Village Voice - Fall 2023

Fall 2023

Vol. 33, No. 4

Masonic Villages include locations in Dallas, Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and Warminster.

Published by Masonic Villages’ Public Relations Department

Masonic Village, One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022

717-367-1121, ext. 33383 or email pr@masonicvillages.org.

Masonic Villages is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Decisions concerning admissions, the provision of services and referral of residents are not based upon race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age (where minimum age for admission is met), sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, limited English Proficiency (LEP) or any other protected status.

Welcome, NEW LEADERSHIP!

Masonic Villages has named Melissa Vayda as its new director of organizational development and training, effective June 9, 2023.

Melissa manages and implements comprehensive training programs designed to develop non-clinical, clinical and leadership staff in their growth within Masonic Villages. Previously, Melissa worked as the workforce development and learning solutions manager at WellSpan Health. She holds a bachelor’s

degree from Dickinson College, a master’s degree from Penn State, an executive MBA in organizational leadership from Colorado Technical University and an Ed.D. in organizational leadership and development from Argosy University.

Melissa is the founder of the Addiction Foundation, a volunteer-led non-profit organization dedicated to sustainable addiction recovery solutions, where she serves as a volunteer therapist.

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS

As part of the LNP and LancasterOnline Readers’ Choice Awards, Masonic Village Home Health was voted Lancaster County’s Best Home Health Agency. Masonic Village at Elizabethtown was a favorite for the “55+ Community,” “Personal Care/Assisted Living” and “Retirement Community” categories. Masonic Village Hospice and Home Care were favorites for “Hospice and Palliative Care Specialist” and “In-Home Companion Care (Non-Health Care),” respectively.

Masonic Village Hospice also made the Hospice Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) Honors List. HealthcareFirst presents this award to hospice providers who show professional excellence in patient care and caregiver support. We appreciate all our staff for their continued dedication.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS

Thanks to the innovation and compassion of a teacher and students at Bear Creek School, along with donations from Masonic Village at Elizabethtown and two residents, more kids will have the chance to play.

The Elizabethtown Area Education Foundation put out a request for additional funds to support a project to enhance outdoor play spaces at the Bear Creek School for the enjoyment of all students and the community. The idea for the project came after Andy Klose, physical education teacher, asked students if the current playground met the needs of all students, and they provided ideas on what could be added to allow accessibility for all students. The students held a Fun Run in May and raised $23,624 toward the effort.

Through the Sally E. Law Charitable Fund, Masonic Village residents David and Lisa Law have given toward causes they know David’s late sister, Sally, would have approved of, and agreed the accessible and inclusive playground at Bear Creek School was an ideal recipient. After learning of the project, they presented a check for $25,000 on July 25.

“We’re so happy to be able to donate through my sister’s foundation,” David said. “My sister would definitely get behind this cause.”

Earlier in 2023, Masonic Village donated $15,000 to the Elizabethtown Area Education Foundation for the 15th year.

Melissa Vayda

SPE A KING THE SAME Language

The shared love of a foreign language is what initially led residents Anita Boeschen and George Simms to form a new club. However, the group would grow to mean immeasurably more than either could predict at the time. Last summer, Masonic Village at Elizabethtown warmly welcomed the German Club to its campus, and it has flourished ever since.

Prior to moving to the United States in 1959, Anita was born and raised in Hamburg, Germany, during World War II.

As a leader and member of the German Club, Anita brings her beautiful native tongue and remarkable life experiences to share with fellow members.

George acquired a love for German during his seven-year venture studying medicine abroad in Switzerland. The desire to maintain fluency and grow intellectually encouraged him to join Anita in establishing the new club. He now leads and hosts weekly language lessons in his apartment, alongside Anita.

The German Club has 20 recurring members, six of whom are committed to George and Anita’s weekly language lessons. These six individuals have immersed themselves in the German language by completing daily homework and practicing their fluency with other members.

The club offers monthly sessions where members have the opportunity to present chosen topics. These subjects vary, including German history from Versailles to present state living, geography, language dialects, finances, politics and a club favorite: personal life stories.

“I survived it and am stronger from it,” Anita said.

“We try to give the people who don’t know German very well an overview of the wonderful diversity of the language and culture within the country itself,” George said.

“One of the real blessings from the club meetings is that a number of the members were born and raised in Germany and lived through World War II and can share their experiences with others,” George said.

Thanks to the know-how of Rainer Wolter, resident and member of the German Club, individuals can share beautifully crafted electronic presentations of their life experiences.

These life story presentations of survival and perseverance have allowed members to bond, cultivating a safe place for all individuals to belong.

“The German club is not only about interesting history and people but sharing experiences together,” George said.

The club meets every third Wednesday of the month at 2 p.m. in the Grand Lodge Solarium. The gatherings typically last about an hour, starting with introductions and member presentations and concluding with group discussions and delicious German snacks. Whether they are conversing, singing and dancing to German music or practicing their fluency, club members are connected through the steadfast love of a common passion.

Anyone is invited to join in on the fellowship and fun the club has to offer.

by Camdyn Lehman, public relations associate

“You don’t have to speak German. You don’t have to come from Germany. If you’re interested in German at all, then you are welcome, and even if you are not interested in German, you are welcome!” George said.

A PERFEC T FI T

The Star Points building at the Masonic Village at Sewickley offers a lovely courtyard for residents and families to gather. As several trees that filled the space needed to be removed, a blank palette was left for Mark Gilmore, landscape manager, to enhance for the enjoyment of those who live in, work at and visit the building.

As he was developing a plan, Mark was approached by Kate Steinfurth, who was looking for a project to earn her Eagle Scout. Kate’s last name was familiar to Mark, as her older brother, Ryan, added a ¼-mile hiking trail to Masonic Village to earn his Eagle Scout in 2020.

