Blue Slipper Stories
Widows’ Guild Newsletter ̵ Fall 2022
The PA Widows Sons was founded in 2001 in Philadelphia. Currently, there are 16 recognized chapters throughout the state with 400 to 500 members. There are between 600 and 700 chapters around the world, but Pennsylvania was one of the first states to have a charter and be recognized by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania as an approved Masonic Club. All Pennsylvania Master Masons in good standing who are motorcycle riders are welcome to petition a local chapter.
WIDOWS SONS Provide Support
When it comes to helping Masonic widows or orphans in their time of need, there’s not much Ray “Zeke” Zekir, president of the Pennsylvania (PA) Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, and his fellow riders won’t do. Whether it’s cleaning out a widow’s home in preparation for a move, replacing a furnace or cutting the grass, they are there to help. The goals of the Widows Sons are to aid and assist Masonic widows and orphans and to introduce Freemasonry to the world of motorcycling. The group also supports various individual charities in the community through motorcycle events, rides and raffles. “We want the community to know we offer a lot of services,” Ray said. “One of my initiatives with the Grand Master [Jeffrey Wonderling] was to get us recognized and more involved with Masonic outreach and the Masonic Widows’ Guild.
“ If they [widows] are alone or have a need, and there’s something we can do to help them, we will do it.”
The Widow Sons host three major motorcycling events each year, one of which, the Grand Master’s Charity Ride, is their largest fundraiser. Each year, the ride is held in the town where the Grand Master resides. This past summer, it was held in Bedford, Pa., home to Grand Master Jeffrey M. Wonderling. About $4,500 was raised for Masonic charities, including the Widows’ Guild. Other events are planned in the future to raise money for the Widows’ Guild. The Widows Sons also hold spring and fall rallies, and all rallies are open to the public. There are regional gatherings across the country. All the money donated from the rides goes to charity. A typical ride is between 75 to 100 miles and can last up to three hours, Ray said. “It’s just a love of motorcycling,” he said. “The way we can tie it into charity and fundraising and benefit people in need is the main reason we’re in existence.
“ We have a love of motorcycles and Masonry that we combine. It’s a very good thing.” Ray hopes widows in the community will become aware of the resources available to them, free of charge. A member of Plum Creek Lodge No. 799, Ray has been a Mason since 1995. He sees his work with the widows as something he “automatically does,” without even thinking about it. Continued on next page
“ A real Mason at heart will just ‘do’ these things,” he said. “We don’t want credit. It just makes us feel good that we’re connecting with people. Rather than just saying you’re a Mason, you’re showing it through your actions.” For a chapter locator and more information on the Pennsylvania Widows Sons Masonic Riders Association, visit pawidowssons.org, check them out on Facebook or call Linda Jackson at 717-367-1121 Ext. 33497.
Since the children have come of age, the Will should be revised to take into consideration that they are no longer minor children. Provisions for grandchildren may also be needed. Over the years, this resident accumulated assets that are now substantial. The provisions in the Will needed to be revised to take this into account, along with determining which assets she would have probated through the Will and which assets should go directly to heirs or charity by designation.
HAVE YOU UPDATED
Your Will Lately?
By Brother Alvin H. Blitz, Esq. Chief Gift Planning Officer, Masonic Villages THE ISSUE: A widow at the Masonic Village recently visited with me to ask if she should get her Will reviewed. It was written over 20 years ago when her husband was still alive, and her children were much younger. She seemed happy with the way it was written and did not want to pay an attorney for a new Will. THE RESPONSE: Although every person’s situation is different, there are some common items of importance to consider in determining whether or not to have your Will updated. Estate tax laws have changed substantially over the past 20 years. A Will written in 2002 may include tax provisions that are inappropriate today and could be quite burdensome on the family if not revised. If the resident moved to Masonic Village from another state such as Florida, then a new Will done in Pennsylvania is advisable.
The resident also disclosed one of her grandchildren is developmentally disabled and that a different approach to giving the child assets would need to be considered. In addition, she confided that both children have now moved to California, which could pose a problem for which one would be able (or willing) to serve as executor. Finally, the attorney who drafted her Will is in Florida, and she does not have an attorney to handle her estate when she passes (this problem occurs many times when the attorney who drafts the Will retires or predeceases the client). In summation, a Will is a written plan for the proper disposition of your assets at your death. Failure to keep your Will up to date is bad business planning and could result in dire consequences to your heirs. Furthermore, as life changes, our relationships evolve, and the ones we want to share in our financial legacy may change over time. In fact, any desire to help a charity at death must be included in your estate plan. You need to consider a checkup of your Will every several years or after a life-changing event to assure that your house is in order. So, if you are one of those individuals like our resident who hasn’t amended her estate plan in years, I suggest you take the time to get it done before it is too late. If you need an estate planning checklist or advice on finding an attorney, please contact Linda Jackson at 717-367-1121, ext. 33497. Remember, you can’t write or amend your Will after you pass away.
Leave a Legacy: Please consider including the Masonic Charities in your Will or estate plan.
GREETINGS from LINDA JACKSON Director of Philanthropic and Widows Support Happy Fall! If you live in Pennsylvania or the northeast, you are most likely enjoying the cool, crisp days of autumn. The cooler weather can be a welcome change to the final long, hot days of summer, and of course, the vibrant colors of the changing leaves make this a wonderful time of year. If you enjoy the flavor of pumpkin and spice, this is your season. Since the last edition of Blue Slipper Stories, I have been honored to meet and welcome many new members to the Masonic Widows’ Guild at lodge and luncheon events. Our group continues to grow (currently 1,550) through messaging, word of mouth and collaboration with local lodges.
Our profile has been significantly heightened by current Grand Master, Jeffrey Wonderling, who chose the Widows’ Guild as his 2022 charity. As a result, we have been blessed to receive contributions totaling $112,000. These dollars will be used to further support Masonic widows through our Outreach Program, which is available by application to all widows of Pennsylvania Masons. If you or someone you know is in need or has questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me. You are not alone; help is only a phone call away! I hope you enjoy this latest edition of Blue Slipper Stories. Stay safe and stay well. *Please let me know if you would like a copy of the Widows’ Guild Directory.
Widows’ Guild EVENTS
Lodge No. 346 Event
Lodge No. 476 Event
Lodge No. 476 Event
Masonic Widows’ Guild Program 12 Village Green Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Blue Slipper Stories
Widows’ Guild Newsletter ̵ Fall 2022
Contact Us If you or someone you know is interested in the services offered by the Masonic Outreach Program, please contact us:
Masonic Outreach Program One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 1-800-462-7664
outreach@masonicvillages.org MasonicVillages.org/outreach If you want to be removed from our mailing list, please contact us and let us know.
In This Issue ... •W IDOWS
SONS PROVIDE SUPPORT
•U PDATING YOUR • G REETINGS •
WILL
FROM LINDA JACKSON
EVENT PHOTOS
The Pennsylvania Masonic Widows’ Guild is in place to recognize, honor and support the widows of Pennsylvania Masons. If you have questions about the Widows’ Guild or would like to become a member and receive your blue slipper pin, please call Director of Philanthropic and Widows Support Linda Jackson at 1-800-599-6454 or email lmjackson@masonicvillages.org.