THE PENNSYLVANIA
VOL. LXVII, NO. 3
AUGUST 2020
Overcoming Adversity Together
THE PENNSYLVANIA FREEMASON® VOL. LXVII, AUGUST 2020, NO. 3
©2020 The R.W. Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Pennsylvania EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman Thomas Gamon, IV, R.W.G.M. Jeffrey M. Wonderling, R.W.D.G.M. Larry A. Derr, R.W.S.G.W. Robert D. Brink, R.W.J.G.W. Adam C. Heese, R.W.G.T. Mark A. Haines, R.W.G.S. EDITORIAL STAFF Tina L. Lutter - Production Coordinator Rich Johnson - Graphic Designer Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation Staff Masonic Library & Museum of Pennsylvania Staff (Publication No. USPS 426-140) August 2020 Issue of The Pennsylvania Freemason® 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) August 2020, 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: Thomas Gamon, IV. 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 124,000 each quarter. I certify that the statements made by me are correct and complete.
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Freemasonry Today
Grand Master’s Message • Upcoming Events • Your Committee on Finance • Random Acts of Kindness
8 Membership
Donations Feed Front-line Heroes and Children • Delivering Meals, Care & Safety • Serving Double on the Front Lines • Masons Help Others During COVID-19 Pandemic • THANK YOU from Masonic Villages Residents and Staff • Brother Hosts Dinner for People Alone on Christmas • A PA Mason Grew the Official 2019 White House Christmas Tree
22 Philanthropy
Brother Lodges Help One Another Through Hard Times • Giving What Money Can’t Buy • PMYF Assists Families, Youth in Need During COVID-19 • Online Workshops Grow in Attendance During Pandemic • Masonic Youth Organizations Stay Connected Virtually • Preparing for a Lifetime of Helping Others • Board Member Feature • Life is Unpredictable • Some Income Tax Highlights from the New CARES Act • Masonic Villages’ 2020 Wish List
Thomas Gamon, IV, Editor Mailing address changes If your address on the back cover of this magazine is not exactly as you have provided it to us, please be aware that addresses are modified through the various mailing process requirements required by the U.S. Postal Service. If you have any questions or would like to inform us of a change in address, please contact the Office of Gift Planning at 800599-6454 or giving@masonicvillages.org.
Postmaster: Send address changes to:
The Pennsylvania Freemason®, c/o Masonic Village, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2199.
View the magazine online! pagrandlodge.org
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 www.pagrandlodge.org.
Save a Tree
Brethren, Who would have thought, five months after the onset of COVID-19, we would continue having restrictions to meetings and degree work? We will surely overcome this pandemic; it’s just a matter of when. In the meantime, I wish to thank all of you who have understood the necessity for the changes we’ve had to make to protect our brethren. As much as we all want to return to our beloved fraternity’s normal operations and activities, we must continue to follow the governmental regulations to safeguard our most precious assets: OUR BROTHERS! While these are difficult times for many, we will be stronger for having overcome them. While some have been working mandatory overtime, others have suffered the loss of employment. While some have had to close their business, operate at partial capacity or conduct transactions in new, creative ways, others are grappling with loneliness and depression. Many of us know at least one person who has contracted this virus, and some have lost loved ones. I wish to thank each and every one of you who is serving on the frontlines and/or helping others behind the scenes. Your dedication, selflessness and courage is an inspiration to all of us. Life is not always easy, but we can choose how we respond to the challenges thrown our way. I’ve learned as a firefighter that when things don’t go as planned, you don’t just stand there in frustration and confusion – you improvise, overcome and adapt with another plan of attack. We have been doing this almost on a daily basis since this virus hit in March. We are blessed to be part of a fraternity that has a centuries-old history of pulling ourselves and our communities up when times get tough. I’m proud of how our membership across the Commonwealth
has stepped up to plate throughout this healthcare crisis. No matter what we’ve asked of you - whether it was making masks or donating toward PPE, checking in on our senior members, or adapting new technology, you’ve come through with generous donations of your time and resources. I truly believe that if the world only knew how Freemasonry helps not just our members and their families in times of need, but also those around us, we would be overwhelmed by the number of petitions we’d be receiving for membership. I could not be more proud to call each and every one of you my brother. Please continue to reach out to your brethren, their families and widows to offer assistance and support. Let’s continue to demonstrate that the values and principles of Freemasonry are more contagious than COVID-19. Hopefully, we will be back in lodge enjoying the fraternal bonds that we all so love real soon! Until we are together again, stay safe, stay healthy and God bless!
Masonic Villages’ CEO Brother William L. Kingsbury, (left) and R.W. Grand Master Thomas Gamon, IV, (right) joined Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill Executive Director Adrienne Staudenmayer (center) in showing support for staff caring for residents during the pandemic.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Thomas Gamon, IV, R.W. Grand Master
FREEMASONRY TODAY
Embodying Masonic Values ART COMPETITION Due to the pandemic, the Grand Exhibition Gala has been canceled, but the art show will be featured online. The winners in the oil, three-dimensional, drawing and print-making, water-based medium and digital imagery categories will be announced othe first week of October. Look for photos on pamasonictemple.org, pagrandlodge.org, Facebook and Instagram.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Due to the pervasiveness of COVID-19, all of the events listed on this spread are contingent upon the guidelines provided by our government. Some have already been canceled, as indicated, and some may transition to virtual, for the safety of our brethren, their families and others.
Date/Time Event/Location Dec. 2, 10 a.m. Dec. 12, 10 a.m.
December Quarterly Communication, Masonic Temple in Philadelphia Pennsylvania Lodge of Research, The Masonic Temple in Sunbury
The following events have been canceled and/or postponed:
Sept. 19 Cave Degree, hosted by Ephrata Lodge No. 665 Sept. 26 Autumn Day, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown (see below) Oct. 24 Academy of Masonic Knowledge Symposium The Brandywine Battlefield Degree has been rescheduled for Oct. 9, 2021. Tours will begin at 4:30 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., and the Master Mason Degree at 7:30 p.m. Cost: $40, will include a commemorative ticket, coin, meal and photo with George Washington’s Masonic Bible. After careful consideration, we have decided to cancel Autumn Day this year. Originally scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 26, this annual open house for Pennsylvania Masons, our families and friends would potentially bring over 6,000 people to our Masonic Village at Elizabethtown campus. We do not want to invite thousands of visitors onto the campus and risk exposing residents to the virus. We have taken exceptional precautions for the past several months to safeguard our residents at all of our Masonic Villages, and we must remain vigilant until a safe and effective vaccine is available.
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Pennsylvania Freemason
GRANDtournament LODGE OF PA, F. & A.M. golf RD
3 ANNUAL MASONIC CHARITIES SPORTING CLAYS Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020
Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays 2750 Limestone Street Coplay, PA 18037 610-261-9616
SCHEDULE:
8:30 a.m. Registration and warm up 10 a.m. Shooting will begin promptly Cost: $150 per person, breakfast & lunch included $25 non-shooter lunch Winners will be determined by the Lewis Class system. Chinese Auction, 50/50 and more! Registration deadline is Sept. 5. For more information, call Jeff at 724-396-8001.
Shooters must provide their own ammunition. All proceeds benefit the Masonic Temple/Masonic Library and Museum of Pennsylvania. Sponsorships are tax deductible. Make checks payable to: Masonic Library & Museum of PA c/o Harry Rutter, Masonic Temple, One North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107
REGISTRATION FORM
Name: ____________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________ City: _____________________________________________ State: ______ Zip Code: ____________________________ Phone:____________________________________________ Shooters Shooter 1:_________________________________________ Shooter 2: _________________________________________ Shooter 3: _________________________________________ Shooter 4: _________________________________________ # of shooters ______ x $150 = $______________ # of lunch only ______x $25 = $___________ Total: $____________
SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES □ □ □ □ □ □ □
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August 2020
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FREEMASONRY TODAY
GRAND LODGE PENNSYLVANIA
CHARITY Consolidated Fund
Finance Finance
Title
BOARDS
Landmarks
COMMITTEES
MASONIC CHARITIES OF THE GRAND LODGE OF PENNSYLVANIA Masonic Charities Fund
FRATERNITY
Library & Museum
Youth Foundation
BLUE LODGES
Blood & Organ Donor Program
Hall Associations
Masonic Villages
Your Committee on Finance The Grand Lodge Committee on Finance has been in continuous
and rents, and, most importantly, from 1868 through 1873, oversaw
existence since the formal establishment of our Grand Lodge of
the issuance of the “New Masonic Temple Bonds.” Records show
Pennsylvania in 1765. Together with the Trustees of the Consolidated
that under the Committee on Finance’s watch, Grand Lodge never
Fund, the Trustees of Title and the Committee on Landmarks, it is one
missed an interest payment, retiring the entire principal amount
of four Grand Lodge committees that has oversight responsibilities
borrowed, $1,566,912.82, in 1908.
for Grand Lodge’s extensive fraternal and charitable operations, as depicted above in the simplified organizational chart.
