VillageVoice www.masonicvillagespa.org
Winter 2012 Vol. 22, No. 1
Support for Caregivers Find the support you need for your loved one and yourself ... pp. 6 - 7
In this Issue
Meet Jay W. Smith, 119th R.W. Grand Master ... p. 3
Lights, Camera ... Residents in Action p. 2 Poetry in Musical Motion p. 3 Staff Spotlight: Mike Werb p. 4 Masonic Villages Names New Chief Information Officer p. 4 70 Years of Love and Life Together p. 5 Massing of the Colors p. 5 Identity Theft & Scams Can Sneak Up pp. 8-9 Village Happenings pp. 10-11 Holiday Happenings p. 12
Bleiler Caring Cottage Celebrates the Season with Color, Kindness & Fun p. 13 Artists Honored p. 13 Health Update p. 14 Measuring Life’s Minutes p. 15 Masonic Compassionate Care Lives On p. 16 Celebrating for the Love of Angels p. 16 Memorial Gifts pp. 17-18 Honorarium Gifts p. 19 Hospice Care Memorial Gifts p. 19 Lock in Your Higher Rate back page
A publication of the Masonic Villages of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania
Village Voice
A message from
Winter 2012
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:
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he holiday season is over and another year has come to a close. As we look forward to a new year, I’d like to take a look at what the Masonic Villages achieved in 2011. Striving for progress, innovation and community outreach, below are just a few of our many accomplishments: •
The successful transition of corporate and other leadership positions, including the addition of an executive director in Elizabethtown, to better structure the Masonic Villages for future growth. We also transitioned the residential living area of the Elizabethtown campus to retirement living. In April, we flipped the switch for a solar power system in Elizabethtown, which generates 1.2 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year. The Farm Market was expanded to increase aisle space and customer traffic flow, including the addition of a second cash register. In Elizabethtown, we introduced Healing Touch, a form of therapy which helps restore balance and harmony and encourages self-healing, with future plans to offer it at all locations. We welcomed the first residents into Elizabethtown’s 38 new cottages. Residents of the Bleiler Caring Cottage are enjoying their renovated basement for entertainment and a new 12-passenger van, thanks to Ken and Elaine Bleiler, to ride to work, run errands, attend appointments and participate in local outings.
LeadingAge LeadingAgePA 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.
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The Masonic Villages is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Village Voice Staff
Debra L. Davis editor/public relations coordinator, Elizabethtown Editorial Board Louisa West administrative assistant, Lafayette Hill Karen Hammond activities supervisor/concierge, Sewickley
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Five residents of the Masonic Children’s Home graduated high school and are all pursuing higher education. The Walther Apartments in Dallas were 100 percent reserved, and staff started a waiting list for prospective residents. We held a datestone ceremony for Sewickley’s Sturgeon Health Care Center, which includes a 64,000 square foot addition and renovations to the existing nursing center. It is expected to be complete by the fall. Lafayette Hill welcomed volunteers from the community to assist with various events including the Harvest Ball, intergenerational activities and holiday events. Marketing staff engaged the community in special events with the help of residents, who greeted visitors. At the Masonic Village at Warminster, staff from each department and many residents were involved in culture changes and improvements throughout the last two years. Efforts include coordinating special dining events and introducing changes in dining services. Staff also bring a personal touch to weekly happy hours, sharing their talents and interests.
The new year holds many promises for growth, enhancement and enjoyment. I wish you all the best with your own personal goals for the year! Sincerely,
Cynthia B. Hollinger volunteers director, Elizabethtown Trisha Lamb activities director, Warminster
Lights, Camera ... Residents in ACTION!
Linda Tressler executive assistant, human resources, Elizabethtown
NEXT DEADLINE: Submissions for the spring issue of the Village Voice are due Feb. 28. Suggestions and submissions for consideration can be sent to: Public Relations Department Masonic Village One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or emailed to pr@masonicvillagespa.org For more information, call 717-367-1121, ext. 33529.
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o you know someone who lives at the Masonic Villages and • moonlights as a ballroom dancer? • celebrates his/her birthday each year by jumping out of a plane? • is a nature lover who spends hours hiking in the great outdoors? • averages more miles on a bike than Lance Armstrong?
The Village Voice • Winter 2012
You may be shy about tooting your own horn, so we’re asking you to tell on your neighbors and friends! Masonic Villages is looking for residents to feature in our marketing advertisements, brochures and online. Anyone with an interesting hobby, unique talent or adventurous spirit is ideal, as well as groups of residents who gather for weekly socials, picnics or other interactions. We want to show the public how active, diverse and FUN our communities are, and why people love living here! Please send the names of potential models and why you’re nominating them to pr@masonicvillagespa.org, using the subject line “Masonic Village Models.” You may also call 717-367-1121, ext. 33383 or send a letter to the Public Relations Office at One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. We won’t reveal who nominated who, and nominees are under no obligation to participate. Depending on the number of entries received, not every nominee will be contacted. Volunteers will receive an 8-by-10-inch print from their photo shoot, and may also find themselves the subject of a Village Voice article!
Introducing R.W. Grand Master Jay W. Smith
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ay W. Smith was installed as the 119th R.W. Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2011. Born and raised in Lancaster, Bro. Smith recently retired from PENNDOT as chief of the Highway Quality Assurance Division after 40 years of service. He attended Stevens State School of Technology, where he studied architectural drawing and engineering, and Penn State University, where he earned his Engineer In Training, Professional Engineer and Land Surveying licenses. The first Mason in his family, Bro. Smith has been a member of Ashara-Casiphia Lodge No. 551, Mount Joy, Pa., for 40 years, serving in leadership positions of several Masonic-affiliated bodies and related organizations. He is an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council, 33°, a degree bestowed upon a select few Masons in recognition of their outstanding and selfless work performed in the fraternity or in public life. His honors include the DeMolay Legion of Honor and the DeMolay Cross of Honor. Bro. Smith and his wife, Nancy, live in Mount Joy. They have three children: a son, Steve, who is Worshipful Master of Ashara-Casiphia Lodge No. 551, and two daughters, Traci and Kristine. They have eight grandchildren, and they are members of Chiques United Methodist Church. The Smiths enjoy boating at their summer home on the Chesapeake Bay at Red Point, Md. When Bro. Smith was younger, he loved to water ski and knee board on the bay; now, he operates the boat for his children and grandchildren to go water skiing, wake boarding and tubing. The Smiths also enjoy gardening, camping and spending time at their hunting cabin in Franklin County. Bro. Smith likes to fish and hunt. For more information about Grand Master Smith and “Master Builders – Building for Our Future,” please visit www.pagrandlodge.org. Jay W. and Nancy Smith
Poetry in Musical Motion A
lexis Henry began writing poetry at the age of 9, inspired by the world around her. “You just get a feeling,” she said. “I don’t know how to describe it, but it is something you have to get down on paper.” She has covered varied subjects over the years, from motherhood to religion. As her poetry gathered dust in a book, she desired to share her work with her family in a memorable way. Growing up, her father had a love for music and was known for blaring pipe music to wake up Alexis and her siblings. Often while reading her poetry, she would hear a tune in her head. Alexis was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2002. She moved to the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown in January 2010. Wanting to be as active as possible, she volunteers with Masonic Village’s hospice program several times a month, helps with a Bible study and created a library within her neighborhood in the Masonic Health Care Center. During one Bible study session, she shared her poem, “Beautiful Cross,” which she had turned into a song. “It’s healthy for me to stay busy,” she said. “I do what God wants me to.” One of Alexis’ favorite programs is the Music Therapy Department’s Music and Memories, led by Ann Dinsmore, music therapy supervisor. After hearing Alexis share “Beautiful Cross,” Ann suggested she turn more of her poetry into music. “She said, ‘we’ll do it together,’” Alexis said. “I’ll hum a tune, and she’ll put it down on paper.” Since 1999, residents of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown have enjoyed the benefits of Music Therapy, a growing health care profession in which credentialed professionals use music to improve an individual’s balance, mobility and communication; alleviate pain and depression; enhance memory and expression of feelings; and assist with physical rehabilitation. The Masonic Village at Sewickley has also offered Music Therapy programs since 2007. “Music reaches places in the soul that are whole; not affected by any disease,” Ann said. “Music is the bridge in which Alexis is able to focus on what abilities she still has – not what has diminished.” The two meet once or twice a week. Sometimes it takes some effort to agree on the final notes, but once a song is finished, the two will accompany the song with a Q-chord (an electronic musical instrument with a touch plate, and buttons for major, minor and diminished chords). Alexis, who used to play guitar, strums, while Ann pushes the buttons. Ann is compiling the written music in a binder titled, “From the Heart of Alexis.” “We’re helping her preserve her poetry,” Ann said. “In her heart, her poems are music, and through her creativity, we’re turning them into actual songs. Music Therapy is not just about the product. It’s about the process - making music in a successful way.” “I’m happy about it because it’s something I’ll leave to my grandchildren,” Alexis said of the binder. “It will bring continuity to my life.” She has three children and five grandchildren, ranging in age from 10 months to six years. All of her children live out-of-state, including one whose husband serves in the Air Force and just moved to California. “I’m so grateful for Ann,” Alexis said. “She is so wonderful to me. She never makes me feel like I’m a bother. She acts like it’s a privilege.” They have completed eight songs, which they performed during Music and Memories for other residents. Ann would like to put on a formal concert with Alexis as soon as they finish all her poems. Ann, along with Jennifer Hinton and Kim Glass, music therapists, provide most of their services in a group setting, where individuals experience the benefits of sharing music with others. They also meet one-onone with residents who have a particular need for or interest in expression through music. One 95-year-old resident enjoys playing the trumpet, a lifelong hobby. A former organ teacher is sharing her knowledge with Jen and Kim through lessons. A woman who had a stroke plays the piano as a form of rehabilitation. Regardless of the method, music has the power to change lives, bridge souls and connect strangers.
Alexis Henry and Ann Dinsmore
The Kaleidoscope by Alexis Henry Swirling colors dancing everywhere Blue for restful though Not found in large supply Yellow for happiness Flecked throughout but In narrow bands. This chameleon primarily houses Red in passionate amounts Overshadowing the quiet colors White though has its response The moments of clarity Speaking to the frequent muddiness Look closely, put the spectacles on. There are many colors interwoven And always changing They speak for the human heart With never one stationary thought or another Ever redefining the kaleidoscope.
