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Vol. 31, 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 7. 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. The Masonic Villages is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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.
Inside this Issue 3 Introducing the New Franklin’s Press
COVER STORIES Giving While Gaining
4 Welcome to the Team
9 A Merry Messenger
6 Lessons for Life
10 Raise a Puppy, Change a Life
18 Hope on the Horizon
12 Right Place, Right Time, Right Volunteer
20 A Fortunate Situation 21 Masonic Villages’ Wish List 22 Memorial Gifts 27 Honorarium Gifts
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14 Happy to Help 16 A Caring Career and Beyond On the cover: Resident Jane Beach (see her story on p. 14).
Introducing the New
Franklin’s Press Masonic Village at Elizabethtown residents have a new spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, easy lunch or dinner or a quick snack. Franklin’s Press, located in the former Three Loaves Café in the Freemasons Cultural Center, opened April 7. The café offers a full array of self-serve coffee, featuring our own Founder’s Roast, as well as lattes, cocoa and cappuccinos. It also features fresh baked goods, an assortment of fresh sandwiches and salads, made-to-order smoothies, ice cream pints, artisan water and bottled beverages. Visitors can purchase a variety of items from the Masonic Village Farm Market, bringing a small taste of our farm and orchard closer to residents.
Updated seating, featuring plush chairs, booths and couches, has been divided into four sections, including a meeting space, providing a refined, relaxed atmosphere.
See you there! Hours:
Mon. - Fri., 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. & Sat. - Sun., 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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Welcome to the Team Masonic Villages promoted Mark Kurzenknabe to director of children’s services for the Masonic Children’s Home effective on Jan. 1. He is the successor to Virginia Migrala, who retired in December 2020. Mark is responsible for the overall direction, planning and supervision of the Masonic Children’s Home. He organizes and develops goals and objectives for staff to complete tasks and solve problems. Mark joined Masonic Villages in 1999 as a recreation therapist and has served as the assistant director of children’s services for the Masonic Children’s Home since 2004. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in recreation and leisure services management from East Stroudsburg University and is currently enrolled in the Strategic Leadership Master’s Degree program at Elizabethtown College.
Dr. Leigh Ann DeShong was named the medical director at the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown on April 1. In her new role, she provides professional oversight for the provider practices within the Masonic Health Care Center. Dr. DeShong, a geriatrician with Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, attended medical school at Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey, and completed her residency and geriatric fellowship at the University of Rochester. She has been an attending physician with Masonic Village for nearly five years and the lead physician participating in COVID-19 clinical meetings. Dr. John Mast, who previously served as medical director, will remain with Masonic Village as an attending physician, a role he has held for over 20 years.
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Paul Blymire has been named the director of purchasing and materials management. He joined the leadership team on Feb. 19. His office is located on the Elizabethtown campus. Paul has more than 10 years of experience in supply chain, procurement and business operations, as well as strategic sourcing, standardization and business process mapping. In his new role, he is responsible for planning, organizing and directing purchasing, materials acquisition, storage, processing and distribution functions. He is a graduate of York College of Pennsylvania.
Nicole Watson joined Masonic Village at Elizabethtown as the new director of nursing on Jan. 22. Nicole guides and leads the nursing leadership team and is responsible for the overall management of the nursing department. As part of her responsibilities, she effectively communicates with the nursing department staff as well as other departments throughout the facility to help ensure quality care and effective teamwork. A registered nurse, Nicole earned her bachelor’s degree in social work from Juniata College. She is currently pursuing an MBA in healthcare management from Western Governors University.
Nathan Ott has been named project manager of facilities and grounds for Masonic Village at Elizabethtown and began his new role on March 5. He is responsible for overseeing the successful completion of projects, working in a wide variety of construction and maintenance fields. He also assists in the development of long-range capital plans, as well as management of capital construction projects. Nathan has been employed in facilities design and construction for more than 20 years. He completed his associate degree in mechanical engineering technology, bachelor’s degree in structural design and construction engineering/management and post-graduate studies in business administration, all from Penn State University.
The Pinnacle of Wellness The International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) and NuStep recognized Masonic Village at Elizabethtown with the Pinnacle Award as North America’s third best-in-class for successfully fostering a wellness-centered environment to benefit all who live and work in its community. The ICAA NuStep Pinnacle Award goes to those ranked among the top 5 “Best in Wellness” senior living communities in North America. Masonic Village offers wellness opportunities for staff and residents to address unique needs. “Across all disciplines, departments and living areas at Masonic Village, we strive to give people a variety of opportunities to live well and feel their best,” Stacy Schroder, director of wellness and prevention, said. “This journey looks different to each individual, so it’s important to offer more than just a gym or classes. You have to consider the whole person
and what motivates and fulfills them.” Masonic Village’s wellness opportunities include farm-to-table meal choices, 12 miles of walking paths and a holistic wellness center with fitness and aquatic classes and professional staff. To address mental and social health, residents can take part in support groups and clubs, attend mental health courses and find assistance with transition from one care level to the next. Resident participation on committees and regular meetings hosted by executive director Mike Rowe empower residents and staff to provide input on programs and initiatives. Resident Sue Digruttolo believes attitude is the number one component of wellness. She and her husband, Terry, exercise in the Baird Wellness Center and participate in classes. They walk, bike, golf, swim, garden and volunteer. “Any type of physical or mental activity anyone could want is available through the wellness center,” Sue said, “or if not, will be developed. As I age or my health changes, I can count on the wellness center to keep me as fit and healthy as possible.” MasonicVillages.org
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Photos courtesy of Milton Hershey School 6
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Lessons for Life Several Masonic Village at Elizabethtown residents had the chance to go back to school last winter. While the kids at Milton Hershey School were the students, both groups learned the importance of intergenerational activities and growing to know one another. Eight fourth grade classes, or about 120 students total, worked with six residents on a project using a process called “design thinking” to create assistive devices that older adults may find useful. The students interviewed the residents to find out what their needs were and what obstacles they may run into with daily tasks. “The elementary innovation lab curriculum was built to provide opportunities for students to discover complex real-world problems,” Milton Hershey’s technology innovation lab instructor Joel Crowley said. “In the process of solving these problems, our goals were for students to develop empathy by seeking to understand the problem from the perspective of the user, or the person who is impacted by the problem. We tried to create many possible solutions, and then, with feedback from the user, improved our designs until we had our best possible solution.” The devices, which would be printed using a 3D printer, included a one-handed book holder, pen (or pencil) ball grip, fork and spoon support, bag carrier, walker tray, wheel chair squeegee and wheel chair cup holder. The tools can help older adults remain independent. “Part of the process was not just about making tools for the residents, but also learning their history,” Mike Dilley, director of therapy services at Masonic Village, said. “The residents were able to share their life stories and experiences with the students, which made them feel valued. They were grateful someone would care enough about them and their limitations to design tools to assist them.” To help the two age groups connect, they also enjoyed lunch together. “For the residents, many commented it was like being The Bowman’s around their grandchildren, who in many cases they had Wedding Photo not seen for months,” Mike said. “The students were very From 1949
interested in their life stories and how our residents’ experiences differed from what they are experiencing. The students ‘fought’ over who could escort the residents when going from classroom to lunchroom.” “It was nice being around a lot of kids,” said resident Joe Fliss (shown in top right photo), a retired state and township police officer and Air Force veteran who had many experiences to share with them. “It was something different. I enjoyed it. We talked a lot. They didn’t ask difficult questions.” Joel had contacted Masonic Village about the project after a fellow Milton Hershey employee, Jacqui Niel, mentioned her father had received short-term rehabilitation at Masonic Village. Jacqui was essential in working to prepare the students to work with the residents. She used her personal experience with her father to help provide them with a framework for asking questions, speaking clearly and moving carefully. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the project. While residents were unable to return to the school to see and test the final devices, their contributions were instrumental in the kids’ education. Both groups look forward to connecting on future projects.