As a young girl, Kate had always been interested in scouting because of all the adventures and opportunities to learn new skills and be involved in service projects. In elementary school, there were no female troops in her area, so she attended her brother’s scout meetings. When she learned a female troop was developing in Moon Township, she jumped at the chance to join a troop of her own.

Kate, with the help of Scout Troop 9198 – Laurel Highlands Council, family, friends, Mark and Eric Gross, executive director, removed the existing trees, added 154 new plants, pressure washed the concrete walkways and trellis and replaced the benches. In all, Kate spent more than 120 hours on the project.

“It was a perfect fit,” Mark said. “Masonic Village could help her achieve her goals, and at the same time get the assistance needed to upgrade the courtyard.”

She was familiar with Masonic Village, not only from her brother, but also from past volunteer experiences.

“Growing up, I attended several scout and school events at Masonic Village,” Kate said. “I always liked being able to bring joy to the residents through music and service. I knew Masonic Village was very supportive of my brother and his Eagle Scout project, so I thought I’d reach out to see if there was anything I could take on for my own Eagle Scout project.”

Kate earned the Eagle Scout rank on July 12, something only 6% of scouts on average ever accomplish, according to www.scoutingnewsroom.org. The inaugural class of female Eagle Scouts was in 2018.

“I am proud I reached the rank of Eagle Scout because it is a goal I set for myself when beginning my scouting journey,” Kate said.

“Being an Eagle Scout is important to me because I think it represents that I live a life which prioritizes the ideals I value in both scouting and in my day-to-day life.”

These ideals are reflected in the Scout Oath: “On my honor, I will do my best to do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law; to help other people at all times; to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.”

“What impressed me the most was the dedication of Kate and the young ladies of Scout Troop 9198,” Mark said.

“They showed up on a weekend and worked in the mud with a light rain falling, and I never heard a complaint. Masonic Village at Sewickley ended up with a beautifully landscaped courtyard, and Kate got what she needed to become an Eagle Scout.”

A head of THE HERD

The Masonic Village Farm in Elizabethtown has a rich history of award-winning practices and participation in quality certifications. This legacy continues, as Scotty Miller, farm manager, had the privilege of attending the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Young Cattlemen’s Conference in June. The invite-only opportunity has renewed his focus on the future of the farm’s operations, building on its strong foundation.

The program has become a cornerstone for leadership development, and its objective is to expose producers to virtually all segments of the industry, providing a better understanding of the beef industry, “from gate to plate.”

It was a humbling experience for Scotty to be among the highest rated beef producers from across the country. While each attendee oversees a very different type of operation, they also found a lot of commonalities in the issues they face.

He learned a great amount over the nine-day conference, which he has already begun to apply to everyday operations of Masonic Village’s 160 mature cattle, 160 calves and 500acre farm. He also had the chance to network with more than 70 other producers and industry professionals and stays in touch with several to compare daily issues or concerns. The last two days of the trip were spent in Washington, D.C., during which he met with legislators from Pennsylvania to discuss policies and bills that impact the agricultural industry.

“Masonic Village’s Farm definitely rates pretty high up the list of well-manicured operations, especially having the means and support to do what is right, by not only the cattle but the environment and the personnel,” Scotty said.

“I wasn’t looking forward to that portion of the trip, but in the end, it was actually a highlight,” he said. “I felt like we as an industry had a voice, and the legislators could speak to and see an actual farmer, something they don’t get to do very often.

Plus, if we never do something that makes us uncomfortable, how do we learn and grow?”

A RICH HISTORY

Among the farm’s accolades and achievements, in 2012, Masonic Village received the National Cattlemen’s Foundation Environmental Stewardship award for implementing innovative practices and technologies that will leave the land and its resources better for future generations of beef producers. In 2016, Masonic Village received the cow/calf Beef Quality Assurance award for demonstrating exceptional animal care and a low-stress, cattle-friendly working environment by allowing sufficient feedlot time for cattle and housing cattle outside year-round to improve herd health, among many other quality initiatives.

The beef operation at Masonic Village is a member of the Pennsylvania Beef Quality Assurance Program, which makes certain the beef cattle are maintained in a manner that will result in a safe and wholesome beef product. This program is monitored and supported by the Pennsylvania Beef Council, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association and Penn State University. All of this means Masonic Village’s beef, which is served in campus restaurants, sold at the Masonic Village Farm Market and purchased by high-end restaurants, meets the highest safety standards and is ranked high in quality.

Scotty plans to continue using what he learned to make changes and improvements. He’d also like to find time to invite others from the industry (producers and consumers) to Masonic Village and give tours. On the trip, Scotty met with the CEO of a fast food chain and learned this industry is using words which they don’t truly understand to define their products.

“Some things they said they wanted to do by 2030, all of us in the room are already doing,” Scotty said. “It just really showed the disconnect between the producers and some of the end users.”

The experience also confirmed a few things Scotty has known for a while: Masonic Village is unique and ahead of others in the beef industry, and he’s in a fortunate position.

“I feel we have an amazing story to tell and a beautiful campus to do it with, and I think we should take advantage of both of those,” Scotty said.

Helping From the Heart

Volunteers are a gift to those they serve. Reaching out a hand to serve your neighbors and community while expecting nothing other than self-satisfaction in return, takes a special person – someone with a selfless spirit, a compassionate touch and a kind heart. Masonic Village residents find unique ways to combine their passions and their desire to give back to impact those around them for the good of everyone.

The Drive to Help Others

William (Bill) Franks enjoys staying busy and having a purpose, while helping others at the same time.

The Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill resident volunteers to drive retirees or people who are unable to drive to church, doctor’s appointments, grocery stores and many other locations.

Bill began offering these services years ago through a program developed by his church, St. Philip Neri, in Lafayette Hill. Even prior to moving to Masonic Village, Bill transported residents to appointments from time to time.

