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Winter 2021 Vol. 31, No. 1 Masonic Villages includes locations in Dallas, Elizabethtown, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and Warminster. Submissions for the spring issue of the Village Voice are due March 15. Public Relations Department Masonic Villages, One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022 For more information, call the Public Relations Department at 717-367-1121, ext. 33383, or email pr@masonicvillages.org. Masonic Villages is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Decisions concerning admission to Masonic Villages, 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 All About People 4 Making Spirits Bright 6 From High Notes to Handbells: Playing the Tunes
16 Hiking for Health and Enjoyment
10 Encouraging Words
18 Meandering with the Merrills
21 Masonic Villages' Wish List
20 Through the Woods
22 Ideas for Giving and Moving Forward in 2021
On the cover: Residents Nancy and Tim Merrill (p. 18).
27 Honorarium Gifts Winter 2021 Issue
14 Character Building and Spirit Soothing
8 Ingrained in Masonic Culture
24 Memorial Gifts
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COVER STORIES Walkers and Wanderers
Ray received his bachelor’s degree from Elizabethtown College and his master’s degree in public administration from Penn State University. He is a member of Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown.
"I’ve been fortunate to be part of an organization that kept evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of people."
“Our residents have been great people to work with over the years, and many have become friends,” he said. “I remember names of people from 30-40 years ago who encouraged and nurtured me. I joined the fraternity because of them. When I received my first, second and third degrees, I remember the residents who were there in lodge to show their support.
All About People Raymond E. Tierney retired as chief operating officer (COO) for Masonic Villages in December 2020. He joined Masonic Villages in 1981 and served as administrator of retirement living for the Elizabethtown campus from 1988–2003, when he was promoted to chief operating officer–retirement living services for all Masonic Village locations. In 2018, he was promoted to COO. Ray’s role was to provide leadership and strategic oversight for setting objectives, planning, staffing and directing the operations of major programs and services for the Masonic Villages. This included implementing and benchmarking best practices in services and marketing, directing the implementation of master plans and expanded services, reviewing budgets, assuring regulatory and legal compliance and providing support and strategic direction for the executive directors at each campus.
“I’ve been fortunate to be part of an organization that kept evolving to meet the ever-changing needs of people,” Ray said. “When we rebranded from a ‘home’ to a ‘village,’ it better represented our all-encompassing services, which now include home care, home health, hospice and pharmacy. While ‘home’ has a nice connotation, ‘village’ depicts our expanded mission from serving our Masonic family to serving everyone on behalf of Freemasonry.” While Ray has been a driving force behind many construction projects, his memories do not focus on bricks and mortar but on the people who made an imprint on his life.
“We [Masonic Villages] do better than most on our worst day. We do some exceptional things that differentiate us from others, and that is why so many residents and their families support us financially. We’re not only blessed with resources, but an incredible culture. People often express that they’re blown away by how friendly and accommodating our staff are. What people don’t often see is the way everyone rallies during urgent emergencies, whether it’s a blizzard, an economic recession or a pandemic. It’s a remarkable culture I hope we never lose.” Ray and his wife, Annette, look forward to traveling, visiting family, biking, golfing, hiking and spending time with their sons. In time, Ray plans to “give back” by volunteering in community organizations that support those who are less fortunate.
“It’s the people I’ve worked with and served that will stay with me,” he said. “That’s what we are – we’re all about people.” MasonicVillages.org
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Making Spirits Bright Even though the pandemic has been impacting the world for nearly a year, Masonic Villages’ staff and residents did not let it dampen their holiday spirit. Simple acts, like decorating, exchanging gifts and cookie baking, helped warm hearts and souls.
In Elizabethtown’s Masonic Health Care Center, residents enjoyed a visit from Santa, who delivered gifts and cookies from his sleigh (shown above, left). Thanks to our generous donors’ support of the Arline M. Hughes Caring Fund, residents in the nursing and personal care areas received a mini decorated tree and neck pillow. Residents in retirement living received a gift and candy cane from the big guy, too. A “secret” Santa packed an Italian dinner in a tote bag for each employee as a thanks for their extra dedication in 2020. Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill residents sampled treats such as peppermint bark, chocolates, cocoa and eggnog, shared door-to-door (Bryan Sparks, chef, Unidine; Amy Benekovits, operational excellence manager, Unidine; and Theresa Sheriff, dining room manager, shown l-r on p. 5, top right). They were also excited for the grand re-opening of their gift shop, which features snacks, personal items, gifts and décor. In Warminster, Trisha Lamb, activities director (shown above, right), brought Hanukkah, including a menorah and snacks, to each resident using a cart. Residents also received a cuddly surprise from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in the form of teddy bears. The Food Services Department at Masonic Village at Sewickley hand delivered poinsettias to each resident, while the Master Masons Club provided each lady with a pen. 4
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Concerts and spiritual services were live-streamed, and prerecorded entertainment was shared on campus television stations in Elizabethtown and Sewickley. Holiday meals were delivered, in style, for Thanksgiving and Christmas at all locations (Sewickley staff shown on p. 5, bottom right). In Sewickley, in anticipation of Thanksgiving, residents and staff were invited to create a leaf for a family tree with words of encouragement and other creative expressions. “Masonic Village is a place to shelter and feel safe during these difficult times,” Karen Hammond, recreation supervisor, said. “It is a constant; a strength we can rely on when we need a sense of stability and peace. Perhaps, most of all, trees can invoke images of family. This project was a way to recognize and commemorate this challenging time, both in the life of our community and for the world at large.” In-person Veterans Day celebrations were cancelled, but in Sewickley, volunteers delivered mugs with candy to veterans, and in Lafayette Hill, Glenn Miller performed patriotic classics outdoors. Special services were streamed in Elizabethtown and Lafayette Hill, and veterans were personally recognized in Warminster. Community spirit is still strong across the state. Masonic Village at Elizabethtown resident Nancy Balmer (shown on p. 5, bottom left, with Preston Van Deursen, director of pastoral care) knitted 70 hats, which she donated to
Sell Chapel's Outreach Program. The hats were shared with the Christmas Shop, run through the Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ Church, and Elizabethtown Community Housing and Outreach Services. After recovering from cancer and then caring for her daughter, who passed away after a battle with cancer, Nancy asked herself why she survived when so many others do not. Nancy realized she still had an unfulfilled purpose and has been knitting ever since, including hats for soldiers serving overseas and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Hospitals. "I'm fulfilling my purpose," Nancy said. Masonic Village at Elizabethtown collected items for Toys for Tots and provided donations to local emergency services providers to help offset budget shortfalls. Warminster team members collected items for local food banks. Masonic Village at Dallas resident Mimi Johnson (shown above, top left) coordinated a cleanup of Country Club Road. Residents “adopted” the road leading up to campus a few years ago and beautify it annually. Masonic Villages has continued welcoming new residents, with the requirement they quarantine in their new home for two weeks. While they’re looking forward
to when the campus is in full swing, Janice and David Rohrbach, of Elizabethtown, have appreciated what they’ve experienced so far as residents since April. “It gave us lots of time to unpack,” Janice said of the two-week quarantine. “Everyone was very helpful, and we were well cared for. Our building representative picked up our mail, we knew who to call to collect our cardboard boxes and we had our meals delivered. We feel privileged to be here.” They are joining a family and a mission which will continue to stand the test of time. “For more than 100 years, our team has gone above and beyond to see that our residents are cared for with the love, grace and dignity they deserve,” Bill Kingsbury, CEO, said, “but at no time in our past has our team been asked to do and sacrifice more than they have in 2020. Their example will stand testament to our Masonic Villages community long after the pandemic has subsided. Pennsylvania Masons and their loved ones continue to generously support our residents and team with funds, protective equipment, words of encouragement, thoughts and prayers.”
