Village Voice - Fall 2009

VillageVoice

www.masonicvillagespa.org

Fall 2009 Vol. 19, No. 4

Extra Special Care

In this Issue...

Masonic Villages Earn 4-Star Rating. . . . p. 2 A Way to Brighten Someone’s Day. . . . . . p. 3 Blanketed with Love . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 3 Staff Spotlight: Louise Ley . . . . . . . . . . p. 4 Celebrating Our Independence. . . . . . . p. 5 Woodworkers Support Troops. . . . . . . . p. 5 Halfway Around the World in 88 Days. p. 8 Traveling in Good Company. . . . . . . . . p. 9 Village Happenings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 10 - 11 The Apple: Nature’s Gift. . . . . . . . . . . . p. 12 Health Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 13 Masonic Villages’ Wish List. . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 14 Plaque Unveiled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 15 A Man of Simple Means. . . . . . . . . p. 15 Memorial Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pp. 16 - 19 Honorarium Gifts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p. 19

A publication of the Masonic Villages of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania

Pages 6 - 7

Village Voice

A message from

Fall 2009

Joseph E. Murphy, N.H.A., Chief Executive Officer

The Village Voice is published four times per year.

The Masonic Villages, which include the Masonic Village at Dallas, the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill, the Masonic Village at Sewickley and the Masonic Village at Warminster, are owned and operated by the Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania.

Members of:

American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging Pennsylvania Association of Non-Profit Homes for the Aging Kairos Health Systems Masonic Communities and Services Association

Admissions to the Masonic Villages are governed by the Committee on Masonic Homes, members of which are elected by the Grand Lodge. The Committee on Masonic Homes approves or disapproves applications for admission primarily on the basis of need. Decisions concerning admission, the provision of services and referrals of residents are not based upon the applicant’s race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, familial status, age, sex, limited English proficiency or any other protected status.

The Masonic Villages is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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hear feedback from people in many ways: by phone, letters, e-mails or personal visits to my office. In the last couple of weeks, I have had calls from Masons and Eastern Star members with thoughts on improvements, and with gratitude for our caring staff. I have received e-mails regarding financial concerns for individuals. I heard from the wife of a Pennsylvania Mason, who is currently serving in Afghanistan, asking how we could help a member of their family who needs our services. I received a note from a Mason of more than 60 years sharing some concerns and the fact that he was the primary caregiver for his wife of 62 years.

I share these exchanges for multiple reasons. First, we welcome and appreciate all inquiries and comments. It is through the input of others that we are constantly able to improve and stay focused on meeting the needs of those we serve.

Over the last 99 years, we have continuously listened and adapted to meet others’ needs in a caring and efficient manner.

I also share this as a Thank You. Because of your support as a volunteer, resident, employee, donor or family member, we are able to accomplish more and assist more people. Because of you, we are able to be the answer for most of these calls, e-mails, letters and visits.

Our Mission of Love continues to grow in size and breadth. Beginning in October, we are offering Masonic Village Hospice Care for a limited number of patients at our Elizabethtown location. In January 2010, the program will officially open for new patients. We will evaluate the program’s success in Elizabethtown and potentially offer these services in the future at other locations, where demand exists. In the past, hospice services have been available only through outside agencies. By offering the services directly through Masonic Village, we are responding to comments and requests received from you. Information about this program will be posted on our Web site and included in the next Village Voice. Our Home Care Services program has been a great success (read the article on page 4 for a first-hand account), and we anticipate meeting needs through Masonic Village Hospice Care.

As the new year approaches, we look forward to celebrating the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s centennial. Look for more details regarding this momentous occasion in our next issue.

Sincerely,

Village Voice Staff Debra L. Davis

Editor/Public Relations Coordinator, Elizabethtown

Masonic Villages Earn 4-Star Rating for Sound Fiscal Management

Editorial Board Louisa West

Administrative Assistant, Lafayette Hill

Karen Hammond

Activities Supervisor/Concierge, Sewickley

Cynthia B. Hollinger

Director, Volunteer Services, Elizabethtown

Trisha Lamb

Activities Director, Warminster

Linda Tressler

Executive Assistant, Human Resources, Elizabethtown

NEXT DEADLINE: The deadline for the Winter issue of the Village Voice is Nov. 23.

Suggestions and submissions for consideration can be sent to: Public Relations Department Masonic Village One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or e-mailed to pr@masonicvillagespa.org For more information, call (717) 367-1121, ext. 33529.

On the cover: From Elizabethtown, Rick Schies, Nurse Manager; resident Mary Brucker; and Patricia Trostle, Nursing Assistant, all of the Lafayette East neighborhood in the Masonic Health Care Center.

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ased on responsible day-to-day operations, well-positioned program sustainability and a commitment to keeping donors’ personal information confidential, the Masonic Villages has achieved its seventh consecutive 4-star rating, the highest score possible, from independent evaluator Charity Navigator.

Only 2 percent of the charities rated by Charity Navigator have received at least seven consecutive 4-star evaluations.

“We are pleased to be recognized for our commitment to fiscal responsibility, especially at a time when every dollar counts,” Joseph E. Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, said. “This rating ensures our donors the Masonic Villages presently uses, and will continue to use, their gifts wisely by providing charitable services to our residents and to others in need.”

The Masonic Villages provided nearly $19.5 million in charitable care and services in 2008 including: – $9.2 million for those unable to pay for the cost of care they needed – $4.6 million in unreimbursed Medicaid and Medicare costs – $96,510 in cash contributions to local residents and community organizations Also included in the vital work of the Masonic Villages are the Adult Daily Living Center, an adult day care providing services to individuals 18 and older with functional, physical, social and/or cognitive challenges; the Masonic Outreach Program, which uses specialized information, referrals, education and home assistance to guide and assist those in need; the Bleiler Caring Cottage, home to eight adults with mild to moderate developmental disabilities; and the Masonic Children’s Home, a residence for up to 40 school-age children who are orphaned, being raised by aging grandparents or who come from various challenging socioeconomic environments.

Charity Navigator is the nation’s largest evaluator of charities. It uses an unbiased, objective, numbers-based rating system to assess the financial health of more than 5,000 of the country’s charities. To read the Masonic Villages’ evaluation, visit www.charitynavigator.org.

Photo by Rich Johnson

Don’t forget - you can sign up to receive the Village Voice electronically by sending an e-mail to pr@masonicvillagespa.org.

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The Village Voice • Fall 2009

A Simple Way to Brighten Someone’s Day B

irthdays and holidays aren’t the only reasons to send someone a greeting card. This seemingly small gesture can bring a smile to people’s faces, make them laugh and even momentarily distract them from a problem or ailment they are facing.

Residents in the Freemasons Building personal care residence at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown have been doing their share of spreading good cheer for the past year. Through www.shareacard.org, about 10 residents gather together once a month and make cards featuring colorful artwork and messages such as “Friend to Friend.” The cards are sent to the ShareaCard distribution center in Elizabethtown, from which they are delivered to seriously ill “friends in need” locally and across the country.

Edna Verlendon and Grace Keefer, both of Nancy Heffley, Recreation Coordinator, learned about ShareaCard in a local newspaper and Elizabethtown, create cards to send to seriously thought it would be a great way for residents to explore their creativity while making a difference ill “friends.” in the lives of others. Deb Stauffer, LPN, volunteered to come in during her time off and help the residents. She brings along paper, stickers and supplies for the residents to create their cards.

“Participation is really growing,” Jaime Naisby, Recreation Therapist, said of the ShareaCard program. “It’s nice because anyone can do it.”

Each month, www.shareacard.org highlights two recipients by sharing their photos and stories. The organization asks that the cards do not say “Get Well,” but rather share an encouraging message. Thank you letters and updates about recipients’ conditions are also posted on the site.

Residents may choose to make a card for someone they know.

“I enjoy getting together with everyone and mingling,” resident Grace Keefer said. “It gets me out of my room. I like the idea that it’s helping people too.”

ShareaCard is just one way residents are using cards to show they care. Resident Dawn Christmas, known for mailing out hundreds of cards during the holidays, also sends cards to residents from the Freemasons Building who relocate to the Masonic Health Care Center for health reasons. She also started a collection box for people to donate fronts of greetings cards. The colorful drawings and photographs are then sent to local hospitals for children to use in designing artwork.

“I just love people,” Dawn said. “Sending cards is a simple way to show others I care.”

Retirement living residents in Elizabethtown have been organizing the Greeting Card Project since the early 1990s. Beginning in September, boxes wrapped in brightly colored holiday paper appear in the retirement living clubhouse. Residents may place a donation in one of the boxes and indicate if they want their name included in a holiday greeting card which is sent to all retirement living residents and staff whether they made a donation or not. This year, they have invited residents from all areas of campus to participate.

“It is thought to be an overwhelming task to send a holiday card to all your friends here at Masonic Village,” Fran Light, Greeting Card Project chairwoman, said. “This solves that task for you.”

Money raised is given to the Masonic Tree of Life, Masonic Children’s Home toward scholarships, Channel 18, the Masonic Learning Centers in Harrisburg and Lancaster, and Northwest EMS. In the last Deb Stauffer, LPN, helps Joyce Moore pick embellishments for her card. seven years, more than $31,000 has been donated to Masonic and local charities.

In Sewickley, New Kensington Chapter No. 158, Order of the Eastern Star, donated cards for residents in the Star Points Building personal care residence to send to their loved ones and friends. Resident Virginia Daer often takes one of the cards around for all residents to sign when a fellow resident is either in the hospital or in the Valley Care Masonic Center for rehab.

Residents of the Masonic Villages are certainly doing their part to send a message of love to those who need it most!

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Blanketed with Love

he Project Linus group at the Masonic Village at Sewickley has been crocheting blankets and caps for young babies since 2004, and they have donated more than 771 blankets and 171 preemie caps to local hospitals.

Recently, they participated in a project closer to home.

In a cooperative effort to develop and implement an end-of-life care program at Sewickley, the Pastoral Care, Nursing and Activities Departments have implemented a number of ideas to provide more individualized, compassionate and specialized care for the dying. Knowing the skills of the Project Linus members, the departments developed the concept of memorial blankets which are placed over the funeral service’s stretcher as the body is being removed from the facility. This extra little touch sends the message: “We send you off to rest in peace with our love.”

While every member of the Project Linus group offered input into the creation of the blankets, the sewing was completed by Marge Anderson and Louise Treloar. Many, many thanks to this wonderful group of women for their talents and dedication to helping bring honor to those who have entered into eternal rest.

The Project Linus team in front of two of the memorial blankets: front row (l-r) Petey Carlson, Marge Anderson, Kay Gardner, Marlene Moisey, Ruth Hahn and back row (l-r) Marcia Hill, Elizabeth Baltzer, Laura Gouge, Betty Lou Jordan, Joanne Blank, Joanne Hawes, Marjorie Reid and Ray Horan. Not shown: Louise Treloar.

The Village Voice • Fall 2009

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Staff Spotlight: Louise Ley

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Once a Caregiver, Always a Caregiver

ouise Ley moved to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown in November. A retired LPN, she spent much of her life caring for others. As she began to look for ways to keep busy on campus, the Masonic Villages announced the Home Care Services program being launched in Elizabethtown.

“I was just about adjusted to living here and being retired when I heard about the Home Care Services program,” Ley said. “I was the first to apply for a position. It’s fun to work when you don’t have to.”

This is how Louise Ley, Homemaker, came to meet Louise Metcalf, a determined 100-year-old living in a cottage several hundred feet from Ley’s new retirement living home. Metcalf loves her cottage. It is full of treasures she has collected over a lifetime: photographs of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; an angel and geode collection; her beloved cat, Lani; and dozens of her paintings depicting years of worldwide travels with her late husband of 70 years, Charles. While her age has made her physically unable to remain in the home by herself, in her mind, she was not ready to say goodbye to her cottage.

