2025/2026 Winter Issue

ARTISANS MAIN OFFICE

414 Hulmeville Avenue

Penndel, PA 19047

215-708-1000

www.artisansaomp.org

Game Night Fun

St. John's Annual Junior Halloween Party

Sports Club Night at the Phillies

Artisans/St. John's Christmas Party

Artisans Annual Christmas Bus Trip

M.E. SUPERINTENDENT LETTER

Hello Juniors!   

I can't believe that this is the end of my M.E. Superintendent duties, where did that time go! What another great year we all had with all of the cruises, the weekend in Ocean City, the many game nights and all of the Junior activities. The St. John's Christmas party was fabulous, what an incredible job that the team did in putting it all together. The Halloween party for the Junior's was a big success and so was the brunch with Santa, all the children loved the gifts from Mr. and Mrs. Claus. The next big Junior event will be the annual Easter Egg hunt with lunch with the Easter Bunny. There will be a few day trips including our trip in April to the Sight and Sound theater. In September there is a fun filled MEMA family trip to Knoebels.

I am looking forward to the upcoming Session and becoming the Most Excellent Master Artisan, what an honor it is for me to be able to serve our membership in this capacity. I hope to see everyone at the monthly meetings, trips and the Session.

 Fraternally yours,

 Kathy Schnauffer - M.E.S.

Junior Artisans Lunch with Santa

Below are all of the resumes of the candidates who are running for either a Most Excellent Chair position or for a Director spot on the board.

Most Excellent Master Artisan



Kathy Schnauffer

Dear Brother and Sister Artisans,

It is with great pride that Philadelphia Assembly #1 submits the name of sister Kathy Schnauffer for the position of Most Excellent Inspector for 2026.

Kathy is a graduate of Lincoln High School in Philadelphia PA. She is the President of her condominium association. In her position, Kathy works with the management company to make sure that the grounds, maintenance and finances of her association are maintained and operate in a professional manner.

Kathy has over 30 years of work experience in the accounting and administrative field. Kathy is currently employed by Burlington Stores in the lease administration department at their home office in Burlington New Jersey. Kathy handles the year end billing for the company and was credited saving the company over $600,000 annually due to her diligence and hard work. In her position she works with many different landlords, upper management and the company legal department. Currently Kathy is also serving on the Burlington Stores events committee. In that position she helps plan and organize activities throughout the year. She has been helping with Burlington’s biggest fundraiser, “Light of the Night LLS,” and will help Burlington Stores raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for this charity.

Kathy has helped with Brunch with Santa, the annual Easter Egg Hunt and at our Family Weekend in Ocean City NJ. Kathy was the Most Excellent Junior Master of Ceremonies under M.E.M.A. Terry Ludwig. She is a past President of the Artisan Aides.

As a member of Philadelphia #1, Kathy is currently chairperson for both the Ritual and Entertainment Committee. She was Master Artisan of Philadelphia #1, twice, and has served in all positions within the assembly.

We believe that Kathy’s credentials and reputation speak for themselves. Kathy’s work ethic, commitment to the Artisans and her dedicated service to the local community makes her a great candidate for Most Excellent Master Artisan.

Fraternally,

Philadelphia Assembly #1 Executive Committee

Most Excellent Superintendent



Scott Simmons

The members of St John's #28 Executive Committee are proud to endorse Scott A Simmons for the position of Most Excellent Superintendent.

Scott was born in Philadelphia and grew up in Philadelphia and the South Jersey area. Scott attended Gloucester County Vocational High School in New Jersey and completed the building trades program at the top of his class.

Scott worked for Connective Services as an Indoor Air Quality technician for a few years then entered the Laborers Union of Philadelphia where he has now worked for the last twenty-four years.

Scott has been married for Twenty-Seven years to Raeann, and they have two children, Tyler and Victoria, all who are part of our great Artisan family. Scott has been an Assistant Scout leader, a Merit Badge Counselor with the B.S.A., and has assisted many Scouts over the years at multiple Merit Badge Colleges. Scott also attended the Boy Scouts of America's highest level of Leadership Training (Wood badge.) With his son, Tyler, Scott received the Vigil Honor, the highest level in the Honor Society of Scouting. As a scout leader Scott assisted with his son's Eagle Scout project, the revitalizing of the Veteran's Memorial garden out front of our old Hall. Scott remains a volunteer Eagle Scout Coach, Camp Master and Committee Member.

On many occasions, Scott volunteered at his daughter Victoria's dance studio as security, a technician, prop builder, parade chef/organizer and Double D's Dancing Dads member.

After Scott was married he became a member of St John's #28 thanks to the prodding of his father in-law Tony. As a member of St John's assembly Scott has been on the Executive Committee and involved with helping with the annual Ocean City Weekend. Scott has done anything that is needed to ensure the success of this great event. Scott worked in the hospitality room, helped at the pool party and, in the past, supported and assisted with security at the Miss Artisan Pageant.

