Home's Grown Kids - Fall, 2022

home’s grown

Flying High to Success

Gratitude Through Generations

The Shafer Family Charitable Trust has been instrumental in providing financial support to the Masonic Children’s Home for over 33 years. Through their continued generosity, children can be assured of the home’s ability to provide stability and opportunities for decades to come.

Established in 1989 by Lester B. Shafer, of Nazareth, Pennsylvania, the Shafer Family Charitable Trust is dedicated to supporting “local organizations benefiting all walks of life and ages.”

Today the trust comprises of Bruce B. Shafer, who serves as the Chairman of the Board, Linda L. Shafer, Susan E. (Shafer) Bartholomew and Dolores E. Shafer. These family members share both a passion for helping others and a family history of Masonic connections, including three Masons and three members of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Lester was dedicated to supporting the various Masonic Charities, namely the Masonic Children’s Home. That tradition of charity has proved to be generational, as the Shafer Family Charitable Trust has since helped to provide dozens of children the resources they need to be happy and successful.

According to the board, “Being able to support the Masonic Children’s Home gives us a feeling of pride and wellbeing. It is a great satisfaction knowing that we are able to help so many.”

The family is especially grateful for the thank you notes they receive from the children, as well as being

guests at graduation ceremonies. The most rewarding part for the Shafer family, though, is “watching the students blossom over the years.”

The Shafer family has found purpose and gratitude through the

support they are able to provide to the children’s home, and they urge others to do the same.

According to the board, “We encourage others to become a part of the donor program. We are certain you will find it as rewarding as we have.”

It is clear the children’s home has a special place in the hearts of the Shafer family, as they are interested in the children’s lives and invested in their future successes.

According to the board, “Through the support of the teachers and staff, we are assured the children will achieve their goals and dreams.”

To the children, the family has a simple encouragement: “Reach for the stars!” Thanks to all our donors for bringing the stars within our youth’s reach.

Children’s Home Alum Excels in Aviation Career Thanks to Support

Nestor Morales would agree that the biggest blessings come from those who love you, and the Masonic Children’s Home is no exception. Now a proud alumnus, Nestor is grateful for the gift of a future for himself and his family.

Nestor was born in Hialeah, Florida, and spent the early years of his life just outside of Miami. After a few years of back-and-forth between Miami and Philadelphia, Nestor moved into the Masonic Children’s Home in 2007 at age 7.

Though he remembers being homesick, living in the same cottage as his older brother, Josh, who also moved in that same year, helped with the transition. Their cottage mates were also a big help in making them feel at home, as well as beloved house parent Matt Clouser.

“The boys had a tradition of doing what they could to make it easier for a new kid who just moved in, and that’s exactly what they did for Josh and me,” Nestor said.

While at the children’s home, Nestor enjoyed playing outside and hideand-seek in the dark, and frequenting Patton and Brossman Pools. “I could probably walk from the cottage to the pool with my eyes closed,” he jokes.

As he neared the end of high school, Nestor wasn’t sure what he wanted to do after graduation, but his advisors at the children’s home helped him consider his strengths.

“I knew I liked doing things with my hands. I can’t tell you how many things I took apart while I was at the Masonic Children’s Home,” he recalls.

In the Elizabethtown Area School District, Nestor was able to take

classes geared toward mechanics and engineering, which helped him discern a career path he was already familiar with.

“It was my dad who got me into aircraft maintenance. He’s been a

Nestor Morales

mechanic for most of his life,” Nestor said. “I almost always helped my dad work on cars, so I kept following him.”

Nestor was able to shadow his father at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Philadelphia, where Nestor later attended himself. “I still remembered what was talked about that day, which, funny enough, helped me on one of my tests!” he says. “The whole school was a mix of theory and handson work. It was an amazing fit.”

Nestor looks back fondly at his time spent at the children’s home and doubts his success would be possible without support from donors and staff.

Outside of the classroom, his house parents and mentors were there to teach him the basics of cooking, personal finances and time management, among other valuable skills.

“I don’t think they ever ‘babied’ me or treated me like a kid too much, which I liked because it helped me work on my communication skills that were always a big problem for me,” he said.

Nestor is also extremely grateful for receiving his education debtfree, thanks to the help of donors.

“The weight off my shoulders feels amazing,” he said. “It’s one bill I don’t have to worry about while I’m trying to make my life over here in Philly.”

Aside from Josh, Nestor has a younger sister, Noelia, who also stayed at the children’s home, which he says helped them bond. She graduated this year.