“It all started when a couple of women from our parish went to the pastor and said they wanted to organize this program, so they began sending out [driver] applications,” he said.

In 2008, the leader of the group had a minor stroke, and the doctor told her she needed to scale back her activities. Bill raised his hand and volunteered to lead the program.

“I said to my wife, ‘How difficult could this be?’ I found out the first week when we started getting appointments, and we were busy,” he joked.

“We only drive as far as King of Prussia and Roxborough. There was a World War II veteran who I used to take to a veterans hospital in Philadelphia once every few months. That’s as far as I ever drove. I did it because I thought he deserved it.”

Some weeks, Bill only picks up one or two residents. His schedule is sporadic and depends on how many other people volunteer to drive. While he still drives today, it’s not as much as he once did.

“I used to like to drive, but I’m not sure I do anymore,” he said. “If I can walk somewhere, I’ll do it. I figured if I could still help people, I’d like to keep doing that. I am retired, and this program is beneficial for me. It keeps me feeling useful. Sometimes they may not be the nicest people you are taking [for a ride], but you still do it. That doesn’t happen often, though. Most people are just happy to have a ride.”

Bill and his wife, Anne, came to Masonic Village in 2019, right before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Bill is a retired supervisor at PECO, and Anne worked part-time for years at Strawbridge’s department store. The couple have been married for 64 years and have five children, eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Bill said he and Anne really enjoy living at Masonic Village.

VOLUNTEERING

Bill and Anne are very involved in the Masonic Village community. Bill plays pinochle, volunteers in the gift shop and serves on a committee to improve communication between residents and staff. Anne plays scrabble with personal care residents every week and also runs a scrabble game for retirement living residents. Both enjoy playing Quiddler on Saturday nights.

“I think it’s great, the fact that we’re with people our own age and everyone is friendly,” he said.

“I’ve visited other places and feel so lucky to be here. It’s just a very friendly atmosphere.”

“We just really enjoy being involved in activities,” he said. “It feels good to be part of a community. We like being social.”

HEART WORK

While volunteerism requires great sacrifice of both time and effort, residents Alice and Marty Lieb, of Masonic Village at Sewickley, can confirm the experience is life changing in return.

In September 2022, Alice and Marty decided to move to Masonic Village at Sewickley. The place they now call home allows the couple to feel confident and prepared for all situations life brings. However, the transition to Masonic Village hasn’t changed the couple’s mission to serve others.

Marty has volunteered at various organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and Contact Pittsburgh. His time spent at Contact Pittsburgh, a crisis and suicide hotline, was not always easy, but the desire to change lives was a key motivator.

Marty’s time was cut short at Contact Pittsburgh when the organization was forced to close due to monetary circumstances. This event did not stop his drive to volunteer, so Marty discovered a new opportunity at the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvania (LAMP).

The couple met in the 60s, when Alice happened to be Marty’s server at a Howard Johnson’s restaurant, and the rest was history. Before their life at Masonic Village, the couple lived in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, where Marty worked in pharmaceutical sales and Alice in art education.

Although their professions and family kept them busy, Alice and Marty made it a priority to volunteer. As a young girl, Alice remembers tagging along with her parents to a local food pantry, where they would help with a variety of needs. This act of service influenced her into adulthood, as Marty and Alice volunteered at a food pantry near their home.

For a few summers, Alice and Marty were given the opportunity to volunteer for mission work through their church. The couple led a group of 20 young adults down to Eastern Kentucky, where they built and restored homes among the local communities. That experience is one they won’t forget and is held close to their hearts today.

“It was life changing for them [the young adults] and for us,” Alice said.

Currently, he volunteers every Tuesday at LAMP, a free accessible library that provides services for individuals with vision and hearing impairments. During this time, Marty is audio recorded while he reads aloud the text of a chosen book. His job requires concentration and precision, and he typically practices reading the book at home so he can develop a rhythm. Since volunteering at LAMP, Marty has acquired an even stronger respect for those with hearing and vision loss.

“You always get back more than you give,” Marty said.

“I made an impact on perhaps one person, and that mattered,” Marty said.

“I have an admiration for the people I am reading for because they have some unbelievable skills and are very aware of the world and life,” Marty said.

In April, Marty was able to invite two employees from LAMP to Masonic Village at Sewickley to provide an overview of the digital tape recorders and audio book selections. Concluding the demonstration, 10 residents signed up for LAMP’s program.

For the last 15 years, Alice has utilized her intense passion for art to bring exhibitions to life for those visiting the Carnegie Museum of Art. She volunteers as a docent to the museum and is responsible for administering tours for individuals of all ages.

Her time at the Carnegie Museum of Art allows her to not only connect with those who walk through the museum doors but gives her the ability to grow intellectually each day. Alice is required to study each art exhibit to ensure she can answer any questions asked during the tours.

Recently, Alice led a group of 16 Masonic Village at Sewickley residents on a tour of the museum’s Carnegie International Exhibit.

“It was great fun!” she said. “What is beautiful is that people have everything they need to engage with art. All I need to do is ask questions that invite them to respond, and then they have a personal experience to take home with them.”

In the past, Alice has run numerous art camps for students, as well as painted holiday themed canvases for her church. In the future, she hopes to lead another group of Masonic Village residents through the permanent art collection residing at the museum. Alice deeply enjoys her time as a docent, as it is rewarding intellectually and emotionally.

Alice and Marty confidently believe their volunteer efforts have enriched their lives in significant ways. The couple encourages others to take a step out of their own busy schedules and connect with people through acts of service, as the results are truly immeasurable.

by Camdyn Lehman, public relations associate

“The opportunity to work with children and adults who want to know about what they are seeing and understand what it means to them from their own point of view, I can’t tell you what a thrill that is!” Alice said.

“Art changes lives, and when you get to see a spark in a person’s eye, when they have the ‘Aha’ moment, it is a true thrill!” she said.