The Village Voice • Winter 2012
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Staff Spotlight: Mike Werb
A Hero Among Us A
few weeks ago, Mike Werb, server, was clearing a table in the dining room at the Masonic Village at Sewickley when he heard someone gasping for air. He knew immediately someone was choking. “I turned around and saw Mrs. [Della] Whipple standing next to her table trying to breathe and holding her hands around her neck, giving me the sign she was choking.” “All of the sudden I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t say anything. It was so bad, I felt like I was leaving my body,” Della described. As a nursing student at Heritage Valley Sewickley School of Nursing, Mike has a unique bond with Della, who is a retired nurse. “I could tell that when she saw me, she knew I would know what to do,” Mike said. Thanks to his hospital training, Mike responded quickly on instinct. He immediately ran over to Della and told her he was going to perform the Heimlich maneuver. While he had never performed the Heimlich maneuver on a person before, Mike had been trained to perform it in several CPR training and nursing classes. It only took one abdominal thrust to dislodge the item from Della’s chest. She gasped for air and sat down to recover. Mike stood ready to perform additional medical care if Della’s condition progressed. To the relief of all, including her husband, Leon, and the two couples she was dining with that night, Della recovered fully. “He was prepared. He knew what he was doing, and he did it instantly. ... I don’t know what I would have done if Mike wasn’t there,” Della said. “He’s the angel that entered my life that day. … We have great servers here, but Mike’s number one in my book!” Mike’s journey in the health care profession is just beginning. In high school, Mike discovered his passion through his favorite class - anatomy and physiology. He started shadowing people in Mike Werb and Della Whipple various medical fields to fine tune his interests and decided that nursing fit him best. In September, Mike will graduate from Heritage Valley Sewickley School of Nursing with his nursing diploma and “He’s the angel that start preparing for the state boards. He hopes to earn his bachelor’s degree and attend medical school to one day become a cardiologist. entered my life that day.” “I want to dedicate my life to medicine and helping other people,” Mike said. “My favorite thing about the nursing field is the interaction and connection I develop with patients. ... I plan to carry all of my patient relationship skills with me on my road to becoming a physician.” Even when Mike wasn’t working a shift at Masonic Village, he continued to check in on Della over the next few weeks. His fiancée, server Tiffany Koehler, has also developed a close relationship with Della and would make a point to stop by her table to say hello and see how she was doing. Like Mike, Tiffany plans to go into the medical field and wants to specialize in prosthetics and orthotics. Mike’s first response skills paid off when Della needed his help. He advises others who might be in similar circumstances to “be confident and act quickly. … Every second counts. If you don’t know how to perform the Heimlich maneuver, ask anyone nearby, including managers, if they are able to. Be confident in your ability to help others, and don’t fear performing the procedure.”
Masonic Villages Names New Chief Information Officer
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onald R. Johnston has been hired as chief information officer for the Masonic Villages of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, according to Joseph E. Murphy, chief executive officer. While serving all five Masonic Villages across the state, Donald’s office will be located in Elizabethtown. In his new position, Donald is responsible for providing vision and leadership for all aspects of the organization’s information and telecommunications technology initiatives. He will identify opportunities for the appropriate and costeffective investment in information technology (IT) systems and resources, including staffing, sourcing, purchasing and in-house development. Donald brings 15 years of experience in managing and/or directing IT operations to his new position. He has held various leadership positions with Lancaster General Health; Christiana Care Health System in Wilmington, Del.; Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia; and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. He most recently served as a principal healthcare consultant for Hayes Management Consulting, Inc., in Newton, Mass. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and a master’s degree in computer science, both from Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada. He is a member of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) and is a 2007 graduate of the Society for Information Management (SIM) regional leadership forum. Donald enjoys living in the country, playing music with friends and spending time with his two daughters. He resides in Coatesville, Pa.
Sign Up for the Village Voice Online Visit www.masonicvillagespa.org and enter your email address at the bottom of the Home page. You can also send an email to pr@masonicvillagespa.org to be added to our electronic mailing list. 4
The Village Voice • Winter 2012
70 Years of Love and Life Together A
lthough they first met while attending Roxborough High School, Robert “Buzz” and Grace Williamson didn’t go on their first date until a few years after graduation. Looking back, there was no need to rush things. They would have another 70 years to get to know one another. Buzz and Grace dated a few years before marrying on Aug. 23, 1941. Their wedding ceremony, held at a local church, was intimate, and they followed the ceremony with lunch. The newly-united Williamsons honeymooned in Ocean City, N.J. After serving in the U.S. Army during World War II (and later in the Korean War), Buzz worked as a police officer in Philadelphia for 25 years. “It had its up and downs,” he said of the job. “Sometimes you were overly busy and sometimes you weren’t. Sometimes you had problems with the job, but most times it was the other guy who had problems.” He also worked for Girard Bank after retiring from the force. Grace worked for AT&T before starting a family. They had two sons, and their family has since grown to include four grandchildren and one great-grandson. In 1990, Buzz and Grace moved to a small retirement community in Lafayette Hill, then called the Masonic Home of Pennsylvania. They’ve watched the community grow over the years to become the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill. “We’re in our 22nd year here, so we must like it,” Buzz said. “We have a comfortable apartment with a nice view. We overlook a big open grassy area and the other side is woods that lead down to another road. Not many people have the privilege of being at a retirement community this long.” An avid swimmer since 1982, Buzz rises at 6 a.m. three days a week to swim at the YMCA. “It’s a good way to start your day,” he said. “Sometimes it takes a little coaxing for me to go, but I do it.” The two also enjoy reading, visiting the Wellness Center and meeting with a small group of friends for coffee twice a week. To celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary, their sons organized a party at the Masonic Village with about 30 guests. What have they learned through 70 years of marriage? “To respect one another to the fullest extent and really love each other,” Buzz said. “Be compatible with each other,” Grace said. “Be good to each other. That’s what we’ve done for 70 years.”
Massing of the Colors A
memorial to each soldier who has died in combat since 9/11, the “Massing of the Colors,” was on display from Friday, Nov. 4 - Monday, Nov. 14, 2011, in the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s Veterans Grove. The public was invited to walk through and view the 6,530-flag display at their leisure, which was lit beautifully for nighttime viewing. Dozens of Masonic Village residents volunteered to plant the flags. The flags were removed with the help of students from Elizabethtown Area High School. The “Massing of the Colors” is a memorial created by the National Sojourners - Harrisburg Chapter No. 76, and was set up by volunteers from Masonic Village, the Sojourners, the Navy Club of Lancaster County - Ship #166, and the community. The National Sojourners are a Masonic organization of military members which aims to foster appreciation of the American heritage of freedom of life, liberty, religion and free expression. Funds for the flags came from donations and a private grant. It was first displayed on Memorial Day 2004 at the Zembo Shrine Center in Harrisburg to commemorate the deaths of those who have served our country in the War on Terrorism. “It was our intent to educate people through this memorial to realize how many people are actually giving their lives in service to their country in this war,” David Broy, memorial chairman, said. “Each year, it means more to all of us to think about the sacrifice of these individuals.” A video detailing the set up of the memorial and other special events is available on Masonic Villages’ website under Elizabethtown and on Facebook at www.facebook/masonicvillages under “videos.” Along with the flags from the “Massing of the Colors” display, 131 large and 51 small American flags from the “PawPrints for Pennsylvania Patriots Program” were displayed. Through this program, The Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, Order of the Eastern Star, presented a check to Susquehanna Service Dogs for $125,702.59 to provide service dogs for veterans returning home with combat injuries. Supporters purchased flags in memory or honor of a loved one, and the flags were displayed at the Masonic Villages across the state throughout the last year. Supporting troops and veterans at the Masonic Village has been a long-standing tradition which dates back to Memorial Day ceremonies held in the cemetery to decorate the graves of Civil War veterans in 1915. Masonic Village established the Veterans Grove in Elizabethtown in 1920. The 268 trees represent the 268 Pennsylvania Masons who gave their lives serving the United States in World War I. In 2007, the Veterans Grove received renovations and upgrades and now provides a place for residents, employees and community members to walk and picnic while they reflect upon the men and women throughout the generations who have served, are serving or will serve our great nation through the Armed Forces. First photo, Carol Worrell, Kathy Burkholder and Betty Norris volunteer to plant the flags. Second photo, Bill Frankhouser and Walt Cook work together. Third photo, Audrey Stroup rolls up a flag which was part of the PawPrints for Pennsylvania Patriots display. Fourth photo, Jorge Vega, of the Masonic Children’s Home and an Elizabethtown Area High School student, helps remove the Massing of the Colors display.
The Village Voice • Winter 2012
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Support for Caregivers J
ean and William Foley had been happily married for more than 50 years and were enjoying their retirement in Florida, when doctors diagnosed Bill with Parkinson’s disease. Through the encouragement of their four children, the Foleys returned to the Philadelphia area, and moved to the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill last May. They looked forward to participating in many activities and spending time with their children and 10 grandchildren. “We thought we’d have two to three good years together and then when things got bad, Bill could move to personal care,” Jean said. “The Parkinson’s comes on gradually, but this came on real fast.” This refers to Lewy body dementia. Often under diagnosed as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, Lewy body dementia can result in attention deficit, changes in gait, muscle rigidity and hallucinations, among other symptoms. “It makes people aggressive,” Jean said. “He was mild, quiet-spoken. He was such a good guy. I was in denial. All I would do is cry for the first two weeks, saying ‘it’s too soon.’” In early December, Jean noticed Bill was trying to leave their apartment unattended. She began to worry he would not only wander throughout the building, but could end up outside near the busy road which runs past Masonic Village. Concerned she wouldn’t always be there to stop him, she spoke with staff and they decided to move Bill to the nursing services area. “Thank goodness for this place,” Jean said. “Staff have been marvelous – they work with you. I can’t say enough. The residents are also very caring.” Through the aid of family, friends and staff, Jean is learning to cope. She visits Bill almost every day for two to three hours. For people who find themselves in a similar situation, she encourages them to seek assistance – the sooner the better. “To be in a place like Masonic Village is a blessing because you have a great support system,” she said. “You can enjoy your good health, knowing if it gets bad, you’ll have a place to go.”
THE CHALLENGES OF CAREGIVING
The Foley’s situation, in which one spouse cares for the other, is not uncommon. Staff at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown heard concerns about the amount of stress caregivers faced. They sent a questionnaire to a group of caregivers to see how they could further help. “What we found was a need to better communicate with caregivers what resources are
Jean and Bill Foley
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The Village Voice • Winter 2012
available to them at Masonic Village,” said Gary Wylde, director of resident services in Elizabethtown. The conditions of a loved one needing care may be temporary due to a brief illness or injury, or may be long-term or even permanent. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in the United States, nearly 15 million caregivers provided 17 billion hours of unpaid care in 2010 for individuals with some form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, which is the most prevalent. “Being a caregiver is a very stressful experience – one of the most difficult a person may ever face,” said Deborah Polonoli, home care services RN coordinator at the Masonic Village at Sewickley. “Many times the person they are caring for has a lot of emotional needs, as well as physical. The caregiver often feels overwhelmed and is tired from nights of interrupted sleep. They frequently lose weight due to forgetting to eat or not being able to get to meals. They may lose contact with friends and stop doing the activities they used to enjoy. Caregiving often feels demanding and thankless.” Masonic Villages’ staff have resources which may be able to assist caregivers. More importantly, sharing problems with others can help relieve some of the stress. Mike Hudson, home care manager in Elizabethtown since 2010, worked for many years as a critical care ER nurse. He had a great deal of knowledge when it came to providing acute medical care, so about 25 years ago, when his mother became unable to care for his father, who had dementia, Mike welcomed his father into his home. Mike and his wife, also an RN, worked different shifts so his father was never alone for more than an hour. As his father’s dementia progressed, Mike could no longer leave him alone for any period of time. Feeling an obligation as the oldest son to care for his father, he didn’t ask his siblings for help. Then, his father started waking up in the middle of the night, turning on the stove and leaving an empty pot on it. Mike and his wife adjusted – removing oven knobs and hiding pots and pans – but it became a desperate situation. Wracked with guilt over wanting to care for his father, but feeling overwhelmed, Mike began looking into long-term care communities. He didn’t think his father qualified for Masonic Village until he spoke to a former co-worker at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Lancaster, Vicki Gillmore, now executive director of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. Within a day, his father moved to the Masonic Health Care Center, and eventually resided in the Lafayette East neighborhood, designated for memory care. “I was trying to avoid this, but it was the best thing,” Mike said. “Staff educated me and kept me informed about what to expect. They helped him enjoy life again. He was always a hard-nosed and stern military officer, but after moving here and experiencing the comfort and security, he became delightful and witty.” His father passed away in 2000. Reflecting on his situation, Mike urges others in a similar role to seek assistance and services such as home care. To be relieved at least twice a week for some “Michaelness,” e.g., golfing, fishing, driving around to look at fall foliage or taking a walk, would have been beneficial. “Grace and respect for your loved one can turn to feeling resentment and duty-bound,” he said. “You become so obligated; you delude yourself. Personally, it would have been such a relief for me to have someone else there. While caring for
my father, I started having health problems myself. The earlier on you receive help, the longer you can be a true caregiver. From a professional standpoint, looking back, it would have been healthier for my dad, emotionally and physically, to have a companion other than me and my wife.” There may come a time when a caregiver needs extra assistance or their loved one requires care and attention they are unable to provide. Below are services and support for caregivers provided at each Masonic Village location, as well as recommendations for emergency planning.
