent to soldiers overseas. Shown l-r: Joel Kirker and Grace Peterson with Joanne McDaniel, a local neighbor who coordinated the project.

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Kids from the Masonic Village Child Care Center in Sewickley love their annual party with Santa. Thanks to everyone who contributed gifts for the kiddos!

Scott, Jeanne (in rear), Gary and Howard, residents of the Bleiler Caring Cottage in Elizabethtown, display their gifts at a Christmas party thanks to members of Jerusalem Lodge No. 506, Philadelphia.

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Village Voice

Lifelong Horse Trainer

Has Chance to Ride Again

Born and raised on a farm, Cliff Romberger trained his first pony for a local carnival at age 12. He immediately bonded with horses and continued to work with them throughout his life, constantly seeking new capacities to showcase the majestic animals through reenactments, law enforcement or television and film.

In 1999, Cliff and his son, Colt, were participating in a reenactment of the Battle of Gettysburg when a casting representative spotted Colt and asked if he’d like to audition for the film “The Patriot.” Cliff agreed it was a great opportunity for both of them. They were selected to be in the militia unit that rode with actor Mel Gibson.

“The experience totally changed Dad,” Colt said. “He dedicated his life to wrangling horses, which he became very successful at doing.”

A few years ago, health issues led Cliff to stop his work with horses. In 2013, he moved to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, where staff learned of his love for horses and all animals. Lynn Yost, recreation therapist, has arranged opportunities for him to interact weekly with Nancy Campbell, a volunteer, and her certified therapy dogs, Ivy and Holly.

“His simple pleasure in life is being with animals,” Lynn said. “He really comes out of his shell when he’s

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around them and looks forward to their visits.”

On Nov. 20, 2014, with the assistance of his two children, Colt and Honesta; Masonic Village staff Timothy Nickel, hospice chaplain, and Danielle Dempsey, nursing assistant; and Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association (CATRA) owners Shirley and Ben Nolt, Cliff had the chance to once again saddle up and ride a horse. He easily grabbed the reins and directed the horse around a track, with commands including “whoa” and “go.”

As part of Masonic Village’s hospice program, staff seek to provide special moments for patients. Cliff, accompanied by Masonic Village staff and his children, first visited CATRA on Nov. 1. He interacted with horses, goats and dogs at the center, and the owners assessed his ability to ride again. They felt he would safely be able to ride and scheduled the return visit for Nov. 20.

“This was a spirit day for Cliff,” Timothy said. “When folks are on hospice, there are more than enough soul days – days when you are engaged in the soul work of change,

wrestling with loss, sadness and grief. Hospice tries to provide some of these spirit days and moments, where you can leave the sorrow behind and soar like spirit, transcending all that needs to be forgotten for a while. That day, Cliff had the opportunity to soar, and I think his family soared with him.”

“I promised him I would find a way to get him back in the saddle again, even if I had to duct tape him to a horse,” Colt said. “He believed me and has held me to my word, asking me every time I’m home from [Los Angeles] if I’ve figured it out yet. Tim, Masonic Village chaplain, found this location and made my promise a reality. I’m forever grateful.”

“You really put your faith and trust in these people to care for someone you love in ways you can’t do yourself,” Honesta said. “And staff really have been wonderful. I know whenever we have any questions or concerns, there’s a whole host of people ready and willing to answer any questions. Dad’s always been very independent and strong-willed. They’ve really bent over backwards to adjust to that.”

Watch a video of Cliff’s experience at CATRA by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IGSOx51Yao.

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Village Voice

Bringing Hospice Patients

Closer to Nature

Rosemary Merwin with Lillian Stein and Peter Ogilvile, bereavement counselor/chaplain hospice

Rosemary Merwin, a resident of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, spent years bringing dogs to the bedsides of hospice patients as a volunteer in Lancaster. When her husband of 41 years, Tom, became ill, she knew the best option for his care was hospice, and she knew there was no better provider than Masonic Village.

While Tom was receiving hospice, Rosemary watched as her once very personable husband grew bored of being confined to a bed. She appreciated staff attending to his needs and lifting his spirits.

“Everyone was so kind to both of us,” she said. “The nurses and social workers were a great support to me personally. They were so kind and fussed over him. They knew how to get him to respond and saw him as a person and not just a sick body.”

Tom passed away in 2013. Rosemary and her four children wanted to honor Tom’s memory with a gift to Masonic Village Hospice. Looking at a wish list for the hospice program, they chose to purchase a golf cart which is used to take patients for rides around Masonic Village’s scenic 1,400-acre campus.

“Three of my children are golfers, so it just seemed like the perfect way to honor Tom,” Rosemary said. “It’s a minor thing – people can go out and see the gardens and experience being outdoors even for just a little while. They can get some fresh air and see the leaves and changing seasons. I bought my husband a scooter because he wanted to be outside and be in the world instead of being wrapped up in his illness. My family appreciated what Masonic Village staff had done for him, and we are glad to give back in our own way.”

Tom had a fondness for Mickey Mouse, so in his memory, Rosemary gives a Mickey Mouse sticker to every patient who rides in the golf cart (or the “Mickey Mobile,” as she’s dubbed it) to make the occasion even more special.

After seeing the loving care provided to her husband, Rosemary signed up as a volunteer with Masonic Village Hospice. With her past office experience, she quickly discovered she was well-suited to assist staff with auditing charts, organizing medical records and handling the daily flow of paperwork. She also enjoys doing nice things for patients like baking cupcakes to celebrate special occasions.

“I want to do things that mean something and make their day special,” she said. “Days are long when you’re sick – you run out of strength and interest in doing things. It’s important to take time to make everyone feel like a person.”

For more information about Masonic Village’s Hospice Services in Elizabethtown, testimonials, our We Honor Veterans program and details on how to make a donation, please visit our website: www.MasonicVillageHospice.org.

