VillageVoice With You Throughout Life’s Journey p. 8
16
10 6
13
8
Spring 2020
18
Vol. 30, No. 2 The Masonic Villages include locations in Dallas, Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and Warminster. Submissions for the summer issue of the Village Voice are due June 19. Public Relations Department Masonic Village, One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 For more information, call Masonic Village’s Public Relations Office at 717-367-1121, ext. 33383 or email pr@masonicvillages.org.
2
Inside this Issue 3 A Message of Gratitude 4 New Leadership
The Masonic Villages is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
6 Teammates in Love & Life
Decisions concerning admission, the provision of services and referrals of residents are not based upon the applicant’s race, color, religion, disability, ancestry, national origin, familial status, age, sex, limited English proficiency or any other protected status.
20 Masonic Villages’ Wish List
Spring 2020 Issue
18 Making a Mark on the World 21 Memorial Gifts 26 Honorarium Gifts
COVER STORIES With You Throughout Life’s Journey 9 A Gifted Guide 10 Called to Ministry & Mission 14 The Good Life 16 Spiritual Advisors On the cover: Resident Rev. Ken Rippin (see his story on p. 9).
AT THIS TIME OF YEAR, our campuses would normally be bustling with activity. Unfortunately, due to the continuously evolving COVID-19 crisis, we have instead been forced to limit, suspend or cancel many of our most cherished activities.
A message from William Kingsbury, CEO
In listening to your feedback and suggestions for navigating this situation, I’m reminded that despite the limitations, restrictions and “social distancing,” we are and will remain a warm, caring and loving organization. We are carefully monitoring the public health crisis and all official guidance and directives. Be assured that during this trying time, we are committed to making sound decisions calculated first and foremost to protect our residents and team members. I wish to express my gratitude to all of you. To our Masonic Villages’ staff who have been working around the clock to monitor and guide us through this public health emergency: Thank you for your dedication, talent, leadership, flexibility and ingenuity. You are an inspiration to me and indispensable to our Mission of Love. To our residents, customers and families: Thank you for your patience, understanding and adherence to the limitations, postponements and changes we have had to implement during this time. I know it is difficult to be separated from your loved ones, miss out on scheduled activities and events, alter your schedules and modify your routines. In the meantime, know our team members consider our residents and their families to be part of our family, and we will always strive to treat them with compassion, respect and care.
To our volunteers: While we have asked you to suspend your service with us until further notice, please know that we miss your smiles and talents and look forward to your return. To our donors: Without your support, we wouldn’t have the wherewithal to implement the precautions we have taken during this national emergency. From nurses and doctors to housekeepers and food service workers, our staff are putting their health and safety on the line to stand between our residents and this virus. While our front-line heroes are taking caring of others, will you take care of them with a gift (big or small) to Masonic Villages’ Helping Hands Fund using the enclosed envelope? Thank you for thinking of our employees during this time. While residents and staff are the main priority, our Masonic Villages have also endured significant costs in providing additional staff hours and materials like masks, face shields, disinfectant products, testing equipment and emergency food and water - to combat this virus. You may also consider giving a gift to Masonic Villages to ensure aging seniors receive the quality care they deserve for many decades to come. I have seen and heard about many selfless, thoughtful and caring deeds at our campuses during the last several weeks. With a family like this, I know we will get through these unprecedented times. Pictured in March: children’s home residents leave messages for health care workers in Elizabethtown; a staff member assists a resident in video chatting with a loved one; food services staff deliver meals to residents’ homes. MasonicVillages.org
3
New Leadership THEODORE H. CLAY, JR. has been named director of nursing for Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. In his position, he is responsible for the overall management of the nursing department. He provides direct supervision/instruction to the management team and communicates with various departments to ensure quality care and effective teamwork. Ted spent 18 years with the Veterans Administration and was most recently employed as chief nursing officer at Spring Creek Nursing and Rehab in Harrisburg. Ted has more than 23 years of experience in nursing leadership. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a Gulf War Veteran. Clay holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Immaculata University and a master’s degree in nursing from Grand Canyon University. LISA LIVINGSTON has been named administrator of Masonic Village Home Health and Hospice, a division of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. Lisa is responsible for strategic planning, organizing and directing all facets of operations for Masonic Village Home Health and Hospice. This includes maintaining compliance with federal, state and Community Health Accreditation Partner (CHAP) standards. In addition to working with Masonic Village Home Health as an as-needed occupational therapist, Lisa most recently served as the director of rehabilitation services at Genesis Rehabilitation Services in Mechanicsburg. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health and occupation and a master’s degree in occupational therapy, both from Elizabethtown College. DR. JOHN MAST has been named Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s medical director. He is a geriatric specialist and is certified in geriatric and family medicine with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health. Dr. Mast has been with Masonic Village in various capacities for 21 years. He attended Goshen College and Indiana University School of Medicine and completed his residency at East Tennessee University. KATIE ROOF has been named vice president of clinical care and quality for Masonic Villages. In this position, she will provide strategic direction and leadership for clinical operations and identify quality measurement objectives for the organization’s five campuses. Katie has been employed with Masonic Villages since July 2014, most recently as assistant director of nursing in Elizabethtown’s Masonic Health Care Center. She holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Widener University and is pursuing her Nursing Home Administrator license. PATRICK SAMPSELL, Esq., has been appointed general counsel and chief engineer for the Masonic Villages of Pennsylvania. In this position, he will expand his previous role as chief environmental and facilities officer in managing the municipal, zoning and construction legal affairs of the Masonic Villages into 4
Spring 2020 Issue
a broader general counsel role. He will provide advice on various compliance, risk management and other legal issues and will serve as liaison with outside counsel. He will continue in a dual role as chief engineer for Masonic Villages, providing advice and counsel on facilities and construction operations to the various campuses, and overseeing the areas of sustainability, utility purchasing, real estate acquisition and the management of large construction projects. Patrick has worked at Masonic Villages since 2006. Previously, he spent 15 years in private practice as a professional engineer and planner. He retired from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard in 2011 with the rank of Major after having served 20 years, including one tour of duty in Afghanistan. Patrick holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Bucknell University. He also holds a Juris Doctor in law from Widener University. SUZANNE SHAHEEN has been named human resources manager for Masonic Village at Warminster. In her position, she will implement the human resources function in accordance with current applicable federal, state and local standards, guidelines and regulations. Most recently employed as human resources manager at Monetate, a software company in Conshohocken, Suzanne has more than 13 years of experience in human resources management and as an adjunct professor in human resources management and business ethics at Temple University’s Fox School of Business. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Arcadia University and a master’s degree in business administration from La Salle University. JUSTIN WOLGEMUTH has been named senior vice president of operations for Masonic Villages. In this new position, he will work collaboratively with the executive team to provide strategic leadership and direction for setting objectives, planning and staffing for the Masonic Villages. His office is located in Elizabethtown. Justin has been employed with Masonic Villages since 2018 as president of Masonic Village Home Health and Hospice. He was previously employed as the vice president of clinical services at Mennonite Home Communities and as a registered nurse for Horizon Healthcare Services in Lancaster. He holds an associate’s degree from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Millersville University.
A Powerful Player in Senior Dining Masonic Village at Elizabethtown earned the number 10 spot on Food Management’s list of “Power Players in Senior Dining” across the country. Congratulations to the more than 500 employees who work across all areas of the campus in nine dining venues, helping to serve 2,800+ meals every day (that’s more than 1 million a year) to residents, employees and visitors. “There are a lot of moving parts with our operations, but at the end of the day, we strive to provide the best service and highest quality choices for our residents,” Greg Thomas, director of food services, said. “When it comes to food, each person has different tastes, preferences and requirements. Finding options for everyone that taste great, meet nutritional needs and are served in a warm and friendly environment are our top goals.” MasonicVillages.org
5
Teammates One day while out for a drive, they parked in front of the Big Spring Creek. Max pulled a ring out his pocket and asked if she’d like to have it. About a year later, on June 11, 1949, they were married in Zion Lutheran Church in Newville with four groomsmen and four bridesmaids. A small reception followed in the church. For their honeymoon, the couple headed to Niagara Falls and made a stop at Conneaut Lake near Johnstown, where Lou was originally from, to visit friends. MAX AND LOU BOWMAN HAVE ACCOMPLISHED, SEEN AND DONE countless things in their 70 years together, but they can describe what they’ve loved most in one word: everything. They caught a first glimpse of each other in a drug store and met again while working in a tomato canning factory in Newville in 1946. Max was responsible for punching a card whenever someone turned in a bucket of peeled tomatoes, which earned the person $0.25. He always gave Lou an extra punch. “I told one of the guys at the factory, ‘See that girl over there? I’m going to marry her,’” he recalls, referring, of course, to Lou. As for Lou, the feeling wasn’t initially mutual. “She’s still studying it,” Max jokes. It may not have been love at first sight for Lou, but she agreed to a date. Max had just been discharged from the U.S. Navy, having served in the Philippines during World War II. He was on his way to college, and she was a senior in high school, and they saw each other on and off for a year. Once his freshman year was over, the two went on their first “real” date to a dance at Allenberry Resort. “He treated me like a princess,” Lou said. “He was very good to me. Our families knew each other. We started to fall in love.”
