Dear Brethren,
I hope this communication finds you and your families doing well. Spring is a time for new beginnings and that could not be more true as we are at a transformational time in our organization’s history.
At the end of March I shared a message with Lodge Secretaries that The Ohio Masonic Home is now operating as The Ohio Masonic Communities. This change represents the growth and evolution of our organization over the last 130 years and positions our communities for the future. It was a decision made after more than a year and a half of dedication and input from our board of directors, our Brethren, employees, and community members. I hope you’ll take the time to read more about the changes to our name, logos, and mission, vision, value, and case statements and why it was important to make those changes.
While it’s time for new beginnings for The Ohio Masonic Communities, it’s also time for a transformation of Home Day. Prior to the pandemic, it was always a big celebration at our Springfield campus, but as most of you know it hasn’t happened since 2019. By adding “communities” to our name, we brought more emphasis to our focus on community – what better way to show that than by celebrating at each of our communities. Starting next summer, Home Day will take a new form that’s more connected to our focus on community. We’ll host a summer event series, open to the Fraternity and the public, at each of The Ohio Masonic Communities’ three campuses. More information will be shared early next year, but we wanted you to know now about these important changes.
It's a new beginning at Western Reserve Masonic Community too. After years of planning, development, and construction, the first phase of construction is finally finished. The state-of-the-art Healthcare Center with 32 private suites was completed in the winter, and in February 2023 residents were finally able to move in. We’ve already seen the impact that space is having on residents, staff, and families and are looking forward to adding another 18 private suites with phase two later this year. The final part of phase one was the 56-apartment independent living building complete with luxury commons, dining, and fitness spaces. We had an open house for residents and their families in April, a week before the first resident moved into the building.
As we think about what new beginnings bring, we have only just begun our venture into evolving our organization. Master planning is underway to reposition Springfield Masonic Community and Browning Masonic Community in the coming years as well, with Western Reserve Masonic Community setting the standard. We want to continue positioning The Ohio Masonic Communities as an employer and organization of choice.
Fraternally,
Brother Scott Buchanan
CEO, The Ohio Masonic Communities