“She also got a good education and a safe place to live while she grew up,” Nestor said. “As a brother, I always wished that for her, and I know she deserves it.”

Nestor is currently working at Doylestown Airport, where he has earned his license in aviation mechanics. In his free time, he enjoys sewing and design, studying game theory and learning to play instruments. For the future, he has his sights set on Phoenix, Arizona, and the large commercial airports it offers.

Nestor sends “a HUGE thank you” to the donors who made

these opportunities possible.

“Every kid takes something away with them that they will hold onto forever,” Nestor said. “There’s not a day I don’t think about, reminisce or do something related to the Masonic Children’s Home in some way.

“I don’t know where I’d be without it.”

Nestor Morales through the years.

Keeping it in the Family

Family is everything for Masonic Children’s Home alumnus Danielle Leach. Thanks to the care and support of staff and donors, she has the determination and resources to give back where it matters most.

Originally from Middletown, Danielle could most often be found playing outside, coloring and watching TV with her three sisters, Dana, Cynthia and Melissa. Though their world was tumultuous at times, Danielle credits their bond for helping them through the toughest times.

“Being together made us feel safe, and it still does,” she said. “They are my best friends.”

Danielle, along with her sisters, first moved to the children’s home in 1998. Due to space available, the sisters were separated into two cottages, which was tough for the girls.

“I remember so much about moving to the children’s home,” she said. “At first, it was very scary.”

Just 8 years old on the day she arrived, Danielle’s fears subsided when she met house parent Diana Reigner, who would become one of her favorite “mothers” at the children’s home.

However, Danielle was still nervous about meeting her cottage mates when they returned from school for the day. She immediately noticed she was much — younger and quieter — than the girls who flooded into the kitchen that afternoon.

“They were so loud, and it seemed like there were so many, though I think

there were only six other girls,” she said. “They didn’t notice us right away in the hallway, until Ebony turned and yelled, ‘Aw, they’re so cute!’”

The following Saturday, Danielle would meet her “second, equally fantastic ‘mom,’” Nancy Harlow, who informed the girls they were watching cartoons incorrectly.

“She plopped herself down on the floor on her stomach, with her head in her hands and her feet in the air, and told us to come join her. She was so fun!” Danielle recalled.

From there, Danielle settled into her new home and soon became accustomed to her cottage mates and their noise, to which she happily added. Her time at the children’s home changed Danielle in more ways than one, as her new “sisters” and dedicated staff became like a family to her.

“Miss Harlow and Miss Mac would sing on Saturday mornings — they made me a morning person. I loved those Saturdays,” Danielle recalled. “Mr. Shaffer would always take us skating on Friday nights, to Roots on Tuesday evening for fries and ice cream and to the Fudgery in Baltimore to see Dru Hill sing. He was our weekend ‘dad.’”

As she neared high school graduation, Danielle wasn’t sure what she wanted to do. A marriage, two kids and three moves later, she found herself back in Elizabethtown in 2018, this time with a family of her own and in need of a job.

“I started working at Masonic Village in the environmental services department cleaning some of the new cottages,” she said. “I was just looking

Danielle with her sisters (above) and Danielle today (below)

for a job where I could help people, and I figured, why not work at home?”

Just a year after joining the environmental services team, Danielle felt ready for a new challenge, where she could take a more hands-on role in assisting and caring for residents. She registered for a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class on campus in 2019 and has been employed in the department ever since.

“I was actually nervous I wouldn’t be able to handle this job, but here I am three years later,” she said. “I’ve grown so much from being a CNA, and now I’m ready to take it a step further and go to practical nursing school this winter.”

Since returning to Masonic Village for work, Danielle’s familiar commute reminds her of the family she made at the children’s home.

“Driving up the main entrance past all the trees was always like coming home,” she said. “After four years, that has changed a bit — now it’s also the route to work.”

Today, Danielle enjoys spending time with her husband, Sam, and their two sons, Sam Jr. and Jeremiah, usually doing outdoor activities.

“All of my current hobbies include doing things with my family,” Danielle said. “We camp a lot and spend as much time as we can with my sisters and their kids. I know the only people in the world who had the same childhood experience are my sisters, and that has kept us close to each other, even after all these years.”

While Danielle’s own family has certainly grown over the years, she is thankful to donors of the Masonic Children’s Home for giving her the

opportunity to include house parents, cottage mates and campus staff among those she treasures most.

“I am so grateful my sisters and I had the opportunity to live in a safe, healthy and happy home with so many great resources,” she said. “Now, as adults, we do everything in our power to make sure our children are loved, well taken care of and feel safe and happy.”