The Village MUSIC MAN

Continuing his lifelong passion for music, John Barkley has made the most of his time at Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill, directing and singing in a choral group for residents he created in 2013, called Voices on the Hill.

The volunteer group rehearses weekly during show time, typically performing two shows a year. This year, the Recreation Department asked John if he’d enjoy putting together his own variety show, and he agreed. “Johnny B. and Friends,” a show performed in July, consisted of John and three talented guest artists, one of whom is a staff member at Masonic Village.

The next performance for Voices on the Hill is scheduled for Nov. 29, and rehearsals began at the end of August. The group is accompanied by a pianist, and will sing a selection of popular music and show tunes. One of the members has a show business background and serves as the dance coordinator.

Growing up in Roxborough, John began singing during

He began performing in his church choir at age 16. At 22, he organized his first variety show. Then, he directed the junior and teenage choirs for many years at his church.

John eventually began studying mechanical engineering at Drexel University. He left Drexel after being offered a position as a national account underwriter for Wausau Insurance (now part of Liberty Insurance). He completed night classes at Drexel, the University of Pennsylvania and Temple University, earning various certificates in risk management and property and casualty insurance.

“It’s a lot of work and takes months to prepare the theme for the show we’re doing, find the music and schedule rehearsals, but the group I have now is the best,” John said. “It’s about 18 people, and we’re expecting at least three more members in the fall. We have good singers, and a few even do some dancing!”

his teenage years.

“We traveled to a lot of different places because the kids were really good,” he said. “It was one of the highlights of my life. We were together for 15 years.”

But he never stopped enjoying music and performing, something his family inherited a love for as well.

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John has been singing with the Roxborough Male Chorus for 64 years, which has helped him learn to read and conduct music at Masonic Village.

“I learned a lot about music from good singers,” he said. “This year, the Roxborough Male Chorus gave me a lifetime achievement award for being the oldest member. I also sang a solo at our choral concert in May. We have a regular concert we always perform at Masonic Village, usually in December.”

John has lived at Masonic Village for almost 13 years and said the facility and staff are excellent.

“We moved here because my wife needed nursing care,” he said. “She died 10 years ago. I had no idea how many friends I would make here.”

Besides singing, John volunteers with the Resident Association at Masonic Village and was a youth leader for 50 years at several churches. He was president of Pennsylvania’s and Philadelphia’s Christian Endeavor interdenominational youth ministry. He was also president of the Philadelphia Bible Society from 2003-2009, where he would visit patients in hospitals and nursing homes.

“All of my kids are musically inclined,” he said. “Both daughters took piano lessons at a young

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to sing and would always

around the house. She would have loved

in a performing choir. I’ve always felt bad she never got to experience that.”

“I just like being involved,” he said. “If it is something that benefits someone else, that’s even better.”

A MAN OF Many Trades

As a maintenance mechanic at Masonic Village at Sewickley, Steve Satterlee completes a number of service requests throughout the day, ranging from carpentry to electrical to plumbing. However, his skill and expertise are not limited to Sewickley, Pennsylvania, and have made an impact more than 7,000 miles away.

“I have traveled to the Philippines 14 times now,” Steve said. “My buddy [Jeffrey Mann] was looking for someone to do the global opportunity program at Susquehanna University with him for a while, and I figured my love for helping others could be a way to give back.”

Currently, Steve serves as an adjunct faculty member at Susquehanna University, where he is a co-director of the Global Opportunity PLUS (Philippines Learning, Understanding and Service) program. The PLUS program gives students the opportunity to immerse themselves in the Filipino culture through a serviceoriented work trip. As directors, Steve and Jeffrey travel annually with a small group of college students to Lipa City and build a home for a Filipino family in need.

Leading up to the annual trip in May, Steve spends time fundraising to pay for the materials needed to build the home, which range from $4,000 to $7,000. Each year, a percentage of profits made from his personal carpentry business are put towards the trip, and in the past, he has received donations from residents of Masonic Village at Sewickley.

“We can change a family’s life with $5,000,” Steve said. “The money we raise here in the United States goes much further in the Philippines.”

“Our program gets to work directly with the Filipino people. We get to work with the family we are building a house for, and the students get a lot more out of the trip because they are immersed into the culture,” Steve said.

The constructed cinderblock home relocates a Filipino family from their original living situation, typically consisting of a small shack made from unstable, miscellaneous materials. The cinderblock home provides a newfound sense of security for the family and includes solid walls, a safe roof, a kitchen, a living room and individual bedrooms.

“The Filipino people are very great people. They are gracious, hospitable, fun-loving and hardworking,” Steve said. “There is a need in their communities and extreme poverty that you do not see in the United States.”

Steve is passionate about the impact made during the PLUS program’s trip and is thankful to have his skill and expertise utilized abroad and at home.

by Camdyn Lehman, public relations associate

Steve’s various mechanical skills and helping hands have allowed him to make an impact on the people of the Philippines. He has become close friends with many residents of Lipa City, which is a reason he returns annually.

“I like to help people, and that is how I give back,” Steve said. “Anything I can do to make people happy and make their lives easier is what I like to do.”

SMALL PART, BIG HEART

Margaret Longridge, a resident of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, modestly views herself as an ordinary individual. Yet, her humility cannot conceal the extraordinary work done by her helpful heart amongst the Masonic Village community.

Margaret was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, but moved to Pennsylvania along with her family in the 70s. While living in Effort, she worked for the Pleasant Valley School District as a secretary in the special education department. After retiring, Margaret moved to her adored single-family home in Elizabethtown.

“After living in my home for eight years, I knew it was time to downsize to a smaller apartment,” Margaret said. “I had a long list of options, and I went down the line and saw Masonic Village and thought to myself, ‘I would really love to stay in Elizabethtown and live here.’”