“I requested home care services because I prefer to stay in my home with my cat,” Metcalf said. “And if I moved to a smaller room, what would I do with all my paintings?”

Ley, in coordination with several other Homemakers, visits Metcalf’s home several days a week, from 10 a.m. to noon and 4 to 6 p.m., or longer on the days Metcalf has a hairdresser appointment.

“Do you have an hour?” Ley asked, in jest, when questioned about the types of services she provides for Metcalf. “I do lots of miscellaneous things, like cleaning out her closet. There are never enough hours to do it all. She’s loving, kind and very meticulous.”

Ley helps Metcalf bathe and dress, cooks for her, takes care of Lani, does her shopping and laundry and takes her to appointments. Recently, she began sending Metcalf e-mails of cat photos so the two can look at them when Ley visits.

More important than cleaning closets, Metcalf and Ley have formed a friendship. Ley is sometimes able to answer questions about Metcalf’s family quicker than Metcalf can open her mouth.

“We have a lot of fun,” Metcalf said.

“I can’t wait to get to work every day,” Ley said. “And I hate to leave. Louise always thinks of an excuse for me to stay. My boss says I shouldn’t get paid because I have so much fun working.”

In addition to having fun, Ley is learning a thing or two “from when Louise was 14 months old through today,” she said. “I’m 76 years old and she has taught me so much.” Metcalf’s lessons have included how to make oatmeal (the old fashioned way), the difference in brands of coffee, how to coordinate colors and just life in general.

“At first, she had trouble remembering my name because she kept thinking it couldn’t be the same as hers,” Ley said. “She has a wonderful sense of humor.”

Home Care Services have been offered at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown since May. With 24 Homemakers (and growing) offering a variety of services to meet each resident’s unique needs, the program has been very successful. More than 50 residents have requested Home Care Services.

“It’s so important to the residents to be able to stay in their homes,” Ley said. “It’s important to me, too. I’m glad we have [Home Care Services] here so I can use them one day.”

Masonic Village Home Care Services What is it? Masonic Village Home Care services provide a secure,

What services are offered? Depending on level of individual need,

convenient option for those who want to receive personalized care or services may include: individualized services in the comfort of their home. These services include homemakers and/or home care assistants providing care based • medication reminders • personal grooming/hygiene on a consultation with a registered nurse, who will tailor a plan to care allow each resident to remain as independent and active as possible for • meal preparation as long as possible.

• feeding/eating assistance Who does it serve? Residents of the Masonic Village at • escorting to/arranging Elizabethtown. After evaluating the program’s success in appointments Elizabethtown, these services may be available at other Masonic • running basic errands Village locations in the future, where demand exists.

• arranging outings/trips • bathing/showering assistance Who provides the care? Our trained Masonic Village staff • transfers in/out of bed/chair • assistance with mechanical How can I find more information? Call (717) 367-1121, ext. 33700 lifts or e-mail homecare@masonicvillagespa.org to arrange a consultation with one of our registered nurses. You may also visit www.masonicvillagespa.org/elizabethtown/homecare.php.

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The Village Voice • Fall 2009

• completing prescribed exercise program • basic vital sign monitoring • oxygen assistance (no adjustment to levels) • basic post surgical/ procedural assistance • basic wound care • catheterizations • RN assessment for care/ safety needs • tube feedings • diabetic teaching

Celebrating Our Independence Past, Present & Future O

n July 4, 2009, across the state, residents at the Masonic Villages delighted in traditional celebrations of our nation’s birthday with patriotic concerts, sing-a-longs and picnic fare.

In tribute to our forefathers’ declaration of Americans’ rights to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness 233 years ago, residents took time out from the festivities to sign a “Declaration of Choice and Independence” to ensure citizens’ future rights to long term health care services.

“I signed it because I’ve heard a lot of people talking about [long term services] and the money involved,” Masonic Village at Elizabethtown resident Bill Leninger said. “It’s important to get the word out, so everybody knows the issues.”

In Elizabethtown, William C. Davis, Jr., Chief Operating Officer – Health Care Services (shown below with Bill Leninger), garnered more than 420 signatures which were sent along with the declaration to Rep. Joseph Pitts, 16th District.

Resident Elizabeth Wilkinson, who has written letters to her congressman in the past, signed the petition because she feels if Americans do not voice their opinions, they may “lose their country.”

“The government is taking advantage of the little people,” she said. “I’m a senior citizen, and I believe we should stand up for our rights.

Hopefully, with all our efforts, everything will come out in our favor.”

In Lafayette Hill, resident Judy Cortez volunteered to take the petition door-to-door collecting signatures. The petition and declaration were sent to Rep. Allyson Schwartz, 13th District.

“Something has to be done,” Judy said. “Even if people don’t sign the petition, they are at least informed about the issue. There is a lot of power in numbers. I think about how many people are already in difficult situations. I’m 81, and my resources have dwindled.

I’m beginning to wonder what will happen to me.”

In Sewickley, more than 200 residents signed the petition which was sent to Rep. Jason Altmire, 4th District, and in Warminster, the petition circulated among residents, staff and families before being sent to Rep. Patrick Murphy, 8th District.

Together, the more than 600 signatures from residents, staff, volunteers, donors, clients and supporters of the Masonic Villages should “spark” the attention of government representatives. It is then up to these elected officials to be sure any decisions about national health care reform include long term services and supports.

Woodworkers Show Support for Change for Troops

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article and photo by Patty Kile, resident of Elizabethtown

n Sept. 19, members of the Roosters Woodworking Shop in Elizabethtown presented a $1,000 check to R.W. Grand Master Stephen Gardner in support of his “Change for the Troops” program.

Accompanying the Grand Master was Bro. and Spc. Preston O’Connor, Company C, 56th Stryker Brigade; Bro. and Col. Harris Brooks, coordinator of the “Change for the Troops” program since its inception; Deborah O’Connor, president, Family Readiness Group, C Company 56th Stryker Brigade; and Cathy and Bro. Richard O’Connor, parents of Preston O’Connor.

“Change for the Troops” was started by Grand Master Gardner in January 2007. Change is collected at meetings of Masonic lodges, from other Masonic-related groups and through individual donors toward the purchase of calling cards which are sent to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and wounded soldiers at the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany and the largest field hospital in Afghanistan. None of the donations are used for Shown with members of the Rooster’s Club are front row (l-r): Spc. Preston O’Connor and administrative expenses and, as of Oct. 1, $250,487 has been his wife, Deborah, Col. Harris Brooks, Grand Master Gardner and his lady, Patricia, and raised.

Richard and Cathy O’Connor. Below, John Good, a longtime member of the Rooster’s Club who could not be present for the photo.

Both Grand Master Gardner and Col. Brooks, Admissions Liaison Officer, U.S. Air Force Academy, have personally delivered calling cards to soldiers prior to their deployment overseas. “The soldiers are so grateful for the Masonic phone cards,” Col. Brooks said. “Sometimes the soldier can call his/her family before the government has time to contact the family with news of their situation. The use of the cards helps boost the morale of the troops.”

Spc. O’Connor, from the Allentown area, recently returned from deployment with the 56th Stryker Brigade in Iraq. He emphasized the importance to the troops to be able to call home and talk with loved ones. His wife, Deborah, is president of the Family Readiness Group of Company C, 1/111th Infantry, Kutztown, which is responsible for providing support to the families left behind when the troops are deployed. She helps families with advice about bills, legal affairs, health or family issues.

The woodworkers raised the money through repairs and sales of hand-carved items. After paying for supplies, donations are made to various Masonic Charities. “We do more than just play with wood,” Ralph Clare, Rooster’s Club president, said. “We make furniture, repair furniture, take orders for custom pieces, create stained glass and also help those in need.”

The Grand Master presented the Medallion of the Grand Master to the members of the Rooster’s Club. The medallion is engraved with the words “Protecting our Heritage for Future Generations,” and depicts World War II servicemen. Clare accepted the medallion on behalf of the club and it will be displayed in the woodshop. For more information about “Change for the Troops,” please visit www.pagrandlodge.org.

The Village Voice • Fall 2009

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Extra Special Care A

ccording to the 2009 World Alzheimer’s Report by the London-based nonprofit Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI), an estimated 35 million people worldwide are living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.

This number has increased 10 percent since 2005.

The report was released in coordination with World Alzheimer’s Day on Sept. 21, a day when ADI and other organizations around the world unite efforts to raise awareness about the disease and its impact on families, communities and nations.

Alzheimer’s disease accounts for 50 - 70 percent of dementia cases, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. While the cause of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia remains a mystery, residents, their family members and employees at Masonic Villages must deal with the realities of these conditions every day.

“Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic, progressive degenerative disorder of the brain that affects people’s memory and their ability to perform everyday tasks,” Rick Schies, Nurse Manager of the Lafayette neighborhoods in Elizabethtown, said. The two Lafayette neighborhoods within the Masonic Health Care Center are specifically designed to provide individualized care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

According to Rick, organizing thoughts can become difficult for people with dementia. They become disoriented as to person, place and time, and as a result, there are also changes in their mood and behavior.

Approximately 50 percent of residents who apply to personal care homes have a degree of cognitive impairment. An early symptom of dementia, although not a guaranteed indication, is forgetfulness. Other signs may include repetitive questioning, wandering or uncharacteristic combativeness.

If dementia is suspected, a physician will order a CT scan (an x-ray which produces multiple images or pictures of the inside of the body) of the person’s brain or an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging - a test that uses a magnetic field and pulses of radio wave energy to make pictures of organs and structures inside the body).

A psychologist and psychiatrist may also consult with the patient.

“There is no cure for dementia,” Rick said.

“The need to move a loved one to a skilled nursing center can be a difficult decision for family members. The resident will need time to adjust; however, after a few weeks, they typically become familiar with staff and their new environment, and they begin to settle into their new home.

Permanent staff provide continuity of care, and this plays a vital part in our ability to help them feel safe and secure.

“Our focus is quality of life. One of our primary goals it to alleviate the three plagues commonly experienced by residents in skilled nursing centers: loneliness, helplessness and boredom. We will do whatever we can to make the resident’s life as comfortable and as enjoyable as possible. We interact with our residents and provide ample opportunities for socialization through various programs. We get excited about

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The Village Voice • Fall 2009

holidays and always make it a point to include family members whenever possible.

It all plays a major role in meeting residents’ psychosocial needs. It is so important for them to feel as though they are still connected to others and that they are important. Daily structure provides an organized day, and assistance is always available when needed.

We encourage our residents to do whatever they can for themselves as this allows them the ability to maintain a certain degree of control in their lives.

“If a resident becomes ill and they require treatment, medically-trained staff are always available and capable of providing all necessary treatment right here at Masonic Village, unless of course there Resident Mary Brucker shares a photo of her family is a need for surgery or other emergency from her window box with Rick Schies, Nurse Manager. treatment. Depending on the illness, family members are always given the option of sending their loved one to the hospital; Elizabethtown however, for someone with dementia, a trip to Mary Duffy Brucker, a woman with a proud an outside hospital or emergency room can be Irish heritage and a long history of involvement quite traumatic. In an unfamiliar and chaotic with the Order of the Eastern Star, is well known environment such as an emergency room, the in her family and community as “the best baker in resident may easily become more confused, the world,” her daughter Susan Loehr said. “Our even agitated and aggressive. If this happens, table was always filled with food, people and fun.” the resident will most likely be sedated and Several years ago, this mother of six children, possibly restrained. It is not a good experience, grandmother of 17 and great-grandmother of so we encourage family members to consider this 17, stopped cooking. Her home and physical when deciding on whether to pursue aggressive appearance began lacking its usual refinement. treatment measures versus treating them at “I’m a hairdresser, and I did her hair twice a Masonic Village.” week. In between my visits, she was not taking Staff who work with residents living with care of herself,” Susan said.

