Fifteen years ago, Masonic Village resident Jo-Anne Karnes started a program through the Order of the Eastern Star to provide service dogs for children, adults and veterans. Having raised close to $1.3 million throughout the U.S. and Canada, the program is now going international.
The OPTIONS program, run through the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging, serves more than 6,000 seniors facing a range of hardships. In an effort to “go green,” Masonic Villages is donating money saved on production costs of its Report to the Community to charitable organizations serving seniors across Pennsylvania. A $2,500 donation was made to the OPTIONS program on behalf of the Masonic Village at Sewickley.
When entering Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, you will notice the historic stone buildings, quaint cottages and lush green gardens..and also blue, black, and red security vehicles driven by security officers keeping watch on these beautifully kept grounds. Valerie Gray, a 10-year veteran with Masonic Villages, assists her fellow officers in keeping the residents and visitors safe and secure.
Esther Slemenda can keep a secret. After all, she did it for a living. Although the details of her work are classified, she is still able to share other stories from her 105 years.
Each month, nearly 200 seniors in Luzerne County rely on the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank to keep from going hungry. In an effort to “go green,” Masonic Villages is donating money saved on production costs of its Report to the Community to charitable organizations serving seniors across Pennsylvania. A $2,000 donation was made to the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank on behalf of the Masonic Village at Dallas.
In addition to running Meal on Wheels, a food pantry and a thrift shop, Colonial Neighborhood Council receives new requests for assistance daily. In an effort to “go green,” Masonic Villages is donating money saved on production costs of its Report to the Community to charitable organizations serving seniors across Pennsylvania. A $2,500 donation was made to the Colonial Neighborhood Council on behalf of the Masonic Village at Lafayette Hill.
The Christmas Gala is committed to helping senior adults in Bucks County year-round. In an effort to “go green,” Masonic Villages is donating money saved on production costs of its Report to the Community to charitable organizations serving seniors across Pennsylvania. A $2,000 donation was made to The Christmas Gala on behalf of the Masonic Village at Warminster.
Over the years, John Lebzelter has done everything from restoration tech to working on a cattle farm. On Oct. 13, 2017, he started his job as a maintenance mechanic in the turnover department at Masonic Village of Elizabethtown, where he continues to have that variety in his career.
Walt and Margie celebrate 60 years of marriage on Nov. 23, 2017. Those 60 years have been filled with sidesplitting laughter, good stories and, most of all, unbreakable love.
When John Francis graduated high school in 1942, he had little doubt he would end up in the service, but he knew he also wanted an education.