Six years ago the Ohio Masonic Home decided to provide assistance to senior Masons through the Masonic Senior Services organization. The program was a new concept, and it was called I-CARE. At that time an exceptional man was tapped to join the board, his name was Gary Parks.
As Secretary of his lodge, Mr. Parks had already taken part in sponsoring one member and one widow to become residents of the Home. So when the opportunity opened before him, he admitted the idea piqued his interest. Recently, he and his wife had been very busy with their parents due to various health problems.
“Both my parents and my wife’s parents went thru long periods of illness before they passed away, however they wanted to stay in their homes which I feel made their medical problems a little less daunting to them,” said Gary.
The couple realized they could have used these new I-CARE services if they were available. Gary accepted the position on the board; and since then, his choice to serve has proven a good one, “Over the years, I had seen many fellow Masons struggle to stay in their home instead of going to a retirement home.”
Today, being an active Mason, Gary is pleased to see the Home address the changes happening in society today in relation to in home care.
“I think the I-Care program is and will continue to be a great recruiting tool. The help and support this program is providing to our senior Masons gives the families of those brethren a very favorable impression of the organization.”
Mr. Parks started his own company over 20 years ago, giving him a wealth of knowledge on the many aspects of a business. In addition to his working experience, he has served on a multitude of non-profit boards, adding to his bevy of qualifications. He has been happily married for over 44 years, has a wonderful daughter and son-in-law, plus two wonderful grandkids. Gary is a Past Master of Lockbourne Lodge #232, a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 14th Masonic District, Past Sovereign Prince of the Princes of Jerusalem, Valley of Columbus, a 33rd Degree Mason and Past Potentate of Aladdin Shriners. His hobbies include “grandfathering,” gardening, taking Sunday afternoon rides in the classic car with his family, and volunteer work with the Charity Newsies and the Honor Flight program.
Six years ago the Ohio Masonic Home decided to provide assistance to senior Masons through the Masonic Senior Services organization. The program was a new concept, and it was called I-CARE. At that time an exceptional man was tapped to join the board, his name was Gary Parks.
As Secretary of his lodge, Mr. Parks had already taken part in sponsoring one member and one widow to become residents of the Home. So when the opportunity opened before him, he admitted the idea piqued his interest. Recently, he and his wife had been very busy with their parents due to various health problems.
“Both my parents and my wife’s parents went thru long periods of illness before they passed away, however they wanted to stay in their homes which I feel made their medical problems a little less daunting to them,” said Gary.
The couple realized they could have used these new I-CARE services if they were available. Gary accepted the position on the board; and since then, his choice to serve has proven a good one, “Over the years, I had seen many fellow Masons struggle to stay in their home instead of going to a retirement home.”
Today, being an active Mason, Gary is pleased to see the Home address the changes happening in society today in relation to in home care.
“I think the I-Care program is and will continue to be a great recruiting tool. The help and support this program is providing to our senior Masons gives the families of those brethren a very favorable impression of the organization.”
Mr. Parks started his own company over 20 years ago, giving him a wealth of knowledge on the many aspects of a business. In addition to his working experience, he has served on a multitude of non-profit boards, adding to his bevy of qualifications. He has been happily married for over 44 years, has a wonderful daughter and son-in-law, plus two wonderful grandkids. Gary is a Past Master of Lockbourne Lodge #232, a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 14th Masonic District, Past Sovereign Prince of the Princes of Jerusalem, Valley of Columbus, a 33rd Degree Mason and Past Potentate of Aladdin Shriners. His hobbies include “grandfathering,” gardening, taking Sunday afternoon rides in the classic car with his family, and volunteer work with the Charity Newsies and the Honor Flight program.