Alzheimer’s or dementia must learn new Mary no longer drove because she could not communication techniques because residents may remember where she was going. Her children be unable to verbalize what they need or may say cared for her at her home, but it never seemed to something completely different than what they be enough. mean. Misunderstandings can lead the resident to “It was hard for everybody to accept,” Susan become combative. How staff approach a resident said. “But my siblings and I knew there was determines how the resident reacts, and staff something we had to do for mom.” must understand not to take a resident’s adverse After having a stroke, Mary moved into reaction personally. an assisted living community in Lebanon. She “It’s easy to become frustrated, and you know always wanted to live at the Masonic Village at right away whether this job is for you or not,” Elizabethtown so her family looked into it. She Crystal Bratina, Nursing Assistant, said. She has moved to the Lafayette neighborhood almost four worked at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown for years ago, and is in the early stages of dementia.

19 years, seven of which she has spent in the “She was more surprised than anyone,” Susan Lafayette neighborhoods. “The team I work with said of Mary’s reaction to her diagnosis. “She did is awesome. Everyone works together to make not recognize the symptoms. I think she just took sure the residents’ needs are met. Sometimes you for granted she was living life.” click with a particular resident, so you help each Since her arrival at Masonic Village, Mary’s other.” appearance is once again meticulous. Susan and Residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s may her sister and brother who live locally are all very ask questions about deceased relatives or confuse active in her care. staff for family members.

“She seems happy here,” Susan said. “She has “It’s best just to go with it,” Crystal said. “If new friends and interests. I never thought I’d see someone asks where a deceased spouse is, you her play bingo. She also likes attending church might tell them, ‘Your husband will be here soon, and singing. When I visit, I join her on bus trips to but in the meantime, come with me outside,’ to Park City [Mall] and out for breakfast. She enjoys redirect them. You just try and give them peace of shopping and loves the gift shop in the health care mind. center. They know her by her first name there.

“The best part of my job is seeing that “I think the care she receives is fabulous. I tell residents’ needs are met and realizing they’re everyone. My brother came to visit from out of happy and well taken care of.” state. He is a Mason and couldn’t believe it. The Masonic facility in his state doesn’t compare.

“Staff are able to answer my questions as needed. They are always willing to spend time with me if I have any concerns, and they call me

with any changes in her daily routine. I do not have to worry about her.”

The Lafayette neighborhoods consist of Lafayette East, designed for residents in the early stages of dementia who require less assistance, and Lafayette West, equipped to provide for residents in the later stages of the disease process, moderate to severe. The Washington 4 neighborhood provides care for residents with end stage dementia, those requiring more extensive to total assistance.

“The residents of Lafayette East, for the most part, are still able to participate in various social activities, and they enjoy interactions between friends and family,” Rick said. “Their attention spans are longer – approximately 30 minutes – which allows them to be more actively involved in programs which require a little more focus.

“On Lafayette West, the residents have more extensive needs. Their attention spans are relatively short, maybe 10 minutes or less in some cases. They can still interact; however, they may be more aphasic, having increased word-finding problems. You might also see more challenging behaviors such as agitation and aggression.”

In the Lafayette neighborhoods, window boxes are located outside of residents’ suites. The boxes contain photos and memorabilia and serve as great reminders for the residents of their own identities. Residents are often able to recognize items in their window box which sometimes triggers enhanced interactions.

Calendars and pictures on the walls also stimulate conversation and increase cognition.

Both neighborhoods are laid out similar to a large living room for lounging and socializing, and include a television. The living area is connected to a large dining room. A secured courtyard enables the residents to enjoy fresh air, and pets roam the halls providing companionship.

A typical day for a resident may include an appointment in the hair salon, exercising in the Masonic Life Center, rehabilitation, physical or occupational therapy and activities.

“We encourage residents to develop an established routine which provides security,” Rick said. “This takes the pressure off them.”

For family members of those facing Alzheimer’s or dementia, the Outreach Department offers a Dementia Caregiver Support and Education Group, which is open to the local community and meets monthly. The group provides an opportunity for individuals to share information and experiences and learn about a variety of resources. Social Workers are also available to discuss a resident’s progress with their families.

“One of the hardest parts of my job is helping family members cope with their loved one’s condition,” Crystal said. “It’s heart-wrenching.

We have a lot of devoted families, and it is hard for them to understand what their loved one is going through, especially when the person may be telling them to go away. We try and reassure them their loved one is safe and comfortable.”

Lafayette Hill Although Lafayette Hill does not have a designated “dementia care unit,” residents with varying degrees of dementia may reside in any of the 60 skilled nursing accommodations in the Whitemarsh Commons. Those with mild to moderate degrees of dementia may also live in

the Lafayette Commons area depending on their physical and emotional needs. Each resident is assessed and living accommodations are determined on the individualized assessment.

“The transition from retirement living to personal care or personal care to nursing care is never easy, and is handled with great thought and care,” Lorraine Lardani, Administrator of Health Services, said. “We incorporate the physician, administration, social services, the psychologist, the family and nursing when the specific discipline is appropriate. Family members are given support from the nursing, social services and administration departments as they often require as much emotional support as the resident.”

To ensure the safety of residents with dementia while still offering independence for others, the community utilizes the Watch Mate® system which is operated in two different ways.

The doors to the stairwells have keypads and special numeric codes must be entered to gain access to them.

The other mode is an electronic sensor which is installed on the doors between nursing care and retirement living areas and in the elevator. These areas are unlocked for free access unless a resident wearing a transponder bracelet approaches. If this happens, the doors lock and will not unlock unless the code is put in or the resident moves away. In the case of the elevators, the elevator doors will not close.

This system is tied into the fire alarm system.

In the event the fire alarm system is activated, the door locks are inactivated for fire safety and evacuation.

Recreational and leisure programs for residents are designed to meet the needs of each individual. These programs differ in complexity depending on the resident’s degree of dementia and physical and cognitive abilities. Activities range from supervised outside trips for those in the beginning stages of dementia to simply playing music of the resident’s choice for those in more advanced stages of dementia.

include hobbies or tasks with which residents are familiar. Music Therapy sessions feature music from the Big Band era or Lawrence Welk or gospel music. During creative arts classes, residents paint ceramics or sand wood projects before painting them. Activities may also be personalized to meet each resident’s interests and needs.

“When residents become restless or agitated, the staff will try to distract them by offering them a task they may have performed previously in their life, such as asking a former housewife to fold towels and washcloths or asking a former secretary to type a letter or stuff envelopes.”

Future plans for renovations of the Valley Care Masonic Center include expanding the Staunton Support Wing to two 16-bed neighborhoods specializing in dementia care.

Warminster Similar to Lafayette Hill, residents with any degree of dementia may live in any of the 28 nursing care accommodations. When they arrive at the facility, an extensive history is taken by Admissions.

“We try to incorporate likes, dislikes, hobbies, pets, etc., into residents’ normal routines,” Nancy Stephenson, Director of Nursing, said. “We have also started a resident safety/behavior concern/ interventions grid which is available for all departments. We are a small facility and we want to educate all departments on small things that can be done to redirect residents with dementia.”

Staff prepare quarterly support plan reviews for residents with dementia to go over changes or to gather input from residents and their families.

They also work with psychology and implement one on one plans for residents as their needs change. A variety of activities and entertainment, and pet visits by family pets, provide spontaneity for all residents.

Those diagnosed with mild dementia may be provided with a WanderGuard® bracelet to prevent them from leaving the building unsupervised.

The Masonic Villages provide the latest Sewickley advances in care for residents with Alzheimer’s The Staunton Support Wing is a 20-bed neighborhood focused on caring for residents with disease and other forms of dementia. While much has yet to be learned about the causes and cures of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. these conditions, the guiding principle is always “It provides a calm, intimate, safe and ensuring the comfort and safety of the residents structured setting with staff specially trained and peace of mind for their family members. in dealing with residents living with these “We are continually looking at ways to conditions,” Dawn Marcello, Director of Nursing, improve our residents’ lives in this setting,” Rick said. said.

Upon residents’ admission to the Staunton Support Wing, staff focus on their daily routine to help decrease their anxiety about living in a different environment. Assistance is also available for family members because, according to Dawn, caring for a loved one who needs 24-hour supervision can sometimes lead to “caregiver burnout.” Families are offered both spiritual and emotional support during the transition of admission and throughout their loved one’s stay.

Activities in this area are specifically designed for those In Sewickley, residents Elinor Croyle and Lyvada Belich help with a short attention span, and Megan Zulauf, Music Therapist, keep the beat.

The Village Voice • Fall 2009

7

Halfway Around the World in 88 Days All photos by Anne and Edward Tessaro

O

n a ship, with the fitting name Voyages of Discovery, Masonic Village at Sewickley residents Anne and Edward Tessaro set off on a 25-country, 51-city world tour this past winter and spring. The 88day excursion took them from Africa to India to the Mediterranean, amid the most beautiful places on earth, as well as a few of the most dangerous.

“The philosophy of the Discovery is to provide an itinerary which maximizes time ashore, allowing ample opportunity for exploration in the various destinations, and focuses on learning,” Anne said.

Prior to the arrival at each port, lectures were given by guest authorities on the geography, politics and history of the area. At each landing site, there were four or five possible excursions for travelers to sign up for, with each categorized by its level of physical difficulty so people could choose their destinations based on their interests and capabilities. People had the option to explore the area on their own or with other passengers in a small group.

The first portion of the trip began in Cape Town, South Africa, with stops in Mozambique, Madagascar (cancelled due to political unrest), Reunion, Mauritius, Seychelles, Maldives and India. of the In India, the Tessaros chose to take an additional land excursion to travel from Goa to Delhi and Agra reece, in front G s, no yk M in o ar ss Te e to see the Taj Mahal and the Red Fort, the largest of old Delhi’s monuments, as well as the city of Ann ry ve co is D of s Mumbai.

Voyage The second segment was from Mumbai with stops in Oman and Yemen (cancelled due to political unrest) through the Suez Canal to Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon, Syria and Turkey.

“Prior to the trip, I received daily e-mail alerts regarding the pirate activity in the Gulf of Aden since we were to traverse the Gulf on our approach to the Suez Canal. My fears were well founded and our ship went through the Gulf in the company of several other ships while being monitored by helicopters flying overhead from the various nations patrolling the area. Our ship had barbed wire and new iron guards mounted on all of the lower deck areas to prevent anyone from surreptitiously boarding. The progress through the Gulf took 23 hours with everyone relieved when we were safe.”

The third segment of the trip was from Turkey to the Black Sea with stops in Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Greece, Malta, Sicily, Italy, Corsica, Spain, Gibraltar and Portugal. The final stop was Harwich, England, with the last week spent in London where Anne and Edward’s daughter lived for 23 years before returning to the United States recently.

“It is difficult to select highlights since the entire Middle East was new to us and each stop presented unique features which we had never experienced before,” Anne said. “The Taj Mahal exceeded my expectations and is more beautiful than any photos I have ever seen. We were there in the first light of the morning which enabled us to watch as the sun rose, changing the colors and Edward Tessaro in Myknos, Greece hues of this magnificent structure as time passed.

“In the small city of Porbandar, India, we visited the home of Mahatma Gandhi. This alone was a special experience, but even more meaningful to me was a conversation I had with an Indian gentleman who recognized me as an American and was eager to visit about our new president and what it is like to live in America. I found this to be true in many countries where someone would spontaneously approach us because we are American and engage us in conversation. People seemed happy that we chose to come to their country and see how they live, and they would go out of their way to guide us to some little known or favorite site of their own to enrich our experience. My husband and I loved going off on our own, wandering through towns, eating at places where we couldn’t fathom the menu (because of the language) and taking our chances − it always took us beyond our expectations!

