Missouri Outreach Winter 2016

WINTER ISSUE 2016

YOUR GUIDE TO RESOURCES

Outreach Missouri A publication of the Masonic Home of Missouri

ANNOUNCEMENT

Celebrating 25 Years

The Outreach Programs are officially 25 Years Old! Page 5

SPOTLIGHT ON...

Long-Term & Short-Term Financial Outreach Programs Learn how these two programs work Page 12

THE FACES OF THE TRUMAN CLUB

Charles A. Lindbergh Society Supporting and Giving Back at its Finest Page 14

The Story behind the Hands

Board of Directors C. Brent Stewart, Chairman/Grand Master Richard L. Smith, President Ronald D. Jones, Vice President Keith M. Bail, Secretary Chris T. Harrelson, Treasurer William J. Bowser Stanton T. Brown, II Jeffrey A. Parrotte David W. Ramsey Buddy Roberts James D. Schepers Tim Thomas Daniel J. Ward

Executive Director Barbara Ramsey

Director of Finance & Fund Development Jodi Blake

Editor

Reminder!!

In regard to the Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP) and Partnering to Honor (PTH) Program, all matching funds MUST be raised by the Lodge and/or Chapter and the application must contain two signatures, with one being either the Worshipful Master, Worthy Matron, Lodge/Chapter Secretary or Treasurer.

Once items are purchased and/or funds donated, the Lodge or Chapter will be responsible for providing a copy of the receipt(s) and/or a letter from the organization showing how the funds were spent. The Lodge/ Chapter will not be able to make additional requests until all receipts are received.

Website The Masonic Home of Missouri’s website (www. mohome.org) will be intermittently down during the early part of the year as we work on some new features.

Thank you for your patience.

Rhonda Stone Lightfoot Mailing List Disclaimer

Masonic Home of Missouri 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite A Columbia, MO 65202 (573) 814-4663 (800) 434-9804 (573) 814-4660 Fax www.mohome.org

The Masonic Home of Missouri does not give or sell our mailing list for any reason to any other person or company. We utilize our lists to keep you abreast of programs, special events or items of interest to the members of the Masonic Fraternity. We respect everyone’s privacy. If you do not wish to recieve mailings from the Masonic Home of Missouri, please contact us at (800) 434-9804.

CONTENTS 7

11

Ways to Remember Someone Who Has Passed.

Save the Date!

12

Spotlight on Long-Term & Short-Term Financial Assistance Outreach Programs

13

Private & Confidential

19

Masonic Communities & Services Association Appointment

16

Five Q & A’s with....

21

What’s in the Numbers?

04 05 06 08 14 18 20 22 23 24

Executive Director’s Notes Celebration Time!

The Story Behind the Hands Do You Know Your Masonic Home Rep? The Faces of the Truman Club The Legacy Society Spotlight on....

What to Expect from the Affordable Care Act Carbon Monoxide Dangers Contact Information Calendar of Events

Executive Director Notes This is always the perfect time of year to reflect and celebrate, and the Masonic Home of Missouri has much to celebrate this year! One of the most important accomplishments of this past year was the new Outreach Program – the Armed Forces Program.

Through the Long-Term and Short-Term Financial Assistance Programs, the Masonic Home has been providing direct financial assistance to veterans who are Missouri Masons and Order of the Eastern Star members for years. However, the new Armed Forces Program has allowed us to expand our grateful recognition to all Masonic veterans for their sacrifices for our country. If you are a veteran, having served during times of war or peace, we would like to recognize you for that service and say thank you.

There is a special lapel pin that we will mail you, along with additional thank you mailings throughout the year. If you are a veteran or know a veteran that has not already contacted us, please do so today at 1-800-434-9804. If you are a Masonic Home Representative, please help us make sure that all of the veterans in your lodge have been recognized. I would also encourage all lodges and chapters learn more about the Partnering to Honor (PTH) Program.

This past year was also full of amazing donor support. The golf tournament doubled the funds raised from previous years – all proceeds going to our Children’s Outreach Program and the Creating A Partnership Program. The Truman Club Dinner had its largest attendance ever with more donors moving

up into new recognition levels than ever before.

