Murals Provide Calming Reminiscence
Thanks to a generous donation from Concordia Lodge No. 67, Jenkintown, two elevators in a memory care area at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown were painted to reflect a gorgeous view of the campus.
For those living with dementia, colors are important, with green being one of the last colors to be recognized. The murals provide a calming distraction for residents who have wandering tendencies. The recognizable imagery promotes reminiscence, enjoyment and conversation. For example, residents who were farmers notice the cows in the pasture. Those who took care of their property at home notice the perfect mow lines or the tree shadows. Residents familiar with Elizabethtown notice the water tower in the background.
Some notable symbolism adds special meaning: the purple flowers surrounding the water fountain represent support for Alzheimer’s disease and research.
“The most important thing we do is to meet the residents where they are, through changes in their cognition, activities of daily living, mobility, eating and their ability to participate in family events,” said Dixie Colvin, R.N., Nurse Manager. “It’s a matter of where the residents are in their disease process.”
Dixie said the staff focus on providing holistic care for residents. “Music therapy, therapeutic recreation programming and sensory rooms make a difference in the care we are able to provide,” she said.
The murals, as well as the fountains and other features in the courtyards outside the memory care areas, help the residents’ home look and feel less clinical.
“It’s truly a home environment. They are our family, and as they transition, we transition with them and help them through the process,” Dixie explained.
Brother George Kohlweiler’s wife, Angie, was diagnosed with short-term memory retention disorder in 2018. After receiving services through Masonic Village Home Care while the couple resided in a townhome on campus, Angie moved to the Masonic Health Care Center in 2022. She passed away in February 2024.
“You come in as a resident, but they don’t treat you as a resident,” George said. “As soon as you come in the door, you are family, and that’s the way they treated us from day one. I don’t know anywhere I would’ve gotten better care for my wife.”
A member of Elizabethtown Day Lodge No. 816, George has two daughters and a son.
“I know for a fact that while I am here, they will never have to worry about my care,” he said.
An additional mural will be completed soon, thanks to Brother David Law, St. John’s Lodge No. 435, West Reading; his wife, Lisa; and Lodge No. 9, Warminster.

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Brother George Kohlweiler and his late wife, Angie, with a Masonic Village team member.