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From High Notes to Handbells: Playing the Tunes Susan Garton lives in a two-bedroom apartment at Masonic Village at Sewickley. One bedroom is for her; the other bedroom is for her bells, arranged on a 9-foot table next to a keyboard and a computer. Susan has been a professional handbell soloist long before she found a home for herself and her bells at Masonic Village. A former nurse practitioner with the Grove City Area School District in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, after retiring in 1992, Susan started her career in handbells. While a longtime resident of Slippery Rock, she was a member of the Celebration Ringers, a community ensemble, and the East Main Presbyterian Church bell choir. Susan is currently the director of the Village Handbells, a bell choir at Masonic Village at Sewickley. She also performs at church services for residents. “It’s been my life for a long time,” Susan said. “I have chimes, too, but I mostly use handbells. I just love making music. It’s such a delight. When you begin working on a piece, it doesn’t sound like much, but when you get it polished, it’s really exciting to end up with a good piece of music.”
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Dream Team quartet that performed and taught at the Solo-Ensemble Extravaganza in Colorado Springs. She also worked with a handbell choir in Kiev, Ukraine, while presenting concerts in Kiev and Presov, Slovakia. Fifteen of her handbell solo arrangements have been published. “There is a lot of music available for handbell choirs, solo ringers and ensembles, like quartets and trios,” she said. “It’s not a big market, but big enough that there are quite a few publishers.” What’s even more remarkable than her accomplishments is the fact that she has achieved them with limited vision due to an automobile accident 30 years ago. She lost her right eye, and her left eye was damaged but is stable today. “I used to play in a bell choir, and that was very difficult because you need to look at the music,” she said. “I had to mark the music with highlighters because I couldn’t see the notes. For solo music, you can memorize the music. Once I memorize it, I don’t need the actual music anymore.” Susan also places colored tape over some of the bells to mark the notes. “I can’t read them, but I know that my C [note] is green, and my F is red,” she said. “I’ve made adjustments to adapt to the lower vision.”
Susan’s repertoire includes a wide variety of sacred, secular and classical music, and each performance is customized to fit the occasion. “I like to play music that people are familiar with,” she said. “There are no words, so they can hum along or supply the words.” Ringing Beginnings Susan moved with her family to Pennsylvania from Iowa in 1978, and the church she joined had an opening in its bell choir. The director asked if she wanted to join, and she agreed. “It’s easy to learn, and I had a good choir director,” she said. In 1998, impressed with her talent, the director asked Sue to do “solo ringing,” which involved performing by herself with a piano accompaniment.
Susan has been very active in the handbell world nationally as both a soloist and a clinician. Prior to COVID-19, she typically performed up to 60 handbell concerts a year throughout the country.
“I would borrow the church’s bells and play three or four times a year in church because I was still working full-time,” she said. “When I retired, my son suggested that I get my own set of bells and get serious about it.”
She has been a featured performer at concert series throughout the United States, including Handbell Musicians of America events in Orlando, San Francisco, Nashville and Dallas. She was a member of the 2003
A set of handbells is not cheap, costing upwards of $15,000, and not including other necessary equipment, such as foam pads, tables and mallets to play with. “As you go along, you need a lot more [equipment],” Susan said.
Thirteen bells make up an “octave.” Susan has four octaves. Each bell is its own note. The bells are arranged on the table like a piano keyboard. “It’s like playing the piano, but instead of fingers, I have to pick up a bell and ring it,” Susan explained. “It’s a very visual art form.” Susan has always had a love for music. Growing up, she was a singer and played piano and flute. She practices her handbells a couple of hours each day. The Village Handbells currently practice once a week, with everyone wearing masks and socially distancing. They look forward to broadcasting concerts and, eventually, playing live again. Susan has lived at Masonic Village at Sewickley for about three years. She has three sons, one of whom lives locally in Pittsburgh. She enjoys not having to cook or go outside unless she wants to, and is grateful to have her handbells to keep her engaged and happy.
“It has been a great thing for me to have,” she said. “When my husband died in 2006, I had a life of my own. It would have been pretty awful without the bells. “I’m 85 years old, and I’ve been very fortunate. I have good health and am so pleased that I can actively perform at my age. I have a good friend in California who is also a handbell soloist. She is 10 years younger than I am. Her husband always asks her ‘when are you going to quit?’ She said, ‘I’ll quit when Sue quits.’ So, we’re both still going. I’ll do it for as long as I can.”
