I f you attended Middletown High School in Frederick County from the mid-1930s through

the 40s and 50s, chances are that a child from the Kuhn family was among your classmates.

Beginning in 1935 and then every few years until 1959, one of the ten Kuhn siblings graduated from the high school and all but the last one received their diploma from the same principal, Herbert Davis. The Kuhns lived on a farm in the Wolfsville area in the northern part of the county, where the local high school had consolidated with Middletown High School in 1931. The children rode the bus back and forth every school day.

It was, in fact, unusual in that era for all of the sons and daughters of a large family to finish high school.

“It was important to our mother that we get educated,” explains Judy House, the youngest of the Kuhn children. “She only went through eighth grade. She was from a big family and had to take care of the younger kids.”

Many of the Kuhns continued their education beyond high school. Judy says the family includes three teachers (herself among them), three nurses, and a business college graduate. Everyone stayed in the same general area of Maryland as they married, raised families and progressed in their careers. They have always been a close-knit bunch, Judy points out.

Fast forward to today: Three of the ten Kuhn siblings have passed away. But three of the remaining seven have found a new

home that helps them continue to be close—at Diakon Senior Living – Hagerstown.

Make the move while you can still enjoy it

Judy, 74, was the first to find what she calls the perfect place on the senior living community’s Robinwood campus. She and her husband, Bob, moved in more than two years ago, followed later by her brother, Paul, and his wife, Betty, who moved into a cottage across the street. Earlier this year, her sister, Betty Harsh, moved next door.

“I’ve been asked why we moved here when we did,” Judy says. “I don’t see the sense in going when you can’t enjoy yourself. Many people wait too long.”

The Kuhn siblings ... Betty (Kuhn) Harsh, Paul Kuhn, and Judy (Kuhn) House.

For area family, close bonds and Diakon Senior Living mean

19800 Tranquility Circle V Hagerstown, MD 21742 V (240) 420-4119

Independent LIvIng • AssIsted LIvIng • MeMory support • nursIng CAre & rehAbILItAtIon • AduLt dAy CAre

Judy’s brother and sister have both found their homes at Robinwood to be the right fit. Paul, who is nearing 90, served in the Army after high school and found a job in the produce department of the A&P grocery store after he was discharged. Eventually he became the store’s bookkeeper.

“I’m retired and like this life of leisure,” he says. “It’s pretty hard for me to get up now.”

While a few health issues prevent Betty, 88, from do-ing some things she had enjoyed, such as gardening, she still finds pleasure in another favorite pastime—sewing. From her sewing room, Betty can see the regional medical center across the street from Robinwood, a view that Judy says is perfect for the former nurse.

“Thank God for my sewing machine,” Betty says.

The siblings and in-laws manage to keep quite busy, Judy says, between activities and events on the Robinwood campus and nearby golf and other recreational facilities. Some days they don’t see one another unless they happen to meet at the community mail boxes.

Diakon Lutheran Social Ministries does not discriminate in admissions, the provision of services, or referrals of clients on the basis of race, color, religious creed, disability, marital status, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or sex.

“I’ve been asked why we moved here when we did,” Judy says. “I don’t see the sense in going when you can’t enjoy yourself. Many people wait too long.”

A Robinwood CottageJudy sums it up simply: “We’re having a good time.”

A welcoming community where everyone feels like family

Diakon Senior Living – Hagerstown is a Continuing Care Retirement Community offering varying options for independent and assisted living on two beautiful campuses. Traditional nursing care, memory care and rehabilitation services also are provided.

“Our independent living residents enjoy an active, worry-free lifestyle filled with events and activities on campus as well their own hobbies and interests,” says Erin Younker of the Diakon Senior Living staff. “They can socialize with friends, join us for meals and plan their own get-togethers. And we offer various levels of care and support, so as our residents’ needs change, they can remain right here within the community.”

To schedule a personalized visit and learn more about Diakon Senior Living – Hagerstown, please call Erin at (240) 420-4119 or email her at younkere@diakon.org.

You also can find information, view floor plans and even take virtual tours on our website, found at www.hagerstownseniorliving.org.

www.hagerstownseniorliving.org19800 Tranquility Circle V Hagerstown, MD 21742 V (240) 420-4119

Independent LIvIng • AssIsted LIvIng • MeMory support • nursIng CAre & rehAbILItAtIon • AduLt dAy CAre