6
Spring 2020 Issue
“We’ve been in love ever since,” Max said. “It’s been a wonderful courtship with good memories.” Max worked as an accountant with several companies, including one that took the couple to Harleysville, Pennsylvania. It was here he joined the Masonic fraternity and later served as Worshipful Master of Warren Lodge No. 310 in Collegeville. They moved several times throughout their lives, including to one home they built themselves. Each home included lots of acreage where, together, they planted flowers, trees and fruits and vegetables which they canned. After Max’s two heart attacks by the age of 37, they made fitness a priority and went for walks together, followed by 30 minutes in the swimming pool. The two also enjoyed fishing. The couple has a son and daughter, five grandchildren, three step-grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
The Secrets of a Happy Marriage Max and Lou have always been a good team, sharing household responsibilities, with Lou cooking and doing some cleaning, while Max washed the dishes and ran the sweeper. Max worked full-time, and Lou tended to their son and daughter. “I love everything about her,” Max said. “She is a wonderful, loving wife and a good cook. I just don’t know how else to put it. Ever since I first met her, I loved her.”
in Love & Life “He is sentimental and kind and very lovable and thoughtful,” Lou said. “I just can’t think of all the adjectives that would do him justice.” The foundation of their seven decades together is respect and communication. “Make a marriage 50-50,” Max said. “We never go to bed mad and always kiss each other before bed and in the morning. After all these years, we still give each other a kiss each day. And I sing to her a lot.”
“Love is still the most important part,” Lou said. “I also learned to say, ‘Yes, dear,’” Max quips. Max’s Masonic connections led them to their current home at Masonic Village at Dallas. Max is good friends with R.W. Past Grand Master Marvin Cunningham, who resides at Masonic Village. When Max and Lou decided to move to the Dallas area to be close to their son, Marvin highly recommended they join him at Masonic Village, where they moved in 2017. “We wish we would’ve done it sooner,” Max said. “I like the people. They’re so nice here, like one family. We’ve made a lot of good decisions in our life.” For their 70th anniversary, their daughter and son arranged a party at Masonic Village. The first half of the event was for their family, and for the second half, they invited residents and staff from Masonic Village. Rep. Karen Boback presented a citation in their honor. They enjoyed dinner out the following evening with their children. “It was a great affair,” Max said. “I counted 70 people at the celebration, which was appropriate.”
The Bowman’s Wedding Photo From 1949
Their 71st anniversary is coming up soon, and while it will have a different feel than their 70th anniversary, with no elaborate party or citations, it will have the two most important components of their relationship: each other. Their love isn’t measured in years; it’s an infinite depth cemented in mutual admiration.
MasonicVillages.org
7
With You Throughout Life’s Journey
Spiritual care may mean something different to each person, but all spiritual care leaders have the common ability to provide comfort, hope and direction. Residents and staff at Masonic Villages who were called to this special role feel blessed to be there for those they serve through tragedies and triumphs. 8
Spring 2020 Issue
A Gifted Guide
Facing several health conditions, Ken and Lois knew they wanted to retire somewhere they’d be taken care of. After visiting four retirement communities, they chose Masonic Village at Sewickley and moved in February 2018. Little did they know, Lois would immediately need additional health care after being diagnosed with stage IV cancer. She passed away in January 2019.
REV. KEN RIPPIN SERVED AS A PASTOR for almost 40 years, and what helped him best serve his congregations was recognizing his own gifts and those of others.
unable to leave their home. He’d visit or call them every day. If he couldn’t do it himself, he’d coordinate pastoral care teams. Other volunteers sent cards on behalf of the congregation each week.
“I enjoy being with people,” he said. “I’m a people person, and I have a sense of humor and a love of music. These were gifts I could share. I am not a teacher; it’s not my gift. Fortunately, people like my wife, Lois, had a spirited gift of teaching.”
“When you’re in the hospital, you may be feeling like no one cares, or you might not have any family,” Ken said. “This really made a difference. The whole church was involved. It showed we really cared for people.”
Ken never thought of being anything but a pastor. He attended Otterbein College and the United Theological Seminary, both in Ohio. He was already married to Lois when he was ordained - an occasion neither will forget. She was pregnant with their second child and had gone to Pennsylvania to stay with her parents while he finished school. She gave birth the night he was ordained. Through the United Methodist Conference, Ken served several churches in western Pennsylvania. Ken’s most rewarding moments in ministry came from visiting those in his congregation who were hospitalized or
Ken retired in 2000, and he still runs into people in the community who thank him. One lady approached him and asked if he remembered her. He didn’t, but she recalled how he sat with her in the hospital the night her father died.
“She told me it wasn’t what I said that night that she remembered, just that I was there,” he said. “As a pastor, you always try to say the right thing. Sometimes you do, sometimes you don’t. It just means a lot that we show up and pray.”
“We were in the right place and a good place,” Ken said. “Lois taught youth through adult Sunday school classes. Everyone felt blessed to have her as a teacher. She was also an excellent student and graduated from Robert Morris University at age 50. She was sharp until the end.” Rev. Tim Reichard, director of pastoral care at Masonic Village, leads a Sunday service and the choir, and he meets with residents living in all areas of campus. Spiritual care programs also include Rosary, Bible study, weekly Mass and monthly religious discussions. “Tim is a gem,” Ken said. “He has a sense of humor and is the kind of guy who takes care of all people. He’s perfect for Masonic Village.” Ken is good at recognizing his own gifts, those of others and the biggest gift of all: life. “You only have one life,” he said. “There are sad times, but you can get through them if you do the best you can, stay positive and just believe. Springtime is a symphony of resurrection. We see the crocuses and daffodils coming up; it is nature’s way of resurrecting itself. It makes me feel very blessed.” MasonicVillages.org
9
Called to Ministry & Mission SPIRITUAL CARE at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown encompasses much more than weekly interdenominational church services. Residents can receive support after the loss of a spouse or a cancer diagnosis, participate in choirs, volunteer with the Outreach Committee, attend Bible study and, most importantly, find a friend who will walk beside them on life’s journey. Pastor A. Preston Van Deursen, director of spiritual care, became familiar with Masonic Village at Elizabethtown at the age of 8, when he moved to the Masonic Children’s Home. He didn’t know then that Masonic Village would become a permanent fixture in his life and an outlet for him to serve God and his community. In college, Preston was studying toward a career in social work. After injuring himself playing softball and finding himself in a car on the way to the hospital, he had a conversation that changed the direction of his life. The driver asked what he planned to do after graduation, and Preston mentioned he’d considered seminary but was uncertain. His driver, it turns out, was the son of 10
Spring 2020 Issue
the head of the religion department at the college. Preston picked up an application for the Lutheran Seminary in South Carolina the next day.
in the Masonic Health Care Center (MHCC). Although Sell Chapel opened in 1927, the formal Congregation of Sell Chapel was founded in 2004.
“There were many times of doubt and searching, and each time I was ready to say this wasn’t for me, someone came along and guided my path,” Preston said. “After 40 years as a pastor, I know that God has directed my path even here to Masonic Village, as I have served for 25 years.”
“Our department has continued to keep pace with a growing church and Masonic Village’s population, developing many programs and offering numerous services,” Preston said. “As I have been blessed to be here for so long, I have been a part of so many people’s lives. I have married and buried employees, residents and residents’ families. I have been invited into the most intimate moments of people’s lives. The Masonic fraternity has been a blessing to me and my family, and I have been honored and appreciated many times over.”
Preston joined Masonic Village in 1995 and in 1999 was named director of the department. Among the initiatives he started were weekly hospital visits with residents and devotions on the neighborhoods
A Team United The spiritual care team includes
“I truly feel ministry, for me, is to encourage people to be true to themselves in connecting with God and the world around us.” - Pastor Deborah Valiton-Carnish
four full-time pastors (with an additional one starting in May), a minister of worship and music and an administrative assistant. Each pastor serves as a liaison to several neighborhoods in the MHCC. They rotate Sunday Sell Chapel services, Sunday and Wednesday afternoon services in the MHCC, weekly devotions on each neighborhood, Thursday vespers in Grand Lodge Hall and serving as the 24-hour on-call pastor. Together, their team also leads an annual Blessing of the Hands for staff and Blessing of the Animals service.