The Masonic Home recognized 47 Lodges at Annual Communication for their membership in the Vincil Society.

The Masonic Home has new donor recognition boards for the Truman Club and the Vincil Society, please come visit the Masonic Complex to see them. All of these donors make it possible for the Masonic Home to assist the membership today while also ensuring that the Masonic Home is strong and resilient in the years to come. Thank you so much for your continued support!!

The Outreach Programs allow the Masonic Home the flexibility to grow and evolve to meet the needs of Masons and Eastern Star members today, while continuing to incorporate the ideals upon which the Masonic Home was founded. I hope you will join me in celebrating the many accomplishments of this past year, as we look with optimism to the New Year ahead.

Sincerely,

Barbara Ramsey Executive Director

If you have an article on how your Lodge or Chapter is utilizing our Outreach Programs and would be interested in submitting to the Spring edition of the Missouri Outreach magazine, please contact Rhonda at (800) 434-9804 or email the article to rlightfoot@mohome.org by February 1, 2016.

All photographs submitted for publication will not be returned. The Editor reserves the right to accept, reject, subedit and rearrange material submitted for publication.

Deadlines for the Missouri Outreach are: Spring Issue (February 1, 2016), Summer Issue (April 29, 2016), and Winter Issue (October 31, 2016). The Fall Issue is our Annual Report.

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M sonic Home of Missouri OUTREACH PROGRAMS 25 years of being where you are If given the opportunity to stay near your family, lodge, chapter, church and friends, would you choose this or move away to a place that is unfamiliar and removed from all the people and places you know? It seems such an obvious choice for most of us – we would want to be surrounded by the people and places we know and love.

The Masonic Home made a change 25 years ago which recognized and embraced that choice.

The Masonic Home of Missouri’s Board of Directors was faced with difficult challenges regarding the upkeep and census of the Delmar campus in the 1980s. This caused a reevaluation of how the Masonic Home could help the membership. Was it possible to help people remain in their own homes or facilities within their own communities? In 1990, the Board of Directors decided that the Masonic Home could change – the Masonic Home could come to you.

Many people think that the Outreach Program began within the last few years. There were actually 10 clients approved for financial assistance from the Masonic Home in 1991 when the program started, but it would take several years for the program to grow beyond 10 to 20 clients assisted a year. In Fiscal Year 2015, the Outreach Program provided financial assistance to 116 Missouri Master Masons, their wives, widows, female members of the Order of the Eastern Star, and their dependent children. The direct financial assistance

provided was $951,485.51. In addition, this assistance was statewide – the Masonic Home might be assisting someone today in your community.

Since the inception of the Outreach Program, it has grown and evolved. It is no longer just a financial assistance program. It has expanded to meet the diverse needs of the membership, while also finding ways to get back to the Home’s original mission. The ability to help children is a wonderful example of an expansion of the program. The ability to help younger Masons and Eastern Star members through a short-term crisis has also been made possible through this program.

In addition, the Masonic Home provides assistance that is not monetary through programs such as Social Services and Financial Counseling. This past fiscal year the Masonic Home touched the lives of almost 13,000 people statewide through both the financial assistance programs and the non-financial Outreach Programs.

The Outreach Program is celebrating 25 years of service to the Fraternity. It has helped the Masonic Home change and adapt to the needs of the membership. It has changed how the Masonic Home works with lodges and chapters statewide. It is time to celebrate the Outreach Program’s silver anniversary. We hope you will join us in that celebration in 2016, because the Masonic Home truly is “Where You Are”.

Mission Statement To assist eligible adults and children in need by practicing the principles of Freemasonry

Winter Issue 2016

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The Story Behind the Hands Sometimes there are images that stay in your mind, and you wonder what the story is behind the image. Over the past two years, the Masonic Home of Missouri has used a pair of hands as our official logo of the Outreach Programs. The photograph depicts an older couple, a man and a woman with the man proudly displaying his Masonic ring and the love he feels for his lady is evident in the position of the hands. The photograph of the hands has graced our magazine, the website, the Facebook page, the Informational Guide and several other publications. It’s time for the story behind the hands to be told.

