Dozens Of Volunteers Honored By Masonicare

Fifty volunteers were recognized for their important service to Masonicare at Newtown residents at the Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner held April 22 during National Volunteer Week. Tom Gutner, president of Masonicare at Newtown, said volunteers of all ages make important contributions to the quality of life of both the nursing home and assisted living residents at Masonicare at Newtown.

They develop meaningful relationships with the residents who look forward to volunteer visits, he said.

“Volunteers bring the outside world into our home,” said Mr Gutner, and “connect our residents to the community.”

Masonicare at Newtown has a dynamic volunteer program with more than 70 individuals who actively volunteer and who provided in excess of 10,000 hours of volunteer service in the past year.

A highlight of the evening was the awarding of two $500 junior volunteer scholarships to Newtown residents Daniel O’Rourke and Josh Jowdy, both seniors at Fairfield Prep. They have been volunteering at Masonicare at Newtown for the past three years and were recognized for their commitment and dedication to serving the residents.

In accepting his award, Daniel O’Rourke commented, “The knowledge that I’m helping make the residents’ day that much better makes my volunteer work even more satisfying.”

Josh Jowdy stated, “Lessons of humanity have been taught within your walls, and they are lessons which I will not soon forget,” when describing his experience with the residents.

Masonicare at Newtown is at 139 Toddy Hill Road and is an affiliate of Masonicare located in Wallingford. Masonicare has more than 115 years of experience in providing health care and retirement living to older adults.

Masonicare at Newtown offers short-term and outpatient rehab; skilled nursing care and regular and memory care assisted living and is open to all in need these services.