“I loved seeing students engage in conversations and meaningfully connect with the seniors,” Joel said. “Some of our students never had the chance to meet their own grandparents, and this opportunity to work together and learn from someone with much more life experience was truly wonderful. It was an awesome experience for the students to practice putting the needs of others above their own needs. I was really proud of them.” You can view a video of the collaboration on Milton Hershey School’s YouTube channel under the Elementary Division. MasonicVillages.org
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Giving While Gaining
Volunteers’ contributions strengthen their communities, whether they’re involved locally or with an international effort. Their energy and service can make someone’s day and make the world a better place. As Masonic Villages’ residents have discovered, as much as they give of themselves through volunteering, they also gain friendships, purpose and personal satisfaction - an invaluable exchange. 8
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and Florida, both states in which she lived. She also sang in the church choir.
A Merry Messenger Before COVID-19, Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill held a monthly religious mass for residents. Once the pandemic hit, the services were put on hold. Many residents either did not have vehicles or didn’t feel comfortable driving to Sunday services outside of Masonic Village. Residents missed the opportunity to receive the Sacrament of Eucharist. Fortunately, there was a silver lining in the name of Eileen Kovatch, a Masonic Village resident and member of St. Phillip Neri Church, in Lafayette Hill, located just a short car ride away from Masonic Village. “Since I drive to church every Sunday to attend 10 a.m. mass, I offered to bring communion back to those who were unable to or who chose not to go to church services,” she said. Around 20 residents typically sign up for sessions to receive the host, which Eileen carries back to Masonic Village in little round containers holding 10 wafers. Residents gather in small groups of 10 to recite prayers with Eileen before receiving communion.
“People are very grateful that I can do this,” Eileen said. “There are a lot of Catholics in this community. As long as they need to be served in that fashion, I’m willing to do it for as long as I can. “It’s not a big deal for me because I attend mass. All it means is bringing it back to people who are anxious for it. People are still afraid, even though it’s really quite safe in church because of physical distancing and masks.” Eileen received her second COVID-19 vaccine on March 5. Eileen said she’s been a “cradle Catholic,” born and raised in the Catholic Church. She attended Catholic schools all her life, including college and graduate school. She attended Rosemont College for her bachelor’s degree in psychology and Villanova University for her master’s in counseling and human relations.
“We raised our family mostly in Pennsylvania,” she said, which included six children. “We went to New Jersey first when we retired to the shore, and then we were snowbirds for a few years before deciding to move to Florida permanently.” Over the course of her career, Eileen was a counselor in a drug rehabilitation center for teenagers and in a partial psychiatric day hospital. She worked in administrative services positions in Montgomery County. Later in her career, she entered the business world as a management trainer and career development specialist before retiring. Eileen and her husband, Joe, lived in Florida for 12 years before deciding they wanted to move closer to family. They moved to Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill in July 2020. “My daughter-in-law researched all the different facilities, and last November, we came for a visit [to Masonic Village],” she said. “Masonic Village was the last facility we visited, and it just felt right. We were supposed to move in the first week of April, but then we ended up having to stay home an extra two months because we were in the height of the pandemic. “I love the people here. They are very friendly. At some point, there will be more activities to participate in. It’s a nice, comfortable facility. It’s been a very pleasant experience.” As much as Eileen enjoys bringing communion to her fellow residents, she’s looking forward to enjoying their company in church even more.
She has been a lector and has given readings in churches in New Jersey MasonicVillages.org
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RAISE A PUPPY CHANGE A LIFE In the early 1990s, on a plane ride home from a Caribbean vacation, Carolyn Hrach, now a resident of Masonic Village at Sewickley, was flipping through an airline magazine. She read about a service organization that uses volunteers to raise puppies in their homes until the dogs are old enough to be trained as service dogs. “For reasons that are not clear to me, even today, I decided that I wanted to raise a puppy for the organization, so as soon as I got home, I called to volunteer,” she said. After learning the service organization only recruited people from California, she began a two-year quest to find an organization that would accept her offer to raise a puppy. Eventually, the name Canine Companions for Independence came to her attention. Founded in 1975, Canine Companions is a national non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities – from adults, children, veterans and working professionals – by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships. “The organization has six regions, so when you volunteer, you volunteer at the nearest region,” she said. “For me, it was in Columbus, Ohio.”
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Carolyn joined the organization in 1993 as a puppy raiser. She had no experience with puppies or training them. All she had was a set of printed instructions to guide her. As a puppy raiser, she was tasked with teaching the dog a list of 30 commands, so he would be ready to be a service dog one day. She paid for the food and vet bills and was responsible for socializing the dog. Carolyn’s first puppy was a Golden Retriever named Weller. She signed a contract that told her when to return the puppy. “I returned him, not very well-trained but with high hopes of him becoming a service dog, only to be told a couple of weeks later that he had ‘bad hips’ and would be released from the program. I drove over to pick him up, and he lived the rest of his life as my pampered pet.” After several dogs were deemed unfit to become service dogs, her fourth puppy, Kodiak, graduated from the program. He was placed with Nicholas, a little boy who had Friedreich’s Ataxia, which affects the nervous system and causes movement problems. Several other puppies followed; some were released for various reasons, while others graduated.
“When I first moved here, I met with Eric Gross, executive director, and showed him and others videos about what Canine Companions does,” she said. “I asked permission to bring Hawkeye into the clubhouse because I needed to socialize him. They asked me to do a presentation to educate the residents, so they knew why I was raising the puppy and needed to have him in the building. I’ve been so grateful to the Masonic Village administration.
Her 15th puppy, Hawkeye, lived with Carolyn at Masonic Village at Sewickley. She returned him to the North Central Region training center last September. Professional trainers are now teaching him the skills he needs to become a service dog. His graduation is scheduled for May 2021.
“I volunteered to raise a puppy to change a life, but the life that has been changed is mine,” Carolyn said.
“He may meet his forever partner and graduate as a service dog,” she said. “I’m still waiting to hear.” During her time with the organization, Carolyn has raised 15 puppies for the North Central Region of Canine Companions. Even beyond her commitment as a member of the national Board of Directors, Carolyn is a motivated and enthusiastic volunteer. She speaks about the organization to Rotary Clubs, Lions Clubs, General Federation of Women’s Clubs and many others. She’s a member of the Pittsburgh volunteer group of Canine Companions. She also joined the Heritage Society, which means Canine Companions is in her estate plan. Carolyn first learned about Masonic Village through the daughter of a friend who worked in Dining Services. Carolyn and her husband, Paul, were living in a suburb in a northern part of Allegheny County before they moved to Masonic Village in July 2019.
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Right Place Right Time Right Volunteer Bryant Mesick has found a common theme throughout his life: he’s been in the right place at the right time – a lot. This blessing resulted in him obtaining a high-quality education, finding his career, meeting the love of his life and moving to the best retirement community. The good fortune in his life made it easy for him to give of his time to help others through volunteering. His efforts earned him the title of Masonic Village at Dallas Volunteer of the Year. A resident since 2012, along with his wife, Nancy, Bryant has served on the Social Committee and as a driver for fellow residents with the community transportation program. He also volunteers at the local food pantry. In 1978, after moving to State College, where he represented a 403(b) plan available to Penn State University employees, he and Nancy joined a small church outside of town. It was there he realized the benefits of volunteering - for himself and others - after he assisted a member of his church. When he learned a fellow member was driving himself 160 miles round trip weekly to Geisinger Medical Center in Danville for X-rays, Bryant offered to drive him.
