(Publication No. USPS 426-140) Autumn 2024 Issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason is published quarterly by the Masonic Villages, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Articles and photographs to be considered for publication should be sent with local Masonic authority to the address above, to the attention of The Pennsylvania Freemason or emailed to pafreemason@masonicvillages.org.
Except by special arrangement, all articles, photographs and artwork become the property of the Grand Lodge.
Published by the Masonic Villages, owned and operated by the Grand Lodge of F.& A.M. of Pennsylvania, as a means of soliciting the physical and financial support of the members, their families and the public in general. Periodical postage is paid at Elizabethtown, PA, and additional mailing offices. We appreciate the many submissions we receive for consideration. We apologize, but due to space constraints, we are not able to publish every submission we receive.
STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP
(Act of Oct. 23, 1962; Section 4369; Title 39, United States Code) Autumn 2024, The Pennsylvania Freemason, published quarterly by the Masonic Villages, Elizabethtown, PA 17022. Publishers: The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Editor: Larry A. Derr. Owner: The Right Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Most Ancient and Honorable Fraternity of Free and Accepted Masons of Pennsylvania. Known bondholders: none. No advertising handled. Free distribution averages 82,000 each quarter. I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete.
Larry A. Derr, Editor
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Inside This Issue
3
FREEMASONRY TODAY
Grand Master’s Message • Upcoming Events • America250PA
Initiatives • Introducing Our New Look • Freemasonry
Across the State • 7th Annual Sporting Clays Results
8
EDUCATION
Masonic Contractor Offers Home Improvement Tips • Fraternal Nursery: The Benefits of Gardening and How-To’s • Masonic Realtors Guiding Home Buyers Through a Tight Market • Is the BLIP on Your RADAR?
14
MEMBERSHIP
Providing Transport to Those in Need • Serving Their Country and Each Other • Award-Winning Farm Sponsors Trees for Troops • Lodge Transformations Bring Growth and Community
23
PHILANTHROPY
Masonic Village Names Executive Director • A Phillie “Fan”tastic Event • Competing in the Transplant Games • Widows Guild Offers Comfort & Connections • Newly Renovated Apartments Coming to Elizabethtown in 2026 • PMYF 2025 Scholarship Opportunities & Summer Fun in Photos
Cover photo provided by Mytrysak Family Tree Farm.
View the magazine online!
If you would prefer to receive an electronic version of the magazine for your convenience and/or to save the fraternity printing and mailing costs, please make your request by emailing pafreemason@masonicvillages.org. An electronic version of the magazine is also available online at Magazine.pamasons.org
Brethren,
As we reflect upon 2024 and prepare for the New Year, I am grateful for our many accomplishments.
Our Blue Lodge Revitalization and Membership Engagement committees have been doing an outstanding job rejuvenating lodges statewide by helping them become more active and financially secure. As a result of lodges following our charge to Ignite the Light Within and working hard to rechart their journey in a positive direction, we have not had any mergers or loss of presence in our local communities. I am enthusiastic about this trend and confident our efforts will result not only in an increase in membership, but greater involvement and heightened membership satisfaction.
Leadership is a core component of any organization’s success. I am deeply appreciative of the steadfast work our District Deputy Grand Masters have committed to; it is a challenging, but integral role requiring extensive time, training and dedication. On Dec, 27, we will welcome 12 new District Deputy Grand Masters to take the reins from those who selflessly served our lodges in that capacity before them. I encourage you to show your support by attending their presentations.
We should be proud of our fraternity and our good works. I’m excited to share that we’ve brought back the Grand Lodge float, which any lodge or district can reserve for parades in their local communities by contacting Brother John Cook, P.D.D.G.M., at Jcook@ pagrandlodge.org or the Grand Secretary’s office at gsoffice@pagrandlodge.org. We recently enjoyed an amazing cheering squad during the Little League World Series Parade in Williamsport. Spectators sang along with us to “Sweet Caroline” as we waved and handed out candy to the crowd (see p. 7).
The Liberty Tree initiative, in partnership with America250PA, has been a resounding success across the Commonwealth, allowing us to play an integral part in our nation’s upcoming Semiquincentennial celebration. To see where these trees have been planted so far or to sponsor a tree in your area, visit PaGrandLodge.org/resources/libertytree-plantings. Upcoming liberty tree plantings are listed here: PaGrandLodge.org/events
Another way for lodges to involve their communities in a meaningful opportunity and showcase their good works is to host a blood drive. Not only will each donation save lives, but hosting lodges receive $10 per pint of blood from the Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program, which can be designated for the lodge Almoner’s Fund to assist our brethren and their loved ones in need. Visit MasonicBloodandOrganDonors. org/contact to get started!
One of the most amazing aspects of this fraternity is knowing you have brothers all over the world. We are looking forward to hosting Unity Day at our Masonic Temple in Philadelphia on Jan. 25, 2025, with our brethren from Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Puerto Rico.
As we ponder our resolutions for 2025, I encourage you to include among yours a renewed dedication to your lodge, your brethren and your own Masonic enlightenment. May you and yours be blessed with health, happiness and a heart for charity.
Sincerely and fraternally,
R.W. Grand Master
December Communication
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE GRAND LODGE:
You are hereby requested to attend the Communication of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania to be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4, at 10 a.m., at the Masonic Temple, One North Broad St., Philadelphia, PA. Master Masons may attend virtually. Contact your Lodge Secretary or District Deputy Grand Master for live stream information.
By Order of the R.W. Grand Master Mark A. Haines, R.W. Grand Secretary
Pennsylvania Lodge of Research Stated Meeting
SATURDAY, DEC. 14, AT 10 A.M.
THE VALLEY OF HARRISBURG, A.A.S.R., 2701 N. 3RD ST, HARRISBURG, PA 17110
Open to all Masons, the program will feature general information about the Craft and at least two research paper presentations, followed by discussion and fellowship. Brethren interested in submitting papers for possible presentation at future meetings or who have any questions may contact the Secretary at Lodge.of.Research@pagrandlodge.org.
PRESENTERS: Masonic dress OFFICERS: Tuxedo (no tails, no gloves) MEMBERS: Coat and tie with member jewel
SAVE THE DATE FOR TENTATIVE FUTURE MEETING DATES: June 14 and Dec. 13, 2025
America250PA Initiatives
Pennsylvania Masons are celebrating the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s founding in 2026 in numerous ways. In addition to partnering with the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission (America250PA) on sponsoring the planting of Liberty Trees in all 67 counties across the Commonwealth, a special committee of brethren has produced educational videos, which can be found here: https://pagrandlodge.org/resources/videos/
The Academy of Masonic Knowledge evaluated all lodge submissions to the 1,000-Word Essay Competition, in which lodges wrote about their history. The winners are as follows:
1st Place: Peter Williamson Lodge No. 323, Scranton (District 13, Region 7)
3rd Place: Columbia Lodge No. 91, Philadelphia (District C, Region 1)
The winners by Region are as follows:
Region 1: Melita Lodge No. 295, Philadelphia (District C)
Region 2: Huguenot Lodge No. 377, Kutztown (District 7)
Region 3: Hollidaysburg Lodge No. 220 (District 20)
Region 4: Shidle Lodge No. 601, Irwin (District 30)
Region 5: Oasis Lodge No. 416, Edinboro (District 24)
Region 6: Pine Grove Lodge No. 409 (District 58)
Region 7: Hamilton Day Lodge No. 814, Stroudsburg (District 50)
Introducing Our New Look A FRESH IDENTITY FOR THE MASONIC CHARITIES
We are excited to announce that beginning in early 2025, the Grand Lodge will unveil new logos for each of its Masonic Charities: the Masonic Villages; the Masonic Temple, Library and Museum; the Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program; the Masonic Children’s Home; and the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation. This initiative began with the rebranding of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania/ Pennsylvania Masons earlier this year.
