The master plan for the Valley Care Masonic Center, Sewickley, to be expanded into a 47-acre continuing care retirement community is being developed by the architectural firm, Perkins Eastman, and being presented to various governmental officials for review and approval.

The 60 assisted living accommodations planned for the campus are expected to open for residents in summer 2001 when the residents and staff at the Masonic Eastern Star Home-West, Pittsburgh, will move to the new facility. Plans for the existing Masonic Eastern Star Home-West facility are undetermined at this time. The Committee on Masonic Homes, with input from the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, Order of Eastern Star, has chosen the name for the new assisted living building at Sewickley to be "Star Points Building" to reflect the strong tradition the residents and staff of the Masonic Eastern Star Home-West will bring with them to their new home. Since June 1 when the Valley Care Masonic Center became part of the continuum of care provided by the Masonic Homes of the Grand Lodge, the Valley Care Masonic Center and the Masonic Eastern Star Home-West have worked together to provide services to the membership in western Pennsylvania. This transition will bring the Masonic Eastern Star Home-West's assisted living and nursing expertise together with Valley Care Masonic Center's quality nursing services to ease the transfer of residents between the two levels of care.

Depending upon interest, up to 235 independent living apartments and 28 independent living cottages are expected to open in Sewickley for residents in summer or fall 2002. Plans for the campus also may include such conveniences as a wellness center, day care area, medical clinics, a pool, and a clubhouse, among other desired features. The community in its entirety will be known as the "Masonic Village at Sewickley."

Reservations to the Priority List for the independent living areas are currently being accepted. To ensure that you get your first choice of a premier apartment or cottage at the new Masonic Village at Sewickley, contact one of the following now:

Marketing Manager, Masonic Homes, One Masonic Drive, Elizabethtown, PA 17022 or Executive Director, Valley Care Masonic Center, 1190 Merriman Road, Sewickley, PA 15143.