home’s grown kids
Ready and Eager for What Comes Next
A Legendary Gift
On Youth Appreciation Day, Arlene Von Nieda was delighted to see two graduating seniors of the Masonic Children’s Home receive the first-ever Whitey Von Nieda Athletic Scholarship Award.
The scholarship is in honor of her late husband, Stanley “Whitey” Von Nieda, who passed away on Sept. 6, 2023, at 101 years of age.
“He was an extraordinary person who had an extraordinary life,” Arlene beamed.
A star Ephrata Area High School basketball player, Whitey went on to play at Penn State University before being drafted into the Army during World War II. He continued to play basketball while in paratrooper school at Fort Benning, Georgia, where he was the highest scorer in all the Army teams nationwide.
Whitey served with the 17th Airborne Division. During the winter of 1944, Whitey’s unit was rushed to join other troops in the Battle of the Bulge. He had holes in his parachute and lost a friend when they jumped over the Rhine River behind enemy lines during Operation Varsity, another bloody battle.
After the war ended, Whitey planned to return to Penn State, but began playing for the Lancaster Red Roses before being signed by the Tri-City Blackhawks of the NBL. When the NBL merged with the BAA to form the NBA in 1949, Whitey officially became a Legend. He played his final season with the Baltimore Bullets.
Whitey continued to play in semi-pro and alumni games, playing in his last
Penn State alumni game at age 75.
He was the first NBA player to reach 100 years old, and until his death was the oldest living retired NBA player.
“Whitey was a great athlete. He was active all his life and exercised daily up until the last three months of his life,” Arlene said. “We had a wonderful life — eight kids (six were originally his), 15 grandchildren and, with the birth of a new Stanley Von Nieda on May 2, 2024, nine greats.
“Whitey and I lived at Masonic Village for over 16 years and
have the most wonderful friends here. It’s just a great place!”
It’s in that spirit Arlene felt it fitting to present the namesake scholarship to a graduating senior varsity athlete. Although the couple had discussed the idea a few years ago, Arlene followed through last December after Nick Mahler, vice president for Masonic Charities’ Office of Mission Advancement and Development, explained how it could be easily done. Whitey’s children are thrilled their dad is being honored in this way and are contributing to the fund. Some of their friends are also contributing.
“I am so happy to be able to honor my wonderful husband and do something for student athletes who want to pursue college,” Arlene said.
What a legacy to continue for a Legend.
Top: Tim; Andrew; Anthony; and Arlene Bottom: Whitey Von Nieda
Carol Chew is a Masonic Village resident who decided to create a QCD in support of the kids at the children’s home. Financial professionals suggested a QCD to her, and she decided to donate in memory of her husband, Charles. Charles and Carol met while golfing at Masonic Village, and were married for 15 years. Carol remembers Charles by his generous and selfless spirit and wanted to honor him. “He showed true kindness and was a beautiful person,” Carol said. “He had always loved children, having four sons of his own and mentored kids who faced difficulties in his free time during retirement.” We can help you create a QCD to achieve your goals while supporting our mission. Please contact us at 1-800-599-6454 or visit our website at www.MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org for more information. Everything we do for you comes with no cost or obligation.
Youth Appreciation Day
A ballroom full of staff, family members, educators and donors watched as the 36 residents of the Masonic Children’s Home were celebrated for their academic, athletic and extracurricular achievements at the 99th annual Youth Appreciation Day on May 17.
Lauren McEwen, educational coordinator, was surprised with a signed poster from the kids and staff in celebration of her wedding on May 18.
The Class of 2024
Ready and Eager for What Comes Next
Four seniors at the Masonic Children’s Home are getting ready to spread their wings, leave the nest and explore new opportunities. They are primed for success, thanks to their time spent at the children’s home, made possible by generous donors who invested in their futures.
ANDREW is eager and excited to have completed his final year residing at the children’s home, a place for which he feels greatly appreciative. While his journey at the children’s home has come to an end, he is confident he is prepared for what’s to come.
“I am so thankful for all my time spent here,” he said. As an only child, Andrew transitioned into the
“I would like to thank the donors for everything they’ve done for us. You have truly made a difference in the lives of all the kids here and without you, this place would not exist as it does today.”
children’s home by himself when he was 10 years old. His mom was growing restless over the idea of her son growing up in a busy city filled with many unknown possibilities. Andrew remembers his mom wanting a positive environment for him since he was a bubbly and energetic kid. When she learned about the children’s home, she knew Andrew would have
better access to educational support and the opportunity to play sports.
Andrew’s transition to the children’s home was not as smooth as he had hoped, as he had to adapt to an unfamiliar environment.
He remembers struggling at first because he was not used to sharing a room with other boys. However, with time and help from his house parents and housemates, Andrew adjusted and slowly began to enjoy the new freedoms he had.
“I have always liked hanging out with the other guys here in our cottage and other houses,” he said.