WHY WE ARE REBRANDING:
With the support of generous donors, the Masonic Charities improve the lives of many through various missions, ranging from senior living and children’s services to blood and organ donation and preserving Masonic history. For many years, the logos of our Masonic Charities have appeared disjointed. Each charity developed its own brand independently to promote its unique mission, which made it difficult to recognize their affiliation. This causes confusion among members, prospective members, employees, donors and the public at large.
WHAT’S NEW:
The rebrand addresses these concerns by creating a new, improved and cohesive logo for each charity, while preserving their unique identities and missions. By modernizing
the logos, we seek to improve recognition, establish a more consistent public image and amplify the reach and effectiveness of our charitable efforts. All the logos will share common elements that visually and symbolically connect them as part of the larger network of Masonic Charities.
HOW WERE THEY DEVELOPED?
For each charity, internal and external stakeholders were asked to complete a brand questionnaire covering topics such as purpose, image, vision, core values, strengths, unique positioning and target audiences. A competitor analysis was also conducted for each entity. Focus groups with key leadership followed to create visual language boards, from which three new potential brand compositions were created for each charity. The focus groups and charity leadership provided feedback on the logo options before finalizing the designs.
STAY TUNED!
We invite you to explore the new branding via our social media channels in the new year. Follow each Masonic charity for updates and join us in celebrating this exciting transformation. Your ongoing support is invaluable as we continue to build a bright future through our Masonic Charities.
Freemasonry Across the State
Brother Eric Downs, D.D.G.M., hosted the Fifth Masonic District Picnic on July 28, during which 150 brethren, family members and friends enjoyed fellowship, food and fundraising. Eric was the first to enter the dunk tank to raise funds for the Centennial DeMolay Chapter, and R.W. Deputy Grand Master Rob Brink sent him under on his first throw. Brother Rob and his wife, Allison, as well as other district members, also took turns in the tank to cool off while supporting the youth.
Rochester Lodge No. 229’s June stated meeting featured a program about the 501st Legion, a charity organization whose slogan is “Bad Guys Doing Good.” Families were invited to join for the program. While the lodge was conducting business, the families enjoyed Star Wars activities and games.
Members of Lodge No. 2, Mitchell Lodge No. 81 and William L. Elkins Lodge No. 281 spent a hot summer day constructing a hay stall for the Fletcher Street Riding Club in North Philadelphia, a nonprofit which has been teaching underserved youth in the city to ride and care for horses for 20 years.
On April 20, members of the 47th Masonic District visited Pride of the West Lodge No. 84, Prince Hall, in McKeesport, PA., followed by a picnic at the Dravosburg Masonic Grounds.
We would like to hear from you!
Submit a story and photographs for future issues of ”The Pennsylvania Freemason” by visiting magazine.pamasons.org/ contribute or scanning the QR code.
The 2024 Grand Master’s Ride took place Aug. 1 - 4 in Gettysburg, PA, hosted by the PA Widows Sons. The event included a motorcycle ride by the Friend to Friend Masonic Memorial and other historic sites; an opportunity to enjoy vendors, food trucks and music; and of course, quality time with brethren, their families and friends.
On Aug. 13, Grand Lodge representatives participated in the Little League World Series Grand Slam Parade in Williamsport, PA, honoring the late Brother Carl E. Stotz, founder of the Little League.
7th Annual Grand Lodge Sporting Clays Results
Thanks to our generous sponsors, these events netted $29,894 to support Grand Lodge Operations.
Shoot Sponsor:
Mill Creek Capital Advisors
Breakfast Sponsors:
Ballinger - Tun Tavern
Boyd Watterson Asset Management
Christenson Investment Partners
Matterhorn Capital Investments
River Road Asset Management, LLC
USI Insurance Services
5-Stand Sponsor:
Packwood USA Ltd.
Station Sponsors:
5th Masonic District
8th Masonic District
10th Masonic District
CWP Industries Inc.
Catering By Design
Dallas Lodge No. 231
Robert Dunkle
Haja Lounge, Inc.
Informed Systems, Inc.
J. Simpson Africa Lodge No. 628
King Solomon’s Lodge No. 346
Koehler Marvin Realty
Laurel Nursery Garden Center
Manoquesy Lodge No. 413
McFadden Funeral Home
National Investment Services
New Temple Lodge No. 720
Pen Argyl Lodge No. 594
Pocono Lodge No. 780
Porter Lodge No. 284
Portland Lodge No. 311
Rego Enterprises
Dennis Robinson
Harry Rutter
Smith Elliott & Kearns
Super Duper Roofing & Construction
Regis Synan - Murraysville Mayor
Dennis Robinson
Whitfield Lodge No. 622
Western Shoot Results
High Shooter: Ken Heese
High Lady: Emily Ryan
High Team: Bryan Hynicka, Ryan Hynicka, Daryl Mull
Eastern Shoot Results
High Shooter: Aaron Rogal
High Lady: Lynn Nahrgang
High Team: Bill Nahrgang, Lynn Nahrgang, Gary Wisser, Will Carvinous
Thank you to Brother Alan Beidel, P.M., for chairing the Eastern Event, and to Brother Don Edmonds, P.M., and the brethren of Saucon Lodge No. 469, Coopersburg, for preparing the food.
Masonic Contractor
OFFERS HOME IMPROVEMENT TIPS
In 1963, the late Brother George Grove Sr. began what was later to become George J. Grove & Son, Inc., a family-owned home improvement company specializing in exteriors. He launched his start-up from his home with some tools and a pickup truck.
Brother George J. Grove Jr. entered the business at a very early age, assisting his father and grandfather, Cleon Grove Sr., with installations. As it grew, the business moved to a shop on Cabbage Hill. In 1973, the business incorporated and moved to its current location on Manheim Pike in Lancaster. In keeping with family tradition, Brother George J. Grove III also entered the business at an early age.
Fast forward 61 years later, and George J. Grove & Son is still going strong, with 19 trucks, 21 employees and a combined 300 years of experience, George Jr. said.
“It’s nice working with family,” he said. “It’s better than a partnership. Partnerships can fail. Families always seem to come back to each other. We have our issues, but we work through them like anyone else and grow together.”
George Jr. and George III are members of Millersville Lodge No. 476. Ronald Carson, District Deputy Grand Master for District 1 (which includes Millersville), is the company’s sales manager. George Jr.’s wife, Karen, does the accounting for the business. His son’s wife, Liberty, is the office manager.
Products they sell/install include replacement windows and doors, roofing, premium vinyl siding, spouting, gutter protection systems and patio enclosures. They also carry skylights, railings, decks, retractable fabric and metal awnings and shutters.
George Jr. attributes the company’s longevity to doing jobs correctly and satisfying the customer. “We have a lot of longtime customers – we did their grandparents’ roofs and so on,” he said. “People will say we did a good job. They feel we’re dependable and that family businesses are a little more friendly.”
George Jr. has several tips for consumers looking to work with a contractor:
• Recommendations from friends and family are invaluable. Check online reviews for additional insights.
• Ensure the contractor can provide the products and options you’re interested in.
• Evaluate their experience. How long have they been operating in the industry? Check if they have a physical office or showroom you can visit.
