Masonic Home of Missouri
Resource
“To assist eligible adults and children in need by practicing the principles of Freemasonry.�
NOTES from the EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“To assist eligible adults and children in need by practicing the principles of Freemasonry”
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s I start to turn the corner on my third year as Executive Director of the Masonic Home, I would be remiss if I did not take the time to thank those individuals and directors who have been generous in sharing their experience and knowledge with me. One can always benefit from the corporate memory of senior members of our fraternity. They have provided valuable insight in how they handled decisions and the implementation of those decisions. Their quiet counsel has helped me carry out the directives of the Masonic Home Board of Directors. I recently received a letter from Past Grand Master Dr. J. C. Montgomery, Jr. sharing a piece of his invaluable knowledge. I would like to share a portion of his letter with you. . . “For going on fifty-one years I have had the privilege of watching and being a part of the Home, knowing and being close to many Grand Lodge officers and quite a number of elected Board members. It has been a fascinating bit of history to have seen the changing of the Home facilities and the continuing evolution of the Home’s mission. I do believe that the successive Boards have acted with great dedication although they have always had to be sensitive to changing concepts of Masonic care as well as the climate of Grand Lodge.” It is reassuring to know that someone who has been involved with not just the Masonic Home, but the Masonic Fraternity for 70 years continues to provide great insight and support to our organization. On a different note, I am pleased to announce we have made great progress with the replacement of stones in the Square and Compass Courtyard. The new stones are beautiful gray Stone Mountain granite. They should withstand the extremes of our mid-Missouri climate. If you wish to inquire about a stone for your lodge, for a fellow member, loved one or yourself please call the office (800) 434-9804. I look forward to seeing and visiting with my fellow Brethren at Grand Lodge Annual Communication. Safe travels to all who will be attending.
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Fraternally,
Keith Neese Executive Director
PHILANTHROPY & YOU
Make Tax-Free Gifts from your IRA Under the extended charitable IRA legislation, you can make charitable gifts now using funds from your individual retirement accounts (IRAs) without undesirable tax effects. Previously you would have had to report any amount taken from your IRA as taxable income. You could then take a charitable deduction for the gift, but only up to 50 percent of your adjusted gross income. In effect, this caused some donors to pay more in income taxes than they would have if they hadn’t made a gift at all. Fortunately, now these IRA gifts can be accomplished simply and without tax complications. Plus, you can make the gifts now—while you are living and able to witness the benefits of your generosity. This unique opportunity expires at the end of 2011. You may contribute funds this way if:
• • • •
You are age 70½ or older at the time of the gift. The gifts total any amount up to $100,000 in 2011. You transfer funds directly from an IRA. You transfer the gifts outright to one or more qualified charities, but not to supporting organizations, or for gift annuities, charitable trusts or donor advised funds.
How the Extended Law Works
Pat, aged 80, has $450,000 in an IRA and has pledged to give Masonic Home of Missouri $75,000 this year. If Pat transfers $75,000 to us directly from the IRA, she will avoid paying income tax on that amount. She cannot, however, claim a charitable deduction—it is a pure wash. Pat has found an easy way to benefit Masonic Home of Missouri without tax complications. If Pat’s spouse has an IRA and is 70½ or older, he can also give up to $100,000 tax-free to a charity of his choice.
How to Make a Gift
Contact your IRA custodian soon to transfer your desired gift amount to Masonic Home of Missouri.
For More Information
It is wise to consult tax professionals if you are contemplating gifts under the extended law. Please feel free to contact the Masonic Home of Missouri at 800-434-9804 with any questions.