“In the city of Muscat, Oman, the population is almost 100 percent Muslim. The Sultan governs.

Education is free through college and health care is free to all. The buildings are all white to reflect the intense heat of the sun and there is a regulation that all window air conditioners be covered with an ornate Persian-style wooden enclosure. The city is pristine and flowers are planted in all of the public places. The overall appearance is like a ‘fairy city’ which is beautiful.

“The ‘Rose Red’ city of Petra in Jordan is magical, suddenly appearing after a long hike into the Taj Mahal canyon as one rounds the last bend. At the final turn, the brilliance of Petra’s Treasury appears, almost 138 feet high and carved out of solid red rock. Knowing about this city which has been there for more than 2,000 years does not prepare one for the magnificence of the structures with their exquisite detail carved out of the canyon walls − with multiple rooms, an amphitheater, houses, streets, etc. Many of the sites we visited on this trip were developed because of their positioning along the Silk Route, including Petra, which was thought to originally be the site of care for camels, food and drink for travelers along their way.

“In Egypt there was Luxor, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Sinai Elephant sle eping against Peninsula where the St. Catherine’s Monastery lies at the base of Mt. Sinai and a tree in Richard’s Ba y, South Afric houses the ‘Burning Bush,’ Cairo and the pyramids. a “By the time we reached Russia and Ukraine, it was May 1, and we were delighted with multiple concerts and choirs throughout the day in port as part of the May Day celebration.

There is no better spot to be in on May Day!” This is not the first worldly excursion on which the Tessaros have embarked. A few years ago, they spent 104 days on a cruise which started in Buenos Aires and partially circled South America before heading to the Antarctic, across the South Pacific to Easter Island, Pitcairn, Cook Islands, French Polynesia, Society Islands, New Zealand, Galapagos Islands, the Panama Canal, and lastly to Nassau.

“These are all places we wanted to see,” Anne said.

“Going by ship is the easiest and shortest way to do it. We Anne at the Temple at Karnak in Egypt

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The Village Voice • Fall 2009

prefer to choose places unknown to us which offer lifestyles and beliefs that vary greatly from that which we know, and we intentionally never revisit areas since there are so many places to see and so little time!”

Anne and Edward’s love affair with traveling started with less luxurious modes of transportation.

In 1962, they rode a Greyhound bus for four days to Anne’s sister’s house in Santa Fe. Balancing careers and four children, they were only able to travel sporadically in early years. After retiring, they moved from Pittsburgh to California. Twice a year they drove back to Pittsburgh to see family and Sarcophagus of Alexande r the Great at the museu also took the opportunity to visit every state in the m of Archeology in Istanbul, Tu rkey union.

Five years ago, the Tessaros moved to Masonic Village where they are involved with volunteer activities. They also enjoy remodeling homes. With a little help from their son who is an engineer, they rebuilt their previous house in Butler and turned it into their dream home. They also helped their daughter and her son, who moved from London to Pittsburgh, fix up their home.

“It seems like the kind of thing that 70+ year-old people would not engage in, but it has rejuvenated us Treasury at Petra, Jordan tremendously,” Anne said.

In addition to their aforementioned son and daughter, they also have a son who lives in Los Angeles and a daughter in Zelienople, Pa. They have a total of six grandchildren.

Having a thirst for adventure, they recently signed up for Zumba, an activity they thought would be a gentle exercise class set to Latin rhythm.

“It turned out to be an aerobics class with a bunch of 30-year-old women,” Anne said. “My husband was the only man, and we were the only 70 year olds.

I had to sit on the floor at times because I couldn’t catch my breath. We were there for every session, and although it was fun, I will check the description of a class very carefully before I sign up for anything else!”

What’s next on the Tessaro’s itinerary? They would like to travel to Japan and Vietnam, but for now, their plans are to stay close to home.

“Our daughter is experiencing culture shock and wanted to be near family, so it’s not a good time for us to ‘jump ship’!” Anne exclaimed.

Traveling in Good Company T

he activity calendars at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown are filled with choices ranging from fitness classes and choir rehearsals to square dancing lessons and day trips to local attractions. To further enhance this array of recreational and social opportunities, a new club offers residents a chance to pack their bags and explore destinations across the country.

Resident Roberta Ewing and her husband, Ted, moved to the Masonic Village in March 2008.

At two previous churches they attended, Roberta organized overnight trips for members so they could travel as a group. The Ewings are avid travelers, and Roberta wanted to continue this effort at Masonic Village, so after speaking with Jennifer Stuckey, Activities Supervisor, and Raymond Tierney, Chief Operating Officer - Retirement Living Services, she started the Travel Club.

Roberta sent out flyers inviting residents to attend an initial meeting. She asked participants where they have traveled in the past and where they’d like to go in the future. To cover deposits for trips, there is a $5 annual membership fee. As of September, the club boasts 97 members.

Members of the Travel Club meet at the Gathering Place in Not only does having a group of 20 or more friends and neighbors make for nice company Mount Joy. on an outing, but the more who go, the less expensive the trip is for attendees. For now, the club is sticking with domestic destinations (with cruises being an exception), the first of which is Branson, Mo., where 20 members will take in the fall foliage along the Ozarks and enjoy shows at the town’s 40 theaters in late November.

Next spring, 50 residents will sail the open seas on a cruise to Bermuda. Roberta also has plans for a getaway to a resort in the Poconos in January and a trip to the Trapp Family Lodge in Vermont next fall. She hopes to organize two or three trips per year. In September, the club held its first social gathering at a local restaurant. The event included lunch and a guest appearance by Johnny Appleseed, who gave a talk about apple growing in Pennsylvania.

“I want people to have a little fun and get to know each other,” Roberta said of the social gatherings. “We have people from all over campus attending, and some will be meeting each other for the first time.”

The club will offer members a chance to experience places they have never seen, and much more.

“Some people move to a retirement community and sit back and do nothing,” Roberta said. “I want to give those who want to, and are able to, a chance to get out and travel. It opens the door to fellowship and the opportunity to meet a lot of new people.”

Roberta Ewing shared interesting apple facts at the Travel Club’s social gathering, while Johnny Appleseed (as portrayed by Rev. A. Preston Van Deursen, Director of Pastoral Care) told tales of his life as an American pioneer.

Masonic Village at Sewickley Launches Travel Club Karen Hammond, Activities Supervisor/Concierge, held a meeting on Sept. 17 for residents of the Masonic Village at Sewickley who are interested in traveling, whether it is to the other side of Pennsylvania or on a cruise across the Atlantic Ocean. She is looking to organize a group of residents who will plan and execute trips based on what club members want, as well as meet to share memories and photos of past trips. More details will follow, as the club progresses.

“Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” -- Izaak Walton The Village Voice • Fall 2009

9

Village

As part of Farm Market Days at the Masonic Health Care Center in Elizabethtown, Catherine Delevan helps husk corn which was cooked and handed out to residents. Twice monthly, June through October, Farm Market Days bring fresh produce from the Masonic Village Farm Market for the residents in the health care center to sample and purchase.

In Dallas, residents celebrated the 4th of July with a rooftop gathering.

They enjoyed local fireworks and light refreshments.

Warm weather and colorful hats signify a summer festival at Lafayette Hill.

Shown left are Alice Smith and Ann Schultz. Right, Charles Twesten and Jean Song, RN Assessment Coordinator.

Below, Sewickley’s Bob Grines and Ray Gillespie proudly display their catch on a recent group fishing trip.

(L-R) Dolores Elias, Beverly Seth, Anna Moore and Mary Jane Franz, of Sewickley, pose in front of the Cochran Hose Company fire truck. In honor of Sept. 11, the ladies baked cookies for local police and fire companies and personally delivered them. They plan to make this act of kindness a yearly tradition.

To celebrate summer and welcome 12 children who recently moved in, the Masonic Children’s Home held a Splash Bash in August.

Above left, Steffanie and Alecia Seitz, and above right, Mike Grice gets ready to tug as Rachele Stiffler, Department Coordinator, Children’s Services, jumps out of the way.

Nancy Morris, Child Care Worker, with Tianee and La’Tia Gatewood, of the Masonic Children’s Home, at a Lancaster Barnstormers baseball game. Thanks to Warfel Construction Company, 24 youth attended the game in July and enjoyed free hot dogs and drinks.

Eleanor Garberich, of Elizabethtown, with Suzy Tyson, Nursing Assistant, pets a furry friend at the Elizabethtown Fair in August.

More than 60 years after he risked his life for his country, Elizabethtown resident Allan Darrow was awarded a Bronze Star Medal from Rep. Joseph Pitts for his service in the U.S. Army’s 65th Infantry Division during World War II. Recipients of the Bronze Star are also awarded the American Defense Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Medal with two Bronze stars and the World War II Victory Medal. Shown above are Rep. Pitts; Allan Darrow; Allan’s stepdaughter, Kelly Malone; and his daughter, Claudia Darrow. In the right photo, Providence Eshelman accepts an American flag, which was flown over the U.S. Capitol, from Rep. Pitts. Providence requested the flag to fly over the Masonic Village’s Veterans Grove in honor of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s centennial in 2010.

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The Village Voice • Fall 2009

Ruth Hasenauer won 1st place for two ceramic projects at the Elizabethtown Fair.

Happenings On Memorial Day, residents of the personal care and nursing care areas in Sewickley spent their afternoon honoring U.S. troops by assembling care packages to be sent to Iraq. The resident choir kicked off the program with a patriotic sing-a-long, followed by staff, family and friends helping the residents sign cards and stuff boxes full of goodies. Included in the packages were“Let’s Go Pens” towels in celebration of the Pittsburgh Penguins making it to the Stanley Cup. The towels arrived overseas in time for the seventh game of the series and were waved in Iraq as the Penguins took home the championship. Shown left, Muriel Reibie proudly displays her package, and right, (clockwise, l-r) Clara Amoroso, Marie Cornfield, Ruth Cost, Dolores Elias, Mary Jane Franz, Mauvis Booher and Kay Lengyel take a break from assembling.

(L-R) Russ Kolmus and Jim Andrews present a check for $500, on behalf of Philadelphia-Potter Lodge No. 72, to Yolanda Weider, Channel 18 Coordinator, and Wils Kile, Chairman of the $25,000 Drive for Channel 18 Improvements. All four are residents of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.

In August, residents of Warminster were treated to the Tzofim Friendship Caravan, a group of Israeli scouts who travel around the United States entertaining audiences with dancing and singing. Residents loved them, and are still talking about their visit.

Hugh and Nancy Lamberton celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and fellow residents in Dallas.

Marlene Mosiey, Mary Lou Keller and Carol Wolf celebrate summer at a festival in Sewickley.

During their KeyMan Conference in August, members of DeMolay do-si-doed with residents of the Masonic Health Care Center in Elizabethtown. Left, Angelina Wenzel partners with Charles J. O’Dell, Westmoreland DeMolay.

Right, Ed Appelgren, Alberta Attick and Virginia Wright help keep the beat.

Herb Ammlung, of Lafayette Hill, embraces the Hawaiian culture at a luau.

Congratulations to Jean Strohm, of Elizabethtown, for scoring a hole in one at hole 18 of the Par Line golf course on Sept. 8. It is the first hole in one for a member of the golf league from Masonic Village, which meets weekly. After hitting the ball, Jean and her teammates, husband Kenneth Strohm, Robert LeDane and Bill Gottschalk, searched a nearby flower bed before finding her ball in the hole!

“I’ve been golfing for 30 years and never hit a hole in one,” Jean said. “It was so unexpected!”

In September, the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill was presented with a letter of thanks and a framed certificate of appreciation from Dr. Joel E. Streim, professor of psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania.

