Meet the Feathers: Resident Profile

Cornwall Manor Resident Profile: Meet Phil and Judy Feather (Interview and Article by Jackie Schroder)

After a brief stay at Gatehouse Lane, Phil and Judy moved in January 2015 to their new home at the newly built Carriage House.  It was worth the wait.  They were the first tenants in the new building and chose to live in the cat bird seat, a spacious and well-located apartment with a balcony overlooking the fountain circle and main entrance; a lovely location.

The Feathers arrived from nearby Main Street, Annville, their home of 43 years. Phil was reared in Lebanon and after graduation from high school, joined the Marines and served three years. On the GI bill he attended Lebanon Valley College where he studied political science and history. Then it was on to Dickinson Law School.

Judy, also a Lebanon native, attended local schools and after graduation went on to Lebanon Valley College and attained a degree in history.  The couple married while Phil was still in law school. Judy worked for the Mechanicsburg Naval Supply Depot until their second child was born.

Out of law school, Phil had difficulty finding a position since he had no lawyering experience.  He decided to open his own law office on Cumberland St. in Lebanon and Philip H. Feather, Esq. was in business. Shortly thereafter he bought a law office from an attorney who interviewed him when he was a new graduate.  He bought the office in Annville and hired the retiring lawyer to serve as an “introducer” to his former clients.  It was now Gingrich and Feather Law Office.  Gingrich introduced his former clients and Phil handled the law business.  When Gingrich died, Phil continued as Philip H Feather, Esq; later his nephew joined the firm.

Judy worked until their second daughter was born, then stayed home for 10 years keeping busy doing volunteer work.  She then decided to return to school and earned a Master Degree in Guidance Counseling at Millersville University. Her first job was Guidance Counselor at Palmyra High School where she stayed fifteen years. She then went on to be Director of the Mental Health Association of Lebanon. This was a private-not-for-profit agency funded mostly by United Way.  She planned and supervised educational programs for various organizations and conducted various support groups. Judy was with the organization for six years and retired in 1999.

Phil had an abiding interest in politics. In 1967 he was elected as a delegate to the Pennsylvania Constitutional Convention.  Revisions were made and the five proposals were put on the ballot and approved in the 1968 elections.  He was involved in political campaigns for thirty years.  In 1972 Phil was elected Lebanon County Commissioner.  He held this post for eight years. As County Commissioner he oversaw all the departments of county government:  water, criminal justice, sewage, recreation and taxes to name a few.  He continued his private practice and then he ran again for County Commissioner and held office from 1987-1995.  Phil recalls that on March 29, 1979, when the Three Mile Island incident occurred, he and other effected commissioners were ordered by the Governor to be prepared to evacuate 30,000 residents. This was the most difficult decision he never had to make.  Another disaster occurred when Hurricane Agnes paid a visit to the area causing severe flooding.  The Governor’s mansion had water damage and in Lebanon there were 1200 housing units damaged. The County helped in their relocation.

During these years Phil was involved with the Junior Chamber of Commerce (JCC) and Judy was active with the Mrs. JCC organization.  She was instrumental in establishing The League of Women Voters in Lebanon County.

The couple has traveled to 55 countries and 7 continents.  Memorable visits include Russia, Syria, Macedonia, China, Japan, and Antarctica.

On campus Phil heads the Patriot Committee.  There are 105 veterans on campus.  For four years he chaired the Building and Grounds Committee.

Judy has also kept busy volunteering in the Library, Manor Shoppe, Shop on Wheels and also serves as Membership Chairman of the Cornwall Manor Society, and Chairperson for planning the birthday parties at the Health Center. Judy also conducts the resident oral history accounts which are available in the library for residents to check out. Judy will serve as co-chair of the auction for the Bloom’s Festival in 2019.

The couple attends the United Church of Christ in Annville. Phil and Judy have two daughters, Karen and Susan, and two grandchildren; their granddaughter, Carolyn Wolf works as a Social worker at the Health Center and grandson Mark Wolf attends Juniata College.

We are fortunate to have this dynamic duo working for us at Cornwall Manor.  A big round of applause please. ??