“When God calls you to ministry, you can’t avoid answering that call,” Paul said. “I was working in the Merchant Marine for Atlantic Container Line as a Port Captain when I finally answered the call. The idea of seminary and entering ordained ministry would always creep back into my thoughts, and eventually it was something I could not avoid any longer.”
Musical opportunities for residents include a handbell choir, women’s chorus, men’s chorus and the Sell Chapel choir. In addition to interdenominational Sunday services, the department works with religious leaders in the community to offer L’Chaim, Shabbat and other Jewish services throughout the year and a weekly Episcopalian service.
“It is an honor to walk with people in their lives during some of their more significant points,” he said. “I also find it a privilege to be working at Masonic Village. It has been a dream of mine to be a pastor here since my ordination 16 years ago. I have been a Mason for 30 years and am currently serving as the Worshipful Master of my lodge. It truly is an honor and a privilege to be a part of such a great community.”
Pastor Paul Hansen, associate in spiritual care, joined Masonic Village in 2018. He leads bi-weekly services in the Adult Daily Living Center, coordinates Jewish services on campus, facilitates weekly men’s Bible study groups for residents in all areas of campus and helps with Masonic Village’s Veterans Committee.
Paul has embraced every moment of people’s lives, whether it is grief and loss or joy.
Pastor Brian Farling, associate in spiritual care, has found the grass is greener with a career in ministry than in his former profession as a golf course superintendent.
MasonicVillages.org
11
Deborah said. “I try to meet people where they are and encourage them to continue in their journey with peace and to experience joy and love while traveling along.” She leads a monthly women’s group and organizes the resident Flower Committee, which delivers flowers weekly to residents facing difficult times. Deborah also serves on the health care leadership team as her department’s liaison, which is a highlight for her.
“I was getting paid to make sure the greens rolled fast and true and the mowing lines on the greens were straight,” he said.
“One day, I asked the good Lord if there was more to life than mowing a straight line and having fast greens. God used so many different people, prayers, circumstances and scriptures to encourage my heart that I was moving in the right direction.” With the support of his wife, Leigh Ann, Brian made the switch in 2002. He came to Masonic Village in 2014, where he oversees a bi-monthly prayer circle group and facilitates a weekly Bible study discussion group and the men’s support group for widowers.
12
Spring 2020 Issue
“I enjoy the people I work with,” Brian said. “They are a joy to be around and have a great sense of humor. Humor is a bright spot and balance to our days, because in our department we can see some hard days alongside residents and staff alike. The next best thing besides the people is the opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone else.” Pastor Deborah Valiton-Carnish, associate in spiritual care, joined the team in 2013. Through ministry, she found an avenue to serve others and fulfill her passion for community and helping people in crisis. It has opened ways for her to meet people of different faiths and traditions. “I truly feel ministry for me is to encourage people to be true to themselves in connecting with God and the world around us,”
“Working with other departments enables care to be provided to staff who may need a little support so they can continue to provide exceptional care for our residents,” she said. “The best thing I love about my job at Masonic Villages is the ability to truly work together as a team and offer care to others in so many different ways. Regardless of the position anyone holds here, or what department we work in, the mission is that of care for our residents and one another.”
Support Through Life’s Challenges After resident Prudence “Prudy” Mann (pictured right) lost her husband of 55 years in January 2019, she began attending one of Sell Chapel’s support groups. The group’s activities have included asking participants to write down regrets and burn them, release balloons to meet loved ones in heaven and put paper hearts back together by turning what they miss about their spouses into what they are grateful for. Prudy feels the group really helped her get through the death of her husband and reminded her that he is in a better place now.
“Each person goes through grief differently. You have to do it your way, with the help of other people, but especially with a strong faith, so you know that your loved one is okay.”
“Death is an experience you go through with someone else, but if you are, as I am, a believer, you feel that death is just a stepping stone in life,” Prudy said. One of the most beneficial aspects of the group is that residents who have lost a loved one are able to communicate with each other and realize they are not alone, according to Preston. Prudy recommends the group to others on campus who are grieving the loss of their spouse, no matter how they are handling their grief. “Each person goes through grief differently,” she said. “You have to do it your way, with the help of other people, but especially with a strong faith, so you know that your loved one is okay.” One of the spiritual care team’s newest endeavors is the Living with Cancer support group. This Biblebased program, combined with sharing and support, is intended to provide participants the encouragement needed to face and live with a cancer diagnosis, whether for themselves or their spouse. It meets the third Tuesday of the month, at 1 p.m., in Sell Chapel.
Community and Employee Outreach Through the Congregation of Sell Chapel’s Community Outreach ministry in Elizabethtown, in 2019, members donated $38,554.50 in offerings toward Elizabethtown Community Housing and Outreach Services (ECHOS), The Children’s Playroom of Lancaster, Communities That Care, Naaman Center, the Christmas Shop, the Community Cupboard of Elizabethtown, the CROP Walk, Hope Within and the Emergency Fund which has helped during flooding or tornadoes. The committee also coordinates the Employee Assistance Fund, which provided $34,729 last year for 34 staff members facing financial, medical or other hardships. Members volunteer their time through various ministries in the community, including ECHOS. More than being seen as pastors or teachers, the members of the spiritual care team hope people consider them friends and confidants. Each pastor offers their own unique gifts, and together, they provide a genuine approach to people in all phases of their lives. “The people I have met and the friends I have made have truly blessed my life,” Preston said. “The greatest gift has been the gift of friendship through so many.” MasonicVillages.org
13
The Good Life
YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE LIFE WILL TAKE YOU.
in the same business as I was – helping people.”
Masonic Village at Dallas resident Chuck Gommer had always wanted to be a history professor. Born in 1935 in Nanticoke, Pennsylvania, Chuck attended Houghton College in upstate New York and earned his bachelor’s degree in history and psychology.
After he graduated from seminary, Chuck and his wife were married in New York before moving back to Pennsylvania. Friends there immediately helped Chuck get involved with the United Methodist Church.
While in college, he met his wife, Viola, who planned to transfer to a hospital in New York City for her graduate degree. Smitten, Chuck followed her to New York and moved in with her parents. One day, Viola’s father, a Baptist preacher, offered Chuck a scholarship to attend Union Theological Seminary and New York Theological Seminary to study the scripture.
“I didn’t know much about God back then, but I said ‘yes,’” Chuck said. “That’s where I experienced a transformation in my life. I discovered God in more than just a word, but as a presence. And it excited me. God seemed to be 14
Spring 2020 Issue
“United Methodist moves their pastors from assignment to assignment, and I had five appointments,” Chuck said. “My largest one was in Kingston, Pennsylvania, where I pastored a church of over 1,600 people for 14 years. I call it my ‘Camelot’ experience. It was the days of enthusiastic church attendance and worship.” Unfortunately, one day the Susquehanna River flooded, damaging residences and nearby churches. “Some churches could not reopen because of water damage, so we merged with them. We rebuilt the community. My church became an ecumenical church, the Church of Christ Uniting in Kingston, just outside of Wilkes-Barre,” Chuck said. He went on to become a superintendent of over 100 United Methodist Churches in northeast Pennsylvania.