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Ingrained in Masonic Culture Masonic Village at Elizabethtown is rich with Masonic symbolism, from street and building names to statues to etchings in the windows of the Goose and Gridiron Tavern. It’s also abundant in talent among its more than 2,080 residents. Using their woodworking skills, a group of residents recently found another way to showcase the Masonic fraternity’s influence on campus culture. Above the desk at the Visitors Center, in the Freemasons Cultural Center, a circular wooden overhang features 22 Masonic symbols representing groups and appendant bodies which either meet at Masonic Village or to which residents belong. The carvings are the work of members of the Rooster Woodshop, Ben Hoenich (shown above, right), Past Master and member of Abraham C. Treichler Lodge No. 682, Elizabethtown, and John Lewis (shown above, left), Past Master and member of Carlisle Lodge No. 260. The symbols include a square and compasses in the center, and to the right Past Master, Scottish Rite, Shriners, Knights of the York Cross of Honor, Holy Royal Arch Chapter, Cryptic Masonry, Knights Templar, York Rite Cottage, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, Job’s Daughters, DeMolay, National Sojourners 8
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and Heroes of ’76. To the left of the center are Order of the Eastern Star, Order of Amaranth, Social Order of Beauceant, Red Cross of Constantine, High Twelve, Tall Cedars of Lebanon, Grotto and Daughters of the Nile. It took up to seven days to complete one symbol. Individual pieces of each were put together like a puzzle. The process included sketching the symbol, cutting out pieces with a scroll saw (they were not laser cut), sanding, staining, applying two-sided tape to the back and installation. Among the arduous parts of the project was finding a stain to match the wooden overhang. Ben and John went through 85 stain samples before blending a perfect match. It was an ideal job for John and Ben. John taught middle school wood shop for 32 years and has an eye for art, and Ben worked in graphic design and is an avid photographer. “The Masonic fraternity is important to many residents, and we hope they will be proud to see a representation
Past Master, Scottish Rite and Shriners symbols
Knights of the York Cross of Honor symbol
Social Order of Beauceant, Order of Amaranth and Order of the Eastern Star symbols of something that was a major part of their lives displayed for all to see,” John said. “We also hope the symbols will spark an interest in non-members to investigate why these organizations are important to so many.” “Although not all residents are members of the fraternity, this project is a reminder to those who may not be aware of the breadth of it,” Ben said. “Each one of the appendant bodies support, through their efforts and donations, many nonprofit organizations, while providing guidelines for making each member better. “The project also gives the Rooster Woodshop broad visibility and demonstrates the high level of woodworking skills that exist in its membership, as well as the time commitment to supporting it.” John and Ben also created the sign for the new Franklin’s Press coffee shop at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, which will open this spring. At the entrance to the
Freemasons Cultural Center parking lot sits a statue of young Benjamin Franklin working on his press. Franklin’s Press carries that theme into the building while playing off the word “press” (signifying a printing press and a coffee press). The intarsia design of the sign uses varied shapes, sizes and species of wood fitted together to create a mosaic-like picture. “It is rewarding and humbling to be a part of something of this lasting magnitude, while working with another woodworker who is a fellow Mason, neighbor and friend,” Ben said. “The recognition from residents, fellow shop members, staff and visitors is also heartwarming.”
“Each one of these symbols is a piece of Masonic history,” John said, “and we hope this artwork becomes history here at Masonic Village.”
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Encouraging
WOR DS
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Dr. Robert T. Tauber, Ph.D., has had a fulfilling and accomplished career as an educator, but he’s not looking for any praise, just a little enthusiastic encouragement. In fact, one of his books is based on the negative impacts of delivering praise and the advantages of offering encouragement instead. It’s one of many areas he’s researched related to effective leadership, whether at home, in a business or on a playing field. Robert, a Professor Emeritus in education at Penn State University, was certified as a physics teacher, guidance counselor, principal and school superintendent before teaching at the collegiate level for more than 30 years. His findings and expertise have been shared internationally at Durham University, England, and the University of Melbourne, Australia, where he took sabbaticals. His academic travels also included Chile, Canada, Mexico, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Germany, France, Denmark, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Japan, New Zealand and Tasmania. The Problem with Praise “Praise Less Encourage More” is one of more than 20 books Robert has authored. The topic of praise versus encouragement is one he has used during presentations for leadership staff to improve employee performance. It can also be helpful for parents with young children, and a tactic for anyone to use among friends and family. “When I present this topic, I tell the audience that within one hour, 95% of them will agree to eliminate the word, ‘praise,’” Robert said.
“They don’t believe that it can happen, but when I ask at the end how many are convinced, most of their hands go up. People don’t realize there is an alternative to praise. Praise and encouragement are not synonyms.” Among his 18 cautions for delivering praise are that it is designed to manipulate, can be used for an ulterior motive, can create a sandwich effect (e.g. “You did great, but …”) and can feel punishing when you expect praise but don’t get it. The 18 cautions make an overwhelming case against the use of praise. Alternatively, a few synonyms of encouragement are bolster, inspire, energize, restore, embolden, comfort and strengthen.
“Not everyone can be praised, but everyone can and should be encouraged,” Robert said. Encouragement is more about asking than it is about telling. Examples of encouragement may include asking a grandchild questions about the colors they used in their drawing, rather than simply saying, “Great picture.” For athletes who miss a goal or strike out, the most important thing a coach or parent should ask is, “Did you have fun?” They could also ask what skills the athlete plans to work on during their next practice. When a friend announces the completion of a project, instead of saying “Good job, I’m so proud of you,” ask them which part of the project gives them the most pride. This helps them become their own chief executive officer. “Encouragement engages, while praise closes off communication,” Robert said. “After one has been praised, what else is there to say but, ‘Thank you’?” Encouraging statements may take more time and creativity, but the payoff for the recipient is well worth it, according to Robert. They keep the conversation going. Delivering Enthusiasm Robert believes all dynamic presentations hinge on an ability to project enthusiasm; otherwise, you lose the audience, and they miss your message. This applies to all presenters. Robert recalls supervising student interns, and while their presentation content was good, their delivery came across as boring. He met with them and encouraged them to be more enthusiastic. They seemed to understand his feedback, but as Robert observed them again two weeks later, they were just as boring as before. They didn’t know how to be more enthusiastic. More than 20 years later, Robert was angry at himself for not teaching the interns how to be more enthusiastic. After his retirement, he authored “Projecting Enthusiasm,” not just for teachers, but doctors, lawyers, politicians, managers and other presenters. “The key to being a dynamic presenter is being enthusiastic on the inside and projecting it on the outside,” Robert said. “Most people rate presenter enthusiasm even higher than content.” Good presenters use performance skills such as suspense and surprise, space, role-playing, props, humor, animation in voice and body, and creative entrances and exits to heighten audiences’ interest, attention and positive attitudes.
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He has received positive feedback nationwide, as well as from England and Australia, on the book’s findings. He has also had his work translated into Chinese.
“The problem with the problem is not the problem,” Robert said. “The problem with the problem is the strong feelings surrounding the problem. That’s the problem.”
Empathy for All
Effective leadership, whether in a home, a business or on the playing field, can be reduced to “the five Es,” according to Robert. Leaders must use performance skills to engage an audience, present their message with enthusiasm, offer encouragement, hold high expectations and be ready to deliver empathy.
Great leaders are capable of offering empathy; otherwise, they will not last in their role. “But how do you deliver it?” Robert asked. He answered this question, from a physician’s perspective, in 2020 with his book “Using Empathy as Physicians.” His next book, “Delivering Empathy: Fundamental to Successful Leadership,” will focus on empathy for all. It may seem some physicians have less time for empathy, but it can help them make a better diagnosis, according to Robert. The most powerful skill which leads to increased empathy is active listening. Robert references clinical psychologist Thomas Gordon’s roadblocks to communications, such as moralizing, lecturing, judging, praising, ridiculing, consoling or humoring. When these roadblocks are avoided, a listener can better help a person recognize the debilitating feelings surrounding their problem and thus be better able to solve their own problem. “There’s a temptation to offer advice, but people who are hurting and own a problem need to be listened to, not told what to do or why they shouldn’t feel the way they do,” Robert said. “If you’re an effective listener, you stay in tune, even ‘grunting’ saying such things as ‘Gosh,’ ‘Wow,’ or ‘No kidding,’ but don’t interject." He recommends paraphrasing facts with questions at the end. Let people address their own problems, so they can resolve them on their own. For those problems that cannot be solved, like the death of a loved one, the feelings surrounding those problems still must be addressed.
