Reflections Spring 2016
Masonic Village Hospice
Flying the Skies “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.” - Helen Keller
fraternity Larry Derr, Rick Hamm and Wayne Laughner, who piloted the flight. Masonic Village Hospice staff pride themselves on fulfilling requests of patients so they may complete their lives joyfully. “To give someone who had the courage to fly the sky with his hands on the controls one more chance to be among the clouds, one step below heaven, is to give a gift that most of us could never fully understand,” Timothy Nickel, hospice chaplain, said. “Anytime he gave directions, he would somehow relate the destination’s location in relevance to an airport,” Fay said. “He wouldn’t have cared where we took him on the flight, he just enjoyed being up in a plane.” Robert “Bob” Marvel, a Masonic Village resident who had a lifelong passion for flying, took to the sky one more time in December. Bob, who was facing a life-limiting illness, enjoyed a 40-minute airplane ride that departed from Donegal Springs Airpark in Mount Joy, Pa., and flew along the Susquehanna River, taking a detour to Lancaster Airport, where he was able to recall his youth. A native of Lancaster County, Bob rode his bike to the Lancaster Airport almost daily as a young boy, observing the taking off and landing of planes. Until he was old enough to accomplish his dream of becoming a licensed pilot, Bob took time heating up the planes, changing bulbs and doing other small favors for the pilots, whom he looked up to. Once he earned his pilot’s license, though it wasn’t his full-time career, Bob did some business flying and took plenty of flights for pleasure. At one point, he even owned his own plane. Bob enjoyed reflecting on the past by looking at his old flying logs, reading books on the history of flying, attending Pilot’s Club meetings on campus and hearing his wife recall stories from their dating days. “He would take me up all the time since he needed to have so many take-offs and landings to keep his license current,” Fay, Bob’s wife, said. “We would call those ‘dates.’” The flight was organized by Masonic Village Hospice staff in coordination with volunteers and members of the Masonic
Since the flight, Bob has passed away, but has inspired the volunteer Masons who assisted in granting his wish to start program “Brother Flight,” which will help coordinate funds, volunteers and pilots for future Masonic Village Hospice flights.
Director’s Message
Maureen Dolk-Metcalfe, HPA, MBA As the weather is warming, it’s a great time to be outside enjoying family, friends and hobbies; all things that make life worthwhile. While in our care, many patients reflect upon their lives, telling us moments they are most proud of and things they wish they could do once more. Staff and I often make it our mission to grant those last requests, which can range from having a couple’s date night with take-out food to enjoying an airplane ride. No matter the complexity of what we accomplish, to see the smile plastered across a patient’s face and the joy in their family members’ eyes is not something that can be easily forgotten. Creating memories, such as Bob’s in the story above, is one of my favorite parts of this job. Not everyone gets to witness such miraculous moments each day!
Stories of Love
Timothy Nickel, hospice chaplain, MAT, MAR, FT Embedded in the life stories we hear within Masonic Village Hospice is the repeated theme of love; love between family and love between significant others. Birth and death were juxtaposed at the bed of an actively dying gentleman when his 4-day-old grandson was brought to his side. There was no magical awakening by the gentleman or wondrous deathbed words, but the symbolic power of life and death were evident as infant and elder lay side by side, both with eyes closed, both breathing ever so gently. Family joined hands and prayer was lifted up in gratitude and thanksgiving, for life, both new and old, and for beginnings, both on this earth and beyond. That rascally Cupid directs his arrow in some of the most surprising ways imaginable. Love finds 99 percent of us, but becomes even more unique as we move through our phases and stages of aging. Love is on fire at times in our lives and, hopefully, becomes fully recognized and appreciated as relationships near their end. From smiles to hand holding, love overtakes us, running wild with us and then, as we age, simmering to a degree, but, for those blessed, the flame is never extinguished for those truly in love.
Maureen’s mother on her wedding day.