The Committee on Finance has since guided the Grand Lodge through every important project undertaken, including the construction
Over the years, the Committee on Finance has advised the Grand
and expansion of our Masonic Villages, financial panics, the Great
Lodge concerning financial strategy and budgeting functions, and
Depression, wars, natural disasters, pandemics and civil strife. In
inspected and audited the books and records of the Grand Lodge.
the 2008 recession, the Committee on Finance oversaw the plan
Its diligent and detailed reports can be found in the Proceedings
to ensure all our core charitable activities remained intact without
going back centuries.
laying off a single employee.
The Committee on Finance has not just been a rubber stamp. For
The present composition and responsibilities of the Committee
example, in connection with the construction of our Masonic Temple
on Finance are set forth in Sections 13.20 through 13.28 of our
in Philadelphia, the committee provided the cautious counterbalance
Masonic Constitution, The Ahiman Rezon. The Committee retains its
to the ambitious Building Committee charged to carry out the work.
general oversight responsibilities, including reviewing and approving
Prior to the start of construction, the committee advised that, even
budgets, financial statements and material financial matters, such
though the site selected was “far superior to any other in this City,”
as borrowings and the spending policies for our investment funds.
that “it would be folly to encounter the heavy liabilities which will
Following the committee’s approval, the audited financial statements
accrue from such a building as the Craft will expect.”
of Grand Lodge and its components are published annually for
During the course of construction, and in the face of the
inspection by the members and the public. In addition, the Committee
ever-determined Building Committee, the Committee on Finance
examines every gift and bequest received and ensures they are
made several impassioned pleas on the floor of the Grand Lodge
allocated and used only for the purposes intended by the donor.
to abruptly cease the work until funding of the entire project was
This is the second article in a series describing Grand Lodge’s
secured. When unsuccessful in deferring the project, the Committee
operations and its tradition of stewardship, accountability and
on Finance diligently used all the tools at its disposal to see that the
transparency. The next article will feature the Trustees of the
project succeeded. It raised member dues, increased lodge fees
Consolidated Fund.
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Pennsylvania Freemason
Random Acts of Kindness How many times have you received a skeptical, quizzical or even surprised look when you told someone you’re a Mason? Our fraternity is often shrouded with mystery, misrepresented by Hollywood, dismissed by uninformed naysayers and misunderstood by the masses.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. The best way to prove our value to society is by educating others through our actions. Freemasons are good men of their word who benefit society in countless, quiet ways that are often conducted outside of the public eye. That’s why Grand Master Tom Gamon is challenging every Pennsylvania Mason to demonstrate goodwill by performing Random Acts of Kindness. These small, thoughtful gestures will give others a glimpse into what it means to be a Pennsylvania Freemason. Opportunities to make a difference in another’s life present themselves daily; we just need to be willing to take a moment to observe our surroundings. It may be as simple as helping a stranded motorist jump start his car, buying coffee for the lady behind you at Starbucks, carrying someone’s groceries, mowing an elderly neighbor’s lawn, picking up trash in a park, making a meal for a shut-in or donating food or clothing to a family in need. When you answer the challenge to assist someone, simply give the individual one of these business cards. Our website and social media channels are listed for those wishing to learn more. Make sure to get some business cards from your lodge secretary and keep them in a convenient place such as in your wallet or your glove box. Let’s challenge ourselves to live the values of Freemasonry by showing concern for the wellbeing of others.
Let us know about your Random Acts of Kindness! Email your story to pr@masonicvillages.org. If you have a picture (and permission from everyone included), attach it to your email.
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A Way of Lif e Freemasonr y is kindness in the home business, co , honesty in urtesy in socie ty, pity and unfortunate concern for , resis the trust in the str tance of the wicked, he lp for the we ong, forgive ak, ness for the one another, penit and above all , reverence an ent, love for d love for Go d.
www.pagrand
lodge.org
Do Good Unto All
August 2020
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7
MEMBERSHIP
Donations Feed Front-line Heroes and Children and they made arrangements to deliver the product. “I’m happy that I can make a difference to a Masonic organization,” Alex said. “I got involved with Freemasonry 20 years ago because my dad was a Mason. He always told me, ‘When the time is right, you’ll make your own decision to join.’ There were people in the lodge whom I knew and respected. That’s why I joined. We make good men better, and I wanted to be part of that. It has been an awesome experience. It’s an organization where you get out of it what you put into it.” Alex plans to continue donating chicken as long as his company has extra product. “Of course, we’d rather be selling the product than donating it, but as long as there is product available, I will try to help out in the community,” he said. “It’s the right thing to do. I like to lead Shriners Hospitals for Children Philadelphia surgeons (l-r): Dr. Amer Samdani, Chief of Surgery; Dr. Dan Zlotolow, hand surgeon; and Dr. Sarah Nossov, lower extremity surgeon; package meals. Brother Alex Stottle believes in paying it forward. Alex, an environmental manager for Poultry Holdings LLC, which owns Freebird Chicken in Fredericksburg, PA, recently saw a decline in company sales due to COVID-19. He decided to facilitate the donation of upwards of 5,000 pounds of chicken to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Philadelphia. “A lot of our product goes into the New York metropolitan area, and with most of that area shut down, we had a lot of extra product we needed to find a home for,” Alex said. “We sent two full trailer loads to The Bowery Mission (a homeless shelter) in NYC, and we also donated to the Bethesda Mission (a rescue mission) in Harrisburg and the local food bank. “I thought there must be other places out there that could use the product,” he said. “I looked at where we could make a difference. That’s when I thought of Shriners Hospitals. So much good happens at hospitals.” A Past Master of Union Lodge No. 324, Mifflintown, Alex reached out to fellow lodge Brother Mike Smith, P.M., who connected him with Brother Joe Rupe, P.D.D.G.M.-19, who serves on the Board of Governors for Shriners Hospitals. Joe put Alex in touch with Brian Daley, Director of Food and Nutrition Services at Shriners Hospitals,
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by example, and maybe this will inspire someone else to take notice and make a difference.” Brian Daley, with Shriners Hospitals, said he was impressed with Alex when he spoke to him about the chicken donation. “He was so nice and accommodating to us, and figured out what we could use and had it to us two days later,” he said. “It’s important to us that during these tough times, we’ve been able to feed our staff and our patients.” Thanks to the donation, Brian has been able to provide 500 weekly chicken meals to Temple Health staff, who share their campus and are on the front lines of fighting COVID-19. He also distributed chicken to the Salvation Army Kroc Center in Philadelphia, which has been distributing meals to people in need daily. “At this time, food is an essential thing, and the fact that Alex has been kind enough to donate 5,000 pounds of chicken and not only are we able to use it, but we can help other people, is a really amazing thing,” Brian added. This is not the first time that Alex has given back to the community. Besides being a firefighter for 30 years, he also spent the past few years distributing Christmas dinners for people in need. “We started receiving a turkey at work for Christmas,” he said. “As we already had plans to be at my daughter’s house for dinner, I thought, ‘What can I do with a turkey?’ I decided to give it to a family
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Pennsylvania Freemason
who had just lost their father.” The next year, Alex asked some brothers if they knew of anyone who could use a turkey, and some of his co-workers donated their turkeys. It took off from there. “After being Master in 2008, I decided to grow this little charity and inspire others in my lodge to do something that would impact our local community,” he said. “It grew from just a turkey to a complete dinner and dessert. My biggest year, my wife and I gave 32 complete Christmas dinners to local families in need. Every so often, someone would want to know who was doing this, but all they were told is, ‘He is a Mason.’” Brother Mike said he’s proud of the work that Alex has done for the community. “I consider Alex to be of the highest character,” he said. “He is very much committed to helping his local community and others. Even before the current COVID-19 crisis, Alex donated meals to local families in need. I am an elementary school principal and have personally helped Alex identify families who would benefit from his generosity.”
August 2020
Brother Alex Stottle, P.M., Union Lodge No. 324, Mifflintown
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MEMBERSHIP
Delivering Meals, Care & Safety someone in need. Judy mentioned the exchange on Facebook and others said they wanted to participate. “We’ve done at least 672 single meals, and each meal feeds four people for $50,” Judy said. “I told the police chief what I was trying to do, and he immediately insisted on doing it himself to keep me safe and help the residents. I thought it was incredible for him to step up like that. It is a good way for the community to see that he is visible and trying to help them out. He’s a great guy. I don’t know what we would do without him.” Photo courtesy of Harold Aughton, Butler Eagle
Saxonburg resident Karen Kennedy lives in a senior citizen community and has been a recipient of the free meals, from stuffed
Saxonburg is a small town in western Pennsylvania with a big heart.
cabbage to lasagna to spaghetti. “Every day, you see the chief with
Brother Joe Beachem is the town’s police chief, and he has
his mask and gloves on delivering the meals,” she said. “He will not
partnered with Saxonburg businesses to help feed the community
come in the house or anything, but he does talk to you. Our police
during the COVID-19 pandemic.
chief is just the highest integrity man that I’ve ever met in my life. He’s
Joe and his police officers pick up donated meals from the historic
so humble. He’s a gentle giant.”