Masonic Village stood out to her, as she had previously received various brochures displaying the beautiful campus. The highlighted option on her list influenced Margaret to apply, and in 2016, she happily joined the community.

As a Christian, she feels a responsibility to give back and help others. Before coming to Masonic Village, Margaret regularly volunteered at her church and served as the president of the preschool program. She oversaw daily operations and was responsible for filling out day-to-day paperwork. This experience inspired her to pursue a new volunteer position after moving to Masonic Village.

Margaret has served as a resident volunteer for seven years now, which has been nothing but pure joy. Her first position, where she continues to serve, entails being a cashier at the Grand Lodge Hall gift shop. Margaret has helped in stocking the inventory, but her first priority is customer needs.

“Since I was new to Masonic Village, I did not know much,” Margaret said. “When you first move, it can be very overwhelming, which I experienced. However, I was able to meet new people while helping in the gift shop, and that helped me tremendously.”

With a desire to meet more people, Margaret decided to take on another volunteer position at the Grand Lodge Hall transportation desk. This role has become a personal favorite of hers, and the friendliness of fellow residents makes the experience even more enjoyable.

“I feel so fortunate to be living here, and I have had the opportunity to be involved on campus through volunteering,” Margaret said.

Some of Margaret’s favorite volunteer memories are from this time. While at the information desk, she could regularly converse with other residents and welcome the warm faces of family members. Margaret especially adores the memories of flower companies dropping off beautiful bouquets sent by residents’ loved ones.

“I just love the transportation desk,” Margaret said. “People come up to me and say, ‘Good morning, Margaret, how are you?’ and it just makes me feel so happy.”

Although both of her current volunteer roles reside in Grand Lodge Hall, Margaret has spent some time volunteering in the Masonic Health Care Center (MHCC). After an unexpected broken leg, Margaret resided in the MHCC temporarily. Yet, change and immobility could not stop her from continuing to pursue volunteer opportunities. Soon enough, Margaret signed up to be a volunteer at the MHCC information desk, where she was responsible for helping visitors navigate the building.

“I was able to meet so many different people who were visiting the health care center,” Margaret said. “It was heart-warming seeing people take care of their loved ones through small acts of kindness, like washing their laundry or sitting in company with one another.”

Today, Margaret still enjoys her time serving at the Grand Lodge Hall gift shop and transportation desk. She is also in the process of becoming a volunteer with Masonic Village Hospice. She has attended several training sessions and is eager to discover the role she will fill in this new experience.

“I decided to volunteer for Hospice because there are people here who have no family,” she said. “I just feel that no one should have to struggle alone.”

Margaret knows the sacrifice it takes to be a volunteer but continues to encourage others to give it a try, as it has been an influential outlet in her own life. She firmly believes the act of volunteering impacts lives, no matter the amount of experience or time you can give. Margaret continues to serve to give back and fill her heart with positive experiences.

“I love living at Masonic Village, and I love volunteering,” Margaret said. “There are many areas that need an extra hand, and it is very easy to become a volunteer.”

“I feel satisfied with the little part I am doing,” Margaret said. “I know I am filling a spot that needs to be filled, and that in itself is satisfying.”

by Camdyn Lehman, public relations associate

Capturing the Moment

When word of a newly established photography club at Masonic Village at Sewickley came up, resident Josh Bayer knew he could not keep quiet.

“The first meeting of the group was announced in March, one month after my move to Masonic Village. I showed up to the informative meeting, along with about a half dozen others, and during introductions, I didn’t have the sense to lie about what I had done for a living for so long,” Josh said in jest.

For 40 years of his professional career, Josh worked as a corporate videographer and photographer for MSA Safety, the largest manufacturer in the world solely devoted to making personal protective equipment. During his time, he was responsible for supervising both videography and photography personnel, as well as shooting his own photo and video content for the company. After hearing about his extensive experience, fellow members named Josh club leader by default.

“Everybody looked at me at the first group meeting and said, ‘Based on experience, you are the group leader!’ and I thought to myself, ‘Don’t people have to leave rooms or not be present to get voted leader?” Josh joked.

At the club’s monthly meetings, Josh suggests a specific subject matter for members to photograph and further discuss at the following meeting. Willing participants spend the next month shooting and processing photos. When the next monthly meeting rolls around, club members can share their personal photography and seek feedback. Various topics covered have included element types, composition, photo quality, light exposure, focus and subject matter.

Next year, the club hopes to be a part of the rotating display cases on campus and create a small photography exhibit. The plan is to have a chosen theme that members can collectively photograph to create a cohesive display of photos for all residents to enjoy.

As it develops and grows, the photography club hopes to attract new members to join the group’s journey. No matter their experience or expertise, Josh invites prospective photography club members to:

Although the club is new and working on foundational basics, the current members have big plans for the future. They want to organize club trips (open to all residents) where they can get real life practice photographing different areas and subject matters. In addition, Josh plans to acquaint members with programs like Adobe Photoshop to introduce and strengthen photo editing skills among the group.

The club meets every last Tuesday of the month in the social room at Masonic Village at Sewickley. Anyone looking to learn more about photography and practice their camera skills is welcome to join.

by Camdyn Lehman, public relations associate

“The goal behind the club is to improve our photography skills,” Josh said.

“Practice and do not be afraid to try something out of the ordinary!”

Photographs by (clockwise from top): Josh Bayer, Glenn Davis and Pam Braden

Photography club members (back row, l-r): Glenn Davis and Josh and (front row, l-r): Cliff Sutliff, Pam Braden and Jim Lea

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Maximize Your Charitable Impact ... Benefit from the Advantages a QCD Provides

Benjamin Franklin coined the phrase “a penny saved is a penny earned.” Albert Einstein noted that “the most powerful force in the universe is compounding interest.” If you take their advice to heart, you may be interested in considering a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD).

