Winter 2021

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES:

WCV residents reflect on summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro

In the early 1970s, a 19-year-old man followed the prompting of the Lord to serve as a missionary in Ethiopia. The decision meant purchasing a one-way airplane ticket and leaving his family and friends for three years.

Near the end of his service, he and a friend traveled to Tanzania and climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. At 19,341 feet, it is the highest mountain in Africa. In later years, this young man figures prominently in the history of Mennonite Home Communities (MHC) and Woodcrest Villa (WCV). The young adventurer—Nelson Kling—became the driving force behind the construction of WCV and was later invited to serve as president of MHC.

his limits. That is why, when his friend Gordon Griffith told him about an upcoming trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Kent jumped at the opportunity. (Gordon and his wife, Laura, are on the wait list to join the WCV community.) Kent also invited his grandson, Sodi Kroehler, a junior at the University of Pittsburgh, to join the trip.

Almost 50 years separate Nelson’s trip from Kent’s and, yet, they connected about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro right on campus at WCV.

During one of his training walks at WCV, Kent encountered Nelson Kling, who is now a fellow WCV resident. Nelson asked Kent what he was training for. “To climb Mount Kilimanjaro,” Kent replied. To which Nelson responded, “I’ve been there!” Almost 50 years separate Nelson’s trip from Kent’s and, yet, they connected about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, right on campus at WCV.

(age 77), Gordon (age 73) and another trekker (age 67) “the young boys.” But, after observing Kent’s determination, guide Baraka dubbed him Babu Simba or “grandfather lion” in Swahili.

The trek was more difficult than the men anticipated. Each day, they were subject to a 10-point medical checkup. They also consumed a gallon of water, daily, to stave off dehydration. Gordon is not sure he would recommend the trip to others, but stated, “I am so glad I went … but glad I didn’t know in advance what I was getting into.”

Kent said there were numerous times when he wasn’t sure he was going to make it to the summit. “If I were on my own, I would have quit,” Kent said. “What buoyed me was the sense of community I had among the other trekkers, guides and porters. I didn’t want to let them down by quitting.”

Kent has thought a lot about the blessings he enjoys and makes intentional decisions about how he spends his resources. Because his investment portfolio has increased, dramatically, due to the stock market appreciation of the last year and a half, he wasn’t too concerned about the cost of the trip for Sodi and himself. Even so, Kent is committed to a life of generosity. Therefore, he calculated the total cost of the trip for the two of them and donated a similar amount to several charities. Kent also led a successful effort to increase the tips his group members gave because the guides and porters were so exceptional, and because the trekkers had capacity to be what St. Paul called ‘extravagantly generous.’

WCV resident Kent Kroehler also is no stranger to challenge. Having once traversed the United States in 40 days— on a bicycle—he has come to appreciate the value of pushing

Gordon, Kent and Sodi flew to Tanzania and joined nine other “trekkers,” whom they did not know. They were supported by 46 guides and porters. Rebman, one of the six guides, nicknamed Kent

(continued)

(Photo, Far Left) Gordon Griffith (left), Guide Steven Mallya, and WCV resident Kent Kroehler (right), (Middle) (top) Campsite on Mount Kilimanjaro, (bottom) Kent trudging through snow, (Right) Gordon (left) and Kent (right)

(continued from p.3)

Nelson has had the benefit of almost 50 years to reflect on his Mount Kilimanjaro experience. He realizes he enjoys meeting challenges such as going to Ethiopia as an inexperienced 19-yearold and the time he rode his motorcycle from Jacksonville, Florida, to San Diego, California—in only 43 hours! A final example?

Changing careers at the invitation of the president of MHC, a decision that eventually led him to serve as president, himself.

The COVID-19 pandemic is an example of a challenge that has impacted the entire world. Near the beginning of the pandemic, signs began sprouting up at WCV that read, “Woodcrest Strong.” The signs were the way members of the WCV community announced that, ‘Yes, this pandemic is serious, and we need to do the right things to keep us safe, but the WCV community is strong, and we will face this pandemic together.’

Kent knew he wanted to take a “Woodcrest Strong” sign to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro to encourage the WCV community that even the toughest challenges can be met with courage and tenacity, especially when we overcome them together. (See cover photo.)