Hotel Saxonburg and other restaurants and deliver them by car to
Joe, who is married with five children, has been the police chief
families in need. Delivering the food to recipients’ doors eliminates
for 10 years and involved with law enforcement for 25 years. “It’s nice
the risk of coronavirus exposure to the restaurants’ staff, who would
to have a job where every day is different,” he said. “We try to do a
have to deliver the meals had Joe not volunteered.
lot of foot patrols where you can get out and talk to people and find
“It started as a pay-it-forward program where people anonymously
out what their concerns are.
paid for meals for the elderly or people shut in or a high risk group,”
“A program like this [in Saxonburg] has actually helped me reflect
Joe said. “The restaurants were short staffed because of the pandemic
on what it means to a good member of the community,” Joe said.
and couldn’t deliver, so the police department offered to help out.
“The community is coming together to support those in need and a
We’ve been doing this for more than four weeks now, usually between
very strained segment of our business community at the same time.”
10 and 15 houses a day. We’ve delivered about 300 meals so far,
Joe said he wants police officers to be viewed as more than
which is amazing.”
just law enforcement, but as people who care about the residents.
The program has become so popular that the list of participating
He recently set up a community outreach program called “Stay OK
businesses continues to grow, now including Batch, What’s Cooking on
Saxonburg” for residents who want police to check on them during
Main, Novotny’s Pizza and Main Street Bake Shop. Some individuals
the coronavirus crisis.
order meals for themselves and also donate a meal to a family in need.
“If we call you, and you don’t answer, we send an officer to check
The Mayor of Saxonburg, Bill Gillespie, and other city officials have
on you,” Joe said. “There are people who might be suffering from a
also pitched in to help deliver the meals.
medical condition. We just want to make sure that everyone feels as
“We’re going to keep doing this until the virus is over,” Joe said.
safe as possible during this trying time.”
“It’s a way to help the needy and assist our struggling community businesses at the same time.” Judy Ferree, owner and general manager of the Hotel Saxonburg,
A member of Ellwood Parian Lodge No. 599, Ellwood City, since March, Joe joined the fraternity because his three cousins were involved with the lodge.
said she started the program the day she was told she had to close
“The general impression [from them] was it was very fulfilling,
her business except for take-out. A friend of hers from another town
and the self-improvement aspect had a lot of meaning,” he said. “I
wanted to support the hotel and donated money to deliver a meal to
looked into it and decided to ask for a petition.”
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Pennsylvania Freemason
Serving Double on the Front Lines Brother Matthew Myers did not expect to start his medical residency during a pandemic. Matt, a paramedic from Northumberland, PA, graduated from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in May and began working at the UPMC Pinnacle Emergency Room in Harrisburg in June. “I never thought this would happen (starting my residency during COVID-19),” Matt said. “But this is what we train to do throughout medical school and as physicians – to take care of patients, no matter what is going on. “A lot of the social activities that were planned for bonding between the attending physicians and residents have been canceled due to the pandemic,” he said. “Our educational conferences are virtual, or we do them outside, where we can social distance. We also wear masks during our entire shifts.” To get up to speed with the virus, Matt reviews online modules from his medical school, keeps up with Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines and is researching and tracking coronavirus cases in central Pennsylvania and the state as a whole. “At first, things started to downtrend as far as admissions, but we are now starting to see more numbers of positive cases start to pick up again,” Matt said.
helping people, and there’s something different to do every day.”
On his very first day of his residency, Matt had a very sick patient
Matt plans to continue being a paramedic as time permits, but
whom he aggressively managed from the start. “It was very reassuring
going forward, the hospital is his main priority. “I still plan on being
that I could do this and know what needs to be done with critical
involved with the pre-hospital team at UPMC Pinnacle and providing
patients in the beginning,” Matt said. “It was the confidence booster I
medical direction and some education there,” he said.
really needed to get things going.”
When he’s not busy helping others, Matt is an active member
As with all new things, easing into the residency takes time, Matt said. “It’s a lot different than medical school, as I’m now responsible
of Eureka Lodge No. 404, Northumberland. His father, Monroe Scott Myers, P.M., is also a member of the lodge.
for patients and putting orders in,” he said “I still look at lab results
“I’ve been a member for two years,” Matt said. “My dad always
and EKGs, and it’s weird to see my name as the ordering doctor.
wanted me to get into Freemasonry, and then I started to get involved.
But overall, the transition has been going great. My co-residents are
It has been a good experience. It’s a very good group of guys to be
terrific, and the faculty is very supportive. The nursing staff and techs
around, and it is nice going down the Freemason journey.”
help me with anything I ask for.”
Selinsgrove Borough Police Officer and fellow lodge brother
As a paramedic with the Americus Ambulance Co., in Sunbury,
Nathan Fisher routinely worked with Matt as a paramedic when he
the Elysburg Fire Department and the DH&L Fire Company in
was with the Point Township Police. He considers Matt among the best
Selinsgrove, Matt has transported a handful of patients with COVID-19
paramedics he knows.
and has taken the proper precautions, wearing masks and gloves.
“His knowledge and work ethic is amazing,” Nathan said. “He’s
Matt started as a volunteer firefighter at age 16. “We would help
a driven kid, and he reaches all of his goals. His patient care is just
local ambulances on medical calls,” he said. “I really enjoyed it. I went
stellar. It’s amazing being in the fraternity with him. He’s an all-around
through an EMT and paramedic course and got certified. I really like
great person.”
August 2020
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MEMBERSHIP
Masons Help Others During COVID-19 Pandemic Brother Biill Burns
“My wife is doing the stitching and I’m doing the cutting,” Bill said. “We are mostly giving them to Brother Craig Shaffer, D.D.G.M.-5, to give out to first responders. The plan is to keep making the masks. It feels good that it’s going to a good cause.” Bill, a U.S. Army veteran, has been involved with Freemasonry since 2017, and currently serves as the Senior Deacon of his lodge. “It [Freemasonry] has always interested me because I was very interested in history growing up,” Bill said. “Ben Franklin is my favorite person, and he was a Mason. In the Army, I knew a few people who were Masons, and they pushed me along. Eventually, I decided to join.” Brother Doug Robinson, Southampton Radiant Star Lodge No. 806, Warminster, and his wife, Helen, are part of a church
Pennsylvania Masons and their families have stepped up to help their communities during the coronavirus crisis, whether it be making face masks, delivering food, or donating money to community food banks. Read on about Masons and their “good deeds.”
group making masks for first responders and others in need. “Helen came upon a website of this group that was making masks, so we decided to participate and received a starter set of fabric and started making masks,” Doug said. “When you finish your first bag of masks, you deliver them to Days for Girls, a worldwide charitable organization that makes sanitary products for girls in
Brother John Habel, Tri County Lodge No. 252, Donora, and his wife, Ruth, have been delivering meals to individuals in
Africa,” he said. “Their local focus has shifted to making masks for police departments and hospitals in Pennsylvania during COVID-19.” As of May, the group had produced 9,573 masks for distribution.
need in southwestern Pennsylvania through Meals on Wheels four to six times a month, for the past five years. Their service is especially vital during the pandemic. “For some of these people, we might be the only person they see on a regular basis,” John said. “We make sure that they are doing OK. We know several people on our route that do not have relatives in the area. We give them our card and tell them if they
“We’ve been doing this for about a month and a half and plan to continue,” Doug said. When he’s not making masks, Doug donates items to his church’s food and supplies pantry. “That’s what Masons do, we help,” he said. Doug has been a Mason since 1975. “What Masons do, the world should do. It would make it a much better place to live.”
need anything, to call us.” John has been a Mason for 50 years and enjoys the camaraderie, friendship and meeting new people. “There are a lot of people I wouldn’t know if it weren’t for Freemasonry,” he said. Brother William “Bill” W. Burns, Christiana Lodge No. 417, and his wife, Brittney, have been sewing face masks to distribute to first responders. To date, they have produced more than 150 masks.
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In just four hours on May 2, lodges in Mercer and Venango counties conducted a special socially-distanced drop-off event that raised over $7,000 in cash and food items to benefit the Community Food Warehouse in Mercer County. Brother Richard Yeager, D.D.G.M.-53, said Masonic lodges in West Middlesex, Hermitage, Sharpsville, Mercer and Sandy Lake raised over $4,000. Lodges in Franklin and Oil City raised
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Pennsylvania Freemason
over $3,000. He said donation checks are still coming in to several lodges. “Masons care about our communities, and we want to assist our neighbors in need,” he said. “With the leadership and help of the Masters of each lodge throughout the district, our brothers were encouraged to donate money and non-perishable food items. I’m very pleased with the response. We sincerely hope that this helps relieve some stress caused by the current situation.” Brother Bob Mente, Centennial-Lafayette Lodge No. 544, Carnegie, uses an amateur radio app on his iPhone called EchoLink. Every Sunday night, he participates in an on-air gathering called the Masonic Gathering, where he joins other brothers from around the globe to connect about their lodge activities in the wake of COVID-19. “Since the COVID-19 outbreak, our gathering has taken on a whole new meaning,” Bob said. “We now use this time as an opportunity to check in on each other every week. If someone has a need, someone on the radio may know of someone who can help fulfill that need.” EchoLink is run by a conference server, meaning it uses Internet-based technologies, and it requires one to have an amateur radio license to use it. Bob also participates in a daily “Western PA Health and Wellness Net.” Brothers meet on amateur radio to check on the health and wellness of amateur radio operators in the 33 counties of western Pennsylvania. There are at least four other amateur radio operators in the greater Pittsburgh area who are members of the craft. For more information, visit the Masonic Gathering website at www.masonicgathering.net/.