With diligent savings and the help of tax deferral, you may have seen your traditional retirement accounts grow substantially. But once you reach 70½ years of age, you will be required to take minimum distributions (RMDs), even if you don’t need the RMDs to cover your living expenses. RMDs are included in your income and may cause you to be taxed at higher rates.

If you are at least 73 years of age, the IRS allows you to donate up to $100,000 each year directly from your retirement accounts to a charity. This may have several benefits for you and your charity of choice:

• You maximize the charitable impact since it is not reduced by the income taxes you would pay on the RMDs.

• You reduce your income tax liability since QCDs are excluded from your income.

• You obtain the tax benefit even if you do not itemize deductions or if your deductions are phased out because of your income level.

• You have the flexibility to time your QCDs through regular installments or by one or more QCDs.

• If you are married and file a joint tax return, the limit is increased to $200,000 each year. Beginning in 2023, individuals will be allowed to make a QCD of up to $50,000 to establish a life income gift, such as a charitable gift annuity or charitable remainder trust.

If you would like to discuss options for optimizing your donation to your favorite Masonic Charity while avoiding additional tax burdens, we would be happy to assist you by returning the enclosed business reply envelope or contacting us today:

Office of Mission Advancement and Development

One Masonic Dr., Elizabethtown, PA 17022 1-800-599-6454

giving@masoniccharitiespa.org

View our charitable solicitation disclosures by scanning the QR code.

Thanks to Our Donors

Memorial Gifts

The following memorial gifts were made May 1 - July 31, 2023. Below is a list of individuals (names shown in blue) whose loved ones have made a gift in their memory to one of the five Masonic Villages. We have taken great care to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the names listed below. If an error has been made, please call the Office of Mission Advancement and Development at 1-800-599-6454 or 717-367-1121, ext. 33434; or email giving@masonicvillages.org. Thank you.

Irene K. Boose

Ruth M. Achorn

John T. Adkinson

Donald Boose

George Achorn

Cheryl Adkinson

Jane Albany Friendship Chapter No. 551, O.E.S.

John and Jean Albright

G. Georgianna Allen

Richard L. Angle

Vincent W. Attaviano

Carl Back

Lena M. Baker

Lynn S. Balmer

Frank Barlamas

David Bartolacci

Howard A. Beiseigel

Helen Bell

Raymond R. “Ray” Betz

Robert Fulton

Robert Allen

Evelyn Angle

Marion Attaviano

Anna Belser

Russell Baker

Charles and Nancy Balmer

Shawn and Vasilia Gradek

Gwen Bartolacci

John Beiseigel

Paul and Donna Alpaugh III

Mark and Dawn Arnold

Elizabethtown

Masonic Village

Shrine Club

Bryan and Eileen Hill

Bruce and Ethel Howarth

Masonic Village Travel Club

William and Kathy Prazenica

Ronald L. “Ron” Campbell

Carol Aeberli

BBL Fleet

CentiMark

Richard and Mollie Cotten

Jenny Cunningham

Timothy and Theresa Dunlap

Ron Grice

Martin and Alice Lieb

Gale Loberg

Charles W. and Erica R. Pryor

John and Marlene Schwab

Margaret Wilkes

J. Preston Carson

Richard Casher

Gaylon Cathcart

William and Judith Carson

Carl Edward Noel

Michael and Barbara Cathcart

Nona Chern Gary and Katherine Portnoy

Howard Clark James and Carole Clark

Patricia Clark Charles Clark

Joyce P. Clopper

Norman Clopper

Anna Rose Coll Milton Coll

Carolyn A. Connor

Dixie Lee Corwin

Vincent Connor

Richard Corwin

Thomas E. Beveridge

Earl W. Binder

Gus Bizic

William Loraine and Nancy Lou Bower

H. Joe Brooks

Carolyn “Vonnie” Brown

Eugene Brown

Robert F. Brown

Olin and Gladys Brubaker

Thomas Beveridge

Roger Schoemaker

Paul Belosh

Michelle Zieser

Philip Brion Brooks

Harold and Sandy Bower

David and Gloria Brown

Hazel Brown

Karl Buus

John Buch Jane Pitman

Edward Budman

Charles and Hilda Buehler

Eleanor Butler

Oscar and Angila Smith IV

Clintin Probst and Karen Buehler-Probst

Karen and Joe Campbell

Nancy Hanway

Patricia Suwyn

Robert M. Curtier Priscilla Curtier

Dorothy E. Davis George Rendell

Jason L. Dean Richard L. Dean

Bryon Deane Raymond and Dawn Deane

Chester A. and Marian Derk, Sr. Chester and Barbara Derk, Jr.

Calvin D. Ditzler

George R. Ditzler

Kenneth E. Ditzler

Joyce Ginder

Joyce Ginder

Joyce Ginder

Jim Donnon John and Joan Groves

Laura W. Dove Albert Dove

Charles J. E. Dubbs Richard Dubbs

Katherine M. Dubbs

Wayne and Debra Dubbs

Eileen Duckett Bryan and Eileen Hill

Marcia and Jim Duncan Jimmie and Barbara Erwin, Jr.

August Dutchcot John and Joan Dutchcot

Walter F. Dyer George Ullrich

Alleane J. Ellis Benny and Alleane Ellis, Sr.

Jack Eshenour

Catherine Eshenour

Susan J. Felegy Bill and Nancy Pearson

Rose Croix Chapter No. 235, O.E.S.

William Kaufmann

Adrienne J. Keiser

Rebecca Kellaway

Eugene and Anna Kline

Larry Keiser

Dirk Whitney

Barbara Fine

Richard Fine

Jerry Francis William and Beverly Bowman

Barbara L. Frantz Robert Frantz

Charles and Ruth Frederick Nancy and Perry Bogert

David Freedman

Barry Schlesinger

Charles G. Frishmuth Ronald and Katherine Frishmuth

J. Lorraine Jordan

Norman Getz Thomas Getz

Jack Gillmore

David J. Ginder

Vicki Gillmore

Joyce Ginder

Doris Gormley Randolph Gormley

Louis Griffiths

Despina M. Grimes

James Spangler

Robert Grimes

Beverly D. Gross George Gross

James W. “Jim” Guldner Ernest and Rebecca Meisel, Jr.