• The lowest price isn’t always the best deal. Assess the quality of both the products and
George Grove Jr. and George Grove III
the installation services. Don’t be fooled by large discounts, for example: Buy one window, get one 40% off. How can you take 40% off a product that is supposed to be priced fairly?
• Make sure the sales representative can thoroughly address all your questions. Avoid high pressure salespersons who persuade you to make a decision immediately.
• If a contractor promises an unusually short completion time, question the feasibility and reasoning behind it.
George Jr. said the average person can usually tell by simple observation when it’s time to replace major elements in their home or lodge, i.e. windows, doors and roofs, etc.
“Leaks are the first thing to be aware of,” he said. “The only things that really leak are the roof, pipes or chimney. Preventative maintenance is really important, and we strongly recommend it. It allows us to say, ‘you have a couple of years left’ versus ‘you better do something about it now.’”
Have your ever wondered whether you should hire a contractor to complete a home renovation, or whether you could do the work yourself? In many cases, there’s a good chance you’ll need to hire a professional contractor to complete the project properly, George Jr. said.
DIY home repair is suitable for simple tasks that don’t require permits or specialized tools. Just because you’re capable of doing the work yourself doesn’t mean that you always should. This is especially true for jobs involving roofing and electrical work, George Jr. said. Doing it yourself could end up costing you more money in the long run and could be potentially dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing.
“The majority of our work ends up being on ladders because the roof is high up,” he said. “People are also not as handy as they used to be. When I was a kid, many people had a box of tools and did their own repairs. But the world has changed. People
love to have service. It’s more affordable and safer than doing it on their own.”
On average, a roof will last between 25 to 50 years, although this depends on a variety of factors, including the roof material, quality of the installation and the climate. If your roof is 15 years or older, it’s a good idea to get it inspected annually to prevent problems, including missing or cracked shingles and water damage from leaks.
Signs that it’s time to replace your windows include visible damage, such as cracks or water stains along the border, drafts, leaks or condensation, difficulty opening or closing windows or rising energy bills.
The average lifespan of residential windows is 15 to 30 years, but once your windows start approaching two decades old, it’s time to think about replacing them.
“Some people don’t even open their windows anymore because of air conditioning and heating in their homes, but it’s good to keep track of it,” George Jr. said.
George Grove Sr.
Fraternal Nursery
THE BENEFITS OF GARDENING AND HOW-TO’S
Tilley’s Nursery in Coopersburg, PA, has been open for nearly 50 years. Not only is it a family-run business; it’s also a fraternal one.
Owned by brothers Tom (who passed away in April) and Brother Rick Tilley, P.M., Saucon Lodge No. 469, Coopersburg, Tilley’s offers a wide range of products to enhance your curb appeal and make your outdoor space more enjoyable. They offer perennials, trees, shrubs, lighting and décor.
Tilley’s continues to support the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania’s Liberty Tree Project, launched in 2021. Earlier this year, brothers helped the staff pot the trees at the nursery.
“The whole family has been involved with Freemasonry,
including Tom and Rick’s father, James; brothers Bill and Mark; and Rick’s son, Christopher. Their mother, Anna, is a Past Worthy Matron of Eastern Star,” said Lois Tilley, Tom’s wife, who manages the financials for the business, as well as other roles. “Freemasonry is very important to everyone.”
As is the world of gardening. In 1982, Tilley’s opened a retail garden center, which is still going strong today. During the pandemic, more people were spending time at home and got into gardening for the first time.
“I attribute our longevity to good customer service, our knowledge and if we don’t know the answer to something, we’ll find it,” Lois said.
“We want our customers to be successful with their gardening endeavors, and that makes us successful.”
Lois has given out many tips and tricks for gardeners over the years, including “educating yourself” about plants and not “beating yourself up” if something dies. “It happens to all of us,” she said.
The best time to plant in general is in the fall, when the shrubs, trees and perennials are spending more of their energy producing “root growth,” rather than “top growth,” thereby producing a healthier plant. Most flowering trees and shrubs bloom in the spring, not fall. Some examples of late-summer/early fall flowers include blooming anemones (flowering perennials), sedum (drought-tolerant plants) and mums.
Landscaping and gardening can add to a commercial building’s appeal by making it look nicer and more inviting for people to visit, Lois said. A home garden can increase the property value and add to curb appeal. Large, mature trees, for example, will help shade a home, cooling the house and even decreasing energy bills.
The number one gardening tip is to “do your research,” Lois said, either through a legitimate online gardening site (she recommends PerennialResource. com and MissouriBotanicalGarden. org) or through a larger state university that offers a
horticulture program or its own botanical gardens. In Pennsylvania, for example, there are several master gardeners available through Penn State University.
Lois’ second tip is to buy plants from a local garden center and support small businesses. Check the plant tag to see if it’s an annual or perennial, how to plant it and how large it will become, and use this as your guide.
Lois recommends “knowing your growing or climate zone,” so whatever you’re purchasing will thrive. You can find this information by visiting the U.S. Department of Agriculture map. You also should know the “exposure” of the area you want to plant, because some flowers do well in the shade, but not in the bright sun. Others do well in part sun and part shade. Before buying your plant, check the attached tag for information on what it needs to grow well.
“Pay attention to how and where the sun rises and sets throughout the year,” she said. “That will tell you how much sunlight you get.”
Most importantly, be careful with watering. Too much water can actually kill plants, Lois said. The best time to water plants is in the early morning or late evening, but not in the heat of the day. If water droplets land on the leaves in bright sunshine, it intensifies the heat and burns the leaves. Water the base of the plant, not the top of the plant, when planting in the ground. Be mindful of the weather; it makes a big difference.
“If you know you’re going to get three or four days of rain, there’s no sense in going out and watering your plants the night before,” Lois said. “The same applies when it’s sunny and humid. When I look at my plants, they will tell me if they are thirsty. They start drooping and don’t look good. You water them, and they perk back up again. People whose livelihoods depend on the weather pay more attention to it.”
In the end, Lois said, a lot of gardening is trial and error. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of garden center employees, such as “Where should I plant this?” “Will it come back every year?” and “What is the best fertilizer to use?”
And don’t worry if you think you don’t have a “green thumb.” Everyone has potential. Although an avid gardener herself, Lois said there is always more for her to learn. She does accounting for the company and was mostly self-taught in gardening
through internet searches and by researching different plants, varietals and bloom times.
“I’d say the biggest thing is to rely on the experts,” she said. “Most garden center employees have their own gardens at home and can relate to your successes or failures.”
At the end of the day, gardening should also be therapeutic. Being out in nature and breathing fresh air has been known to help with grief and as part of therapy for people with mental illnesses.
“There’s something popular in Japan called ‘forest bathing,’ where you go out in nature and experience the calming effect from being surrounded by living things, trees and the air,” Lois said.
“With gardening, it’s the same thing. You are working with the soil and getting your hands dirty. It distracts you and gives you the satisfaction of seeing all the color and beauty around you. It makes your house look beautiful when everything is in bloom.”
Masonic Realtors
GUIDING HOME BUYERS THROUGH A TIGHT MARKET
Real estate agents Brothers Rob Hamilton and Greg Tadda are helping guide prospective home buyers through a tight real estate market, amid high home prices and steep mortgage rates. Up against these challenging conditions, many homeowners are not inclined to sell, further restricting the already-short supply of homes on the market.