Journey to Heal A Partnership Between Wellness and Grief As Director Maureen Dolk-Metcalfe cared for her mother, who was diagnosed suddenly with pancreatic cancer in 2008, she knew grief would follow after losing her. With children ages 8 and 5, she knew she had to stay a strong and devoted mother, but wasn’t exactly sure how to properly acknowledge her grief. Thankfully, Maureen would find an outlet to help her cope - one that she least expected. Before her mother’s diagnosis, Maureen exercised regularly, often attending Zumba classes at a local gym. She enjoyed keeping active and found herself appreciating it even more after her mother passed away. “Exercise provided an outlet for me to relax and clear my head,” Maureen said. “The people around me were so upbeat. It had a wonderful impact on me.” She enrolled in additional classes including Body Flow, a mix between yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi, and began chatting with fellow participants and class leaders. “People work out for more than just weight loss,” she said. “Others are experiencing more than you think, and sometimes it just takes you sharing your story for them to share theirs.” Maureen even began planning exercise opportunities with her children, who also experienced the benefits during their grieving process. “Exercise allows people to be open in a non-threatening way. It can be just as good for the soul as it is for the body.”
Flying the Skies: (l-r) Rick Hamm, Fay Marvel, Wayne Laughner, Bob Marvel and Timothy Nickel, hospice chaplain
On April 12, Maureen will present this material and more during a workshop presented by the Pennsylvania Hospice and Palliative Care Network, of which she is currently a member. She hopes sharing her personal experience will assist others in the grieving process and encourage bereavement coordinators to add wellness initiatives to their support programs. These initiatives could include walking while holding support meetings, meditation and Tai Chi to help eliminate the stresses often associated grieving.
Thanks to Our Generous Donors HONORS
Given Nov. 1, 2015 through Jan. 31, 2016 HONOREE DONOR Mr. and Mrs. Ray Kiefer Suzanne Shanafelt Tim and Hospice Staff Family of Fred Bender, Sr.
MEMORIALS
Given Nov. 1, 2015 through Jan. 31, 2016 MEMORIAL DONOR Mary Jane Anderson Geri Potter Elois J. Baker Daniel and Carla Hess Elois J. Baker Walter Service, III Berdell A. Beers Sharyn M. Garrett Fred L. Bender, Sr. Harold and Karen Johnson Fred L. Bender, Sr. Patrick and Suzy O’Connor Fred L. Bender, Sr. William and Susan O’Connor Fred L. Bender, Sr. Rebman Eyecare, PC Fred L. Bender, Sr. Gregg and Lisa Schultz and Family Fred L. Bender, Sr. Bernard A. Thome Stanley S. Black Walter and Daphne Blaker Jean Brumbach Richard H. Brumbach Florence A. Conroy Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. Clyde (Chick) D. Cooper, Jr. Frances Cooper Schmuck Vivian Dick Barbara A. Butler Eugene S. Finley Douglas and Kathleen Phillips Eugene S. Finley PSECU Eugene S. Finley Michael and Monique Stief Eugene S. Finley The Brownies (Brown Building Residents) Eugene S. Finley Bernard A. Thome Paulette A. Fisher Rick Bare Paulette A. Fisher Jodi Bosak Paulette A. Fisher Janet H. Grose Paulette A. Fisher Reinsel, Kuntz, Lesher, LLP Herbert S. Ford Mark M. Ford
MEMORIAL DONOR George H. Harvey Harrisburg Fire Fighters Local 428 George H. Harvey Cynthia C. Neil George H. Harvey Mary F. Simon Staub George H. Harvey Duwayne and Mary Ann Waite George H. Harvey William S. Snyder Lodge No. 756 George H. Harvey Zembo Shrine Police Unit Robert (Bob) C. Kiefer Raymond and Lucetta Kiefer Robert (Bob) C. Kiefer Suzanne Shanafelt Marian Lilly Edward and Shirley Falk Marian Lilly Robert and Teresa Wiley Betty W. McMurtrie Blanche I. Kinch Betty W. McMurtrie Kathleen McMurtrie Daniel E. Milligan Kathryn L. Milligan Sterling R. Nauman Gerald and Phyllis Hamme Sterling R. Nauman Bernard A. Thome Daniel J. Podolsky Donna Tropiano Elizabeth Upchurch Putt Brenda M. Mohnshine Louise E. Rapp Ralph and Barbara Kreamer Louise E. Rapp Art and Mary Pelcz Louise E. Rapp Eleanor L. Wolf Louise E. Rapp York Chapter No. 169, OES Mildred O. Cosgriff Reilly Robert and Judith Cosgriff Mildred O. Cosgriff Reilly Virginia Cosgriff Mildred O. Cosgriff Reilly Robert and Patricia Edge Alice K. Rowley Berkshire Hathaway Alice K. Rowley Greg and Deb Brubaker Alice K. Rowley Sandy Ober Alice K. Rowley Marian B. Snavely Margaret G. Schellhamer Robert C. Schellhamer Ruth I. Snyder James E. Street Robert (Bob) Spieth Horace and Prudence Mann Lynford V. Swearer The Brownies (Brown Building Residents) Stephen L. Tyler, Jr. Elizabeth L. Tyler Stephen L. Tyler, Jr. William F. Tyler Kenneth A. Whitsel Virginia A. Whitsel