WWW.MOHOME.ORG
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PHILANTHROPY & YOU
Donor Profile
Richard Paul RWB Richard E. Paul was born and raised in St. Joseph, Missouri. After graduating High School, Dick attended College at the University of Missouri in Columbia, attaining a BS in Finance. After school Dick worked a few different jobs before landing a position with State Farm in 1980. That same year, Bro. Paul was raised to the degree of Master Mason in Charity Zeredatha Lodge No. 189 and served as Master in 1987 and DDGM for the 7th Masonic district in 2007-2008. Dick is also a 33rd degree Scottish Rite member where he has served as Personal Representative for the St. Joseph Valley 2000 - 2004 and became Executive Secretary in 2005 after retiring from State Farm. From 2004 - 2008 Dick served as board member on the Masonic Home of Missouri Board of Directors. Dick currently serves on the boards of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Missouri and the Kansas City Childhood Language Disorders Clinic. RWB Paul is a member of York Rite Bodies of St.
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Joseph, Moila Shrine and holds an Honorary DeMolay Legion of Honor. During this time Dick met Mary Ann at her beauty shop where Dick would go to get his hair cut. They became friends which later grew to something more. In 1988 the two were married. Mary Ann blessed Dick with a step-daughter and step-son who unfortunately passed in 2007. They have four grandchildren. When asked what he likes to do in his spare time, Dick paused and had to think for bit. Finally he replied, “I get tied up with my Masonic activities and that can take a lot of my time, but I do enjoy golf and traveling.” Next, we asked Dick why he has chosen to support the Masonic Home, he said, “Because of our mission statement.” The Masonic Home of Missouri would like to thank Dick for his continued support each year of the Masonic Home Golf Outing and contributions.
OUTREACH SERVICES
Outreach Statewide Assistance Since 1991, the Masonic Home of Missouri has had the great opportunity to provide services to its membership statewide. These services have been possible because of the resources made available through the Outreach Program. Within the last five years alone the Outreach Program has helped aid an average of 166 member’s annually providing financial relief in a time of need; allowing them the opportunity to remain in their own community.
How Does the Outreach Program Work?
The Outreach Program is a financial assistance program that provides aid to Missouri Master Masons, their wives, widows and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star within their own communities. Eligible individuals would contact the Masonic Home of Missouri and speak with an Outreach caseworker to set an appointment. Once an appointment is established an Outreach caseworker would then come out to take a one on one application. Concluding completion of an application the Outreach staff compiles the client’s information and presents it to the Board of Directors for decision. It is from this information the Board decides what type of financial assistance is most helpful to that client; while staying within the parameters of what the Masonic Home can and cannot financially assist with. The Board of Directors is made up of 13 Master Masons who meet monthly to make decisions on each applicant. Concluding every board meeting the Outreach caseworker contacts the client(s) to provide them with the decision made.
Confidentiality
The Outreach Program of the Masonic Home of Missouri holds all applicants’ identities in strict confidence. If you or someone you know may be in need of financial assistance we ask that you contact the Outreach Department of the Masonic Home of Missouri to discuss your situation with a caseworker.
WWW.MOHOME.ORG
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Masonic Complex
NOTES from the BOARD PRESIDENT The Masonic Home of Missouri Board of Directors made the decision at its May Board of Directors meeting to sell the Masonic Home Assisted Living Facility in Kansas City, MO to Americare Corp. The process began on June 1, 2011 and was completed with the signing of all appropriate documents on June 30, 2011. Effective July 1, 2011 the facility will have a new name, “Summit View Terrace.” The transition has been smooth with very little effect on your residents. The majority of the staff, who has cared for our residents so well for so many years, will remain. Year after year we’ve seen expenses exceed revenue forcing the Masonic Home Board of Directors to take this hard step. Across the country more and more Masonic Homes are looking at ways to leave brick and mortar behind and provide services that resemble our very own Outreach Program. By taking this action we will continue to broaden our mission, “To assist eligible adults and children in need by practicing the principles of Freemasonry.” We feel this is a positive move for the Masonic Home and Masonic Fraternity. Our goal is to make this transition as seamless as possible for our residents and staff. The corporation purchasing the Masonic Home Assisted Living Facility is headed by a Missouri Master Mason and former member of the Masonic Home Board of Directors who served from 1998-2001. He is familiar with who we are what we do for our members and we have no doubt his organization will continue to provide excellent care. Americare is based in Sikeston, Missouri, and