Dr. Robert and Mrs. Jane Bauer
Bob was, as he describes himself, “a simple country Doctor who happened to have the privilege of living among and serving the Amish.”
It has been a long pathway for Bob and Jane from serving the Amish in Lancaster to serving their fellow residents at the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home. They have both been very active throughout their lives and wanted to retire to a place where they could maintain activity while having peace of mind concerning any future needs.
It was a decision that both Bob and Jane say they “never regretted for even a minute.” They have become part of a wonderful community where people “look out for one another, and care for one another.” Bob, a Master Gardener, bakes a loaf of bread and takes it to each new resident on his street.
Together, Bob and Jane visit people in the health center and have served in a number of different volunteer roles. Jane continues her love of painting with a group at the Home.
Their advice to others at this phase of their lives is to “just get busy!” “People seem to feel restricted or have a sense of loss but they need to know that a place like the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home allows them to be free and enjoy life to its fullest.”
Frank and Doris Curry
She was a shy girl from Hershey and he was a Navy man from Hummelstown who chose to sit next to the “cute girl” on the bus.
When it came time to retire they didn’t want their kids to have to worry, which is why they chose to move to Lebanon Valley Brethren Home in 1996.
“The kids love coming here,” says Mrs. Curry, “every holiday people know that the Curry’s are home because our kids are here.”
They moved because the Brethren home was a Christian home, there is a lot of volunteering they can do here and a place to do gardening.
“Volunteering seems natural, it’s the right thing to do,” the Curry’s agree, “you are being helpful and it gives you great satisfaction.”
Frank says it best when he concludes, “Don’t wait…come when you are young and plan on being here a while.”
Ruth Fair
Ruth has a very simple philosophy that has served her well. She believes that “laughter is good for your health.” She is living proof as one of the most active 91 year old women you will ever meet. This summer, for example, she will be spending two weeks hiking with her daughter in the mountains of Northern Montana and Canada. The twinkle in her eyes is apparent as she speaks about her anticipated adventure.
She is the first to admit that “no place is perfect,” but is quick to add that the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home “is as close as you can come to perfect.” Ruth came to the Home originally with her beloved husband, Arthur.
He passed away a few years back doing what they loved to do together the most, walking around the neighborhood.
Her friends and neighbors surrounded her with love and compassion in her grief, and remain an essential part of her life.
Ruth has lived at the Home for over 27 years. Throughout this time she has been an active volunteer. Her favorite role has been as a receptionist where she has had the opportunity to greet and meet many wonderful and grateful family members. Ruth is a shining example of what LVBH is all about. Although her daughter would love to have her live with her, Ruth appreciates that her daughter understands and supports why she wants to stay here. Ruth puts it this way, “I told my daughter that the decision was made for her, in love.”
Dick Groff
Dick was one of the founding fathers of Lebanon Valley Brethren Home and served on its original board of directors. He could never imagine how the Home would evolve or that one day his father, sister, and he would all be residents. His father passed away early this year at the age of 102. He characterizes the Home as “nothing short of a miracle,” indicating that in the early days they had to pass a hat at a board meeting just to get enough money to send out a mailing.
Dick’s decision to come to the Home was based upon a diagnosis of cancer in his wife, Grace. They moved in four years ago and enjoyed more time together than anticipated before her death. It was definitely the right move for them at the right time in their lives. The community has continued to embrace and support Dick and today he feels that this is “a tremendous place to be at this point” in his life. He references all the activities and fellowship available.
He continues to be concerned, however, about the high cost of healthcare and the ability to maintain the quality of care for everyone. He wanted to do what he could to help and, as a result, reverted back to a hobby and talent he acquired as a young man; woodworking. Over the past few years he has donated several quality and unusual pieces to our annual auction. He keeps his eyes open for ideas and likes to challenge himself with creating unusual and yet useful items. His work is both therapy and very satisfying as he shares his creations with others.
Judy Jacobs
Walking into Judy’s home you are greeted with the airy feel of being at the shore. She is quick to tell you how starting her duck collection developed into a sea shell and sea glass collection. So how did a woman who loves the shore end up at Lebanon Valley Brethren Home?
A very dear friend of Judy’s lives at the Home and Judy would come to campus and go to Bible study with her. The more she came to the campus the more she thought about what it would be like to live here. She was looking for a place where she could be with people, and increase her social life rather than sitting at home doing nothing.
Judy is actively involved with the Harmonettes, a female choir group on campus. Always being involved in choirs and having a friend on campus who was involved made it an easy decision. Judy states, “It’s lots of fun and a great way to get to know others.”
She is also involved in delivering the monthly newsletters to her neighborhood, helps with the Auxiliary Bazaar every year and is busy with the campus-wide yard sale. “Everyone was talking about it; one day there was nothing to do so I went over to help. It’s fun to dive into boxes and see what you come up with.” states Judy.
Judy has an appreciation for historical items. Once she retired as a Contract Administrator she was enlisted by a friend to begin a Historical Society in St. Petersburg/Enola. Judy actively volunteers at the historical society as Curator two times a week among her volunteer activities at LVBH.
There are many benefits to moving to a retirement community like LVBH. Judy finds perks in not having to worry about taking care of her property here. “I can pick up my phone at 9 a.m. and call for help at my house and they (maintenance) come over,” says Judy. “They bend over backwards for you.”
When asked why people should move to the Lebanon Valley Brethren Home, Judy is quick to say, “Don’t put it (moving) off, the earlier you come, the more established you’ll be. The more friends you will make, the more involved you’ll be and you’ll feel like a part of a community.” Ruth