Laurel Lodge No. 651 Supplemental Food Program. The food bank distributes these boxes to some of the 48 food pantries throughout Fayette County. Approximately 250 food boxes were packed by these five officers in about 2½ hours, which was greatly appreciated by the staff. Brother Tim Radtke and William L. Elkins Lodge No. 271, Philadelphia, initiated several projects during the quarantine to help those in the community who are less fortunate. Tim, a 30-year member and fourth-time Worshipful Master, coordinates the lodge’s weekly donation to the food pantry at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Philadelphia, which distributes food to about 1,800 families a month. The lodge donates $300-$500 each week to purchase nonperishable food items, which Tim delivers to the pantry in his truck. “We buy loaves of bread, baby food, canned goods, Lipton noodle bags, Knorr rice sides, etc,” Tim said. “I get a really good deal from a guy who owns a local Shoprite, George Zallie. I’ll say, ‘I
As the COVID-19 pandemic and associated quarantine affected more and more people in their community, members of Laurel
have $300,’ and ask him what I can buy. He’ll give me three loaves of bread for a dollar.”
Lodge No. 651, Uniontown, took action. Officers and members began making phone calls to see if members needed anything and to check on their well-being. Senior Warden Dale (Jack) Myers shared with Worshipful Master Gene Humbert his experience distributing boxes of food for his church in conjunction with the Fayette County Community Action Food Bank. Jack then made arrangements with the food bank to volunteer their services. On May 30, Brothers Jack; Neil Reddington II, Junior Warden; Edward Yauger, Assistant Treasurer; John Lewis, Jr., Senior Deacon; and Vincent Milsom, Junior Master of Ceremonies, packed delivery boxes at the food bank to be distributed to eligible senior citizens through the Commodity
August 2020
Elkins Lodge No. 271
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13
MEMBERSHIP Brother Robert Neff, D.D.G.M.-45. “We normally have six or seven fundraisers a year, and the community always supports us. With the difficult times (with COVID-19), we felt like we should give something back.” Robert placed a sandwich board advertising the dinner at two different locations and put an ad in the local newspaper. He set up a large tent in the lodge parking lot, where participants could drive up and pick up their meal of spaghetti with meat sauce and salad with a Lehighton Lodge No. 621 Brothers have also sponsored youth groups and cooked for
choice of dressing. The event ran for three hours. “We wanted to be safe, so the meals were boxed up to go,” Robert said. “The dinner was successful with 205 meals served.”
residents at the Ronald McDonald House as part of their outreach. “We ended up adopting a whole troop of Eagle Scouts from an
Lodge members also raised $450 in donations, which they donated to the Trinity Lutheran Church Food Pantry in Lehighton.
underprivileged area,” Brother Tim said. “We help them when they do
“It was a free meal, but people appreciated what we did and
Eagle projects and finance them. We’ll also supplement the cost of
began donating money,” Robert said. “A lot of them were lodge
summer camp for kids who can’t afford it.”
members who support our local fundraisers.”
The lodge is currently supporting several brothers experiencing financial hardship due to job loss and other circumstances
There was no limit to the number of meals distributed per car. If five meals were requested, the driver got five meals, Robert said.
surrounding COVID-19.
“We had plenty of food – we could have served another 60 or
Tim said that giving back is something that comes natural to
70 people. People couldn’t believe we were giving it out for free,”
the brotherhood. “If we find something worthwhile that comes along,
Robert said. “One couple returned to give us another donation
we do it. We’re very involved. I like to think outside the box. We find
because they were so happy with the meal.”
places that really have a need.”
More than 15 lodge members helped prepare the food ahead of
On a personal level, Tim, a retired correctional officer for 27 years, said volunteering his time makes him feel good.
time, wearing masks and gloves. Robert and the lodge spent about $300 in groceries for the dinner.
“It’s what I’ve done all my life. I just enjoy helping people.”
Typically, the lodge sponsors several events a year, including two fish fries and two sit-down spaghetti dinners, but they were all
Lehighton Lodge No. 621 sponsored a free, to-go spaghetti dinner for the community north of Allentown on June 12.
canceled due to COVID-19. “We typically raise around $1,000 to $1,200 at each event,” Robert said.
“I thought of giving something back to the community,” said
Robert is thankful that the lodge was able to do something for the community, despite the circumstances. A Mason for 44 years, he appreciates the fellowship aspect of brotherhood and “doing good things for other people.” Brother Jeffrey Borosky, D.D.G.M.-59 and a member of Valley Lodge No. 499, West Pittston, led an effort in May to provide donuts and coffee for the front-line workers at local nursing homes in the community. “We thought it was fitting to show our local nursing homes some appreciation for what they are doing during the pandemic,” Jeffrey said. “We thought it would be nice to help those workers.”
District 59
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One of Jeffrey’s brothers is a state policeman who knows the
Pennsylvania Freemason
owner of Currys Donuts in West Pittston. He got a good price on bulk
Brother Michael Yovich
donuts and boxes of coffee. Coffee and donuts were sent to four nursing homes closest to the individual lodges in the district. “I called them to see if they were willing to take our donation, and they were very thankful,” Jeffrey said. “The coffee and donuts went to employees on each shift. One place had 100 employees on one shift. Another place only had six. “All of the brothers met at one lodge, and everyone picked up what they wanted for their respective nursing homes,” Jeffrey said. “The nursing homes were very thankful that we were thinking of them.” Jeffrey said it made him feel good to give back to the community. “I’m always thinking of ways to help out, because I’m always encouraging people to join Freemasonry,” he said. “The first thing
is we don’t ask any questions. We did not base the need on any
people ask me is, ‘What do you do for your community?’ This is a
criteria.”
small way to give back, to show our appreciation for them being out in the front line for this nasty virus.”
The project also gained attention from members of the community, who came out to help distribute food bags and share a “word of support and a smile” to those in need, Nathan said. “It
Brother Tracey L. Minnich, P.M., Ashlar Lodge No. 570, Lykens, had the idea to provide a free meal for those in need in
worked out really well. We got a great response, and people were very appreciative. I think we made a big difference.”
his community. With the help of local businesses and his sons, Rev. Dr. Nathan Corl Minnich, P.M., Grand Chaplain and Ashlar
Brother Michael Yovich, P.M., Corry Lodge No. 365, and his
Secretary, and Brother Mitchell L. Minnich, Worshipful Master, his
girlfriend donated and assembled bird feeders for a local nursing
idea turned into a successful reality. Members and friends of Ashlar
home, so the residents could watch the birds from their windows,
Lodge distributed 300 free bags of food to people in need during two
to help pass the time during these trying times. They also donated
weekends in May.
bird seed to give the residents a fresh start on viewing their new
Boyer’s Food Markets, a local grocery store in Lykens,
feathered friends.
assembled a bag of groceries that would provide several meals for a family. Ashlar Lodge purchased the prepackaged food at a significant discount. Other businesses partnered with the lodge to help fund the project, including a State Farm Insurance office owned by lodge Assistant Secretary Todd M. Deiter, and Minnich Family Funeral Homes, Inc., owned by Brother Nathan. Under Brother Mitchell’s direction, Ashlar Lodge distributed 100 meal bags to families in each of the towns of Williamstown, Tower City and Lykens. Ashlar Lodge notified the community through Facebook that there would be a drive-in area where those in need could pick up the food while social distancing. “We had a range of people who were desperately in need of food, some of them elderly people who couldn’t easily get to the grocery store, so this project helped them,” Nathan said. “Our policy
August 2020
Ashlar Lodge No. 570
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15
MEMBERSHIP
THANK YOU
From Masonic Villages Residents and Staff Starting in mid-March, when the COVID-19 pandemic initiated
recognition over the past several months.
its sweep across the nation, the Masonic Villages prepared to protect
Although staff found creative ways to provide recreational,
their residents and staff from the novel virus known to target the
social and spiritual services, many nursing and personal care
senior population in particular.
residents who have had to remain in their rooms for months have
While staff made plans and communicated new best practices
suffered from isolation, depression and boredom. In an attempt
and precautions based on continuously evolving directives from the
to lift their spirits and provide activities they could safely enjoy,
Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control, vital supplies
staff created the Sending Smiles program, which encourages the
became scarce and in high demand.
donations of cards, coloring books, crossword puzzles, word finds
In an effort to ensure that staff could acquire the personal
and other items to be shared among residents at each location. The
protective equipment (PPE) required to safely care for residents,
initiative has been a wonderful success and will continue. For more
Chief Executive Officer Bill Kingsbury, with permission from Grand
information, visit https://masonicvillages.org/sending-smiles/.
Master Thomas Gamon IV, and the Grand Lodge officers, issued an urgent request to lodges for assistance.