“I’ve been fortunate to have lived in a time and a profession that afforded me all these wonderful opportunities. People invite you into their lives at the most critical times, both memorable and enjoyable and sad and tragic.” and enjoyable and sad and tragic.” Sad moments included “walking around with people who lost everything during floods and hurricanes, and traveling abroad and witnessing a world with much pain and suffering.” “After I began to be involved in missions, I never took for granted the good life we have here,” he said. “My challenge is not to grow weary of well doing, to not grow disappointed when some of my efforts do not work out the way I want them to.” Chuck and his wife of nearly 62 years moved to Masonic Village in September of 2019. It was one of the best decisions they ever made. Chuck retired from ministry in 1998 in order to fulfill another dream – leading volunteer mission trips all over the world – doing service projects to help the poor; building clinics, churches and schools; and rebuilding damaged homes. “I spent 10 years taking teams to Africa, Russia, Haiti and Cuba,” he said. “My wife, a M.S.N., went with me every time. She applied her nursing skills in clinics and taught staff, patients and families. That’s how we lived the latter part of our retirement.” Reflecting back on his long career with the church, Chuck said the most rewarding moments were when he ordained both his father and his son as pastors. “Two years after I was ordained by the Bishop,
I laid hands on my father at his ordination, but the blessing went one step further,” he said. “I have a son who is a pastor, and it was my privilege to ordain him, as well.” Chuck said he cherishes the memories of the many people he and his wife formed relationships with over the years. While he never kept records (the church does), Chuck believes he presided over 500 weddings and between 600 and 700 baptisms. “Every Christmas, we receive cards from people we know from all over the world,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to have lived in a time and a profession that afforded me all these wonderful opportunities. People invite you into their lives at the most critical times, both memorable
“We have owned homes all of our lives, but we were at the stage where we knew that we couldn’t care for our property anymore,” he said. “We wanted to move before we HAD to move. It’s going to give us a little more time to enjoy life rather than if we ‘had’ to come [due to illness]. The staff does not intrude on our lives here. Yet, every day the staff is available for us if we need them. Masonic Villages offer all types of opportunities.” Not surprisingly, one of those opportunities involved going back to their church. “We sit in the back pew of the church,” Chuck said. “I’ve always wanted to do that. Most of my life I stood up in front of the church. We see ourselves as cheerleaders for our church and our pastors. That has been a joy and a blessing to me.” MasonicVillages.org
15
as Mass every Sunday at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Roxborough. She said it makes her feel good inside. “I feel as if I’m doing the right thing, since that was the way I was raised,” she said. “I like the services here and the fact that there are so many people who do not have transportation, but they know someone else is providing for them.” Rabbi Yisroel Kotlarsky (known affectionately as “Rabbi Sruly” by residents) has been visiting Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill for about two years. He comes once a month to lead Shabbat services and also on special Jewish holidays, most recently Purim.
Spiritual Advisors “HAIL MARY, FULL OF GRACE, the Lord is with Thee. Blessed art Thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” More than 20 residents repeated the Catholic prayer over and over again during a recent service (pictured above) at Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill, led by Sister Joan Ricca of the Saint Genevieve Parish Convent in Flourtown. Sister Joan visits Masonic Village once a week to distribute Holy Communion and to pray the Rosary with the Catholic residents. She’s been doing so for the past six years since retiring as admissions director at Saint Joseph Villa, a Catholic health care facility in Flourtown. Prior to that, she taught
16
Spring 2020 Issue
English at Catholic high schools throughout the Philadelphia area. She said there are many parallels between high school students and the senior population. Both groups need affirmation of their own self-worth and value.
“I enjoy ministering to older adults,” Sister Joan said. “It’s a very important time in their lives. Older people often feel less valued because of their inability to be productive. I feel like it’s my job to convince them that they are valued, loved and appreciated.” Resident Roni Donnelly attends the weekly service with Sister Joan as well
Rabbi Sruly, who is also the rabbi at Chabad in Lafayette Hill, likes to bring the joy of Judaism to people who can’t necessarily travel and join his congregation, such as older adults. “I enjoy dealing with all populations of people, but seniors are usually very inquisitive,” he said. “Many of them have been through life and have wisdom and questions about life. Nothing is holding them back, and they can do or say what they feel. They are very open. I enjoy being able to have a good conversation or discussion without holding back.” When people are going through hardships or struggling, they look for “purpose” in their life, and religion is one of the ways in which they find it, Rabbi Sruly said. “Those who tap into their Judaism find a lot of meaning in their lives.” Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill resident Elaine Cohen attends Shabbat services once a month. She likes that she can go to pray without leaving Masonic Village walls. “The rabbi comes to us, and it’s
Pastor Crawford Clark
Pastor John Ryan
very nice,” she said. “He has a service, and he sings different songs and talks about different issues and things in history. I like the fact that you’re supposed to take it easy and not do anything on Shabbat.” Pastor John Ryan, of Iglesia De Dios Mizpa in Warminster, visits Masonic Village at Warminster on Sunday mornings for church, on Wednesday mornings for church/visitation and during the week if anybody needs assistance. He has been ministering to residents there for the past six years. “I learn so much from the seniors because they have time to pray and read, so when I go in to do a Bible study or lesson, they are well-read,” Pastor John said. “They teach me as I try to teach them, but the main focus is talking to them about their day or their family. They experience loss. They struggle with ‘what is happening.’ I try to encourage them that God doesn’t make any bad decisions. His plan is always 100% correct, and He never stops thinking of us.” William Robinson, a resident at Masonic Village at Warminster, is very satisfied by the religious services provided at Masonic Village. He attends church every Sunday.
Rabbi Sruly Kotlarsky “I like the story of Jesus. The more I learn about Him, the more I love Him,” he said.
“I wanted to come to a place where there was a chapel. I love the chapel. It has big stained glass windows. That’s what sold me on this place.” Pastor Crawford Clark, associate pastor at Roxborough Church, visits Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill on Sundays and Wednesdays each week. On Sundays, he leads a short, non-denominational service, and on Wednesdays, he performs a small devotional service in the health care area and music and Bible study in the personal care area. “I was an interim pastor for a small church back in 2000,” he said. “It was an older congregation, and they were just sweet. It changed my thought process about how they [seniors] should be engaged ... that everybody needs to experience faith and be loved. I think older people need to be loved and cared for. I try to encourage them that they still have something to offer, even if it’s just praying for other people as they come to their mind. That’s something of great value.”
MasonicVillages.org
17
but Anne has lived at Masonic Village for the last 15 years and says she now fully understands the difference donors make. “I live here, and I see the impact they make,” Anne said.
“They do so much good here. They take care of people who can’t take care of themselves. Who knows where else these people would be.”
Making a Mark on the World WHILE SOME COUPLES MEET through a blind date or mutual friend, Anne Gratz and her late husband, Roger, were brought together by a shared passion: stamp collecting. Roger was a stamp dealer since 1948 and owned a store in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, where Anne worked with him after they married in 1985. “Roger was collecting since he was 6 or 7 years old,” Anne, a Masonic Village at Elizabethtown resident, recalled. “After we retired from our day jobs, we focused on the store and traveled to shows 35 weekends out of the year.” More than satisfaction and knowledge, collectors like the Gratzs do it for a sense of nostalgia – to have a connection to history. To them, every unique, rare stamp represents an era, each making 18
Spring 2020 Issue
its own mark on the world. As a couple, Anne and Roger often thought about how they wanted to make a mark on their own little piece of the world. How would they leave a legacy, and how could they make a difference? Roger, who was a 60-year Mason, had always believed in supporting Masonic Villages. During their 27-year marriage, Anne also joined in his passion. “There was a group of us [Masons and their wives] that would support Masonic Villages,” Anne recalled. “We would go to the annual donor dinner every year together.” When Roger’s health was slowly declining, the Gratzs decided to close their store and move to Masonic Village. Roger passed away in 2012,
In 2018, to continue Roger’s legacy, Anne decided to support the Masonic Villages with a charitable gift annuity (CGA). A CGA is an agreement between a donor and their charity of choice whereby the donor transfers cash or property (in Anne’s case, stocks that greatly appreciated) to the charity in exchange for a partial tax deduction and a lifetime stream of annual income from the charity. For Anne, her decision to set up a CGA turned out to be a mutually beneficial proposition. “I never have to worry about the ups and downs of the stock market, and all my monthly bills are paid,” Anne said. “The CGA benefits my charity, and I get tax deductions from it.” In fact, Anne enjoyed so many benefits from her first CGA that she has just arranged another. She can add her finances to her list of eliminated worries since moving to Masonic Village. “It’s wonderful living here,” Anne said. “I’m comfortable, and I have a secure feeling. I can’t imagine being out ‘on my own’ anymore. I don’t have to think about making meals or what I will do if something goes wrong in my house. I’m just grateful.” While what remained of the Gratzs’
stamp inventory went to auction nearly a decade ago, Anne now has the feeling of paying it forward to give her joy.
“I just want to help people,” Anne said, “to continue the good that has been done here. I want to help ensure this place remains in the future, in the same way it does today.” If Anne’s story inspires you to consider a CGA, return the enclosed business reply envelope or call the Masonic Charities Office of Gift Planning at 1-8006454 to speak with a gift planner in your area who can answer questions and provide you with a rate.
There Are Many Reasons to Consider a Charitable Gift Annuity If you are like many over the age of 65, you may be: • Disappointed with the low CD rate of return but don’t trust the stock market at this time to invest your cash. • Tired of paying high income taxes and looking for an alternative. • Tired of the fluctuating stock market. • Concerned about paying capital gains tax when you sell your appreciated assets. CGAs provide you with: • Secure, partially tax-free fixed income for you (and possibly your loved one) for life. • An immediate charitable income tax deduction. (The new CARES Act now allows you to use your charitable deduction for up to 100% of your adjusted gross income for cash gifts - learn more about the CARES Act, right).