Next Chapter What was once something he felt pressured to do, writing books is now a passion of Robert’s which he has continued to pursue in retirement. He has published several of his books using Kindle Direct Publishing, which is a free, easy way for any author to publish their work. “It’s just fun,” he said. “Now I’m writing what I want to write.” In addition to a general book on empathy, Robert is planning to revise an older one he wrote on oral communication for the vocational technology workforce. He feels these workers need oral communication skills to interview for a job, perform a job well and advance. Off the topic of management, Robert also recently published “Bob’s AUTO Biography,” detailing 40 vehicles that have defined his life, from British sports cars to minivans, and a story to go with each one. After retiring from Penn State, Robert moved to Florida and taught graduate courses at the University of Florida and Gannon University in Erie. He and his wife, Cecelia, lived at The Villages, a retirement community in Florida, before moving to Elizabethtown. They visited Masonic Village after some friends moved here, and he always knew they’d come here, too.
“I’m not a big city guy,” he said. “It’s a lovely place, and the health care is reassuring. We’ve traveled a lot and seen a lot. Here, you can feel secure, lock your door and leave.” With a beautiful view from the back porch of his cottage and ample time to write more books, Robert certainly has a lot of encouragement in this chapter of his life.
Walkers and Wanderers As the COVID-19 pandemic has limited options for engaging with others and seeking enrichment in public spaces, Mother Nature remains “open for business.� For many Masonic Villages residents, outdoor walking offers physical, mental and social benefits. Whether hiking a nature trail or taking advantage of walking paths on campus, residents are motivated by a variety of reasons to take steps toward healthier hearts and clearer heads. MasonicVillages.org
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Character Building Carleen and Bob Grossman were sad to leave behind a nature preserve they established at their previous home, but happily replaced it with 12 miles of walking and wooded paths at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. Carleen grew up in Wyoming, and Bob lived his teen years in Colorado, and they both spent their childhoods camping. Bob was the backpacking chairman of his university’s Outing Club, while Carleen skied Wyoming powder. Together, they’ve always loved walking, hiking, camping, skiing and any outdoor activity. Among their favorite places are Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater in Pennsylvania, the Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming and the Appalachian Trail. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, they also traveled the world “to enjoy our love of other cultures around the world,” Carleen said.
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“Since we never had children, world travel was our grand entertainment.” A few of their unique trips include Egypt, Malta, Sicily, Turkey and Russia (in 1997, when it was the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or U.S.S.R.). They also highly recommend Spain (which they have returned to three times) and Greece! “Although we’ve been to many countries around the world, each has its own features,” Carleen said. Bob, an engineer, taught over 40 years at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, in the computer science department, and he still advises about 80 graduate students. Carleen was an English and Literature professor at Howard Community College in Columbia, Maryland, for 34 years and now writes historical fiction book reviews for readers across the United States and Mexico. After their retirement, they moved to Pennsylvania, desiring to stay away from big cities. Their 23-acre wooded property
“It is the challenges that nature presents to us, such as heat, cold, snow and rain and steep trails, that build character.”
and Spirit Soothing was located next to a 42-acre parcel, which happened to be for sale. The Grossmans purchased the land, which includes hiking trails, two ponds, two streams and heavily wooded, hilly terrain. Robert marked the trails with signs, and Carleen researched wildflowers along the trails and added markers. They opened it to hikers, photographers and nature lovers but not hunters. “We named our preserve Edelweiss, and it is a delight to anyone who enters it,” Carleen shared. “We still own it, and our surrogate family is caring for it in our absence.” A fitting name, Edelweiss is a white flower with woolly,
star-shaped petals that is grown in the Alps. It takes a great deal of dedication to grow, just like the Grossman’s nature preserve did! A friend told Carleen and Bob about Masonic Village at Elizabethtown. After visiting several retirement communities, Masonic Village “came out on top by all of our standards,” according to Carleen. She was a Job’s Daughter Honor Queen and was familiar with the Masonic fraternity, which also helped make their decision easy. “We intend to keep active and like the idea of being able to lock the door any time and go on a trip when desired,” Bob said. “We love the Masonic
Village campus, and did not know just how wonderful it would be – but the gourmet quality food served in the beautiful dining areas has turned out to be another of the highlights!” Their Icelandic Sheepdog, Charlie, is also a fan of the outdoor options. When considering the benefits of exercise and fresh air, the campus’ best amenity is provided by Mother Nature, just steps outside the Grossman’s front door. “Nature and walking soothe the spirit and increase one’s endorphins,” Bob said. “It is the challenges that nature presents to us, such as heat, cold, snow and rain and steep trails, that build character.”
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HIKING
for Health & Enjoyment
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Gary Clabaugh has always enjoyed the outdoors. “My dad introduced me to fishing when I was only six years old,” he said. Fast forward to now, and the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill resident is still reaping the rewards of being outside. He walks his dog, a Labrador Retriever named Julie, six days a week, several miles a day, for about an hour or two. Some of his favorite nature trails include Andorra Meadow, Forbidden Drive, Norristown Farm Park and the Green Lane reservoir.
“I just like doing it [hiking]. It’s relaxing, and it’s exercise,” Gary said. “It helps keep your weight down, keeps you physically fit, and I like being out in nature. It’s quiet and peaceful and the birds are singing.” Gary walks Julie several times a day. In the morning, he walks her outside around the entire village building. Then, he goes to the gym. When he’s finished, he takes her out on a longer, mid-morning walk. “She was my wife’s service dog before my wife passed away, and we’ve had her for about eight years now,” he said of Julie. When he’s not walking his dog, Gary enjoys fishing, as well, frequenting the Schuylkill River. “I carve fishing lures by myself. I have dozens of them,” he said. “Mine resemble injured minnow. Most of them float, and you jerk them like a minnow has been injured and is trying to right itself. The bass will see it and come up and strike it.” Gary has lived at Masonic Village for about five years. He likes the companionship, not having to cook and clean and the absence of expenses, house upkeep and property taxes.
