Bill and Janet’s Story

“I couldn’t take care of her the way she should be taken care of,” Bill shared as he remembered caring for his wife, Janet, after a fall led to a hip replacement.

Janet could not have received the type of care Bill knew she needed and deserved had it not been for Springfield Masonic Community.

At the beginning of 2022, Bill decided he was tired of keeping up with the yard work and shoveling snow.  He also realized that Janet’s Parkinsons meant their three-story home was not the best choice for them anymore.  So, they moved to Springfield Masonic Community but just six months later Janet fell and needed a hip replacement.  CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

Master Mason Chris Gibbs: Brotherhood, Perseverance, and Paying It Forward by Brooke Simonson

When Chris Gibbs was raised a Mason, his primary desire was simple: to find meaningful friendships and embrace the Masonic principle of servitude. Little did he know that this journey would also provide support in a time of great personal hardship. His story is a powerful reminder of the Fraternal values of brotherhood, compassion, and giving back.

Challenges Strike – In March 2024, Chris faced a series of unexpected challenges. He was laid off from his job during a time when his fiancé was dealing with health concerns. Just when it seemed like things couldn’t get worse, Chris received life-altering news. After undergoing tests, his doctors recommended immediate open-heart bypass surgery, which added to the strain on his already difficult situation.

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Lucynt and Connecting Realities Benefiting Residents

At The Ohio Masonic Communities there are three elements that make the memory support program unique – things that make great memory care truly exceptional. Connecting Realities, our memory support approach, is a three-pronged philosophy that focuses on staff training, technology, and physical space. The memory support program is purpose-built to provide the best experience and quality of life for residents, as well as for their loved ones.

In our Pathways Memory Support Neighborhoods, Connecting Realities involves several unique technologies. The technologies are all focused on connecting with residents in their reality, providing them with a supportive environment that can reduce their feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression.

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The Expansion at Western Reserve Masonic Community

Through the support of donors to The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation, Western Reserve Masonic Community (WRMC) has expanded not only their physical campus, but also improved the quality of life for current and future residents of the community.

The expansion project at WRMC, which was completed in early 2024, includes three elements – a community center, healthcare center, and independent living apartments.

The community center is a beautiful new space that allows staff, residents, families, and community members to gather together. Some of the favorite events in the community center include church services, music performances, luncheons, campus meetings such as town halls and resident councils, and community fundraisers like purse bingo.

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You can Fuel the Power of Music

Music is a powerful tool.  It’s an exciting way to be able to connect with residents and make their days brighter.  More than just a mood booster, music therapy can decrease feelings of stress, anxiety, and frustration, creating a sense of peace for residents.  Plus, using instruments can help residents express their creativity and give them back a sense of control in their lives.

Thanks to the generous support of donors to The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation, we’re proud to be able to offer music therapy to residents at Browning Masonic Community, Springfield Masonic Community, and Western Reserve Masonic Community.

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Still Finding New Hobbies

The son of a railroad worker, Neal found himself following in his dad’s footsteps in his young adult years. He spent time working on the railroad before joining the Air Force, where he was stationed in California. After his time in the service, Neal ended up back on the railroad in Ashtabula, Ohio, but he knew he wanted to go back to California. So, Neal packed up his life and moved across the country. At 22 Neal became a Mason and the Fraternity has had a profound impact on his life. Thanks to a Brother he met at a Lodge meeting, he got a job working for Southern California Edison company where he spent his career working his way up the ladder in the steam generation department.

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