reflections SPRING 2017
Masonic Village Hospice
“This was something I promised my father, so for me, there’s no turning back. I’m fulfilling his biggest bucket list item, and I know he’d be proud.”
Grief Turned to Adventure Colt Romberger’s father had a saying, “When life hands you manure, make fertilizer.” That off-the-wall piece of advice has become part of Colt’s everyday life. It is why, on May 1, 2017, he’ll begin riding his horse, Teddy, 3,000 miles across the country to raise awareness for Vietnam veterans suffering from Agent Orange Syndrome. Exposure to Agent Orange, a chemical used in the Vietnam War to clear vegetation, has affected the lives of more than 400,000 veterans. Among those veterans was U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant and Colt’s father, Cliff Romberger. Next to raising a family, Cliff dedicated his life to wrangling horses. His love and understanding of the majestic animal allowed him to easily train them to be showcased in reenactments, law enforcement, television and film. Since Colt was a child, his father instilled in him his deep love for horses. In 1999, Cliff and 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 movie The Patriot. Cliff agreed it was a great opportunity. The two were selected to be in the militia unit that rode with Mel Gibson. When Cliff began receiving hospice services, it was a scary next step for Colt and his sister, Honesta (pictured left), but it couldn’t have been a better blessing. “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. “They really bent over backwards to adjust to my dad’s strong will and independence.” Fortunately, with hospice, the family had more time to focus on building good memories. One of Cliff’s last wishes was to get back in the saddle again. Hospice staff contacted the Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association, and with Colt and Honesta by his side, Cliff rode a horse one last time
before he passed away in September 2015 from a brain disease associated with exposure to Agent Orange. Cliff always dreamed of riding horseback across the country, which inspired Colt’s trip in honor of Vietnam veterans in May. On his six-month journey from coast to coast, he will meet hundreds of veterans and share their stories through video testimonials. Follow along on his journey by visiting expeditionorange.org. His original plan was to meet his father at the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., at the end of his ride. Although that’s no longer in the plan, he knows his father will be with him in spirit. “When I told him my plan, he couldn’t really speak anymore, but he did give me a big thumbs up,” Colt recalls. “I’m doing this ride for my father, but I’m also doing it for every other veteran out there.” A U.S. Air Force Iraq War veteran himself, Colt knows when he starts a mission, he’s obligated to complete it. “This was something I promised my father, so for me, there’s no turning back. I’m fulfilling his biggest bucket list item, and I know he’d be proud.”
An Anniversary to Remember When staff found out Hess and Marian Haagen were about to celebrate their 72nd wedding anniversary, they knew they had to make it a grand occasion. Marian, who was facing a life-limiting illness, wished to make their last anniversary something to remember. Thanks to donors and staff, the couple enjoyed a romantic evening with music, flowers, candlelight and delicious take out from their favorite Thai restaurant. Marian donned a new outfit and hair style. With the spirit of the evening, the two fell in love all over again. “The memories from that lovely evening will always be treasured, and I will be continually grateful for your care of my wife, which was expressed in so many thoughtful ways,” Hess recalls.
Handmade Blankets for Veterans To honor a veteran is to thank him or her for their sacrifice, selflessness and heart. To give additional comfort to veterans nearing the end of life, Masonic Village Hospice began providing patients with cozy fleece blankets decorated in red, white and blue, each handmade by volunteers.
Upcoming Events Volunteer Training Course
By contributing time, energy and listening ears, hospice volunteers enhance patients’ quality of life. A volunteer training class will take place on May 21 and 31, from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. For more information, call 717-367-1121, ext. 33024.
Bereavement Support
Baking with Love You may remember your mother baking cookies and cakes when you felt down. That warm fuzzy feeling you experience when you smell goodies baking in the oven is like no other. That’s why staff arranged a baking day for patients at Luther Acres retirement community. From cookies, to cakes and brownies, patients baked and shared them all!