Brother Rob, Perseverance Lodge No. 21, Harrisburg, has been a realtor with RE/MAX since 2000, along with his father (also a Mason), his brother and a family friend. He enjoys guiding first-time home buyers through the purchasing process in the Harrisburg and Central Pennsylvania area.
“It is very exciting seeing them accomplish their dreams of homeownership,” he said. “I find it rewarding to give them their first place to call home.”
Rob advises anyone who is looking to buy a home to work with a qualified realtor to represent you as your buyer’s agent. Have your realtor help you through all the necessary pre-approvals and make sure to limit spending during the home-buying process (i.e. avoid large purchases like a new car or new furniture). Most important, take a deep breath and try to have some fun during the process.
“Be patient, because it can be frustrating sometimes,” Rob said. “We’ve had as many as 26 offers on one house after getting out of the pandemic. That has changed a little since then, but it’s not uncommon in our area to see multiple offers on a house.”
Today’s housing market looks different than it has in past years, when you could get a 3% interest rate on a 30-year loan. Mortgage rates now near 8% are cooling the market faster than normal. For the most part, sellers have the upper hand, Rob said.
Owners are not super motivated to sell unless they need to move due to a major life change, like a new job or an expanding family. While there used to be 50 or
60 homes for sale in the Harrisburg area at any given time, today that number is closer to 10 or 15, Rob said.
“There is still high demand and a pool of buyers,” he said. “People want to own their homes and live the American dream. But they are up against a lot of competition. In our area, there are still multiple offers and bidding wars. It’s a hot market if you’re looking to sell but challenging if you’re looking to buy.”
Rob advises sellers to price their home correctly at fair market value or even a little lower. That will lead to multiple eyes on the listing and multiple offers, ultimately leading to a higher selling price.
“It’s also very important to declutter and get your house ready for sale,” he said. “Make sure it’s clean and ready for photos and use a professional photographer. Your first showing is online these days [on Zillow, for example]. It’s really that first experience of showing your home.”
Brother Greg, Dallas Lodge No. 231, Pittsburgh, advises potential homeowners to get their finances in order sooner rather than later, making sure they have enough money for a down payment on a house and to potentially offer more than the asking price.
“It makes you more competitive and a stronger buyer in this market,” he said. “Be prepared for multiple, non-traditional and creative offers, like waiving home inspection or possibly paying for some seller closing cost, such as transfer taxes. Hopefully, the seller’s agent explains to them that the net profit is what they are looking for.”
As far as home improvements that can make a difference in bringing value to the buyer, it mainly comes down to the kitchen and the bathrooms, Greg said. If they are updated, clean and in good condition, you will get the most value from the home. Fresh paint also works wonders.
“Adding super high-end appliances in a moderately priced home would not have a return you would be looking for,” he said. “Over improving for the neighborhood is something to avoid as well.”
The most important thing to look for when touring a home is “Does it fit the lifestyle/family size you
are trying to achieve?” Greg said. “Also, are you going to be living in the home for a few years or long term? Resale value is important for short term. As far as making an offer, make sure you are comfortable with the price, down payment and closing costs and the monthly mortgage payment.”
When buying a home, you’ll need to understand what things will need to be repaired or replaced in the near future. If the roof is older, for example, plan on budgeting to replace that. Performing a home inspection to get a basic understanding of the condition of the home is always recommended.
“The best way to keep your home or lodge in good shape is to perform routine maintenance and keep the house or building clean,” Greg said. “Have the furnace inspected every year. Clean the gutters annually. If a problem arises, fix it as soon as possible. Don’t wait for it to become a bigger problem.”
Is the BLIP on Your RADAR?
The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania has partnered with Allegheny Investments to offer blue lodges an opportunity to receive professional financial advice, featuring:
• Separate accounts for each lodge fund (Reserve, Permanent Fund, Permanent Charity, etc.)
• Low annual fee of 0.45% (minimum fee of $250)
• No minimum account balance
• Seven pre-designed model portfolios matched to risk tolerances (including a cash/short-term option for short-term cash needs, such as capital expenditures)
• Investment guidance from a dedicated team of investment professionals
• Online account access with downloadable statements, which provide all information necessary to complete the trustees’ reports required for the annual lodge audit
• Prospectuses and related program information is now available for all Master Masons in Grand View
TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT: Bryan D. Hoover, CFP® 412-407-5170 bhoover@alleghenyinvestments.com
“In 2021, the lodge investments weren’t doing as well as in the past, so we decided to move all investments to a new financial advisor. After doing some research, the Grand Lodge put us in contact with Allegheny Investments through the Blue Lodge Investment Program. From the beginning, they were very helpful. They provided us with a transition process document and checklist, as well as data forms for our trustees to complete … We are very satisfied with our dealings with Allegheny Investments.”
- Thomas A Male, P.M., Secretary, Whitfield Lodge No. 622
Rob Hamilton Greg Tadda
Providing Transport TO THOSE IN NEED
The Tyrian Chapter of the PA Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association is now offering free transportation to doctors’ and other appointments, primarily for Masonic widows, veterans, Masons in need and children in distress.
The motorcycle group is seeking donations to help keep and maintain the bus serving the Pittsburgh-area community, said Brother Thomas “Hudy” Hudepohl, Senior Warden of Bethel Lodge No. 789, Lower Burrell, and President of the Tyrian Chapter. The Widows Sons is a group of Master Masons who share a passion for both Freemasonry and motorcycle riding.
“The bus was donated to us earlier this year by a Vietnam veteran,” Thomas said. “One of our members [Brother John Hanyo] was working on his house and [the veteran] wasn’t using the van and wanted to see it go to a good cause.”
Tyrian members worked hard to retrofit the bus and ensure it’s certified, drivable and safe, including adding new parts, replacing the brakes and tires and making it wheelchair accessible. Six members are currently legally allowed to drive the vehicle, which has a wheelchair lift that was donated, as well as an automated external defibrillator (AED). One of the Tyrian members, Scott Godleski, a firefighter, plans to train others in using the device to administer first aid.
Thomas is always looking for more businesses to “sponsor” the bus, dubbed “The Traveling Tyrian” and help with expenses like gas, insurance and ongoing maintenance. All donations that exceed the operating expenses will be donated to a yearly charity of choice. Donations of $150 plus or more will earn a logo on the bus for one full year, with an opportunity to promote a lodge, business or person.
“We’ve been putting the message out there,” Thomas said. “We have a ‘Traveling Tyrian’ Facebook page that already has 400+ members. We’ve been telling the other lodges about the bus, and some have donated money. We will lend it out to our other chapters. We just want to give back to the community.”
So far, the Tyrian chapter has displayed the bus at various events, including the Grand Master’s motorcycle ride in Gettysburg in August and at the Pittsburgh Shrine Center’s weekly “Thunder Thursday” Summer Music Series.
“We want to make sure our sponsors know their logos are being seen out in the community,” Thomas said. “We presented a $6,000 check to the Autism Society of Pittsburgh for the Wicked Witches Bar & Grille Autism Ride. Some of this money was raised from our van sponsorships. A lady reached out to us before the ride who has a daughter who has autism but who loves motorcycles. We invited her daughter and her family as guests of honor to ride on the bus and follow behind the bikes on the ride. It was great.”
The chapter hosts other charitable fundraisers as well throughout the year.
Raymond “Zeke” Zekir, Secretary of the Tyrian chapter and past state President, is one of the bus drivers.
“We are in the process of gathering people who need our services,” he said. “We want to help the community and widows in the area. We try to keep it [the bus] in the Pittsburgh area because of time constraints and availability, but we will go wherever the need is.”