DALLAS
The Administrative Office has a list of local home care agencies. If a loved one is in need of health care services, staff can offer assistance with the transition. Noah Davis, executive director, is available to meet with residents and their families to discuss the best options for their situation. “We have wonderful relationships with local preferred health care partners, as well as other Masonic Village locations across the state, whether for skilled and personal care or rehabilitation services,” Noah said. “If someone is facing a difficult situation, I encourage them to come and talk with me about what support is available for them and their loved one.”
ELIZABETHTOWN
A Caregiver Resource Meeting was held on Oct. 31, 2011 for residents to learn what the campus has to offer to assist caregivers. Attendees were able to ask staff questions and voice concerns. A second meeting is scheduled for November 2012, in recognition of National Family Caregivers Month. Staff will provide structured activities for caregivers’ spouses so they can attend. “The Adult Daily Living Center (ADLC) provides support to individuals and their caregivers which enables that individual to remain in their home as long as possible while giving them a change in their environment and stimulation,” Deb Brockman, director of marketing and outreach, said. Upon a participant’s admission, staff develop a care plan based on their specific needs. While attending the ADLC, clients have the option of receiving support for personal care needs, such as bathing and shaving. They can also take advantage of additional services offered on campus, including beauty and barber appointments, the fitness center and physical and occupational therapy services. The ADLC is open Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and serves 44 individuals. The daily rate includes continental breakfast, snacks, a hot lunch and structured activities. The center is open to the community, but priority is given to Masonic Village residents. Those interested are invited for a site visit to see how the ADLC can provide for the needs of their loved one. Funding may be available through the Offices of Long-Term Living or Aging, Veterans Affairs or possibly Long Term Care insurance. Masonic Village Home Care Services have been offered since 2010. Homemakers and nursing assistants provide help with housekeeping, shopping, overnight support, giving a full-time caregiver a break and much more. They do not provide skilled nursing care, which is typically referred to as home health care services. “The primary goal is to allow people to be as independent as when they first moved to Masonic Village. We provide supervision and/or companionship even for an hour,” Mike Hudson said. The price is the same per hour regardless of
Jody Musser, a homemaker with Masonic Village Home Care Services, visits Elizabethtown resident Jean Myers. what service staff are providing. In the case of an emergency, home care staff can respond in as quickly as an hour, but Mike recommends 24-hour notice. The more notice, the more likely they can oblige. “We are able to provide the same one or two caregivers for a resident,” Mike said. “The longer the relationship develops, the more loving the care becomes and the more familiar staff become to your loved one. Our staff includes people of all ages and even several residents of Masonic Village.” The Monthly Dementia Support and Education Group, in its 13th year, is designed to provide dementia education and support to Masonic Village residents and community members. As participants grow to know one another, they often connect as friends. Sometimes, caregivers continue to attend and share their past experiences, even after their loved one has passed away. The group is affiliated with the Alzheimer’s Association, which offers staff annual training, support information and a list of free speakers. Meetings often include speakers, such as the medical director sharing news and updates in treatments, an expert detailing end-of-life issues or a chaplain providing advice for handling the stress of the holidays. “As a group, participants help each other remain optimistic,” Jan Hendershot, social worker, said. “People often find their journeys overlap. The key is to have support.” Memmroy Support Care provides extra attention as a person progresses through the stages of dementia and 24-hour care becomes necessary. In the three memory support neighborhoods of the Masonic Health Care Center, staff provide a structured environment and daily activities to which they invite residents’ spouses. For residents in the retirement living area of campus caring for a spouse with dementia at home, they may arrange respite care in these neighborhoods for a few days at a time. “Each caregiver provides the best care. They know their loved one’s quirks,” said Rick Schies, nurse manager of the Lafayette neighborhoods. “Sometimes a change in environment can be difficult or an individual may settle in quickly. As a team, we look at each individual’s needs.” The two Lafayette neighborhoods are divided into higher and lower functioning sides so staff can target programs for each resident in a specific stage of dementia. Both neighborhoods include a recreational area, dining room, pantry, kitchen settings and family room. Beautifully designed outdoor courtyards enhance therapeutic recreation and inspire nostalgic memories. The third neighborhood, the Garden Path, provides careful attention for those with end-stage dementia requiring more extensive to total assistance.
LAFAYETTE HILL
“If someone looks overburdened, we’ll step in, but otherwise, they can come to me as a referral source,” said Lisa Kallish, social services/admissions
coordinator for retirement living and personal care residents. “It’s rare people ask for help. More often, we notice they need assistance.” Social workers can provide a list of local companion agencies which offer part-time or fulltime services. Residents should let staff know when they’ve hired an agency. When the time comes that a caregiver can no longer fulfill all the needs of their loved one, moving their loved one to the nursing services area of campus may be the best option. This decision can be hard for many reasons. “Many times, they don’t like to give up their role as caregiver,” Lynn Christ, director of social services, said. “They miss having their spouse around, no matter how hard it was caring for them. They’re afraid we won’t take as good care of the person, or they don’t know how much they should visit depending on their relationship. I try to offer support and educate them about what is going to happen.” One of the first things staff do is hold a care plan conference with the resident and family, and go over issues, concerns and goals. Nurses keep spouses informed about their loved one’s medical status and social workers focus on the emotional status of the families. Recreation staff design leisure programs varying in complexity depending on a resident’s degree of dementia and physical and cognitive abilities. For anyone feeling overwhelmed, Lynn encourages him or her to speak up. “They may feel this is their spouse who they agreed to take care of, and they don’t let their children know,” she said. “They should rely on other family members and ask for help. They also need to remember to eat, rest and take care of themselves.”
SEWICKLEY
If someone is feeling overwhelmed with their responsibilities as a caregiver, “I encourage them to talk with me when they’re able,” Ann Bailey, social worker, said. “That’s one of the main reasons I’m here. Our community is very close. Residents will often come and tell me if they feel someone is struggling, and I’ll touch base with that individual.” Ann can refer individuals to resources in the community, including a local church which hosts a support group. Caregivers can bring loved ones along to the meetings. Ann’s goal for 2012 is to start a caregiver support group on campus. She also may suggest home care service agencies in the area and on campus. Masonic Villages Home Care Services are available by the hour, unlike most agencies, which provide services only in three or four-hour increments. Staff can meet a request within 24 hours, although the more advanced notice they have, the more likely they can provide the services needed. A one to two-hour break can greatly benefit caregivers and their loved ones. “Often times, I hear caregivers say they feel guilty about leaving their family member alone, but it is truly in the best interest of both parties to have some respite time,” Deborah Polonoli said. “It gives the caregiver time to ‘recharge’ and return to the role of caregiver with more patience and a renewed strength. They should try to maintain outside friendships and
activities which allow for some time to relax.” One important step residents can take now, according to Deborah, is to complete required paperwork for home care services before they need them. There is no charge for this, and Deborah will keep their chart in a pending file so when residents call requesting help, staff are often able to accommodate them by the next day. Memory Support Care is available for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias in a dedicated memory support neighborhood within the Sturgeon Health Care Center. “This neighborhood provides a calm, intimate, safe and structured setting with staff specifically trained in caring for residents with these specials needs,” Dawn Marcello, director of nursing, said. Staff focus on residents’ daily routines to help decrease their anxiety about living in a different environment. Families are offered both spiritual and emotional support during the admission process and throughout their loved one’s stay. When transitioning a loved one from retirement living to personal care, nursing care or memory support services, “all of our staff are very supportive,” said Cindy Stefl, director of resident services. “We walk their families through the process and develop a routine that keeps the caregiver in the loop. This is the time for them to take care of themselves. When they visit their loved one, it’s doing something enjoyable. They know when activities and special dinners are scheduled. They can continue to bring their spouses to events and programs in the retirement living area.” Staff design activities specifically for those with a short attention span and include hobbies or tasks with which residents are familiar. These activities encourage reminiscence and cognitive benefits.
See Caregiver Support on p. 14
FOR MORE INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE Dallas Contacts • Administration Office: 570-675-1866 for a brochure detailing community home care service providers or to discuss your options with the executive director. Elizabethtown Contacts • Adult Daily Living Center: 717-361-5353 •
Masonic Village Home Care Services: 717-367-1121, ext. 33700 or 33725
•
Monthly Dementia Caregiver Support and Education Group: 717-367-1121, ext. 33654 or 33764.
•
Memory Support Care (Admissions Department): 717-361-4552
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Retirement Living social workers: 717-367-1121, ext. 33320 or 33295 (extension depends on your location - see Resident Handbook).
