The beauty salon at Masonic Village was busier than ever last Wednesday as women lined up to get their hair, make-up and nails done for the evening's special celebration.

For many of the 100-plus women in Masonic Village's assisted living and skilled nursing units, getting dolled up in their finest party dresses had seemed a distant memory.

However, thanks to the Masonic Men's Club, the women once again had something to celebrate.

"An Enchanted Evening," the first-ever event of its kind and sponsored by the men's club, was held to honor the widows and other women living in Masonic Village in Aleppo Township.

Sherwood Lennartson, a resident at Masonic Village, said the women have been talking about it ever since.

"My wife (Britta) said, 'You know, that made me feel so special,'" he said.

Other women shared the same sentiments with Lennartson, which he jotted down during the dinner.

"It was like prom night," one said.

"They said I looked beautiful. I don't know if I was, but I sure felt beautiful," another told him.

The event came to life when David Rihl and Tracy Miller, past masters, decided that a variation of a Masonic "Blue Lodge" program, "The Ladies Night Out," could be a great event for the residents.

Before their arrival at the banquet hall, the women received a flower wrist corsage and had their pictures taken as a memento of the special occasion.

They then were greeted by live piano music played by Mark Granito as they were escorted through a beautifully decorated room to take their seats.

Each table in the hall featured exquisite gold place settings and Martini glass centerpieces containing live goldfish. Dinner included an iceburg lettuce wedge salad with bleu cheese dressing, mini Maryland crab cake appetizer, petite lobster tail and sauteed medallion of filet mignon bordelaise, twice-baked potato, green beans almandine and dessert.

Violinist Steven Vance of The Steven Vance Keystring Duo provided the music and afterward, Jacob Palo, master counselor of the Pennsylvania Order of DeMolay, delivered a presentation of the "Flower Talk," a tribute to women and mothers.

Funding for "An Enchanted Evening" came from several donors including residents in Masonic Village's Retirement Living facility, the Advisory Committee of the Order of Eastern Star, more than 20 Blue Lodges and the District Deputy Grand Masters of Districts 47 and 55, as well as members of the Masonic Men's Club.

"I think it went super," said Lennartson.

Club members hope to plan another event for next year.

"Everyone was absolutely enthralled. Everyone is still buzzing about it."