This edition of Soaring is intended to thank the many generous donors whose contributions help to provide benevolent care for residents who outlive their financial resources. Certainly, every donor can tell stories of how they have overcome challenges in their lives, just like Nelson, Kent, Sodi and Gordon. It is inspiring to realize that, despite our challenges—indeed, partly because of our challenges—we can grow and give and be a blessing to others.

Nelson reflected on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and how it related to raising funds for benevolent care:

“Mount Kilimanjaro is large and so are the many needs of residents. That said, mountains aren’t conquered in one day and neither are financial challenges. This will take careful planning and effort on many people who are vested in our mission.

As we neared the summit, our guides instructed us to take small, deliberate steps at a steady pace. Fundraising has these same characteristics. The large gifts are great and are appreciated but so too are the small gifts given multiple times over many years that make it possible for us to meet the need.”

Working a lifetime with volunteers VOLUNTEER

ROSALYN WARD

It would be rare to find someone who has devoted more time and energy to volunteering than Rosalyn Ward. Much of her life has been dedicated to volunteerism, a practice she continues today at Mennonite Home and Woodcrest Villa. She is so committed to offering her time that for 27 years she volunteered for the Penn Laurel Girl Scout Council, a movement totally dependent on unpaid helpers. Rosalyn likes to say that, “my happiest days are when I am busy all day long.”

Her commitment to scouting started with her own positive experience. She was a member of a Girl Scout Brownie troop and continued scouting throughout her school years. She credits her time in Girl Scouts with “some of the most wonderful experiences of my life.”

As a young mother, Rosalyn volunteered at the local Girl Scout Council because she wanted to give back in response to her positive experience. When her daughter was about 6 months old, she took a screened, portable crib to Lancaster’s Buchmiller Park as part of a day camp and worked with school age girls for a few hours each day. It was a great way for her to be with her daughter

“It has been my honor and my pleasure to be involved at various levels of volunteering at both Woodcrest Villa and Mennonite Home.

while caring for other girls at the same time, she said.

After many years of day-camp volunteering, Rosalyn was asked to direct the Lancaster County Girl Scout facility at Camp Furnace Hills. Later, she served in various roles at Penn Laurel Girl Scouts, first as a Field Director, then as Membership Services Director, a Director and ultimately an Assistant Executive Director. As part of her service, Rosalyn successfully managed a $2,000,000 capital campaign. After her retirement, Rosalyn continued her fundraising work with Grace Lutheran Church,

Community Residents. At Mennonite Home, she works in the Country Store and greets family members and friends who come to visit their loved ones. In 2019, Rosalyn became the Resident member of the Mennonite Home Communities Board.

“It has been my honor and my pleasure to be involved at various levels of volunteering at both Woodcrest Villa and Mennonite Home,” Rosalyn said. “I enjoy the opportunity to meet and work with other residents, here, and to do my part to enhance the quality of life of those for whom the volunteer work is directed.”

Bright Side Opportunities Center, Parish Resource Center, Central Market and Global Disciples, all located in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.

During these 14 years, she managed campaigns that raised more than $30,000,000.

Rosalyn moved to Woodcrest Villa nine years ago and began volunteering at Mennonite Home and Woodcrest Villa. She volunteers in the Development Department and serves on the Legislative Advocacy Committee, Resident Council, Financial Advisory Committee, Luo Pads, Hearts and Hands and as a delegate to PA Alliance of Retirement

Not surprisingly, Rosalyn believes there are many benefits to volunteering.

“I highly recommend that residents consider some form of volunteer work,” she said. “If not here, for some cause about which they feel passionate. The personal rewards of volunteering far outweigh the effort. It’s fun, keeps one active, provides a sense of accomplishment and ultimately, directly or indirectly, fulfills a need for another person.”

Rosalyn is an amazing volunteer. We are grateful for her continued commitment to our community.

(Top Photo) Kent (left) and Nelson Kling (right) model some of their trekking garb, (Bottom) Kent (left) with grandson Sodi Kroehler (right) and Guide Steven

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Mennonite Home Communities continues to fulfill its Christ-based mission by enriching the lives of 850+ residents, staff, and the community. I am deeply grateful for our staff members who have persevered for more than 18 months of the pandemic and for the volunteers and donors who faithfully and generously support our mission.

