reflections FALL 2016
Masonic Village Hospice
Caring for America’s Most Deserving “These are moments of recognition that come after a long life of internal strife for some,” Timothy said.
“It is a moment of being understood and appreciated. You can almost see the flag wave in their eyes.” As Larry pins the American flag on lapels, he recites words he’s almost memorized by heart, “We appreciate your willingness to step forward and serve your country ... your willingness allowed the world to become a safer place for untold millions to live in.”
To honor a veteran is to thank them for their sacrifice, selflessness and heart. Through the We Honor Veterans program, Masonic Village Hospice staff have been trained to recognize the unique endof-life needs of those who have served in the Armed Forces. We Honor Veterans, an educational program which advocates for terminally ill veterans, provides resources, best practice examples and training on military culture to participating hospice professionals. Some veterans may face specific end-of-life challenges including post-traumatic stress disorder, survivor’s guilt and health setbacks associated with various wars. Having achieved We Honor Veterans’ Partner Level Four, the highest level of certification, Masonic Village Hospice has taken part in community education and creating veteranspecific programs. A large portion of
these efforts have included volunteer and veteran Larry Wolford (pictured), who conducts pinning ceremonies for fellow service men and women receiving hospice care. Larry has pinned over 60 veterans since hospice began the program in 2014. “To me, it’s a pleasure and honor to cheer up a veteran,” said Larry, who breaks out his dress blues for the occasion. “It’s something small that makes a big difference.” Larry is a kind soul who believes in giving back in large ways - through his 30 years of Navy service - and seemingly simple contributions such as awarding small American flag pins. For some, the pin serves as one last salute from a grateful nation. After Larry recites a reading (found right) to the veteran written by Timothy Nickel, hospice chaplain, there is rarely a dry eye in the room.
Supporting troops and honoring veterans at Masonic Village is a long-standing tradition, which dates back to the establishment of a Memorial Grove in 1920, where planted trees represent those who gave their lives serving in World War I. In 2014, an eternal flame monument (right) was constructed in the now named Veterans Grove. The flame and its surrounding inscribed pavers all serve as a constant tribute and symbol of gratitude. The grove is a place Jim Stone (pictured) enjoys visiting. Drafted into the Army at the start of the Korean War, he has strong admiration for all who served. Receiving a pin meant the world to him, and he proudly displays his certificate of thanks on his windowsill, next to all the photographs that tell his life story.
Honor a Veteran and Loved One An eternal flame monument, lit 24-hours-a-day, 365-days-a-year, was constructed in Masonic Village’s Veterans Grove in 2014 and serves as a constant tribute and symbol of gratitude for veterans and service men and women. For those who would like to honor a beloved veteran, 12” x 18” pavers around the eternal flame monument are available for a $500 donation. Additionally, pavers sized 8” x 12” bisecting the Veterans Grove can be inscribed for a $250 donation. Please complete and return the response piece on the back of this newsletter to recieve a purchasing form.
A Thank You to Our Veterans By Timothy Nickel, hospice chaplain, MAT, MAR, FT From the day you said “yes” to the military call, you forever changed. As a young man or woman, there was the lure of glory shrouded in the reality of death. At a tender age, you embraced adventure. Whether it was through enlistment or draft, you stood in the same rain and crawled through the same mud as you toughened your body and soul. You may have sat behind a desk, you may have worn the Red Cross. Your gun may have been your best friend. We have little idea of what those days were like for you, for often so little is said about those days. For some, the memories fade, pushed into forgetfulness, while for others, they are bright as day, helping define the man or woman you became. You were appreciated. You are appreciated. Thank you.
Relaying for Life It was a powerful day for the Masonic Village Hospice team as members finished their participation in Lancaster’s Relay for Life, a walk and fundraiser to benefit the American Cancer Society, on June 11 at Conestoga Valley High School. The team’s biggest cheerleader was Jasmine Maloney, medical social worker and Relay for Life team captain. Jasmine, who has been passionate about the event since childhood, guided Masonic Village Hospice in its first experience. This time, her participation meant even more to her than in past years. Not long after she committed to lead the team, a close friend of hers was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. In response, she fundraised harder and committed everything she had to the cause.
“I was extremely overwhelmed by the love and support from my coworkers over the past year, and to see them support my passion for an event that is important to me meant so much,” Jasmine said. “Yes, I work in hospice, supporting patients and families every day who face cancer, but this walk with cancer was different.”
by cancer. The lanterns were later lit during a remembrance ceremony.
The team raised nearly $4,000 for the American Cancer Society by holding “nights out” at local restaurants and entertainment attractions and selling T-shirts and subs. During the event, they were awarded Best On-Site Fundraiser for their creative raffle baskets.
Robert Heim, hospice nurse, participated in the Miss Relay competition, where he dressed in unique costume and made rounds to gather funds. Eventually winning third place in the half-hour event, Robert was asked to share his motivation for fundraising for a world without cancer. “As a hospice nurse, I would be happy to be out of a job,” he said.
Some memorable moments during the 24-hour walk included a survivor lap, caregiver lap and Luminaria Ceremony. Masonic Village Hospice took to the track for the caregiver lap and purchased luminary lanterns in honor of loved ones and patients affected
“I relay for family members, my best friend and all those in survivorship who feel joy, fear and uncertainty every day,” Jasmine said. “Most importantly, I relay for hope and for a future with a cure.”
Hospice staff are already planning their involvement next year, committed to continuing the fight against cancer, as a team.