Your Contribution Creates Memories Taking a flight may not be everyone’s dream. For others, something as simple as taking a special trip somewhere new can be fulfilling. Your gift to Masonic Village Hospice can give great comfort to someone receiving care. Some examples of memories you can help sponsor include a beach trip, a visit to a local spa or dinner out with family and friends. Also, consider making an even bigger impact through a planned gift. A charitable gift annuity pays you, the donor, and is a guaranteed income for life. Or, make a gift through your Will or beneficiary forms. If interested, please note contact information to the right.
To make a donation, please use the coupon printed on the back of this newsletter. For additional information on how to support Masonic Village Hospice, contact the Office of Gift Planning by calling 1-800-599-6454, emailing giving@MasonicCharitiesPa.org or visiting MasonicCharitiesPa.org/gifts.
Who We Are Since 2009, Masonic Village’s trained, compassionate hospice staff have cared for more than 600 patients, as well as 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, we’re pleased to offer hospice services to patients in the comfort of their homes throughout Lancaster, Dauphin, Lebanon and Eastern York counties.
Upcoming Events Masonic Village Hospice staff are participating in the Lancaster Relay for Life on June 10 to benefit the American Cancer Society. If local, enjoy a Wine and Paint Class at Art & A Bottle in Lancaster on Sunday, June 5, from 2 - 4 p.m., to assist in fundraising. Please call 717-367-1121, ext. 33160 for registration information. The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life celebrates the lives of people who have battled cancer, remembers lost loved ones and fights back against the disease. According to the organization, each year, more than 4 million people in over 20 countries take part in the global phenomenon, building awareness and helping to save lives. A Bereavement Support Group is offered at Masonic Village, and is open to both residents and community members. For more information on the group, call 717-367-1121, ext. 33576. Group meetings are held in the recreation room on the first floor of the Sycamore North apartment building on the third Thursday of each month, from 10-11:30 a.m. Save the date! The Masonic Village Hospice annual event, Hope Love Memories, is set to take place on Oct. 13. Come enjoy hors d’oeuvres, spirits and great company at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown!
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 direct my gift to: Masonic Village Hospice Program Gift Amount____________________________ (check payable to: Masonic Charities) My/our gift is in memory/honor of (circle one): _______________________________________ Please charge the donation to my credit card VISA Mastercard American Express Card#__________________________________ Exp. Date ___ /___ 3-Digit Security Code ______ Phone __________________________________ Signature________________________________ You can make your gift online at www.MasonicCharitiesPA.org/donate-now
Reflections Donation Form: Spring 2016 Please Notify Name________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________ City________________________________ State_____ Zip _____________ Contact Information Name________________________________________________________ Address_______________________________________________________ City________________________________ State_____ Zip _____________ Phone________________________________________________________ Email_________________________________________________________ Masonic Village is a 501(c)3 charitable organization
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: Masonic Charities, Office of Gift Planning, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. 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.