Blue SlipperSTORIES
THERE When YOU Need Them
For Connie and Brother Bob Herman, Masonic activities were a way of life for them as kids and then as a married couple raising their own son. Generations of their family were actively involved in fraternal groups, and so it was only natural that the Masonic fraternity was there for Connie in a time of need.
Bob was a 50-year member of Steelton-Swatara Lodge No. 775, Perseverance Royal Arch Chapter No. 21, Harrisburg Consistory and Tall Cedars Forest 43, and was in DeMolay as a child. Connie was in Rainbow Girls before joining the Order of the Eastern Star. Their son, Bob Jr., started in DeMolay and is now a member of Brownstone Lodge No. 666, Hershey, as well as several appendant bodies. Both Connie and Rob had extended family members involved in fraternal groups.
“My Masonic influence started at an early age,” Connie said. “It always meant a great deal to me because it’s one of the finest organizations you can belong to.”
Connie met Bob when she needed a tape recorder to record her grandfather’s church services, and she visited the electronic wholesaler where Bob worked.
She found herself visiting the store again and again to see if Bob would ask her out. He eventually did, and the two were married in 1974.
When Bob passed away in 2016, Connie was in a tough place emotionally and physically, as she navigated life without him. Two of her biggest challenges were expensive home repairs she didn’t know how she was going to cover and when her son faced serious medical issues.
“Being a widow is very difficult,” Connie said. “I miss him every day.”
She connected with Linda Jackson, director of philanthropic and widows support, after another widow recommended Connie reach out to her.
“She’s wonderful to talk to,” Connie said. “She set me up with the Widows’ Guild, and I’ve been so happy. I was very warmly accepted, and I’ve made some new friends.”
It was after attending one of the Widows’ Guild luncheons that she met Nick Mahler, vice president of the Office of Mission Advancement and Development. He informed the group of various benefits through the Masonic Outreach Program. Connie talked with him about the troubles she was having at home, and Outreach was able to assist with some home repairs.
“It was a tremendous help to me. I don’t know where I’d be without them,” she said. “They bent over backwards to help me. I’m so appreciative of it.”
Belonging to a fraternal organization like the Freemasons provides members with engagement and growth, as well as priceless benefits like lifelong assurances and friendships. For a widow like Connie, the fraternity has been there for her through good times and bad.
“I thank them for the friendships, outstanding activities and their willingness to help,” Connie said. “I reached out to them, and they’ve helped me. I would strongly recommend any widow join the Masonic Widows’ Guild.”
Connie Herman
GREETINGS from LINDA JACKSON
Director of Philanthropic and Widows Support
Greetings! I hope you were able to enjoy vacations, picnics and time with family and friends over the summer months. For many, the cooler days and evenings of fall are a welcome change. Soon, we look forward to the holiday season and the many opportunities it provides us to be grateful.
For the Masonic Widows’ Guild, the spring and summer season was busy with events honoring our special ladies. Collaborating with lodges, I had the opportunity to attend several events where I met members, widows and families, while sharing the benefits of the Widows’ Guild and taking part in Blue Slipper pin presentations.
On April 20, working with Eric Downs, District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) of District 5, a widow event was held at Oxford Lodge No. 353, where existing and new members of the Widows’ Guild were celebrated with a gourmet luncheon and award ceremony. Over 100 guests were in attendance.
One week later, Salem Lodge No. 330, located in Hamlin, hosted a potluck luncheon organized by Don Roa, DDGM of District 14. For this event, an invitation was extended to widows, members and wives, as well as local Order of the Eastern Star, Rainbow and DeMolay chapters. It was a fun afternoon, and pins were awarded to several widows.
Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682 hosted a member picnic on July 15 at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. Members, wives and widows enjoyed a fun-filled afternoon with great picnic food, games and fellowship. For several widows, this was their first time attending a Widows’ Guild event.
On July 17, 125 widows and guests attended the annual Widows’ Guild luncheon, also at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. Held in our beautiful Brossman Ballroom, guests were treated to a buffet lunch and information about the benefits of Widows’ Guild membership. Joseph Pullin, Worshipful Master, Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, presented Blue Slipper pins to 19 new members, which places our current membership at 1,747!
Lodge No. 238 Event
District 5 Oxford Lodge No. 353 Event
Hamlin Event
On Aug. 21, I traveled to Treesdale Golf and Country Club in Gibsonia, PA, as an invited guest of the William Slater Master Masons Club and Masonic Village at Sewickley resident, Tracy Miller, to present a program on the Masonic Widows’ Guild. Tracy has been hosting an annual widows’ luncheon since 2008 as a way to honor and recognize the Masonic widows who reside at Masonic Village at Sewickley.
It is important to acknowledge the significance of these events and how special they are to those who attend. The outpouring of care and concern for the widows of our deceased brethren is making a positive difference in the lives of many individuals.
I hope you will be moved to reach out and join this special group of ladies. Please contact me at 717-367-1121, ext. 33497, or lmjackson@masonicvillages.org. You may also visit PAGrandLodge.org/outreach.
Stay safe and stay well!
Make Dreams Come True
This Holiday Season
4 WAYS TO SUPPORT MASONIC VILLAGES
JOIN THE CORNERSTONE CIRCLE
PROGRAM – Authorize a specified amount of money to be electronically transferred directly from your checking account or credit card monthly. This is the easiest form of giving, and a year-end statement makes tax preparation easy. Call 1-800599-6454 or visit MasonicCharitiesPa.org to join.
QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION
(QCD) – If you are 70½ or older, you can use your IRA to support the mission of Masonic Villages. Visit MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org to request our QCD planning kit or to connect with a gift planner for more information.
CHARITABLE GIFT ANNUITY (CGA) –
Make a gift to a charity and receive a secure stream of income for the remainder of your life while earning a sizable current tax deduction. Rates of return range from 4.6% to 10%, based on the age of the donor. Visit MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org for more information on rates.
BEQUESTS – A bequest is a gift written into a Will that is fulfilled after your death. It costs you nothing today but will have an impact on the charity tomorrow. Visit MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org for sample language and more information about bequests.
Leave a Legacy: Please consider including the Masonic Charities in your Will or estate plan.
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Event
Masonic Village at Sewickley Event
Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Blue Slipper