To show residents that Pennsylvania Masons care, in time for Easter, the fraternity raised funds to provide a potted flower for each
In response, 16 lodges donated a total of $27,442 (each
resident or household at all five Masonic Villages locations. This
contribution ranged from $100-$10,000) toward the purchase of
effort was funded through donations ranging from $50-$1,000 from
masks, shields, gloves, gowns and hand sanitizer, for staff at all
181 lodges, one district, two schools of instruction, the PA Lodge
Masonic Villages locations. In addition, several lodges, individual
of Research and 15 individuals. Residents and families from all
Masons and Masonic-owned businesses came forward with
locations flooded administration offices with cards, emails and calls
whatever supplies they could spare. Others worked with their
expressing their appreciation for the thoughtful gesture. Delivering
families to make cloth masks for residents and staff who provide
the surprise gifts offered staff great pleasure, as well.
indirect services. Having the necessary tools and support provided
The steadfast support of the fraternity has been crucial,
a level of reassurance and confidence to the brave, dedicated men
enabling the Masonic Villages to provide the highest quality of care
and women serving our residents in various capacities during this
for residents during this pandemic.
pandemic. Thoughtful gestures, such as the delivery of a surprise lunch or treat, have provided meaningful encouragement and
16
Masonic Villages www.masonicvillages.org
Pennsylvania Freemason
August 2020
Masonic Villages www.masonicvillages.org 17
MEMBERSHIP
Brother Hosts Dinner for People Alone on Christmas Twenty-six years ago, Brother Robert Bolus faced a dilemma.
there on Christmas day and use the kitchen to make dinner. Bob
Bob, the owner of a Scranton trucking and towing company, received
spoke with a priest who was doubtful that anyone would show up.
a call from one of his drivers that a grocery store had rejected an
But Bob was determined. He put an ad in the local newspaper and
extra pallet of turkeys they said they had not ordered. Nobody else
continued to shop and plan for the dinner. More than 125 people
wanted them.
attended the dinner that year. Bob donated the extra food to the
“I told him to bring the turkeys back, and we’d figure out
Salvation Army.
something to do with them,” Bob said.
Since then, the annual event has grown significantly. It now
But what was he to do with 150 turkeys?
takes place at St. Patrick’s Church in Scranton, with the help of
Make a difference.
more than 50 volunteers. This past Christmas, Bob fed about 3,000
Rather than trashing the order, Bob and some friends decided
people, including more than 600 meals he delivered to people who
to host a free Christmas dinner for the community, namely for
were homebound.
people who had no family and would spend the holiday home alone otherwise. “I was going through my own personal issues at the time,” Bob said. “We had lost our truck dealership. I didn’t want to be around
“It has been phenomenal,” Bob said. “We light the place up. You couldn’t go to a place that is more decorated with lights and blownup Christmas ornaments. We have a disc jockey and a blessing by the priest. It’s like nothing you’ve seen before at any type of dinner.”
anyone. The people who helped me had their own issues, as well.
The all-you-can-eat buffet dinner features turkey, stuffing,
The guy above [God] put us on the same boat and gave us whatever
mashed potatoes and dessert. Participants are also offered to take
it took to organize, put this event together and create something
an extra meal home with them. Bob said he has “no idea” what he
positive.”
spends on the dinner, but he doesn’t care. He receives some food
After trying numerous places to host this event, a local church that Bob attended as a Boy Scout agreed to let him host the event
18
donations from supermarkets, but primarily pays for the dinner out of his own pocket.
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Pennsylvania Freemason
“It’s not about the money,” he said. “It’s about the camaraderie
“When a door closes in my life, it seems another door opens,”
and the people who come there. There’s no place I’d rather be on
Bob said. “It instills my faith in being a good Mason. We were put
Christmas. I plan on doing this dinner forever. When I’m no longer
here [on Earth] to help people.”
here, my stepdaughter, son and daughter will be responsible for holding it [the event] going forward.” Bob has fond memories of all the people who have attended the dinner over the years, including one family – a wife, husband and his sister – who all had cancer and had nowhere to go for Christmas. They saw the advertisement for the dinner and decided to attend. “The sister said, ‘This is probably my last Christmas.’ And she passed away two weeks later,” Bob said. “Her brother called to thank me and said, ‘Your dinner made it so much easier on her. She was so much happier being around people on Christmas day.’” When he’s not busy planning his dinner, Bob is a 30-year volunteer firefighter in Throop, PA. He’s also a member of Hyde Park Lodge No. 339, Scranton, for the past 50 years. “To say that I’m a Mason is one of the proudest things I can say in my life,” he said. “What we do for people … I can’t put it into words.” As a Mason, Bob believes in paying it forward. He received a medal from the American Towing Association and was honored by the Florida Highway Patrol for his heroic actions after he stopped a driver from going the wrong way on a state road about four years ago. While risking his own safety, he managed to stop the driver, assist her from her vehicle and move the vehicle from the roadway, preventing an accident from occurring.
August 2020
l - r: Louis P. DeNaples, Brother Robert Bolus and the late Father Joseph Sica
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19
PHILANTHROPY
A PA Mason Grew the Official 2019 White House Christmas Tree
national contest, a tradition since 1966. Next, his tree was selected grand champion by a two-tier voting system involving a panel of industry judges, then voted on by all the growers attending the national contest. White House staff visited Larry’s farm in October to select the tree for the Blue Room. “Most farms don’t have trees that large [18½ feet], but we had several to choose from,” Larry said. “The tree was actually 23-feettall, so they had to cut it down several feet to fit in the White House.” Larry said the publicity surrounding the entire experience was “unbelievable,” and he felt like a celebrity. “We had so many calls and emails and requests for interviews.
Late last November, Brother Larry Snyder, owner of
It made me feel good,” he said. “All the years of hard work paid
Mahantongo Valley Farms in Pitman, PA, received some great news.
off. We got to share the tree with the United States and the world.
He had earned the honor of presenting a tree from his farm
People come from all over the world to see the tree.”
to the White House after winning an annual contest held by the National Christmas Tree Association.
While he has been a farmer all his life, Larry is also a retired special educator who taught elementary school in the Upper
Larry harvested a towering 18½ foot tall Douglas fir that was
Dauphin School District for 31 years. When he retired from teaching
presented to First Lady Melania Trump and became the official
in 2005, Larry purchased two additional farms, for a total of 150
Christmas tree in the White House Blue Room. The tree was
acres.
beautifully decorated with lights and paper flowers bearing the name of each state and its state flower (Pennsylvania’s flower is the
While predominantly selling Christmas trees, Larry also raises some produce.
mountain laurel). “It was as honor to be able to transport and present this tree
“We do a little bit of retail, but are mostly wholesale,” Larry said. “We supply trees all over Pennsylvania, Maryland and New York.”
to the First Lady,” Larry said. “It was quite an exciting, rewarding
Larry raises a variety of exotic trees that are not common to
experience. I took my whole family. We got a tour of the White
most tree farms, including the Turkish fir, Nordmann fir, Korean fir
House. We met with Melania, took photos and were served treats
and the Corkbark fir. “It’s an endless list of trees from other parts of
and coffee with a White House guide.”
the world,” he said.
In keeping with tradition, the tree was brought up to the White
A member of Herndon Lodge No. 702, Larry has been a Mason
House portico by a horse-drawn carriage, while a Marine band
since 1979 and considers it an honor to be part of the organization.
played Christmas music. Then, the First Lady came out of the door
He also is a proud member of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon Forest No.
and greeted Larry and his family as he presented her with the tree.
125, Millersburg.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Larry said. “After years
“I think it’s a very positive activity in anyone’s life to be a
of growing trees for Christmas, it [this achievement] was a highlight
Mason,” Larry said. “You learn to be a good citizen and promote
for me and a special time for my family.”
unity among mankind. It’s an opportunity to enjoy the camaraderie
Larry purchased his farm in 1978 and has been raising Christmas trees since the 1980s. He won his state association tree
and associate with people of like minds, who are interested in making themselves and society a better place.”
contest after several tries, making him eligible to compete in the
20
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Pennsylvania Freemason
The White House Blue Room
August 2020
Online Edition www.pagrandlodge.org/magazine
21
PHILANTHROPY
Brother Lodges Help One Another Through Hard Times Galeton Lodge No. 602, located within a small community in Potter County, has suffered financially due to the pandemic. The
Fernwood Lodge invited the brothers of Galeton Lodge to join them in a virtual gathering, where they announced their support.
lodge relies heavily on fundraising efforts to pay the bills and remain
“It was fantastic to meet (at least virtually) with the generous
solvent, but that was not possible with the continued shutdown of
brothers from Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge and to share in their
lodge activities. With the cancellation of the upcoming Fourth of July
excitement for reaching out to Galeton Lodge with their help,” Steve
celebration in the town, and therefore, its annual funnel cake sale,
said. “The spirit of Freemasonry was palpable, even over the internet
the lodge was set to lose 80% of its yearly funding. Brother Robert
connection. The Brother Lodge program, even in its infancy, has
Putman, W.M., contacted Brother Steve L. Gee, DDGM -17, with the
again proved that Freemasonry is the greatest fraternal organization
ominous prediction that without some help, Galeton Lodge would
in the world. I know that the brothers from Galeton Lodge No. 602
most likely have to shut its doors by the end of the year.
will be forever grateful, and I feel certain that the friendship of the
During a virtual meeting of the Grand Lodge Officers and
two lodges will endure and grow even stronger in the future.”