The Story behind the Hands started when Pat and Shirley King began to receive assistance through the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Long-Term Financial Assistance Program. “Mom and Dad had a wonderful life together, but just ended up having a situation where they ran out of money to fund their living expenses.”

Chris King, their son, relates, “They sold their house and were using the equity to finance their care. Then they bought another house that they should never have qualified for based on their income. It was during the whole real estate and the zero principal mortgage scandals. It was just a mess.” When the real estate bottom fell out, the Kings were faced with being underwater with what they owed on the mortgage and struggling to make the payments on their limited Social Security incomes. “Dad had gotten to a place that he just could not continue to live in the home that they had. There were a lot of steps, and they needed services that could be offered through a facility, rather than rely on each other or family. This was not how they planned their later years to be.” Chris continues, “Dad had been speaking with [RWB Richard L.] Dick Smith, who referred him to the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Outreach Program. The Masonic Home began financial assistance while they were in their home and helped them with both financial assistance and social services through the process of transitioning to a facility. It was a blessing for them to receive assistance and for our family to know that they were in a safe place.”

The Kings resided in an independent living center in a suburb of St. Louis where they could be close to their three sons and grandchildren. “There were times that it was stressful for my parents. They eventually went through a foreclosure, and that was unheard of with their generation. Dad had always provided for them and to have to face losing everything was hard.” Chris states, “The Home gave them a lot of support and was great to work with. The visits from the caseworkers were always looked forward to by my parents, and they made some great friendships with everyone at the Home over the years. I appreciate the fact that my parents never felt that they were blamed for the situation that was happening to them but rather they were supported and taken care of.”

The photograph of the hands was taken in the summer of 2013 during an interview with the Kings for the Missouri Outreach magazine. Mr. King had just celebrated his 58th year as a Mason and belonged to St. Louis Missouri Lodge No. 1. During the photo session of the couple out on their patio, Shirley was sharing a story and laughing, and Pat reached over to cover her hand with his. A photograph was snapped of the moment and became the Home’s official logo of the

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Outreach Program. The photo was taken on a Thursday, and just a few days later, the Home was notified of Pat’s death. The King family graciously allowed us to feature their parents in the magazine and to continue to use the photograph on our publications. “Mom has been in a skilled care facility for a couple of years now.” Chris relates, “She’s more reclusive than Dad but she gets great care, and we will always be grateful for the support that the Masonic Home gave us.”

The idiom “A picture is worth a thousand words” seems to fit truly and the Masonic Home of Missouri is honored to have been part of the King family’s life.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of the story.

Pat and Shirley King, the story behind the hands. (photo credit: Masonic

Home of Missouri archives).

Ways to Remember Someone Special Who Has Passed When someone important in our life dies, we sometimes worry we will forget things about them. Here are some ways for you to remember them. Think about some things the person used to enjoy. Can you enjoy some of the same things?

• Light a candle in their memory.

• Visit their burial place and leave a small token of respect.

• Decorate some cupcakes and share them with family and friends. Ask each person who receives the treat to share a memory about the person.

• Listen to the music they enjoyed • Add to an existing memory box or you may want to create one.

• Plant a flower, shrub, some bulbs, or a tree in your garden or yard to celebrate their life.

• What was their favorite food? Cook it and invite your friends or family over in your loved ones honor.

• Write a letter or message and tell them about all the things that have happened to you.

• Keep a journal or scrapbook of memories.

• Create a photo album of precious memories.

• Create a memorial website.

• Have a teddy bear or pillow made from some of the persons clothing.

• Make a memorial t-shirt • Buy or keep a bottle of their favorite aftershave/ perfume and spray it when you want to be reminded of them • Take buttons off of their clothing and make a bracelet out of them.

Reprinted with permission from Nelson’s List at www.nelsonlist.com

Winter Issue 2016

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Masonic Home Representatives DO YOU KNOW YOUR MASONIC HOME REPRESENTATIVE? Masonic Home of Missouri Representatives (known as Home Reps) are essential to the success of our Outreach Programs. Home Reps assist by being the point-ofcontact for local Lodges or Chapters and the people who need the Home’s assistance. The position of the Masonic Home Representative carries certain responsibilities and each Home Rep receives a binder of information, including their position duties, Outreach Programs details and items needed to fulfill their duties.