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“In a few weeks, I got to know him and his family, and we keep in touch to this day,” Bryant said. “I wouldn’t have done this if I just said, ‘Hi,’ at church. It’s the same here at Masonic Village. We are indeed members of a community. There are many interesting people with unique backgrounds.” He was also named Volunteer of the Year in 2011 at the Pennsylvania Military Museum in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. He conducted tours of
the 28th Infantry Division Shrine and armored vehicles on the grounds and worked on children’s initiatives. He volunteered with the museum from the early 1990s until 2013, and he also volunteered with Rotary for 10 years. Volunteering is an extension of Bryant’s 60-year involvement with the Masonic fraternity. “I was always close to my grandfather, and I knew he was a member,” Bryant recalls. “I turned
21 and automatically asked to join. By age 21 and three months, I had my first degree and became a member of George M. Dallas Lodge No. 531 in 1961. I immediately got involved in degree work and found it easy to memorize. It flows like good poetry. When I’m not too lazy, I now can walk to the lodge in 30 minutes from my front door.” Bryant’s grandfather had perhaps the last wholesale natural ice business in the area. The industry was on its last legs after World War II, but Bryant remembers it with nostalgia. He grew up eight miles from Masonic Village at Dallas, and you can find his pond about two miles from Harvey’s Lake down Harvey’s Creek. His family moved to Pottstown when he was 10 years old. The town was home to The Hill School, a nationally ranked private school. Bryant was always an avid reader and received a scholarship to The Hill. He attended as a day student for four years and graduated in 1958. Another case of being in the right place at the right time, he lived close enough to walk to school. He worked for several years after graduation and entered Drexel Institute of Technology in 1962 because of its co-op program, through which he would go to school for six months and then work six months. In January 1963, Drexel was chosen to go on the General Electric (GE) College Bowl program, a quiz show broadcast live nationwide Sunday afternoons on CBS (see Bryant with his team to the right). GE put them up at the Waldorf Astoria and picked up their expenses. They beat Mississippi State University, West Virginia University, Simmons College, Knox College and Texas Tech and retired undefeated – right place, right time. In the spring of 1966, Bryant was scheduled to graduate and enter the Army via ROTC. One day, the colonel in charge called the whole ROTC class together and informed them their contracts had been cancelled, and they had no obligation to serve.
He later worked for Drexel before taking the job in State College, where he and Nancy raised their three children. Bryant retired in 2009. Soon after, he and Nancy, who was from Nescopeck, heard about the Masonic Village at Dallas. “We looked at each other and said, ‘Let’s go home,’” Bryant said. “It’s a great location. In 12 minutes, I can walk to Misericordia University, which has a fantastic bunch of resources.” Except for 1960 and 1961, he had been away from the area for 62 years. Once again in the right place at the right time, Bryant is also able to explore his other favorite hobby: getting to know people. As part of the Social Committee, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Bryant and other members started a group called Let’s Talk. During each meeting, a resident was invited to speak about him or herself, while others asked questions.
“I’ve read obituaries of people I knew and learned things I wished I had known about them when they were living,” he said. “Volunteering is a great way to get to know someone better.”
Bryant, once again in the right place at the right time, was able to reconnect with job offers he had turned down because of the ROTC obligation. He accepted a position with New Holland Machine Division of Sperry-Rand and moved back to Pottstown. A fellow 1958 Hill graduate, Mike Pentz and his wife, Peggy, told him about a teacher who was single and gave Bryant her phone number. The number belonged to his current wife, Nancy, making him especially glad he ended up back in Pottstown instead of Vietnam.
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Happy to Help began volunteering in The Boutique 10 or 12 years ago, around the same time as Barbara. Her role involves more than just assisting shoppers, and she enjoys the perks of discovering new friendships. “I’ve made some special friends who come on Wednesdays because they know I’m here,” she said. “I’m not just helping with clothing. I’m helping others feel better by listening. I enjoy knowing I’m making a difference in people’s lives.”
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown has more than 750 volunteers serving across its campus from helping in gift shops to escorting residents in the Masonic Health Care Center for appointments and events to sitting with hospice patients. Our Mission of Love would not be possible without their generosity and selflessness. We look forward to welcoming all volunteers back after the pandemic. Wearing a Smile Amidst rows of neatly hung men’s shirts, brightly colored women’s skirts and beaded necklaces at The Boutique, you’ll also find a few friendly faces – a group of dedicated volunteers eager to help. The Boutique is Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s clothing and accessories store. Residents and staff donate clothes to the store, and it’s open (pre- and postCOVID-19) several hours a week for shoppers in a safe environment.
Barbara Zell has always sought to meet new people, and she has found no better way than through volunteering. Through her children’s activities, her church and now, as lead volunteer at The Boutique, volunteering has been her gateway to new relationships. Barbara normally volunteers on Fridays, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., and she also coordinates the schedules of 18 volunteers and two substitutes to work with the clothing when the seasons change. In addition to helping shoppers, the volunteers sort clothes, hang them and organize off-season stacks to be donated to local missions. While The Boutique is currently closed, shoppers can contact one of the volunteers directly and reserve a time to visit. “We are all dedicated and friendly,” Barbara said of the volunteers. “I know all of them. We get to know a lot of the customers. There are some who come every week.” Lillian Rothwell (pictured right)
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The Boutique also provides clothing for residents in the Masonic Health Care Center and Freemasons Personal Care building. Items sell for between $0.50 and $2, although people may pay whatever they wish to donate. All proceeds support Masonic Village’s Mission of Love. “I have fun, I serve and I have many rewarding experiences,” Barbara said. “We help people here who are physically limited and cannot do a lot of shopping. People who downsize when moving here appreciate having somewhere to donate. It’s also a relief to people to know that we will take the clothing when someone passes away or moves to a higher level of care.” Lillian was a teacher for 31 years and spent some evenings helping at school and with parent events. She also helped at her church with everything from luncheons to serving as a greeter. After moving to Masonic Village 15 years ago with her late husband, Tom, they both volunteered with the Employee Appreciation Fund and continued to serve as greeters at their former church.
After Tom’s passing, Lillian values all the friends she’s made volunteering even more. “I’m thankful I’m here,” Lillian said. “It’s a great place. I’ve made lots of very close friends, especially since losing Tom.” Barbara and her late husband, Dick, lived in Elizabethtown for 40 years, where they raised their two children, and Barbara worked as a laboratory technician at the Elizabethtown Hospital for Crippled Children for 20 years. She served on committees with the Elizabeth Hughes Society, assisting with projects to raise money for the group and support the library. She and Dick spent their winters in Florida for 15 years. She volunteered to help with the annual March Sale in their neighborhood by organizing and selling donated books. For fun, she learned to play bocce. A resident of Masonic Village since 2005, Barbara appreciates the variety of activities, both on and off campus, and of course, all the volunteer opportunities. She has in the past served on the food and activities committees, in the Sell Chapel choir, as a coordinator for bocce and as a representative for her campus neighborhood. “It’s a theme in my life,” Barbara said of volunteering. “I’m a people person, and I like serving others.” Having a Good Read on Others Jane Beach has worked as a librarian since 1969. She moved to Masonic Village at Elizabethtown in 2010 and immediately sought volunteer opportunities on campus. Jane was still working part-time as a corporate librarian, and while she initially tried serving somewhere besides a library, she soon found herself answering a familiar calling. She currently serves as the librarian for the Grand Lodge Hall Library.