This is not the first time the Tyrian chapter has worked to help others in need. This past April, Brother Jay Snyder, a member of the Tyrian Widows Sons, lost everything when his Leechburg home was struck by lightning.
“The Widows’ Sons, as well as the Masons (organized by Brother Keith Chvala) came together and threw a benefit for him about a week after the event,” Zeke said. “Over 400 people attended the event, and we raised over $25,000 for him.”
The Tyrians also helped tear down Jay’s house and install a temporary mobile home in its place. They donated clothes, toiletries and money to help Jay and his family get back on their feet.
“It was a huge effort by the entire Masonic community and area lodges,” he said.
Many of the chapters have stepped up when Masonic widows need work done around their home, including mowing lawns, cleaning up hedges and tearing down trees.
“Anything we can do within our means, we’re happy to help,” Zeke said.
To assist with the Tyrian Widows Sons bus, please make checks out to PA Tyrian Widows Sons and mail to: Thomas Hudepohl, 9521 Saltsburg Road, Plum, PA 15239 or email widowsSonsNo12@gmail.com.
Serving Their Country
AND EACH OTHER
Members of Joseph Warren Lodge No. 726
exemplify the ideals of Freemasonry in northwest Pennsylvania through their time serving our country and the community at large.
The lodge, which meets at Stillwater Lodge No. 547 in Youngsville, has 11 brothers who are veterans. These veterans are involved in various activities, such as overseeing the daily operations of The American Legion, belonging to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Amvets and helping to open the Allegheny Valley Veterans Center for homeless veterans. Many of the lodge’s roughly 90 members are involved in veterans’ affairs in one form or another. Some drive vans to transport veterans to doctors’ and other appointments.
Eight lodge members belong to the Warren County United Veterans Council, which supports veterans during times of crisis and educates the community through the re-integration of Warren County veterans.
The council is comprised of nine entities, including The American Legion, VFW, Amvets, the Marine Corps League and the Disabled American Veterans office. To belong to the
council, you must be honorably discharged from the Armed Services and live in Warren County.
On Veterans Day each November, the lodge hosts a dinner for veterans, and in July, they host a picnic for Warren County veterans and their families. One of the lodge members, who is not a veteran, organized a motorcycle ride that raised several thousand dollars for the Veterans Council.
“The members of our lodge are a great asset to the county council,” said Brother Paul Lauffenburger, Past Master of the lodge and a Veterans Council trustee since 2003. “As far as I know, we’re one of the only lodges in the area that are so involved with veterans’ organizations.”
Paul, a veteran himself, spent six years in the U.S. Army Reserve National Guard, with activeduty training at Fort Dix, New Jersey.
Paul has been a member of Warren Lodge since 1986. When he first joined, the lodge had over 200 members, but many of them were older and have since passed away. The lodge celebrated its 100th anniversary last year with a dinner at a local country club. The event was attended by about 150 people, including R.W. Past Grand Master Jeffrey Wonderling and several District Deputy Grand Masters, Paul said.
Brother Ryan Knopf, District Deputy Grand Master for District 56, said the lodge has become a “success story” over the past few years. Today, the lodge has about 82 members, a respectable number for a less-populated, rural area.
Presenting Ellwood National Forge with a plaque thanking them for use of their facility over the past seven years for the lodge picnic.
“They had hit a lull where they weren’t bringing in a lot of guys, but they got out there, brought in new guys and new officers in line, and the next thing you know, they are starting to flourish, bringing in up to five new members a year,” Ryan said.
In fact, the district has been able to maintain two additional lodges, in Corry and Tionesta, and plans are underway to open a third lodge next June in Spartansburg, Ryan said.
Warren Lodge has increased communication among its members through its own dedicated Facebook page, as well as a District 56 page, where members from all the district lodges can exchange ideas and information, Ryan said.
The lodge has stepped up its programming through lectures by members on topics such as the steel-making process and antique fishing lures in Pennsylvania. All events are open to the other lodges.
Warren Lodge was named District 56 Lodge of the Year in 2024, and their Worshipful Master, Michael Barrett, was named Mason of the Year, Ryan said.
While all the lodge accomplishments are things to be proud of, he said, the lodge’s service to veterans is at the top of the list.
“The lodge is probably the biggest lodge in terms of veterans outreach since there are so many veterans in the lodge,” Ryan said.
“These rural lodges are extremely involved in their communities. They may not be writing large checks to non-profit organizations, but they are involved in their churches, fire departments, scouting. [Warren Lodge] started thinking outside the box, and it’s working well for them. They’ve made a lot of progress and will continue to do so.”
Members of the Veterans Council present leadership from the Warren County Veterans Center with blankets, pillows, sheets and other items.
Sponsors Trees for Troops
To passersby, operating a tree farm may appear to be an easy, seasonal venture.
That impression couldn’t be further from the truth, according to Brother Brandon Mytrysak, who in addition to his full-time job in corrections, is a thirdgeneration tree farmer. Brandon’s grandparents started a farm in Brush Valley, PA, after World War II, and the family continued the tradition. In 2019, Brandon and his wife, Stacey, bought a larger farm in Indiana, PA, seeing the potential to expand it into something unique and special.
Accomplishing that goal is a seven-days-a-week, yearround labor of love that entails office work, mowing, planting, shearing, fertilizing and picking up pine cones. While some may scoff at the price of a fresh cut Christmas tree, getting a six-to-10-year-old tree ready for market requires a lot of time and effort. Fortunately, the Mytrysaks work well as a team, both on the farm and in raising their three daughters: Lilly, Elena and Avery.
“It seems like more and more, people are coming out for the experience” of selecting a Christmas tree, Brandon said.
During their visit to the farm on Family Fun Weekends, visitors enjoy “taking a tractor wagon ride out, walking around, selecting the perfect tree, cutting
it down, participating in the festivities and enjoying quality family time,” Brandon said. The kids enjoy visiting with Santa and playing on the playground; adults can enjoy some wine, listen to the live music and visit the gift shop.
“It’s always amazing to see return customers come on the same day every year, rain or shine, because that’s their tradition, the day they get their tree,” he said.
Others may choose to stop by and pick from a large selection of fresh pre-cut pine or spruce trees.
The farm always opens on Black Friday, and this year, the fields will close on Dec. 8. The precut lot will remain open until they are sold out.
An almost 16-year member of Indiana-Franklin Lodge No. 313, Indiana, and a former deputy and police lieutenant, Brandon was introduced to Freemasonry through his uncle, Brother Dennis Mytrysak, Loyalhanna Lodge No. 275, Latrobe. Just as the fraternity supports military members and veterans in many ways, it was important for the Mytrysaks to honor their family members who have served by finding a meaningful way to give back.
They became involved in Trees for Troops (T4T) in 2009 and load over 150-250 trees to be donated through the Christmas Spirit Foundation each year. On a specified day each season, customers can purchase a tree for the program at a discounted rate of $50 and write a personalized message for the military family who will receive it.
The community comes together to make the T4T event a success. The Johnstown Generals Hockey Team, comprised of current and retired military, volunteers to coordinate the kids’ activities; collect, tag and count donated trees; and load them into the FedEx Freight truck, which takes them to a local base. The Indiana County T4T Committee helps to
advertise the event and runs the concessions stand to raise proceeds for additional tree donations. Troops from the local reserve unit attend, and local government officials provide support.
After the holidays, the Mytrysaks receive numerous thank you notes from military families.