Shown above are Lorraine Lardani (left), Administrator of Health Services, and Adrienne Staudenmayer (right), Executive Director, with Claire Voigt (center), research coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania. The certificate was given in appreciation and gratitude for Masonic Village’s collaboration on a research study entitled “Nursing Home Evaluation of Antidepressant Treatment” which was sponsored by the National Institutes of Health. Over the last five years, residents from Lafayette Hill, along with residents from more than 50 area nursing homes and personal care facilities, participated in the study.

Statistical analysis of the study will begin shortly. It is anticipated that the study activity will yield important new knowledge to inform clinical practice guidelines for older adults with depression in later life. Many thanks to the residents and staff who participated in this study.

The Village Voice • Fall 2009

11

The Apple: Nature’s Gift O

ctober has been designated National Apple Month in honor of the popularity and incredible versatility of this member of the rose family which tastes as good fresh as it does baked in a pie or squeezed into cider.

The Masonic Village orchard in Elizabethtown is blooming with the red, green and golden fruit.

Resident Helen Stone has loved apples her entire life and drinks a half gallon of cider every week. After moving to Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, she enjoys being able to pick fresh apples at the orchard.

“I love apple season,” she said. “I like to pick apples, and I like to share them. They’re great in dumplings or just raw. I make cookies and pies. A lot of people here don’t cook, so I make applesauce for everyone including my daughter. My grandson only eats grandma’s applesauce.”

Helen’s famous applesauce contains a variety of apples: Gala, Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Empire, Stayman-Winesap or whatever is in season.

Pennsylvanians have many reasons to not only love the taste, but to have a personal sense of pride in the apple. Pennsylvania is one of the top five apple-producing states among Washington, New York, Michigan and California. Adams County, home of the National Apple Museum, is the second largest apple-producing county in the United States. The Masonic Village orchard is the second largest tree fruit producer in Lancaster County with more than 10,000 trees on 80 acres. More than 55 million tons of apples are grown worldwide, and the United States is among the top five apple-producing countries alongside China, Poland, Turkey and Italy.

“Apples have been a part of American history since the Colonial days,” Tad Kuntz, Orchard Supervisor, said. “They survived the trip over from other countries and are not as perishable as most fruits. They can be stored, and you can make so many other products from them. Apples have become a part of our culture.”

Each season, approximately 8,000 bushels of apples are grown in the Masonic Village orchard, including 50 different varieties. More than 7,000 varieties of apples exist worldwide, ranging from the Smokehouse, discovered growing in a compost pile in Lancaster County, to the Baldwin, which one farmer learned was very resilient after it was the only variety of tree to grow from a batch of 1,000,000 seeds planted during a harsh Minnesota winter.

Each time two apple seeds are crossed, a different variety of apple is born, much like two humans produce different looking children. Many of the trees do not make it out of the testing stage or are not marketable because of a defect such as thorns. Testing is a tedious process, with apple trees taking four to five years to produce their first fruit. “Producing a new variety of apples that people like is like hitting the lottery,” Tad said. To grow trees that produce the same variety, the parent tree is cloned using bud grafting in which tissues of one plant are encouraged to fuse with those of another.

Stayman-Winesap, named for its wine flavor, is the number one seller at the Masonic Village Farm Market, taking the title from Red Delicious in the 1990s. Gala and Fuji, a variety developed in Japan, follow closely behind in sales. A new variety, Honeycrisp, sold out in just two weeks last year. This year’s harvest at Masonic Village produced more of the sweet and tart variety which is rapidly gaining popularity across the country.

“We can grow almost any variety,” he said of the Masonic Village orchard. “I like to offer old favorites – ones people remember their grandmothers giving them, such as the Stayman-Winesap. Over the winter I taste new varieties which are bred by Penn State For more history of the and the University of Minnesota, and I Masonic Village Farm choose ones I think people will like or fill Market and ordering a niche.”

The number of trees at the Masonic information, visit Village’s orchard has expanded from www.mvfarmmarket.com.

2,400 trees in 1970 to 12,000 in 2009.

You can also place This production explosion was due to the

orders at (717) 361-4520.

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The Village Voice • Fall 2009

advent of the dwarf tree.

Although smaller in stature, these trees produce more unblemished fruit – about 90 percent of the apples on the tree are saleable. In larger trees, only about 20 percent of the apples were usable. This is because fewer apples on dwarf trees are left in the shade and therefore dry out quicker after a rain, preventing fungus. Less pesticides are used and the trees are easier to trim and harvest.

Along with peaches, pears, nectarines, sweet and tart cherries, plums, apricots and pumpkins, Masonic Village’s apples are used to supplement the dining menu for the 1,500 residents in Elizabethtown. The remainder of the produce is sold through the Masonic Village Farm Market or sold wholesale to other local farm markets. Blemished produce is sent to area processors who turn it into products for resale including jam, jelly, preserves, fruit butters, cider and applesauce. The Farm Market also donates excess fruit to the Elizabethtown Food Bank and Water Street Rescue Mission.

The Farm Market sells apples wholesale and online all year round thanks to cold storage. Before electricity, this involved cutting blocks of ice from the Susquehanna River and using mules to drag the blocks to Elizabethtown. This method was very labor intensive and relied on a thick layer of ice on the river.

Today, cold storage is used to slow or stop the natural ripening process.

The more the respiration and ripening is slowed, the longer the apples can be stored. There are three major key factors when storing apples: temperature, humidity and composition of the storage atmosphere.

Masonic Village’s cold storage is maintained at 30 degrees and 95 percent humidity. Because of the sugar in apples, most varieties will not freeze until they reach about 28 degrees.

Masonic Village also rents space for a limited amount of apples at a Controlled Atmosphere (CA) storage facility in Adams County. The apples are placed in a sealed room in October which basically puts them in a state of suspended animation so they no longer continue to ripen. The apples are in the same condition when the room is opened as when they were harvested. Farm Market staff then bring the apples back to Masonic Village in the spring to sell throughout the summer.

The Lancaster County farming community is very tight knit and a successful operation does not go unnoticed. Within a year of coming to work at Masonic Village in 1991, Tad was asked to share his wisdom about apple production. Since 1992, every fourth grader in the Elizabethtown Area School District has heard his speech. In 2008, more than 250 youth from local child care centers and schools and those being home schooled toured the apple orchard.

“It’s important for kids to know where their food comes from,” he said.

“I’m surprised how many think it comes from grocery stores.”

While Tad controls the varieties of apples and the size of the orchard, Mother Nature truly runs the show. Facing drought, disease, pests, deer and inadequate sunshine, the annual apple harvest is constantly at risk.

“Every year is different,” Tad said.

“It makes my job challenging... yet fun.”

Tad Kuntz, Orchard Supervisor, gives children of the Masonic Village Child Care Center a tour of the orchard.

by J. Kenneth Brubaker, M.D., C.M.D., Medical Director, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown

Ready or Not, Flu Season is Here T

he 2009 flu season has arrived, and in addition to the usual headaches which ensue, this season is complicated by the fact that we are in the midst of a pandemic influenza infection, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) this past summer. The emergence of a very new influenza virus, commonly called the 2009 H1N1 influenza, or “swine flu,” has been identified and continues to be diagnosed worldwide.

This particular virus is the first new virus strain to reach pandemic status in the world in more than 40 years.

While it isn’t found to be significantly more virulent than the usual seasonal influenza viruses, it has been diagnosed more frequently in the very young, older children, teenagers and those in their mid-twenties. It is interesting to note that those born before the 1950s have likely developed some degree of immunity to the 2009 H1N1 virus. Some researchers believe a similar H1N1 virus circulated in the international community in the early 1950s and has provided continued immunity to the older adult population.

This flu season is a little different and somewhat more confusing than in the past. While it has been customary to initiate influenza immunizations in the late fall of each year, this year the Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Ga., recommended immunization programs begin in September. While historically consensus among specialists in infection control have advocated it is better to immunize persons as late in the fall as possible in order to be certain that immunized persons will have immunity over the entire span of the flu season, it has recently been learned that loss of immunity is not as significant of a problem as originally thought. Therefore, it is better to have everybody immunized as quickly as possible since an additional influenza vaccine (2009 H1N1) will be recommended later in the fall between October and December.

In order to avoid confusion about the different influenza immunizations, the following information is important: 1. The usual yearly influenza immunization is referred to as the seasonal flu vaccine. This vaccine has three different virus strains determined to be the most likely influenza viruses circulating in our communities this winter: influenza A H3N2, another influenza A H1N1 (not the 2009 H1N1) and influenza B. 2. A subsequent vaccine known as the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus (swine flu) will be offered to those who are at high risk. The first groups to be targeted include parents and other family members who have close contact with children under 6 months of age, pregnant women, all persons between 6 months and 24 years of age, anyone between 24 and 64 who has a chronic illness such as diabetes and heart disease, and all health care workers.

3. The most recent information from the CDC is that adults will require one immunization for 2009 H1N1. As of Oct. 6, there have been 2,758 confirmed cases in Pennsylvania. Three percent of all the cases were hospitalized. There have been 14 deaths in Pennsylvania so far, with more than half occurring in Philadelphia. Only 0.8% of those Pennsylvania residents who were infected with HINI flu were 70 years of age or older. Those older than 64 years of age will not likely be targeted for an immunization unless there is sufficient vaccine available after immunizing those at highest risk for the 2009 H1N1 influenza.

We are continuing to learn more about the effectiveness of influenza immunizations in different age groups. A number of years ago it was thought older adults, especially in the 80 plus age group, were effectively immunized from influenza with seroconversion (meaning the person has developed antibodies to the flu vaccine) at 70 percent. Ten years ago, the seroconversion rate was around 50 percent. More recently, a published study indicated the seroconversion rate for older adults is about 12 percent. Whether the seroconversion rate is 12 percent or 50 percent in older adults, especially among octogenarians and nonagenarians, the take home message is all direct care providers who work with older adults must be immunized with the flu vaccines. In addition, all younger family members who visit older relatives and friends should be immunized during the influenza season. It can be very challenging to convince young healthy adults to be immunized to prevent catching influenza since the common response is, “I never get the flu” or “I hate shots!”

Influenza immunizations are not about the receiver, but about the prevention of the influenza virus spreading to those who are more vulnerable. Furthermore, we now know a person can be contagious with the influenza virus and have no flu symptoms for up to 48 hours. Thus, waiting for the common symptoms of a high fever and generalized achiness will be too late to prevent the spread of the disease.

Tips for preventing the spread of influenza: 1. Cover your cough. Cough into your upper sleeve or into a tissue and discard properly.

2. Properly dispose of used tissues and other soiled items, and wash your hands after doing so.

3. Wash hands frequently and regularly, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when water is not readily available.

4. Regularly clean and disinfect areas and items likely to have frequent hand contact.

5. Contact your health care provider when you or other family members are sick with the flu.

Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache and body aches.

6. If there are reported cases of seasonal flu or the 2009 H1N1 flu in your community, it is best to avoid group gatherings in order to reduce the risk of getting influenza.

7. Stay informed through www.health.state.pa.us, www.cdc.gov or www.flu.gov.

The Village Voice • Fall 2009

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Masonic Villages’ Wish List Help us shine!

Quantity Capital Need Cost per Single Item Total Cost

Masonic Children’s Home

1 Playground $3,000 $3,000 40 Mattresses $200 $8,000 5 Counter tops - cottages $2,296 $11,480 3 Kitchen floors - cottages $509 $1,527 4 Foyer floors - cottages $129 $516 3 Front doors - cottages $400 $1,200 4 Blinds - cottages $500 $2,000 1 Bi-fold door $848 $848 3 Outside doors $400 $1,200 2 Solar panel water heaters - cottages $8,750 $17,500 5 Computers - cottages $745 $3,725 40 Lamps $50 $2,000 5 Digital cameras $200 $1,000 (pending) Masonic Village at Elizabethtown

ist is This l ate -d up-to t. 9.

