Making Spirits Bright

Even though the pandemic has been impacting the world for nearly a year, Masonic Villages’ staff and residents did not let it dampen their holiday spirit. Simple acts, like decorating, exchanging gifts and cookie baking, helped warm hearts and souls.

In Elizabethtown’s Masonic Health Care Center, residents enjoyed a visit from Santa, who delivered gifts and cookies from his sleigh (shown above, left). Thanks to our generous donors’ support of the Arline M. Hughes Caring Fund, residents in the nursing and personal care areas received a mini decorated tree and neck pillow. Residents in retirement living received a gift and candy cane from the big guy, too. A “secret” Santa packed an Italian dinner in a tote bag for each employee as a thanks for their extra dedication in 2020.

(L-R): Bryan Sparks, chef, Unidine; Amy Benekovits, operational excellence manager, Unidine; and Theresa Sheriff, dining room manager, all of Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill

Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill residents sampled treats such as peppermint bark, chocolates, cocoa and eggnog, shared door-to-door. They were also excited for the grand re-opening of their gift shop, which features snacks, personal items, gifts and décor.

In Warminster, Trisha Lamb, activities director, brought Hanukkah, including a menorah and snacks, to each resident using a cart. Residents also received a cuddly surprise from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in the form of teddy bears.

Trisha Lamb, activities director, Masonic Village at Warminster

The Food Services Department at Masonic Village at Sewickley hand delivered poinsettias to each resident, while the Master Masons Club provided each lady with a pen. Concerts and spiritual services were live-streamed, and prerecorded entertainment was shared on campus television stations in Elizabethtown and Sewickley. Holiday meals were delivered, in style, for Thanksgiving and Christmas at all locations.

Masonic Village as Sewickley food services staff making deliveries

In Sewickley, in anticipation of Thanksgiving, residents and staff were invited to create a leaf for a family tree with words of encouragement and other creative expressions. “Masonic Village is a place to shelter and feel safe during these difficult times,” Karen Hammond, recreation supervisor, said. “It is a constant; a strength we can rely on when we need a sense of stability and peace. Perhaps, most of all, trees can invoke images of family. This project was a way to recognize and commemorate this challenging time, both in the life of our community and for the world at large.”

In-person Veterans Day celebrations were cancelled, but in Sewickley, volunteers delivered mugs with candy to veterans, and in Lafayette Hill, Glenn Miller performed patriotic classics outdoors. Special services were streamed in Elizabethtown and Lafayette Hill, and veterans were personally recognized in Warminster.

Nancy Balmer, with Preston Van Deursen, director of spiritual care

Community spirit is still strong across the state. Masonic Village at Elizabethtown resident Nancy Balmer knitted 70 hats, which she donated to Sell Chapel's Outreach Program. The hats were shared with the Christmas Shop, run through the Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church, and Elizabethtown Community Housing and Outreach Services. After recovering from cancer and then caring for her daughter, who passed away after a battle with cancer, Nancy asked herself why she survived when so many others do not. Nancy realized she still had an unfulfilled purpose and has been knitting ever since, including hats for soldiers serving overseas and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Hospitals.

"I'm fulfilling my purpose," Nancy said.

Masonic Village at Elizabethtown collected items for Toys for Tots and provided donations to local emergency services providers to help offset budget shortfalls. Warminster team members collected items for local food banks. Masonic Village at Dallas resident Mimi Johnson coordinated a cleanup of Country Club Road. Residents “adopted” the road leading up to campus a few years ago and beautify it annually.

Masonic Villages has continued welcoming new residents, with the requirement they quarantine in their new home for two weeks. While they’re looking forward to when the campus is in full swing, Janice and David Rohrbach, of Elizabethtown, have appreciated what they’ve experienced so far as residents since April.

“It gave us lots of time to unpack,” Janice said of the two-week quarantine. “Everyone was very helpful, and we were well cared for. Our building representative picked up our mail, we knew who to call to collect our cardboard boxes and we had our meals delivered. We feel privileged to be here.”

They are joining a family and a mission which will continue to stand the test of time.

“For more than 100 years, our team has gone above and beyond to see that our residents are cared for with the love, grace and dignity they deserve,” Bill Kingsbury, CEO, said, “but at no time in our past has our team been asked to do and sacrifice more than they have in 2020. Their example will stand testament to our Masonic Villages community long after the pandemic has subsided. Pennsylvania Masons and their loved ones continue to generously support our residents and team with funds, protective equipment, words of encouragement, thoughts and prayers.”