Lafayette Hill Contacts • Retirement Living and Personal Care - Lisa Kallish, social services/admissions coordinator: 610-825-6100, ext. 1214 •
Nursing Services - Lynn Christ, director of social services: 610-825-6100, ext. 1271
Sewickley Contacts • Masonic Village Home Care Services: 412-741-1400, ext. 3096 •
Retirement Living - Ann Bailey, social worker: 412-741-1400, ext. 3905
•
Personal Care, Nursing Services and Memory Support Care - Cindy Stefl, director of resident services: 412-741-1400, ext. 3600
Warminster Contacts • Joyce Wadsworth, director of social services: 215-672-2500, ext. 116
The Village Voice • Winter 2012
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Identity Theft & Scams In 2008, approximately 9.9 million Americans fell victim to identity theft, which the Code of Federal Regulations defines as “fraud committed or attempted using the identifying information of another person without permission.”1 Every year, Masonic Villages helps a handful of residents navigate through the process of reporting fraud or attempted scams. Statistically, senior citizens are targeted with consumer fraud more frequently than other demographics. Since Pennsylvania has about 2 million seniors (the third highest percentage of all the states), this has been a major focus of the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.2
Fraud Prevention Quiz*
Start thinking about how your everyd ay decisions help or hinder your effo rts to avoid fraud. Circle each answer below that best describes you: 1. In your mailbox, you typically find : a. A letter from your grandchildren and a newsletter from your church. b. A card from a friend and a flyer from Buick, since you purchased a new car last year. c. A letter from your children, multiple advertisements and several offers of preapproved credit. 2. You receive a letter announcing that you’re pre-approved for a new credit card. You: a. Shred the notice and throw it in the trash. b. Throw out the notice. c. Fill out the paperwork, social secu rity number and all, and mail it back. 3. You ran out of checks and finally have new ones. How did you get the m? a. You picked them up at the bank. b. They arrived at your locked post offi ce box. c. They arrived in your home mailbox . 4. When you write a check, you ma ke sure the following personal info rmation is included: a. Your name and address. b. Your name, address and phone num ber. c. Your name; address; and phone, lice nse and social security numbers. 5. When you leave the house, you make sure your wallet contains: a. Photo ID, credit card and cash. b. Photo ID, credit card, back up cred it cards and cash. c. Photo ID, credit card, back up cred it cards, Military ID, social security card, a slip of paper with your PIN and cash. 6. You want to eliminate some of you r credit cards, so you: a. Call the company and cancel them , then shred the cards. b. Cut up your credit cards, but don’t cancel them through the company. c. Toss your credit cards in the trash. 7. You see a shiny new car sitting in the middle of the mall. A display nex t to it gives you the opportunity to enter to win the car. You decide to: a. Admire the car and walk by. b. Sign up. You’ve never entered a swe epstakes before and the submission box looks secure. c. Sign up. You always enter free raffl es and sweepstakes to improve your cha nces of winning. 8. What is your PIN most similar to: a. Random letters or numbers with no significant meaning to you. b. Your cousin’s birthday or the initials of a childhood friend. c. The last four digits of your social secu rity number or the date of your birthda y or anniversary. 9. When you get money from the AT M, what do you do with your receipt ? a. Take it home and file it in a secure spot with the rest of your receipts. b. Take it home and toss it in the tras h can. c. Throw it out in the public trash can next to the ATM. 10. You’re pretty aware of your cre dit score and the money you spend. In fact, you: a. Cross reference your credit card rece ipts with your bank statements every month and check your credit score once a year. b. Glance at your bank statements regu larly to make sure there are no outrage ous expenses you did not make. You checked you r credit score a few years ago. c. Trust that your bank keeps a good record of your expenses, but you didn ’t even realize you could check your credit score.
Quiz Results
Mostly As: Your Ducks Are In A Row You’ve incorporated everyday routines that help you be proactive against fraud and identity theft. Mostly Bs: You’re Aware Preventing scams and identity theft are on your radar, but there may be som e additional practical ways that you can try to prev ent these things. Mostly Cs: You’re Living on the Edg e Your lifestyle exposes you to numerou s opportunities for thieves to target you . Start finding ways to protect your personal informa tion today.
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The Village Voice • Winter 2012
Protect Your Information There’s no hard and fast way to guarantee you won’t someday face a case of fraud, but that should not leave you stifled in fear. Instead, be proactive! Help prevent these cases and prepare yourself if you should ever face one of these situations. The Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions (FACT) Act of 2003 and the Identity Theft Red Flags Rule of 2007 require creditors and financial institutions to write and implement identity theft prevention programs.1 Because of regulations like these, credit card companies can help identify unusual behavior, such as an unauthorized major purchase made with a credit card, and notify the card holder of their suspicions. Partner with the credit card companies by using some safe practices to protect your personal information. Don’t carry all of your credit cards, forms of identification, birth certificate and social security card in your wallet or purse at the same time. Take these items with you only when needed. Only provide your credit card or bank account number to businesses and organizations you know are reputable. Don’t forget to monitor your monthly bank statements, and order a credit report once a year to check for inaccuracies. Each of the major credit bureaus provides one free credit report per year. For more information about these credit reports, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 877-322-8228.3
Keep your ATM receipts, or shred them if you must throw them out. Always shred pre-approved credit applications, credit card receipts, bills and other financial information before throwing them out.3 Since 1997, Americans have also had the option to reduce the number of pre-approved offers of credit they receive by opting out of the major credit reporting companies’ mailing lists. To pursue this option, visit www.optoutprescreen.com or call 888-567-8688.4 The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, founded by Benjamin Franklin, is one of the nation’s oldest federal law enforcement agencies. Its mission is to fight criminals who attack the postal system and misuse it to defraud, endanger or threaten the public.5 The agency’s website, www.postalinspectors.uspis.gov, provides some insight into the types of mail you may receive: • If a piece of mail says “you’re a guaranteed winner” or “there’s no risk involved,” you should be skeptical.5 • If you have to pay to receive a prize or enter a sweepstakes, the contest is illegal.5 • If you receive a lottery offer that involves another country through the mail, it is illegal.5 • When ordering new checks, pick them up at the bank and don’t include unnecessary information, such as your phone number, driver’s license or social security number.3 People also have the opportunity to remove their name from mail solicitation lists through the Direct Marketing Association for free at www.dmachoice.org. Or, they may opt out by sending a signed letter with their complete name (including variations), mailing address, telephone number and a check or money order in the amount of $1 for each name to Direct Marketing Association, P.O. Box 643, Carmel, NY 10512.4 Finally, consider revamping your passwords or PINs to make them more secure. Don’t use anything obvious, like your birthday, anniversary date, social security
Can Sneak Up
For the Computer Guru In You10 The Internet offers a wealth of information, resources, entertainment and ways to connect with friends and family. However, it has also created a new venue for people to gather information about you. An informed and aware user is the best defense against online deception. Follow these tips from the Federal Trade Commission while surfing online:
number or part of your name. A person who has gained access to some of your personal information will know you value these items and may identify them as possible passwords. In addition, do not carry around a piece of paper that includes your password or PIN. It’s important to memorize your passwords.3
Scams Get a Little Too Personal Many people think that they’re too smart to get conned into a scam. But, remember, con artists have practiced their trade of manipulation to gain people’s trust. As the Office of Pennsylvania Attorney General states: “The clever con artist is a good actor who disarms his victims with an affable ‘nice guy’ approach. Behind this friendly exterior is a shrewd judge of people who can isolate potential victims and break down their resistance to his proposals.”6 Empower yourself with these tips: • If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Free vacations, guaranteed prizes, cures for chronic ailments, door-to-door special offers, low-risk investments with high returns, foreign lotteries and claims of recovering unclaimed money should all raise suspicion, especially if you have to pay money for any of these items up front.7 • Take your time, and read the fine print. If you want more time to think about a purchase or agreement, ask for a phone number and call the person back after you have someone you trust review the contract or agreement. The Better Business Bureau can also help you identify a deal from a scam. You always have the right to call a salesperson back.7 • You don’t need to provide personal information. It’s illegal for telemarketers to ask for your credit card, social security or bank account number to verify a prize or gift. The only time you should provide this type of information is if YOU initiated the phone call to a company, organization or person you trust.7 • It’s alright to hang up or shut the door. If you feel too pressured or are uncomfortable with the “deal” someone is offering you, it is alright to end the conversation. Whether it means saying goodbye, hanging up the phone or shutting the door, you have the right to end the conversation.8 • Sign up for the “Do Not Call” list. The number two consumer complaint filed by seniors is telemarketing and sweepstakes fraud.6 The Pennsylvania Telemarketer Registration Act gives you the option to eliminate many of these calls. You may register online at www.dnc.attorneygeneral.gov for the state-wide list and at www.donotcall.gov for the national list.9 • Keep your cool. If someone tries to coerce you, refuses to stop calling you or becomes insistent upon you writing a check or purchasing something, don’t become frazzled. Know your rights and remember there are people willing to help you decipher a good deal from a scam.
Take Action: Contact Authority If you get a piece of mail, email, phone call or visit from someone who you’re suspicious about, or if you’re concerned someone has gained access to your personal information, contact authorities. The Office of the Attorney General’s toll-free senior helpline, 800-441-2555, can help you determine the next steps to take, including calling the local police.7 The Masonic Villages wants to make sure residents are safe and feel secure. If you experience identity theft, scams or any other type of attempted fraud, contact the appropriate person at your location so we can help: Masonic Village at Dallas: Executive Director Noah Davis at 570-675-1741 Masonic Village at Elizabethtown: Security Department at 717-367-1121, ext. 33281 Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill: Executive Director Adrienne Staudenmayer at 610-825-6100, ext. 1200 Masonic Village at Sewickley: Security Department at 412-741-0860 Masonic Village at Warminster: Joyce Wadsworth, director of social services, at 215-672-2500 ext. 106
• Protect your personal information. In general, it’s good to keep your last name, address, social security number and phone number to yourself. • Know who you’re dealing with. Legitimate businesses should provide a real address and working phone number. Also, they don’t ask for personal information by sending an email to ask you to verify or update your contact information. NEVER reply to this type of message. • Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software and a firewall. You can download anti-virus and antispyware software online or purchase it in stores. Look for software that updates automatically. A firewall is built into many operating systems (like Windows). Use the help menu to make sure yours is turned on. • Set up your operating system and web browser (like Internet Explorer or Safari) properly and update them regularly. Check the “tools” or “options” menus for built-in security features and see if you can set these to update automatically. • Protect your passwords. Don’t share passwords over the phone, email or Internet. • Back up important files on a disk or hard drive you can remove and safely store. • Contact authorities if something goes wrong. If your computer has been hacked, contact the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. If you’re scammed while making a purchase, contact the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov. If you receive deceptive spam, forward it to spam@uce.gov. For more information from the Federal Trade Commission about online security, visit www.onguardonline.gov.
Sources:
1. Finklea, Kristin M. Identity Theft: Trends and Issues. Rep. no. R40599. Congressional Research Service Report for Congress, 5 Jan. 2010. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/ R40599.pdf>. 2. “Elder Abuse Unit: Protecting Older Pennsylvanians.” Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Protecting Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Web. 23 Nov. 2011. <http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/seniors.aspx?id=296>. 3. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Protect Yourself: How to Avoid Identity Theft. Harrisburg: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Print. 4. Office of Pennsylvania Attorney General: Bureau of Consumer Protection. Important Information. Harrisburg: Office of Pennsylvania Attorney General: Bureau of Consumer Protection. Print. 5. United States Postal Inspection Service. U.S. Postal Service. Web. 8 Nov. 2011. <https://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/>. 6. “Senior Crime Prevention University.” Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General - Protecting Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Web. 8 Nov. 2011. <http://www. attorneygeneral.gov/seniors.aspx?id=533>. 7. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Safe Seniors. Harrisburg: Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Attorneygeneral. gov. Pennsylvania Attorney General. Web. 8 Nov. 2011. <http:// attorneygeneral.gov/uploadedFiles/Consumers/safe_seniors.pdf>. 8. “They Can’t Hang Up.” Fraud.org. National Consumers League. Web. 8 Nov. 2011. <http://www.fraud.org/elderfraud/hangup.htm>. 9. “The ‘Do Not Call’ Law in Pennsylvania.” Attorneygeneral.gov. Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Web. 8 Nov. 2011. <http://attorneygeneral.gov/seniors.aspx?id=591>. 10. The Federal Trade Commission. Stop, Think, Click: 7 Practices for Safer Computing. Federal Trade Commission. Print. *Quiz is based on general best practices as identified by the Office of Pennsylvania Attorney General and other government agencies. The quiz is meant to be used as an awareness tool and its results do not guarantee one’s ability to prevent fraud.
The Village Voice • Winter 2012
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Village As part of Brunch with the Nittany Lion at the Irem Country Club in Dallas, Noah Davis, executive director, and resident Marvin Cunningham pose with Penn State’s mascot.