New Hospice Medical Director Named With the retirement of hospice medical director Dr. George Simms, also a resident of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, Masonic Village Hospice has named Dr. John Benner medical director. He oversees the care plan for each patient and provides daily oversight and direction.

Dr. Benner is also a physician with Menno Haven Physicians Services and volunteer medical director at River of Life Health Center. He earned his doctor of medicine degree from Hahnemann University College of Medicine.

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Village Voice

A Model Craftsman If it is a hands-on craft, chances are Masonic Village at Dallas resident Art Parsons has tried it. Art has many crafty talents and years of experience in the fields of wood carving, medal and model working.

“I’m a person who needs to keep his hands busy,” Art said.

As a former shop teacher, Art certainly kept his hands busy throughout his whole career. He taught hands-on trades to high school freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors for 31 years.

Now retired, Art continues working in the garage of his villa, which he converted into his own personal workshop.

Though he has 50 years of experience in medal working, Art has mostly been interested in wood carving for the past five years.

Wood carving is an historic trade that has been recognized since the Middle Ages, when wood was carved by hand with a few small, sharp tools to create everything from artistic religious carvings to decorate cathedrals and abbeys to structural pieces such as doors and window framing.

To carve wood successfully, not only are the proper tools needed, but also a steady hand, patience and practice. These are skills that usually cannot be picked up easily, but with Art’s talents, he didn’t have too much trouble.

“I saw a wood carved piece, and I said to myself, ‘I’m

going to learn how to do that,’ so I bought some tools and gave it a try,” Art said.

Since moving to Masonic Village at Dallas, Art has expanded his wood carving craft and has many unique products to show for it. He has perfected his skill in this timeless trade enough to create and design model ships, wooden faces, shoes and figurines.

“Moving to the Masonic Village has given me the ability to spend more time doing my hobbies,” he said. “I don’t have to paint the shutters, fix the siding, mow the lawn – none of that!”

In addition to being a crafter, Art is an avid bicyclist and has even modeled once or twice.

A few years ago, Art was asked to participate in a photo shoot by a photographer who collected staged pictures in mass photo albums that he sold to companies which purchased them for promotional purposes.

Art posed for some pictures and then signed off on all rights to them, with no knowledge of where they would end up.

Years later, his niece, who worked in a hospital at the time, was looking through some medical brochures and saw her Uncle Art pictured riding a bicycle on the front cover.

She called him immediately, and he was shocked to find that not only was his photo from years ago purchased, but it was on the cover of a medical publication!

To this day, Art smiles and laughs at the mention of the famous photograph that attributed to his modeling career, but it’s clear that he would much rather be wood carving in his garage.

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Dining Across the State at the Masonic Villages

In 2014, dining and food services staff at the Masonic Villages across the state were busy with changes to enhance the variety of food and how it is enjoyed. Looking ahead, 2015 appears to be an active year, too.

In 2014, the retirement living cooking demos proved to be a success with the first and second demos each bringing in over 35 learners. Guests attending the demos learned while watching live cooking sessions with professional chefs and Diane Waple, staff dietitian, narrating the nutritional value of each recipe and its ingredients.

of health care residents on food supplements has decreased, and Greg attributes this to the improved dining atmosphere and the way they currently produce pureed foods.

“The process of preparing pureed foods may go unseen to most, but to the residents who have dietary restrictions it’s huge because you eat with your eyes,” Greg said. “We actually have one staff member who dedicates eight hours a day on perfecting the image of the pureed foods that we serve to residents.”

Also within the Masonic Health Care Center, renovations are expected to begin in the Freemasons Building personal care residence in 2015. The plan is to turn the three dining rooms, separated by floors, into one main restaurant where residents may order and eat their meals while enjoying an open kitchen concept with the sights and aromas of food cooking.

“We plan to host cooking demos in the new restaurant as well,” Greg said. “The restaurant will allow residents who move from retirement living to have a comparable experience.”

Also in the Masonic Health Care Center, menus for the Transitional Care Unit were updated to include a more professional presentation and an “always offer” menu that consists of food items that are always available to order, ensuring each guest has options.

As of last year, personal care and health care residents are provided the opportunity to dine at any of the six restaurants on campus using their own Masonic Village Personalized (MVP) card, a meal plan program for retirement living residents.

Masonic Health Care Center

Catering Services

ELIZABETHTOWN

This past year has been eventful for the food services staff at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, to say the least. To follow their Eating Well/Living Well initiative, many new updates were made throughout the six restaurants on campus, as well as in the Masonic Health Care Center. These include cooking demos, catering services, menu changes, country kitchens, dietary breakthroughs and the incorporation of professional publications, just to name a few.

“When updating our food services programs, our department often thinks about what we are hungry for when we get home and what restaurants we would want to go to,” Greg Thomas, director of food services at Masonic Village, said. “It’s the same for the residents, and we want each of our restaurants and programs to have their own personality to give them choices.”

Cooking Demos

In the Masonic Health Care Center, the last of the country kitchens was completed, a process two years in the making, which has allowed residents to dine in an open, family-style atmosphere.

Within the country kitchens, Christine Wagner, health care center dining services manager, started holding monthly tea parties in 2014 for each neighborhood. During the parties, residents enjoy specialty teas while they talk about past experiences, recipes and family memories.

Since the completion of the country kitchens, the number

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Masonic Village launched catering services in 2014 as an option for residents and employees. So far, catering has been used for special events, department meetings and gatherings.

Catering services also offered pre-made holiday meals for employees and residents to purchase and take home for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The meals provided some relief to those who were looking for a convenient, home-cooked holiday feast.

