Masonic Village is known for its welcoming community, and staff play a huge part in creating this environment. Around campus, there are many employees who have devoted decades to serving residents and their families.

Linda Fuhrman

Linda FuhrmanLinda Fuhrman, environmental services supervisor – RTL, started her career at Masonic Village in 1979 working in Food Services in the Masonic Health Care Center. While her role here has changed, her appreciation of the positive environment and the work life balance it offers has not.

When Linda first started, the campus offered the Village Green area and nursing and personal care services. It would be another 10 years until the retirement living apartments and cottages opened.

“Looking back, one of the qualities that stands out to me the most about Masonic Village is the continued growth and always striving forward in some capacity,” she said.

Food Services was centered where the clinics area is now. She remained in the department for about 10 years before transferring to Housekeeping in the Masonic Health Care Center, where she worked for a few years, and then moved to Housekeeping in the James Buchanan apartments. In 2001, she transitioned to the Village Green area as a floater, and in 2015, when her youngest son graduated high school, she was given the opportunity to take the team lead position in retirement living, which led her to the position of housekeeping supervisor in June 2022.

“I have stayed here at Masonic Village because it is one of the best places to work,” Linda said. “It has provided a positive environment where I could balance my family life and work life with positive results, and I have not regretted my choices. One of my favorite things about Masonic Village is the beautiful campus. It has been something I have enjoyed on a daily basis.”

Deborah Klugh

Deborah KlughIn 1979, Deborah Klugh, RN, health services response team nurse, took advantage of a certified nursing assistance program at Donegal High School. Starting at age 16, she attended school in the morning and worked at Masonic Village in the afternoon and over the summer. She’s been a loyal employee ever since.

“There were only four nursing wings: north, south, east and west,” she recalls. “Residents’ rooms did not have a bathroom. They used a portable potty. CNAs brought water basins to the room for bathing. The nursing units had no air conditioning, and the floor was cooled by large floor fans. The Ben Franklin building had just opened and was more modern.”

The campus has evolved physically over the years, and Deborah has observed the culture of residents, as well as employees, has changed. too. “With that comes many challenges and diversity,” she said. “We have to learn new ways to work together and new ways to deliver care.”

As a health services response team nurse, she works on Saturdays and Sundays, responding to any urgent and emergent calls from residents, typically dealing with falls or cardiac conditions, to assess the situation and whether they need hospitalization. She also follows up with residents who are currently in the hospital and interacts with family members. Every day is different.

After 45 years, Deborah remains with Masonic Village because of the residents and the supportive environment.

“I feel like I have made a difference in their lives,” she said. “I have learned so many things from the residents as well. I also feel Masonic Village takes care of its employees with many programs to promote wellness and good benefits. They have supported me in my growth and in my career.

“My favorite aspect of Masonic Village is the sense of community. Residents care about each other and help one another, whether through volunteering or personal support. Employees support one another as well. Over the years, I have seen many fundraisers for employees and families in need. I have personally felt that love and support.

“Masonic Village is a place that I am proud to work for. It has provided a secure place of employment for me, and I have grown so much personally and professionally. I have made a lot of friends over the years and have many memories.”

Cindy Seiders

Cindy Seiders Cindy Seiders, in-home caregiver, was a senior in high school when she started at Masonic Village as a nursing assistant in 1979. She attended Willow Street Vo-Tech’s Practical Nursing School program and became a licensed practical nurse.

“While in the [Masonic Health Care Center] as an LPN, I was very busy giving medications, doing treatments like dressing changes and checking vital signs. The list would go on. Now as a caregiver in Home Care, I have one client at a time, and the pace is slower. It is rewarding in a different way.”

Cindy has remained with Masonic Village, not just because it’s a short commute, but it offers her good hours and benefits.

“I really enjoy this age group of people,” she said.

The most obvious change to her since 1979 has been Masonic Village’s growth, “now with apartments and cottages and the increased number of people living in a beautiful looking setting,” she noted.

Masonic Village has been a huge part of Cindy’s life over the last four and half decades.

“I have gained a greater appreciation for the people I have helped,” she said. “I have made some great friends, and the people I have met have become more like family. It is a wonderful feeling to be appreciated for care I have given.”

Kathy Smith

Kathy SmithKathy Smith, LPN, has enjoyed spending time with residents and her very caring co-workers for 45 years, plus the many friendships she has developed.

She works on the Transitional Care Unit and is very busy with daily tasks and doing extra things for residents.