The children’s home provides kids with an endless number
Andrew
of activities to do in their free time, indoors and outdoors. One of his fondest memories is taking a trip to Disney World.
Andrew recently wrapped up his senior year at Elizabethtown Area High School. Along with his schoolwork, he kept busy playing football, lacrosse and wrestling. Sports have become a great passion of his, and he is thankful for the encouragement he receives from the house parents.
“I get so much support here,” he said. “I am thankful for the tutoring that helps me study for tests during the school year.”
The children’s home offers kids access to in-house tutors who provide academic support in all areas needed. Thanks in part to this academic assistance, Andrew is now attending the Pennsylvania College of Technology (Penn Tech) to study welding.
“I know there will be some challenges when starting my own life, but I know the children’s home has prepared me, and I am ready to do it,” Andrew said.
OTELIA said it feels like just yesterday when she arrived at the children’s home. While she has enjoyed her time here, she is excited to go out into the world and apply the skills she has learned to her future endeavors.
She appreciates the support of her house parents, especially Miss Hope, for helping and listening to her over the past four years.
“I am thankful for what I learned at the children’s home,” she said. “They taught me to be more patient.”
Moving from Philadelphia to Elizabethtown was a fairly easy transition for Otelia. She enjoyed living with the other girls and made
Otelia
Anjelissa
a lot of friends. She will attend East Stroudsburg University, where she’ll study business.
While at Elizabethtown Area High School, Otelia participated in
theater, working backstage to set up props for the productions.
“I just want to say a big ‘thank you’ to the donors,” she said. “Thanks for allowing me to make a lot of great memories and meet some great people. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to go to college and do good work.”
ANJELISSA called it an “honor” and a “privilege” to live at the children’s home.
“I have lived, I have learned and I have come out the other side as an adult,” she said. “I lived with 16 of the most brave, loving, compassionate and hard-working girls I’ve ever met, and I have gained lifelong friendships.”
Anjelissa said she’s excited for the future. She plans to study communications and public relations at Pitt Bradford, a satellite campus of Pittsburgh University.
She came to the children’s home at age 17 and stayed for two years. During that time, she said she learned and achieved a lot. “I learned about community living and how to live with other people,” she said. “I also liked having structure and organization to my day.” She enjoyed the trips during the summer and all the good friends she made.
“It has been nothing short of an adventure,” she said.
ANTHONY grew up at the children’s home, having arrived when he was only 8 years old. It was difficult at times being away from his family, but he found guidance through the friends he made and the staff who supported him.
“It has been one long trip to the finish line,” he said. “It wasn’t always easy, but I got through it because of the people who helped me grow and want to improve myself. Adjusting to the area and being away from home was hard. I was lost at first but found my way through the people around me.”
Learning basic skills like table manners and organization became lifelong lessons, and he will never forget the laughs, long talks and hours of games played with friends.
“The parent and son bond that was created between me and the house parents was unreal,” he said. “They truly have our best interests [at heart] and want to see us take advantage of every opportunity. They taught me how to take care of myself as a man and what to expect in the real world.”
Anthony
Anthony plans to attend Central Penn College. He’s interested in becoming a surgical technician or pathology assistant.
He appreciates the trips and vacations he was able to take part in through the children’s home, especially visits to the Jersey shore. He also enjoyed playing football and competing in track and field.
“I want to thank the donors for their generous support,” Anthony said. “We appreciate them, because they help take us a long way, from going on trips to getting supplies. Because of them we have clothes to wear, food to eat and necessities without any expenses. It wouldn’t be possible without them.”
Prom: A Night to Remember
Carol Chew is a Masonic Village resident who decided to create a QCD in support of the kids at the children’s home. Financial professionals suggested a QCD to her, and she decided to donate in memory of her husband, Charles. Charles and Carol met while golfing at Masonic Village, and were married for 15 years. Carol remembers Charles by his generous and selfless spirit and wanted to honor him. “He showed true kindness and was a beautiful person,” Carol said. “He had always loved children, having four sons of his own and mentored kids who faced difficulties in his free time during retirement.” We can help you create a QCD to achieve your goals while supporting our mission. Please contact us at 1-800-599-6454 or visit our website at www.MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org for more information. Everything we do for you comes with no cost or obligation.
Our juniors and seniors enjoyed attending the Elizabethtown Area High School prom, held on the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown grounds.
Reinventing How We Say “Thank You”
In 2024, the Masonic Charities made a shift away from its past practice of publishing donor memorial and honorarium gifts in our publications. The rising costs to print, mail and produce these sections are now being used instead toward charitable care and services. More cost-effective and accessible, memorial and honorarium gifts are celebrated and promoted on the Masonic Charities website: MasonicCharitiesPa.org/gift. For questions or more information on giving, visit MasonicCharitiesPa.org or call 1-800-599-6454.