The catering program is expecting even more growth this year. Residents will soon be able to enjoy a private chef in their

Village Voice

Elizabethtown’s Rob Best, assistant culinary services manager, has been developing catering services for staff and residents, including meals to pre-order for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Diane Waple, chief dietitian, hands out samples during a healthy cooking demonstration in Elizabethtown.

cottage, at their family parties or with their friends. Catering will also be used at Masonic Village marketing events. This way, potential residents can taste and enjoy the food made on campus and experience their dining choices first-hand.

“Joining with the marketing program will allow us to show off what we do,” Greg said.

all of the work that goes into preparing and distributing each meal item.

Culinary Arts Center

Many new and current residents are curious about the food services department and their behind-the-scenes work, a curiosity the department hopes to have addressed in the renaming of their Central Kitchen Commissary. During the summer of 2014, the Commissary was renamed the Culinary Arts Center, a kitchen powerhouse which prepares and distributes bulk food, including breads, soups, select entrées and desserts made from scratch, to the restaurants on campus, helping to serve more than 1,800 residents in Elizabethtown.

The Culinary Arts Center also supports Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill by sending select soups to the campus.

“We wanted the name to reflect what the center really is,” Greg said. “The Culinary Arts Center is a place of creativity.

It’s our culinary school right here on campus.”

The food services team also held a Culinary Arts Center tour to invite residents and employees to see the newly renamed center, meet the employees who work there, and see

Professional Publication

Potential and current residents can also learn about other food services programs through the new dining brochure that was produced in 2014. The brochure includes contact information for all six restaurants, a description of the Eating Well/Living Well health icons that can be found on menus across campus, a description of the MVP card program, and how to get the daily menu and order take-out.

If you are interested in receiving a brochure, please contact 717-367-1121, ext. 33210.

Service Training

Along with the marketing and public relations departments, food services has been working closely with human resources to ensure each of their new staff members are properly prepared before entering into their new positions.

This year, the department is planning to expand their existing New Employee Orientation process for all new food service employees. The added course comprises three to four days including the first day of introduction and ServeSafe© basics, which will involve new employees making their own lunch while learning hands-on sanitary and food preparation

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Grace and Robert Williamson, with executive chef Tom Tannozzini in Lafayette Hill

guidelines. The next several days of lessons will include introducing standards on service techniques and customer service in order to train new employees on how to create an excellent dining experience.

Although many updates have been packed into one year, the food service staff at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown has seen the benefits of their efforts and will continue to keep progressing.

“It is important to always keep reinventing,” Greg said.

LAFAYETTE HILL

The food services staff at Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill began a program in 2014 to eliminate the need for dietary restrictions including carbohydrate and sugar restrictions for residents receiving skilled nursing care.

To assist with the changes, food services staff enlisted the help of both doctors and nursing staff.

“We have worked hard to adjust our recipes so they can meet the needs of residents with restrictions and those without,” Vince Urbano, director of food services, said.

When updating their recipes, the food services team has found ways to reduce fat and salt while maintaining the flavor of the food. In the process, they have used various cooking techniques, added herbs and seasonings, introduced carbohydrate counting, and reduced the use of pre-packaged food items to adjust the dining menu for those with dietary restrictions.

These changes in recipes and food preparation have allowed

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Dynetta Walker, nursing assistant, with Helen Kennedy in Sewickley

all skilled nursing residents to order from the same menu.

SEWICKLEY

Since renovations to the Sturgeon Health Care Center were completed in 2014, food services staff at Masonic Village at Sewickley have been working hard to update dining services as well. Breakfast serving hours at dining areas in the Sturgeon Health Care Center and the Star Points personal care building have been extended, and certified nursing assistants take each resident’s order, creating a restaurant environment. Also, courses including beverages, soup, main entrées and desserts are now served separately to each resident.

“These changes have helped to create a relaxed and unrushed dining experience for the residents,” Peter Countouris, director of food services, said.

Meal choices have also expanded. In addition to the main entrée, residents are offered grill menus at both lunch and dinner, giving them 20 additional meal choices. Grill menus change every meal cycle to add even more choices.

Along with adjusting to all of these changes, dietary workers, short order cooks and certified nursing assistants attended training sessions to address and prepare for the new dining changes postconstruction to make the transition as smooth as possible.

Village Voice

Andrew Piel, dietary worker, serves Ruth Abbott (left) and Angela Brinsdkelle (right) in Warminster

WARMINSTER

The dining services team at Masonic Village at Warminster incorporated a new way of serving meals to their personal care residents that has increased both efficiency and resident satisfaction in 2014. Rather than preplating meals in the kitchen, table side carts (see inset photo) are being used to present meal choices around the dining room. The carts allow servers to bring all meal choices to each resident while keeping hot food hot and cold food cold.

With the new system in place, serving staff can now ask each resident what they would prefer to eat. With alternative meal choices and portion control, the food is plated right in front of each resident, with exactly what they want. As the serving cart wheels its way through the dining room, the delicious aromas waft through the air, stimulating residents’ appetites.

“As I walk through the dining room I hear many positive comments from staff, residents and their family members about how much they love the new way of serving,” Barbara Bormes, dietary manager, said. “They mention that the food is served hotter, more quickly and that they enjoy the conversation with the servers.”

This year, dining services staff are planning to bring the service cart throughout each neighborhood to serve residents breakfast in bed. This new approach has put the choice back into the hands of each resident, which always leads to greater satisfaction.

Executive chef Dale Lewis at Irem Clubhouse in Dallas

DALLAS

The Irem Clubhouse Restaurant and Pub, located on the grounds of the Masonic Village at Dallas, focused on perfecting the dining experience to impress residents and patrons in 2014.

Menus changed throughout each season, featuring items such as maple bourbon salmon, roasts, crab cakes and grilled specialties.

The lighter summer menu was accompanied by a weekly “Party on the Patio” that featured a live band. The fall menu was full of comfort foods, and guests enjoyed a live jazz trio every Friday night while dining on robust entrées during the winter.