Lafayette Hill celebrated the fall season by carving pumpkins in Whitemarsh Commons (above). Above right, Ina Morgan and Margery English share a smile at a Halloween party. Right, Barbara Whittaker; Angela Hurst, director of recreation; Ethel Shapiro; and Marion Graham visit a local farm market.
Residents and staff in Elizabethtown go all out for Halloween. Left photo, Anna and Robert Zima all dressed up. Center photo, Madi, daughter of Amy Nace, PMYF executive assistant, trick or treats with Libby Pratt. Right photo, a staff member hands out Halloween goodies to residents in the Masonic Health Care Center.
As part of Fred’s Mystery Tour in Sewickley, residents visited the Richmond school house museum, a one-room school house. Left, reminiscing about their school days are Ruth Devlin and John Grubb.
Right, Warminster resident Liese Hagdorn checks out the Order of the Eastern Star’s Festival on Oct. 29. Despite an early snowstorm, through raffles and the sale of baked goods, the event raised $4,185.16 to benefit the residents of the Masonic Villages.
In Elizabethtown, more than 100 residents and staff experienced Healing Touch (HT) during Healing From Within Day in October. HT helps to restore balance and harmony and encourages self-healing through the minds and hearts of the practitioners. Above, Lois Foreman receives HT from HT volunteer and resident, Dot Lower.
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The Village Voice • Winter 2012
Some Halloween fun in Warminster included a party. Above left, Marian Espenshade; her daughter, Marian Chambers; and Cathy Welsh, executive assistant. Above right, Regina Dufner and Diane Harrar.
As part of “Make A Difference Day” on Oct. 21, staff, residents and community members in Elizabethtown donated non-perishable food items, and residents helped pack the items to give to the Mount Joy and Middletown food banks. The residents from the Masonic Health Care Center and Freemasons Building, including (shown above, clockwise), Ellen Linvill, Frances Greenawalt and Dorothy Davis, were able to fill 20 boxes. “Make A Difference Day” empowers residents to volunteer and care for others.
Residents in Warminster were all in for Casino Night, which included blackjack, bingo, slot machines and roulette. Above, Tom Lamb, husband of Trisha Lamb, activities director, deals a hand to Gilda Sayres and Mary Jeanne O’Connell.
In honor of Veterans Day, a special program was held in Elizabethtown featuring the Navy Club Band of Lancaster County - Ship #166; Elizabethtown Mayor Chuck Mummert; and speaker Col. Donna N. Hershey, U.S. Army Reserves, Commander of the 307th Medical Brigade, Blacklick, Ohio, and director of personal care and outpatient services at Masonic Village. Above, resident veterans, led by Ray Vaughan, present the colors.
Happenings The Grand Lodge officers gathered in Sewickley for the datestone ceremony of the new health care center in November. Shown (l-r) are Mark Haines, R.W. Grand Secretary; Raymond Dietz, then-R.W. Junior Grand Warden; Jeffrey Coy, R.W. Grand Secretary; Joan Sturgeon; Thomas Sturgeon, then-R.W. Grand Master; Jay Smith, then-R.W. Deputy Grand Master; and Robert Bateman, then-R.W. Senior Grand Warden. At the ceremony, it was announced the building will be named the Sturgeon Health Care Center in honor of then-Grand Master Sturgeon’s commitment to the project throughout his term.
Residents in Whitemarsh and Lafayette Commons were dressed to the nines for the annual Harvest Ball on Nov. 17. Each lady was able to choose a gown donated by Order of the Eastern Star members. Epic Church in Philadelphia provided volunteers to decorate the auditorium, help residents prepare, take photographs at the event and clean up. Other volunteers from Plymouth Whitemash High School, BlueCross BlueShield and Mary Kay assisted with ladies’ hair, makeup and nails. Each resident wore a corsage or boutonniere, and had her or his photo taken and framed as a gift. After dining on an exquisite meal, residents enjoyed music by DJ Miguel Cintron. Thanks to all the staff and volunteers who made this wonderful evening possible! Top photo, Pat Nickelson, nursing assistant, dances with Shirley Rhian. Left photo, Winifred and William McCain, and right photo, Ethel Robinson and her daughter.
Edna “Eddie” Bozette takes a walk in Dallas during a snowstorm that hit parts of Pennsylvania the end of October. Thanks to staff across the state who worked hard to keep the Masonic Villages safe. Photo courtesy of resident John Bozette.
Leona Smith, a volunteer in Warminster since 1974, has wanted to sky dive for a long time. She could think of no better way to celebrate her 85th birthday, so as a present, Leona, her granddaughter and her great-grandson took the leap.
Residents from the Masonic Health Care Center and Freemasons Building in Elizabethtown headed back to high school in November for Homecoming Week 2011. A pep rally kicked off the week by introducing rival staff teams, the green Fighting Frogwells and red Mighty Chihuahuas. The Homecoming King, Tommy Huber, and Homecoming Queen, Alexis Henry, also made their debuts. During the big game, the Mighty Chihuahuas scrapped for a 28 - 7 victory over the Fighting Frogwells. Smaller-scale high school-themed events were incorporated in the neighborhoods throughout the week, and the event wrapped up with a sock hop. Residents of the new cottages in Elizabethtown gathered for a social in December. Welcome to (back row, l-r): Kathy and Jack Ross and Edna and Richard Spisak. Sitting (l-r): Carolyn Snyder, T.J. Bergen and (in front) Jim and Patti Brecht.
In Elizabethtown, residents were treated to a south of the border fiesta including authentic fare, music and dancing. Right (l-r) Richard and Sylvia Parks enjoy the colorful evening. On Oct. 20, residents, family members and staff in Warminster celebrated Oktoberfest. Staff made dirndls (a traditional Austrian and Bavarian dress) and hats for guests to wear. An accordion player provided some dance music while everyone dined on German food and beverages. Top left, Eleanor Foster with her son, Bill Foster. Top right, residents Henry Staiger and Bob Ferguson Sr. Right photo, Indeera Ennis, housekeeping supervisor; Diane Harrar; and Jackie Deeken, administrative assistant.
At a celebration of arts and music in Dallas, residents and visitors enjoyed performances by local musicians and artwork by local college and high school students. Right, Dorothy Tarasek, assistant sales and events manager, dances with Ned Hartman. Photo courtesy of resident Al Exter.
Check out more photos updated weekly on Facebook: www.facebook/ masonicvillages
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Holiday Happenings Residents of the Walther Apartments in Dallas held their annual tree trimming party in early December. Residents and staff gathered to decorate the apartment lobby and enjoy homemade cookies. Left photo, Lois Hartman decorates the tree. Center photo, Ed Zaboski provides some music for caroling. Right photo, Annie Bisher and Thelma Smith show off their holiday spirit. Residents in Sewickley teamed up to decorate their Clubhouse for the holidays. Shown above are Deane Hillegass assisted by Marion McGinnis and Jean Lenhardt.
Harriet Kline, of Lafayette Hill, enjoys a visit from Santa during a holiday party. At the annual Festival of Lights in the Masonic Health Care Center, residents in Elizabethtown vote on their favorite trees decorated by staff, resident neighborhoods and families. Top photo, Elaine Lukens and Dawn Christmas hand out cookies during the festivities. Bottom photo, Rosemarie Berkebile, nursing assistant, helps Betty Baroni pick her favorite tree.
Residents in Sewickley celebrated the season with Cocktails with Santa. Top photo, Marge Gleichert and Roger Lewis, and with Santa, Jean Sendell-Rammon.
Several residents in Lafayette Hill gathered to light the menorah on the first night of Hanukkah. Above, Morton Lader recites a blessing.
Robert Carthew directs the Men’s Chorus during their Holiday Concert in Elizabethtown. The Musical Merrymakers perform in Elizabethtown. The group plays kazoos, washboards and other musical instruments.
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The Congregation of Sell Chapel in Elizabethtown, as part of their community outreach, sponsored an Angel Tree to benefit Clare House, Inc., a transitional shelter for women and children. Above, coordinators Jean and Len Holmquist and Jane Boltz help deliver the gifts.
For the fifth year, residents in Elizabethtown volunteered their time and money toward Operation Christmas Child. Top photo, Joyce Lathrop and Jeannette Thomas help make boxes which residents packed with toys, socks and candy. Volunteers filled 138 boxes and donated $981. At the annual resident holiday party held on Dec. 14 at the Irem Clubhouse in Dallas, about 75 residents and their guests dined on a delicious meal while listening to a local band. Shown in top photo, Morgan and Maureen Lewis, and in bottom photo, Bob and Barbara Boone. Top photo, Katherine Fell poses with Santa and Cathy Welsh, executive assistant, at Warminster’s annual holiday party. The Hartsville Fire Company paid a visit to the community and also brought Santa. Bottom photo, Kate Burns greets St. Nick.
Bleiler Caring Cottage Celebrates the Season with Color, Kindness & Fun Art Lessons
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esidents of the Bleiler Caring Cottage in Elizabethtown have been personalizing their home with the help of several of Masonic Village’s finest artists. On Nov. 18, Joan Dellinger, with the assistance of Lilly Campbell and Mary Jane Sample, all members of the Resident Art Association, began leading monthly art projects at the Bleiler Caring Cottage, a home at the Masonic Village for eight adults with mild to moderate developmental disabilities. With hearts for art, these talented artists have pursued service projects throughout the Masonic Villages. During the first gathering, the residents each painted geometric designs on their own 9-by-12-inch canvas. The pieces now hang together as one masterpiece in the Bleiler Caring Cottage’s recreation room (in the refurbished basement), where they constantly remind the residents of the new skills they’ve learned and the sense of accomplishment they should feel. Artists shown: (back row, l-r ) Mary Jane Sample, Scott Davison, Lilly “They enjoy doing crafts. It’s a way to express themselves,” Joan said. “It’s Campbell, Joan Dellinger, Beth Weiman and Howard Phillips III and (front fun for everyone. That’s the important thing.” row, l-r) Kevin Koch, Holly Smith, Jeanne Marie Ulmer and Deb Bleiler. The Resident Art Association does not charge the Bleiler Caring Cottage for the time or supplies needed during the monthly projects. Members of the association pay $12 in dues per year and the art studio features a gallery where people can purchase artwork made by the association members. All of the profits help cover the cost of A new supplies the club needs and the service projects it pursues. addition to The association encourages residents to stop the recreation by the art room to try their hand at painting, and in room - an air November, the artists extended the same offer to staff. hockey table Joe McIntyre, president of the Resident Art - thanks to a Association, and three other members provide weekly donation from painting lessons for six children at the Masonic Lodge No. 9, Children’s Home. As part of the lessons, the children Philadelphia. painted a Christmas tree ornament and a hot plate so they would have gifts to give to someone special.
Card Making
S
taff at the Bleiler Caring Cottage coordinated a special holiday activity for the cottage’s residents to give back to the community. Residents gathered to make greeting cards together, and staff sent the cards to ShareaCard, which Gary Ward and Howard Phillips hold up redistributes them in bulk to people who are battling serious illnesses. Each person featured on www.shareacard.org their card creations. received an entire box of cards to brighten their holidays!
