Press Release

Howard W. Orr of Suffield Recognized by Masonicare for Outstanding Service - 6/19/2008

Wallingford, CT, June 19, 2008......At a special ceremony held recently at Masonicare in Wallingford,  Howard W. Orr of Suffield, Chairman of Masonicare's Board of Trustees, was presented with the Luke A. Lockwood Medal for his distinguished service to Masonicare.  This prestigious award is the highest honor the organization extends to an individual.

Stephen B. McPherson, President and CEO of Masonicare, and Kenneth B. Hawkins, Sr., Vice Chairman of Masonicare's Board of Trustees, praised Mr. Orr for his outstanding commitment and long service to Masonicare, the state's leading not-for-profit provider of senior healthcare and retirement living.

The oldest of three children of Julia B. and the late Howard W. Orr, Mr. Orr grew up in the Suffield area, graduated from Suffield High School, and attended college in Springfield, Missouri, where he earned a degree in economics and business administration.  Mr. Orr, who has five children and three grandchildren, is president of KTI, Inc., of East Windsor. 

Mr. Orr has served on Masonicare's Board of Trustees since April of 1995, becoming vice chairman in 1997 and chairman in January 2003.  He has also been a member of the boards of several Masonicare affiliates.                   

Mr. Orr is a Corporator of Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center in Hartford as well as Chairman of the Board of Mount Sinai Rehabilitation Hospital. 

Long active in the Suffield community, Mr. Orr is a member of The First Church of Christ Congregational, where he has served in a variety of capacities, and is currently a Trustee. He has also served on the Republican Town Committee and Suffield's Economic Development Commission.  Mr. Orr is an avid proponent of conservation and the renovation of Hilltop Farm, an historical agricultural site in Suffield.  

In making the announcement, Mr. Hawkins said, "Brotherly love, relief and truth" -- Howard W. Orr has taken these basic tenants of Masonry very seriously.  The spirit in which he gives so freely of his time and expertise is inspiring, and we are eternally grateful for his devotion to the mission of Masonicare."   Mr. McPherson echoed those sentiments and expressed his heartfelt appreciation for Mr. Orr's efforts on Masonicare's behalf. 

In accepting the medal, Mr. Orr's response was in keeping with his sound character and giving spirit.  "My volunteer efforts are done out of the enjoyment received by being able to help others.  I encourage everyone to find a worthy cause and volunteer their time to promote it.  There is so much to be done and we all can make a difference if we try."

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Penny O'Neill
Public Relations Manager
Masonicare
203-679-5041
poneill@masonicare.org
www.masonicare.org

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