 Scott was the M.E. Warder for P.M.E.M.A. Robert J. Noble. Scott has been Master Artisan of St. John’s Assembly, President of the Dining Club and a longtime member of the St. John’s Executive Committee. Scott is currently the Most Excellent Inspector.

With his drive and dedication to fraternalism we believe that Brother Scott Simmons will be a great Most Excellent Superintendent.

Fraternally,

St. John’s #28 Executive Committee

Most Excellent Inspector

Raeann Simmons

The members of Philadelphia #1 are proud to endorse Sister Raeann M. Simmons for Most Excellent Inspector.

Raeann is a third generation Artisan. Raeann was born and raised in Philadelphia, by her parents, Tony and Rae Kazlouski, who are long time past and present members of the Artisans. Raeann is a graduate of Northeast High School. Raeann graduated with honors and as a member of the National Honor Society.

Raeann worked for 15 years at Super Fresh where she started as a utility clerk and worked her way up to cashier, bookkeeper and front-end supervisor. Raeann is currently a Mortgage Processor, for Prosperity Home Mortgage, where she has been employed for the past eight years.

Raeann has been married to Scott Simmons, our present Most Excellent Inspector, for twenty-seven years. The Simmons have two children, Tyler and Victoria, who are all part of the Artisan family. When Tyler started Kindergarden, Raeann joined the PTO, she was elected the organizations secretary and then President for six years. In her capacity as an officer of the PTO Raeann organized and ran fundraisers, Christmas Bazaars, dances, skate nights, raffle baskets, and raised donations for students and staff. Raeann was Secretary of Tyler's Boy Scout Troop as well as on the Fund-raising Committee. Raeann was very active in the Troop and participated in many hikes, biking and the camping trips the troop went on throughout the years. Victoria was a Daisy, where Raeann was the assistant leader as well as a cookie Mom. When Victoria was a dancer and a cheerleader Raeann also assisted with Fundraisers and even a trip to Disney World, where Victoria danced at Disney’s Epcot Park. Raeann was also a member of the adult tap, ballet and jazz group.

Raeann was the Most Excellent Warder for P.M.E.M.A. Carla Werner and a past master of Philadelphia #1. Raeann is known for her hard work not only in Philadelphia #1 but throughout the order.

Raeann would like to use her energy to further the goals of the Artisans as they move into the future. We believe that due to Sister Raeann’s record of serving her community, her long record of dedicated service to the Artisans and her background in business and the mortgage market that Raeann would be a great asset to the board as the next Most Excellent Inspector of the Artisans.

Fraternally,

Philadelphia #1 Executive Committee

Director

Tod Davies

The members of the St John’s Executive Committee are proud to endorse for re-election for director Brother Tod Davies. Tod has been married to Geri for over forty-six years and has three children and nine grandchildren who are all part of our great Artisan Family.

Tod is the Facilities Manager at Medical Products Laboratories, Inc., a Philadelphia based pharmaceutical manufacturing company. He has been with his employer for thirty-one years. As the Facilities Manager, Tod is responsible for the overall building maintenance as well as its operating systems. Tod works closely with representatives from the EPA, FDA, and DEA to help ensure that the facility is run according to the regulated guidelines. He is also responsible for planning and keeping a departmental budget, employee schedules, and employing outside contractors when needed.

Brother Tod’s past employment includes owning and operating his own Pest Control business for over thirty-five years and spending four years as the head coach of the women’s soccer team at Penn State University, Abington Campus. Tod also spent many years as a volunteer coach at the local youth organization along with teaching hockey and soccer to both boys and girls.

Tod has been an Artisan for twenty years and has held the Cashier Position for St John’s Assembly for the last thirteen years. He was elected to the Board of Directors eight years ago. While on the Board, Tod has worked on the Finance Committee, Mortgage Committee and is the Chairman of the Human Resource Committee. Brother Tod Davies is a past president of the Dining Club and for the last four years has been the Dining Club’s Treasurer. He, along with his wife, plan and execute Junior Easter egg hunt and Halloween party for Artisan’s. Tod and Geri feel that Junior activities are very important way of keeping the younger members active and interested in our organization.

The work and involvement that Tod has shown over the years show why we believe Tod deserves to be re-elected as a director of the board.

Fraternally,

St. John’s Executive Committee

Director

Harry Flanagan

The members of St. John’s Executive Committee are proud to endorse the re-election of PMEMA/Director Harry Flanagan. Harry’s record is one of total service to the Artisans. Brother Harry has gone “through the chairs” within his assembly and as a Most Excellent Officer starting in 2005 and ending in 2010. As Most Excellent Master Artisan, Harry helped implement over $200,000 in savings for the Artisans in the years 2008 and 2009. Elected as a Director in 2010, Harry has worked tirelessly for the benefit of all Artisans, serving with the GAA, Extension Committee and the Dining Club. Harry was the Commander of Artisans Post #120.