Oc as of se items ts f the ng residen per o h c Ea pro vidi n pro s with the Love i l a r g e is inte onic Villag Mission of s our Ma ore of the d attention ise. For m or n ts care a alues prom these gif n v o ation s to inform other way contact ase e, ple Planning t u b i r cont ce of Gift 454. ffi the O 800) 599-6 at (

Channel 18 $25,000 $25,000 5 Big screen televisions & brackets $2,000 $10,000 1 Snoezelen Room $10,000 1 Nature Reserve (outside MHCC) $10,000 3 Furniture for balcony $1,000 $3,000 10 Heated massage chairs $2,000 $20,000 4 Digital piano keyboards $3,000 $12,000 10 Spa whirlpools $20,000 $200,000 14 Refrigerators $750 $10,500 14 Dishes, kitchen items $500 $7,000 1 It’s Never 2 Late (therapy program) $24,000 $24,000 10 Pulse oximeters $100 $1,000 (committed) 80 Linen tablecloths (6-foot) $12 $960 3 Bariatric beds & equipment $5,000 $15,000 31 Speciality wheelchairs $1,481 $45,911 24 Speciality wheelchair cushions $500 $12,000 2 Wii video game systems $500 $1,000 14 Dishwashers $500 $7,000 3 Blanket warmers $400 $1,200 2 Rock and Go gliders $3,000 $6,000 49 Ceiling panels $215 $10,535

Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill 1 Putting green carpet $8,000 $8,000 (pending) 5 Apartment patio doors $3,000 $15,000 5 Wheelchairs $255 $1,275 1 Cambro meal delivery cart $1,560 $1,560 China $2,889 2 Insulated camcarts $675 $1,350 1 ID card printer $11,300 $11,300 Plants/planters $3,375 1 It’s Never 2 Late (therapy program) $24,000 $24,000 1 Mechanical lift $5,300 $5,300 2 Pulse oximeters w/rubber boot $450 $900 (pending) 1 Sit to stand lift, power base $3,500 $3,500 1 Portable hydration cart $550 $550 1 Portable digital wheelchair scale $2,000 $2,000 70 Bed spreads $80 $5,600 1 Van with lift $45,000 $45,000

Masonic Village at Warminster 34 Mattresses $332 $11,300 2 Fully electric beds $1,400 $2,800 5 Wheelchairs $300 $1,500 (committed)

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The Village Voice • Fall 2009

Plaque Unveiled Bro. Ralph Simons, North Hills Lodge No. 716, Wexford, and his wife, Orpah, stand with Bro. Joseph E. Murphy, Chief Executive Officer; Eric L. Gross, Executive Director, Masonic Village at Sewickley; and Bro. Alvin H. Blitz, Chief Director of Gift Planning, on July 1, as they dedicate the library at the Masonic Village at Sewickley.

A Man of Simple Means: In Memory of Eugene Netsky

E

ugene “Gene” S. Netsky, passed away on June 2, 2009, at the age of 88. A member of Hackenburg Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 19, Philadelphia, Gene was a realtor in the Philadelphia area for many years. He was a 1948 graduate of New York’s New School for Social Research. For many years he also served as an officer for the Homeowners’ Association of Philadelphia (HAP).

During his lifetime, Gene was not afraid to take on the bureaucracy for actions he considered unfair and overreaching. In 1966, he represented himself in a lawsuit against the behemoth monopoly Bell Telephone concerning unfair charges for the leasing of answering machines. He always held his own against the financial institutions and medical providers which he believed were not being forthright and fair with the “little guy.”

He was a man of simple means who saved what he could during his lifetime and invested it wisely to assure he maintained his financial independence in retirement without the need to look to the government for assistance.

Gene was a strong supporter of charities he believed provided vital assistance for those in need in our society.

One of his favorite charities was the Masonic Villages of the R.W. Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania. Being an astute investor, in 2000, he contacted Alvin Blitz, Chief Director of Gift Planning, to discuss the purchase of a Charitable Gift Annuity for his benefit and to help the Masonic Villages upon his death. He was attracted to the significant annuity rate (which at his age was over 10 percent) and the tax deduction he received to reduce his income taxes. He confided in Alvin he already had included the Masonic Villages in his will, and he might as well make some money off what he was going to eventually give to the Villages. He was so happy with his first annuity, he purchased two more in subsequent years.

In 2008, Gene was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and he initially sought refuge in his home. However, as he weakened over time, he sought hospice care. Eventually, he contacted Alvin to seek admission to the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill. After his admission, Alvin often visited with him to see how he was doing. At Alvin’s last visit, Gene knew he was close to death. He shared with Alvin how proud he was to be a Mason, and he was so thankful his fellow brethren came to visit him at Lafayette Hill and the care he was provided was second to none. He told Alvin that “the people surrounding him here [at Masonic Village] were like angels from heaven.”

A couple weeks later, Gene passed on to the next journey in his life. He will be remembered for his jagged humor, tenacious will to do what was right for society and his heart of gold for helping those in need during his lifetime and through his legacy to the Masonic Villages.

For more personalized information regarding the benefits of a gift annuity, at no cost or obligation, please contact the Gift Planner in the geographical area nearest you:

Central Pennsylvania (717) 367-1121, ext. 33437 or (800) 599-6454 Out-of-State (717) 367-1121, ext. 33312 or (800) 599-6454

Western Pennsylvania (412) 741-1400, ext. 3011 or (866) 872-0664

Eastern Pennsylvania (610) 825-6100, ext. 1348

Financial information about Masonic Charities can be obtained by contacting us at 1-800-599-6454. In addition, Masonic Charities is required to file financial information with several states. Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, (303) 894-2680, http://www.sos.state.co.us/. Florida: SC No. 00774, A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES

BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. Georgia: full and fair description of the programs and activities of Masonic Charities and its financial statement are available upon request at the address indicated above. Illinois: Contracts and reports regarding Masonic Charities are on file with the Illinois Attorney General. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (800) 825-4510. Michigan: MICS No. 11796 Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. New York: A copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling tollfree, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: Financial statements are available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218. Washington: The notice of solicitation required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of Masonic Charities is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 1-800-332-4483. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. REGISTRATION IN THE ABOVE STATES DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION OF MASONIC CHARITIES BY THE STATE.

COMPLETE AND MAIL THIS FORM TO: Office of Gift Planning, Masonic Charities, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022  I/We have remembered the following Masonic Charity(ies) in my/our estate plan:  Send me your brochure on Charitable Gift Annuities.  Send me a sample Charitable Gift Annuity illustration based on the following information (minimum $5,000): Age(s): Amount*: $ *If you are considering a gift of appreciated stock, please estimate your cost basis: $ .  Contact me to discuss a possible Charitable Gift Annuity with a Masonic charity. 

Send me information about the Franklin Legacy Society.

Name: Address: City:

State:

Telephone: (

ZIP:

)

E-mail Address:

The Village Voice • Fall 2009

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Memorial Gifts May 1 - July 31, 2009 Below is a list of individuals (names are shown in red) whose loved ones have made a gift in their memory to one of the five Masonic Villages located at Dallas, Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and Warminster.

Great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the names listed below. We regret any errors or omissions. If an error has been made, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at (717) 367-1121, ext. 33003, or by e-mailing giving@masonicvillagespa.org. Thank you.

Ralph W. Adams David A. Adams William H. Adams William S. Adams Dorothy R. Aiken Jane A. Wrisley Irene Anagnos William D. Anagnos Bonita R. “Bonnie” Ashe William F. Ashe Richard V. Ashley, Jr. William S. Snyder Lodge No. 756 Ralph K. Austin Kirk S. Hinkley, III Dorothy Bahrt James D. Bahrt Anna K. Bailey William A. Bailey Julia E. Baker Judy A. Briel Capital Health Larry and Lorraine Di Santo William and Sheila Farrell Lenora Funari Eugene W. Grochala Theresa McCarron Anthony and Gloria Medaglia Robert S. Nardoni Dolly Rachlin Reisser Alma Baker Barbara T. Rossi Godfrey Balas Southampton Square Club Helen Barber Ray and Lois Barber Edwin A. Barnes Mildred J. Barnes Eugene T. Bartholomee Theodore M. Bartholomee Marian L. Baum Oscar W. Baum Sarah Bell John Wittmann Raymond F. Benfer, Jr. Barbara R. Benfer Smith Edward M. Bergbauer Barbara E. Shields Herbert Berk Fred H. Goldblatt Alice Beyer West Falls Bible Church Harold E. Billet Frederick L. Stroup Miriam Bishop J. Richard Bishop Floyd H. Bishop Mary J. Bishop Edwina B. Bissey Robert D. Bissey, Jr. Esther Blettner Old Bellaire Chapter No. 375, OES Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War

16

Linda L. Greer Edwin M. Bosworth Evelyn J. Bosworth Jane Bowman Richard L. Bowman John G. Brich Barbara J. Brich Elizabeth J. Brimmer William R. Brimmer, Sr. Kenneth A. Brown Patricia Brown Verna Mae Brubaker Paul N. Brubaker Thomas H. Burgess Marcella B. Burgess Francis A. Burkett Grace E. Burkett Joseph Campolongo Carol A. Wolfinger Vic Carlson Willene S. Carlson Lester and Emma Carpenter John L. Lescisko Gladys M. Cassel Doris J. Espenshade Julia E. Espenshade Mary B. Horst Malcolm G. Charles Ann P. Charles Lucille R. Cleaver Forrest J. Cleaver Betty C. Clift Robert S. Clift Howard Walter Clontz Donald E. Clontz Val and Mary Colaluca Dante G. Colaluca Oliver H. Condran, Sr. Jeffrey J. Condran Salvatore A. Consolo Amy A. Consolo Ann E. Cooley Nevin V. Cooley, Sr. Phyllis M. Cotherman Robert L. Cotherman Richard E. Coulter Frances E. Coulter William J. Coyle, Jr. Eleanor Coyle Kenneth Criswell Richard K. Criswell Walter H. Crocker, Sr. Palestine-Roxborough Lodge No. 135 George F. Curry George M. Curry Wayne V. Dallas Mary Kay Bergen Ed, Susan, Dan and Ryan Cafiero Warren and Donna Dallas and Family Doreen M. Kluber Evalyn Malakoff

The Village Voice • Fall 2009

The Prudential Foundation Jackie Tamburrino Richard A. Valent Family Donald and Mary Washeleski James and Anna Dangler Robert L. Dangler Clyde Dechant Robert E. Wagner, Sr. Francis M. Derrick Ruth Derrick William C. Diesinger, Jr. Pearlie H. Diesinger Mildred Mae Dilliplane Arlene V. Diller Glen and Betty Dunn Thomas L. Dixon Juniata Lodge No. 282 Mr. and Mrs. James Dixon Jack W. Westafer June R. Downing J. Allan Downing Martina K. Doyle Francis C. Doyle Richard M. Dreistadt Jacqueline Dreistadt William A. Drexel Richard W. Drexel Donald Drexel Richard W. Drexel William M. Dunkelberger Board of Education North Hanover Township Challenger Sunshine Fund North Hanover Township Education Association Residents of the Brown Building (The Brownies) Sandra J. Duvall Gerald E. Duvall Helen Eby Russ and Faye Baker Edna M. Edsall James H. Edsall Joseph Elizeus Joel R. Elizeus Ernest R. Erb, Sr. Ernest R. Erb, Jr. Donald E. Eshelman Norma L. Eshelman Vera Mae Eshelman Stein Kenneth J. Eshelman Carol R. Lehr David W. Evans James J. McGowan, Jr. Edward Evans James B. Cheyney, II James J. McGowan, Jr. Fred Charles Evans George E. C. Evans Lauretta Ezard Arthur E. Ezard, Jr. Arthur R. Fausnacht, Jr. Lillian S. Fausnacht