Renovations continue at the Mennonite Home campus. When completed in early 2022, the repositioning project will allow us to operate more efficiently, and the entire MH staff will be able to park at the Mennonite Home campus during their shifts. At Woodcrest Villa, 34 new villas were added in the last year, and several new and exciting projects are in the planning process.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact operations with significant extra expenses. Government reimbursement for Medical Assistance stayed flat for the seventh consecutive year. Therefore, gifts for benevolent care are greatly needed and highly valued.

Thank you for your continued prayers for wisdom for the Board and Leadership team as we face the many challenges of senior living. Your steadfast support means so much to us during such challenging times.

Mennonite Home Statement of Operations

The

The Board of Mennonite Home Communities is thankful for the staff members who have worked tirelessly through the COVID-19 pandemic. We are grateful for their commitment to serve and care for others, because by doing so, they are fulfilling our mission to enrich the lives of residents, the staff and the community.

As the landscape in health care and senior living continues to change, the Board is actively exploring opportunities for growth. The right-sizing of the Mennonite Home campus is proceeding as planned, and we are firm in our conviction that the renovations position us to thrive in the coming years. In addition, we are excited about adding forward-thinking residential options on the Woodcrest Campus. These options will benefit from current thinking about styles and amenities that are of interest to the next generation of residents.

John D. Sauder, NHA President Mennonite Home Communities

The Board covets your prayers for wisdom and discernment as we consider future opportunities.

Thank you to the individuals and businesses who contribute so generously to provide benevolent care for residents. The new expenses caused by the pandemic, coupled with the ever-rising costs of providing high quality health care, means that your gifts are greatly needed and appreciated. As Chair of the Board, I can assure you that each Board member joins you in doing all we can to enrich the lives of our residents, staff and the community.

With appreciation,

Roy Bomberger, Jr. Board Chairperson

A Letter from The Board Chairperson

TOUCHING LIVES:

Benevolent Care Donors

Both individuals and churches donate to Benevolent Care. Corporations and foundations also provide support through Golf Outing Sponsorships and in-kind gifts such as food, snacks or drink. We rely upon these gifts to support more than 65 residents of Mennonite Home and several families at Woodcrest Villa.

FOUNDATION, CORPORATION & IN-KIND GIFTS

DONATION PERIOD: JULY 1, 2020 TO JUNE 30, 2021

Anonymous - 1

Advanced Trim Specialities

Advantage Rehabilitation and Home Health Services

Adventure Sports in Hershey

AmazonSmile

B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc.

Bachman Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory

Baker Tilly

Benchmark Construction

Benjamin Roberts Ltd.

Blakinger Thomas, P.C.

Bomberger’s Store

Booth Framing Arts, Inc.

Boscov’s

Charles F. Snyder Funeral Homes & Crematory

Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Homes

Compleat Restorations

COR Construction Services, Inc.

Core BTS

Curtis Welding

D.H. Funk & Sons LLC

Davcon Relocation Services

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Bart Dunlap

Dutch Gold Honey

Dutch Wonderland

EG Stoltzfus Construction

Enck Brothers Drywall Inc.

Esbenshade Farms/Mills

Everence Foundation, Inc.

Matt Feiler

Feeser’s

TOUCHING LIVES: 1903 Legacy Society

The Board of Trustees established the 1903 Legacy Society (named for the year Mennonite Home Communities was founded) to celebrate the role of philanthropy and to thank our generous donors.

The 1903 Legacy Society recognizes donors for one or more of the following:

• Those who have given gifts and pledges totaling $10,000 during their lifetimes

• Those who have made planned gifts

• Those who have designated a bequest to Mennonite Home Communities in their will, trust or retirement plan

Fox Meadows Creamery

Fulton Theatre

Robert Gochnauer

Good’s Disposal Service, Inc

Grauers Decorating Center

Greco’s Italian Ices and Homemade Ice Cream

Hair Express

Tony Harnish

Harrisburg Area

Community College

Harvey’s Bar-B-Q

Health Direct Pharmacy Services

Henry H Ross & Son, Inc.

Henry’s Seafood

Hershey Trolley Works

Highmark

Home Instead Senior Care

Hostetter Realty

Houck

Hunt Valley Country Club

I.B. Abel Inc.

James C. Hockenberry PLS

J.C. Snavely & Sons, Inc.