“It’s a nice place to live. It’s friendly, well managed and pleasant. I’m glad I don’t live in my home anymore. I’d be quite lonely there,” he said. Fellow residents Anne (pictured above) and Bill Franks are also hiking enthusiasts and members of the Philadelphia Trail Club, the Morris Arboretum and Friends of the Wissahickon. However, COVID-19 has curtailed many of their group activities. “Here at the village, many residents have found creative ways to walk inside the building,” she said. “I think of them as hall walkers, step climbers and determined folks. These hearty souls also walk outside, even on cold and windy days. Perhaps we could think about forming a walking group when it can be done safely.” When Anne was active in the trail club, the average hike was about three to five miles and lasted from one to three hours and was rated by difficulty. “Walking in the woods on well-defined trails, while enjoying fresh air, nature’s bounty and the camaraderie of friends was a great feeling!” she said. “I really looked forward to weekends.”
to school children and adults and chalking up more walking time. Like Gary, Anne and Bill often walk around the building, which she estimates is about a half mile. “We also check out the new home construction on Manor Road,” she said. “If you go to the very end of the road, you wind up on Northwestern Avenue. If you cross Northwestern, you will be able to pick up trails that lead you to Forbidden Drive without crossing another street!” Some of Anne’s favorite places to hike/walk in the area, besides the Wissahickon and Fort Washington Parks, are the Dixon Meadow Preserve, Schuylkill Center and Harriet Weatherill Park. “We would like to get back to hiking when weather permits and the pandemic is under control,” she said. Anne and Bill were born in Philadelphia but have lived with their five children in Lafayette Hill for almost 50 years, so the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill has been a perfect fit. “We are quite happy here and grateful to have been kept safe,” Anne said.
Anne was also a guide at the Morris Arboretum for 12 years, giving tours MasonicVillages.org
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Meandering with the Merrills Nancy Merrill realized soon after meeting her nowhusband, Tim, that enjoying the outdoors was going to be integral to their relationship. His family hiked, canoed and camped – activities with which Nancy was less familiar. After passing a “camping test,” she was welcomed into his family with open arms.
Park to identify wildflowers and Toms Run Nature Reserve, both near their home at the Masonic Village at Sewickley.
The Merrills have since embraced a lifestyle together centered around walking, hiking and outdoor adventures.
“The number of places in Pittsburgh to walk outdoors is so nice,” Nancy said, “especially during COVID. We’re always thinking, ‘What might we do tomorrow?’”
Early in their marriage, they spent weeks hiking the Appalachian Trail in the Smoky Mountains and took weekend canoe trips. After their two kids arrived, the family explored the White Mountains in New Hampshire and the Adirondack Mountains in New York. As they’ve aged, Nancy and Tim stick more to level trails and take “micro walks” but still enjoy the great outdoors whenever possible. They frequent Raccoon Creek State
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“It’s a fun hobby,” Tim said. “I have a plant app that allows me to take a photo of a plant, and the app identifies it. This helps when we don’t recognize it or remember its name.”
They also walk on Masonic Village’s campus, combining sidewalks, paths and streets for a mile-plus loop. They’re very impressed with the new wooded trail on the property (see p. 20) and even recommended enhancing the project by identifying the trees and wildflowers along the trail. “The campus is so well landscaped,” Nancy said. “We have lovely trees, shrubs and plants. And it was designed to be easy to walk.”
They’ve connected with other walkers on campus and exchange ideas on local places to MASONIC VILLAGES’ WISH LIST explore, from trails to botanical gardens. The Merrills have only been at Masonic Village for two years, but Sewickley has been their home for 50 years. They were familiar with the Valley Care Nursing Home, which was purchased by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania in 1999 and became the Masonic Village at Sewickley. “There’s so much to do here,” Nancy said. “There’s always a lecture or program or interest group. Our kids are happy we’re here. We love it.” Nancy is involved with the Sustainable Living Committee, which aims to find ways for the campus to reduce its carbon footprint, and she plays Mahjong. They are both active in their church.
“With all there is to do, there’s no pressure to do any of it,” Tim said. “The longer we’re here, the more we’ll become a part of the community. It’s fun getting to know people.” A Philosophy of Walking Jean-Jacques Rousseau was well-known as a philosopher and author, but he was also a walker. Tim shares Rousseau’s sentiments on the seemingly simple concept of walking. According to Eric Weiner, in his book, The Socrates Express: In Search of Life Lessons from Dead Philosophers, Rousseau, who was an urban nomad, walked often and walked alone. Weiner writes, “Yes, a stroll with a close friend has its pleasures, as do walking clubs, but at its heart walking is a private act. We walk by ourselves and for ourselves. Freedom is walking’s essence. The freedom to depart and return when we wish, to meander, to, as Robert Louis Stevenson put it, ‘follow this way or that, as the freak takes you.’” “It’s a good time to think,” Nancy said. “It clears your head. Some days I can’t get myself out of the house, but when I do, I feel so much better. You get to know others. Having a walking partner helps you not be lazy.” Walking with a Purpose After attending a reunion at Yale University, which included a lecture on architecture, Tim strongly encouraged their daughter, who was attending Yale at
the time, to take a course in architecture. Tim and Nancy then followed her to France for architectural tours of the country’s beautiful churches and buildings. Once retired, Tim found an ideal way to combine his passions for history, architecture and walking by conducting walking tours of Pittsburgh and, later, Sewickley. A docent for the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation, he enjoys telling the story of the city’s architecture. He’s given bus tours for Masonic Village residents. You can view his Sewickley walking tour on YouTube by searching Virtual Walking Tour Sewickley History. Whether walking to clear their heads or fill their minds with knowledge, the Merrills meander with and without intention. With COVID-19 limiting so many activities, walking remains one of the best and safest outlets, offering something new – for your mind and eyes – around every corner.
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Through the Woods Already set apart from the hustle and bustle of the city of Pittsburgh, Masonic Village at Sewickley now has a quiet, wooded sanctuary right on campus for walkers and nature lovers. The new pathway was a community effort led by 13-yearold Ryan Steinfurth (shown above, center) and more than 25 volunteers. A member of Boy Scouts of America Troop 243, Seneca District - Laurel Highlands Council, Ryan is currently a Life Scout and chose this endeavor as part of earning the Eagle Scout rank, a goal of his since he became a scout. “I thought of Masonic Village to be my project beneficiary because when I was a Cub Scout in elementary school, we used to sing Christmas carols and bring cookies for residents,” Ryan said. “I always thought this was a fun activity and even brought my saxophone from school band class once to play along with the carolers.” A wooded trail has been on the to-do list of Mark Gilmore, landscape manager (shown above, left), for 10 years. Last year, he began working with a resident who was interested in expanded walking paths, and they found a potential location for a trail. Soon after, Ryan approached Mark about a project to help him fulfill his Eagle Scout requirements. The partnership was a perfect fit. Mark and Ryan identified the path for the trail and marked it with spray paint and flags. Mark ordered wood chips, which Tall Timber Tree Experts donated to the project. He placed them at the beginning and end of the trail. On Saturday, Oct. 10, Ryan, his family and friends, as well as resident volunteers, helped spread the chips.