Del Roy Fetterolf Jack Fetterolf Daniel L. Fick Carolyn K. Fick Jean L. Fisher Kurt D. Fisher Nancy H. Fisher John B. Heilman, Jr. Raymond N. Fisher Mary L. Golden Ruby J. Fisher Joseph M. Fisher James Michael Flanagan Lee R. Perlmutter William A. Fleming Florence E. Fleming Julius and Helen Fleschut Julius C. Fleschut, Jr. Maurice “Bud” E. Flurie, Jr. Mary E. Flurie Eleanor S. “Ellie” Forney K. Robert and Mary Conrad Benjamin and June Cope Marjorie Hoon Peter and Teresa Losapio James and Elizabeth Perotti Louise V. Prather Robert B. Schnure Diane H. Wall Albert R. Forry Ruth E. Forry Wilford C. Foster Keith L. Foster Samuel C. Foyle, Jr. Barbara E. Shields Harold I. Frankfort Geraldine F. Frankfort Edward O. Frantz Curtis J. Frantz Thelma L. (Sittler) Frantz Curtis J. Frantz Albert Friedman Mr. and Mrs. Arnold Fried Robert Frycklund James C. Getz Roy E. Fulmer Harry E. Fulmer, II Jim and Linda Kaiser Charles B. Funk Anna S. Funk Stephen Gally Henry and Martha Gally Mr. and Mrs. William E. Garber, Sr. William E. Garber, Jr. Conard L. Gardner Janice L. Feather Sherry Kalbach and Family Lebanon Valley Swim Team Family Beth Lynn Sherrard Doris Gattuso Community Chapter No. 428, O.E.S. Mary Etta Gay Anthony Gay

Catharine M. Gehman Edward C. and Harriet Harris Roy W. German Rudolph W. and Mary Anne Betz Mr. and Mrs. Robert J. Burns, Sr. Grace C. Hollawell Michael and Cheryl Hollawell Marvin G. Goldberg Betty L. Anfanger Martin E. Gotsch D. Jane Bruton Doris M. Gotsch John L. Gottier Edward O. Hilbush, III Thomas J. Graham Jean Barton John A. Greer L. Connie Greer Derek Stroup and Family George T. Stroup, Jr. and Family Trent Stroup and Family Vera Greiner Providence F. Eshelman Margaret M. Oberg Carroll and Mae Rickert Genevieve Smith Harvey and Catharine Greiss Mr. and Mrs. Gary Bowers Robert G. Griffith Marguerite H. Griffith Alfred J. Grime Esther G. Grime Dorothy L. Hamm Bill and Janet Shultz Alfred R. Hanscom Verna G. Hanscom Sara C. Harris Edward C. and Harriet Harris Virginia Harris John W. Harris Mildred D. Hartman Richard W. Drexel William Hartman Ricky L. Swalm Harry E. Hartshorn Thomas R. Hartshorn Richard R. Hawkins Jeffrey W. Schulze Bob and Mae Heckman James R. Heckman Russell K. Heebner William S. Wenner George H. Heile Mildred J. Heile Nicholas Heinrich Byron A. Leiby Robert A. Helmuth Southampton Square Club Jennie Henderson Stuart Wesbury, Jr. Paul W. Hepler Sterling P. Hepler Sidney S. Hersh Joel H. Hersh Sarah Hertz Roger S. Hertz Paul W. Hess Judith A. Hess Bradley S. Hill Louis H. Hill, Jr. Viola Hine Ray and Lois Barber Kirk S. Hinkley, Sr. Kirk S. Hinkley, III Robert L. Hoag Donna J. Geiger

Howard J. Holt Betty Holt Elnora Horst Clearfield Chapter No. 379, O.E.S. Rex D. Hough, Sr. Raymond C. Stevens Thomas S. Howe, Jr. Elizabeth B. Howe Stella Hubert Lawrence J. Hubert, Sr. Lois J. Hungerford Clifton K. Hungerford Donald L. Hunt Lodge of the Craft/Westminster Lodge No. 433 L. Paul Ilgen, Jr. Harvey W. Ilgen Joseph C. Jarrett James L. Thompson G. Donald Jenkins Kenneth C. Sassaman Gerald E. Johns Irmgard Johns Virgil H. Johnston Joel R. Elizeus Margaret May Jones David J. Jones Norman U. Jones William S. Snyder Lodge No. 756 Fannye P. Kahl Bessie D. Johnson Barbara L. Warchol Ruby Keely Walter P. Keely, Sr. Caroline E. Kehler Claude R. Kehler Claude E. Kehler, Jr. AFSPC/A6 Members Lillian Cunningham George and Mary Hack Keith R. Hall James R. Peterson Michael and Christine Puckett Tom and Donna Sheridan Susan K. Shildt Men and Women of Air Force Space Command Men and Women of Space and Missile Systems Center, LA and CA Sarah T. Werntz Dave Kelly John T. Florey Craig Kennedy Ian M. Kennedy Richard J. Kerns Lowie B. Kerns Floyd H. Kinard Harvey R. Hoffman Louise E. Kivler Donald C. Kivler Ida G. Kleiner Glenn E. Gaffner Albert Kling, Jr. Albert B. Kling Helen Cope Knelly Denise S. Dougherty Jean L. Kolb Robert W. Kolb Carl A. Korn, Jr. Jean H. Korn Harry A. Kramer, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. William A. Graf Howard and Dorothy Lewis Guy N. Kratzer Gary G. Kratzer

Herman and Ruth Kraus John C. Kraus E. Fred Kreinbrook Marion Lodge No. 562 Alfred Kroll Martin I. Bogdon Elnor A. Kulikosky Michael J. Kelly Mary Jane Koch and Family Edward and Cecelia Kulikosky Del and Natalie Reynolds Mary B. LaBarr Betty Lou Jordan Elmer Lahr Judy Lahr Charlotte Larsen Community Chapter No. 428, O.E.S. Anna E. Lazur Stephen A. Lazur George F. Lebegern, Jr. Patricia L. Lebegern John C. Leinbach Beverly B. Leinbach Evelyn O. Levis Richard T. Levis, Jr. Clair J. Lewis William C. Lewis Frederick J. Lewis Marlene J. Reed Mary Liebl Barbara E. Shields Dominick Lizzi David Lizzi, Sr. Arlene Mae Long Barbara J. Arner The Beach Foundation Barry and Shirley Bohn William and Leanne Campbell Dorothy R. Carpenter Carolyn F. Daniels Mahlon and June Fink Ruth A. Grimes Arthur and Joanne Haberberger Michael J. Keeney Christopher R. Lechleitner Robert F. Lee, Jr. Dale and Diane Long Beverly J. Miller Leonard and Marjorie Miller Sarah B. Nace Stephen Rosalind Pendergast Miriam B. Philips Walter E. Ramick, Jr. David and Barbara Regar Gary and Sue Rogers and daughters Lee and Carolyn Schleicher Eileen McKemy Stitzel Lloyd and Geraldine Wolf Florence M. Yoder Jeanne Zweig Paul W. Lucas Ann M. Lucas John D. Lucas Shirley J. Lucas Henry D. Luciano Mary C. Luciano Arnold Lucker Edward C. Harris Dorothy N. Luey Howard Luey Stella Lulias Gordon and Roberta Hensel Ruth K. Lyall Richard and Elinore Davidson Joseph and Elizabeth Schaefer Barbara E. Shields

Harry E. Malone Jean F. Malone Catherine “Kitty” Mark Clifford K. Mark Chester V. Martin Juniata Lodge No. 282 Anna Dean Marvel Garrett E. Marvel Orville C. Mase Donald L. Swope Alfred Mash Lester R. Worthington, Jr. Carl A. Massa Marie Massa Cecil L. Mathers Juniata Lodge No. 282 Mary Mauer Susan E. Beerman David and Lisa Epstein John R. and Frances A. Ihm Harold G. McClain Theresa A. McClain Ralph L. McClellan Dolores B. McClellan John R. McClester Jean McClester Bruce H. McClure Charles R. Ahn, III Virginia McDonald John P. McDonald Kathryn S. Meloney Louise M. Hutchinson Thomas H. Mercer, Jr. Helen D. Mercer George A. Metz Alice J. Metz Russell W. Meyer Lake Erie Lodge No. 347 William H. Miller Donald J. Miller Ruth Montie Raymond P. Montie, Jr. Richard L. Moore Juniata Lodge No. 282 Peter J. Morano, Jr. Stephen M. McFee, Jr. Mother and Father Ronald L. Beachboard Richard D. Mowery Janet E. Mowery Mildred N. Muffley William K. Muffley Evelyn Beattie Mullen Dorothy L. Beattie Walter and Joan Beattie Peter and Alice Ann Bossow Elizabeth Leeming Dillon, Christopher and Mark Mr. and Mrs. Richard J. Feeny Jose and Helen Flores Richard and Joanne Forrest John and Barbara Hasson Brian and Jane Kelly Lavigne Patricia M. McGuinn Carol A. McQuillen Norman and Terri Mittman Howard and Nancy Zoeltsch George W. Murray, Jr. Marian G. Murray Joseph E. Myers, Sr. Mary H. Myers William L. Nace Residents of the Brown Building (The Brownies) Continued on next page

The Village Voice • Fall 2009

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Nellie B. Nelson Rose A. Nelson Joseph Newberg Richard M. Newberg Hedwig “Hedy” Noll Barbara Jean Meyer Paul F. Nye Dorothy Nye, Karen and Mark Daniel and Phoebe Oakes Glenn W. Oakes Anthony J. Palermo Marie G. Diem Parents Donald B. Stevens, Jr. Emma Jane Marshall Peck Harry E. Peck, III Harry E. Peck, Jr. Harry E. Peck, III Linda K. Peck Harry E. Peck, III Howard E. Phillips, Jr. Howard E. Phillips, III Franklin E. Pile, Sr. Ruth U. Pile Ralph and Margaret Potter Mary Jane Potter Florence I. Poxon Donald and Shirley Robinson Harold Robinson Jack, Jim, Virginia, Richard, Ruth and Shirley John D. Pratt, III William R. Spence Elaine M. Price Acme Market Store No. 7719 Karen E. DeMario Ann D. Proietto Carolyn M. D’Amore Earl E. Ragsdale Joan C. Ragsdale H.L. Wyatt Rainey Virginia Rainey Helen A. Rawson Dorothy Ball Robert and Dixie Endy Diane D. Fritz Kenneth N. Goodhart Jerry and Cindy Kopenhaver Mark A. Rawson B. J. Turgeon Cherie Rebar George F. McGinnis, Jr. Ruth A. Renner Augustine and Mary Concilio Marjorie E. Heffner Evelyn B. Rhodes Friendship Chapter No. 551, O.E.S. Joseph L. Richard, Sr. Nancy J. Richard Kenneth F. Richter, Sr. Horace F. Richter, Jr. Margaret Rickards Mr. and Mrs. Glenn M. Anderson June E. Moran Margaret “Peggie” Rickards Thomas and Carolyn Reardon Thomas F. Ringler Iris N. Ringler Ernest E. Ritter Clair E. Ritter Russell E. Robertson, Sr. Jeffrey A. Pavsek Arlene G. Robinson Ralph D. Robinson