“It means so much to us,” Brandon said. “After all that hard work, it feels good to know we were able to brighten someone’s Christmastime.”
Mytrysak Family Trees was selected for the 2024 Christmas SPIRIT Award, given annually by the Christmas Spirit Foundation to thank recipients for their support of the T4T program.
This year’s T4T event will be held on Dec 7, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Anyone unable to attend who would like to donate a tree is encouraged to call Mytrysak Family Tree Farms at 724-463-0570 or email mytrysakfamilytrees@ gmail.com.
LODGE TRANSFORMATIONS
Bring Growth and Community
Good Samaritan Lodge No. 336, Gettysburg, recently finished its latest renovation project, providing members more space to cook meals for meetings and accommodate larger charity events from a brand-new, commercial-grade kitchen.
The $6,000 project, paid for entirely by donations from lodge members and appendant bodies who use the space, features a five-burner electric stove, a three-bay kitchen sink, stainless steel appliances, a new floor and cabinets and more. But mainly, there’s better flow to maneuver and prepare food from the space, said Brother David Jenkins, Worshipful Master and project leader.
“It was an exciting project,” he said. “The kitchen is the same size, but more functional. We re-arranged where things are located so it’s an easier kitchen to work from.”
David prepared and put cost estimates together for months. He initially approached the officers and asked for their feedback. “A lot of Worshipful Masters just plan everything on their own,” he said. “I think it takes a village and a team, and it’s important to have broad support from our officers.”
After getting the green light, David shared with the 50+ members a floor plan he created and photos of appliances he wanted to purchase for the project, so they knew what to expect.
“It’s a lot easier to get support when you provide a clear picture of what you plan to do,” he said.
All the construction work was done in-house, since many of the brothers have skills ranging from plumbing and painting to electrical work and carpentry.
The lodge hosted weeknight and weekend “work parties,” where brothers socialized while assisting with different tasks. The project was completed in time for the lodge’s September stated meeting.
David has years of leadership experience and was in a good position to lead the team, plan a project and see it through.
“I’m pretty handy and have done lots of project planning in the past, so I understand how to do it,” he said. “We have brothers who are willing to put the time and effort into the different tasks, so that’s great. That way, you don’t have to spend two and a half times more to hire someone to do the work. You just need to purchase the supplies and manage the project.”
Brother William (Bill) Mooney, who has a restaurant background and cooks most of the lodge meals, is particularly excited about the new kitchen. The lodge previously used a caterer to cook for the monthly meetings, but he was no longer available during the pandemic. In 2022, Bill was able to find Mason-owned restaurants to donate dinners for a short time. After that, he began cooking the dinners on his own, thanks to food donations. Today, he still prepares most of the meals and is looking forward to using the new kitchen.
“It has been a labor of love,” Bill said. “When I cook for my brothers, it’s like cooking for actual family. I always put effort and dedication into it.”
Cooking for 25 to 50 people out of a small space with poor flow had become increasingly difficult, Bill said. In addition, brothers wanted to start hosting larger charity events where they could prepare, cook and serve their own food.
In addition to their stated meetings, David hopes to use the kitchen for one-off events, like Super Bowl parties and the Civil War dinner the lodge hosts twice a year,
which includes a speaker and a home-cooked meal based on recipes from a Civil War-era cookbook.
The lodge also holds spaghetti dinner fundraisers to raise money for a local soup kitchen. These events are open to the public.
“We recently had a silent auction (attended by 100 people) where people could bid on different items in our dining room,” David said. “We were able to raise a lot of money for the Children’s Advocacy Center and the Masonic Children’s Home.”
David is currently exploring future projects for the lodge building, including installing a new floor in the dining room.
“If you do something each year, and not all at once, it’s more manageable and not cost-prohibitive,” David said.
“Last year, we repainted the dining room and main hallway and started on this path of refreshing and updating the building. It’s a great way to get some of our newer members involved and build relationships by working next to each other to get things done.”
David is confident that upgrading the building will improve its look and visibility, potentially making it more attractive to new members. Over the past few months, the lodge initiated six members, and they expect the number to grow.
“When we have events where we invite the public, they get to see who we are, what we’re about and what we’re raising money for,” he said. “There’s a real appeal to know there’s an organization out there that cares about the community.”
Fritz Lodge No. 308, Conshohocken, has gotten a facelift.
Thanks to a partnership with the Borough of Conshohocken, the lodge’s property on Fayette Street has been transformed into a peaceful “pocket park,” filled with trees, benches, picnic tables and a walking path, all of it open to the public to enjoy.
The borough paid for all the enhancements and is responsible for snow removal and lawn maintenance. The project includes a newly paved parking lot and a large, double-sided digital sign out front, announcing township updates and lodge events. LED streetlights were added to make the building more visible at night.
“We have a prominent, town-facing property on the main Fayette Street,” said Brother Brenden Shaw, W.M. “We see people using the park now for somewhere to sit. It has been nice to see more presence from the public on the property. The whole building looks great.”
The lodge, which has met at this location at 8th and Fayette Streets since 1931, has more than 200 members. The lodge signed a 20-year lease agreement with the borough for the pocket park. The project, which took a little over a year to complete, was finished in September 2023.
Z. Raymond Sokolowski, Executive Director of Operations for the borough, said the borough was interested in the project because of the lodge’s location on the upper end of Fayette Street.
The goal is to bring more foot traffic from the bars and restaurants on the lower end of the street to the more central area of Fayette Street.
“We had a town meeting just after the [pandemic] and someone from the community brought up the idea of a pocket park,” he said. “Immediately, the lodge came to my mind as a good area for it.”
In fact, Ray was so impressed with the lodge members, he decided to become a Mason himself after the park project was completed.
“We [the town] had a meeting with the [lodge] membership once or twice to discuss the pocket park,” he said.
“We had never really had a relationship with the Masons before. I’ve lived in this town all my life, and I was a police officer, but I had never been in the building. I knew someone through the police department who was a Mason and he told me about it, and I became interested. It’s a great organization.”
Brother Sheldon Simpson, P.M., said he appreciates the visibility that the park brings to the lodge and Freemasonry as a whole.
“We are happy to see people coming out to see our building,” he said. “We’ve gotten some inquiries about membership. We hope to host more community events here on the property.”
Fritz Lodge has been part of the annual car show and the Soap Box Derby. Both events take place along Fayette Street, and now people can sit in the park and observe them. Ray said the town plans to organize more events with the Masons to get the word out about the park.
Glenn Quinn, who was Worshipful Master when the pocket park was being planned, agreed. “It’s nice that the people of Conshohocken want to be a part of this.”
Some of the benches located on the property memorialize Conshohocken residents who have passed away. There’s also a small mobile library with a bench, courtesy of a local Eagle Scout whose father is a member of the lodge.
Brian Coll, who co-owns Coll’s Custom Framing and Photography on Fayette Street with his father, Brother Jack Coll, a member of Fritz Lodge, is thrilled with the creation of the park, just four blocks from their building.
Brian and Jack wrote their own history book and operate the website Conshystuff. com, with news about what’s going on in the borough.
“I do a lot of walking around Conshohocken, and this park is one of the stops I gravitate towards,” Brian said. “It’s weird to find a moment of peace near a four-lane highway. It was done well enough where you feel like you can sit down and just kind of relax for a few minutes and take your mind off the world.
“On the Masonic side of things, it brought needed visibility,” he added. “The average Conshohocken resident has no idea what the building is and what it’s used for. This type of crossover between the borough and the lodge makes a lot of sense.”