To complete the year, a new sweets program was rolled out prior to the holidays: The Bakery at Irem Clubhouse features baked goods made by pastry chef, Hayley Kuchta. The bakery fills orders and sells individual pastries including pies, breads, scones, cupcakes, biscotti, muffins, cookies and customized specialty cakes for events.

This year, Irem Clubhouse will continue adding flair with their popular cooking demo program featuring Dale Lewis, executive chef, with specially added bakery presentations by Hayley and wine pairing lessons by wine aficionado Sara Rowlands.

“Our new programs have been a collaborative effort among the leadership, chefs and staff,” Joy Hubshman, director of sales and marketing, said. “We are excited to share our new events with everyone.”

See Irem Clubhouse’s menu and upcoming special events at www.IremClubhouse.com or www.Facebook.com/IremClubhouse.

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A Soldier’s Compassion

Robert (Bob) West Reichard has lived a life full of experiences about which many would be surprised to learn.

He served in or with all four branches of the U. S. military during many combat operations, including World War II, the Korean War and the Cold War. With his military career stretching over three decades, Bob has many stories to tell.

His unique lifestyle and involvement in Masonry has encouraged him to give and share, not only through telling his stories, but by supporting the Masonic Charities Fund, Masonic Temple/Library and Museum of Pennsylvania, and the Children’s Home Endowment Fund.

Bob is now an avid writer and documents stories about his extensive military career in his book titled, “One Soldier’s Story.” He writes in the forward, “My writing has given me a lift and I am glad I started writing when I did, because with time my mind is ridding itself of the lesser happenings of that

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period. I hope that some of the stories I have given out will resurface from someone’s attic about 50 years from now to counter those who have worked so hard to bury the truth about this period. The truth is our history.”

Bob grew up in Lansford, Pa., and when he graduated high school in 1942, the country was at war. He decided to volunteer, like most boys his age, to serve his country, but little did he know what great adventures were in store for him.

Bob’s book is full of incredible tales including his World War II experience aboard the Liberty ship and his flight missions as a bombardier, his enlistment in the Army during the Korean War with little training, his position as the noncommissioned officer in charge of security at the underground Pentagon, his time in service during the Cold War, his return to civilian life and his thoughts on the future.

Bob also shares two wartime stories in his book about meeting some pretty impressive people, including Prince Henry of Bavaria and actor John Wayne, both memories which he recalls fondly.

In early 1956, Bob entered onto the main floor of the Special Services building in Berlin, Germany. As he looked down a corridor, he saw John Wayne talking to another soldier. Bob didn’t hesitate to approach him and shake his hand.

“Years later I told this story to my friend. He asked me if I had gotten John Wayne’s autograph. I told him, ‘No, because I was waiting for Mr. Wayne to ask me for mine. He had only played the military and I had lived it,” Bob said.

One year later, still in Germany, he met Prince Henry

Village Voice

of Bavaria in his Kaltenberg Castle, where he gave Bob a handwritten fishing permit to trout fish on the land. Fishing permits then were usually preprinted, with blank spaces for the landowner to fill in dates and times that the guest was able to fish.

“It was only after I got to the car and looked at the signature that I realized who he was. The signature read, ‘Prinz Heinrich Franz Wilhelm von Bayem.’ At that point, you could have knocked me over with a feather,” Bob wrote in his book.

Bob couldn’t believe he was given a handwritten note from the prince, and he still has it in his possession today.

In most countries where he served, he found himself in good company, usually the citizens of the area. He showed great compassion to everyone he came across and received a lot in return. He was even invited to spend one Christmas Eve with a German family during his service in the Cold War

and when he was behind the “Iron Curtain” in Berlin.

“I made friends with many of the natives,” Bob said.

“They were just real people believing in their country, just like us.”

Bob continued to be at the aid of many people, even between and after his time in the service, when he had careers as a police officer and engineer.

Bob and his wife, Joyce, then moved to Andreas, Pa., where he currently lives on a farm and enjoys the country scenery. Bob became a Mason in 1973, and is a member of Carbon Lodge No. 242, Jim Thorpe.

“I am the last one left on my family tree, and I wanted to support the Masonic Charities,” said Bob. “What they do for everyone is incredible.”

To read more wartime stories from Bob’s book, visit www.bobreichard.com.

For The Love of Angels

The For the Love of Angels appeal benefits the Masonic Villages and the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Hospice program, enabling more individuals across the state to receive the care they deserve. Through this annual appeal, individuals could choose to make a $25 donation in loving memory or in honor of one special person. In recognition of each memorial or honorarium, an angel ornament was placed on a tree at Masonic Villages’ Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill

or Sewickley location. Each location held a For the Love of Angels service where donors could personally hang their ornaments.

During the service at Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill on Dec. 2, 70 attendees remembered and honored their loved ones and enjoyed refreshments.

Approximately 160 people gathered for the service at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown on Dec. 6, which included special music of remembrance and celebration, a message of remembrance, prayer, a tree lighting (see photo to the left) and refreshments.

During the service at Masonic Village at Sewickley on Dec. 15, 30 people participated in a celebration to honor and remember loved ones, followed by refreshments.

Names of donors who provided gifts, including those in memory or in honor of a loved one, will be listed in the spring issue of the Village Voice.

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MASONIC VILLAGES’

2 1 2 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 4

2015

WISH LIST

THANK YOU to everyone for making wishes come true for our residents! An up-to-date list is available online at www.MasonicCharitiesPa.org, or by calling the Office of Gift Planning at 800-599-6454.

Please note that if funds donated for any item listed are over subscribed, the funds will be used for additional wish list items or needs in the same service area.