Artists Honored A
s part of the Lancaster County Office of Aging’s Lancaster Senior Arts Exhibition, three residents of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown were selected to have their artwork displayed in the Lancaster General Hospital Suburban Outpatient Pavilion in October. Hundreds of visitors and staff who saw the exhibit raved about the diversity and quality of the artwork. Congratulations to Joan Dellinger, who received first place for her pastel, “Old Lady;” Joe McIntyre, who received second place for his pastel, “Roses in Antique Vase;” and Lauretta Towner (shown above), who received second place for her oil painting, “Picture of Old #1,” inspired by a Currier and Ives print. Lauretta has been painting all her life. While the recognition was nice, she said she doesn’t pick up a brush to win awards. “I just enjoy painting,” she said. She never charges for the paintings she creates for friends and family.
The Farm Market is Open Year Round! The Farm Market will remain open during the winter months with limited hours. Through March: Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Regular hours will resume in April: Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Products available throughout the winter include: apples, a limited line of vegetables, apple cider, citrus, jams, jellies and preserves. We’ll have a limited supply of baked goods, but will prepare your favorite if you give us a call! Call in orders for shipping anytime during the week or submit them online.
717-361-4520
www.mvfarmmarket.com
MasonicVillage Fresh Local Produce
FARM MARKET
The Village Voice • Winter 2012
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by J. Kenneth Brubaker, M.D., C.M.D., medical director, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
Health Care Partners for Older Adults I
t is not uncommon to hear my patients and their family members comment on the challenges in navigating our country’s complex health care system. More importantly, I hear many of my patients state it is impossible to remember all the recommendations or requirements necessary to meet their desired health care needs. To compound older adult patients’ concerns even more is the fact that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is strongly encouraging all health care systems Ways a h ealth car to move to electronic medical records. The electronic record system means future e partner q Ensure can assis communications between health providers and their patients will be done through email medical a t you: p messages, such as receiving laboratory reports, X-ray reports and letters from consulting pointmen and kept. t s are sche physicians, and scheduling follow-up appointments. For individuals who are unfamiliar duled q Acco mpany yo with email, this may cause anxiety. u at the ti possible. Since it isn’t likely our growing complex system of health care will change within me of the appointm the foreseeable future, it is all the more important for every older adult to establish a ent if q Unde rstand the health care advocate or partner, someone who can help navigate through the health nature of the plan o your med care system. f care the ical d o c q t o r s have rec problem and The most rapidly growing segment of the American population are those 85 years Assist in ommende managing of age and older. With people living longer, it isn’t unusual for 85-year-old active d. medicatio dosages a ns to assu nd schedu adults to be receiving treatment for multiple medical problems and seeing four to re correct les are fo q Maint llowed. eight consultants. Most of these consultants have no contact with each other except ain a cop y of your which inc through written correspondence. If a patient forgets to inform his/her consultants of personal ludes cop health rec ies of rep a recent medication change made at the emergency room a week ago, the omission and any o or o r t t s h , er import correspon d could create unforeseen adverse outcomes which frequently lead to unnecessary a n d t health c e q Watch f are inform nce or signific hospital admissions. a t i ant c on. should be These kinds of situations arise among thousands of older adults every day, brought t hanges in your hea o the atte lth which reinforcing the need for a health care partner or advocate. A health care partner q Conta ntion of t c t y o h u e daily to a doctor. can be anyone who is willing and interested in working with you when receiving ssure you q Encourag medical care. It can be a daughter or son, a grandchild or spouse. If you do not a r e okay. e you to c omplete a directive have access to a relative living in your area, a good friend, neighbor or a member li if one wa sn’t done ving will/advance of your faith community can also serve as your health care partner. q Advoca . te for add The list of partnership commitments, shown on the clipboard to the right, itional he a p p ropriate a alth care can be expanded or shortened depending upon your needs and wishes. Most nd desire services i d . f importantly, don’t wait until a serious medical problem occurs before realizing you need a health care partner. The time to establish a health care partner is at the time when you believe you don’t need one. Remember, a fall with a hip fracture, a stroke or heart attack or a serious motor vehicle accident is never planned or expected. But, in all of these situations, the most important person you may know will be your health care partner and advocate.
Caregiver Support continued from p. 7 WARMINSTER
The size of the community (60 residents and about 80 staff) promotes a family-like atmosphere for residents, spouses, family members and staff, which is especially beneficial for those serving as a caregiver. The advantages of this close connection are evident in the story of one man whose wife has dementia. After caring for her at home as long as he could, he decided moving her to Masonic Village would be best for both of them. He visits and has meals with her on a regular basis. Staff include him in social events and keep him apprised of things she might need. They also take care of details such as offering him a drink and making sure he arrives home safely. “We include him in the fun things. He loves that everyone knows him,” Joyce Wadsworth, director of social services, said. “We’re also here to provide support. If he looks sad because his wife is starting not to know him, we help him understand this is a disease state and her brain is not functioning as it used to.” After meeting during social events and in the hallways, family members often befriend the family members of other residents. They relate to one another based on their mutual experience. According to Joyce, even after their loved ones pass away, the friends continue to get together and invite staff to gatherings. Based on her personal experience as a caregiver, Joyce’s biggest piece of advice is to seek assistance from friends and neighbors − set up a support system. “You have to take care of yourself, make time for yourself and realize you’re not superman or superwoman,” she said.
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The Village Voice • Winter 2012
EMERGENCY PLANNING
“Caregivers may become so busy thinking about caring for their loved one, they forget about their needs – planned and unplanned,” Gary Wylde said. It is important for caregivers to have an emergency plan for what will happen if they need someone else to watch over their loved one. It’s vital to share this plan with others: children, neighbors, friends and Masonic Village staff. As caregiving becomes more and more complex, this will be one less thing to worry about. “Think about what you would do if something happened to you,” Jill Luzier, social worker in Elizabethtown, said. “Where would you go? Where would your loved one go, whether you’re gone for an hour or a few days? Is your emergency contact information up to date?” For residents in retirement living areas who fall or have an accident in their home, the loved one they’re caring for may be unable to call or find help. Staff recommend caregivers ask someone to check on them daily. Residents can also hang something on their front door when they’re up for the day and take it down at night, so neighbors know everything is okay without having to disturb them. Staff in Elizabethtown developed a bright yellow emergency sheet which residents can fill out and hang on their fridge. It details what they would want for their loved one and themselves in the case of an emergency. Residents in Elizabethtown can request a sheet by contacting the social workers listed on p. 7. “Being a caregiver is not easy,” Gary said. “Masonic Village staff can be a resource any time. It’s important to run your ideas or concerns by someone. Having a plan helps us meet your wishes.”
Measuring Life’s Minutes
Hank served as a president of P&LE Railroad for 13 years and he was known to work long hours. His father ingrained in him to do everything just right. His father used to say, “I sleep straight in bed at night.”
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t a time in history when the railroad industry reigned supreme, Henry “Hank” Allyn was near the top of the king’s court. As a child, he enjoyed waving at trains which chugged by his home along the Main Line in Philadelphia. As an adult, he worked his way up the ladder of the Pennsylvania Railroad, then the New York Central and the Pittsburgh & Lake Erie (P&LE) Railroad. As the industry evolved, so did Hank. One of his last responsibilities before retirement was overseeing the conversion of a former hub of rail activity, P&LE’s Pittsburgh Terminal, into the Station Square shopping complex. When the old rail yard underwent renovations, construction workers salvaged a large clock. The clock hung over Smithfield Street Bridge and was owned by P&LE, and had once measured the time between the hustle and bustle of passing trains. Much to the surprise of Hank and his wife, Betsy, in recognition of Hank’s years of service, P&LE asked if they would like to have the clock which had been transformed into a table. It became a coffee table in their house, and as a personal touch, Hank added a model train to its center. When the Allyns moved to a villa at the Masonic Village at Sewickley in 2005, it came with them. The clock weighs about 1,500 lbs., including a 700 lb. glass face (the largest single piece built by Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company [PPG] at that time). It is a beautiful testament to Hank’s devotion to and love of railroads. Hank passed away in December 2006. Betsy, had the clock appraised, but did not like the idea it would end up some place strange, so she donated it to Masonic Village. She found the expert appraiser through David Gratz, a fellow Masonic Village resident who has a personal connection to the Allyns. Hank was his boss when David worked in the engineering department of P&LE, and Hank approved David’s promotion to superintendent of the Monongahela Railway. “Hank was the best boss I ever had,” he said. David donated books from the Allyn’s collection to the Monongahela River, Railroad and Transportation Museum in Brownsville, Pa., in Hank’s memory. The clock is now displayed in the lobby of the Clubhouse (see Betsy sitting with her family in the lobby above), where residents gather with friends and family. Running on electricity, it still keeps accurate time. If the power goes out, however, staff have to wait until the next day, at the exact same time of the power outage, to restart it. The clock tells a lot more than time. It tells the story of the Allyn family. At the age of 16, while at a summer camp in New Hampshire, Betsy had a friend who invited her to Maine. The two went for a swim in the ocean, where they jumped into the water from the Allyn’s rocks. Also swimming there was a tall man, age 21. After talking with him, Betsy learned his family owned the property and he was currently working in a hospital in Boston. “I made up my mind that day that I’d like to marry a man like him. He was so nice to his parents ... and nice-looking, too,” Betsy said. Hank soon went off to war and she wrote him almost every day. “We’d talk philosophy and feelings, so when he came home, he really knew
me,” she said. Betsy was 21 years old by the time he returned, and the two became engaged. They were married for almost 60 years. After his service in the U.S. Navy, Hank went to school to study medicine, but quickly discovered he was better suited working with trains. He started his career in Philadelphia working as a sub clerk for the Pennsylvania Railroad. Later, during his job as a passenger agent, Hank was in charge of a train to Washington, D.C. While pulling in, the train hit the station block, knocking down a group of women who were preparing to exit. While no one was seriously injured, the story made the local news. “His first responsibility was getting them to the hospital and buying toothbrushes,” Betsy recalls. “That was not a fun day.” Each of Hank’s promotions (18 total) with the Pennsylvania Railroad (later the Penn Central) took the Allyns to a different part of the country. They only lived in two towns, Greenwich, Conn., and Cincinnati, Ohio, for more than one year. The family made friends everywhere they went, and Betsy tried to stay in touch with many of them. She recalls mailing upwards of 350 Easter cards one year (they preferred sending cards for Easter rather than Christmas when everyone else exchanged greetings). While their family benefited from Hank’s promotions financially, Betsy longed for the comfort of familiar surroundings which lasted more than a few months. “Sometimes, I wished he had been a plumber,” she said in jest. “We had a wonderful life. We always found people who were congenial.” Hank served as a president of P&LE for 13 years, and he was known to work long hours. His father ingrained in him to always do everything just right. “His father used to say, ‘I sleep straight in bed at night,’” Betsy said. Throughout Hank’s tenure, the Allyns remained as modest as always. Most of the former company presidents had a Cadillac and chauffeurs in uniforms, but Hank and Betsy downsized to an Oldsmobile and took the chauffeur out of a uniform and into a business suit. The company expected them to host parties, which they did, but they made sure the events were fun rather than uptight. When Cliff, their chauffeur, retired, they had his retirement party at their home. While her husband worked, Betsy kept busy volunteering in homes for children with disabilities and thrift stores. She was a member of the Junior League which helped her meet friends in each new town and provided her opportunities to serve the community. One volunteer stint led Betsy to the Valley Care Association in Sewickley (which Masonic Village purchased in 1999). She would dress as a clown and visit residents of the nursing home. Sewickley was one of the few towns the Allyns desired to return to, and they eventually retired there. Betsy has at long last found a place to call home at the Masonic Village at Sewickley. “I enjoy so many things about living here,” Betsy said. “There are some wonderful people. Masonic Village has everything for us. There is something to do every day. We have parties every season, and the food is fabulous. Everyone I meet says, ‘Aren’t we lucky we’re here?’ I don’t have to worry about being a burden to my children. I’m being taken care of and having fun.” Continuing her volunteer work from previous years, she visits with residents in the Star Points personal care residence and the health care center. She also enjoys meeting with a group of friends for cocktails once a week. The Allyns have three children, who live in California, North Carolina and Maine, and two grandchildren. Each summer, her family gathers in their summer home in Maine. When residents see the sizable clock table in the Clubhouse, Betsy hopes those who knew Hank will remember his kindness, integrity and warm smile. For those who didn’t have the opportunity to meet Hank, the clock stands as a symbol of the area’s once robust railroad industry and a family whose lives it shaped.