“Go with what you know, right?” she asked. “I truly enjoy doing what I do because I love libraries and know what benefits they bring to everyone. Seeing the Grand Lodge Hall Library grow to achieve excellence and to serve residents campus-wide means so much to me. I enjoy interacting with residents and love learning about their lives and what they’ve achieved in their lifetimes.” It takes lots of volunteers to keep the campuses’ three libraries organized, provide readers with books – standard, large print and audio – and otherwise get to know those who visit. Volunteers weren’t allowed to serve during the early months of COVID-19, but the libraries remained open to allow for borrowing and returning. With staff assistance, volunteers were able to catch up and avoid chaos. “I feel so very lucky to have my volunteer duties,” Jane said. “I’m doing something I love, seeing positive changes and getting to know other residents, which makes my life more complete. I don’t know what I would do without it.” Like being a librarian, volunteering has always played a role in Jane’s life. She attended college after her children started school, so her free time was limited, but along with a friend, she volunteered at the Mount Joy Library weekly. She served on the Library Board and was on the Building Committee during the construction of the Milanof-Schock Library in Mount Joy, where she also volunteered in different capacities.
“Volunteering is a wonderful way to become part of a broader picture, get rid of the ‘it’s all about me’ mentality and keep on learning – which is good for us at this age!” Jane said. “While I hope my volunteer duties contribute positively to life on this campus, I know I’ve received more than I’ve given.” MasonicVillages.org
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A Caring Career and Beyond
Rose Kilmer always dreamed of being a nurse.
got done with my patient, I’d go check out the neighbor.”
“I love taking care of patients,” she said. “It started with my elderly relatives when I was a kid. I was just drawn to staying with them and being company for them. I’m glad I was able to be a nurse. It was very fulfilling, and I loved my job.”
Rose worked for VNA for 12 years, visiting people’s houses and putting her nursing skills to good use. She often had as many as 13 patients a day, working 13-hour shifts. Occasionally, patients’ needs were beyond her capabilities, and she’d have to send them to the hospital. But she took her job very seriously.
Rose, a resident of Masonic Village at Warminster, is a retired nurse of nearly 40 years. She most recently worked for the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Greater Philadelphia, the eldest and largest nonprofit home health, palliative and hospice provider in the region. Outside of her duties to them, Rose often did a lot of impromptu home visits, usually related to the neighbors of those she had been assigned. “VNA was really serious about taking care of our patients,” she said. “Once the neighbors knew there was a nurse in the neighborhood, a family member would come and ask me to come see another [ailing] family member. So when I 16
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“I took a pay cut, but it meant a lot to me to work for a nonprofit, so I could give that type of care,” she said. “I did a lot of volunteer work. I bought supplies for patients. I would even buy shoes for patients sometimes.” Rose always gave a portion of her salary to The Caring Foundation, a nonprofit organization that serves individuals who need healthcare, but don’t have insurance. When she had time, she also teamed up with a Christian group to distribute coats, boots and hats to the homeless in and around Center City Philadelphia.
Prior to VNA, Rose worked at Temple University Hospital’s emergency room for 10 years. “I really learned a lot there about medical and surgical problems,” she said. “We were the number one emergency room in the country when I was there. I learned so much. You never knew what would come in the door. But after 10 years, it got to be too much. I was doing 16-hour shifts.” Over the course of her career, Rose was a certified emergency nurse, a certified shock trauma nurse, a certified critical care nurse, a certified wound care specialist, an IV and pick-line specialist and was certified to administer chemotherapy in a patient’s home. She worked as an intensive care/emergency nurse at several other Philadelphia hospitals, including Graduate Hospital, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and Hahnemann Hospital.
“If we didn’t have enough nurses, I had my shoes and bag at work, so if I had to go out I could quickly change,” she said. “Then I had to come back and work more hours to keep up with the paperwork.” Rose had planned on working until she was 70 (she’s 65 now), but halfway through her master’s degree to be a nurse practitioner, she suffered a stroke and was no longer able to live on her own. After such a rewarding (and busy) career, retirement was difficult for Rose, and still is to this day. “I’m around residents [at the village] who may need help. I know I can’t help them, but my first response is to want to do so,” she said.
“I was honored to make the short list,” she said.
She arrived at Masonic Village at Warminster in September 2020, after a short stint at another nursing and rehabilitation center. “I knew about Masonic Village because a lot of my family members were Masons or members of Eastern Star,” she said. “I started in Rainbow Girls and was in Eastern Star in my 20s.”
The day after 9/11, she volunteered for a month at the emergency room at St. Vincent’s Hospital in New York City, helping those who were wounded from the fallout of the World Trade Center collapse. As a trained emergency room trauma nurse, her skills were most needed.
So far, her experience at Masonic Village has been wonderful. “I love it,” she said. “It’s a beautiful place, and the staff are nice. I like the caring atmosphere. I have a good view of the gardens from my windows, and I love having my own room.”
“It was really sad and very intense,” she said. “You can imagine how very sick people were, especially the respiratory patients. St. Vincent’s was a lot like Temple. I was used to the pace and workload.”
Rose currently volunteers in the library and the gift shop and greets new people who come to Masonic Village. While she can’t practice nursing anymore – she uses a walker and has Binswanger disease, a serious neurological disorder that attacks the arteries and veins in the brain – she said that hasn’t stopped her from living her best life.
She was nominated for the Florence Nightingale Award for Clinical Excellence, a national award.
The hospital offered Rose a full-time position in the emergency room in New York, but she declined, choosing to remain in Pennsylvania instead. Rose earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Widener University. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in economic theory from Albright College. She taught nursing at Delaware County Community College for five years.
“I look at it that I’ve been quite lucky,” she said. “I still keep my mind busy.”
“I always knew I wanted to be a nurse, but I thought it wouldn’t be bad to have a business background in case I went into administration,” she said. “It really did help. I was eventually promoted to patient care manager at VNA, where I was responsible for 40 full-time nurses.” Even as an administrator, Rose still visited patients off campus. As the only manager at VNA who also had current nursing experience, she felt compelled to do so.
