The Write Release

Jim Lea is a man of many words. Written words, that is.

Twice a month, he leads the Writers’ Group at the Masonic Village at Sewickley, where residents take turns reading their poetry, short stories, essays, fiction, nonfiction and journals. He started the group in 2018.

“It has become a vehicle of ideas - ideas that spark others’ imagination and creativity in the group,” Jim said. “The experience and knowledge locked up at Masonic Village is phenomenal, and if we can only impart a little, we have come out a better person.”

Between the group at Masonic Village and the one he works with in the local community, Jim has found writing brings people together based on shared experiences.

“When you write, you discover things about yourself,” Jim said. “You discover things about other people. You see different perspectives. Everyone has a perspective. Sometimes you don’t realize it until you see it on paper. It makes an impression upon one.”

Jim had ideas, but he never thought to write until a few years into his retirement, when he began drafting short science fiction stories. He has written two books, “Epochs of Man: Evacuation” and “Epochs of Man: Two Worlds,” which you can find in the library at Masonic Village. He’s currently working on two more.

Much of what the group writes is placed in binders in the library for all to read. Participants also enter their work in writing contests.

“You can't just retire,” Jim said. “You need an outlet. The more you can keep active, the better, I think. It's good to get people motivated to do something like this.”

The Right Time for TV

A few residents have also shared their poems and short stories on Masonic Village’s in-house TV station, Channel 956. The channel offers many benefits for residents with newly-added features.

The station was started in 2007 and originally called Channel 14. It’s currently run by a team of six volunteers, including Jim and Claudia Brenneisen, who has volunteered since 2015 to create and edit slides for the channel, as well as upload photos from residents. An expansion of capabilities has come at a perfect time.

“This was especially critical and appreciated when our community went into quarantine and people chiefly stayed in their residences,” Claudia said.

Since the onset of COVID-19, the team of volunteers has coordinated programming changes. The new face of Channel 956 includes movies, 30-minute quick flicks, video events, exercise classes and special events, such as musicals. Rev. Tim Reichard, director of pastoral care, and Jim are working on live streaming programs held in the Assembly Room. Slides serve as the backbone of the channel, highlighting programs and groups, dining menus, services, photographs and other events

“The work is challenging and requires working late at night and, at times, early in the morning,” Jim said. “Still, the satisfaction of doing something beneficial for our residents makes the challenge worthwhile, especially when receiving positive feedback from our increasing patronage.”