Ruth M. Hagan Joseph and Joyce Hagan, Sr.

Louis J. Hahn, Sr. Louis Hahn

Carol J. Hassler

David Hassler

Edna Jane Hauck Gary and Christine Groff

Cheryl Hinkle

Margaret Hummel

Carole Jennings

Nancy Peters

Victor E. Hauze Dale and Mary Hauze, Sr.

Rodney Hawley Eugene and Anna Kline

William K. Hawthorne William and Carol Hawthorne

Sidney Hersh

Sylvia Hersh

Jack E. Hestor

Joel Hersh and Cynthia Tyger

Joel Hersh and Cynthia Tyger

Janet Hestor

Helen Hetson Leonard Hetson

Robert J. Hirsch

Matthew Tyler Langer Hirsch

Jerry Hoffert Mark Traupman

George Hohenshildt John Kern and Deborah Hughes

J. Richard Hollinger David and Jane Hollinger

Paul J. Hostettler

Paul L. Hummel

Gregory and Diana Hostettler

Sharon Sebasovich

David and Alicia Hunsberger Timothy and Fay Pletcher

Cheryl A. Hutchinson

Edward S. Jackson, Jr.

Ray A. Jackson

John Hutchinson

Rachel Jackson

Edwin and Mary Louise Miller

Ina Jacobs Family of Ina Jacobs

Janie, Steve and Corky

Susan Jacques R. Thomas Jacques, Sr.

Ivor Jones

Mary E. Karr

Joyceann Kinney

Earl M. and Mae Kline

John Kinney, Jr.

Eugene and Anna Kline

Albert Kling, Jr. Albert Kling

Clark and Ethel Klopfer Margaret Weidman

Mary Knight

Virginia S. Knight

Harold R. Koch

Janet Kovac

Gerald “Jerry” Krebs

Casper and Kathleen Knight III

Robert and Jacque Knight III

James Koch, Sr.

Steven John Kovac

Norman and Susan Beard

Joann Fissel

Bob and Pat Gluck

Donald E. Kreitz Donald Kreitz and Shirley Tackett

Kathleen L. Kuhn

E. Thomas Kuhn, Jr.

Gerald Kyler Bleema Sachs Mitro

Joseph F. Lauck

James and Amelia Rothermel

Ralph Lehman Don and Marge Rineer

Willard Eugene Leland H. Leland Smith

Jack H. Lesoine, Sr. Paul and Judith Lesoine

Carol Levin Robert Dare

Morris Levy

Barry Schlesinger

John H. and Irma B. Lewis John and Carolyn Lewis, Jr.

Dominick Lizzi David and Alda Lizzi, Sr.

Edward and Dorothy Lloyd Christine Petrucci

Randy and Faye Lokey John Lokey

E. Russell Long R. Richard Wright, Jr.

Grace L. Long James Long

Anthony and Jean Loy Clintin Probst and Karen Buehler-Probst

John T. Lutz Mahlon and Christine Fuller

George S. Mark, Jr. Evelyn Mark

John David Marryman

Rosilyn Martin

Marie Massa

Robert Glasser

Deanne Molinari

Michael and Rebecca Maxwell

Edward and Betty Masterstefone Kim and Laura Masterstefone

Diane Mayers

Willis I. McCord, Jr.

John Mayers

Richard McCord

Jack McKale Michael and Leah McKale

Paul McKinley James Burns

Sandra F. McManus James McManus

Gloria B. Meridionale William and Kathy Prazenica

Dorothy Meszaros Kenneth and Rebecca Reigle, Jr.

Paul E. Meyers

Donald Meyers

Melvin Mumaw Ruth Mumaw

Delroy Wagner

Boyd and Pamela Karr

Mary A. Murphy

Ken and Elaine Bleiler

Bryan and Eileen Hill

JoAnn and Dick Keller

William and Maureen Kingsbury

John and Bev Kline

Nancy Morton

Joseph and Barbara Murphy

William and Kathy Prazenica

Gloria L. Schnee

Philip Schnee

Joseph J. Schuck, Jr. Houseman Lodge No. 211

James Seidel

Michael and Suzanne Beidleman

Mary M. Sellers Mary Yeager

Lura Shader Claudia Williams

Suzanne M. Shankroff Benjamin Shankroff

John M. Shaud, Jr. Mary Shaud

Gertrude W. “Trudy” Shaw Jeanne Chadlo

Gertrude K. Myers

James C. Nickle

Charles L. Nixon

Stephen and Kathy Kiessling

Thomas and Terry Kamerzel

Thomas and Deborah Nickle

Gail Nixon

Virginia H. “Ginny” Orchard Ken and Elaine Bleiler

Gordon MacGregor

Joseph Oziminski

Clintin Probst and Karen Buehler-Probst

Clara Parsons Friendship Chapter No. 551, O.E.S.

Walter R. Paul Brian and Deborah Paul

Lee Peterson Edward and Dolores Peterson

John C. Pfaff

Beatrice K. Phillips

Ruth Ann Phillips

Barbara Joan Plecker

Dorothy Pfaff

John Phillips

Robie McKinnon

Tim and Jackie Linck

Masonic Village at Dallas Residents’ Association

Lillian McGrady

Bill Miller

Kay Sedlak

Jeffrey Tocci

Judi, Jason, Holly, Michael and Jonathan Willhide

Perry Pressman Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 019

Robert “Brother Bob” Putman

Howard Reed

Leonard E. Reichenbach

Berneice Reigle

Joan Reynolds

Rosie Heck

Susan Reed Chadwick

Harvey and Brenda Ilgen

Kenneth and Rebecca Reigle, Jr.