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Hope on the
HORIZ N
Masonic Villages residents and staff celebrated some good news over the last few weeks, while we all continue to be vigilant and cautious navigating the COVID-19 pandemic. Cards of Kindness Early in the pandemic, the Sending Smiles program was launched to encourage cards, letters, coloring and crossword puzzle books, CDs and other items to be sent to residents in our nursing and personal care areas to spread cheer since family visitations were restricted. For retirement living residents, staff immediately addressed their physical needs by coordinating grocery, meal and medication deliveries; managing clinical needs; and providing home health and home care services, but social workers recognized there were needs beyond physical, too. Elizabeth Commander, assistant director of Home Health, and Catherine Merkey, Home Health outreach coordinator, spearheaded the Cards of Kindness project in Elizabethtown. Cards came in from local churches and as far away as Springfield, Missouri. Every retirement living resident received 18
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a Valentine’s Day card, with a second round sent in March. “We wanted to foster meaningful connection and a sense of belonging during this isolation period for residents,” Elizabeth said. “The reach of this project exceeded our expectations, and we are so thrilled to see donations come in by the box, including many out-of-state cards!” Family Reunions Vaccines were offered across the state to all staff and residents who chose to receive one. We appreciate the state and community partners that made this possible, as it is leading to loosened visitor and event restrictions (based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Pennsylvania Department of Health recommendations). Updates for each Masonic Village location are posted to our website, www.masonicvillages. org/coronavirus-covid-19/. Masonic Village’s Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and Warminster locations have been able to open visitations for families in our nursing and personal care areas. In the first week of visitations, Masonic Villages hosted more than 670 visits across the state. In March, one of the first visits to
Masonic Village at Elizabethtown’s Freemasons Personal Care Building was the family of Velma Weidlich. She was able to see her daughter, Sandy Schweitzer, who lives locally, as well as her granddaughter, Alicia Bailey, and great-granddaughter, Carter Bailey, visiting from Germany, who she hadn’t seen since 2019. “It was an absolute blessing to be allowed to visit Nannie!” Alicia said. “I am so thankful that we are both fully vaccinated, and I was able to give her a hug.” “The pure joy of these long-awaited reunions has made all the hard work worth it,” Matt Mayo, assistant executive director/health care administrator in Elizabethtown, said. Pennsylvania Department of Health Acting Secretary Alison Beam joined Matt and Dr. Leigh Ann DeShong, medical director, at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown as part of a media event on March 29. They highlighted the reopening of nursing and personal care areas for visitations, the state’s vaccine rollout, and infection prevention and control practices in place at Masonic Village to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 among residents and staff. “This has been a difficult year for all of us,” Dr. DeShong said at the event. “We have witnessed the
immense physical and emotional toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on our community. We have also witnessed the incredible strength and resiliency of our staff, residents and families. At Masonic Village, I am honored to serve alongside compassionate nurses and staff who have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic to provide exceptional care to our residents. “Our shared humanity in this crisis is what brings out our greatest strength, to embrace change, grieve those we have lost, and reshape our world for the greater good.” Blessings Abound - Thank You to Our Donors Support comes in many ways, and throughout the last year at Masonic Villages, residents and staff have felt the love through unique and kind ways. The response to COVID-19 cost Masonic Villages $7.1 million in 2020, including lost revenue and unplanned expenses (overtime pay, supplies, screening, testing, etc.). Even with government funding and grants, our Mission was significantly impacted. Because of our donors, we were able to continue to provide the highest quality care in the safest possible ways. Generous donations helped provide for additional staff hours and items to combat this virus and its effects on our residents’ lives. These items included personal protective equipment (PPE), testing/screening materials, additional food for residents so they didn’t need to leave campus, disinfectant products, low-cost meals for employees and technology (such as iPads) to continue helping residents video chat with their families.
for their hard work and sacrifices. We provided bonus and incentive pay to eligible employees working on site. Masonic Villages also received donations of PPE from residents, Masonic lodges, Order of the Eastern Star chapters and others in the community. Local restaurants shared free lunches for staff. Gifts of simple items, like flowers, cards, crossword puzzle books and playing cards, brightened the lives of our residents. These donations add up to much more than dollar amounts. At our Elizabethtown and Sewickley locations, from April through December, staff provided 5,336 one-on-one music therapy sessions since group programs were cancelled. We were able to conduct 12,750 video chats with residents and their families. With dining rooms closed, staff delivered 1,028,050 meals to retirement living residents at our Dallas, Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill and Sewickley locations. Knowing they had access to plentiful safety equipment, technology and resources, staff were able to focus on ensuring care and services continued for residents uninterrupted. Keeping everyone safe and healthy and addressing the loneliness some residents felt being unable to see their families remained the top priorities. Without the support of our donors, the challenges of the last year would have seemed insurmountable. YOU provided financial assistance when we needed it most, giving residents and staff the greatest gift of all: HOPE.
The support of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania also enabled our organization to compensate our valued employees, while out on quarantine and in recognition MasonicVillages.org
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A Fortunate Situation The Currys feel fortunate they have been able to raise their two children and afford to do everything they wanted in life. Now retired and residents of Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, they had a decision to make. They wished to support the Masonic Children’s Home and also to take care of their own children. Fortunately, the Masonic Charities Office of Gift Planning had a solution, so the Currys could contribute to their family and the children’s home. “We’ve been fortunate in life with investing, and the proposed plan will reduce our estate in the best way possible,” Charles said.
“Both of us love children, and our hearts go out to them,” Carol said. “We appreciate what is being done for them at the children’s home. They’re educated and given so many opportunities. You get to see the kids grow up and do well and all the worthwhile things the children’s home has done for them.” The Currys enjoy attending the annual Youth Appreciation Day when the youth are recognized for scholastic, athletic and extracurricular achievements. The parents of a son and daughter and grandparents to five, the Currys feel blessed to see the faith they instilled in their children passed down to their grandchildren. “You always worry about your 20
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children,” Carol said. “It’s a comfort to us to help them.” Charles has always handled the family’s finances. His education was 50% in business, and 50% in engineering, and he feels the business side has been much more useful. He’s always been vigilant of tax implications and avoiding issues with the IRS. With a little help from the Office of Gift Planning, both he and Carol found an ideal solution to benefit their family and countless youth at the Masonic Children’s Home. He encourages others to do the same. “We can’t say enough about Al [Blitz, chief gift planning officer] and David [Whitenack, director of gift planning – central region],” Charles said. “They helped us know what to do after we attended one of their coffee meetings. The easy part is working with staff, and the Masonic Charities picks up the expense of managing the trust and handling investments. The trust will keep money within our family and make good investments for the
future benefit of the children’s home.” The Currys feel financially and physically secure after moving to Masonic Village at Elizabethtown nine years ago. As residents of a newly-built neighborhood of cottages, they moved in at the same time as many of their neighbors, forming quick friendships. Charles volunteers to help with Sell Chapel TV broadcasts, and Carol is a volunteer in The Boutique (see article on The Boutique volunteers on p. 14). “We’re glad every minute we’re here,” Carol said. “We love the lack of responsibility for the outside of our house – no shoveling, no leaf raking. We really get to know the staff who take care of us.” For information on how the Curry’s strategy might work for your situation, or what giving options can help meet your goals and dreams, fill out the enclosed business reply envelope. You may also contact the Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-599-6454 to speak with a Masonic Charities gift planner.
QTY ITEM UNIT COST Masonic Children’s Home 5 Gliders $400 Bleiler Caring Cottage 1 Living room end table set $500 1 Future camp trip for residents $5,000 Masonic Village at Dallas 1 Phillips HeadStart AED Defibrillator $1,275 Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Tickets to local baseball game $13 for Hospice patient 90 Special meal service $15 10 Mobility shuttle rides $15 9 Restaurant gift certificates $20 Gift card to local diner $20 for Hospice patient 20 Hair care service gift certificates $25 3 Stools for music therapy $40 12 Clothing gift certificates for $50 Health Care and Personal Care 18 Masonic Village Home $50 Care gift certificates 4 Massages for pain $65 Gift card for grocery delivery $75 for Hospice patient Massage/aromatherapy for Hospice $100 5 Wellness center memberships $120 5 All weather courtyard armchairs (set of 4) $400 Grand Lodge Hall Library $400 1 Sensory LED Bubble Wall $425 Clubhouse Library $800 Health Care Center Library $900 Week at shore for Hospice patient $1,500 4 Gliders $1,650 Rendever Virtual Reality package $4,500 Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill 1 Service for EVERSOUND headset system $200 Masonic Village at Sewickley 1 Outdoor movie screen and projector $2,000 1 Recording technology system $3,000 1 Nordic wellness chair $8,500 1 Replace Assembly Room projector $10,000 Masonic Village at Warminster 1
Enlarge fish pond in courtyard
$33,750
There is an all-inclusive wish list 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.
