The Difference You’re Making in the Lives of Children!
HOME’S GROWN KIDS
SUMMER 2017
SUMMER 2017
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ADMINISTRATION Virginia Migrala Director of Children’s Services Mark Kurzenknabe Assistant Director of Children’s Services Paula Morrow Social Worker Rachele Stiffler Department Coordinator Donna Shaffer Educational Coordinator Donna Culbertson Administrative Assistant
CONTACT Virginia Migrala 717-367-1121, ext. 33301 vmigrala@masonicvillages.org Masonic Village at Elizabethtown One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Bridget and Cassie are so excited about the thought of having their own bedrooms. Check out their drawings! You can help make their dreams come true (p. 7).
A HELLO AND A GOODBYE From entrance into the program to graduation, your gifts are making a difference in the daily lives of our children. When you’re going through a major change in your life, it can help to talk to someone who has already been there. Friends Autumn, a 2017 children’s home graduate, and Bridget, a 10-year-old girl who is new to the children’s home, sat down and connected at either end of a shared experience. Q: What did you think when you first came to the children’s home?
Q: What advice do you have for each other? A: I would say never stop asking questions and always learn from other people. Here, you can learn to build your character and learn responsibility and how to be independent. B: What does independent mean again? Like learning how to print off your own grades from the computer? A: Something like that. B: Whereever you go, you can always think of us, and whenever someone is mean to you, you can always think of us. Also, don’t get stressed too much and always have fun no matter what you’re doing. Q: Where do you see yourselves in the future? B: I see myself driving a sports car and graduating from here. I will probably cry because I would miss everyone. A: It’s weird to think about the future because
Q: What are your favorite memories with house parents? B: I like going out to run errands when all of us are in the van. We get to listen to music and do funny dances. Everyone is like a mix of friends and sisters. I just like the house parents here because if you ever make a mistake, they help you fix it. A: I’m going to miss their advice. When you have a bad day, it’s nice to know someone is there for you. We used to watch 80s movies together. It was so much fun. I’m also going to miss their cooking. Miss G is the world’s best baker - I love her pound cake! Q: What would you say to the people who give money to the children’s home? A: Before I came here, I didn’t have nice things. I never got new clothes or things that I needed. I would just want to thank them, because they don’t know how much they’ve changed my life. B: Some of the money I’ve been saving in my pouch, I would give to them because they gave money to help me.
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B: I was scared because I was away from family, and I’ve never been away from my family before, but I’m okay now. Now I really like it here, and I have friends I can play with and people I can talk to.
I’ve been here for so long. Now that it’s ending, I realize how grateful I am because this is the one home I’ve had that I haven’t moved out of. It’s been the one thing that’s been constant in my life.
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A: At the time, I was 10 years old and didn’t know myself well. I thought it was so beautiful here, but I also felt strange because I was used to moving around a lot. I wasn’t used to having everything I needed in one place.
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CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR GRADUATES Thanks to you, these four graduates are ready for the next phase of life. ANDERSON
AUTUMN
Anderson was placed in foster care at 3 years old. Before arriving at the children’s home in 2015, he was bumped from home to home, never able to settle down.
Autumn came to the children’s home in 2000, and some of her favorite memories include watching 80s movies and having great conversations with her friends and house parents.
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“Living at the children’s home for the last two years has allowed me to achieve and participate in more things than I have in my entire life,” Anderson said. “It gave me a new life and a second chance. I truly believe it saved me.”
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Anderson had many goals for himself in high school, which he achieved, including maintaining good grades and making the high school basketball team. During his junior year - the first year he made the basketball team - Anderson got his first job bussing tables at a local restaurant and volunteered in the community at a summer camp for intellectually disabled individuals. “Proving in the past year that he can balance a job, schoolwork and playing a high school sport, Anderson is heading in the right direction for a successful adult life,” Anderson’s basketball coach, Jonathan Parise, said. Anderson will go on to study graphic design at California University of Pennsylvania.
Autumn has enrolled in the Douglas Education Center for a degree in special effects. Her interest in art started when she was a little girl, and the career will blend her artistic abilities with her love for movies and storytelling. “Her ability in art is her gift to the world,” Kay Reist, Autumn’s art teacher, said. When not in school or working on her latest masterpiece, Autumn works at a local amusement park, spends time with friends and volunteers in the community. “As I leave the children’s home behind, I take wonderful memories along with me. I have learned how to be a leader and express myself through art. I hope to make everyone proud.”
WANDJA (“Curtis”)
SARAH
By the time he made it to the children’s home in 2012, Curtis had already lived on three different continents.