Qty. Masonic Village at Elizabethtown 10 Cordmate Necklaces 2 Door Alarms Massages or Healing Touch for Pain 10 iPods & iPod Docking stations 75 Bulletin Boards 12 Portable Wireless Microphones 1 Pulse Oximeter 12 Digital Cameras 10 Aromatherapy Starter Kits 2 Temporal Thermometers 8 Tree - 6.5 ft. Ficus Tree (artificial) 45 Wheelchair Cushions - Specialty 5 iPads 5 Computer Tablets 5 Electric Lift Recliner 1 Digital Keyboard Accessories 10 Specialty Mattresses 11 Stereo Systems 23 Wheelchairs - Specialty 15 Wheelchairs - Specialty w/Customized 5 Bariatric Mattresses 1 Eva Pneumatic Platform Walker 4 Sleeper Chairs 2 Wheelchairs - Tilt & Space 5 Wheelchairs - Broda

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Cost per item $47 $50 $65 $100 $120 $120 $125 $150 $220 $425 $500 $500 $600 $700 $900 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,000 $1,500 $1,600 $1,800 $2,000 $2,000 $2,100

1 1 1 1 6 1 1 1 Qty. 1

Qty. 3 1 1 1 1

Qty. 1 1 1 1 2 1 Qty. 10 2 1 1 1

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Bariatric Ceiling Lift Portable Sound System Beds - Pivot MVTV Software & Hardware Tree - 12 ft. Black Olive Tree Lifts - Overhead NuStep Machine NPWT Machines (Wound Care) Pianos (Roland - Acoustic) Piano (Roland - Grand) Wheelchair Glider Swings Bariatric Equipment Its Never 2 Late Treadmill for Rehab Department Wheelchair Shuttle Cart Hearing Aid Loop Whirlpool Tubs Dental Digital Imaging Call Bell System (replacement) InspectRX Musical Instruments Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill Spirit of Philadelphia Lunch Cruise Outing Washington, D.C., Museums w/Lunch and Transportation Harvest Ball Event Drama Lessons/Activities for Residents Masonic Village at Sewickley Yamaha Digital Pianos Hand Rail Tilt and Roll Scale ARJO Sit to Stand Lift 4 Channel E Stimulation (electric) ARJO Maxi Lift Occupancy Sensors - Apartment Hallway Masonic Village at Dallas Portable Fire Ring Bocce Ball Equipment Wii Game Set Golf Fund Handicap Accessible Picnic Tables Gazebo Masonic Village at Warminster Wood Working Kits Aromatherapy Kits Fish Aquarium Pergola with Awning Gazebo

$2,500 $2,502 $3,700 $4,000 $4,500 $4,667 $5,600 $6,000 $6,000 $15,000 $6,000 $10,000 $10,000 $10,200 $14,000 $18,000 $22,000 $25,000 $146,300 $186,495 $5-$500 Cost per item $1,950 $2,400 $2,500 $3,000 Cost per item $1,500 $1,550 $4,100 $4,400 $7,400 $20,000 Cost per item $190 $300 $300 $500 $900 $10,532 Cost per item $100 $220 $300 $6,000 $8,000

Corporate Employee Matching Gift Programs: What are they, and how can they benefit Masonic Villages?

Have you heard of employee matching gift programs? If so, have you checked to see if your employer offers one? If you answered NO to either of these questions, keep reading to learn more about this valuable form of giving.

What are corporate matching gift programs?

Corporate matching gift programs are charitable giving programs set up by corporations in which the company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations. For example, if a donor works for Bank of America and donates $100 to Masonic Villages, Bank of America will double the donation by also writing a check for $100.

The impact of this program can be substantial. Did you know that more than 15 million employees work for companies with matching gift programs?

Want to help Masonic Villages?

Increasing fundraising from matching gifts isn’t rocket science. Last year, we received 25 matching gifts, which helped us raise $3,297. We know many of our donors work for companies with matching gift programs and can easily double the power by simply completing the appropriate form obtained by their employer.

Thousands of companies offer matching gift programs.

Make sure to check with your employer’s human resources department (or former employer if you’re retired) to see if they participate in a corporate employee matching gift program.

You can also visit www.matchinggifts.com/rit and search by your employer’s name.

Increase Your Retirement Income Did you know you can make a gift to one of the Masonic Charities of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and actually increase your retirement income? If you have CDs that are maturing and you are reluctant to take out another one because of the low rates, a Charitable Gift Annuity may be for you.

Consider the attractive gift annuity rates listed on the table to the right. For a minimum gift of $5,000, you can receive income for life. What’s more, because a gift annuity is irrevocable, you will receive a federal income tax deduction, receive a portion of your payments tax-free for a period of time and receive satisfaction in the knowledge that you have provided a gift that will strengthen and enhance the important work of the Masonic Charity you have selected, making a difference in the lives of others.

Depending on your circumstances, you may find a gift annuity to be an ideal way for you to realize important personal, as well as charitable, objectives. For more personalized

information regarding the benefits of a gift annuity, at no cost or obligation, please contact the gift planner in the geographical area nearest you: Central Pennsylvania 717-367-1121, ext. 33437 or 800-599-6454 Eastern Pennsylvania 610-825-6100, ext. 1348 Western Pennsylvania 412-741-1400, ext. 3011 or 866-872-0664 Out-of-State 717-367-1121, ext. 33312 or 800-599-6454 SAMPLE GUARANTEED LIFETIME RATES For One Life For Two Lives Age Rate Age Rate 70 5.1% 70 & 75 4.8% 75 5.8% 75 & 80 5.3% 77 6.2% 85 & 85 6.7% 81 7.0% 85 & 90 7.3% 85 7.8% 90 & 90 8.2% 90+ 9.0% 90 & 95 8.8% Note: This is a partial listing. Rates exist for any combination of ages.

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 1-888-236-6167. 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 tollfree 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.

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Memorial Gifts August 1 - October 31, 2014

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 emailing giving@masonicvillages.org. Thank you.

The following memorials should have been listed in the Fall 2014 issue of the Village Voice. We apologize for this error.