Every Lodge should have a Home Rep....do you know yours?

“Back around 2005, I was talking to the Worshipful Master at Jackson Lodge and mentioned I was kind of interested in being the Home Representative and before I left that day….I was appointed.” Balman recounts, “When Steve Burns, long-time Home Representative for Marceline Lodge passed away this past summer, I was asked to assume the position since I already had the experience. Representing two lodges is just fine by me since I like helping people.”

Joh n E. B a l man, Masonic Home Rep for Jackson Lodge No. 82 and Marceline Lodge No. 481 (photo

Served Straight-Forward with a Dry Twist of Humor

credit: Masonic Home of Missouri archives)

One thing about John E. Balman that you need to know is if you want a straight answer, you will get it-usually delivered with a smile and a dash of sarcasm but just enough to make you appreciate how you received it. John has been a Mason since 1977 and currently has memberships with Jackson Lodge No. 82, Marceline Lodge No. 481, and the Lodge of Research. Currently, John serves as the Masonic Home Representative for both Jackson and Marceline Lodges.

Over the past three years, John has worked with the Home through the Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP), a matching funds program that may match up to $10,000.00 per Lodge or Chapter per fiscal year. “The Home is super easy to work with. If I have any questions, I just call up there and the ladies help me.” Balman says, “Our Lodge and our community have just been incredible. It takes a lot of teamwork to pull off some of our

fundraisers but everyone is pretty good about pitching in to get it done.

The community has always been supportive and we truly appreciate that.”

When asked about the Outreach Programs, John offered, “My favorite Outreach Program is probably the Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP), mainly because you know that you are helping children in our own communities. The stories you hear from the schools just make you proud that your Lodge has made a difference. There is a young man who gets his backpack of food and then hides it under his front porch out of fear that those living in his home might eat it. There’s a young lady who uses the school’s facilities to take a shower and receives socks and undergarments from the school’s supply that we help assist with because she doesn’t have the support she needs at home. It’s a sad reality that this happens to children nowadays but in honesty, it’s everywhere and our Lodge can help lessen it.”

“Moving to offering the Outreach Programs was a good business decision.” Balman adds, “When you look at the rural areas of the State and see the good that comes from being helped through one

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of the Outreach Programs versus just having a facility in St. Louis or Kansas City; you can see that more people can get help who need it. First, the money goes all over the State and not into keeping up buildings and secondly, those people who want to stay in their own communities are still eligible for assistance.”

Being the Connection Edward K. “Ed” Stark has been a member of Lathrop Lodge No. 506 (Lathrop, MO) since 1999 and a member of the Lodge of Research.

“Being a good Home Rep means that you need to be willing to talk and learn.” Stark states, “Take this position seriously. You are the connection for your Lodge brethren, their wives, widows, and even your community.” Stark has been the Masonic Home Rep for Lathrop Lodge since 2008.

“Working with the staff of the Home is great. I’ve been the Home Rep long enough that I know what to say and how the programs work, but I also know that I just have to make a phone call if I have a question.” Ed continues, “Our Lodge participates in a lot of the Outreach Programs, but the Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP) is probably the one that means the most to our Lodge members. Our guys make sure that the children get what they need. I have worked hard to make a connection with the school counselors and even serve on an outreach committee for the community.”

When asked about the training that

he has received as a Home Rep, Ed listed several areas where he learns about the Outreach Programs, including the Rep Luncheon held during Grand Lodge’s Annual Communication, the Home’s website at www.mohome.org, Facebook page, the Rep Report (a quarterly newsletter for all Home Reps), and Informational Guide.

“The information is out there to learn about the Home, and you can always call the staff.” Stark relates, “The staff will get you the answers to your questions.”

Ed Stark, Masonic Home Rep for Lathrop Lodge No. 506. (photo credit:

Ed Stark)

“Moving to the Outreach Programs was a smart financial decision to make for the Home,” Ed says, “You help more people where they are in their communities and where they want to be. Being in a more rural location, people did not want to move away from their family and being able to receive the same assistance throughout the State is how it should be.”