Johnson Controls

Johnson, Kendall & Johnson

JR & D Warfel Foundation

Kappa Kappa Gamma

Alumnae Association

KeyNet Technologies

Lee Kinsey

Kinsey’s Outdoors

Lancaster Area Sewer Authority

Lancaster County Community Foundation

Lancaster County Magazine

Landisville Primary Center

Lapp Electrical Service, Inc.

Latsha Davis & Marshall, P.C.

Leisure Bowling & Golf Center

LPL Financial Retirement

Partners

M & T Bank

Martin Appliance & Water Conditioning

MH Crafters

Murray Insurance Associates, Inc.

National Christian Foundation of New York

North Group Consultants

Paramount Contracting, Inc.

Peoples Bank

Phoenix Contract, Inc.

Preferred Health Care/Eliance

Health Solutions

Providence Engineering

RGS Associates

RKL LLP

RLPS Architects

Robert C. Wenger

Charitable Trust

Rocky Springs

Entertainment Center

Sage Technology Solutions, Inc.

S. Clyde Weaver, Inc.

Dave Serfass

Shady Maple Farm Market and Smorgasbord

SJI Energy Advisors

Stauffers of Kissel Hill

Stony Bridge Landscaping, Inc.

Susquehanna Micro, Inc.

The Benecon Group, Inc.

The Hershey Company

The M & T Charitable Foundation

Thermolite, Inc.

Thrivent

Toshiba

Tree of Life Services

Turkey Hill

US Foods

Wall to Wall Floor Covering, LLC

Warfel Construction Company

Water Treatment By Design

Wayneco Cabinetry Mark Cinco LLC

WCV Crafters

WCV Flower FactoryJerry Lawrence

Weaver Associates, Inc.

Wegmans Churches

Byerland Mennonite Church

New Danville Mennonite Church

Stumptown Mennonite Church

WCV Spiritual Life Congregation

Anonymous - 15

American Express Foundation

B.R. Kreider & Son, Inc.

Barry & Virginia Badger

George & Dian Bagley

Baker Tilly

Nancy Bare

Ken & Wilma Beard

Marilyn Beardslee

Yvonne Beck

Benchmark Construction

Blakinger Thomas, P.C.

Martha Jane Bomberger

Roy & Evelyn Bomberger Jr.

Bomberger’s Store

Mary Jane Brandt

Reba Buckwalter-Kreider

Pat Burkhart

Byerland Mennonite Church

*J. Milton Byers

Don & Linda Caldwell

Bertha Cassel

*Virginia Cherry

Noel & Ursula Connaughton

Grace Conner

Beatrice Cox

CRELS Foundation

Davcon Relocation Services

D.H. Funk & Sons LLC

Jay & Sally Douglass

East Chestnut Street

Mennonite Church

Marie Eck

EG Stoltzfus Construction

Joan Ellis

Martha Eppley

H. Glenn & Rachael

Esbenshade

D. Rohrer & Mabel Eshleman

Bill & Kitt Gamber

Ed & Sylvia Geisler

John & Phoebe Good

Shirley Groff

Judy Harnly

Matthew & Andrea Hartzler

Nancy Heagy

Mark Heisey

*Indicates passed away

William & Jean Henry

Herr Foods

Cleo & Mary Ann Hershey

Brenda Hess

Merv & Nora Hess

Highmark

Eugene Hoffman

Fred & Bonnie Hughes

Albert & Elizabeth Huizing

Johnson, Kendall & Johnson

Robert Johnstone

Betty G. Kauffman

Lewis & Gloria Kauffman

Roger & Carol Kennett

KeyNet Technologies

J. Nelson & Marie Kling

Eugene Klumpp

Suzanne Kohler

Tom & Sandy Krantz

Kenneth Kreider

Marian Kreider

Phyllis G. Kreider

Al Kuser

Lancaster Mennonite Conference

Mary Landis

Erma Leaman

Harold & Patricia Leaman

Stewart Leeder

*Betty Leich

Philip & Charlotte Lynch

M & T Bank

*George Maloney

Elvin & Laverne Martin

Robert Martin

Jean McFarland

Robert McGrath

Anne Meachem

Philip Metzler

MH Congregational Offering

Gloria Miller

Vera Miller

Millersville Mennonite Church

Dan & Shelli Mortensen

Virginia Mullin

Clay & Hilma Mumma

Murray Insurance Associates, Inc.

