Masonic Villages News
The latest from across the state
Featuring resident news and experiences.
National Security Officers Appreciation Week: Valerie Gray
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.
An Honest Life
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.
Masonic Villages is Hungry to Help
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.
Farmer Frank’s Heart to Serve
Frank Stoltzfus, agricultural production supervisor, took a break from managing Masonic Village's herd of 500 to 600-head of beef cattle for a two-month missionary trip to Zambia, Africa. His dedication to animals and helping others is a lifelong mission.
A Friend for Neighbors in Need
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.
Meet Our Maintenance Staff: Nelson Kilmer
Nelson Kilmer, maintenance manager at Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, grew up around cows - not beef cattle, but the Holsteins on his family's dairy farm. Although he studied theology and psychology (which he uses in his current job) as a student at Bob Jones University in Greenville, South Carolina, he planned to be a dairy farmer, too.