Award Winning Attitude Richmond Lodge No. 57 has won an award for their participation in the

Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP) for the past two years. “The agencies we work with know the general community and what needs there are, so our Lodge tries to help as much as we can.” Dowell Carter, Masonic Home Rep for the Lodge states. “Being the Masonic Home Rep goes together with my other position as our Lodge’s Charity Committee Chair.”

“One of the projects that my Lodge has taken to is helping House of Hope, a shelter for abused women and children,” Carter adds, “Sometimes the children have nothing when they are placed in the shelter. Our Lodge helps with purchasing clothing for the children.

Having a new outfit for school can make a world of difference in a child’s outlook. We also work closely with our local schools through their guidance counselors.

The counselors will let us know if they have a child who might need glasses, shoes, clothing or even a winter coat. We are there to help them out.”

It probably goes without saying that Dowell loves the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP). “Partnering with the Home through the CAP program just allows our charity monies to go further, reach more children and do more things for our community.

Parents’ budgets can only stretch so far and sometimes it just cannot extend to cover new shoes or coats.”

“If I had to talk to a new Rep, I would encourage them to talk to the Staff at the Home, learn about the programs and make sure you are

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willing to take on the responsibility of this position.” Carter says, “The more you learn about this position and work with the programs, the more rewarding it becomes. To know that a child has a winter coat because of your Lodge is very gratifying.”

Members of Richmond Lodge No. 57 accepting their CAP award. Dowell Carter is 3rd from the right in the photo. (photo credit: Masonic Home of Missouri archives)

The Masonic Home of Missouri chooses five Lodges each year that have gone above and beyond with their partnership with the Home and the Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP). Richmond Lodge No. 57 was awarded one of these awards during the Rep Luncheon during this past year’s Grand Lodge Annual Communication.

No Excuses for Not Helping Out “When I was first asked to be the Masonic Home Rep, I had two thoughts. First, I knew I had big shoes to fill from our out-going Home Rep, Dee Dowler. Dee had been the Rep for a long time and seemed to do so much. Second, after I realized that the Home does everything that I believed in and wanted to do, I was all for it.” Lonnie Weatherford, Masonic Home Rep for O’Sullivan Lodge No. 7 says, “My military background helps

me in this position. I wasn’t very active in my Lodge because of my military service, but this gave me a position that I knew would fit in with my beliefs and with my ability to organize.”

“My favorite program is the Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP). Our Lodge sponsors an annual bluegrass festival called ‘Picking in the Park’ and most of the funds raised during this event fund our CAP program.” Weatherford recalls, “Sometimes there is this thought process in communities about why people should help or not help others, but when you find out it’s children there are no excuses for not helping out.”

After Lonnie had agreed to serve as the Masonic Home Rep, he contacted the office and spoke to staff about the expectations of the position and information was mailed to him to help him with the position. “Working with the Staff at the Home has been wonderful!

If I have a question, I just have to ask.” When asked about the CAP Program and the application that goes with it, Lonnie quickly said, “It’s easy once you understand that the Lodge needs to raise the funds, fill out the application and what can be funded, but the Staff will always help you out. It’s a very fast turnaround from putting the application in and receiving the funds; as long as you do it right.”

When asked what he would tell someone interested in becoming a Home Rep, Lonnie was quick to say, “visit the Home’s website, attend the annual luncheon in September

and talk to the Staff of the Masonic Home. It’s part of the challenge to be a better Lodge and give part of yourself back to your community.

If there is a need, help fill it. Make a difference.”

Lonnie Weatherford presenting a CAP check to Harlee Maxwell (Student Council VP), Miguel Najera (Student Council President), and Christina Bowers, Principal of Walnut Grove Elementary School. (photo credit: Lonnie

Weatherford)

Doing for Others Leland R. “Lee” Glasscock is a member of Mountain View Lodge No. 637 (Mountain View, MO) and has been the Home Rep for the Lodge since 2012. “The Lodge asked me if I would do it, and I said I would.” Lee laughs, “There’s so much more to this position than anyone realizes. We don’t just work the Creating-A-Partnership (CAP) Program but we keep the Lodge’s widow and Veterans list updated, reach out to the people in our Lodge to see if they need anything, make referrals and continue to build relationships with local businesses.