When Sarah came to the children’s home in 2013, she was a struggling student who was working hard to overcome a lot.
“Rebuilding every time you travel is hard. Coming here was wonderful because I didn’t have to move over and over again,” Curtis said. “The children’s home has given me the tools I need to succeed.”
“In the last three years, she has grown and matured beautifully. It has been a joy watching her grow as a person,” Sarah’s band director, Steven Barraclough, said.
“I chose this career because I have always had a passion for sports. It was through sports that I was able to make lasting friendships and reconnect with scattered family members. I want to work as a sports agent to one day help athletes achieve a goal I once had for myself,” Curtis said. Curtis played varsity soccer for three years, and, during his senior year, his team made it to the State Championships. “Growing up at Masonic has helped me so much. It’s given me a stable place to live, create friendships and build memories that I will never forget,” Curtis said.
In the fall, Sarah will attend Northampton Community College to become a veterinary technician. “Animals and their care and well-being have been a passion of mine since I was a little girl,” Sarah said. Aside from being engaged in her studies, Sarah participated in many extracurricular activities including clubs, marching band and working part-time as a lifeguard. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities she’s received thanks to staff and donors. “Without you, we wouldn’t have a place to call home,” she said. “For us, every day was a family reunion, and I will miss having the people closest to me 40 steps away.”
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The brother of Steve Osango, a 2014 graduate currently studying at Central Penn College, Curtis will begin studying sports management at Millersville University in the fall.
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“I can’t wait to see my new room. I’m sure it will have everything I’ve ever wanted and more - like an ice cream fridge and a robot who cleans!”
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-CASSIE, age 13
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Financial information about Masonic Village can be obtained by contacting us at 1-800-599-6454. In addition, Masonic Charities is required to file financial information with several states. Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State. (303) 894-2680, http://www.sos.state.co.us/. Florida: SC No. 00774, A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE, WITHIN THE STATE, 1-800-HELP-FLA. Georgia: full and fair description of the programs and activities of Masonic Charities and its financial statement are available upon request at the address indicated above. Illinois: Contracts and reports regarding Masonic Charities are on file with the Illinois Attorney General. Maryland: For the cost of postage and copying, documents and information filed under the Maryland charitable organizations laws can be obtained from the Secretary of State, Charitable Division, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401, (800) 825-4510. Michigan: MICS No. 11796 Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 1-888-236-6167. New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BY CALLING (973) 504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/ocp.htm#charity. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT. New York: A copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing the Charities Bureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271. North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 1-888-830-4989. Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Masonic Charities may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free, within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Virginia: Financial statements are available from the State Office of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA, 23218. Washington: The notice of soliciation required by the Charitable Solicitation Act is on file with the Washington Secretary of State, and information relating to financial affairs of Masonic Charities is available from the Secretary of State, and the toll-free number for Washington residents: 1-800-332-4483. West Virginia: West Virginia residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. REGISTRATION IN THE ABOVE STATES DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION OF MASONIC CHARITIES BY THE STATE.
the
EXCITEMENT is
BUILDING
We still need your help! Furnishings are still needed to complete the first renovation to the children’s home since 1994. The Masonic Children’s Home is undergoing a facelift that will unveil a kid-centric décor to maximize the space within each cottage and provide more private, as well as shared, spaces for the kids to ... well, be kids! This will be the five cottages’ first renovations since the program was moved to its current hilltop location in 1994. Each of the children will soon have his or her own bedroom, and the shared spaces within each cottage will be more open and modern, with windows that allow them to appreciate the beautiful view of the campus. The cottage interiors will be bright and clean looking with vibrant pops of color. While ensuring durability in function, the décor will present a welcoming, fun atmosphere, featuring homework zones with study nooks that are comfortable, versatile and creative.
We still need your help! Furnishings are still needed to complete the renovation. To view the renovations wish list full of items like bedroom sets, kitchen stools, office equipment and study room needs, visit MasonicCharitiesPa.org today!
HOME’S GROWN KIDS
This summer, the cottages for girls, the administration office and the resource center will be completed. The exteriors will be updated this fall, and next summer, the boys’ cottages will be finished.
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The resource center garage will be converted into a new multi-purpose room, which kids and staff are excited to use for meetings, dinners, movies and other group activities.
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YOUTH APPRECIATION DAY Your investment in children creates successful adults. The achievements of the 36 young men and women of the children’s home were celebrated on May 19 at the 94th annual Youth Appreciation Day. Recognized for their athletics, citizenship, creativity, scholarship and vocation, each child received personalized awards. The four graduating seniors spoke in admiration for children’s home staff and donors, sharing their hopes and dreams for the future. While looking into an audience full of young and familiar faces, each of the seniors addressed the crowd with thanks.