Upcoming Events Bereavement Support Group meetings are offered at Masonic Village and Moravian Manor in Lititz. The group is open to both residents and community members. For more information, call 717-367-1121, ext. 33576. Remember or honor a loved one, a Masonic Village staff member or volunteer through the annual For the Love of Angels event. With a $25 donation, an angel ornament
will be made for you bearing the name of an “angel” you would like to recognize. On Dec. 3, at 3 p.m., there will be a service and tree lighting held in Masonic Village’s Brossman Ballroom where you will receive your ornament to hang (or it can be hung for you) on an angel tree. To receive a response piece, please mail in the back portion of this newsletter or contact the Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-599-6454.
Thanks to Our Generous Donors Memorials Given May 1 through July 31
MEMORIAL DONOR Ronald L. Abel Karen Borten John E. Adams Samuel and Frances Cole James H. Albert Nicholas and Barbara Kolar Jane E. Albert Daniel and Nancy French Agnes E. Halligan Bryan and Eileen Hill Janice Burrowbridge Guy and Pat Miller Jean L. Snyder Mina F. Case Stanley Eaton Clair R. Cochran Don and Deb Bigelow Emily M. Bigelow David and Dorinda Cochran Robert and Audrey Cochran Russel and Marta Jo Cochran Ronald and Erma Crockett Dolores B. Stehman Phyllis A. Cochran Russel and Marta Jo Cochran Elaine Edgerton Dolores B. Stehman Sheila J. Collins Edmund and Helen Frink G. Emory Freet, Jr. Robert and Hazel Brown Peggy Keaffer James and Margaret Morris Samuel J. Santeusano Shirley Lou Thomas Grace M. Frishkorn Rob and Mary Lee Carrolus Co-Workers of Eric Frishkorn Cheryl Bond, Mike Peppler, Jeremy Schaffer, Kevin Walker and Kristy Yi Marie E. DeFrank Rich and Winnie Farina Angela, Keith, Calvin and Elena Finamore Joe and Cheryl Flamm Robert and Cindy James Gay F. Moyer Eleanor (Jean) H. Gaspari Cheryl Eshenour Ron and Mary Goodman Family Harold and Ardeth Heisey Norbert and Sherrie Howell Lynn and Rose Knepp Leach Wallace Associates, Inc. Don and Amy Pickle Ted J. Robertson Kenneth A. Sager Lynn Shope Thomas and Deborah Stover
Beverly E. George Jack L. Gillmore Jean M. Gottschalk Robert C. Kiefer Glenna V. Lilly Josephine L. Michener
Bruce and Joan Howarth Harry and Doris Longenecker Vicki L. Gillmore Bruce and Joan Howarth Charlotte H. Foresther Hershey Chapter No. 509, OES Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. Carl F. Olnick Tim and Irene Olnick Julia D. Patterson Linda D. Herbert Donald and Sandra Kunz Vincent and Nancy LaRosa Ronald and Elaine Moran The Brownies (Brown Building Residents) Delores Dengler Vitas Catherine (Kitty) B. Shaffer Fred Shaffer Janis Sloka Vicki L. Gillmore Catherine H. Spangenberg Ruth Y. Fishel George L. Turns, Jr. Eileen R. Barnes John and Dawn Flaharty Denis and Joyce Gallagher Personal Wealth Advisory, LLC Becky Stanzione Richard E. Yocum Clark and Nancy Biehl Paul and Mildred Casner William and Carol Grace Donald and Margaret Grubb Henry and Peggy Haitz Robert Heck Barbara A. Hess Bryan and Eileen Hill Olin and Annette Marth Ralph and Beverly Meitzler Harry and Audrey Moseley Donald and Nancy Norris Russell and Sandra Norris Tedder Family
Honors
Given May 1 through July 31 HONOREE DONOR Evelyn L. Briel Thomas and Claudia Stephens Carol S. Wolford Julia E. Linn
Who We Are Since 2009, Masonic Village’s trained, compassionate hospice staff have cared for hundreds of patients and their families, focusing on the physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs of patients so they may complete their lives joyfully. Our hospice staff promote comfort and self-determination, enabling patients to participate in making decisions about their care. Based in Elizabethtown, Masonic Village Hospice is pleased to offer services to patients in the comfort of their homes throughout Lancaster, Dauphin, Lebanon and Eastern York counties. Masonic Village ▪ One Masonic Drive ▪ Elizabethtown, PA 17022 717-367-1121, ext. 18449 ▪ MasonicVillageHospice.org ▪ MVhospice@masonicvillages.org
Open for Everyone. Masonic Village Hospice does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, familial status, age, sex, limited English proficiency (LEP) or any other protected status in admission, treatment or participation in its programs, services and activities, or in employment.
Please mail to: Office of Gift Planning, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Donation Form Contact Information Name______________________________________________________________________________________ Address____________________________________________________________________________________ City___________________________ State______ Zip _____________ Phone______________________ Email_______________________________________________________________________________________ Masonic Village is a 501(c)3 charitable organization
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Reflections Fall 2016 Please direct my gift to: (payable to Masonic Villages) Masonic Village Hospice $_____________________________ Please send a For the Love of Angels response piece. Please send a form to purchase a paver. My/our gift is in memory/honor (circle one) of: __________________________________________________________________
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If you wish to have your name removed from the mailing list to receive future newsletters or fundraising materials supporting Masonic Village Hospice, please mail a written request to the Office of Gift Planning. The official registration and financial information of Masonic Villages may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.