Harry, along with his wife Aggie, were involved in planning, promoting and executing Artisan events such as the GAA Dinner and Show, the Dining Club Show and Dance and the St. John’s/Artisans Christmas Party, just to name a few. Harry and Aggie can always be found helping in the kitchen at the monthly St. John’s meeting or any Artisan event. In the past, Harry had been the host of the annual benefit for JDRF; Harry, and with the support of his fellow Artisans, has raised thousands of dollars for this worthwhile cause.

We believe Brother Harry Flanagan’s energy, devotion to the Artisan’s and experience will continue to be a very valuable asset to the Board as the Artisans continue to move forward and implement the changes needed to ensure our organization’s continued growth.

Fraternally,

St. John’s #28 Executive Committee

Director

David Szafran

 Northwestern Assembly No. 54 is proud to announce the candidacy of P.M.E.M.A. Brother David Szafran for re-election as Director on the Artisans Board. Dave is the past President of the G.A.A., a past President of the Dining Club, Secretary of the Dining Club, and past Secretary of the Artisan Extension Committee. Brother Szafran has served in most posts, multiple times, within our assembly and is currently our trustee. Dave has gone through the Most Excellent chairs and served as Most Excellent Master Artisan in 2016 and 2017. During his two years as MEMA, he instituted the Social Media Program and oversaw many transitions at the office. The changes he helped make have helped move the Artisans into the 21^st Century. Dave’s family is very active in the Artisans, and they have enjoyed volunteering and attending the many activities and functions the Artisans have had throughout the years.

In business, Dave served on the Financial Committee of the Bridesburg Federal Credit Union. Dave was also the Merchandising Manager for Frank’s Beverages Company where he was responsible for the supervision of twenty workers. He was responsible for handling the payroll and budget for all of the employees who worked under him. Dave worked for the Department of Corrections as a Correctional Officer. While employed with the correctional system he was responsible for re-writing the Medical Training Manual for the Philadelphia Prison System. During the City of Philadelphia financial crisis, Dave proposed using employed prison personnel for the duties of handling the medical transportation of prisoners. This idea helped cut waste and eliminate many overpaid private companies doing this service for the city. The prison system was able to save thousands of dollars that were then re-directed to other parts of the prison budget. Dave was the Medical Coordinator at the Bensalem BMX Track and volunteered at Northeast First Aid Corps where he held numerous positions over twenty years. During this same period Brother Szafran helped put together a major anniversary parade which included many local politicians, celebrities, and television and radio personalities. Dave served as President, Vice President, and CEO of the Cornwells Fire Company. His duties have included overseeing the fire company budget and purchasing equipment. Dave holds multiple state certifications as a Fire Fighter, Hazmat Ops, Vehicle Rescue Tech and Instructor in First Aid and CPR. Dave is a Master Mason and a member of Joseph H. Brown #751 where he has served in many positions including being the Worshipful Master, a position he is now serving in again.

We are confident that with Dave’s background in business, community volunteerism and the Artisans he would continue to be an asset to the Board. Dave will continue to keep our Society moving forward into the future.

Fraternally,

Northwestern #54 Executive Committee

Director

Bryan Werner

St. John’s Assembly #28 proudly endorses Brother Bryan Werner for re-election to the Board of Directors. Bryan’s family have been in the Artisans for six generations. Bryan’s wife, Carla, and their children are all active members of the Artisans. Bryan has served in every position within our assembly, including being our Master Artisan twice and now currently serving as our Recorder. Bryan is an active member and past President of the Artisans Dining Club, and Vice President of the G.A.A; He is a P.M.E.M.A. and has served as an officer or director of the board for the past twenty-five years. Brother Bryan is a past president of the Philadelphia Fraternal Alliance and a past president and current director of the New Jersey/New York Fraternal Alliance.

 Since the merger with the Polish Beneficial Society Bryan has served as the President/CEO of the combined company. Over the past four years our membership has increased, and our surplus and assets have doubled in value.

Bryan earned an associate degree from Community of Philadelphia, a bachelor’s degree from Holy Family University and a master’s degree from Gratz College. Brother Bryan is a licensed insurance agent in the state of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. Bryan was also a certified teacher and a law enforcement officer in Pennsylvania.

Bryan retired from the Philadelphia Police department in 1997 due to injuries he received while on duty. While with the police department Bryan received many awards including a commendation for heroism from the city of Philadelphia for helping save the lives of five persons during a house fire. He was made a member of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains due to this act of heroism. Bryan was principal of Holy Cross School in Philadelphia and helped save the school from closure by increasing the academic standing and enrollment of the school. By the time Bryan retired as Principal in 2016 the school was running a surplus budget, the enrollment had doubled, and it was the number one school, academically, in the IMS system.

We believe that with his proven track record of hard work and dedicated long-term service to the Artisans that Bryan deserves your consideration for re-election to the board of directors.

Fraternally,

St. John’s Executive Committee

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