“I moved here from South Africa, where basic necessities were hard to come by. Life was hard, but everyone here made it all so easy for me. I have made memories I will hold forever.” - WANDJA, class of 2017
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Grand Master Raymond T. Dietz spoke of the “winner” inside of each child: “For over a century, Pennsylvania Masons have helped young people find the winner inside and given them the tools and confidence to stand tall. Winners are
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not people who never fail, but people who choose to never quit. Don’t ever sell yourself short or be ashamed of who you are. Believe in yourself, reach high and dream big.” Donors who have made a cumulative donation of $1,000 or more in 2017 or are members of the Masonic Children’s Home Centennial Society for planned giving will receive an invitation to 2018’s annual Youth Appreciation Day.
Tree Planting Following tradition, a tree was planted at the children’s home in honor of the four graduating seniors and will serve as a lasting symbol of their ties to the children’s home and the community in which they grew into wonderful young adults.
WHY EVELYN CHOOSES TO GIVE Donors like you were there for her husband in 1917 when he was just a boy. One small boy was fortunate to attend the children’s home in 1917, soon after its construction. During his childhood, the boy experienced an accident which resulted in an infected leg. He required treatment at the Masonic Health Care Center on the Elizabethtown campus for more than a year. Since this was prior to modern medicine and the use of antibiotics, there was talk of amputation.
Since then, his widow, Evelyn Hunter-Longdon, has remembered those special words, and, in 2003, began making significant contributions to the children’s home in honor of her husband. She worked with Alvin Blitz, chief gift planning officer, and over the course of 14 years, a friendship was built between them. Today, Evelyn supports the daily needs of the children as well as multiple scholarships. In turn, the resource center on campus has been named for her. “Alvin has helped me fulfill my husband’s wish, which has also became my love,” she said. Stan Longdon’s success story personifies the work of generous donors, and Evelyn’s is a true story of paying it forward.
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In 1982, this young man met the love of his life, a nurse anesthetist and graduate of Duke University. As husband and wife, they were active philanthropists. In 1996, he passed away at age 91. He often credited the good care he received at the children’s home for saving his life and greatly influencing him to become the man he was.
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Fortunately, his physician decided to try a new treatment, called Dakin’s Solution, a recipe used to kill bacteria growth in wounds. The treatment worked, and the little boy recovered from his misfortune. He grew up to be a healthy and successful businessman.
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THANK YOU HONORARIUM GIFTS SCHOLAR DONORS Charles Baltzer William Brady George and Carla Fishel James A. and Doralice P. Hinton, CRUT Richard and Susan Kirk Glenn and Barbara Kurzenknabe Joseph and Barbara Murphy
HONOREE
Mason and Joy Crawford Danville-Mahoning Lodge No. 224 Raymond A. Dubbs Lawrence W. Leaver Don Lindt Charles E. Nicholson Charles E. Nicholson, III Charles E. Nicholson, Jr.
DONOR
David Crawford Richard Temple Wayne and Debra Dubbs Ryan Leaver George Lindt Charles Nicholson Charles Nicholson Charles Nicholson
Retirement Living Residents’ Association Richard Vaux-Ivanhoe Lodge No. 384 John Savickas Williamson-Corinthian Lodge No. 368 Judith Wolf Luther and Kimberly Zarfoss
EDUCATOR DONORS Nancy Twigger
AUTHOR DONORS Robert and Joan Terwilliger
WISH LIST CONTRIBUTORS Wayne and Nancylee Garafola Ronald and Judy McKnight Joan Muffler Richard Vaux Ivanhoe, Lodge No. 384
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Judith Wolf
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MEMORIAL GIFTS MEMORIAL DONOR Carol Beckwith Erla M. Beddow James R. Beisel Robert W. Berlew James E. Bird Daniel B. Breneman Marie M. Brenneman F. Frederick Breuninger Betty Lou and JoAnne Brooke Jay G. Brossman Harold E. Brubaker Ida Bueki Vida and Harry Burchfield Bowman B. Burrier Doris Byrne Victor A. Caddick Joseph Richard Carter, Jr. Henry A. Clay Donald W. Cox Crispiniano and Leonila Enrique Evans A. Crosby Harry E. Dayton Arthur DiCicco Leonard Dickens Armando M. Duran
