Residents and staff at all our communities celebrated National Volunteer Recognition Week from April 18-24. Here's how our communities honored their volunteers...

Bravo! Encore! With the theme "Celebrating the Symphony of Services of our Volunteers," community and retirement living volunteers were honored with dinner, music and accolades in the Brossman Ballroom. Words of appreciation were offered by Jen Stuckey, Activities Coordinator; Ann Norment, Coordinator, Resident Volunteer Services; Cynthia Hollinger, Director, Volunteer Services; and Joseph E. Murphy, Chief Executive Officer, who all tooted the horn of hundreds of volunteers, who every week are "creating beautiful melodies throughout our campus."

Resident volunteers living in the Freemasons Building and the Masonic Health Care Center were celebrated on April 22 with a catered luncheon, piano selections by Susan Sharp and words of appreciation by Ann and the Rev. A. Preston Van Deursen.

Volunteers: we give you a standing ovation for the lovely and wonderful acts of kindness you perform every week at the Masonic Village; you do indeed put a song in the hearts of our residents!

In celebration of Volunteer Appreciation Week in April, Lafayette Hill staff hosted special programs to show their appreciation of the community's 80 dedicated volunteers. "We depend a lot on our volunteers because they do a truly remarkable service for our community," said Josh Barol, Director of Recreation and Volunteer Services. "There is nothing we can do to truly match our gratitude toward them, but we did try!"

On April 21, staff hosted a ceremony featuring door prizes, food and entertainment. Each volunteer received a certificate signed by Josh; Lorraine Lardani, Resident Services Administrator; and Adrienne Staudenmayer, Executive Director.

On April 23, individuals who volunteer more than 50 hours of service per year were honored with a special luncheon. Our own Food Services Department catered this enjoyable event.

At Lafayette Hill, as well as at all our Masonic Village communities, staff know how important volunteers are. They give a level of enthusiasm that adds to the general spirit. "Because many of our volunteers are also residents, I think they inspire the other residents to do more and participate in what goes on in our facility," Josh said. "I would like to take this opportunity to once again say 'thank you' to all of you who help out here!"

Retirement living resident volunteers in Sewickley were saluted for "Making A Difference" with a luncheon in the Formal Dining Room on April 20. Jeff Mohler, Marketing Manager, and Jennifer Stratakis, Activities Supervisor/Concierge, greeted and thanked the group of 50+ residents for their hard work and hours of dedication spent at the Information Desk, Library, General Store, Barley Wellness Center and in clerical and tour guide capacities. Our superb Dining Services staff drew accolades for great service and delicious food! Each resident volunteer received a silver star lapel pin engraved with "You Make the Difference!"

Our volunteers deserve our heartfelt gratitude for making a huge difference every day over the past year!

Because of the construction project and conflicts in schedules, Warminster was unable to host its annual Volunteer Luncheon this year. However, to show their appreciation for the volunteers, staff presented each of them with a volunteer T-shirt. Thank you, Warminster volunteers, for making a positive difference in the lives of our residents!