Impact of the CARES Act The economic stimulus provisions of the CARES Act are crucial to saving our economy during the current COVID-19 situation. There are a couple of provisions you should be aware of when planning your own financial affairs for the future when we finally get out from under a locked down economy. 1. No required minimum distribution (RMD) in 2020: For the current year, the requirement that anyone age 70½ (or age 72 starting this year) or older receive a RMD is suspended. Many charities, including Masonic Villages, rely substantially on qualified charitable distributions (QCD) which are tax-free for donors. Although directing an RMD to charity as a QCD to save on tax is not required this year, it is not forbidden to request a distribution from your IRA to charity anyway and avoid the tax. For many, this method may still be the best way to give to charity if you don’t itemize your taxes. 2. Non-itemizer Donation Relief: Contributions of up to $300 are now allowed as an “above the line” deduction starting in 2020, which benefits individuals who would otherwise receive no tax benefit for charitable contributions due to the inability to itemize to realize a tax benefit. This provision applies only to taxpayers not itemizing. Everyone who files a tax return should consider giving at least $300 to charity this year. This topic will be explored in an upcoming issue of “The Blitz,” prepared by Attorney Alvin Blitz, chief gift planning officer. To receive “The Blitz,” please contact the Masonic Charities Office of Gift Planning or return the enclosed envelope.
• An immediate charitable income tax deduction. • The opportunity to reduce capital gains tax on appreciated property. • A simple, no-fuss way to support Masonic Village residents. 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.
MasonicVillages.org
19
QTY ITEM UNIT COST Masonic Children’s Home 1 Indoor flag and flag stand $300 1 Podium and microphone $300 1 Electronic equipment $500 Masonic Village at Dallas 1 Park bench $800 1 Phillips HeadStart AED (defibrillator) $1,275 Masonic Village at Elizabethtown 10 Mobility shuttle rides $15 250 Fluoride treatments $20 9 Restaurant gift certificates for $20 health care center residents with exhausted funds 6 Baseball tickets $25 18 Hair care service gift certificates for $25 residents who exhausted funds 10 Clothing gift certificate $50 4 Massages or Healing Touch for pain $65 3 Wellness or personal training session $90 5 Wellness center memberships $120 4 AED (Automated External Defibrillator) $350 5 All weather courtyard armchairs (set of 4) $400 1 Sensory LED Bubble Wall $425 1 3D printer $500 1 Living room matching end tables $500 4 Gliders $1,650 2 Blanket warmer $2,600 1 Chair scale $4,300 1 Camping trip for Bleiler Caring Cottage $5,000 Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill 1 Jukebox $1,450 1 Upright piano $8,000 Masonic Village at Sewickley 1 Portable sound system for $1,000 retirement living dining room 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 $9,977 Masonic Village at Warminster 1
Enlarge small pond in courtyard
$35,000
MASONIC VILLAGES’ WISH LIST
You can make a difference in the lives of our residents! Thank you to the following individuals, lodges and organizations that made a difference in the lives of our residents through the wish list: Masonic Children’s Home Grace M. Adkins Wayne M. and Nancylee Garafola Lodge No. 9 Brian A. and Kristin M. Maxwell Ronald A. and Judy A. McKnight Masonic Village at Dallas Clayton J. and Theresa Karambelas Masonic Village at Elizabethtown W. Ronald and Mary Ann Aument W. Clark and Nancy Biehl Susan K. Joines Sally A. Kinzey Rosemary M. Merwin Richard A. and Diane M. Miller Retirement Living Residents’ Association Henry F. Scheck, Jr. David C Sheldon Marilyn E. Sheldon Mark A. and Judith R. Townsend Arlene S. Von Nieda Harry L. and Peggy E. Wheeler Jayne L. White Luther A. Zarfoss, II Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill Richard Vaux Brotherhood Lodge No. 126 Masonic Village at Warminster Lodge No. 9 There is an all-inclusive wish list posted on MasonicCharitiesPA.org, or feel free to contact the Office of Gift Planning at 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.
20
Spring 2020 Issue
Thanks to Our Donors Memorial Gifts The following memorial gifts were made Nov. 1, 2019 - Jan. 31, 2020. 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 contact the Office of Gift Planning at 800-599-6454; 717-367-1121, ext. 33430; or by emailing giving@masonicvillages.org. Thank you. Carol Adams Eva Myers Earl Adams Barbara Adams Margaret M. (Peggy) Adams Ronald and Ardeelou Adams John William Albaugh Suzanne Wojewodzki Clyde N. Albright Janice Albright Carl Alercia Richard Horn Hans and Ruth Andrae Steven and Renate Hylinski Catharine Anstine Roland and Carol Anstine Helen M. Arnold Palmer Arnold Rich Arnold Vincent W. Attaviano Marion Attaviano Claire Aurentz Terry and Barbara Lenker Pheobe J. Babel Allen and Doris Babel William Baker, Sr. Jane Baker Irene Bardsley Raymond and Wendy George Earl and Frances Baringer Paul and Susie Baringer Frances Baringer Richard Horn Carol Barkley John Barkley Marjorie Barnhart Myra Rupp Mary Ann L. Barnhart Clyde Barnhart Philip and Sara Barsky Marilyn Barsky-Boccella Thomas A. Beaty Thomas and Joanne Beaty LeRoy Bechtel Joseph and Marion Foltz Howard A. Beiseigel John Beiseigel William T. Bell III Tina Bell Benjamin Bender Matthew Mayo Elvira R. Berry James and Helen Berry William and Ruth Best Linda Muller Shirley Betz William and Sandra Lambert Richard M. Biggs Robert and Barbara Zeiders Harold L. Bixler Joyce Bixler William H. Bondy Franklin-St. John’s Trinity Lodge No. 221 Kathryn Boone Betty Jane Green Anna Borek Josephine Prince Charles and Jean Botts Karen Botts George W. Bowns, Sr. Claude and Judith Street Norman and Beatrice Boyd Jillian Stauffer Amy Jean Boyer Nikki Reed and John Thurick Robert Breakwell Fran Breakwell Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Brenner Andrew Latschar Walter Brent Chris Hornberger Evelyn L. Briel Thomas and Claudia Stephens
Earl H. Brinser, Sr. Dale and Debbie Burkett Harry and Suzanne Fisher Merville C. Broadbent Bruce and Joyce Broadbent James Brody Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 James and Helen Brookhart Donald and Patricia March Dick Brown Sarah Brown Joseph and Arlene Brown Kenneth and Donna Patrick Susan Wolfkeil Brown Jack and Shirley Wolfkeil Harold (Mike) and Jackie Brubaker Lin Roussel Raymond A. Brunner Houseman Lodge No. 211 Adelaide C. Buehler Rick and Arlene Gheen Ralph and Irmgard Gravel Terri Koob Ronald McNeil Robert and Dolores Opiela David and Christina Stokes Harold E. Burgess, Jr. Ronald and Alice Burgess Ronald K. Burgess Pharmacy Services James Burns Elaine Burns Alan Burrowbridge The Miller Family Frank W. Busch Frank Busch, Jr. Mary E. Calvert Dale and Debbie Burkett Harry and Suzanne Fisher Mr. and Mrs. Donald L. Carmichael James and Bonnie Carmichael Donald Lee and E. Naomi Carmichael Donald and Diane Carmichael Richard and Margaret Case Dennis and Sylvia Ulion Philip H. Chamberlin Alice Chamberlin Andrew G. Charles, Jr. Willaline Charles Toby Zelda Chase Mark and Donna Brody Maxine Chasnow Cliff and Lenore Lipkin Jerry and Ivy Marcus Ray and Catherine Randlett Goldie Seiderman William D. Chilcote Darwin Chilcote Rita Christian Donna Rafter Hope Clark George Friedline Paul D. Clark Eileen Clark Audrey Clegg John Clegg James Larry Cocklin Nancy Cocklin Clyde D. (Chick) Cooper, Jr. Frances Cooper Schmuck Clyde D. Cooper, Sr. Frances Cooper Schmuck MasonicVillages.org