has been providing quality eldercare services throughout the region for over thirty years. The company operates 50 assisted living facilities and 11 skilled nursing facilities in Missouri alone, with 50 more in Kansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Illinois. They are a respected provider with state and local regulatory agencies and are ranked in the top 100 long term care companies in the nation. But at heart – they are a small town company and have held true to those values. Americare empowers the local management team to run each facility in a way that’s responsive to its customers, employees and market. The resources, innovation and know-how they bring to the table make them the perfect provider to assume operations at our Kansas City home. For 20 years Missouri has been a pioneer for the Outreach Services model of assistance. States like Illinois has followed Missouri’s lead providing program based services to Master Masons, widows and female members of the Eastern Star who qualify for “Outreach” assistance. It is the hope of the entire Board, that the Freemasons of Missouri support this needed change in the operation of the Masonic Home of Missouri. Fraternally, John W Hess President Masonic Home Board of Directors
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Masonic Complex
Chant ana
Staff Moment
My name is Chantana Irvin. I am the Outreach Assistant for the Masonic Home of Missouri. I have been with the Masonic Home for eight years, starting as a Receptionist in June 2003. Originally from the city of Udon Thani, Thailand, in 1971 my father relocated to Plattsmouth, Nebraska, where I attended both elementary and high school. (Our house was just a few blocks from the beautiful Masonic Home of Nebraska.) Following high school graduation, I moved to Omaha and worked for Mutual of Omaha, while I attended night school at Bellevue University, Bellevue, Nebraska. Once my Dad retired, he relocated the family to Jefferson City, Missouri. I am very close with my family and I missed them very much, so I left Nebraska for Missouri. This has been my home since 1982. I married my husband, John, in 1998. We have two sons and two granddaughters ages seven and nine who we absolutely enjoy. I also have two younger brothers, two younger sisters and numerous nephews and nieces. Following my Dad’s passing in 1996, my Mom moved to Fulton, Missouri where she still resides today--in between her trips back to Thailand to see our family. I diligently work with our lodge members maintaining the data for the Widows database it is a continuous process that takes a great deal of time, but is an essential tool so that we can provide up to date information on the Masonic Home Programs that are available to eligible widows. Working with the Masons, Eastern Star members and their families, has been a very humbling, but rewarding experience. Knowing that I am a small part in helping somebody, somewhere to have a better and more comfortable life, is very satisfying. I hope to continue to learn and help for as long as needed.
WWW.MOHOME.ORG
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Public Relations
Attention!
Masonic Home Representatives
If you plan to attend this year’s Grand Lodge Communication on September 26, 2011 please RSVP for the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Representative Luncheon that will be held from 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. There will be many changes annoucemented regarding the representatives position. Please call Sara Snodderley at 800-4349804 to make your reservation today. Space is limited.
Hannibal
Widows Luncheon Another widow’s luncheon was held in Hannibal, Missouri on Tuesday, July 5th. Lunch was enjoyed while widows were informed about the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Outreach Programs. Included for lunch were Masonic Home Representatives which gave them the opportunity to visit with widows in their area. Donald and Donna Hoover, from Vandalia, Missouri received their Truman Club Bust at the luncheon. They are members of the Truman Club at the Lewis and Clark Society Level and it was a pleasure for them to visit with ladies they may have, or could possibly aid in assistance one day. We hope widows across the state will realize the importance of these meetings and will make every effort to attend one in their area. Scheduled meetings are listed below from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.: Sedalia Chillicothe Nevada Sullivan Troy Farmington Salem Blue Springs Neosho
July, 26th August 2nd August 2nd August 4th August 4th August 9th August 9th Augurst 16th August 16th
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Public Relations
Square
& Compass Courtyard
The Square and Compass Courtyard is a unique area located at the Masonic Complex in Columbia, where you, your Masonic Lodge or Eastern Star Chapter can show your Masonic support by having your name engraved in one of the paver stones. The opportunity is open to anyone wishing to show dedication to preserving Masonic history. When you make a donation to the Masonic Home, your personalized stone will be cut from high quality granite and laser cut for long-lasting and cleaner engraving. If you wish to have a stone engraved for your lodge, chapter, in honor or in memory of a loved one, or for yourself, please contact Lori Benson, Public and Donor Relations at 800-434-9804 with any questions. It’s a great way to make a lasting impression!