District Deputy Grand Masters in May, Steve mentioned Galeton
“I am extremely pleased to be a member of a wonderful fraternity
Lodge’s predicament and was excited when R.W. Grand Master
comprised of such great and caring men,” Grand Master Gamon
Thomas Gamon IV announced that a “Brother Lodge” program
said. “This program was meant to generate bonds of brotherhood
was in the works.
across the state between lodges that may be very different in some
Steve was connected with Brother Marvin Mandel, D.D.G.M.-B,
ways, but fundamentally similar. Lodges that may not have had a
who assured Steve that he had a lodge that was excited to become a
connection otherwise, are building lifelong friendships through this
“Brother Lodge” with Galeton Lodge No. 602. Immediately following
opportunity to help one another during this challenging time. This
a virtual meeting of its officers, Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge No.
is truly what Freemasonry is about!”
246 stepped forward with the decision to send a sizable donation to Galeton Lodge. On May 21, the generous brothers of Shekinah-
22
Pictured above, l - r: Brothers Randy Goodreau, P.M.; William Pinney, Secretary; Michael Mathis, P.M.; Robert Putman, P.M., WM; and Christopher Morrett, S.W., thankfully receive the check from Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge No. 246.
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Pennsylvania Freemason
Giving What Money Can’t Buy Keystone Blood Center sponsors drives every other month at three different churches, twice each year at each church. He transferred his 34 previous donations from other locations and continued adding to them. “When I have been asked why I have donated regularly for so long, I have the same reply,” Oscar said. “Where can you go and purchase a pint of blood? Blood only comes from one place: US! It is needed at hospitals and in time of conflict or war.” According to Miller-Keystone Blood Center Account Manager Carol Graves (a former Rainbow Girl), the center is the exclusive supplier of blood products to 29 local hospitals in 12 counties in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The center began collecting Convalescent COVID Plasma (CCP) when the Mayo Clinic discovered the positive effects of the COVID-19 antibodies on active COVID-19 patients. CCP can only be obtained when a patient has recovered from COVID-19. This experimental treatment has proven successful. “We have Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program members who The late Brother Ed Budman presenting Brother Oscar Smith with his 10-gallon pin.
have had COVID donate for this program,” said Brother Bill Soloway, Co-Chair of the program’s eastern region. Most recently, the center received a request from the Armed
On June 16, Brother Oscar Smith, Boyertown Lodge No. 741,
Services Blood Program for CCP supports and shipped 142 doses
made his 109 blood donation at a Miller-Keystone Blood Drive in
of convalescent plasma to McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey for
Boyertown.
military personnel suffering from COVID-19.
th
His dedication to helping others began in 1992, when Lucent
The center also provides Walter Reed National Military Medical
Technologies transferred Oscar from his home in Virginia to Orlando,
Center with platelets for veterans. Platelets are commonly used for
Florida.
cancer patients and have a five-day shelf life.
“From time to time, I would hear an announcement at work that
Oscar implores his brethren to join him. “Brothers, if you are
there was a blood drive that afternoon. After a while, I decided to
able, I hope you will consider donating! It is an easy process, and
give it a try,” Oscar said. “Everything went fine, and the Florida Blood
with the equipment available today, it doesn’t take long!”
Bank notified me that my blood was good and that my blood type was O+. So, I started attending every blood drive.” Oscar continued to donate when he was hired by the Florida Safety Council to inspect the Cumberland Farm stores. In 2005, Oscar and his wife moved to Boyertown, PA, where
Oscar wears his Masonic Blood Donor hat every time he donates in memory of Brother Ed Budman, who gave it to him, along with a 10-gallon pin and blood drop pin, in October 2013. Ed was a former chair of the program, and although he is gone, his spirit and vision live on through the selfless acts of members like Oscar.
they both had relatives. There, he became aware that the Miller-
Learn More at MasonicBloodAndOrganDonors.org August 2020
Masonic Blood+Organ Donor Program MasonicBloodAndOrganDonors.org
23
PHILANTHROPY
PMYF Assists Families, Youth in Need During COVID-19 I feel blessed is beyond words. These are scary times, and having to choose between essentials like food and rent can be stressful. The care package we received certainly has eased that burden.” In addition to the care packages, Brother Alex Fizz, Executive Director of PMYF, reached out to the Youth Development Center in York, PA, a home for at-risk and homeless youth, to see if the youth would enjoy having a special meal this past April. “He wanted to do something special for the youth in the center, since we had extra funds,” Angela said. “We provided a BBQ meal and other good food that the children had never had before. They are still raving about how good it was. We left them with leftovers to Since the beginning of the the stay-at-home order for
enjoy, as well.”
COVID-19, the Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation (PMYF)
Angela said she is grateful that she was involved with Rainbow
delivered care packages to families in need nominated by the various
for Girls as a youngster, because it led her to do the type of outreach
Masonic youth groups through the Food for Friends Initiative.
she’s doing today. “If I wasn’t part of that organization, I wouldn’t
Over the past few months, the foundation has provided more than 8,000 meals to children and adults in need across
have had the opportunity to be a part of the community and assist in this capacity,” she said.
Pennsylvania, through in-person or mail delivery. The care packages are filled with non-perishable food items, as well as essentials like paper towels and laundry detergent. “Everybody we have delivered to in person has been really grateful,” said Angela Blaisdell, a volunteer and program coordinator. “Everyone has been positive, receptive and grateful that we provided a service like this right now.” Angela, an advisor for Pennsylvania DeMolay and The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls, explained the impetus for the program: “We recognized that some people within the Masonic fraternity were having difficulty with food security and needed assistance.” Since the foundation has not had any in-person programs since March, Angela said, the funds saved went toward the care packages. “WGC
Catering
(the
foundation’s
caterer)
has
been
phenomenal,” Angela said. “We supply the orders to them and the list of who is receiving the items. They purchase all the food and assemble the care packages.” One recipient of a care package, who preferred to remain anonymous, wrote in a letter to the foundation: “I don’t know why I am still so shocked at the generosity of the Masonic body, but to say
24
Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation www.pmyf.org
Pennsylvania Freemason
Online Workshops Grow in Attendance During Pandemic
Leslie Schlosser is a school counselor at the Mount Joy
for the past 23 years and has worked with PMYF for
campus of the Lancaster County Career & Technology Center (CTC),
even longer. She began working with the Masonic
a full-service career and technical school dedicated to preparing
fraternity when she worked for the Pennsylvania
high school students and adults for careers.
Department of Education, in the Safe Schools division.
She has attended several training workshops sponsored by the
The foundation gave scholarships to students who had gone through
Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation (PMYF), in partnership with
the SAP in their local schools, and she served on the foundation’s
Pennsylvania Masons and the PA Department of Education’s Student
committee that reviewed the scholarships’ applicants. She left
Assistance Program (SAP). These workshops help identify alcohol,
the Department of Education in 1997 and began working with the
drug and other issues that pose a barrier to a student’s learning and
foundation as a consultant. That’s when the workshops started, but
teach educators how to deal with them more effectively. During the
they have grown over time.
workshops, conducted by Deb McCoy of Educational Development
Services, LLC, educators are also given methods to confront social
“They provide funding for the trainings. For a number of years, they
norms that may encourage aggression and bullying.
have provided scholarships for students who graduated high school
“These workshops provide additional tools for your tool bag in
and wanted to go to college. These kids have some kind of barrier to
terms of working with any student,” Leslie said. “If I’ve been dealing
their education, whether it’s mental health, academics or family life.
with an issue, I know I can ask Deb at the program or connect with
Sometimes, they have an extra hurdle to access scholarships and
her personally if I’m stuck and need a consultation. A lot of times,
funds (on their own).”
she’ll say, ‘You already knew the answer,’ but it’s nice to have
reinforcement, because you don’t want to be wrong.”
and be held online in the near future and may incorporate content
pertaining to COVID-19 and its impact on kids and families.
Traditionally, the workshops have been held in person at one
“The Masons have always been so very generous,” Deb said.
Deb anticipates the educator workshops will continue to grow
of four venues: the Masonic Conference Center in Elizabethtown,
“We’d also like to do more outreach to parents, and I’m going
IU10 in State College, Montgomery County Intermediate Unit in
to be doing a series of webinars for youth leaders through the
Norristown or Behavioral Health Training & Education Network
Pennsylvania Masonic organizations,” she said. “I think we’re really
(BHTEN) in Philadelphia. Instead of canceling the workshops in the
going to expand. With COVID-19 and its effect on kids and families,
wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, they have instead been moved to a
there is a real need.”
virtual format via Zoom.
In doing so, organizers have been able to significantly increase
partnership with BHTEN, had more than 260 attendees.
To register for the following workshops at the Masonic Conference Center in Elizabethtown, contact Amy Nace at 1-800-266-8424 or ALNace@PMYF.org. Format will be virtual or a hybrid, with some participants in the room and others attending virtually.