Whether your lodge needs an internal upgrade or an external revitalization, these two lodges have shown that where there’s a will, there’s a way. Exploring partnerships, taking on one project at a time and soliciting brothers willing to contribute some elbow grease can yield greater benefits than you’d ever imagine: quality socialization, enhanced visibility, increased opportunities in the community and even some membership applications.
Masonic Village Names Executive Director
Michael Katzenmoyer was promoted to Executive Director for the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown upon the retirement of Brother Mike Rowe, effective Sept. 30, 2024.
Brother Michael served as Director of Facilities and Grounds for the Masonic Village since January 2015. In addition to overseeing the maintenance, housekeeping, landscape and security of the campus, he was responsible for capital projects, budgets, environmental services and sustainability initiatives. In his new role, he provides direction and leadership for all service areas.
Previously, Michael served as the Facilities Director for the Pottsgrove School District for 14 years.
A Certified Facilities Manager and Certified Energy Auditor, Michael studied electrical technology at Berks Technical Institute and business administration at Elizabethtown College. He is a member of the Association of Energy Engineers and the International Facilities Management Association, for which he served as a board member of the Pennsylvania chapter.
“I am committed to providing exceptional customer service to our residents and visitors while managing, coaching and developing team members in furthering our Mission of Love,” Michael said.
Michael and his wife, Charlotte, have five children and one grandson. He is a member of Ephrata Lodge No. 665, Lancaster Lodge of Perfection and the Valley of Harrisburg.
Give the perfect gift! When ordering a gift box:
• Choose delicious fruit butters & preserves from catalog listings.
• We will select the best apple varieties available, unless otherwise specified.
• Jarred goods may be replaced with many of our other products. Prices may vary; please call for details.
Customized gift boxes are available year ‘round. However, those containing fruit are only available Sept. - March. Shipping costs vary. For details, please call 717-367-4520, or order online.
• Gift certificates are also available. | MVFarmMarket.com
A PHILLIE “FAN”TASTIC EVENT
Take me out to the ball game
Take me out with the crowd ...
Thanks to several generous corporations, dozens of youth and adults with special needs were able to experience this favorite American pastime, many for the first time - and in style!
Youth from the Masonic Children’s Home and adult residents of the Bleiler Caring Cottage traveled by charter bus to Philadelphia to watch the Philadelphia Phillies win against the Miami Marlins on Sunday, June 30, at Citizens Bank Park. They were joined in a private suite by Masonic Villages and Grand Lodge leadership, as well as Masonic Children’s Home staff and board members.
Attendees enjoyed the nail-biting game from the comfort of a private, air-conditioned room, while devouring catered ballpark favorites, like chicken fingers, popcorn and Philly cheesesteaks. The Phillie Phanatic mascot even paid them a visit!
“It was a celebration of the end of the year,” said Brother Mark R. Kurzenknabe, Director of the Masonic Children’s Home.
“It was really nice to see the children enjoying the game. It’s an experience they might not get otherwise.”
Charles, 12, said it was his first time attending a professional sporting event, and as a Philadelphia sports fan, he was thrilled.
“My favorite part was when Brandon Marsh hit a triple decker, when they got a home run and when [the Phillies] came back to win the game,” he said. “I probably would never get this experience any other time, so I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
Calvin, 18, said he also had a great time at the game. “It was really competitive and fun,” he said. “I enjoyed hanging out with my friends, and my friend Nathan was teaching me the rules of the game so I could learn more.”
He said he was thankful for the support from donors to provide this experience.
“I really appreciate it. I thank them for everything they do for me and everyone else at the children’s home.”
The residents of the Bleiler Caring Cottage at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, which provides compassionate care for adults with intellectual developmental disabilities, also enjoyed the outing.
“The game was so much fun!” Chris, a cottage resident, said. “Everyone had a great day, and the Phillies came back to win!”
Holly, another cottage resident, said, “I had a blast! I met new people, and we all got to cheer on our favorite team.”
A HUGE thank you to Christenson Investment Partners, Boyd Watterson Asset Management, National Investment Services and Mill Creek Capital Advisors for providing this amazing opportunity!
Competing in the Transplant Games
When Jim Zimmerman lost his son, James Jr., 38, in 2015, he was lost and inconsolable. James Jr. was an organ donor, and the family donated his heart and other organs.
Brother Bill Soloway, age 49, was on the transplant list, waiting for a heart transplant due to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He had gone from cycling hundreds of miles a week to barely being able to walk up the stairs.
On June 16, 2015, Bill received a life-altering call that a heart was available for him at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. It was James’ heart. Today, thanks to the transplant, Bill is doing well and serves as Director of the Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program.
In 2018, Jim and Bill met in person and became fast friends. “I’m so grateful that somebody like Bill got my son’s heart,” Jim said. “He is a very caring person. He takes me to baseball games and stuff like that. We do so much together. He has done so much for me.”
In July, the two men attended the Transplant Games of America together in Birmingham, Alabama, as part of Team Philadelphia. While Jim did not participate in events like swimming, cycling and pickleball, he was there to cheer Bill on, and Bill ended up giving him his medals.
“I gave them to my donor’s father because I wouldn’t be able to do anything without his son’s gifts,” Bill said.
The Transplant Games is a biennial summer Olympicstyle competition that raises organ and tissue donor awareness by showcasing the abilities of individuals who have undergone life-saving transplant surgeries.
Competition events are open to organ transplant recipients, living donors, bone marrow recipients and some corneal and tissue transplant recipients. The event also honors those whose loved ones have given the gift of life and includes programs for donor families.
In Pennsylvania, two teams typically compete in the Transplant Games: Team Philadelphia and Team Alleghenies in western Pennsylvania.
“The Transplant Games is another resource that the Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program uses to help post-transplant patients get their lives back,” Bill said. “For me, the Transplant Games was my motivation to get out of bed after my transplant and get back to moving again. But it’s not just about winning medals; it’s about meeting other people with similar journeys and having that support.”
Competitors must have been transplanted for at least nine months, with stable graft function, be medically fit and have trained at the events in which they have entered.
Brother Cameron Smith, Fritz Lodge No. 308, Conshohocken, competed with Bill on Team Philly this summer. Cameron donated a kidney to his nephew, Kyle, in 2022. He is also a regular blood donor. For more than 27 years, Cameron has participated in the annual Organ Donor Awareness 5K and 10K races in Philadelphia. He has also competed in numerous Sprint, Olympic, half and full-distance (Ironman) triathlons.
At the Transplant Games, Cameron participated in a triathlon consisting of a 1,500-meter run, a 15-mile bike ride and a 500-meter swim. He earned four gold medals and a bronze medal.
Bill presenting Jim with his medals.
“This was the first time I was able to compete in the games since I only donated my kidney in August 2022, and they only have this event every two years,” Cameron said. “It was a really unique experience. It was nice to meet and see other people in the transplant community. When I first donated, I didn’t think much of it, but [the Games] make a huge deal about people donating, whether it’s a living donation or the families of donors who give, because they are trying to make the point that you’re really and truly saving a life.”
To learn more about the Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program, visit masonicbloodandorgandonors.org.
Cameron’s medals
Bill presenting Jim with his medals.
Widows’ Guild Offers Comfort & Connections
On July 17, 128 widows and guests attended the annual luncheon at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown to recognize and honor Masonic widows residing on the campus and in the surrounding community. Brother Joe Pullin, W.M., Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, presented Blue Slipper pins to 19 new Widows’ Guild members. Brother Nick Mahler, Vice President, Office of Mission Development & Advancement, offered some remarks at the event, hosted by Linda Jackson, Director of Philanthropic and Widows Support.