Danielle is excited for another new transition on the horizon. “My husband and I are also planning on buying our first house soon,” she said. “For now, I’m just hoping to do a good job at raising my children to be good people.”

Give Monthly Change a Life

By giving a monthly gift of any amount to the Masonic Children’s Home, you’ll be joining a program that provides you several benefits:

• No cost to you.

• No longer receive annual spring and fall appeals in the mail.

• Receive a year-end statement for ease of tax preparation.

• Cancel your authorization at any time by notifying the Office of Mission Advancement and Development.

Conveniently meet your charitable goals today! Call 1-800-599-6454, email Giving@MasonicCharitiesPa.org or visit MasonicChildrensHome.org/donate-now to join our Cornerstone Circle Program.

Thanks for the Generous Donation!

Special thanks to the Grand Chapter of PA, Order of the Eastern Star for their generous donation, which made possible the purchase of a new passenger van for the Masonic Children’s Home! Every time our youth need to attend an appointment, have to get to a music lesson or sporting event or have the chance to take a day trip, they’ll think of your kindness and generosity. Thank you!

If you are older than 70 ½ and have a traditional IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is usually the number one way to give to the Masonic Children’s Home. You avoid tax on any amount given from your IRA to charity, which is like getting a free tax deduction. Yes, it’s more complicated than writing a check, but once you do, you will never look back. Please contact The Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development (previously known as the Office of Gift Planning) for a FREE QCD Kit, then talk to your advisor about dividing up your QCD among your favorite charities, including the Masonic Children’s Home. Remember, if you don’t need your Required Minimum Distribution, then turning it into a QCD is an added benefit. Carol Chew is a Masonic Village resident who decided to create a QCD in support of the kids at the children’s home. Financial professionals suggested a QCD to her, and she decided to donate in memory of her husband, Charles.

Charles and Carol met while golfing at Masonic Village, and were married for 15 years. Carol remembers Charles by his generous and selfless spirit and wanted to honor him.

“He showed true kindness and was a beautiful person,” Carol said. “He had always loved children, having four sons of his own and mentored kids who faced difficulties in his free time during retirement.” We can help you create a QCD to achieve your goals while supporting our mission. Please contact us at 1-800-599-6454 or visit our website at www.MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org for more information. Everything we do for you comes with no cost or obligation.

Family FUN

Whether it’s a trip to Knoebels Amusement Park, an off-campus meal at Five Guys Burgers and Fries or attending the Elizabethtown Fair, youth have the opportunity to have fun and broaden their horizons!

you are older than 70 ½ and have a traditional IRA, a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is usually the number one way to to the Masonic Children’s Home. You avoid tax on any amount given from your IRA to charity, which is like getting a free tax deduction. Yes, it’s more complicated than writing a check, but once you do, you will never look back. Please contact The Masonic Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development (previously known as the Office of Gift Planning) for a FREE QCD Kit, then talk to your advisor about dividing up your QCD among your favorite charities, including the Masonic Children’s Home. Re member, if you don’t need your Required Minimum Distribution, then turning it into a QCD is an added benefit. Carol Chew is a Masonic Village resident who decided to create a QCD in support of the kids at the children’s home. Financial profes sionals suggested a QCD to her, and she decided to donate in memory of her husband, Charles. Charles and Carol met while golfing at Masonic Village, and were married for 15 years. Carol remembers Charles by his generous and selfless spirit and wanted to honor him.

Building Buddy Benches

showed true kindness and was a beautiful person,” Carol said. “He had always loved children, having four sons of his own and mentored kids who faced difficulties in his free time during retirement.” We can help you create a QCD to achieve your goals while supporting our mission. Please contact us at 1-800-599-6454 or visit our website at www.MasonicCharitiesLegacy.org for more information. Everything we do for you comes with no cost or obligation.

For three years, youth have worked on a recycling project coordinated by Masonic Village resident Sonja Alcon. They’ve been sorting through plastic caps and lids collected by the local community to send to Green Tree Plastics in Evansville, Illinois. The company makes “buddy benches” out of the recycled plastics for elementary schools. One bench was installed at Bainbridge Elementary School recently, and one at the Masonic Children’s Home. Thanks, Sonja, for leading the effort!

SCHOLAR DONORS

Robert and Christine Cassel

William Gibson Jr.

Margaret Hoffmann Richard Knoebel

Richard Millham

Tom and Nancy Musso Maxine K. Silber Jay and Nancy Smith

Janet Wahl

M. Louis Wahl Peggy E. and Harry L. Wheeler

EDUCATOR

Robert Girling

Retirement Living Craft Group Luther and Kim Zarfoss

AUTHOR

Kelly Charitable Remainder Annuity Trust

MENTOR Shirley Kaupp

ASSOCIATE

Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, Order of Eastern Star, Inc.