21
Frances B. Cooper Frances Cooper Schmuck John H. and Mary L. Cooper Kip and Kathie Cooper Jeff Coy Jo Anne Coy Catherine F. Crouch Catherine M. Crouch Gleason Crumling Geraldine Snyder Joan A. Cunningham John and Barbara Kolchin Wayne Dallas Warren and Donna Dallas Gordon Dash Richard Parks Harold Daub, Jr. Lois Daub Carl and Jean Daube David and Sandra Lee Daube Donald G. and Irma M. Davidson William and Nancy Davidson Harry Dayton Robert and Barbara Zeiders Jason L. Dean Richard Dean Thomas P. DeFroscia Patty DeFroscia Robert F. DeHaven Kurt and Carol DeHaven Walter and Nancy DePrefontaine Walter and Leslie DePrefontaine Chester A. and Marian E. Derk, Sr. Chester and Barbara Derk C. James Devlin Harris and Barbara Bucklin Ruth Devlin Joseph DiBattista Anthony DiBattista Julia Diez Todd and Judy White Donald Dilliplane Marlin and Mildred Pentz Diana Dillon Donald and Maureen Dillon Grace DiMassa Preston Van Deursen Calvin D. Ditzler Joyce Ginder George R. Ditzler Joyce Ginder Ord L. Dixon Jean Dixon John and Rose Donati, Sr. John and Teresa Donati, Jr. Robert Douty Barbara Douty Laura W. Dove Albert Dove Charles W. Dressler Dawn Carr Dale Dressler Ralph Dukstein Dorothy Kane J. Donald Dull Marie Dull Gladys J. Dunmire James Dunmire Leroy D. and Nancy L. Eberly Jeffrey Eberly Bob Edge Pat Edge Jim and Edna Edsall Mark and Maureen Edsall Joseph F. Ellmer Houseman Lodge No. 211 Richard Enck Esther Enck George S. Endslow Jane Guldin Margaret, Julie and Ellen James T. English Margery English John and Laurie Enie Carl and Carol Willis Glen Eshleman Michael and Kim English Anthony and Kathie Eshleman Thomas and Wafi Gainey Grace Evans Rich Arnold Lauretta Ezard Robert and Joan Hurdle Yvonne Fafata Robert Fafata Henry and Gen Federowicz Cynthia Veneski 22
Spring 2020 Issue
Floyd A. Feger Arlene Feger Lori J. Fehnel Charmaine Florey and Family Dwight and Mary Fetterhoff Donna Robinson William and Charlotte Feurer Irene Feurer Linwood (Butch) Fielder, Jr. Audrey Fielder Glen David Fisher John and Barbara Kolchin Bruce F. Fletcher Patricia Lukos Carl R. Flohr Arlene Flohr Robert E. Florey Charmaine Florey and Family Edgar and Agnes Freehling Eleanor Schneider Lance M. Frehafer David Frehafer Mary Lou Frick Matthew Mayo Geneva Frischauf Alice Mason Charles G. Frishmuth, Sr. Ronald Frishmuth Lorrie Jordan Robert J. Fulton, Sr. Robert and Debora Williams Rudolf (Rudy) and Mary Galli Marina Galli Nicholas and Andrea Galli Joseph V. Gantz Joseph E. Gantz Mary C. Garrison David and Debra Rosensteel Robert R. George Barbara George William W. George, Sr. Ruth Provost Doris L. Gerlach James and Mary Gerlach Kenneth C. Gertney Phyllis Gertney Miles J. Gibbons, Jr. Carole Gibbons Dina Gibson Patricia Thompson Harrison W. Gift III Dolores Gift Harry and Elizabeth Gilinger, Jr. Grace Stettenbauer Jack L. Gillmore Vicki Gillmore David J. Ginder Joyce Ginder Mildred Ginther George Ginther Patricia Ginther George Ginther Joseph N. Giulii Chris and Annette Solarski Martin and Doris Gotsch Joseph and Jane Bruton Edith H. Gotwols Carol Dougherty Harold and Naomi Green William and Judith Green Joan M. Grier Lorriane Colonna William Colonna NWI Business Solutions Kathy Lynn Scholl Jean P. Grill Warren Grill Esther Groff Bryan Musser Paul J. Gross George and Beverly Gross John A. Grubb Donna Borman Ally Bove Merry Lou Faett Joan Johns Shirley Johnson Jim and Barbara Kehl Brad and Dianne Knapp The Paxinos Family (Matt, Tracy, Stephen and Nicole)
John A. Grubb Esther Shaffer Tom and Sally St. Clair Richard Williams Charles and Barbara Wright Samuel Guerrera McKinley-Stuckrath Lodge No. 318 Richard E. Haas Margaret Haas Ralph and Dorothy Hamm Dennis Hamm Theresa Hammes Donald Scott Courtland Hammond Charles Bauer Bruce F. Harbaugh Mary Harbaugh Jane Harner Warren and Lisa Harner M. Helen Harp Herman Richard Joel and Diane T. Harrar James and Ann Harrar Sara Harting Howard and Marilyn Kroesen Joan Hartman Patricia Weatherly Ruth H. Hasenauer Mary Jane Keim Victor E. Hauze Dale and Mary Hauze Miriam G. Haws Russell and Mary Ann Wert John P. Healey Tim and Lisa Bright Subaru of America Matching Gift Program H. Barry Heaps Eileen Heaps David J. Heasley Andrea Heasley Pearl Hemphill Preston and Brenda Van Deursen Yoko Henson John Henson Sterling Hepler Duane and Nancy Hepler Francis and Delores Herman Martin and Elaine Herman Wilbur R. Herr Doris Beane Betty Herriott Barbara Weir Sidney Hersh Joel Hersh and Cynthia Tyger Paul Hess Paula Hess Gladys M. Hill Jim and Mary Armstrong Patricia Dietrich Darrell and Beverly Geissler Philip and Ellen Long Sandra Martinez-Kohler Bruce Moyer Faye Nace Linda Ogden Cindy Peplau John R. Hillman, Sr. Pamela Braden Jerome and Kathryn Hitz Paul Thompson Frederick W. Hoffmeyer William Hoffmeyer Virginia S. Holt Dick Holt Martha Carter Hoover Ralph and Diann Hoover Dale Hornberger Chris Hornberger Carl Hornung Jeremy Hornung Robert M. and Virginia Hotchkiss Linda Viglianti Howard and Martha Houck, Jr. Daughters and Family of Martha and Howard Houck John F. and Violet J. Hull Glenn Hull Kenton E. Hull June Hull
Edward L. Hummel Sr. Lewis Hummel Rudolph A. Hummel Joan Hummel Glenn and Joanne Hummer Bob and Vicki Dolan Frederick (Bud) Hummler Nanci Bicking Robert and Jean Hailstone Dave and Lee Hunsberger Timothy and Fay Pletcher Elizabeth D. Hunt Robert Hunt Patricia Indelicato Mary Beth Toczek Edward R. Irvin James and Sara Irvin Mr. and Mrs. Stanley B. Jackson Terry Jackson Helen Jaymes Nora Beyers Rose Jingozian Kenneth and Astrid Jingozian Irene L. Jochen Al Jochen Howard L. Jones Phyliss Jones George B. Kahmar Doris Kahmar Alan A. Karr Jared Karr Harriet Sterner Kauffman Carol Kauffman Lee and Kathleen Kegris Judith Edwards-Leese Dennis and Patricia Kegris Malvern Keifer Mary Lou Keifer Adrienne J. Keiser Larry Keiser John and Agnes Kesselring James and Paula Dougherty Patricia (Pat) M. Kilkenny Janet Caldwell Denise Dougherty Henry and Allison Hallowell Stephen Hein Marsha Kubisiak Catherine McKinney Nancy Neusbaum Robert and Nancy Saidis Pat Vance Lilliam Kingsbury Ken and Elaine Bleiler Mill Creek Capital Advisors, LLC William A. Kirk McKinley-Stuckrath Lodge No. 318 Joel Kleinguenther James Kilner Dorothy H. Kleiser Charles Kleiser Albert and Mary Kling Albert and Roberta Kling Helen Knelly Denise Dougherty Mary Knight C. J. and Kathy Knight Virginia Knight Robert and Jacque Knight Violet Kolchin Bartakovits John and Barbara Kolchin Robert Kratz Ann Kratz Evelyn Kroepil Linda Earley Cynthia Kroepil Patricia Osborne Jocelyn Steele Joan W. Kuch Carol Hewitt Linda Kurtz Jennifer Eaton Rachel Kyler Gerald Kyler Louis F. La Noce Gloria La Noce Doris Lambert Robert Lambert MasonicVillages.org
23