STONE SIZES & COST Stone Size 12” X 12” 18” X 18” 24” X 24” 4ft Bench 6ft Bench
Stone Cost $300 $550 $800 $1,500 $2,500
UPGRADES If you already have an original stone in the courtyard in either a 12” X 12”, or 18” X 18” and wish to upgrade, you only pay the difference. *Please note: when you place an order, if there is a large amount of artwork (other than O.E.S. or Masonic symbol) or excessive wording, you may be charged more for the stone than what is listed. WWW.MOHOME.ORG
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Make
Your Impression Today!
Please mail to: Masonic Home of Missouri, 6033 Masonic Dr., Suite A, Columbia, MO 65202
Name of Purchaser: ____________________________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: ________________________________________________________________ Size of Recognition Stone/Bench: _________________________________________________ Inscription Line 1: ____________________________________________________________ Line 2: ______________________________________________________________________ Line 3: ______________________________________________________________________ Line 4: ______________________________________________________________________ Line 5: ______________________________________________________________________ Amount Enclosed: _____________________________________________________________ If you wish to pay by credit card: Please charge my:
VISA
Mastercard
Discover
Card Number & Expiration Date: _________________________________________________ Signature for cards only: ________________________________________________________ Make checks payable to: Masonic Home of Missouri
Masonic Complex
NOTES from the
BOARD PRESIDENT Upcoming
American inventor, Charles Kettering once said “The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.” With the recent sale of the Masonic Home Western Unit, your Masonic Home of Missouri board of directors has taken steps towards a change that will certainly allow for progress and the continuation of the MHM for many years to come. This decision was not made lightly, the staff and directors put in many long hours discussing and evaluating our options. Your board of directors truly understands that we are charged with being good stewards of the money that has been bequeathed to the Home, using it to fulfill our mission statement “To assist eligible adults and children in need by practicing the Principles of Freemasonry.” The downturn in the economy over the last few years has created two major challenges for the Masonic Home. First, the income from our investment portfolio has been negatively affected from lower interest rates and stock prices. Secondly, many of our brothers and sisters are struggling with day to day expenses and in need of our help. These two issues, lower income and greater need, have led to several years where our expenses have exceeded revenues. Continuing down this path was not a long term viable option. In looking at all areas of our expenses, it became apparent that the operation of the Western Unit was the one area that we could affect the most change. By selling the facility and taking care of these residents through our Outreach Services we can eliminate considerable expense and still provide them with the same quality of care but at a more affordable cost. I would caution you that this sale was not the solution to all of our financial challenges but certainly a major step forward towards a more secure future for the Masonic Home. Your board of directors and the Masonic Home staff will continue to evaluate our financial options and to explore new ways to assist our brothers and sisters where ever they may reside. Caring, Sharing & Providing - "We Are Where You Are" Fraternally,
David L. Ramsey Vice President Masonic Home of Missouri Board of Directors WWW.MOHOME.ORG
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6th Annual Truman Club Dinner Country Club of Missouri 1001 Forum Boulevard Columbia, MO 65205 Saturday, September 24, 2011 6:00 p.m. Cocktails 7:00 p.m. Dinner & Presentation of Harry S Truman Busts 8:30 p.m. Fellowship
Truman Club Members Please watch for your invitation to arrive mid-August.
Masonic Home of Missouri 6033 Masonic Dr., Ste. A Columbia, MO 65202 PHONE: 573-814-4663 TOLL FREE: 800-434-9804 FAX: 573-814-4660