The Village Voice • Winter 2012
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Masonic Compassionate Care Lives On M
ore than a century ago, Pennsylvania Freemasons had a vision to create a safe haven for aging Masons, their families and the community. Through this vision, the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown was born. Masonic leaders planned and developed a community for purposes of providing exceptional care within the highest quality facility, offering hope to the hopeless and a life worth living regardless of a person’s ability to pay for the services he or she needed. More than 100 years later, the Masonic Villages maintains the same mission and purpose today for residents across the state through Masonic Compassionate Care. However, the gap of one’s ability to afford good care and what Medicare and Medicaid covers has widened. The Masonic Villages covers more than $19 million a year in uncompensated care and services through our Mission of Love. To those who need it, this financial assistance is priceless. Gifts/donations provided to this fund specifically help cover the cost of residents receiving nursing or personal care at any of the Masonic Villages who are unable to pay for their full monthly resident service fee. In 2012, a donor recognition wall will be created and installed to recognize donors supporting the Masonic Compassionate Care Fund. This beautiful and unique way of recognizing donors will be located at the Masonic Health Care Center in Elizabethtown and the Sturgeon Health Care Center in Sewickley. Donations received for the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill and Warminster will be recognized on the Mission of Love wall. Donations are accepted at anytime. The gift is priceless for so many. Opportunities to memorialize or honor someone through this “new and unique” wall will be unveiled shortly. Look for updates in the spring issue of the Village Voice, which comes out in May. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at 800-599-6454.
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Celebrating F or the Love of Angels
esidents, families and friends across the state recently gathered for the second annual For the Love of Angels celebrations. Through the 2011 Love of Angels appeal to benefit the Masonic Villages and the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Hospice program, individuals had the opportunity to make a $25 donation in loving memory or honor of one special person. In recognition of their loved one, an angel ornament was hung on an evergreen tree. In Elizabethtown, on Dec. 4, more than 250 residents, family members of current and past residents, employees and the community came together to remember and honor loved ones. As part of the unique celebration and service, Ann Dinsmore, music therapy supervisor, and Cris Dinsmore, director of finance, provided music. The beautiful half-hour service and moment of remembrance began with a welcome from Vicki Gillmore, executive director. An opening prayer, a Christmas reading and music led into a message of remembrance from Rev. A. Preston Van Deursen, director of pastoral care. Immediately following the reading of “Angels We Now See On High,” by Timothy Nickel, bereavement coordinator/chaplain of the hospice program, attendees were given the opportunity to hang their angel ornament on the evergreen. The service concluded with the lighting of the Christmas tree. It was a very emotional and meaningful moment while loved ones, living and those who have passed on, were honored. The tree was displayed in the Freemasons Cultural Center Atrium throughout the holiday season. At the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill, about 60 residents, staff and donors gathered for a celebration on Dec. 7. Adrienne Staudenmayer, executive director, welcomed everyone and shared an angel poem. Joyce Michelfelder, director of gift planning - eastern Pennsylvania, thanked everyone for their support. On Dec. 6, at the Masonic Village at Sewickley, about 50 people gathered to remember and honor their loved ones. Left photo, Gloria LaNoce and Barbara Shields place their angels on the tree at Lafayette Hill’s celebration. Second photo from left, Charles Garnes, of Sewickley, hangs an ornament during the celebration. Right photo, guests gather for Elizabethtown’s celebration.
Financial information about Masonic Charities can be obtained by contacting us at 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 toll-free, 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.
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The Village Voice • Winter 2012
Memorial Gifts August 1 - October 31, 2011 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 or 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 800-599-6454, 717-367-1121, ext. 33003, or by emailing giving@masonicvillagespa.org. Thank you. Ruth Aber K & L Gates, LLC Emanuel Alfieres Andrew G. Zourides Kathleen “Kitty” Ambrozates John P. Ambrozates Doris Grace Anderson Mr. and Mrs. Paul Dallas, Jr. Anthony and Rosamaria Dangelo Tony and Andrea Degutis Grace M. Lockhart Richard D. Lownes, Jr. John J. and Emily J. Tumolo, Jr. Bonita R. Ashe William F. Ashe Joseph Assed Walter F. and Irene Rute, Jr. Stanley Z. Bachman Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 John P. Baird Eureka Lodge No. 290 George E. Baker, Sr. George E. Baker, Jr. Julia E. Baker Lynne Brown Donald W. Banzhof Patricia A. Ruth Edwin A. Barnes Mildred J. Barnes Anthony Bauer Leota B. Bauer Gerry Baumeister Jack L. Baumeister Erla M. Beddow Hugh F. Beddow Isadore “Ted” Bender Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Marion Blum Elvira Berry James M. Berry, Sr. Raymond R. Bettinger Darlene K. Bettinger Harry W. Beyer Marie E. Beyer Edward V. Bishop, Jr. Mary L. Bishop George B. Blessing, Jr. Paula M. Blessing Irvin Bolno Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Robert Bonsall Friendship Chapter No. 551, OES Wilkerson “Bill” Boone Lyle H. and Edith B. Seals Edward Bregman Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19
Merville C. Broadbent Bruce M. Broadbent David A. Laura Mae Brown Austin C. Brown, Jr. Kenneth A. Brown Patricia Brown Thelma M. Brown Leonard W. and Barbara M. Stern Michael A. Bucchi Whitfield Lodge No. 622 Marcella B. Burgess Joseph and Jeanne McIntyre, Sr. Linda L. Miller Anne G. Powers Arthur and Dorothy Wert Francis A. Burkett Grace E. Burkett Curtis Q. Campbell Curtis S. Campbell Petey Carlson Arthur and Shirley Rowley Naomi Carmichael Donald L. Carmichael Jacob G. Carson Helen K. Carson Gaylon C. Cathcart Michael L. Cathcart Helen Diodato Cavella William F. Englehart John A. Coburn, Jr. Darlene Coburn Val and Mary Colaluca Dante G. and Janet Colaluca Oliver H. Condran, Sr. Jeffrey J. Condran Harold S. Cook Louise H. Cook Jean L. Cook Joseph G. Cook Lester A. Danenhower Mary E. Danenhower Allan R. Darrow Stuart L. and Barbara G. Brown Harry S. Davis Virginia M. Davis Clayton DeHaven Eleanor DeHaven Herbert E. DeMart Herbert C. DeMart J. Victor DeWeese Louise B. DeWeese Joseph M. Dickey Barbara E. Shields Donald Duncan George A. Mitchell, Jr. Archie Dunn William A. Dunn LeRoy D. Eberly Nancy L. Eberly
Edna Mae Edsall James H. Edsall Herbert W. Eilenfeld Charles L. Dominick Charles Engle William H. Sassaman, Sr. James T. English Margery B. H. English Jack R. Eshenour Catherine E. Eshenour Lars O. Feese Walter L. Leibig George A. Ferguson Irene L. Ferguson Robert L. Filer Helen M. Filer Albert and Irene Firth Charles E. Firth Ruby Jane Fisher Joseph M. Fisher William B. Frank Frank Lerman Charles C. Frazier Caroline S. Frazier Geraldine F. Freidly Armstrong World Industries Charles S. Fries Evelyn M. Fries Maxine A. Fyock B. Howard Fyock Arthur N. Garman Timothy E. Garman, Jr. Amy Gernert Stanley S. Hughes Robert I. Gertman Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 William E. Glassman Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Beatrice Goldman Bruce Goldman Martin E. Gotsch Doris M. Gotsch Naomi and Harold Green William H. Green, Jr. Robert G. Griffith Marguerite H. Griffith Howard G. Griggs, Sr. Richard and Linda Armbrust Jessie E. Groff Jena M. Root Gladys Grohol John B. Grohol, Jr. Ferree C. Grossman Jeffrey S. Moyer Robert C. Gulden Christian Speaker, Jr. Harris H. Hamberger Pauline Hamberger
Barry Lee Hassinger Joan L. Hassinger Miriam M. Hasson Russel B. Hasson Francis C. Herman Martin E. Herman Sidney S. Hersh Joel H. Hersh Sarah Hertz Roger S. Hertz John W. Heyman Rose Marie Heyman Carolyn J. Hickernell Joseph S. Hickernell Trudy Hindes Paul D. Hindes Frederick G. Hofman Brian J. Haier David R. and Madeline F. Kemper J. Richard Hollinger David L. Hollinger James Hopkins Fred D. Hopkins Albert T. Horn Mary Strickland Downey D. Hoster Norma M. Hoster William N. Hurtt Sherwood and Britta Lennartson William B. Jenkins, Jr. Reese W. Jenkins Gerald E. Johns Irmgard Johns A. Kendall Johnson Robert C Evans, Jr. Walter L. Sykes Herbert E. Johnson Eureka Lodge No. 290 Robert W. Jones A. Richard Jones Ruth C. Jones Wallace R. Jones Darlene Keagy Eileen Dooley Robert Kemner Robert C. Leiby John R. Kettering Elizabeth Z. Hallman Marilyn M. Kimmerly Stuart L. and Barbara G. Brown Claire E. Kistler Beverly Schweitzer Albert and Mary Kling Albert B. Kling George Knous George J. Knous David C. Kohler Sarah M. Kohler Marian L. Kreamer W. Donald D. Kreamer Continued on next page
The Village Voice • Winter 2012