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The trail adds a ¼ mile to Masonic Village’s existing 1 mile of walking paths. The beginning and end of the trail are steep, and the middle of the trail is mostly flat, running through the woods and overlooking a steep, wooded ravine. Future upgrades to the trail include adding benches, signage and possibly handrails, according to Mark.
“I hope my project will benefit the residents of Masonic Village by providing them with extra ways to get exercise,” Ryan said, “and they will be able to meet with visitors by taking a walk rather than an indoor visit, given the current pandemic situation.” “Ryan is 13 years old, but you would never know it based on his maturity. He is an impressive young man and did a great job. Ryan’s sister, mother and father were with him every step of the way,” Eric Gross, executive director, said. “Thanks to the 25-plus volunteers who gave up a Saturday to help. It was a great team accomplishment.” Each family who volunteered received two camping chairs in appreciation. Once Ryan satisfies the time requirement, he’ll earn the rank of Eagle Scout. “When undertaking this project, I realized that up front strategy is very important to execution,” Ryan said. “Paperwork is harder than it seems, and most of all, hard work pays off.” His hard work will benefit residents for years to come, bringing nature a little closer to home.
QTY ITEM
UNIT COST
Masonic Village at Dallas 1 Phillips HeadStart AED (Defibrillator) Masonic Village at Elizabethtown 244 Fluoride treatments 6 Baseball tickets 3 Massages for pain 3 Wellness personal training sessions 5 Annual wellness center membership 10 Donation for residents in a health care neighborhood to eat at a restaurant or order take-out 4 All-weather courtyard armchairs (set of 4) 1 Sensory LED Bubble Wall 1 Living room matching end tables 1 Clubhouse library 4 Gliders 1 Masonic Health Care Center library 1 Grand Lodge Hall library 1 Future camp trip for residents Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill 10 Service for EVERSOUND headset system 1 Upright piano Masonic Village at Sewickley 1 Portable sound system for retirement living dining room 1 Outdoor movie screen and projector 1 Recording technology system 1 Nordic wellness chair 1 Replace Assembly Room projector
$1,200 $20 $25 $65 $90 $120 $250 $400 $425 $500 $1,268 $1,650 $2,000 $2,000 $5,000 $200 $8,000 $1,000 $2,000 $3,000 $8,500 $10,000
Masonic Village at Warminster 1 Fish pond enlargement Masonic Village Home Care 20 Home Care gift certificate Masonic Village Hospice Gift card to local diner Gift card to local restaurant Gift card for local grocery delivery Gift card to local spa Donation for transportation cost Hospitality cart supplies Week at the shore
$34,750 $50 $20 $50 $75 $100 $100 $100 $1,500
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 Mason A. Crawford Wayne M. and Nancylee Garafola Robert C. Glunt Ronald A. and Judy A. McKnight Masonic Village at Elizabethtown Richard A. and Diane M. Miller Lester G. Sutter Larry J. and Carol S. Wolford Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill Anonymous Masonic Village at Sewickley Anonymous There is an all-inclusive wish list posted on MasonicCharitiesPA.org, or feel free to contact the Office of Gift Planning at 1-800-599-6454. Please note that if funds donated for any item listed are over-subscribed, the funds will be used for additional wish list items or needs in the same service area.
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Ideas for Giving and Moving Forward in 2021 Made Easy with Masonic Charities’ New Website Masonic Charities continues to move forward with important mission-driven work. In the midst of all that is going on around us, many of our friends and supporters are looking forward to the future when they can enjoy community with friends and family and resume their regular activities. Masonic Charities has created a new website to offer resources to help you with your tax and estate planning and to offer some ideas for you to consider if you are thinking about making a gift in support of our mission during this time. We appreciate your support in keeping our mission thriving with your legacy gifts!
Do you need help planning? All gifts, large or small, now or in the future, make a meaningful impact for the future of Masonic Charities and those in need. If you are thinking about creating or updating a Will or trust, we can help. We have a number of free tools to assist you in creating a plan that reflects your goals and dreams. No matter the size of your estate, everyone needs a plan for the future. A plan helps to ensure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are well cared for after you are gone. If you are like most people, chances
are you need to do some planning, or at least update the plans you already have in place. By adding a few simple words in your Will or trust, your gifts will make an impact for generations to come by helping us provide compassionate care to all. It’s easy. Here's how:
Create a meaningful legacy with a gift in your Will or trust. You can begin planning online. Creating your plan is easier than ever before when you use the online Wills Planner available on our new website. Organize your family, estate information and goals using the secure system. When finished, you may share your information with an online attorney to complete your Will or trust plan. If you have questions, information can be shared through the system so we may better assist you. To get started, please visit our website: MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org. If you prefer to receive advice over the phone, call 1-800-599-6454 to speak with a Masonic Charities gift planner, or complete and mail the enclosed business reply envelope. (All inquiries are treated with complete confidentiality.)
