Masonic Village Culture – A “Hello” Tradition

About the Author: Bruce Holran has been a resident of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown since 2008

The day we first visited Masonic Village, Barb and I were convinced quickly that this is where we wanted to live. Barb was inspired by the campus, knowing that her father, a noted landscape manager, occasionally visited Masonic Village to admire the Formal Gardens and the majesty and grandeur of all the planting everywhere. She said, “I’m ready to come now!”

Brenda Evanko, our marketing rep, responded, “You’re all set, Barb. Your dad was a Mason, your mother was in Eastern Star and you belonged to Job’s Daughters. But …” Before she could complete her thought, Barb blurted out, “Can Bruce visit me on the weekends?” Brenda quickly replied, “Sure, but better yet, he can become a Mason.” I did (Lodge No. 43, Lancaster), and 10 months later, we moved into Sycamore South Apartments. We’ve never looked back.

[Editor’s note – Masonic Village residents are no longer required to have a Masonic affiliation.]

I went to a college where the “Hello” tradition is still significant. Everyone says, “Hello,” automatically to friends and strangers, out of respect. No one speaks of a “Hello” tradition at Masonic Village, but one exists, I feel. Everywhere you go, people you know and don’t know say something nice as you pass: “Hi,” “Hello,” “Nice day,” “Have a great day,” “What a perfect day for a walk,” “How’s your wife doing?” or “Did you have a good dinner?” No matter the words, they make you feel you’re in a caring community where you matter.

There is a sense of stability at Masonic Village, even in a time of constant change in our personal lives, in the challenges of managing this community, and in the vast complexities facing our nation and the world. There’s a sense of serenity, calmness and hope in that stability – reflected in the beauty of our campus, the strength of the facilities, the service longevity of so many staff, and the central mission of love and respect.

There’s an interesting truism at Masonic Village. A lot of us complain about lots mundane things, but few, if any of us, regret we came here or want to leave. Many, in fact, say, “I wish we had come here earlier.” That’s a pretty strong statement of satisfaction.