*Titus Musser

Wayneco Cabinetry

MarkCinco LLC

WCV Crafters

WCV Spiritual Life Congregation

WCV The MarketPlace

Helen (Wickie) Weaver

Glenn & Lucy Weber

Mary Weirich

George & Pat Werner

Harry & Alma West

J. Wilbur & Sarah Mylin

Jack & Sandy Neal

Phyllis Newcomer

Richard Olson

Dean & Kim Peters

Greg & Lynn Pierce

RGS Associates

RLPS Architects

Robert C. Wenger Charitable Trust

Bruce & Sally Rodenberger

Ada Rohrer

Daniel & Grace Rohrer

Terry & Nan Rush

John & Rose Sauder

Patricia Sawyer

Barbara Saylor

Laura Shaida

Marvin & Julie Shearer

Rich & Vi Shoemaker

John & Evelyn Sigman

Barbara Smith

Dorothy Mowery Smith

Patricia Smith

James & Carol Spicher

Darlene Stauffer

Dennis & Connie Stichter

Phyllis Stone

Susquehanna Valley EMS

James & Judy Thomas

David & Audrey Thompson

Roger & Blanche Trout

Mary Louise Wain

Rosalyn Ward

JR & D Warfel Foundation

Warfel Construction Company

Rose Ann Wassell

Richard & *Elizabeth Williams - Williams Apothecary

Paul Wilson

Susan Wolf

Jan & Nancy Wolgamuth

Jay & Anita Wolgemuth

Melvin Zimmerman

MHC celebrates the generosity of the following New Members:

Jay & Sally Douglass

William & Jean Henry

Eugene Klumpp

Suzanne Kohler

Stewart Leeder

Dan & Shelli Mortensen

Murray Insurance Associates, Inc.

Jack & Sandy Neal

Phyllis Newcomer

Jan & Nancy Wolgamuth

Wayneco Cabinetry MarkCinco LLC

With sadness, MHC acknowledges the passing of the following Members:

J. Milton Byers

Virginia Cherry

Betty Leich

George Maloney

Titus Musser

Elizabeth Williams

TOUCHING LIVES:

Memorial Gifts

Every year many people make memorial and honor gifts for residents of Woodcrest Villa or Mennonite Home. The families can choose to place a bronze silver or gold leaf , or foundation stone , on the beautiful Tree of Life, located opposite the Chapel at Mennonite Home.

DONATION PERIOD: JULY 1, 2020 TO JUNE 30, 2021

All Residents Lost to COVID-19

Tina Fronheiser

Anthony Arcudi

Michael & Nancy Shenk

Craig Banner

Marilyn Beardslee

Joan Ellis

Jack & Lois Raymond

Aubrey Bauknight

Dolores Bauknight

Adda Beamguard

Doris St. John

Bill & Ruth Beierschmitt

Joe & Joan Schram

Nancy Bell

David Bell

Levi Fisher

Robert Belser

Jack & Sally Brinker

Norman Bender

Elaine Rhen

Gloria Beyerle

Charles F. Snyder

Funeral Home

Linda Blazer

Nancy Bare

Evelyn Bordt

Cynthia Herr

Naomi Erb Breneman

Anonymous

Barbara Brown Anonymous

Kappa Kappa Gamma

Alumnae Association

Judith Kidder

Meg Mabbs

Phyllis Stone

Ken Brubaker

Millie Brubaker

Lester Brumbach

Marc Brumbach

Shirley Brumbach

Wilbur W. Bucher

Annette Bucher

David & Jeannette Malinzak

Gerald Burkhardt

North East High School

Charlotte Reaser

Rev. William & Mrs. Cassel, siblings Ruth, Mary, Esther, Dave & James

Bert Cassel

Mary Cestone

Jerry & Lee Forrest

Jim Chajkowski

Jerry & Lee Forrest

James Ebersole

Marilyn Beardslee

Thorpe W. Ellis

Joan Ellis

Verna Farrel

Elsie Mae Martin

James Finkbiner

Richard & Mary Ann Finkbiner

Edward Fischer, Jr.