Paul E. Meyers Donald C. Meyers Lillian B. Sanders C. Vernon Sanders, Jr. R. Emmert Aldinger Miriam M. Aldinger Albert J. Alimena, Jr. Tracy H. and Sandra J. Miller, III All Deceased Masons Stanley E. and Lois L. McIntire Ralph Angus Gregory W. Weigel Catherine A. Anstine Roland C. and Carol A. Anstine Alfred Asheuer Alfred M. Asheuer Harriet Z. Bachman Allen S. Zimmerman Gerald C. Bange Eleanor Z. Banks Jeffrey B. and Elaine B. Braziel William E. Mosley Francine Murray Jim and Linda Newcombe John P. Trexler Jim and Alice Wambold James E. Barrows Eureka Lodge No. 290 Ermajean (Cookie) Beam Gerald C. Beam Marie Beam Gerald C. Beam

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Erla M. Beddow Hugh F. Beddow Garfield R. Beynon Crusade Chapter Order of Demolay Thomas W. Bingham McKinley-Stuckrath Lodge No. 318 Irving Blatt Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Marshall J. Boyd Mildred R. Boyd Merial and Irwin Brenner Linda B. Latschar Donald Perry Byers Richard L. and Donna M. Bolze Barry W. and Sue Schmitt Betty I. Carr Thomas J. Von Nieda Dorothy Caywood Friendship Chapter No. 551, OES Bob and Florence Clemens Mike and Ruth Ann Jadick William J. Conkle, Jr. William J. and Deanna R. Conkle, III John Corey William E. Gelston Chapter No. 435, OES Lester A. Danenhower Mary E. Danenhower Deceased Members Masonic Homes Patton School Alumni Association Deceased Past Masters Eureka Lodge No. 290

Catherine M. Delevan Glenn W. and Marian E. Delevan, Jr. Walter G. DePrefontaine Robert Hallman and Family Janine R. Knight PJM Sunshine Club Marjorie A. Smith John J. and Rose Donati, Sr. John J. and Theresa R. Donati, Jr. Barbara Donley William and Jane Staman Ellen Marie Doyle William J. Doyle Mike Duff Art and Shirley Rowley Betty J. Ebersole Delores Boleyn Yvonne Duncan Daniel D. Prichard Nancy M. Prichard Ellen West Edna Mae Edsall James H. Edsall Dorothy A. Ehleiter William C. Ehleiter, Jr. Jimmie G. Erwin Jimmie G. Erwin, Jr. William M. L. Etter David S. and Louisa S. Etter Ruth A. Feidt Astro Chapter No. 380, OES Barbara L. Frantz Robert A. Frantz Robert C. Frederick Frances A. Frederick

Village Voice

Elizabeth A. George Charles E. and Carol C. Curry Happy Mad Hatters Edward R. Germer Washington Lodge 43 Loyal Orange Institution – USA David R. Graham Sharon Graham Robert G. Griffith Marguerite H. Griffith Alfred J. Grime Esther G. Grime Martin J. Grochowski Marion W. Grochowski Albert A. Grossman William K. and Shirley E. Martin Robert R. Hagerich Robert S. and Diane M. Hagerich Henry F. Hammell Elizabeth Hammell David Menasha Handler Jennifer Bezahler ENK International Joseph W. Keresztury, Jr. Barry Lee Hassinger Joan L. Hassinger J. Frederick Heath Janet F. Heath Francis and Dolores Herman Martin E. Herman John B. Herman Whitfield Lodge No. 622 John W. Hetrick Astro Chapter No. 380, OES John W. Heyman Rose Marie Heyman

Thomas J. Higgins James A. and Barbara S. Bullock Cleo Hoffman Astro Chapter No. 380, OES Corda A. (Wagner) Hoffman Paula J. Loht Sean and Lynn Lynch Robert G. Hoffman Doric Lodge No. 630 Shirley Horan James F. Horan, III Harry M. Hudak Sunset Lodge No. 623 Kenton E. Hull June M. Hull Earl R. Jaudy Chartiers Lodge No. 297 William B. Jenkins, Jr. Reese W. and Catherine Jenkins Homer Jones Harvey J. and Charlotte M. Miller Evelyn Kaplan Samuel Kaplan Sylvia Kay Albert W. and Madeline Hincken, Jr. Egon J. Kern William B. Anderson, Jr. Kenneth and Elaine Bleiler Ann Marie DiGuiseppe Robert and Marilyn Forney Gary and Pam Herbert Mary Anne Klemkosky Wanda E. Roth Leatrice A. Warner Larry and Carol Wolford Alice I. Kestler Edith M. Cini Evangeline Collado Corinthian Chapter No. 13, OES Andrew Heath James F. Kelly Gail A. Labrosciano Mary E. Lee Don and Patricia March George and Mary Miller Robert and Gianna Pierce Madeleine Primmer

Leon King Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Claire E. Kistler Beverly Schweitzer Edna M. Klein Edward D. Klein, Jr. Millard L. Kroh, II Carpenters Workshop Fellowship Congregation George Endslow Financial Advisory Group Gerald and Kay Gingerich Betty Harman Paul S. and Sandra F. Hershey Don and Patricia March John and Louise Rapp Edwin and Linda Resser Doris Schmidt Keith R. and Diane S. Smith Leatrice A. Warner Gail Kunkle William E. Gelston Chapter No. 435, OES Orvis S. Kustanbauter Helen C. Kustanbauter Clarence E. Lauer Dorothy E. Lauer Phyllis H. Law Astro Chapter No. 380, OES Mary H. Leisey Alvin L. Leisey, Jr. Ed and Rowena Morelock J. Roger Lennartson L. Sherwood Lennartson Art and Shirley Rowley James H. Lewis Chartiers Lodge No. 297 Edith M. Linington Arthur and S. Ruth