MASONIC VILLAGES’ WISH LIST
Thank you to the following donors (Nov. 1, 2020 to Jan. 31, 2021): Masonic Children’s Home Wayne M. and Nancylee Garafola Ronald A. and Judy A. McKnight James A. and Constance L. Nassif Masonic Village at Dallas Martin L. and Anna F. Bisher Sharon R. Burton John F. and Melissa D. Callahan Jean L. Carson Paul J. and Marilyn J. Healey Allen J. and Helen E. Henninger Mary Ann Johnson Charlotte A. Kindler Lucille M. Luksic Mary Claire Manganiello Masonic Village at Dallas Social Committee Lillian M. McGrady Karen L. Mertz Ingrid E. Prater John S. Savickas Mary Ann Size Carolyn A. Yankoski Masonic Village at Elizabethtown W. Ronald and Mary Ann Aument Melanie E. Brown Andrea H. Heasley Susan K. Joines Nancy J. and William A. Kaper Melvin H. and Karen Campbell JoAnne M. Lazar-Barndt Lititz Springs Chapter No. 499, O.E.S. Lodge No. 009 Elizabeth A. Martin Dianna R. McCommons Lavonna T. McDowell Richard A. and Diane M. Miller Donna J. Rentzel David L. and Janice E. Rohrbach Walter L. and Hilda E. Schofield Elsie K. Stackhouse Diane R. Vaughn Jayne L. White Graham and Rosemarie J. Yancolowitz Masonic Village at Warminster Richard Vaux Brotherhood Lodge No. 126
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Thanks to Our Donors Memorial Gifts The following memorial gifts were made Nov. 1, 2020 - Jan. 31, 2021. 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. 10 Deceased Brothers Pocono Lodge No. 780 Frank M. Adams Southampton Square Club John W. Albaugh Suzanne Wojewodzki Samuel Albert Houseman Lodge No. 211 Dorothy J. Ariosto Anonymous Mary L. Armel Steve and Denise Kovacs Charles Astfalk James Heckman Elizabethtown Masonic Village Shrine Club Pheobe J. Babel W. Allen and Doris Babel Marie C. Backeris Dean Backeris Harry Backus Donald and Joyce Welk Herbert D. Bailey, III Herbert and Marion Bailey Donald W. Banzhof Patricia Ruth Irene Bardsley Raymond and Wendy George Frances Baringer Richard and Marge Horn Richard Barringer Melanie Brown Martin H. Bayer Gabriele Bayer Kenneth W. Behrend Elizabeth Behrend Howard A. Beiseigel John Beiseigel Ruth Bertelman Jessica Wolff William and Ruth Best Linda Muller Barbara and Ernest Bettin Verna Minehart Angela Biarchi Andrew and Doris Zelez Stanley S. Black, Jr. Marion Black Irene Blaskiewicz Shirley Wolf Wayne C. Blecher Helen Blecher James E. Bohr Peter and Darlee Bohr Olga Bokulic Mileen Jurcak Toni Boyer Matthew Mayo Frank and Ruth Brandon Brian and Karen Teaman Gilbert Brandon Brian and Karen Teaman Mr. and Mrs. Irwin Brenner Andrew Latschar John R. Brown Melanie Brown Olin and Gladys Brubaker Karl Buus Franklin Bubbenmoyer Henry and Kay Sheetz John Buch Jane Pitman Edward Budman Oscar and Angila Smith Clyde E. Burkholder Mick and Carol McCurdy A. Preston Van Deursen James H. Burns Elaine Burns
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Robert J. Butcavage Conrad Weiser Chapter No. 449, O.E.S. Anthony Caputzal Frank Caputzal Philip H. Chamberlin Alice Chamberlin Alton E. Cherry, Jr. Karen Cherry Alva and Martha Cochran Thomas and Carol Cochran Harry Cornell Maureen Cornell Clarence J. Cox Carla Cox Miriam Coyne Bruce and Joan Howarth Marge Craig Andrew and Alicia Squires James Tracy Crawford Patricia Bish “Annie and Jim Criss, Ellen Furlong and Gracy Stephens” Carol Furlong Chester Cyzio Helen Cyzio Wayne Dallas Warren and Donna Dallas George L. Davenport Houseman Lodge No. 211 Donald G. and Irma M. Davidson William and Nancy Davidson Ralph C. “Scotty” Davis Elizabethtown Masonic Village Shrine Club Eureka-West Shore Lodge No. 302 Jason L. Dean Richard Dean Russell H. Decker Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kaminski Walter and Nancy DePrefontaine Walter and Leslie DePrefontaine, Jr. Ord Luther Dixon Fonda Dixon Jean Dixon Teresa M. Donati John Donati Darrell Douglas Carl and Dorothy Shull Robert Douty Barbara Douty Carl V. Dreisbach, Jr. Jeffrey and Joan Bitzer Kevin and Carolyn Mosser Mary Pawluk John Dromazos John and Joan Lee Katherine Marie Dunn “Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.” Leah Dunst Helen Cyzio Walter F. Dyer George Ullrich Joe E. Ebersole Nancy Prichard Betty J. Ebersole Nancy Prichard Lee Eck Edmund and Darlene Ludwig Mary and Les Ehringer Toni Drabant
Anna Mae Eiceman Berle Eiceman Doris S. Elanjian Paul Elanjian Mary Elanjian Paul Elanjian Richard Enck Esther Enck James T. English Margery English John and Laura Enie Carl and Carol Willis John N. Entrekin, III Beatrice Entrekin Jimmie and Lorene Erwin Jimmie and Barbara Erwin Stanley G. Evans Dorothy Evans Yvonne M. Fafata Robert Fafata Marie Farr Jim Heidler Edward L. Feiling, Jr. Gretchen Feiling Ken Fenical, Sr. Kenneth Fenical, Jr. Clarence M. Fertenbaugh Eureka-West Shore Lodge No. 302 Linwood “Butch” Fielder Audrey Fielder Barbara Ann Filling Elizabeth Butler Eric and Karen Engle Kathryn Filling Kay Straley John C. Fischer Houseman Lodge No. 211 Eric Fishman Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 019 Maxine Fleming Virgil Fleming Lance Frehafer David Frehafer Sara J. Frick Paul Frick Grant H. Fuhrman Kenneth and Debra Fuhrman Gerald J. Gallagher Houseman Lodge No. 211 Rudy and Marg Galli Marina Galli Adrienne Garafola Velma Baisch Bryan and Eileen Hill Alison Schaefer Carl W. Garing Carl and Peggy Garing Joanne Knier George Donna Clawson Stephen and Veronia Kepchar John and Victoria Kosko Mt. Carmel Praise Team Kenneth C. Gertney Phyllis Gertney Edward and Mildred K. Gibson James and Elizabeth Gibson Harrison W. Gift, III Dolores Gift Elizabeth Carr Ferrier Gilinger Grace Stettenbauer Jack Gillmore Vicki Gillmore Bernice Greenwold Ken, Elaine and Debbie Bleiler Donald L. Grier Lorraine Colonna William Colonna Brent and Kathy Scholl Robert Grogan Gregory and Cheryl Wilhelm Harvey E. Gumto Carol Gumto Luz Maria Gunn Joan Spire Charlie Hafer Masonic Village Amateur Radio Club, K3WEB Agnes Haggarty Bryan and Eileen Hill Ervin C. Hamme Jenni Fackler