Jon and Barbara Lines Hugh Beddow Margaret King Ida Berlew Jane Bird Patricia Breneman Jay Brenneman Sally Breuninger Robert Brooke Stuart and Barbara Brown Kenneth and Janet Burd Gerald and Patricia Kemmerer Helen Weaver Philip and Kristen Bueki John and Carol Bream Cora Burrier Stuart and Barbara Brown David and Donna Caddick Jim and Patricia Aubry Howard and Sharon Campbell Thomas and Patricia Cramp Denise Frame John and Carol Kovalcik Charles and Peggy Marino Marcia McQueen William and Susan Mertz Donald Sanders Sandra Sapa Nancy Stauffer Jane Vannier Stuart and Barbara Brown Janet Cox Edgar and Rebecca Flores Richard and Esther Crosby Robert and Barbara Zeiders Frank DiCicco Tracy Miller Stacy Duran
MEMORIAL GIFTS MEMORIAL
DONOR
MEMORIAL
DONOR
Grace L. Dzurec Kathleen C. Eckard James T. English Joseph Fickes Donna L. Filson Donald W. Finkbeiner Margaret H. Fritz Joan Geary George I. Gilson, Jr. Dawn Giordas Edgar L. Herbine Daniel Hoover Delmer L. Hoover Charles (Bud) Jamison Thomas P. Kilduff John W. Kirkpatrick Maynard W. Krug Afroditi Kustas Joan Anne Leaver Peggy L. Leitzel Steve and Kay Lindt William B. Long John D. Lucas Susan Lutz Charles and Elona MacMath Anthony C. Markette Thomas H. Martin Robert J. Matthews Max S. Mayer William D. McElravy Owen McFadden Vivian S. McMullen Frank and Kathryn Meloney James F. Morgan Kenneth Tyson Nagie Bernice M. Nay James Stiles Nicholson James C. Nickle Rosemary C. Oberholtzer Daniel Padeanin Clarence N. Peters Virginia B. Rainey Ellis F. Riebel Sherena Ross
Cleo Pfeifer Norman Eckard Margery English Tarrie and Donna Fickes John Filson Ann Finkbeiner Flossabell Wood Ralph Geary Chris and Joan Reynolds George Giordas Alice Herbine Dallas Hoover Dallas Hoover Stuart and Barbara Brown Keith Jones Leroy and Gertrude Gutshall Doris Krug Konstantine Kustas Ryan Leaver Audrey Stroup George Lindt Alice Long Shirley Lucas James and Lois Altemose NC Chamber John and Eileen Rimmer Scheffler and Bershatsky Family Wayne and Maureen MacMath Donna Markette Elizabeth Martin Stuart and Barbara Brown Pearl Mayer William and Anna Peck Ashley Heiberger Stuart and Barbara Brown Sally Heil Ken and Joan McMullen Mark and Lori Proper Audrey Stroup Eloise Watson Louise Hutchinson James and Joann Morgan Gail Nagie John Nay Charles Nicholson Samuel and Laura McElheny William Oberholtzer Richard and Judith McEwen Anna Peters Joseph and Kathryn Gallagher Joanne Riebel Allen and Linda Ross
Rudolph H. Schaar Otto G. Schmidt Harry Segal Elmer E. Shetter Mr. and Mrs. Martin J. Showers Jean A. Silvius Marvin E. Simmons David F. Smith Delores E. Smith Richard E. Smith Benjamin E. Smyers William S. Stout Jay Tarnopolski J. R. Tarr William J. Twigger John K. Wanner Patricia J. Weckerly Charles (Ted) Weiler Earl and Florence Wolf Archie B. Young
Aden and Merna Francis Frank Johnson, Jr. Andrew and Bunny Zelez Richard and Pauline Anglin Robert and Grace Showers James Silvius Joseph and Betty McGown Robert and Barbara Zeiders Stuart and Barbara Brown Alethia Smith Robert and Bonnie Smyers Dorothy Stout Philip and Kristen Bueki James and Sara Tarr Nancy Twigger Michael and Diane Romito Ivan Weckerly Steven and Celina Amaral Antonette Sdao Stewart and Sandra Wolf James and Charm Young
Donors make each accomplishment and opportunity at the Masonic Children’s Home possible. Thank you to all of the generous people who have changed the course of our children’s lives by financially supporting our mission between Jan. 1. and April 30. We have taken great care to ensure the accuracy of the names listed on these pages. We regret any errors or omissions.
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If an error has been made, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-599-6454. We will be happy to correct our records.
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MASONIC CHARITIES Office of Gift Planning One Masonic Drive • Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2219
You can build a
HOME The five cottages at the Masonic Children’s Home are undergoing their first renovation since the program was moved to its current hilltop location in 1994. Thanks to your support, each child will now have his or her own bedroom and more! Help is still needed to purchase furnishings for the new spaces! View the renovation wish list at MasonicCharitiesPa.org today.