Sept. 22: “Marijuana and Other Drug Trends Among Youth.”
the capacity of the programs, which were typically limited to 40 people due to space constraints. The May 8 webinar, “The New Bullying 101: Cyberbullying & Online Harassment,” presented in “The virtual format worked better than I anticipated,” Deb said.
“We are seeing a larger number of people show up because we’re not constrained by physical space. There’s a chat feature which I monitor. People post questions, and I answer them.”
Over 200 people attended the July 2 webinar, “Empathy & the
Teenage Brain.” Additional workshops are scheduled several times a month through the end of the year. Deb has been leading workshops
August 2020
Oct. 26: “Digital Drama: Sexting, Cyberbullying & Youth” Nov. 16: “PTSD in Children & Youth: Identification and Response” Dec. 16: “This is Your Brain on Social Media: Youth, Social Media and Mental Health”
Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation www.pmyf.org 25
PHILANTHROPY
Masonic Youth Organizations Stay Connected Virtually Two Masonic youth organizations are managing to stay socially connected during the COVID-19 pandemic, but in a safe way.
Tournament and a Kahoot Contest after the business meeting to replace what they usually do on site.
Pennsylvania DeMolay, comprised of 17 local chapters, was
PA DeMolay has been conducting its local chapter meetings
scheduled to host its annual convention the weekend of July 18, but
through Zoom over the past three months with much success,
instead of in person, the event took place virtually, was streamed
interaction and engagement, David said.
online at PADemolay.org and simulcast live through Facebook. “It was important to the kids to present a sense of normalcy to everything that DeMolay does,” said David Labagh, Director of
“They [the kids] are getting creative about how they host meetings,” he said. “They are taking what we have traditionally done and putting a creative twist on it.”
Convention for PA DeMolay. They conducted the main business of
The Order of the Rainbow for Girls in Pennsylvania held
DeMolay, including the installation of their new officers for the next
a “Virtual Day” on Zoom in June to replace their typical in-person
calendar year, which is typically the biggest part of the convention.
social weekend at Patton campus.
Rather than the typical three-day event, the convention was condensed into less than two hours on July 18, David said.
“It included what we normally do at our weekend event: yoga, games, singing, grand officer interviews,” said Helen Snedden,
“We wanted to be cognizant of the kids not wanting to have a
Supreme Inspector for PA Rainbow for Girls. The Grand Assembly,
three-hour business meeting online. Portions of the convention were
which was held virtually from the Altoona Masonic Center on July 10
prerecorded to keep things within a time limit.”
and 11, was comprised of a combination of videos, slide shows and
David said the live portions of the convention remained meaningful, including the presentation of the Advisor of the Year Award and the installation of two new State Master Councilors. “DeMolay is doing everything it can to provide a sense of
broadcasts via Facebook and YouTube. Three hundred and forty people registered for the event. Typically, about 500 people attend the annual convention, which is usually held Wednesday through Sunday.
stability and continuity for its membership during these uncertain
“We eliminated the parts [of the assembly] that we can’t do in
times,” said newly installed State Master Councilor Joseph Bell. “The
public, like ritual and Initiation.” Helen said. “The girls held tryouts
convention reminded our membership that even though we’re going
and picked who would be in the virtual talent show. We’ve made
through this pandemic, we’re still here, we’re still doing things, we’re
lemonade out of lemons this summer, rather than canceling the
still engaging. It’s just a different medium.”
event.”
The convention typically attracts 80-100 DeMolay and upwards
Calista Cavanaugh, Grand Worthy Advisor for PA Rainbow, said
of 350 people for the banquet, where youth, Masonic dignitaries,
everyone was very excited to experience their first-ever virtual Grand
advisors, friends and family attend. There was no banquet this year,
Assembly. “Since there’s no ritual, the entire session was open to
but also no cost or required travel. Still, over 140 attended virtually.
everybody, which is exciting for prospects. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime
The youth leaders planned a Super Mario Smash Brothers
opportunity, and it was great.” Many of the 24 assemblies that make up PA Rainbow have
A special “Thank You” to donors, whose support has provided access to the virtual platforms needed to keep youth, as well as adult mentors, engaged and inspired during the COVID-19 pandemic. 26
been meeting on Zoom every other week since the pandemic started. “They are hoping to do something in person by the fall, depending on the guidelines, like a small gathering at a local park,” Helen said. “Nothing is coming to a standstill.”
Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation www.pmyf.org
Pennsylvania Freemason
Preparing for a Lifetime of Helping Others If there’s one thing Leon Allen has learned over the past six years, it’s to hold an appreciation for the opportunities he’s been given. As a 2020 Elizabethtown Area High School and Masonic Children’s Home graduate, Leon feels not only grateful for where he is at, but has gone above and beyond to make the most of his future. Leon first came to the children’s home in the seventh grade. He was raised in Darby, PA, by his mother, who worked long hours to make ends meet. She thought it was best for him to be in a more stable environment, like the children’s home. “My mom knew that I would get in trouble at school,” Leon explained. “Where I was living in Philly, I would always be on the streets outside. I would always be running around doing stupid things ... maybe never really doing anything to get in trouble, but I’d always be on the streets.”
football during his freshman, junior and senior years. He was a running
What Leon found at the children’s home was completely different from what he was used to, but it helped him tremendously. Part of the change he experienced after joining the children’s home “family” was the people and opportunities that helped him grow.
back during his last season on the team. Leon also enjoyed playing basketball with his housemates. He would often play outside all day at Weller Cottage on the weekends. Recognizing the opportunities that living at the home gave him,
“When I came to Masonic, it kind of turned things around,” Leon said. “It made me think twice about things.”
Leon tried to instill an appreciation for a second chance at life into the younger kids.
As he moved into high school, Leon said it was an important part
“What the Masons and other donors give is a blessing, because
of his growth to get a job. When he turned 16, Leon applied for his first
not everybody has the opportunity I have, and I’m so grateful for this,”
job as a dishwasher on the Masonic Village campus. Comparing this
he said.
to where he lived before, he was grateful for the opportunity to find a
Leon is looking forward to being able to attend college debt-free
steady, well-paying job, which helped him save for a car and his future
through the scholarships made available to him by the fraternity and
education.
other donors who have seen value in him all along.
“I don’t think that I would have gotten a job if I was still living
While Leon is saying goodbye to what he knows at the children’s
where I was. I wouldn’t have had the same opportunities living in the
home, his memories will last a lifetime. He’s excited for what awaits
city,” he recalled.
him in the future. Keeping with his life’s mantra of helping others grow,
Leon also benefited from opportunities to help others grow during his internship at a local elementary school, where he helped the students with their homework and had fun with them during an unstructured free time that was built into their daily schedule.
Leon plans on majoring in physical education at East Stroudsburg University and joining the football team. With any new experience comes uncertainty, but Leon remains optimistic.
“Every day, [the kids] would come and surround me,” Leon said.
“I’m scared of not knowing where I’ll be in five years or what I’ll be
“I just enjoyed the kids. There was this one kid who never finished his
doing,” he says, “but I’m excited to meet new people and make college
homework, but I could always get him to do it.”
memories.”
At the children’s home, Leon had plenty of time for his own adventures, many of them sports related. He played high school
August 2020
Regardless of where Leon’s path takes him, he has confidence knowing he has loved ones at the children’s home watching over him.
Masonic Childrens Home www.masonicchildrenshome.org
27
PHILANTHROPY
Board member feature:
John F. Pyfer, Jr. and probate needs. John is a graduate of Haverford College and Vanderbilt University Law School, Nashville, TN, (1972), where he received the Dean’s Award for the most outstanding senior writer. He also received the Howard C. Schwab Award from the American Bar Association for submitting the best essay dealing with family matters. John was the founder and first President of the W. Hensel Brown American Inn of Court. His articles have been published in a number of law reviews, and many of his courtroom openings and summations have been published in various journals and treatises. He is listed in Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who in America and Who’s Who in the World. Named the top-ranked attorney in Lancaster, PA, for six successive years and by Philadelphia Magazine as one of Pennsylvania’s “Super Lawyers,” John was featured in SIR Magazine, Lancaster County Magazine and The Pennsylvania Lawyer. Active in Boy Scouts of America (BSA) throughout his life, John A member of Lodge No. 43, Lancaster, Brother John F. Pyfer, Jr. has served on the Masonic Villages board of directors since December 2016. He lends his expertise as an Administrator of the Pension Plan, Trustee of the Consolidated Fund, a member of the Financial, Gift Planning and Human Resources subcommittees and as board chair for Masonic Village Home Health and Hospice. “I became a Mason because my father was one of the founding members of Andrew H. Hershey Lodge (which later merged with Lodge No. 43),” John said. “He was the person in this world whom I most respected, and it meant a great deal to him when I expressed a desire to join.” While his father rarely missed a meeting, John became more involved upon retirement, when he learned his lodge needed committee members to help in various capacities. His involvement grew quickly. Last summer, he was honored with the 33º in Milwaukee. “I know my father is smiling from above,” John said. Career-wise, John followed in the footsteps of his greatgrandfather, Lt. Col. and Mayor of Lancaster Frederick S. Pyfer. John is the founder (1976) and retired President of Pyfer Partners, P.C., Lancaster. His practice focused primarily on family law but also served clients with personal injury claims, estate planning
28
Masonic Villages www.masonicvillages.org
is a Distinguished Eagle Scout and a recipient of numerous Scouting awards, including the Silver Beaver, Silver Antelope and Silver Buffalo. He is a Vigil member of the Order of the Arrow and has been President of the Lancaster-Lebanon Boy Scout Council and Area IV of the Northeast Region of the Boy Scouts. He serves on the Northeast Region Advisory Board and the National BSA Committee. John is past President of the Willow Street Lions Club, an Elder and past President of the Willow Street United Church of Christ, a former board member of the Samaritan Counseling Center and a past Chairman of the Heritage Center Museum of Lancaster County. A member the Sons of the American Revolution, John is an honorary member of the Willow Street Fire Company, Chairman of the board of directors for the Lancaster County Conservancy and a member of the board of directors for the Masonic Center of Lancaster County. In his spare time, John collects Boy Scout memorabilia and Lancaster County tall case clocks. In 2005, John turned his passion into a business when he and his son, Brother John III “Trey,” founded Little Brook Orchids, now the largest orchid grower in the Northeast for retail and wholesale markets. Married for more than 50 years to his wife, Carol, they also have a daughter, Carrie, and are the proud grandparents of 3-month-old Veda Louise.