Paul S. Hand John and Carol Bender John and Sue Bricker Alvin and Iris Goodman Richard and Alice Hartman John and Paula Matzko Jane Roush Robert and Karen Spicer Shelia Hansen Michael Petak Eva S. Hardy Harold Hardy M. Helen Harp Herman Richard Ruth H. Hasenauer Mary Jane Keim Richard “Dick” Hawk Ken and Elaine Bleiler Jim and Betty Gotta Ronald and Judy McKnight A. Preston Van Deursen Richard Hays Nancy McNutt Warren R. Heidelbaugh Brownstone Lodge No. 666 Larry and Annette Kilpatrick Sterling Hepler Duane and Nancy Hepler Wilbur R. Herr Doris and Kenneth Beane Betty Herriott Barbara Weir Paul Hess Paula Hess Sandra Ann “Sandy” Hickey Beth Greiner Ann Paviglianiti Francis and Florence Hinkle Robert and Margie Gregoire Jerome L. and Kathryn Hitz Paul Thompson Virgie Hoffer Glenn and Ruth Hoffer Frederic Hoffman Masonic Village Travel Club William Hoin Shirley Wolf Beverly Holliday Masonic Village Travel Club J. Richard Hollinger David Hollinger Clarence and Inez Hoopes Donald Hoopes Gerald S. Hossler Martha Hossler Jo Anne Hower Barry and Kathleen Hower Margaret Huber Friendship Chapter No. 551, O.E.S. Rudy Hummel Joan Hummel Fred Hummler Nanci Bicking Dave and Lee Hunsberger Marc and Karen Hunsberger David and Alicia Hunsberger Fay Pletcher Fred N. Imler Leon Collins Michael J. Jenkins Marjorie Jenkins Carolyn F. Jochen Albert Jochen Irene L. Jochen Albert Jochen Lee R. and Kathleen B. Kegris Dennis and Patricia Kegris Judy and Tom Leese Paul H. Keiser Dorothy Keiser Bertha Kennedy Robert and Linda Hoffines Deborah Kennedy Jeff Kincaid Lois Kiegel Dave and Judy Kurtz Lois Stumm Klein Shirley Lantzyr
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Robert L. “Bob” Koser Drew and Kimberly Evanoff Brian McCoola Lester Nace Brent and Donna Shultz Smaling Family A. Preston Van Deursen Kathleen L. “Kathy” Kuhn Raymond and Patricia Horn Glenn and Barbara Kurzenknabe Linda Kurtz Jennifer Eaton George F. and Viola F. Lance Lester and Mary Moll Arlene Laubach Mary Yeager Grace Laubach Mary Yeager Robert E. Lee, Jr. George and Shirley Havlak Kathryn B. Lengyel Virginia Haupt Roland and Ruth Lenker Jack and Judith Rankin Morgan Lewis Martin and Anna Bisher Sharon Burton John and Melissa Callahan Jean Carson Paul and Marilyn Healey Allen and Helen Henninger Mary Ann Johnson Maryann Johnson Charlotte Kindler Lucille Luksic Mary Claire Manganiello Masonic Village at Dallas Social Committee Lillian McGrady Karen Mertz Ingrid Prater John Savickas Mary Ann Size Carolyn Yankoski Robbie Lindquist David and June Nimick Arthur Linington George and Kathleen Gonzalez Dominick Lizzi David and Alda Lizzi Edward and Dorothy Lloyd Christine Petrucci E. Russell Long Dick and Nancy Wright Charles C. Lougher Southampton Square Club George and Anna Lubic Jill Swartz George Lutz A. Preston Van Deursen Irene Lutz Susan Wagner John T. Lutz Mahlon and Christine Fuller Rowland B. Mahany Richard and Pamela Mahany Doris M. Malantonio Chris Reynolds Horace L. Mann Prudence Mann Jean Gregory Marcali Donald and Wanda Gregory Emily and Stanley Marek Theresa Marek Michael “Skip” Marrone James Allen
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Joseph C. Martin Francine Desmarais Lance and Amy Martin Robert H. Martin Samuel Martin Thomas H. Martin Elizabeth Martin Alfred Mash Lester and Dorothy Worthington Horace Mason A. Preston Van Deursen James D. Mayer McKinley Stuckrath Lodge No. 318 Audrey J. McBride Gregg McBride Clair E. McCall Eva McCall Kenneth and Sandra McCall Mary Jane McDowell Rebecca Cargas John and Emily McElroy Helen Cyzio Joseph Clarence McGill, Jr. J. Blair and Kathy McGill Pat and Audrey McGough June Kupstas Arline E. McKrell Sally Smiley Robert R. Melisko Judith Melisko Anne Elizabeth Memory Mary Miller Shirley Mendez Matthew Mayo David Mesar George and Louise McKinney Paul E. Meyers Donald Meyers Beverly Miller Gilbert Miller Florence Miller A. Preston Van Deursen William Monahan Ginny and Frank Hartlage Edward Monefeldt Anne and Alberto Gaglianese Rowena “Binky” Morelock A. Preston Van Deursen Mildred N. Muffley William Muffley Melvin A. Mumaw Ruth Mumaw Joseph and Ruth Mumma Mary Murphy Frank Murawski Lorraine Murawski Mona Murray Joseph and Barbara Murphy Patricia “Pat” Musser Michael Musser Ethel M. Myers Joyce Myers-Brown Gertrude K. Myers Stephen and Kathy Kiessling Leon Myers, Jr. Jay and Bonita Myers Margaret Waltz Myers Karen Kaylor-Campell and Melvin Campbell William E. “Bill” Nelson John and Lou Jean Seifarth James C. Nickle Thomas and Terry Kamerzel Jacqueline Nikischer Frank and Judith Nikischer Hedwig E. “Hedy” Noll Hargis and Helen Knoechel Wallace Nuttycombe Albert and Sally Rutherford Thomas O’Donnell Harry and Christine Habecker Roy H. Parker Ronald and Susan Parker Richard E. “Dick” Parks George Broussard Elizabethtown Masonic Village Shrine Club James and Norma Hall Christine Hutton Gerald and Pat Kemmerer Mark Klein Morgan Lawrence Angela Watts Bob Wetzel and Justine Kern
John L. Partington Southampton Square Club James D. Pearce William Pearce Thomas W. Pfahler, Jr. Nancy Pfahler Paul O. Pfeiffer Melanie Brown Beatrice K. Phillips John Phillips Frank W. Podrebarac Palestine-Roxborough Lodge No. 135 Darrell E. Powell Frederick and Waunetah Powell John C. Price Capital Region Flat-Coated Retriever Club Ruth Prosser John Prosser William A. Pruitt Southampton Square Club Linda L. Rankin Jack and Judith Rankin Edith Raup Ron and Ardee Adams Lauren Kafta Family of Edith Raup Dorothy M. Rebman John Pontz Roy Reifsnyder John and Christine Black George Reitz Masonic Village Amateur Radio Club, K3WEB Roger and Sue Wheeler George F. Renoe Jeff and Ethel Renoe Robert E. Reynolds Dianne Reynolds Margaret H. Richard Herman Richard Sally Robison Edward Robison Arline Rochkind Richard and Kay Bigley Ken and Elaine Bleiler Robert and Marilyn Forney Jim and Betty Gotta Richard and Alice Hartman William Letcher Ronald and Judy McKnight Jenny Rodger Linda and Barry Brown Betty J. and James R. Rodisch James D. Rodisch Charles E. Rose Donna Rose Robert and Natalie Roth Karen Martin Walter and Elisabeth Ruffer Nancy Ruffer James Rutherford Albert and Sally Rutherford Edward and Ruth Rutter Anthony and Linda Ambrose Mary Sardello Antoinette Petrucci Billie J. Savickas John Savickas Esther Scheuermann John Letsch and Adalena Wilson Lois Schoch Paul McLaverty Rosalyn M. Schwartz Jayne White David B. U. Shearer George Ullrich Dolores E. Sheehan Michael and Eileen Sheehan William A. Sheppard Anonymous Elmer E. Shetter Richard Anglin Carol E. Shirey Carl Shirey James G. Sholly Betty Sholly Melvin and Lucille Shroyer Nancy Baker William A. Sickel Houseman Lodge No. 211