Wilber Lambert William and Sandra Lambert Clarence (Skip) W. Lance Anne, Susan, Maureen, Pat and their families Helen Cyzio William Tradewell and Family George and Viola Lance George and Janice Lance Lester and Mary Moll Arlene Laubach Mary Yeager Grace E. Laubach Mary Yeager Elizabeth Lawrence Richard Lawrence Anna E. Lazur Stephen and Kathy Lazur Thomas Learn Susan Shildt Walter and Elsa Lee Richard Parks Doris Leeper Robert Wilson Lee Leidich Virginia Leidich Rosemary Leininger Thomasina Fry Kathleen Lengyel Virginia Haupt Roland H. and Ruth M. Lenker Jack and Judi Rankin Ruth M. Lenker Terry and Barbara Lenker Miriam Lentz Shirley Lou Thomas Elvin and Jestena Yeagley Joan Leppla Albert and Anita Boeschen Nicholas Leppla Albert and Anita Boeschen Edwina Sherrie Letcher William Letcher Paul and Diane Maitland Ben Levinson Lois Reynolds Susanne Sullivan Catherine Liddick Kenneth and Roberta Liddick James B. Liddick Lynn Liddick Gene O. Light Kenneth and Doris Beane Robert and Marilyn Forney Warren and Helen Heidelbaugh Elvin Silvius Raymond Vaughan Mr. and Mrs. Edward R. Lloyd Christine Petrucci Neil and Anna Lohoefer Craig and Barbara McCollum Kay Loichinger Raymond Loichinger E. Russell Long Dick Wright Franklin D. Longenbach Mark Keller Carol A. Longenecker James and Erin Tierney Harry K. Longenecker Vicki Gillmore Robert Love Ralph and Lucile Love Loved Ones Kay Duffy Anna M. Lubic Jill Swartz Irene Lutz Susan Wagner Howard Jimmy Mack Engracia Mack Kenneth and Pauline March Donald and Patricia March Pauline March Denise Dougherty Dorothy Markley Robert Markley and Stacy Schroder Merle Markley Robert Markley and Stacy Schroder Michael (Skipp) Marrone James Allen 24
Spring 2020 Issue
Joseph C. Martin Richard and Francine Desmarais Lance and Amy Martin Robert H. Martin Sam Martin Marie Massa Michael and Rebecca Maxwell and Laura Maxwell Frank S. and Mary E. Matesevac Thomas Matesevac Clair E. McCall Kenneth and Sandra McCall Marion McCallion Alan Warnick Bud McCollum Hanna McCollum Jay E. McElravy Joann McElravy Michael McGovern Judy McGovern Austin E. McGrath Claire Comstock Deborah Geanuleas George F. McGrory Robert McGrory Glenn (Hank) McGurk JoAnn McGurk David Mark McLellan Ed and Mary Anne McLellan Donald W. McMurray Constance McMurray Eileen McNiff Jane Stetzler Robert R. Melisko Judith Melisko Anna Kolchin Mellin John and Barbara Kolchin Phil and Adele Mendelsohn Larry and Judy Marcus Thomas Merwin Frances Comly Dorothy Meszaros Kenneth and Rebecca Reigle George Metroka Michael Bell Bryan and Eileen Hill Whitey and Arlene Von Nieda Paul E. Meyers Donald Meyers Harvey R. Miller Shekinah-Fernwood Lodge No. 246 Joyce Miller William and Donna Miller Robert F. Miller McKinley-Stuckrath Lodge No. 318 Sara M. Miller Scott and Lisa Hetrick Lillian Milliron Eric and Lois Milliron Harry S. Mills H. Sinclair and Elizabeth Mills Florence Misiura James and Helen Berry Christine Mixter Janetta Mixter Bill Monahan Frank and Ginny Hartlage Edward Monefeldt Alberto and Anne Gaglianese William Lee Moore Isabel Carmen Moore Christy J. Moratis Franklin-St. John’s Trinity Lodge No. 221 Kurt Moses Alvin and Iris Goodman R. M. Mullis James Thompson Frank Murawski Lorraine Murawski Ethel M. Myers Joyce Myers-Brown Gertrude K. Myers Charles Myers Eldon Nelson Harold and Ann Hegarty James O. Nelson Donna Thomas Jack R. Nicholson Natalie Stief James C. Nickle Thomas and Terry Kamerzel Thomas and Deborah Nickle Jacqueline (Jackie) Nikischer Frank and Judith Nikischer Howard and Betty Nolf Richard and Nancy Talley Hedy E. Noll Hargis and Helen Knoechel
Nan R. Norris David Mann Wallace Nuttycombe Albert and Sally Rutherford John R. Oatman Patricia Oatman Roy H. Parker Ronald and Susan Parker Edward and Evelyn Parks Richard Parks Sylvia E. Parks Richard Parks Thomas H. Persinger Jules and Patricia Garfunkel Victor E. Pessano Joan Pessano Vicki Pessano Joseph and Leona Petrosky John and Teresa Donati Betty Pirnick Check Family Anna Hudock Michael and Marybeth Toole Arwyn (Wyn) Potter Dave Beard Charlie and Susan Schoone George Prosser David and Helen Hughes Elwood Raber Thomas Matesevac Eleanor Rankin Ann Carr Linda L. Rankin Jack and Judi Rankin Thomas J. Reardon McKinley-Stuckrath Lodge No. 318 Berneice Reigle Kenneth and Rebecca Reigle Mildred Reilly Pat Edge George F. Renoe Jeff and Ethel Renoe Doris M. Repsher Herbert Repsher Herbert W. Reynolds Lois Reynolds Robert Reynolds Joan Reynolds Lois Reynolds Robert Reynolds William and Doris Reynolds Lois Reynolds Robert Reynolds Margaret H. Richard Herman Richard Marion Richards James and Helen Berry Alfred Richart William and Dorothy Whitlock Israel and Malka Richter Lodge No. 126 Israel and Malka Richter Fund William E. Riggle Linda Zollweg and Peggy Nichols William A. Rineer Martha Waldrop John H. And Ruth M. Rissmiller Edward and Ann Horting William Robeson Gary and Lori Robeson Gale W. Robison McLaren HR Services David and Patricia Robison Gloria Rolston Trudy Failor Robert W. and Natalie H. Roth Karen Martin Tom Rothwell Lillian Rothwell William C. Rowland Dottie Rowland James E. Rowley Ruth Rowley Fred H. Rudy Beth Rudy Walter F. and Elisabeth P. Ruffer Carolyn Ruffer Charles and Elinore Ruhl Mary Berlage James Rutherford Albert and Sally Rutherford Edward and Ruth Rutter Anthony and Linda Ambrose
Lori Ann Sachs Bea Mitro David E. and Joan E. Samuel Barbara Samuel Anne Sarett Jules and Patricia Garfunkel Lois K. Scheck Henry Scheck Esther Schevermann Marion Cuttle John Letsch and Adalena Wilson Otto G. Schmidt Frank Johnson Arthur Schneider Eleanor Schneider William and Myrtle Schoettle Natalie Stief William Schroder Robert Markley and Stacy Schroder Rosalyn M. Schwartz Jayne White Theodore Schwartz Hackenburg Mount Moriah Lodge No. 19 Margaret Schwoegl Alan and Susan Ogden Jack O. Searle Edward and Madeline Searle Janice Vurdelja Secunda George and Marjorie Vurdelja Charles and Evelyn Seekamp Faye Loughridge Charles Robert Seibert Heather Kelly George Lewis Seibert James Seibert Charles S. Seiders Joan Seiders Paul R. Seiders Joan Seiders Lester M. Selby Pamela Braden Nora Gene Sharp Andy and Karen Bobetsky Dolores E. Sheehan Michael and Eileen Sheehan William A. Sheppard Lora Spencer Barbara Shields Lois Reynolds Nelson Williams June Shook Charlotte Leer Melvin and Lucille Shroyer Nancy Baker Andrew and Celia Shuta James and Helen Berry Jim Size Mary Ann Size David Smith Robert and Barbara Zeiders Lester V. Smith Doug and Gloria Smith Jacob W. Snyder, Jr. Geraldine Snyder Jacob W. Snyder, Sr. Geraldine Snyder Vera Soderberg Dean and Evelyn Soderberg Earl and Myrl Speicher George and Sandra Martin Kathryn P. Sprouse Edith Yeager John Stack Helga Stack Arnold Stackhouse Ginny Andrews George Staiger Bill and Donna Jamison Henry K. Staiger Bill and Donna Jamison Gordon Steer John Phillips Grant Stetzler Jane Stetzler Fritz Stief Natalie Stief Claude and Dorothy Street Jean and Lynn Barton Donna Hastings Kenneth L. Strohm, Sr. Kenneth and Linda Strohm Thomas and Kathy Strohm Joseph (JT) Sullivan William and Julia Friedgen David and Margaret Naab Douglas and Suzanne Shank MasonicVillages.org
25