All Masons

DONOR

John and Phyllis Yohe

Larry and Linda Brand Barbara Kolchin

Samuel A. Brand and Eileen Rinert Barbara Kolchin

John F. Callahan Allen and Helen Henninger Mrs. Lori Dixon Barbara Kolchin

Raymond A. Dubbs Wayne and Debra Dubbs

Joseph Fickes Tarrie and Donna Fickes

Kirk S. Hinkley, Sr. Kirk Hinkley

MH Class of 1963 Richard and Rose Saylor

The Family Who Helped Me Eric Quidort David Whitenack Barbara Kolchin

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) 504-6215 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 soliciation 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.

MEMORIAL GIFTS

MEMORIAL DONOR

Anthony Ambrose

Ralph Austin

Mary Ellen Tarman

Kirk Hinkley

Janice Bain John Bain

Anne R. Berlin Chet Berlin

Nancy Biehl Clark Biehl

Dennis L. Boyer Bonnie Boyer

John “Jack” Bream Carol Bream

EiLaine G. Britton Allen and Helen Henninger

Ida Bueki Philip and Kristen Bueki

Vida and Harry Burchfield Carol Bream

Arnold Cameron Howard and Jenny Vee Ott Kathleen Carr Philip and Kristen Bueki

Linda Cherris Ann Finkbeiner

Harry Creighton Kenneth Creighton

Marvin A. Cunningham Tom and Darlene Fairfax

Earl Deibert Betty Deibert

Harvey Dreese Michael and Heather Dreese Donald E. Eshelman Norma Eshelman

Thelma Ferguson Robert and Christine Cassel

Henry Fuggiti Jay and Lynn Fuggiti

Mr. and Mrs. John Griesmer, Sr. Roland and Jill Morris

John J. Gullifer III James and Elizabeth Allwein John and Kathleen Klein Joan Sandberg

Wesley Hartman and Caroline Hartman Wesley and Patricia Hartman

David S. Hedglin and Mary (Forrester) Hedglin Thomas Senior

Burton and Grace Hineline Todd and Cyndi Hineline

Robert J. Hirsch Matthew Hirsch

Calvin E. Hutchison Carl and Rosalie Hutchison

William M. Jackson Mary Jackson

Brandon Jones Andrew and Doris Zelez

Thomas Kilduff Keith Jones

Earl M. Kline Eugene and Anna Kline

Mae Kline Eugene and Anna Kline

Otto Kline Janet Townsend

Barbara Knoebel

Richard Knoebel

Eva Kolchin Barbara Kolchin

Peter Kolchin Barbara Kolchin

Kathy Kuhn Alan and Elsie Saylor

John H. Leibold Sandra Byers Jane Laube

Jerry Lemon Dwight and Brenda Nichols

Sherman Long Tarrie and Donna Fickes

Donald R. Manweiler Eleanor Wolf

Mary Anne McLellan Edwin and Carol McCombs

Timothy Meckley

Anna Kolchin Mellin

Carol Meckley

Barbara Kolchin

Albert C. Menger Pauline Menger

Ralph and Raedel Moore Dennis Moore

Mr. and Mrs. David M. Morris Roland and Jill Morris

My Parents

Alex Nagy

John Norton

Patsy Bowman

Thomas Nagy

Beverly Norton

Laura Pratt Robert and Christine Cassel

Helena Roberts Tom and Anna Hipple

Charles E. Small Janet Small

Richard Smith Georgia Smith Alethia Smith

Don Snyder

Julia Snyder

Lewis K. and Cora H. Strouse Lewis Strouse

J. L. Sturgis, Jr. William Strimple

Jay Tarnopolski Philip and Kristen Bueki

Emery G. Thurston Jean Weiss

Forrest Townsend Janet Townsend

Carol C. VanWhy Leroy VanWhy

Andrew J. Weinlein Christine Saunders

Brock Wilt Michael and Heather Dreese Donald Yost Shirley Lou Thomas

We have taken great care to ensure the accuracy and thoroughness of the names listed. If an error has been made, please contact the Office of Mission Advancement and Development at 800-599-6454; 717-367-1121, ext. 33561; or by emailing giving@masonicvillages.org. Thank you.

Masonic

One Masonic Drive • Elizabethtown, PA 17022-2219

Charities Office of Mission Advancement and Development