Helen Weimer, a resident of the Village Green Area, enjoys the newly instituted breakfast buffet.

This summer brought a new addition to services in the Village Green Area . . . a delicious breakfast buffet! Residents now may enjoy breakfast any time between 7 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. Prior to the buffet's availabilty, residents ordered breakfasts in advance, and the meals were served at a designated time.

Many residents wanted a more flexible schedule in the morning so they could attend meetings, doctors' appointments, or other activities. They also wanted more variety and quality in certain breakfast foods they received.

Daphne Gulick, Director of Food Services, meets with her team of chefs, dining room supervisors, and the dietitian to discuss improvements to the food services in the Village Green Area and to consider recommendations from residents.

"We are very open to suggestions," Mrs. Gulick said. "It is important to establish a partnership with the residents so that we can ensure that the services we provide are meeting our customers' desires."

At the Masonic Homes, residents have more than a voice, they have influence. Residents choose their lifestyle. When the Food Services Department suggested the buffet, Henry Nickol, of William D. McIlroy Lodge No. 758, Dormont, a resident and President of the Village Green Area Resident Council, took the suggestion to the Food Committee. It was decided to try it, and now that it is a huge success, they intend to keep it.

Mrs. Alma Wilson, O.E.S. Mt. Olive Chapter No. 232, Churchville, daughter of the late Harvey H. Wilson, Jr., of Pennsylvania Meridian Sun Lodge No. 2, Philadelphia, and a resident in the Village Green Area, is also pleased with the new breakfast buffet. "I love the flexible time. On the days I volunteer, I can have an early breakfast, but the days I don't volunteer, I can sleep a little later. I also love the variety of foods, like the eggs, breakfast breads, and fruit."

The Village Green Area comprises eight buildings and 270 residential accommodations for residents who live independently. Three meals daily, organized activities, and religious programs are provided to meet the daily needs of residents. Many recreational facilities are located within walking distance, such as the Deike Auditorium, ballroom, Masonic Lodge building, ice cream parlor, chapel, museum, and the Grand Lodge Hall dining room. Regularly scheduled transportation is provided for on-campus appointments and activities, as well as community outings.

Think about joining the Masonic Homes' family today, where residents choose their lifestyle! Call now to make an appointment for a visit and tour. For more information or an application to the Masonic Homes' Village Green Area call 1-800-422-1207 or send us an e-mail with your name, address and phone number included to admissionsoffice@pagrandlodge.org. Start planning your future today!