Joseph (JT) Sullivan Susanne Sullivan Robert L. and C. Marie Swift Sandra Bingaman Helyn Swobe David and Diana Beley Michael and Kathy Couch Samuel M. Taggart Dianna Taggart Peter R. Terreri Chris and Annette Solarski Nancy Marie (Hitz) Thompson Paul Thompson Robert H. Todd, Jr. Jacqueline Todd Parke and Judith Toner William and Nancy Toner Jensen Toth George Toth Charles and Inez Twesten Charles and Judith Rehm Royden E. Tyger Joel Hersh and Cynthia Tyger Lloyd Tyson, Jr. Jacquelin Tyson Geraldine Vaughan Robert Carthew Elizabethtown Chapter No. 407, O.E.S. Preston and Brenda Van Deursen Howard W. Viguers Joan Viguers Doris E. Wagner William and Nancy Kaper John T. Walizer, Sr. John Cocolin and JoAnn Lew Robert and Marilyn Forney Marianne Grove Gerald and Pat Kemmerer John and Jeni Lucas Nora Mayes and Maggie and Donna Eggler Joyce Miller Richard and Diane Schmidt Gene and Kathy Stocker Helen Walker Henry Walker Miriam S. Waller Lynette Waller Vicki L. Waller Bob and Barbara Long
Herman and Blanche Walters Fred Washkevich Gerald and Emily Weaver Marion C. Webb Alice Weigel Charles Weiler John Werner Rose H. Wible Henry M. Wildasin Amy Keller Wilhelm William Wilkins Frank Winger David Winter Ethel Winter John Winter Richard A. Wirth Carl D. Wolf, Sr. James H. Wolf, Jr. Richard W. Wolf, Sr. John Wolfe Marion G. Wood Raymond R. Wright George Yeager Frances M. Young Jack Young Art Youse Harold J. Zell, Sr. Patty Zick Elizabeth Zimmerman Frank and Heidi Zimmerman
David and Alice Bechtel Louise Washkevich Jennie Cooper Tom Webb Gregory and Georgine Weigel Susan Weiler Keith Werner Donald and Sandra Kunz Ann Wildasin Richard and Jo Ann Keller Carolyn Wilkins Betsy Winger Loretta Winter Richard and Dorothy Winter Jack Wynn Joan Wirth Eleanor Wolf Dorothy Wolf Eleanor Wolf Adele Diefenderfer Virginia Wood Dick Wright Jay and Elizabeth Arnold John Young Donnis Young Larry and Judy Balthaser Charles and Ethel Zell Richard Zick George Zimmerman Ginny Zimmerman
Honorarium Gifts The following honorarium gifts were made Nov. 1, 2019 - Jan. 31, 2020. 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. 1st Floor Personal Care Nursing Staff Patricia Thompson In Honor and Memory of Masonic Villages Employees Past, Present and Future for Fulfilling the Mission of Love Barb and Joe Murphy Carl Alercia Jerry and Jan Benuck Barbara E. Armbruster Todd and Kristi Armbruster John P. Armbruster Todd and Kristi Armbruster Mary L. Armel Denise Kovacs Barbara Beaty Thomas and Joanne Beaty Pam Becker Liz Severino Miriam Bennett Barbara Racki Robert C. Black Robert Yates Mallory Brinser Preston and Brenda Van Deursen Thomas F. Campbell Sheldon and Joyce Hoover Gavin Carr Liz Severino 26
Spring 2020 Issue
Jane Conti Delores (Dorry) Costanza Mildred Darnell Dorothy E. Davis Freda Derr and Dudley Charles M. Diez Jean Diffenderfer Kenneth E. Ditzler Ethel Eshleman Brian Farling Jack Fenstemaker Jeannie Frishmuth Helen Fultz
Mark S. Conti Debra Miller Louise Martorana George Rendell Liz Severino Todd and Judy White James and Mary Gerlach Joyce Ginder Mike and Kim English Anthony and Kathie Eshleman Thomas and Wafi Gainey Preston and Brenda Van Deursen Ira Cooperman Lorrie Jordan Craig Fultz
Blake and Linda Gall Ruth Rowley Gwen Geesey John and Barbara Kolchin Robert L. Gerlach James and Mary Gerlach John Girard-diCarlo Liz Severino Marion Grochowski Mark and Sheryl Allston Elizabeth Hahn Louis Hahn Paul Hansen Preston and Brenda Van Deursen James Heidler Alberto and Anne Gaglianese Ruth S. Johnston Dorothy Peters James and Barbara Kehl Anonymous Peter Kern Liz Severino Joanne M. Kerridge Beatrice Kerridge Catherine Kessler Ronald and Alice Hihn Anne Kinkle Anne Susan Davis William and Donna Kinkle Marjorie Learn Susan Shildt Jill Luzier Lesniak Steve and Cindy Oak Isabel (Penny) Martin Lance and Amy Martin Tom and Ruth Mason Scott Mason Heidi Anne Moore Isabel Carmen Moore Joseph (Joe) E. Murphy Ken and Elaine Bleiler Christenson Investment Partners Marvin Cunningham William Dickey Elizabethtown Heating & Cooling Inc. Pamela Formica Thomas and Cheryl Gamon Eric and Brenda Gross David and Nancy Halliwell Adam Heese Thomas Jackson John Gross & Company, Inc. William and Maureen Kingsbury Masonic Village at Elizabethown Employees, Residents, and Community Volunteers from Employee Bake Sale Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Resident Garden Club Matthew Mayo MCSA Richard and Diane Miller Murray Risk Management and Insurance Pyfer Family Foundation, John and Carol Pyfer, Jr. RLPS Architects Karen Schatz Jennifer Schwalm Sollenberger Painting John and Adrienne Staudenmayer Richard and Carol Stemmler Natalie Stief Carl Tarbell Thomas Toscani Preston and Brenda Van Deursen
Joseph (Joe) E. Murphy Roger and Susan Wheeler Dale and Donna Williams Justin Wolgemuth Lisa Nagle Warren and Penny Lewis Jonathan Noel Preston and Brenda Van Deursen Nursing Staff at Masonic Village of Sewickley Chris and Jean O’Donnell On Call Resident Nursing Staff Carl and Dorothy Shull William (Pete) Ramsey Liz Severino Louise J. Restagno Richard Huff Chris Reynolds Robert Reynolds Herbert and Doris Reynolds Famly Lois Reynolds Lois R. Reynolds Robert Reynolds Dora Rhodes Harold Rhodes Joyce Richart William and Dorothy Whitlock Robert D. Rineer Martha Waldrop Eleanor Robeson Gary and Lori Robeson Jim and Katy Rowley Ruth Rowley Ed and Ruth Sattler Alan and Barbara Anderson Josie Schies Kenneth and Rebecca Reigle Eli Schneider Eleanor Schneider Luke Schneider Eleanor Schneider Lois Schoch John and Dorothy Schoch Margrit Schroder Robert Markley and Stacey Schroder Donald J. Schuster William Helsel Dr. Elizabeth F. Severino James Barr Dorothy Smith Robert and Jacque Knight Stephanye Smith Heath and Holly Mackley Melvin G. (Pete) Snyder Robert and Jennie Wright Staff at Masonic Village at Sewickley Janet Hoffman Staff on Washington 3 Daughters and Family of Martha and Howard Houck Staff on Washington 4 Thomasina Fry Gordon and Barbara Steer John and Laura Hunsberger Jane Strock Alberto and Anne Gaglianese Jean L. Strohm Kenneth and Linda Strohm Thomas and Kathy Strohm Dorothy Taylor Roy and Sue Nelson Nettie Terreri Peter Terreri Robert and Joan Terwilliger Natalie Stief Filomena Troiano David and Kathleen Troiano Deborah Valiton-Carnish Preston and Brenda Van Deursen Preston and Brenda Van Deursen Vicki Gillmore Carroll R. and Cathy Wentz Richard and Catherine Dattola Janice Werner Keith Werner Martha White Carol White David Whitenack Liz Severino Whitfield Lodge No. 622 Richard and Nancy Stannard Jane Wise Gerry and Susan Friday Charles and Barbara Wright Anonymous Rosie and Graham Yancolowitz Liz Severino MasonicVillages.org
27
MASONIC VILLAGES One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2219
Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill Sell Chapel in the Springtime at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown
OUR CARING COMMUNITIES and services assist individuals, families and children in realizing their potential and enjoying the highest possible quality of life through the traditions of Freemasonry. Our Values: Quality of Life, Respect for the Individual, Quality Service and Outreach.
Enjoy Life Your Way | MasonicVillages.org | Find us on Facebook and Instagram