For Susan Wollyung, it was her first time attending a Widows’ Guild event.
Her husband, Christopher, was a member of Arbutus Lodge No. 611 (now part of Laurel Lodge No. 467, White Haven). The Wollyungs were married almost 37 years, served in ministry together and have three children.
“When my husband passed, the first card I received was from the Widows’ Guild, which was very touching,” Susan said.
“It let me know I was not alone; I don’t think there is anything more moving, uplifting and encouraging you can hear at a time like that.”
While Susan had not previously been aware of the Widows Guild, “I could tell it was associated with the Masonic lodge,” she said. “I recalled he [Christopher] had mentioned at some point we should look into retirement [at Masonic Village]. The card was just incredibly powerful and significant. It’s been just over seven years, but I remember that sensation like it was yesterday. It’s what triggered me to consider looking into relocating to Masonic Village for myself.”
While working through her own grief, Susan embarked on one last ministry venture, followed by several years caring for her mother. She continued to receive newsletters from the Widows’ Guild periodically, and eventually moved to the Masonic Village in July 2023.
When she received the invitation to the widows’ luncheon this past July, she recognized the Blue Slipper.
“I immediately got this overwhelming sense of peace,” she said. “I looked forward to the opportunity to meet other members and share with the staff how significant their communications were to me and the tremendous amount of appreciation I feel.
“It was an incredibly awesome experience. I didn’t expect to know anyone there, but when I walked into the room, a group of ladies I’ve grown close to were there. I didn’t
realize they were a part of [the guild] too, so we all sat together.”
In addition to sharing her story at the luncheon, Susan offered to say grace before the meal. She described the event as beautiful, warm and welcoming.
“God’s hand is in all things,” Susan said. “I pinch myself daily to think I’m actually here. I feel richly blessed beyond what I deserve, for sure.”
This event was one of several held throughout the Commonwealth over the past year. For more information about the Widows’ Guild, please contact Linda Jackson at 717-367-1121, ext. 33497, or lmjackson@ masonicvillages.org. Or, visit pagrandlodge.org/outreach.
Above: Susan Wollyung shares her story and appreciation during the luncheon.
Top, Left: Linda Jackson presents a membership certificate and Blue Slipper Pin to Carolind Parson.
Newly Renovated Apartments Coming to Elizabethtown in 2026!
The first phase of a multi-year renovation of several buildings in the Village Green area of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown will begin in March 2025, resulting in one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments with a kitchen, living room, washer/dryer and modern technology.
These beautiful stone apartment buildings, located in the hub of campus, are walking distance to convenient amenities, including several restaurants, a tavern, wellness center, recreation areas, a library, art studio, salon and spa, multimedia lifelong learning center, library and gift shop.
Pennsylvania Masons will be given the first opportunity to reserve one of the 19 new apartments in the first phase prior to marketing to the general public. Entrance fees and monthly service fees are moderately priced compared to other homes on campus.
Each residence varies in size and includes window treatments, emergency call system, smoke detector and individually-controlled thermostats.
If you are interested in more information, with no obligation, contact a member of our sales team at MVEMarketing@ masonicvillages.org or call 717-473-0614. If you are already on the priority wait list for retirement living, contact your sales counselor directly.
Daman Building
Dauphin Building
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation (PMYF) needs your help! We’re in the midst of our 2025 Scholarship Application season, which runs until March 15, 2025, and we want your help in growing participation in this exciting opportunity for undergraduate students. Last year, 135 applications were received from students representing 47 counties, and our goal is to grow the number of applications submitted, as well as the counties that are touched by our program. Please see the map below for the 2024 distribution of applications and the amounts awarded to students who reside in those counties. Last year, the PMYF awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships.
Basic eligibility for a PMYF scholarship requires that an applicant be a member in good standing of a Pennsylvania Masonic Lodge, his child, step-child, grandchild, great-grandchild, sibling or dependent (as
defined by the IRS); or a present or former member of one of the Masonic-related youth groups; or a resident or graduate of the Masonic Children’s Home. The applicant must be a high school graduate or a high school senior who is pursuing higher education. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA, and the grants are only applicable to undergraduate tuition and fees. Applications must be postmarked by March 15, 2025.
The application for the PMYF Scholarship and a Scholarship Resource Guide are available at www. pmyf.org by clicking the “Scholarships” button. The Resource Guide lists over 50 different scholarships that are available this year. If you would prefer a copy of the guide or application be mailed directly to you or your student, please contact Brother Dave Berry, Executive Director of the PMYF, via email at dwberry@pmyf.org or phone 717-367-1536, ext. 4.
YOUTH FOUNDATION 2024 SCHOLARSHIP
PENNSYLVANIA
PMYF Summer Fun in Photos
For more information on any of the Masonic youth groups (DeMolay, Knights of Pythagoras, Job’s Daughters, Rainbow Girls and Ruth Mitchell Tucker Girls Youth Department) or how you can volunteer to support them, contact the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation today at 1-800-266-8424 or pmyf@pagrandlodge.org.
Follow the foundation’s happenings on social media:
LifeSkills 2024
KeyMan 2024
Knights of Pythagoras
Girls’ Leadership Camp
Girls’ Leadership Camp
LifeSkills 2024
Giving is Mutually Beneficial
DONORS SHARE HOW SUPPORTING MASONIC CHARITIES
HELPS THEM MEET THEIR PERSONAL & FINANCIAL GOALS
“Giving through the Cornerstone Circle makes donating to Masonic Village a seamless process. I get to give a decent amount on a frequent basis, but not have a large impact to my personal finances at the end of the year.” - MATT
M., LITITZ,
PA
“Moving to Pennsylvania from out of state, the seminars we attended were extraordinarily helpful in understanding everything that had to be changed. From the get-go, the gift and estate planning resources have been incredibly helpful, and we feel very fortunate to have had them at our disposal. Nick explained the various Masonic Charities and provided us with a list of vetted attorneys and accountants whose expertise, combined with that of our financial advisor, helped us get our gift plan in order. We are thankful for all their support and guidance as we completed our bequest.”
- NANCY & JIM H., ELIZABETHTOWN, PA
“My experience with the Office of Mission Advancement and Development was terrific! Nick came to my home and helped me with the details of my bequest to the Masonic Village. I had a very enjoyable afternoon attending my first Franklin Legacy Society reception. It was great getting to know the Masons and their wives at my table, and of course, the food was also scrumptious! I can hardly wait for the next one.”
- YVONNE K., ELIZABETHTOWN, PA
“We’re grateful to Linda for helping us with our charitable gift annuities. Her advice to take two rather than one with both our names turned out to be the answer we were looking for, because it provided us a greater tax deduction and a guaranteed monthly income stream while accomplishing our goal of supporting Masonic Village. We appreciate her time and effort in helping us complete the forms and get it all set up. It was truly a win-win.”
- EILEEN & BOB M., ELIZABETHTOWN, PA
“I am a 52-year Mason, so supporting the worthwhile causes through the Masonic Charities is important to my wife and me. Contributing to the charities with a required minimum distribution from our IRA allows us to give without our gift being subject to tax. The staff at the Masonic Charities office has always been thoughtful and warm in showing their appreciation.”
- RALPH AND ROSEANN T., CHAMBERSBURG, PA
Let us help you find a meaningful way to support your favorite Masonic charity and fulfill your objectives. Contact us at MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org or call 1-800-599-6454.