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Thanks to Our Donors Memorial Gifts The following memorial gifts were made Aug. 1 - Oct. 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 1-800-599-6454; 717-367-1121, ext. 33561; or by emailing giving@masonicvillages.org. Thank you. Jane and Jim Albert Wendy McDonald R. Emmert and Miriam M. Aldinger Ralph and Deborah Aldinger, Jr. Carl J. Alercia Richard and Marge Horn John Ames John and Joan Lee Ronald C. Anderson Carol Anderson Richard L. Angle Evelyn Angle Julia Baker Lynne Brown Donald W. Banzhof Patricia Ruth Richard Kurt “Dick” Barringer Ruth and Dick Ainis Betsy Boyd Milton and Beverly Bozarth Jon and Diane Corle Lynn Cross Ernest and Marilyn Curley, Jr. Gary and Joan Emmanuel Richard and Elizabeth Hartig Bruce and Nancy Hodge Steven and Joan Morton Brendan Murphy and Linda Alle-Murphy John and Linda O'Donnell Peggy Puy John Raibley Steven Sayko Jean Warda James L. Baxter Joseph and Phyllis Baxter C. David Beidleman Michael Beidleman Howard A. Beiseigel John Beiseigel Ann R. Berlin Cheston Berlin Wilma Besecker Ralph Besecker John C. Blanck John Blanck, Sr. J. Russell Bohn Richard Bohn Charles and Jean Botts, Jr. Karen Botts John W. Bowman, Sr. John and Dorothy Bowman, Jr. William A. Bowman George and Barbara Knous Clarence C. Boyd, Jr. Krista Shedlosky Sheryl Brenner Herbert and Beatrice Wolfe Evelyn L. Briel Thomas and Claudia Stephens Irene Van Tassel James and Helen Brookhart Don and Pat March Warren J. Broz Franklin St. John's Trinity Lodge No. 221 24
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Olin and Gladys Brubaker Karl Buus Edward Budman Oscar and Angila Smith Charles and Hilda Buehler Clintin Probst and Karen Bueler-Probst Vera Burkholder Renee Connor Charles S. Canning Marianne Canning Richard Casher Frances Casher and Family Gaylon Cathcart Michael and Barbara Cathcart Philip H. Chamberlin Alice Chamberlin William D. Chilcote Darwin Chilcote N. Hope Clark George Friedline II Jeff Coy Jo Anne Coy Herman C. Crush Whitfield Lodge No. 622 Ethel Cunningham Alvin and Iris Goodman John and Donna Schmitt Margaret M. Curran Marion Attaviano Jason L. Dean Richard Dean Dedicated Masons Kenneth Kibler Thomas P. DeFroscia Patty DeFroscia Chester A. and Marian E. Derk, Sr. Chester and Barbara Derk, Jr. Omar E. DeWald Constance DeWald Harold C. “Whitey” Dietrich Robert and Erika Haldeman Ord L. Dixon Fonda Dixon Jean Dixon Laura W. Dove Albert Dove Joseph “Joe” Dranoff Harvey Sokoloff Rena Dressler Dale Dressler Charles R. Dutill Delores Dutill Richard Enck Esther Enck George Engle Star Wozniak James T. English Margery English Jay Ernette Blaine and Audrey Winfield Yvonne M. Fafata Robert Fafata Carl Flohr Karl Smith Lorraine Formica Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc. Barbara L. Frantz Robert Frantz William Friedgen Margery English Andrew O. Friedrich Andrew and Donna Friedrich Grace Frishkorn Michael and Elizabeth Maugans Franklin T. Frutchey Horst and Joyce Pape Chuck Fuellgraf David and June Nimick
Adrienne V. Garafola Bruce and Joan Howarth Maria Hutchins Nancy Kuhn and Bucky Mills Nephews and Niece, Scott, Marianne, Edward & Eric William E. Garber Jr. Wendy Hauck Mary C. Garrison David and Debra Rosensteel Anthony M. Geanopulos Franklin St. John's Trinity Lodge No. 221 Samuel Goldstein Philip Goldstein Harold M. Good Norma Good Martin and Doris Gotsch Jane and Joseph Bruton John E. Grix Joyce Grix Joseph C. Grove Barbara Grove Richard E. Haas Margaret Haas Violet Habecker Harry and Christine Habecker Robert R. Hagerich Scott and Diane Hagerich Ethel Harris Whitey and Arlene Von Nieda Richard A. Hart Shirley Hart J. Edwin Hartman, Sr. John Hartman, Jr. Ruth H. Hasenauer Mary Jane Keim Barry Lee Hassinger Joan Hassinger William A. Henderson, Sr. Rob Hansell Sidney and Sylvia Hersh Joel Hersh and Cynthia Tyger Donald L. Hess Don and Madeline Hennon Leonard I. Hill, Jr. Aura Hill Bunn Jerome L. and Kathryn Hitz Paul Thompson Ira J. Hockenberger Franklin St. John's Trinity Lodge No. 221 George V. Hughes Shirley Hughes David and Alicia Hunsberger Timothy and Fay Pletcher Frederick L. Hunter Ronald and Elaine Laws Nancy Hutchinson Holly Hollett Irene L. Jochen Al Jochen Barbara M. Jordan James Jordan Marian Kauffman Todd and Deborah Hillard Mr. and Mrs. F. A. Keiper, Sr. Frederick and Jenny Keiper, Jr. Adrienne J. Keiser Larry Keiser Donald H. Keller Doric Lodge No. 630 William J. Kelly III Franklin St. John's Trinity Lodge No. 221 Charles Kerper David Sheridan Claire Kistler Beverly Schweitzer Mary Knight C. J. and Kathy Knight Paul J. Koenig Leigh Ann Shipley Kathleen L. “Kathy” Kuhn Rich and Kay Bigley Elizabethtown Masonic Village Shrine Club Masonic Village Travel Club Charles L. Lauck Bruce Johnston Elizabeth Lawrence Richard Lawrence Norman B. Leedom Houseman Lodge No. 211 Sherrie Letcher Roxanne Tavakkol and Chris Moulin Donald Levine Marcia Levine Harris Levine Marcia Levine Jay Dawson Light Penny Light
Dominick Lizzi David and Alda Lizzi Lost Loved Ones of the Pandemic Craig and Yvette VanDunk Anthony and Jean Loy Clintin Probst and Karen Bueler-Probst George and Anna Margaret Lubic Jill Swartz George J. Lutz Nancy Guth Brian and Stephanie Hench Richard Huff John T. Lutz Mahlon and Christine Fuller Kenneth Ira Lutz Lorraine Lutz Shirley Mailey Margery English Kenneth and Pauline March Don and Pat March Anita L. Marks Norman Marks Michael Marrone Richard Raba Robert H. Martin Samuel Martin Thomas H. Martin Elizabeth Martin Horace Mason Charles and Carol Curry Prudence Mann Florence E. Maugans Michael and Elizabeth Maugans Audrey J. McBride Gregg McBride Thomas R. McDowell Franklin St. John's Trinity Lodge No. 221 Robert J. McGonigle Houseman Lodge No. 211 Patrick J. “Pat” McGough, Jr. Walter Evans Donna Kauffman Nancy Odell Terri Ramsey Patrick and Audrey McGough, Jr. John and Theresa King Ingrid Prater Joyce Rutherford John P. McIlwain Doric Lodge No. 630 Mary Anne McLellan Carl Belt Robert and Bonnie Martin Jim McLellan and Judy Stroup Robert and Judith Shust Isabelle Smaroff Lois A. McMillan Jean Achey Dave and Sue Bilger Lucy Steifel Krissy Uhler Kay Yanochko Kenneth Zeller James McPeake Timothy Troha Janet R. Melnick Steven Melnick Paul E. Meyers Donald Meyers Dale C. Miller Shirley Miller Donald L. Miller Whitfield Lodge No. 622 Doris Miller Robert and Sandra Preusch Rhoda Miller William and Helen Kreider Lillian Milliron Eric and Lois Milliron Mary F. Mills Skip and Elizabeth Mills, Jr. Janet Haldeman Mitchell-Ginther Robert and Erika Haldeman Robert Molle Matthew Mayo MasonicVillages.org