“There have been so many changes with the size and appearance of the facilities, but the Mission of Love always remained,” Kathy said. “There’s been growth in the farm market within the Masonic Health Care Center, hospice, home health, the wellness center, restaurants, nurse practitioners and so much more for our residents and the community.”

 

Missy Kilmer

Missy KilmerMissy Kilmer, leave of absence specialist, has worked at Masonic Village for 40 years. She started in 1984 as a program manager for what is now the Bleiler Caring Cottage, a home for individuals with developmental disabilities. She stayed in this role until 2022, when she transitioned to the human resources department.

“I am grateful to be able to work in different departments as it has provided opportunities for advancement in my career,” she said.

Masonic Village has always been special to Missy; she grew up visiting the campus as a child, and now it is a place her whole family can enjoy. Her husband, Nelson, has worked here for 33 years, and all of Missy’s children had their first jobs at Masonic Village.

“I am very blessed to be part of such a loving community,” she said. “Masonic Villages has been very good to me and my family.”

Missy notes the addition of the Bleiler Caring Cottage, as well as the expansion of services including home health, home care and hospice, as some of the significant changes during her time on campus.

Interacting with others is Missy’s favorite part of working here. The ability to communicate with staff and residents has kept her here for so many years.

“I enjoy interacting with the residents throughout campus and helping employees on a daily basis,” she said. “Every day brings a new adventure with lots of opportunities to engage with people.”

Jean Kyler

Jean KylerJean Kyler has worked for Masonic Village in her role as a health information/unit assistant, for four decades. She joined the team on April 24, 1984. Her responsibilities have remained similar over the years, although her location has changed as the Masonic Health Care Center evolved in size and layout.

What’s kept her committed to the mission is her passion.

“I’ve always loved my job and the workmates,” she said.

Jean works casual hours now, but the days she’s here are always busy with challenges. Since starting at Masonic Village, the biggest change she’s noticed is the growth of the campus. In 1984, there were almost 700 residents; today, there are more than 1,900.

Through this progress, Masonic Village has meant one thing to her: stability. Her favorite aspect has and always will be: “The caring of the staff for the residents,” she said.

Karen Hickernell

Karen HickernellKaren Hickernell, social services supervisor, started her career at Masonic Village in 1989 and has enjoyed the kind and supportive environment ever since.

To name a few things, her role includes leading meetings with staff, conducting interviews and assessments with residents and visiting with residents who have questions or concerns.

“I feel valued and supported amidst the friendly, family-like atmosphere,” Karen said. “Masonic Village is a wonderful facility. When my father-in-law needed nursing care, there was no doubt that I wanted him to live here. He was here for a short time before he passed away. I again would have no doubt in recommending other family members to come to Masonic Village.”

Mary Miller

Mary MillerMary Miller, in-home caregiver, grew up three miles from Masonic Village, so beyond a place to work, it’s been a part of her life since 1982.

Prior to joining the Home Care Department, she worked as an LPN in the memory support neighborhoods for 32 years. She retired in 2014, and then returned to Masonic Village as a resident and employee in 2021.

She likes meeting and getting to know residents through her work as a caregiver. When she’s not assisting other residents with daily tasks, she enjoys spending time with former classmates and co-workers on campus, meeting new friends, swimming, using the walking paths, eating at all the restaurants and participating in scheduled activities.

“My days are full!” she exclaimed. “Now that I live here, it is a safe place to be. Everyone is friendly.”

Troy Halbleib

Troy Halbleib

Troy Halbleib, maintenance carpenter, has worked at Masonic Village for 25 years. Initially, he chose Masonic Village for the short commute and convenient working hours, but he has since fallen in love with the campus and community.

“I really enjoy what I do here,” Troy said. “I like the variety of work and the interacting with the residents.”

As a maintenance carpenter, Troy’s workday is always different. His tasks range from building cabinets and shelves to repairing roofs, doors or windows, and even assembling furniture.

“My day varies greatly; I may be on a job for days or it could be as quick as ten minutes,” he said.

During his time here, Troy has seen many changes on campus, including the addition of Ford and McKinley Cottages and Sycamore Apartments.

“The campus has doubled in size,” he said.

His favorite part of the job is using his carpentry skills to help residents in need.

“The residents are very appreciative of what we do for them,” Troy said.

Whether it is an employee’s first year or 45th year, Masonic Village is equally grateful to the incredible staff who consistently give their time and energy to the Mission of Love.