LAMAR BENNER


WHY I SERVE F


orty individuals volunteer their time and talents as members of one of the five boards of directors


overseeing Landis Communities and its affiliates. Tis column will feature a member of one of the boards and will list those who serve with the highlighted individual.


Can you tell me a little about yourself? I’m from Mount Joy, PA. I was raised on a dairy farm, which included a bed and breakfast. Trough this experience, I grew to love interacting with visitors as they wanted to experience and learn about life on the farm. Outdoor activities like motorcycling, hunting, and traveling are all activities I enjoy, often with my family and friends.


When did you first hear of Welsh Mountain Home or Landis Communities?


My first experience was with Landis Homes when my grandmother was a resident…I have great memories of those visits. My first time at Welsh Mountain Home was when my small group from church went there to sing Christmas carols. A 30-minute visit turned into an hour and a half “sing along” with the residents! It was a rewarding experience that seemed to touch their hearts – and ours.


How did you become part of the Board?


A few years later, I was approached by a former Welsh Mountain Home executive director. When I met some of the staff and saw their motivation and kindness in caring for the needs of the residents, I was drawn to their commitment. Tey found joy in serving the residents. I continue to see this modeled each time I am there. Joining the WMH Board provided me an opportunity to serve and give back – to the residents and the staff.


How has your role with WMH affected your life?We are commanded in Scripture to help widows and people in need, I see my contribution to WMH fulfilling this command. It is great to see that the needs and interests of the


residents are the focus. I feel I can support the director Mona Frey and the management team in the excellent work they do.


What goals and dreams do you have for the organization?


I want to see Welsh Mountain Home remain focused on their mission to provide quality care and to grow their ability to meet the needs of those they serve. One short-term goal is to improve the bathroom facilities so residents have private or semi-private bathrooms. Tis will be a big project but one that is needed to keep residents healthy in our world changed by COVID-19.


Lamar Benner, Chair of the Welsh Mountain Home board of directors


What do you want others to know about WMH? Welsh Mountain Home may not have all the amenities of other homes, however it is a thriving community where the management and staff teams are committed to providing quality care and a loving environment for all residents. Te Board of WMH is committed to doing all we can to see that WMH remains an affordable option.


WMH BOARD MEMBERS


• Lamar Benner, Chair • Vernon Z. Musser, Vice Chair • Melissa Sarnocinski, Treasurer • Helen Hershey, Secretary • Richard L. Buckwalter • John W. Eby • Mary Ellen Groff • Matthew Martin • Zach Martin • Phares Zeiset, Jr.


Landis.org | FLOURISH | Spring 2021 • 23


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