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William A. Monroe Houseman Lodge No. 211 Frederick Montz Ronald Montz Christy J. Moratis Franklin St. John's Trinity Lodge No. 221 Mona Murray Bill and Ruthanne Lamb John E. Musser, Jr. John S. Musser Gertrude K. Myers Stephen and Kathy Kiessling Charles Myers Kenneth T. Nagie, Sr. Gail Nagie William E. Nelson Don and Madeline Hennon Victor Nemerof Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 019 Hans Neuhauser Inge Neuhauser James C. Nickle Thomas and Terry Kamerzel Thomas and Deborah Nickle Tom O'Donnell Harry and Christine Habecker Thomas Oeffinger Cheryl Adkinson Lee Okaily Ken and Elaine Bleiler Edward Weisser Willis F. O'Neil, Jr. Mary Anne O'Neil Elizabeth Henry “Liz� Perotti Camilla Anderson Bob and Marilyn Forney HCRHS Social Studies Department Prudence Mann Lisa Myers Doris Novinger Raymond Talamini Barbara Zell Carl H. Peterson Carl and Carol Peterson J. B. Pierce James Pierce Shirley M. Powell Dale Powell Janet L. Preble George Preble Howard L. Pressman Hackenburg-Mt. Moriah Lodge No. 019 John P. Rahm, Jr. John and Dorothy Bowman, Jr. Eddie Rakos Matthew Mayo Edith M. Raup Bertz, Hess & Co., LLP Ann Boyer Sandra Byrnes Lynn Crumbling James and Brenda Gould Nathan and Sandra Lutz H. Stanley Redline Duane and Doris Redline Rual Reynolds White Rose Chapter No. 360, O.E.S. George F. Rhawn Doric Lodge No. 630 Jane Rhen Prudence Mann Lloyd W. Richards David Richards Thomas Wright Ridington Thomas Howat Quentin J. River Janet River William and Eleanor Robeson Cynthia Stadtfeld William C. Rogers Loretta Rogers Charles E. Rose Donna Rose Larry L. Roup Jill Roup Mabel Ruhlandt Doris Luznar 26
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Peter Salicco Joseph Salicco Billie J. Savickas John Savickas Douglas C. Schaefer Alison Schaefer Henry G. Schaefer Alison Schaefer Barbara L. Schneider Ronald and Angela Schneider Lois Schoch Ed and Janet Dewey Nancy and Bob Eberly Joseph and Mary Hedige Joan Hummel Mae Needs Timothy and Kathleen Nolan Michael and Edna Phelan The Philadelphia Protestant Home Elizabeth Rabenstine Michael and Janet Shattuck Emily Thomas Wilna Williams Christine Schwarz Harry and Christine Habecker Evelyn and Charles Seekamp Faye Loughridge Wayne L. Seiferth Houseman Lodge No. 211 Henry S. Seitz John Seitz Mary M. Sellers Mary Yeager Joseph M. Sendef, Sr. Sammy and Barbara Stephens Leon G. Shaffer Daniel and Patricia Shaffer Robert L. Shanower Margaret Shanower Alf Sharman Ken and Elaine Bleiler John M. Shaud, Jr. Mary Shaud George B. Sheasley Anna Sheasley Richard Sheridan David Sheridan Sandra C. Shillenn Tracy and Mike Daly and Shari and John King Margery English William and Kathleen Golden James Sieber Bruce and Joan Howarth Mark J. Silverman Carol Silverman Donald A. Smith, Sr. Barbara Smith Eleanor J. Smith Mark and Kathleen Zeamer Robert L. Smith Thomas Smith Earl and Myrl Speicher George and Sandra Martin Thelma Speidel Mark and Marjorie Fisher D. M. Steelman Ken and Elaine Bleiler E. Audrey Stroup Masonic Village Travel Club SJ Transportation Co., Inc. Mary F. Tapasto Sallie McMinn Irene Tarken Steven Tarken Charles Thomas William and Jamie Spero Nancy Marie (Hitz) Thompson Paul Thompson Phyllis Thompson Friendship Chapter No. 551, O.E.S. Robert H. Todd, Jr. Jacqueline Todd Nancy Tondora Lisa and Sekhar Ramaswamy Douglas E. Toothaker Nancy Toothaker William Tradewell Sandra Tradewell
Royden Tyger Arlene Walbert Frederick C. Walbert Alan Davis Warnick Carl G. Wass Ralph J. Weiss, Sr. Martha Mae Brown White Rose H. Wible Robert J. Wiley
Joel Hersh and Cynthia Tyger Laurence and Denise Huber Scott and Diane Walbert Alan Warnick Nancy Wass Ralph Weiss, Jr. Emily Biddle and Elizabeth Biddle-Zabawa Paul Donnelly Kay Gustin Mary Ann Kelly Donald and Sandra Kunz Sonia Wiley
William O. Wilkins, Jr. Joseph John Williams Dorothy Wilson Margaret Wilson Frank H. Winger Helen and Albert Wittmann James W. Wolfe John R. Wright Fred Wuestner Archie B. Young William A. Young Doug Zima
Carolyn Wilkins Ruth Williams Wilson Family Friendship Chapter No. 551, O.E.S. Betsy Winger John and Jo Ann Wittmann Eureka-West Shore Lodge No. 302 George and Elizabeth Wright Donald and Barbara Xander Edwin and Merlene Young Edwin and Merlene Young Concetta Zima
Honorarium Gifts The following honorarium gifts were made Aug. 1 - Oct. 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. All Freemasons Craig and Yvette VanDunk All Staff at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown James and Linda Knestrick All Staff on Ben Franklin 2 Patricia Dupes All Staff on Washington 4 Frances L. Casher and Family Ronald C. Anderson, Jr. Carol Anderson Helen K. Bell Kathy Carey Milicent “Mimi” Bizic Paul Belosh Ellen H. Boyd Krista Shedlosky Joey Calabro Jeff Kenton Charity Contributions Kenneth Kibler George and Audrey Coslett Masonic Village at Dallas Social Committee Dennis and Carolyn Dendler Vernon and Patricia Bright Irene Engle Star Wozniak Kim Erb David Erb
Margaret M. Finley Theresa Fitzpatrick Ruth Garber Elizabeth Hahn Marjorie Learn Helen M. Mifflin Betty L. Nickle Angela Ortiz Perkiomen Lodge No. 595 Josephine Pusateri George Rodgers Stephanye Smith Charles W. Telfer HelenBeth G. Vilcek Verna R. Yourd
Dennis and Carolyn Nace Ronald and Gloria Miccarelli Wendy Hauck Louis Hahn Paul MacDonald William Mifflin Thomas and Terry Kamerzel Shirley Whitmoyer Horst and Joyce Pape Joseph Pusateri, Jr. George Friedline II Heath and Holly Mackley Nora Beyers David and Helen Hughes Raymond Yourd III
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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MASONIC VILLAGES One Masonic Drive Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2219
Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill
Masonic Village at Dallas
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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