Linington Dominick Lizzi David and Alda K. Lizzi, Sr. Anna J. Lohoefer Craig B. and Barbara A. McCollum, Sr. Edna (Kay) Loichinger Shirley R. Dietz Mary D. Erickson Mary J. Knox Raymond J. Loichinger Art and Shirley Rowley

Sandra Gale Lower Marion F. Attaviano Sarah Jean Luebbe Harry C. Luebbe, Jr. Henrietta M. Macbeth Donald F. Macbeth, Sr. Harry E. Malone Jean F. Malone Kenneth C. and Pauline L. March Don and Patricia March Jerome Marks Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Alfred Mash Alfred Asheuer Eleanor H. Mason Betty L. Conrad Harry C. Mason, Jr. Doric Lodge No. 630 James Mattera Earl A. Peters Evie Mayer James D. Mayer Marie I. Mayer James D. Mayer William M. McCain Barbara E. Shields Byrd W. McCracken Marjorie A. McCracken Carey W. McGiffin McKinley-Stuckrath Lodge No. 318 Donald W. McMurray Sunset Lodge No. 623 Donald E. (Red) Melvin Eureka Lodge No. 290 Barbara A. Menear Donald E. Menear Paul E. Meyers Donald C. Meyers Jacob W. Miller Charles A. Garnes Leon Miller Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 William H. Miller Donald J. and Shirley L. Miller Kermit F. Millheim Whitfield Lodge No. 622 Wesley Scott Milligan Doric Lodge No. 630

Winter 2015

Harry S. Mills H. Sinclair and Elizabeth Mary Mills John W. Milroy, Sr. John W. Milroy, Jr. George J. Moll, Jr. Frances A. Frederick Jeanette M. Moore Elizabethtown Chapter No. 407, OES Carole Jean Fullerton Joel D. Morris James W. Morris Jean L. Myers Jerry B. and Anne W. Lauer Sara Negley Thomas O. and Patricia A. Richey Marjorie S. Nelson L. Sherwood Lennartson Art and Shirley Rowley James C. Nickle Thomas and Terry Kamerzel Helen Oberlin New Bethlehem Chapter No. 230, OES Sonya Kay Olson James E. and Gloria J. Olson Elizabeth P. Onyx Carol A. Coe Harland G. and Patricia L. Dodge Kathryn M. Painter Michael W. Chapman William T. and Mary Jane Parry, Sr. William T. Parry, Jr. Richard L. Peifer Janet N. Peifer Reba Pennell Thomas and Carol Mercer Elizabeth Peterson Uldis and Skaidrite Kalnins Joseph and Leona Petrosky, Sr. John J. and Theresa R. Donati, Jr.

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Sheldon C. Pickel Margery B. H. English Gloria F. La Noce Lois R. Reynolds Barbara E. Shields Nelson M. Williams Russell L. Probst, Jr. Clintin S. and Karen E. Probst Russell L. Probst, Sr. Clintin S. and Karen E. Probst Ted Probst Clintin S. and Karen E. Probst John W. Prosser John D. Prosser Ruth N. Prosser York Chapter No. 169, OES John D. Prosser Herbert W. Reynolds Ronald and Joan Nelson Charles F. Schwender Barbara E. Shields Carroll R. Wentz, Jr. Wallace F. Richter Thomas R. Patton Lodge No. 659 Horace F. Richter, Jr. Howard F. Rissmiller Bonita Y. Rissmiller Thomas H. Robertson Doric Lodge No. 630 Art and Shirley Rowley Ethel A. (Sis) Robinson Corinthian Chapter No. 13, OES Dominic and Rosemary Costantino Robert J. Riffert Chester and Mary Eileen Tryanski John R. Rodd Chartiers Lodge No. 297

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Penrose E. Ryder, Jr. Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. Lillian B. Sanders C. Vernon Sanders, Jr. Gilda B. Sayres Lynn M. Blum Connie’s Sorority Sisters Rosemary Dougherty Gail Ellis Neuhauser Family William H. Schmoutz, Jr. Chartiers Lodge No. 297 John P. Schneider Ronald E. Schneider Albert H. Schoellhammer Martin H. and Gabriele M. Bayer Fred and Winifred Schreffler William and Nancy

Schreffler Nancy Schultz Barbara E. Shields Walter Dale Seese Dorothy A. Seese Henry S. Seitz John H. and Louann Seitz Mary M. Sellers Mary L. Yeager George B. Sheasley Anna K. Sheasley Kathleen B. Shockey Art and Shirley Rowley Mr. and Mrs. Gerold Shuller Barry and Donna

Zimmerman Hugh W. Smith June M. Smith James F. Smith Eureka Lodge No. 290 Virginia Smith Friendship Chapter No. 551, OES

Leonard W. Sorensen Robert L. Haar Vera Soderberg Dean and Evelyn Soderberg Pauline Spangler Delbert and Fern Skinner James H. Staver, Jr. Nellie D. Staver Helen Josie (Adam) Stone City of Boynton Beach Utilities Department Co- Workers Lois D. Cox Mill Road P.T.O. G. Edward and Rowena Morelock Eric A. and Wilma E. Ricci Karen T. Riseley Eutha C. Ruper Barbara C. Rupley Mary Ellen Wolford John W. Stotz Kenneth and Elaine Bleiler William R. (Bob) Sumners Eureka Lodge No. 290 John O. Swanson McKinley-Stuckrath Lodge No. 318 Catherine M. Taggart Greg and Nancy Dick Robert M. Terkay Chartiers Lodge No. 297 Harry C. Thomas Carolyn A. Thomas Herman and Blanche Walters David W. and Alice M. Bechtel Sherwood Watts Judith A. Harris Barbara E. Weisser Drew W. and Frances G. Washabau Margaret (Marge) Widger Louis and Mary Luberda

Village Voice

Herman C. Willis William J. and Irene F. Reaghard David E. Winter Loretta M. Winter Charles L. Wood Anna K. Wood Luther and Mary Yerger Edward and Joan Rotheram Andrew R. Young Whitfield Lodge No. 622 Gary C. Young Chartiers Lodge No. 297 Lois B. Young Gary Herman Jim and Betty Rodisch Mary Y. Royer Ann A. Wildasin Harold J. Zell Charles M. and Ethel M. Zell Mr. and Mrs. Claude Zimmerman Barry and Donna

Zimmerman Donald R. Zimmerman Daniel and Katherine Zimmerman Elizabeth (Betsy) A. Zimmerman Elizabeth Hammell Robert and Karen Spicer J. Elmer Zimmerman William C. Gable Vincent Zingone Marie Virginia Andrews Samuel David Zussman Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19

Honorarium Gifts August 1 - October 31, 2014

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 emailing giving@masonicvillages.org. Thank you.