Christian Reynolds

Robert E. Rhoads Lester Rhoads

Jay Riefler

Roberta Rifkind

Henry Rindgen

Gale Woods Robison

Carolyn Robison Gills

Robert L. Rohrbaugh

Frederick and Mary Lou Kauffman

Eugene Rifkind

William and Claire Nicholson

Gerald Robison, Jr.

Gerald Robison, Jr.

Isabel Rohrbaugh

Barbara Kopf

The Osifchok Family

Barbara Schwab

Donald and Melanie Shaw

Nancy and Alan Shaw

Bruce and Kimberly Watson

David B. U. Shearer George Ullrich

Donald “Jake” Shearer

Rosemary Shearer

Kim Shelley Donald and C. Jane Hacker II

Mervin J. Shuman Blanche Shuman

David Simington Donald and Tina Marie Simington

Joseph Simington Donald and Tina Marie Simington

Paul Simington Donald and Tina Marie Simington

Jade D. Simmers Douglas Simmers

A. Howard Smith H. Leland Smith

Darlene Smith Janna Smith

Ruth Steeb Peter and Mary Steeb

Thomas Stephens, Jr. Garry and Carol Kauffman

Thomas C. “Tom” Stephens, Jr. Simon and Eileen Conway

Vicki Gillmore

Sue and John Lanphere

Robert Lombardi

Diane Loree

Joseph and Barbara Murphy

Mark and Eileen Pagano

Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association, Inc.

Claudia Stephens

Robert W. and Natalie H. Roth

Robert A. and Jean F. Saam

Billie J. Savickas

Karen Martin

John and Marian Evans

John Savickas

Esther Scheuermann John Letsch and Adalena Wilson

George Schmitt

Margaret Shelley

James Robert Stewart

Joan Stewart

Charles A. Stocker Robert and Randi Fulmer

Robert C. Stoebe

Sidney Stoloff

Carl F. Stoltz

Ronald C. “Ron” Stover

Adam Becker

Harry Pak

Terri Shannon

Vickie and Mark Cook

The Goepfert Family

Sara Hinchliff

Angie Miller

Schuyler County Social Services Team

Charles and Christy Stover

Shirley Stover

William Robert Stroop Jeffrey and Debbie Stroop

Lewis K. and Cora H. Strouse Lewis Strouse

Charles W. Stuard, Jr.

Charles Stuard

Walter “Butchie” Doe Tabor III Walter and Janet Tabor, Jr.

Robert I. Thomas Robert and Pamela Thomas, Jr.

Nikki Thrower Theodore and Elizabeth Castel, Jr.

John Trayer Clyde and Joy Trayer

William E. Traynor

Roberta Traynor

John E. and Dena S. Tredinnick Thomas and Patricia Tredinnick

Robert Tressler Robert and Barbara Ann Ressler

Royden Tyger

Joel Hersh and Cynthia Tyger

Howard W. Viguers Joan Viguers

Mary “Mickey” Vish

Louis Saverio Valenzi

Miles and Stella Vukas Jim and Cynthia Kovacevich

Glenys and Willard Wetzel Martin and Rosanne Ritter

Herman and Blanche Walters David and Alice Bechtel

David M. Wareham and Elizabeth Gerald Wareham

Larry Webster

Donald and Shirley Miller

Robert Wellington Thelma Wellington

Sue White Doris Longenecker

Rose H. Wible Donald and Sandra Kunz

Honorarium Gifts

Amy Keller Wilhelm

Charles L. Williams

Joseph J. Williams

Florence Willis

John D. Witman

Frances May Wolford

Richard and JoAnn Keller

Larry Williams

Ruth Williams

William Reaghard

David Witman

Merrilloyd Brotman

Marilyn Garlen

Mary Kelly

Tom Levien

Janet MacKay

Ocean City Lioness Club

Timothy and Patricia Slattery

Donna Storm

Sharon Warfel

Chris Wolyoung

Julian Milewski

Raymond R. Wright, Sr. R. Richard Wright, Jr.

Walter H. Wright, Jr.

Ervel Wylde

John P. Young

Robert G. Zerbe, Sr.

Carolyn Wright

Matthew Mayo

Donnis Young

Gertrude Zerbe

Elizabeth “Betsy” Zimmerman George Zimmerman, Jr.

The following honorarium gifts were made May 1 - July 31, 2023 Below is a list of individuals (names shown in blue) whose loved ones have made a gift in their honor to one of the five Masonic Villages.

Ruth Barkley

Jane Buch

Sebastian David Burrier

The Michael Chapel Family

Dianna McCommons

Jane Pitman

David Burrier

Jonathon Leffler

Zella Dervin Larry and Zella Phelabaum

Patricia A. Flowers Edward and Linda Brain Beck

Jean C. Frishmuth Ronald and Katherine Frishmuth

J. Lorraine Jordan

Gerald Lankin Andrea Lankin

George B. Lohr

Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Leadership Team

Jacob Beal Lohr

Mary Reeser

Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Staff Joanne Ferrari

Jim Phillips D. Jane and Joseph Bruton

Stephanye Smith Heath and Holly Mackley

Joyce Wadsworth Milton Coll

Elizabeth V. Hahn

Jill Hamme

James H. Koch, Sr.

Louis Hahn

Donna Rentzel

James Koch

Elizabeth Marie Walters Christian Reynolds

Henry W. Webb

Robert Glasser

MASONIC VILLAGES

One Masonic Drive

Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2219

OUR MISSION: To empower and inspire our Masonic Community to achieve their potential and enjoy the highest possible quality of life by being a Center of Excellence in providing person-centered residential, health care and wellness services, home and community-based services, outreach services and ancillary operations.

Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill