Advisory Boards for Sewickley and Warminster Busy Enhancing Services in Their Communities

When the Masonic Homes of the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania affiliated with the Eastern Star Homes of the Grand Chapter of Pennsylvania, Order of the Eastern Star, advisory boards were formed for the Masonic Eastern Star Home-East and the Masonic Eastern Star Home-West. Since the residents and staff of the Pittsburgh facility transferred to the Masonic Village at Sewickley, the advisory board there also refocused its efforts on that new community.

The purpose of the advisory boards is to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of the residents of each facility. The advisory boards provide services and equipment not covered by each facility's budget through methods approved or proposed by the Committee on Masonic Homes.

The advisory boards hold meetings six times a year. Membership on the advisory boards is open to anyone interested in the well-being of the residents of either facility. Officers are elected for the following positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, and Treasurer/Comptroller. The following committees address various issues important to each of the facilities: Nominating Committee, Membership Committee, Program Committee, Public Relations Committee, Hospitality Committee, Volunteer Services, and Gift Shop Committee.

The Advisory Board for the Masonic Eastern Star Home-East is working on the following projects:
Annual Penny Party fundraiser. The first, held in September 2000, raised $2,290. The second, held in April 2002, also raised almost $2,300, to be used toward a companion radio system.
Gift Shop, where more volunteers are needed and donations are welcome.
Greenhouse Project. Refurbishing the greenhouse for use by residents.

The Advisory Board for the Masonic Village at Sewickley is focusing on the following:
The Village Shoppe (gift shop).
More entertainment for residents.
More activities for residents, i.e. annual ice cream social, Winter carnival.
Use of the new Assembly Room in the Star Points Building by lodges and chapters.
Planning a fund-raising trip to the Lancaster area.

If you are interested in volunteering for one of the advisory boards, please contact:

Masonic Eastern Star Home-East: John Groves, Advisory Board President, home (215) 657-3864 or cell (215) 880-6323.

Masonic Village at Sewickley: Lorene Sinclair, Advisory Board President, daytime (724) 843-4390 or evening (724) 846-3169.