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Robert J. Kristoff Joan Kristoff Orvis S. Kustanbauter William S. Snyder Lodge No. 756 F. Berne LaBar Harvey J. Miller Harry Levin Martin Levin Albert M. Lilley Cecelia M. Lilley Dominick Lizzi David Lizzi, Sr. Mario E. Lizzi Solomon E. Lubin Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Mabon S. MacDonald George W. MacDonald Kenneth and Pauline March Donald E. March Lawrence A. Marks Geraldine W. Marks William Martz Jeffrey M. Baker Charles Mast Richard A. Wirth Donald S. Mayes Josephine E. Mayes Lu McArthur L. F. McArthur Robert McGinnis Arthur and Shirley Rowley Joan McKiernan Michael L. McKiernan John I. Mengel F. Dale Schoeneman, III Thomas H. Mercer, Jr. Helen D. Mercer Gustav H. Merkle, Sr. Gustav H. Merkle, Jr. Charles G. Methlie, Sr. Florence Y. Methlie Paul E. Meyers Donald C. Meyers Jack L. Mickle Eureka Lodge No. 290 Mark J. Miller Hazel S. Miller William H. Miller Donald J. Miller Jeanne L. Miller Mary Millinghausen Barbara E. Shields Eric H. and Theresa A. Uenas Harry S. Mills H. Sinclair Mills, Jr. Kermit Moore Mary Moore David and Elizabeth Morris Roland B. Morris, Sr. Alma Madora Peterson Moyer Francis K. Moyer John D. Muir William R. Muir, Sr. Jane Mullins Eileen Dooley Phyllis Murray Friendship Chapter No. 551, OES Betty M. Myers Leon C. Myers, Jr. Joseph E. Myers Mary H. Myers
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Sara Negley Thomas O. Richey Eugene G. Neidigh William S. Snyder Lodge No. 756 James C. Nickle Thomas and Terry Kamerzel Robert and Nancy Livingston Kathryn M. Painter Clifford and Helen Drescher Ronald and Theresa Drescher Barry and Robin Greiner Ida Lease William Lease Danny and Candy Slaton Mary Ann Smith Mac Patterson Arthur and Shirley Rowley Andrew M. Pecuch Margaret H. Pecuch Harold Pennick William L. Hill Victor E. Pessano Joan Pessano Vicki Pessano Charles E. Phillips Peggy V. Phillips Raymond S. Pollock Stuart L. and Barbara G. Brown Lynn, Andrew, Amanda, Ken and Mike James D. Parmiter Ronit Polsky Norman Benson Darrell E. Powell Wilbur K. Vanalman Richard R. Rabold Richard J. Rabold Zetta Raub Kenneth G. Raub, Sr. Samuel S. Raup Edith M. Raup Louise Ray Blair M. Ray Rena R. Renshaw Ronald R. Renshaw Parke A. Ressel Alice L. Ressel Emil B. Reutlinger Jane Reutlinger Marion Richards James M. Berry, Sr. Pearl M. Risser William and Dorothy Stout John C. Rissinger William and Virginia Frankhouser Alvin L. Leisey, Jr. G. Edward and Rowena Morelock R. Richard Williams J. Earle Roberts George A. Roberts Ann Robinson Bruce A. Robinson Barney and Peg Rodenbaugh Ronald R. Rodenbaugh, Sr. William C. Rogers Maurice C. Heater, Jr. Ruth E. Rutter Anthony and Linda Ambrose Edward W. Ryan Alice Ann Archer Darrell D. Satterfield Donald B. Stull
The Village Voice • Winter 2012
Ernest F. Schurer Constance M. Schurer Hugh R. Scott John F. Scott Walter Dale Seese Dorothy A. Seese George B. Sheasley Anna K. Sheasley Lillian Shera William L. Hill Jerome T. Sherman Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 June J. Leer Shook Commonwealth of PA State Civil Service Commission Carl and Kathy Hikes Jennie Wade Division of Licensed Practical Nurses Assoc. Bobby E. and Donna H. Rakestraw Clarence A. Shuler Adrian E. Bamberger Andrew and Celia Shuta James M. Berry, Sr. Sisters Gerald R. Schuldt Irvin C. Slaymaker Thomas W. Pfahler, Jr. Earl J. Smith Arthur and Dorothy Wert Kenneth N. Smith, Sr. Whitfield Lodge No. 622 Russell W. Smith Arthur and Shirley Rowley Dale R. Snyder Timothy and Mary Bigelow Joan S. Copeland Gail C. Croutharmel and Family Samuel W. Gambles Gunn Mowery Harrisburg Forest No. 43 Tall Cedars of Lebanon Harold L. Plont, Jr. Nancy T. Snyder Irene Snyder Charles and Jane Meyer Jack Solomon William S. Snyder Lodge No. 756 William Leroy Spatz Carroll S. Arnold Earl J. Speicher George J. Martin, Jr. Max G. Starke Harry A. Houseman Lodge No. 717 Southampton Square Club James H. Staver, Jr. Nellie D. Staver Claude A. Street, Jr. Lucille H. Bradley Dan, Sue, Nicole and Michelle Mrkich Wilbert “Bill” Stremmel Hoffman Fordland, Inc. Oiler Family Benjamin Harry Strickland Mary Strickland Harry Homer Stuart, Jr. Scott A. Stuart Steven F. Supp Margaret P. Supp Virgile R. Swemley Paul K. Swemley
James H. Taylor Catherine M. Taylor William Taylor Robert T. Norcross Edith M. Teears Arthur T. Teears, Jr. Augustus W. Thomas William A. Thomas John J. Thomas William A. Thomas Mary I. Thompson James M. and Cheryl Thompson Catherine M. Truitt Williams F. Truitt, Sr. Herman “Ben” Turpin Ruth E. Turpin Mary E. “Betsy” Vennema Barbara E. Shields Herman Walters David W. Bechtel Russell Walters Phyllis Walters Elvin G. Warfel Janice M. Warfel Elvin M. Warner, Sr. Elvin M. and Leatrice A. Warner, Jr. Thomas Watkins Robert C. Leiby David B. Weaver, Jr. Phoebe J. Weaver John Weiskopf Martin H. Bayer Rose D. Weiss Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Bush and Family James N. Krasnansky Rose Mary Krasnansky Charles, Marie and Carol Luthar Sarah A. Michur Eleanor Pascoe Jim and Kathy Rothdeutsch Terry L. Welch Barry L. Welch Harry and Helen Westenberger Fred W. Kramer William A. Wetterau Edward O. and Barbara Weisser Willis W. Willard Brian K. Stolley A. Morris Williams George F. Schmidt Harold and Jennie Williams Norman T. Williams James J. Williams John R. Williams, Jr. David E. Winter Loretta M. Winter Charles L. Wood Anna K. Wood Elizabeth “Betty” S. Worrell John C. Worrell Helen A. Yorgey Merritt G. Yorgey Mary E. Young William L. Young, Sr. Glenn Zeigenfuse Jane E. Zeigenfuse George C. Zimmer McKinley-Stuckrath Lodge No. 318
Honorarium Gifts August 1 - October 31, 2011 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 or 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 800-599-6454, 717-367-1121, ext. 33003, or by emailing giving@masonicvillagespa.org. Thank you.
Miriam Bennett Shirley A. Fober Kenneth P. Blum Marion Blum Lisa J. Bushey and Family Richard and JoAnn Keller Thomas F. Campbell Sheldon K. Hoover, Sr. Dorothy R. Carpenter 95th Birthday Mary Grace Di Massa Dorothy L. Condran Jeffrey J. Condran Nancy Deeds Scott D. Harris Raymond T. Dietz Raymond J. Loichinger
Antoinette Dilisio Richard C. Manko, Jr. Marie Faust Brian D. Faust Donald F. Frank Thomas G. Abbott George E. Ginther Marion Blum Betty Hewlett John O. Hewlett Jo Anne Hower Frederick C. Kublic Marriage of Kim Jeffreys Keith A. McKnight Frank H. Lawson William R. Turner
Marjorie Learn Paul B. MacDonald Fellow Masons Michael A. Biase James McCutchen Marion Blum John Mengel F. Dale Schoeneman, III Paul Naftulin Frank Lerman James A. O’Connor Glenn O. Hawbaker, Jr. David Rihl Alice Ann Archer Loretta U. Rogers Maurice C. Heater, Jr.
William M. and Gilda Sayres Wendy Riggall Claude and Dorothy Street 90th Birthday Grandchildren D. Jean Barton, Donna and Claude Great-grandchildren Brian, Kimberly, Lance, Stacie Sydney, Leah, Jack, Cade, Connor, Adrianna Thomas K. Sturgeon Ricky L. Swalm Joyce K. Wadsworth Francis X. and Barbara J. Dufner Beatrice Whitmer Marc and Ann Falcinelli Gayle L. Wissler and Family
Hospice Care Memorial Gifts August 1 - October 31, 2011 Below is a list of individuals (names are shown in red) whose loved ones have made a gift in their memory to Masonic Village Hospice Care which is offered at our Elizabethtown location. 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 800-599-6454, (717) 367-1121, ext. 33003, or by emailing giving@masonicvillagespa.org. Thank you.
Memorial Gifts Evelyn J. Boileau Soroptimist International of BowieCrofton Muriel M. Christmann Vincent J. DiFrancesco Mr. and Mrs. John H. Halderman Rosa T. Lee Robert A. Moore Marge Dubler Marjorie D. Owens James L. Ellis, Sr. Crump Life Insurance Services, Inc. Franklin and Marshall College Shuttle Drivers Sandra D. Holsinger Marnell Lutz and Family Lucille R. Powell
Elmer L. Gutshall Warren and Janet Cassel Ray and Luella Uhlig William “Bill” Hammer Teresa Arment Irma L. Atchinson Rick and Carol Baum Eileen L. Bell Anna Lees Cobb Elizabeth B. Cobb Yola Gray Craig and Patti Hammer Jim Hammer and Family Robert and Wendy Hammer Bob and Gail Harker Diane J. Hundermark Mildred Jones Angelo and Mary Jane Macchia Frances B. Martin
William and Linda Montgomery John and Evelyn Stover Jean Trautman Frank and Virginia Unterberger Edward M. Vasoli William J. Vasoli Douglas H. and Nicole L. Vaughen Joyce M. Wallis Dorothea Jones Carol L. Korogi-Reeves Orvis “Skip” Kustanbauter Blair and Rita Confer Laird S. Confer William and Alice Fisher Mark and Kathi Geiser Sara K. Hoy Bernadine L. Josephs
Gladys R. Kishbaugh Kay F. Kustanbauter D. Anita Littlewolf Jane Wagner Shallcross June J. Leer Shook Bob and Martha Albia Norma M. Thomas Shirley Engle Evelyn J. Holberg Margaretta Van Scoyoc Marjorie D. Owens
The Village Voice • Winter 2012
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Masonic Village One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2199
Lock in Your Higher Rate Secure your Masonic Charities Charitable Gift Annuity at a higher rate before Feb. 29, 2012.
C
haritable Gift Annuities are a very popular kind of charitable gift that pays donors fixed, guaranteed income for life, at rates higher than many common investments. They can benefit one or two people. The rates, set nationally, were generally lowered effective Jan. 1, 2012 due to the economic downturn. The good news is that Masonic Charities is extending the current higher rates through Feb. 29, 2012. By acting before Feb. 29, you can lock in the current higher rates for your lifetime(s) without regard to the new lower rate schedule. For a confidential consultation, please contact your local Masonic Charities representative: James Heckman Central Pennsylvania 717-367-1121, ext. 33437 or 800-599-6454
Jane Binley Western Pennsylvania 412-741-1400, ext. 3011 or 866-872-0664
Joyce Michelfelder Alvin Blitz Eastern Pennsylvania Out-of-State 610-825-6100, ext. 1348 717-367-1121, ext. 33312 or 800-599-6454
Masonic Charities always recommends consulting with oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own professional advisor when considering any planned gift.
One-Life Gift Annuity Age
Current Rate
Rate After Feb. 29*
70 75 80 85 90+
5.8% 6.5% 7.5% 8.4% 9.8%
5.1% 5.8% 6.8% 7.8% 9.0%
Ages
Two-Life Gift Annuity Current Rate Rate After Feb 29*
70 & 75 75 & 80 80 & 85 85 & 90 90 & 90
5.4% 5.9% 6.7% 7.9% 8.8%
* depending on monthly federal discount rate.
4.8% 5.3% 6.1% 7.3% 8.2%