Bereavement Support Group meetings are offered at Masonic Village and Moravian Manor in Lititz. The groups are open to both residents and community members. For more information, call 717-367-1121, ext. 33576.
Masonic Village Hospice Garden Party and Benefit Celebrate life, love and memories with friends at Masonic Village Hospice’s Garden Party and Benefit on Thursday, June 22, from 5 – 7:30 p.m., in the Formal Gardens at Masonic Village. Enjoy live music, hors d’oeuvres, spirits and a basket raffle. Look for your formal invitation later this spring.
Thanks to Our Generous Donors Memorials
November 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017 MEMORIAL Ronald L. Abel Margaret Peggy Adams Helen N. Bambach M. June Beears Jean L. Betz Hannah Bradley Evelyn L. Briel Sara Jane Busch Carol R. Compton John H. Dimeler Eugene S. Finley Herbert S. Ford
DONOR Kathy Abel The Brownies (Brown Building Residents) Linda Arzano Kristen Bolomey Patrick Butman Catherine Casey Nancy Kuhn and Bill White Nelse and Rosa Miller Eleanor Nelson-Wernick and Family Mara Roof David and Delores Walmer Roberta Ewing David and Delores Walmer Human Resources Coworkers at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Terry and Lori Seiders Irene Van Tassel Doug and Marta Wolfe Shirley Arnold Artech Group, LLC Debbie Chused Jason Cinti Excela Health Medical Group Adminstration Ryan Garbarino Dale and Lois Ginder David and Judy Horst Rod and Darlene Reese Harold and Gladys Reichard Revenue Cycle Solutions Tom and Clare Ryan Thomas and Margaret Senker Collin and Kathy Sparks Roger and Hilga Tuthill Anna Chasarik Conrad and Shirley Dakin Walter and Janet Daniels Sherri Einsmann Larry Fahnestock John and Marion Hiltner Lockheed Martin - Officer Training Robert and Claris Lutz Joseph and Lilly Nelson Barbara Seiler Bob and Elaine Singer Dick and Mary Lou Williams TE Connectivity Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. Mark and Joyce Ford
Sarah M. Grove Joan H. Hall William M. Heintzelman Milton E. Hess Robert C. Hoffman Charles W. Jamison Clyde (Brownie) W. Jordan Eva G. Jordan Mary Kleponis Susanna W. Long Ned A. Masenheimer M. June Miller Samuel M. Nolt M. June Smith Jean M. Steely Patricia J. Stephens Richard E. Yocum
Thomas and Mary Ann Price William Hall Larry and Kay Groninger Tom McCormick Thomas and Barbara Robertson Paul and Vicki Wilson Nate and Susan Wise Ross and Theresia Tredway Fred Brown and Iola Snow Charles and Carol Curry Donald and Nancy Fisher Patricia Hill-Kaplan Lucretia Myers and Gary Gillespie Harv and Brenda Smiley Stanley and Elizabeth Stone Joan Engle Lawrence and Lorene Kazense Deanne Molinari Nielsen Family Larry Rutt Dan and Josie Calnan Dan and Josie Calnan Robert and Margaret Herzer Anthony and Holly, Francis, David and Melissa Jean Hess Jack Long Phyllis Masenheimer Proctive Hose Co. No. 1 Martin and Geraldine Bowman William and Allison Maloney Beatrice Melsel Larry and Lorna Nolt Douglas and Bonnie Rudisill Sharon Trybulski Ron and Saundra Gotwalt Melissa Gross Debra Steely The Brownies (Brown Building Residents) Linda Carroll Kim Chandler Michael and Maria McKee Laura Mullins William J. Stephens Walter and Carolyn Wright Stanley and Deborah Wolczyk
Honors
November 1, 2016 through January 31, 2017 HONOREE DONOR Gary S. George Doris Wooding
Who We Are Since 2009, Masonic Village’s trained, compassionate hospice staff have cared for thousands 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.
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Reflections Spring 2017