Elsie Fischer

Barbara Fisher

Levi Fisher

Don Focht

Mary Jane Brandt

Lloyd Frey

Audrey Ackerman-Frey Anonymous

Jack & Sally Brinker

Marcia Hemler

Sandra Hoover

Lew & Gloria Kauffman

Emma Goss

Wayne & Shirley Stauffer

John B. Groff

James & Jennifer Groff

Melvin S. Groff

Paul Groff

Pat Gross

Hair Express

Lillian Haas

Earl & Belinda Ament

Florence Hallman

Anonymous

Gilbert A. Hamilton

Helen Hamilton

Catherine Hamm

Helen J. Frey

Fred Hamor

Anonymous

Ken & Wilma Beard

Jack & Sally Brinker

Peter & Diana Ryckman

Shirley Kain

Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Inc.

Lancaster Area Sewer Authority

Mildred Nicodemus

Esther Keener

Warren & Linda Tyson

John M. Krady

Robert & Ginny Krady

Verna Krady

*John M. Krady

Orpha Mae Kreider

Norman Kreider

John & Lydia Landis

Peter & Diana Ryckman

Raymond & Norma Landis

Their Family

Bachman Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory

Paul Lefever

Al & Jo Grossbauer

Art & Nancy Sieting

Florence McGrath

Rev. Robert McGrath

Connie McMullin

Anonymous

Jack & Sally Brinker

Joan Ellis

Lewis I. Mengle

Garry & Patsy Burnside

Suzanne Metzler

Phil Metzler

De Etta Miller

Margaret E. & Brian Condron

Robert & Linda Fry

Bob & Stephanie Gersten

Bruce & Susan Hepburn

Richard & Joanne Markley

Fern Miller

Ethel Miller

Julia Moody

Noel & Ursula Connaughton

Dorothy Moran

Mary O’Connor

Daniel & Mary Mosemann

Anonymous

Wayne Murphy

John & Judy Kline

Harry Brock & Kelley Lutz

*Joan Masten

Jim & Carol Spicher

Ellen Musser

Scott & Lauren Musser

John L. Myers

Bonnie Myers

William Cherry Anonymous

Ken & Wilma Beard

Steven & Carol Ann Cherry

Mike Day & Judy Pehrson

Beulah Jones

Peter & Diana Ryckman

Marvin & Julie Shearer

Ginny Cherry

Beulah Jones

Judy Pehrson

Bernice Quay

Marvin & Julie Shearer

Alice E. Crouse

Ed McConaghy

Clara Davidson

Barbara Kieley and Family

Edward & Fern Deatrick

Bill & Kay Schotta

Susan Witmer & Colin Martin

Mildred DiFuria

Arthur & Loretta DiFuria

Daniel & Sueie Ebersole

George & Martha Nardacci

Jerry & Lorna Lawrence

Patricia Lutz

*Joan Masten

James & Diane McCoy

David & Beth Miller

Vera Miller

Ronald & Georgia Myers

Peter & Diana Ryckman

Ernie & Lenore Svetec

Janet Sweigart

William Thoner

Jean Witmer

Arlene Frey

Helen J. Frey

Linda Fuller

Jeff & Gail Alexander

Louise Garber

Charles F. Snyder Funeral

Home

Thomas & Kay Schroll

Esther Gebhard

Clay & Hilma Mumma

Eva Geigley

*Titus Musser

Paula Hankel

Richard Hankel

Merilynn Hart

Esta Fegley

Kenneth & Barbara Marzinko

Samuel Hartman

Deb Hartman

Lucille Powell

Arlene Heisey

Bonita Rissmiller

Martha Hershey

Jan & Nancy Wolgamuth

F. Melvin Hess

Stella L. Hess

Jacob T. Hoover, Jr.

Sandy Hoover

Susan Hostetter

Ron & Mary Schaefer

Lois Jacobs

Stanley Jacobs & Coralie Werking

Muriel Lepley

Vera Miller

Arthur Levine

Alan Levine

Nancy Longenecker

Jim & Shirley Stauffer

Larry Loughner

Barbara Loughner

Bill & Ellie McCann

Curtis & Jane Manley

Jane Sheckard

Dan Markley

Marilyn Beardslee

Luke & Kathy Martin

Anonymous

Nancy L. Martin

Robert Martin

John & Edna Massimilla

Bart & Mary Dunlap

Susan McCloskey

Robert Siegler

Blake Nicholson, Jr.

Bachman Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc.

