Learning to Dance in the Rain SINCE MARCH, THE CAMPUSES of Masonic Villages have looked a little different. Restaurants and gathering spots are empty, walking paths and hallways are absent of visitors and volunteers, and staff and residents don face masks. What is not different is how Masonic Villages feels. The Mission of Love continues to inspire staff and residents every day to embrace challenges and find joy. Food services staff have been busy delivering thousands of meals to residents’ homes. Therapeutic recreation and activities staff have assisted with hundreds of video chats and weekly bingo (virtually or in hallways). Music therapists have led hundreds of one-on-one sessions. Wellness staff have coordinated televised fitness and stretching classes, and spiritual services have been broadcast to residents’ homes weekly. Many staff have been assisting in areas beyond their normal roles to ensure services and operations continue seamlessly. They’ve been protecting themselves at work and at home, so they can provide high quality, loving care and re-assurance for residents who haven’t seen their loved ones in months. Residents have been walking outdoors when possible, catching up on books and movies, gardening, sewing thousands of face masks, cleaning and de-cluttering and discovering new hobbies. Youth at the Masonic Children’s Home in Elizabethtown have enjoyed picnics and field days and picked up new skills, like baking. Families and the community have responded by sending cards, letters, coloring books and pencils, crosswords puzzles and more through our Sending Smiles program. Local restaurants have provided free 6
Summer 2020 Issue
lunches for staff. Masonic lodges and individuals have donated personal protective equipment. Donors have continued their ongoing financial support, realizing the challenges we’re facing and providing the resources we need to prioritize safety and find creative ways to thrive. Not having to worry about how they will care for those whose lives depend on them, staff can focus on meeting residents’ physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
KEEPING CONNECTED On her 69th wedding anniversary in May, Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill resident Rosalyn Gordon found her husband, Marvin, waiting for her with roses, anniversary balloons and cupcakes, because even under quarantine during a pandemic, love can’t wait. Although they were seated six feet apart from each other and both wearing face masks, they made the most of their time together. The couple, who are used to doing everything together, hadn’t been able to see each other in more than two months. Marvin resides in the personal care area and Rosalyn is in health care. “It was my idea to meet up with Ros, but the Masonic Village staff set it all up,” Marvin said. “We’ve been married 69 years, and the only time we have been physically separated was when I was overseas for 15 months during the Korean War. We talked about how much we missed each other and wanted to be with each other.” Despite the separation, Marvin is making