Pennsylvania Freemason
Life is unpredictable. Let Us Be Your Foundation.
Your retirement years should be all you've hoped and planned for. Masonic Village can provide peace of mind during trying times, so you can continue to thrive and enjoy life, even amidst a pandemic. Put your concerns to rest, because you have a team of people who care about you. Inside the safety and security of our beautiful campuses, all necessary services are available - and if needed, delivered to your doorstep - so you can live worry-free.
In good times and bad, it takes a Masonic Village.
Join Us for a Virtual Presentation! Call the community you’re interested in below for available times: Masonic Village at Dallas: 570-446-5658 Masonic Village at Elizabethtown: 717-473-0614 Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill: 484-535-3119 Masonic Village at Sewickley: 724-242-5099
August 2020
Masonic Villages www.masonicvillages.org
29
PHILANTHROPY
Some Income Tax Highlights from the New CARES Act The economic stimulus provisions of the CARES Act are
tax benefit for charitable contributions due to the inability to
crucial to saving our economy during this crisis. There are a couple
itemize to realize a tax benefit. So, everyone who files a tax
of provisions that you should be aware of in planning your own
return should consider giving at least $300 to charity this year.
financial affairs when we finally get out from under this locked-down
3. Dollar-for-Dollar Deductions for Itemizers - For taxpayers
economy. Here are the highlights from the Act that are most relevant
who do itemize deductions, the Adjusted Gross Income (AGI)
for charitable planning:
limitation on charitable contributions is removed for 2020. The current limitation is 60% for cash gifts. For 2020, individual
1. No RMD in 2020 - For the current year, the requirement that
taxpayers can deduct charitable contributions up to 100%
anyone age 70½ (or age 72 beginning this year) or older receives
of AGI. Any additional contributions not deducted in 2020
a required minimum distribution (RMD) is suspended. Many
can be carried forward to offset income in the future for five
charities, including our charities, rely substantially on qualified
years. For those wanting to make a large cash gift to their
charitable distributions (QCDs), which are tax-free for donors.
favorite charity or to fund a charitable gift annuity (CGA)
Although directing an RMD to charity as a QCD to save on tax is
or charitable remainder trust (CRT), this is the year.
not required this year, it is not forbidden to request a distribution from your IRA to charity anyway and avoid the tax. For many,
For more information on the new CARES Act, call
this method may still be the best way to give to charity if you
1-800-599-6454 and ask to speak to a Gift Planning Officer near
don’t itemize your taxes.
you, or email us at giving@masonicvillages.org.
2. Non-itemizer Donation Relief - Contributions of up to $300 are now allowed as an “above the line” deduction starting in 2020. This permits individuals who would otherwise get no
30
Masonic Charities www.masoniccharitiespa.org
Pennsylvania Freemason
Qty Item Unit Cost Masonic Village at Dallas 1 Park bench $800 1 Phillips HeadStart AED (defibrillator) $1,275 Masonic Village at Elizabethtown 244 Fluoride treatments $20 14 Hair care service gift cards for residents who $25 exhausted funds 4 Massages for pain $65 4 All-weather courtyard armchairs (set of 4) $400 1 Sensory LED bubble wall $425 1 3-D printer $500 1 Living room matching end tables $500 1 Clubhouse Library $1,268 1 Masonic Health Care Center Library $2,000 1 Grand Lodge Hall Library $2,000 1 Blanket warmer $2,600 1 Digital grand piano $3,199 1 Chair scale $4,300 Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill 10 Eversound Headset Systems $200 1 Jukebox $1,450 1 Upright piano $8,000 Masonic Village at Sewickley 1 Portable sound system for RL Dining Room $1,000 1 Outdoor movie screen and projector $2,000 1 Recording technology system $3,000 1 Nordic wellness chair $8,500 1 “It’s Never 2 Late” computer system $9,000 1 Replace Assembly Room projector $10,000 Masonic Village at Warminster 1 Enlarge small pond in courtyard $35,000 Masonic Village Home Care 20 Home Care gift certificates $50 Masonic Village Hospice Gift card to local grocery store delivery $75 Gift card to local spa $100 Donation for transportation cost $100 Hospitality cart supplies $100 Masonic Children’s Home 1 Indoor flag and flag stand $300 1 Podium and microphone $300 1 Electronic equipment $500
August 2020
MASONIC VILLAGES’
2020
WISH LIST
OFFICE OF GIFT PLANNING
1-800-599-6454
Thank you to the following individuals, lodges and organizations that have made a difference in the lives of our residents through the Wish List. Gifts were made between Jan. 1 - Apr. 30, 2020: MASONIC VILLAGE AT DALLAS Clayton J. and Theresa Karambelas MASONIC VILLAGE AT ELIZABETHTOWN W. Clark and Nancy Biehl Anne K. Gratz Susan K. Joines Kane Lodge No. 566 Donna J. Rentzel Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Retirement Living Residents’ Association Henry F. Scheck, Jr. Marilyn E. Sheldon David C. Sheldon Mark A. and Judith R. Townsend Arlene S. Von Nieda Luther A. and Kimberly A. Zarfoss, II MASONIC VILLAGE AT WARMINSTER Lodge No. 9 MASONIC VILLAGE HOSPICE Sherwood L. and Jean A. Kneebone MASONIC CHILDREN’S HOME Wayne M. and Nancylee Garafola Ronald A. and Judy A. McKnight There is an all-inclusive wish list posted on MasonicCharitiesPA.org, or feel free to contact the Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-599-6454. Please note that if funds donated for any item listed are over-subscribed, the funds will be used for additional wish list items or needs in the same service area.
Masonic Charities www.masoniccharitiespa.org
31
“The CGA benefits my charity, and I get tax deductions from it. I never have to worry about the ups and downs of the stock market, and all my monthly bills are paid.” - Anne Gratz
Why a Charitable Gift Annuity with Masonic Charities? If you are like Anne, you may be tired of the fluctuating stock markets, tired of paying high income taxes and concerned that if you sold your appreciated assets, you would pay taxes on the capital gains.
Here is a Solution!
A Charitable Gift Annuity with the Masonic Charities is simple, versatile and accessible to many donors over the age of 65. It provides you with secure, partially tax-free fixed income for your life and/or a spouse or child over the age of 55 AND provides a tax deduction. Plus, it’s an easy way to create a meaningful legacy to the Masonic Charities. After your passing, the remaining balance from your gift will go to support the work of the Masonic Charities.
It’s easy:
1. D ecide on the amount of your gift (minimum $5,000) and the type of asset you will use to fund your gift annuity (cash, stocks, mutual funds, etc.) or if you would like the convenience of purchasing an annuity with your credit card to gain rewards. 2. Call 1-800-599-6454 to speak with a Gift Planning Officer or email us at Giving@MasonicCharities.org.
SAMPLE GUARANTEED LIFETIME RATES For One Life For Two Lives Age Rate Age Rate 70 4.7% 70 & 75 4.3% 75 5.4% 75 & 80 4.9% 77 5.8% 85 & 85 6.5% 81 6.7% 85 & 90 7.1% 85 7.6% 90 & 90 8.2% 90+ 8.6% 90 & 95 8.4% Note: This is a partial listing. Rates exist for any combination of ages.
COMPLETE AND MAIL THIS FORM TO:
Office of Gift Planning, One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 Telephone 1-800-599-6454 I would like more information, with no obligation. Please: Send me a Charitable Gift Annuity illustration. Name(s)__________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________ Telephone: ( )_______________________________________________ Email:____________________________________________________________ My birth date____________ Spouse’s birth date____________ (if two lives) Dollar amount(s) to be illustrated (up to three amounts)_________________ _________________________________________________________________ If using appreciated stock, estimate cost basis__________________________ Call me about using my credit card to purchase my annuity. Phone (
) __________________________
www.MasonicCharitiesPa.org Financial information about Masonic Charities 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 solicitation 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.