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Resa J. Robinson William Robinson Jay Roling Jeannie M. Starzynski Donna L. Rosinski John E. Waggle, Jr. Robert and Natalie Roth Karen S. Martin Ernest Lee Ruby Nancy C. Armold Kenneth W. Rudisill, Sr. McKinley-Stuckrath Lodge No. 318 Patricia D. Russell William F. Russell Sidney Sacks Shirley Sacks Ray E. Sands Madeline B. Sands Fern L. Schade Robert J. Schade Walter W. Schmidt Charlotte E. Schmidt John F. Schumacher Ronald J. Schumacher George Oliver Scott Doris M. Scott Hugh R. Scott John F. Scott John Harvey Scott Anthony G. Ortiz June H. Scott John R. Scott George R. Searfoss, Jr. Kenneth A. Searfoss Mary M. Sellers Mary L. Yeager Marianne G. Serposs Albert and Helen Chavooshian Stephen and Christine Chavooshian John and Connie Muradyan Maurice and Suzanne Reed Keane and Doreen Serposs Clinton E. Shaffer Larry A. Shaffer, Sr. Marie Shambaugh Jack and Vicki Gillmore Hugh J. Shambaugh James H. Shambaugh Walter W. Shearer Doris S. Shearer William E. Sheldon, Jr. Robert I. Player Jerome Sherman Sherwood and Britta Lennartson Richard A. Shidemantle J. Robert Taylor Albert E. Shipley, Jr. Barbara V. Shipley Milton Shugerman Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Harold L. Shumaker Eleanor A. Shumaker Frank E. Shuster Nellie W. Shuster Joanne Silverstein Adele B. Sichel James S. Simpson Anna Mary Simpson Millie Sinopoli Henry D. Sinopoli Samuel Sitelman Arthur Sitelman Albert F. Smith Tyrone Lodge No. 494

The Village Voice • Fall 2009

Edmund R. Smith George S. Ehler, Jr. Jack W. Smith Barbara A. Smith Joyce Smith Mary (Betty) M. Reimer Steven Smith James B. Smith Snell Family Fred D. Snell, Sr. Norine J. Snyder Charles J. Snyder, Jr. Jane L. Snyder Dale R. Snyder Earl J. Speicher George J. Martin, Jr. Daril Stalnaker Albert L. Burnside John E. Stancliff Lake Erie Lodge No. 347 Paul H. Stettler Richard and Susanne Essex Nathan and Pamela Searle Earl and Virginia Senger Thomas A. Stidd, Jr. Thomas A. Stidd Paul F. Strong Joseph A. Kolligian Homer Stuart, Jr. Scott A. Stuart Samuel Taggart Samuel M. Taggart George Boyd Tamski, Sr. Darla Lee Tamski Elizabeth Tell William R. Tell Robert A. Thorne Agnes L. Thorne Eugene Tierney Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Astfalk Ken and Elaine Bleiler Jane Boltz Dorothy R. Carpenter Robert and Bernadette Cebul Jack and Vicki Gillmore Richard and Elizabeth Johnson Richard and Joanne Keller Millard L. Kroh, II Arnold J. Lotz, Jr. Joseph E. and Barbara A. Murphy Residents of Sycamore South Apartment Building Retirement Living Supervisors and Staff Donald E. Romberger Tom and Claudia Stephens Margaret V. Terry Glenn and Jean Wagner Abraham Tollin Edward C. and Harriet Harris Florence Y. Tollin Edward C. and Harriet Harris Thomas Tooma John P. Ippolito Jenny Townsend Marion M. Towner Harry B. Troutman Amelia E. Troutman Herman R. “Ben” Turpin James M. Thompson Joseph and Elizabeth Turpin Joseph E. Turpin Two sons and grandson who have departed this earth Edwin W. Probert

Gerard Vernose Reuben Mimkon Djuka B. Vurdelja George N. Vurdelja William Wallace Southampton Square Club Alyce Walls Aileen Cole Friendship Chapter No. 551, O.E.S. Sharon E. Guarente James and Nancy McCarnan Daniel F. Walter Christian B. Reynolds Barbara E. Shields Elvin G. Warfel Edward O. and Barbara Weisser Elvin M. Warner, Sr. Elvin M. Warner, Jr. Alan D. Warnick Phyllis J. Warnick Sherwood F. Watts, Jr. Gene and Frances Light Horace and Prudence Mann Marion Weigand Ferdinand J. Weigand Mr. and Mrs. Ray Westafer Jack W. Westafer Leo F. Whaley Stewart and Jean Gatewood Kathleen Martin Lois F. White Mr. and Mrs. Louis E. Siesser Sunshine Club at Cynwyd Elementary School Helen Wiegand Robert W. Wiegand Rosemary Wilbur Stuart L. Brown Erma Wilkinson Community Chapter No. 428, O.E.S. William N. Willard Monte and Virginia Foor Arthur and Dorothy Wert John Calhoun Williams Richard E. Douglas Jennie Mae Williams Paul A. Williams Mildred Williams William H. Williams, Jr. Arthur H. Wilson Marjorie S. Wilson William C. Winthrop Shirley L. Winthrop Ada Witman Charles Q. Witman William S. Woehr William H. Woehr Mr. and Mrs. Harry H. Woodruff Clarence T. Woodruff Irene A. Woodruff Clarence T. Woodruff World War II Buddies Richard Hawk Elizabeth “Betty” S. Worrell John C. Worrell Thomas B. Wynn John L. Cole, Jr. Glenn C. Zaronsky Marion Lodge No. 562 Clarence L. Zeigler Thomas L. Zeigler

Honorarium Gifts May 1 - July 31, 2009 Below is a list of individuals (names are shown in red) whose loved ones have made a gift in their honor to one of the five Masonic Villages located at Dallas, Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and Warminster.

Great care has been taken to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the names listed below. We regret any errors or omissions. If an error has been made, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at (717) 367-1121, ext. 33003, or by e-mailing giving@masonicvillagespa.org. Thank you.

All present and deceased members of M.W. Prince Hall Family of Pennsylvania John H. Grant 60th Wedding Anniversary Earl J. and Blanche Smith Chuck and Betty Astfalk Hal and Gladys Reichard Louise M. Bachman William B. McIntyre, Jr. Gerald R. Baer Helen D. Shutt Joan R. Baker Jill B. Wagner Verne R. Baker, Sr. Matthew B. Arnold Nancy Barr Ralph E. Cochran Vera Z. Bartholomee Theodore M. Bartholomee George E. Boyer Arthur J. Cox Larry D. Carey Bernice Bullers Betty Carr Thomas J. Von Nieda Richard and Margaret Case Dennis and Sylvia Ulion Emily Chiarelli Ann L. Harris Gladys Clay Frank W. Yeagley Susan Cochran Ralph E. Cochran Dorothy Condran Jeffrey J. Condran

Irene R. Conway Samuel A. Conway Daniel, Andrea, Spencer, Olivia, Ava, Amelia, Marlayna and Cooper Karl E. Caya Chester and Marian Derk Chester A. Derk, Jr. Charles Edwards Leroy C. Edwards Jim Edwards Leroy C. Edwards Marjorie and John H. Enterline John H. Enterline Samuel L. Flemming Robert V. Hubbard Lauren Franczak Robert L. Wolfskill Julia Gabler Donald F. Garrettson Barbara E. Garnes Charles A. Garnes Don Gebhart Patricia L. Bixler Vicki L. Gillmore Harry K. Longenecker GOD Albert P. Musloe, Jr. Delmar R. Grove Harold J. Bucks Lynne Hays Lititz Springs Chapter No. 499, OES Timothy J. Juvenal Stichter Lodge No. 254 Mindy Kauffman Bob and Irene Seeling Bob Keener Bob and Irene Seeling

Claude E. Kehler, Jr. Claude R. Kehler Teresa Kornsey Thomas P. Kornsey Glenn Kurzenknabe Good Samaritan Lodge No. 336 Jill Luzier Bob and Irene Seeling Wallace E. Lyall M. Marion Blum Masonic Villages Joseph Russomanno, Jr. All Masons Michael A. Biase Judy McNally Bob and Irene Seeling Anna E. Moore Barbara Stone Michael Moyer Curtis J. Frantz Mary Jeanne O’Connell Charles A. O’Connell, III W. Phillips Benjamin C. Cope Ray and Peg Pollock’s 65th Wedding Anniversary James and Jan Parmiter, their children and families Edward P. Priebe Stephen R. Priebe Joanne C. Reber Eastern Star Friends and Family Carolyn L. Osborn Robert Fulton Chapter No. 446, O.E.S. The Reapers, the Sunflowers and the Blackbirds

Mildred O. Reilly Robert and Patricia Edge Adeline B. Savickas’ 92nd birthday Carolyn F. Daniels Sarah B. Nace Bertha Snell Fred D. Snell, Sr. Dr. Baer and Staff of Washington 3 Helen D. Shutt Marvin and Jean Staiman Alan D. Wilcox Donald Steel Timothy S. Steel Sherry Stettler Bob and Irene Seeling Fran Vuxta Bob and Irene Seeling Joyce Wadsworth Milton E. Coll Adele Waite Linda Earley Daniel L. Weller Donald C. Berninger Marguerite Wert Terry E. Wert Millie Winnemore Donna J. Geiger John Wisniewski Patricia L. Bixler Ryan A. Wolfskill Robert L. Wolfskill Catherine V. Zimmerman Barry L. Zimmerman Genevie Zupanovich Robert A. Zupanovich

Special Thanks D

espite the difficult worldwide economic times, at the 115th Grand Session “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” Order of the Eastern Star members presented the largest donation they have ever given to the Masonic Villages. And all things were bright and beautiful as William C. Davis, Jr., Chief Operating Officer - Health Care Services, accepted, on behalf of the Masonic Villages, this more than generous donation of $150,908.98.

We are very grateful to Past Worthy Grand Matron Mary Ann Naugle and Past Worthy Grand Patron Clarence Echternacht and our sisters and brothers of the Order of the Eastern Star for the many hours spent fund raising. The funds will be distributed to our facilities as directed by Eastern Star and may be used to purchase the following items, as well as additional future needs, for each of the Masonic Villages: Masonic Village at Elizabethtown: $39,151.98 Specialty mattresses, bariatric beds, specialty wheelchairs, whirlpool tubs, pool sliding board Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill: $39,586.83 Emergency Response System Masonic Village at Sewickley: $39,546.75 Bariatric reclining shower gurney, Abbott Plum XL IV pumps, menu boards, alternating pressure mattress, light switch pull cords, computers and printers for resident use Masonic Village at Warminster: $32,623.42 Single-unit freezer These funds will certainly be put to good use to enhance our residents’ lives. Without the generosity of all our donors, our Mission of Love could not extend as far and wide across the state, touching the lives of thousands. Thank you again, Order of the Eastern Star, for your contribution!

The Village Voice • Fall 2009

19

Masonic Village One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2199

Trains aren’t just for display around the Christmas tree!

Masonic Village & Elizabethtown Model Railroad Club Join us for an open house (2 - 4 p.m.) on: Nov. 7 & 8 Dec. 5, 6 & 19 See displays of O-gauge, HO-gauge, N-gauge and standard-gauge trains and trolleys spread out on more than 1,200 feet of track in three rooms. New this year – an elevated G-gauge train suspended from the ceiling!

Located on the grounds of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown.

For more information, call Ray Betz at (717) 367 – 1121, ext. 15180

Fresh Local Produce

MasonicVillage FARM MARKET

• • • •

Apples Apple Cider Pears Pumpkins

• • • •

To send apples, butters, jams and jellies to your loved ones or to order some for yourself, check out our online catalog at www.MVFarmmarket.com.

W anyw e ship h the ere in USA !

Hardy mums Indian corn Delicious baked goods And much more...

Hours: Mon. - Sat., 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays.

(717) 361-4520 • One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown (On the grounds of the Masonic Village)

1 OFF

$ 00

Your Next Purchase of $10 or more

Valid only at the Masonic Village Farm Market. Not valid with any other offers.

Offer expires Dec. 31, 2009.