Evodia J. Olson

Richard E. Olson

Joan Oresky

Rhonda Kleiman

Our Parents

Russell & Marian Bubernak

Ivan & Shirley Sellers

Anonymous

Edna M. Shaiebly

William & Debra Dochat

Joe & Mary Schram

Joe & Joan Schram

Jack & Nancy Sheckard

Gary Sheckard

Herbert & Jane Shelly

James & Kathi Workman

Elmer & Jane Shertzer

Margie Lentz

Steve & Barbara Shertzer

Michael H. Suydam

Kathleen Hall

Carol Skeens

Ronald Snyder

TOUCHING LIVES: Honor Gifts

DONATION PERIOD:

JULY 1, 2020 TO JUNE 30, 2021

Anna Bare

Dale & Jere Zimmerman

Shirley Brumbach

Marc Brumbach

Al Day & his work with VITA

Ken & Wilma Beard

Carl & Nancy Denlinger

Ben Phillips

Laurie Phillips

Louise Pomerantz

Anonymous

Ken & Wilma Beard

John & Ilene Schenkel

Mary & Richard Proseus

Joe & Barbara Ives

Gerald & Judith Safranski

Cesare “Che” Puglisi

HACC

John Pyott

Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home

Jessie Reifsnyder

Cynthia Reifsnyder & Dale Dombach

Ken & Margaret Stoppard

Kathleen Suydam

Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Trond, Sr.

Stephen & Kathleen Trond

Dick & Doris Trussell

Peter & Diana Ryckman

Esther Tyson

Warren & Linda Tyson

Millie Uhler

David & Katie Shutler

Meg Vanaskie

Greg & Lynn Pierce

Amy Weaver

Robert & Holly Keller

Nan Weidman

Cynthia Haughey

Lloyd C. Myers

Jane L. Hooley

Rosalyn Nace

Norma Zarfoss

Mary E. Neff

James & Susan Richter

Ron Neumar

Bart & Mary Dunlap

Joan Elllis

John & Teresa Lumley

Patricia Lutz

Bernie Quay

Adrienne Sommer

Lynn Steedle

Don & Jessie Stollenwerk

Ernie & Lenore Svetec

Mary Weirich

Cynthia Zook

Joan Nicholson

Ken & Wilma Beard

Frank & Sue Cimino

Stephen & Carol Goetz

Gary & Pam Nicholson

Greg & Lynn Pierce

Mary Weirich

George & Pat Werner

Residents Afflicted with Covid-19

Cindy Hauser

Elsie & Fred Reutenauer

Susan Luek

James M. Revel

Elaine Revel

Grace Rohrbach

Lisa Nelson

Adelfa Root

Kathleen Bevel

Betty Rorabaugh

Mark & Melissa Heise

Anna Maria Salerno

Larry & Linda Conley

Jeremy & Sheila Hershey

John & Dolores Moon

Thomas Patterson

Rose Marie Salerno

Elizabeth Schaefer

Ron & Mary Schaefer

Bill Scheetz

Vera Miller

Peter & Cheryl Perrotta

A. Margaret Eckman

Paul & Elsie Eckman

Jim & Elizabeth Stoltzfus

Loren & Helen Zimmerman

Everyone touched by the effects of COVID-19

Braden & Kris Hess

Margaret Ginder

Steve & Marie Miller

Patricia Henning

Debbie Stanwell

Sarah Horting

Robert & Audrey Horting

Sandy Neal’s Birthday

Dennis & Nancy Good

Ann Pogue

Kari Pogue

*Louise Pomerantz

Greystone/Pomerantz

Family

Jennifer Rohrer & Staff at MHC

Kay Straley

John Sauder

RLPS Architects

Janet Sweigart

John & Lynette Howard

Warren Tyson

Antonio & Domenica

Felice

Jeremy Van Sant

Bill & Ellie McCann

Residents Afflicted with COVID-19

Cindy Hauser

Rosalyn Ward

Jim & Carol Spicher

WCV Church Services

Ken & Wilma Beard

Robert Weirich

Mary Weirich

Louise Weitzel

Barbara Bucks

Gary & Sandra Gamler

Glenn Werking

Stanley Jacobs & Coralie Werking

L. Kathleen Werner

John & *Aileen Longenecker

John W. Wolf

Susan Wolf

Donald G. Zook

Cynthia Zook

Every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in reporting our donors. Please inform Kris Hess, MHC Development Department, at 717-735-2647, of any corrections, omissions or errors.