Miriam Smith Friendship Chapter No. 551, O.E.S. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph H. Smith William and Judith Kauffman Francis Stewart “Stew” Snyder Russell and Beverly Furtick Scott and Cathy Snyder James D. Snyder Allen Snyder Roland J. Snyder Camilla Anderson Ralph and Linda Antonacci Charles and Carol Curry Dave and Mary First Bryan and Eileen Hill Raymond and Patricia Horn Bruce and Joan Howarth Jeffrey and Mary James Sally Kinzey David and Judith Kurtz Deanne Molinari Shirley A. (Holtzapple) Snyder Bryan and Eileen Hill Raymond and Patricia Horn Alan and Sue Pederson Lucille Powell Richard S. Spahr Gwen Spahr Clair R. Spangler, Jr. William and Sue Northey Earl and Myrl Speicher George and Sandra Martin Frederich J. Sponheimer Houseman Lodge No. 211 Arnold Stackhouse Elsie Stackhouse Ruth Steeb Peter and Mary Steeb James L. “Jim” Steely Grace Hepford Bryan and Eileen Hill Edward Horst A. Preston Van Deursen James L. and Jean M. Steely Debra Steely James Robert Stewart Joan Stewart Kenneth L. “Ken” and Jean L. Strohm, Sr. Kenneth and Linda Strohm, Jr. Thomas Strohm Audrey Stroup Jo Ann Yeagley Robert L. and Irene M. Stuebner Constance Firing Richard Stuncard James and Caroline Stuncard Robert and Marie Swift Sandra Bingaman James E. Tarman Raymond and Patricia Horn Edward J. Teaman Brian and Karen Teaman John C. Tecklenburg John C. Tecklenburg, II Douglas Alan Thompson Jean Pascarella Nancy Marie (Hitz) Thompson Paul Thompson Lloyd Thompson Kenneth and Diana Endress Connie and C. L. Thorpe Jack and Barbara J. Thorpe William and Margaret Thorpe Caryl and Daniel Waters Lloyd Tyson Jacquelin Tyson
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George N. Vurdelja Elizabethtown Masonic Village Shrine Club Robert and Marilyn Forney Bryan and Eileen Hill “Lancaster Chapter, Military Officers Association of America” Jill McLinden Gene and Nancy McMillen Julia Siipple Peter Stipanovich The Coterie Club A. Preston Van Deursen Doris Wagner Nancy and William Kaper Arlene Walbert Nancie Griffiths Richard and Carol Miller Vicki L. Waller “Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc.” Herman and Blanche Walters David and Alice Bechtel Robert F. Washic Osceola Lodge No. 515 Robert E. Watkins, Sr. Robert and Annette Watkins, Jr. Elizabeth A. Weamer Harriet Reiner Joseph L. Weber Lucille Weber Ralph Weiss, Sr. Ralph Weiss, Jr. Carroll Robert “Bob” Wentz, Jr. Martin and Nancy Bogdon Janet Bonenberger Margaret Bugg Margery English Sue and Ross Frantz Joseph Holliday Lois Reynolds Cathy Wentz
James Whittington Thomas and Phyllis Cercone Rose H. Wible Donald and Sandra Kunz Regina and Ellsworth “Wid” Widmer Dan Bigelow and Larry Widmer Henry M. Wildasin Ann Wildasin Barbara Williams Harrisburg Chapter No. 552 O.E.S. David Winter Loretta Winter Paul “Buck” Winter Kinsley Energy Solutions Jack Wisnoff Beth Hackett James H. Wolf, Jr. Dorothy Wolf Walter L. Wolf Marjorie Jenkins Judith B. Wollenhaupt John Hestor Arthur Wood Mark and Wendy Bennett Ralph N. Wooden Anonymous Raymond R. Wright, Sr. R. Richard and Nancy Wright, Jr. Walter H. Wright, Jr. Carolyn Wright M. Joan Yeager Gladys Arnold Betsy Zimmerman George Zimmerman Joanne Beverly (Teats) Zserai Capital BlueCross Bob Giallo Denise Harr
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) 5046215 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.
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Spring 2021 Issue
Honorarium Gifts The following honorarium gifts were made Nov. 1, 2020 - Jan. 31, 2021. 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. Marie “Ginny” Andrews James Andrews Arline Rochkind caregivers Richard and Alice Hartman Ruth Barkley Dianna McCommons Nancy Barr Ralph and Yvonne Cochran Virginia Basehore Theda Wagner Andrew Beard Barbara Beard Ed and Linda Beck Irene Beck Milana “Mim” Bizic Lex and Jill Medich Robert C. Black Robert Yates Ken and Elaine Bleiler Jerry and Cindy Kopenhaver Lois Butts and Ruthie Karen Dobson Carol E. Chew Anonymous Phyllis Clark Mitch and Cindy Mensh Susan Cochran Ralph and Yvonne Cochran Millie Darnell Louise Martorana Margaret Doherty Nancy Parke Raymond A. Dubbs Wayne and Debra Dubbs Employees of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Larry and Nancy Webster Ethel C. Eshleman Wafi and Tom Gainey Dorothy Fasnacht Russell and Elaine Kuhn William D. Faulhaber Theda Wagner Barbara Gismondi Marion Black Georgiana Guerra Ernest Guerra Elizabeth Hahn Louis Hahn William C. Hall Mr. and Mrs. William C. Hall, Jr. James H. Heidler Anne and Alberto Gaglianese Hospice Team Kay Straley Frederick J. Hower Barry and Kathleen Hower Ruth S. Johnston Dorothy Peters Susan K. Joines Marie Arcuri Joanne M. Kerridge Beatrice Kerridge Catherine M. Kessler Gary Hihn Terri Koeler Dianne Dean Catherine Thompson Donald Kugle James and Jean Tebay Susanah Ruth Linington George and Kathleen Gonzalez Michael T. Manko Richard and Ruth Manko
Isabel Penny Martin Lance and Amy Martin Ruth Mason Scott Mason Masonic Villages Payroll Department Linda Albino Mick McCurdy James and Jean Tebay Virginia K. Migrala Richard and Diane Miller David Mueller Nancy Parke Joe and Barb Murphy Mary Murphy Joe Murphy “Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Resident Garden Club” Mary Murphy Joseph and Barbara Murphy Betty L. Nickle Thomas and Terry Kamerzel Barbara Wellman Riggs Bud and Dixie Teaford Linda Rohrer Donald and Beverly Wimer Mike Rowe Liz Severino Ed and Ruth Sattler Alan and Barbara Anderson Matthew E. Schavnis Nancy Parke Gertrude W. Shaw Donald Shaw Gail Shiffler Nancy Parke Stephanye Smith Heath and Holly Mackley Staff and Residents of Masonic Village at Warminster Rosina Dippi Staff at Elizabethtown Scott and Lynette Muller Staff on Roosevelt 2 Nora Beyers Staff on Roosevelt 4 Kay Straley Charlotte Stafford Theda Wagner Jane Strock Anne and Alberto Gaglianese “The Helping Hands” John and Nancylee Lenker Christopher Thomas Nancy Parke Tom and Terry’s 29th Wedding Anniversary Thomas and Terry Kamerzel Paul and Shirley Weaver James and Jean Tebay David S. Weitzel Marie Arcuri Martha L. Weitzel Marie Arcuri C. Robert Wentz Trembath Family Roger and Sue Wheeler David and Ariana Wheeler Merle Whitebread Arthur and Dorothy Wert Sharon L. Witter James and Jean Tebay
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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.
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