Dorsey, Susana and Eve Anonymous Donna N. Hershey Ralph and Anna Barisci Raymond C. Keener Dale R. and Gail S. Stump Richard Manning Michelle Sassic Thomas R. Mason Robert and Susan Hollein

Florence Y. Methlie Kenneth and Patricia Sacks Kenneth E. Morgan Donald B. Morgan Gertrude K. Myers Charles L. Myers James A. O’Connor Glenn O. and Barbara R. Hawbaker, Jr.

Ella Pedersen Lewis C. Shaw Debbie Polonoli Helen L. Treloar Herbert W. Ridyard Cheston and Ann Berlin William M. and Gilda B. Sayres Wendy Riggall Esther L. Scheuermann John E. Letsch

William Staman Anonymous Rowena Surloff Paul and Francine Surloff Leann Weaver Ralph and Anna Barisci Florence E. Willis William J. and Irene F. Reaghard Esther Wood’s 95th Birthday Tom and Ruth Mason

Hospice Care Memorial Gifts August 1 - October 31, 2014

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.

Janet Louise Anstine John Buchheit Cheryl Fitz Gerald W. Kapp, Jr. Shirley Lloyd Jenifer J. Ruby Helen M. Arnold Albert and Betty Frederick Bobbie V. Gasket Don and Joan Russell Jane E. Bitzer The Brownies (Brown Building Residents) William R. Butts, Jr. Lois Butts Bob and Doris Decker Doris M. Goerlitz Allan and Molly Legg Mildred A. Matthews Jane E. Peet Shirley Lou Thomas Elna M. Wargo

Donald Perry Byers Betty L. Deibert Laurence R. Rutt Mr. and Mrs. Gary Spease David and Constance Wagner Richard F. Case Sylvia, Donna, Carol and Connie Marlene H. Evans Connie Brown Bill Evans LaRue Helm Bernard Jacobson Jerry and Rosalie Kellehe Johanna Lever H. S. Long Burton and Betty Margolis Tallie and Louise Marsh John A. Walsh Marion M. Greiner Brothers and Sisters of Local No. 73 UGSOA

J. T. and Gwen Clevenger Bob and Peggy Davis Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Lutz The Brownies (Brown Building Residents) Robert Wiley McElwain Lisa G. Waterman Betty A. Rowe Scott R. Morris Miriam K. Showalter Donegal Insurance Group Trefz Engineering, Inc. John and Penny Witmer Lillian Josephine (Jo) Snyder Janet E. Eckert Helen Josie (Adam) Stone Raymond E. and Annette M. Tierney Wm. Bruce Thomas Phyllis J. Thomas William J. Wilbert, Jr. Dennis P. and Nancy E. D’Angelo

Winter 2015

Paul, Stephen, Lauren and Denise D’Angelo Virginia J. Locker Thomas and Janice

MacVaugh Martha J. Moore John P. and Lisa M. Ocenas Elizabeth Pedone John and Lea Reynolds Marion A. Rynar Erma Yaletsko Andrew Yaletsko Harvey R. Zerphey Philip and Roseann Dove Employees of Susquehanna Bank on Lingelstown Road Gary J. Muccio Greg A. Myers Ed and Linda White

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Masonic Children’s Home

HAPPENINGS

Masonic Villages One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Between the start of school and the holiday season, youth at the Masonic Children’s Home in Elizabethtown have been busy learning, growing and having fun!

Thanks to the generosity of several donors who wish to remain anonymous, each youth at the Masonic Children’s Home received his or her own personal laptop to use for school work and to communicate with friends and family. Youth are required to follow rules for Internet and computer usage or their privileges may be revoked.

One of the houseparents desired to display a train in the Longdon Cottage for the boys during the holidays. They contacted members of the Masonic Village and Elizabethtown Model Railroad Club, who graciously offered to share one of their tracks.

The boys enjoyed watching the residents set it up and having it in their home throughout the season.

At the 6th annu al cottage cook-o ff, youth were challenged to use bread doug h mix, Nutella, a chocol ate bar, white ri ce and almonds to crea te a delicious sw eet treat.

The real lessons were the manne rs, life skills and teamw ork that youth le arned.

The winner was Balliet Cottage, an ge d se od co L nd place went to m ts from Jerusale Weller Cottage. es gu d y an rt n pa re th as Bre hristm lphia, hosted a C songs, No. 506, Philade ho joined in liday e on ry ve E h. ut for the yo filled with a ed out stockings nd ha a nt Sa d an d candy. $50 gift card an

hop Rooster’s Woods Members of the eck to n presented a ch in Elizabethtow ren’s director of child , la ra ig M a ni gi Vir us and you to this genero services. Thank talented group!

Buy Local All Year Round

Apples, Cider and Vegetables Winter Farm Market Hours (through March 31): Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Sat. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Located on Masonic Village’s campus - 310 Eden View Road, Elizabethtown

Call ahead and leave a message to order baked goods.

MasonicVillage

717-361-4520 • www.MVFarmmarket.com

FARM MARKET