*Indicates passed away

Janice Osborne’s Birthday

Diane Mitchell

Our Families

Robert & Sandra Smith

Our Family

Bob & Judy Grobengieser

Greg Pierce’s Retirement

Tim & B.A. Smith

WCV Staff - in gratitude for hard work during COVID crisis

Marilyn Beardslee

WCV Trail Committee

Barbara Smith

Dan & Barb Witmer

Gregg & Cathy Witmer

WINTER 2021 |

Welcome New Team Members!

Jessica Sibbett joined the Woodcrest Villa team in October as Director of Sales and Marketing. A graduate of Shippensburg University, she has spent the last 14 years as Director of Marketing for a retirement community in the Palmyra/Hershey area.

Jessica has played an integral part in growing retirement communities through strategic planning, sales, branding, event planning and new construction. She said she's excited to bring her past experience and knowledge to the Woodcrest Villa team.

Jessica lives in Lancaster City with her husband, three children, a little dog named Auggie and Nellie the cat. She enjoys spending time downtown with her family, going to art galleries, taking advantage of the many dining options the city has to offer, attending concerts, shopping in downtown boutiques and seeing what goodies there are available at Central Market.

Field-to-Table Program

Resident volunteers help maintain our garden

Marcia Lynch joined the Woodcrest Villa team in October as Resident Life Coordinator. She comes to Mennonite Home Communities with 15 years of event coordinating experience.

Marcia said she is excited to work with the Life Enrichment Committee to bring informative and interesting programs and performers to Woodcrest. She also looks for ward to working with the Trips Committee to plan trips for residents.

Marcia lives in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, with her husband, Tyler, and their golden retriever, Rusty. Marcia has four grown children and just celebrated the birth of her first grandchild, Conor.

Marcia enjoys cooking, baking and spending time with friends and family members.

The field-to-table program began approximately 10 years ago and provides residents the opportunity to use their talents to grow beautiful produce that is consumed in the WCV dining venues. The Director and Assistant Director of Dining Services recruit resident volunteers each spring for the program. A variety of delicious and healthy vegetables are grown including green beans, cucumbers, peppers, squash, watermelons, cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, regular tomatoes, zucchini and eggplant. A typical season yields 800-900 pounds of produce.

We are grateful for the volunteers who plant, water, weed, maintain and harvest the vegetables throughout the season. Residents are pleased when they see signs on salad bars and menus indicating the vegetables being served are grown at WCV as part of the field-to-table program. Volunteer Carol Carey knows residents appreciate her participation in the field-to-table program:

“I enjoyed my first year participating in the Garden to Table program, especially when a resident would stop me and thank me for the delicious, fresh veggies they just had for supper! Looking forward to next year’s garden season!”

(Middle photo) Paul Wescott digging in to pick the perfect watermelon.

Mennonite Home Communities

1520 Harrisburg Pike

Lancaster, PA 17601

www.mennonitehome.org

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

“SOARING” is published three times a year by of Mennonite Home Communities, 1520 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. Mennonite Home Communities is a Pennsylvania non-profit organization. A copy of the official registration and financial information of Mennonite Home Communities may be obtained from the PA Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Please note: A donation or contribution to Mennonite Home Communities is purely voluntary. A contribution is in no way a requirement for the institution or continuation of any business relationship with Mennonite Home Communities. Also, a contribution is in no way a requirement for admission or continued stay at the facility. Residents of Mennonite Home Communities will receive the same standard of quality care, the provision of which is not conditioned on any contributions.

ri n G

Featured on the cover: WCV resident Kent Kroehler and friend Gordon Griffith proudly display the “Woodcrest Strong” sign at the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Woodcrest Villa residents have announced their courage and commitment to overcome the pandemic by displaying “Woodcrest Strong” signs. The signs are encouraging to residents, staff members and visitors.

SOARING COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Jess Sibbett, Daniel Mortensen, Kim Peters, Kathleen Maule, Elizabeth Harvey

soa SUPPORT Mennonite Home COMMUNITIES

If you would like to receive information about Residential Living at Woodcrest Villa, call Amy at 717-390-4103.

If you would like to receive information about Personal Care or Health Care at Mennonite Home, call 717-390-7979.

If you wish to have your name removed from our mailing list, call Kris at 717-735-2647.