Blog

On November 9th we will be Celebrating Our Veterans. Representative Frank Ryan and Commissioner Robert Phillips will be here to recognize and honor our veterans. Elizabeth Houser - US Army Nurse William Price - US Air Force World War II Orville Hetrick - US Army World War II Richard Tayvinsky - US Navy Reserves Carl Gacono - Lt. Colonel US Army Korean War Marcus Gainer - US Marines Korean War Walter Hauser - US Navy World War II John Lylo - US Army Les Knecht - Army National Guard

We raised $590 of the total $5,537 raised by the Horst Group for the Alzheimer’s Association! Every dollar raided benefits those affected by Alzheimer's disease in our community. The Alzheimer's Association is a global organization, working to advance care, support and research across the world. From face-to-face support to online education programs and promising worldwide research initiatives, the money you raise makes a difference in the lives of those facing Alzheimer's. Thank you for your contributions!

Natalie Shovlin never tells her age but mostly identifies herself as a retired Navy wife. Natalie was a Dental Assistant until she met her husband Daniel, which she met at a dance that her friends talked her into going to. It was love at first sight. In fact, he told her that first day that he was going to marry her! She spent 27 years by her husband’s side in the military, although he was out to sea nine months out of the year. She smiles when she says she followed him with kids in tow, moving every two years throughout the country. They were married 50 years before he passed away 20 years ago. She has spent the last 20 years seeing her family grow. Her one son is an engineer in New Jersey with a wife and two of her grandchildren, a girl in high school and boy in his first year of college. She also has a son in Germany who is a web designer and has lived there for over 20 years. Her daughter, who lives in Hershey, is a retired corporate communicator and interior designer. She raised Natalie’s first granddaughter who is named after her grandmother and is in her second year of medical school in Chicago, studying to be a doctor. She’s undecided as to what type of doctor. Natalie’s life has always revolved around her family. She loves to face-time with her grandchildren when her daughter comes to visit. Natalie’s hobbies are going out to lunch, watching Wheel of Fortune and golf. She is a devout Catholic and is looking forward to a trip to visit St. Joan of Arc Church where she was a parishioner for over 45 years. She really likes the staff here. “Everyone, here at Columbia Cottage has been so nice to me. Thank you, so much!”

Meet Lynne Long. Lynn has worked at the cottage for five years and enjoys working with residents and getting to know each of them. She enjoys spending time with her daughter, Erica, and Lynn is very excited about becoming a first-time grandmother to Erica’s expected baby boy in December! Lynn enjoys football (go Eagles!), and golf, her favorite drink is a Madori Sour, and she loves hiking in the mountains where she finds peace and beauty in the surroundings. Among her many talents, Lynn loves to clean and organize. Lynn, thank you for being one of the sweetest, most patient caregivers, and for the very clean and organized closets and attic!

We want to thank everyone for the wonderful Christmas celebrations this year. On December 6 th and December 13 th we enjoyed seeing residents and families spending time together, enjoying a great meal, and having fun together. We are especially thankful for Eric Cawalla and Clifford from the Uptown Band for entertaining us at both Christmas Parties. Their music encouraged lots of dancing and singing. The spirit of Christmas is reflected throughout the Cottage. Congratulations to the first, second, and third place winners of the Door Decoration Contest! Thank you to our staff for decorating some doors, too. This holiday season was a success, and we are thankful to the full Cottage Family for being a part of it.

We are pleased to announce the promotion of Christine Horn to Vice President, Operations at Horst SeniorCare. (Horst SeniorCare provides the facility and operations management for Columbia Cottage.) Christine “Chris” Horn has worked with Columbia Cottage for eleven years as this Cottage’s Managing Director. Chris has over 25 years of experience in Helathcare and Senior Care services. She is actively involved in the Lebanon County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, as well as advocating for seniors in various capacities. Chris received the 2016 ATHENA award from the Lebanon Valley Chamber in recognition of her professional excellence, community service, and leadership. Chris has lived in Palmyra for over 30 years with her husband John. They have two adult children: Emily, who currently works in healthcare while applying to nursing school, and Jack, a senior at Kutztown University. Chris earned her Bachelor of Arts from Shippensburg University, and her Master of Social Work from Temple University. Chris is looking forward to the continued promotion of the “Cottage Way” with her colleagues, and advocating for seniors in her new capacity. She is focused on optimal health and welfare of the Columbia Cottage residents and ensuring the Cottages are a great place to live and work.