Those relationships with local businesses come in real handy when your Lodge is trying to use the charity’s funds to purchase items for children in need.”

Mountain View Lodge has assisted children in need in five different

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schools in the Lodge’s community over the years through a partnership with the Masonic Home of Missouri.

“CAP is my favorite program that the Home offers, probably because my Lodge is so behind doing it.

Lee says, “I talk to the counselors and the Lodge figures out a budget for the year, and then we go to work figuring out how to fulfill the needs. Everyone in my Lodge is on board and gives so freely of their time and resources. We help with a community event called ‘Pioneer Days’ and hold other fundraisers.

The community is great about supporting us because they know the funds are coming back to help children right here.”

Leland R. “Lee” Glasscock posing with Popeye, the Sailer Man. . (photo credit: Lee Glasscock)

“I just have to call the Home if I have a question, and know I will get an answer,” Lee says when asked about working with the Masonic Home.

“This position isn’t for everyone and Lodges shouldn’t just hand out the title before seriously thinking about what this position means to those that might need help. You need some experience before you take it on. You need to understand the programs and be willing to

become educated on the Home to fully understand how to help people in your area. I like how the staff acts as a ‘sounding board’ when I call in to talk over a situation with them.

That helps tremendously.” Lee then shared a quote that he tries to live by and that he felt relates to the Home Rep position, “What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others is immortal’ by Albert Pike,” Lee continues, “That’s what it is all about...helping others.”

The Masonic Home of Missouri appreciates these Masonic Home Reps for their dedication, support, and for allowing us to feature them in this issue of the Missouri Outreach. Every one of the Home Reps stated the same theme, “This isn’t about me...it’s about my Lodge and how they are helping the community.”

Masonic Home Reps are appointed by the Worshipful Master of the Lodge. If you have questions regarding what the position entails or who the Masonic Home Rep is for your Lodge, please contact Rhonda at (800) 434-9804. More information is also available on our website at http://mohome.org/ Masonic-Home-Representatives. html.

“Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” ~Danny Thomas

SAVE THE DATE! We are excited to announce that the Masonic Home of Missouri’s 14th Annual Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, May 2, 2016 at the Columbia Country Club in Columbia, Missouri.

We will be bringing back an exciting theme, fabulous food, prizes and a great day of golf, all to benefit the Masonic Home of Missouri.

Registration includes 18 holes of golf, cart rental, range balls, lunch, beverages, polo shirt, prizes and an awards dinner.

We are finalizing the details now and you will be receiving the information soon. If you should have any questions, please give us a call at 800434-9804 or visit our website at www.mohome.org.

Funds raised from the tournament will support our children’s and Armed Forces Veteran’s programs. Last year’s proceeds played an important role in allowing us to provide over $1,000,000 through the Outreach Financial Assistance Programs. This would not have been possible without the generous sponsors and golfers who supported our tournament.

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Spotlight on the Long-Term & Short-Term Financial Assistance Outreach Programs Two of the Masonic Home of Missouri’s financial Outreach Programs are the Long-Term & the ShortTerm Financial Assistance Programs. These programs provide financial assistance to Missouri Master Masons, their wives, widows and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star.

T

he Long-Term Financial Assistance Program provides financial assistance for primarily elderly Missouri Master Masons, their wives, widows and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star. This assistance provides monthly financial help for someone living in a facility, such as an assisted living facility or independent living facility, or for those living in their home or apartment.

In the Masonic Home’s Fiscal Year 2015, the Home provided monthly financial assistance to 57 clients living in facilities throughout the State of Missouri and 3 clients in facilities in other states. The monthly assistance to clients in facilities totaled $778,720.85.

Long-Term Financial Assistance Distribution 4%

4%

One-Time Payments/Medical Long-Term Home Long-Term Facilities

They would not have been able to receive the level of care they needed, and may have been forced to prematurely move to an unnecessary level of care.

In addition to providing monthly assistance, the Home can provide clients assistance through onetime payments. Clients can receive multiple one-time payment assistance and/or monthly assistance. For example, a client might receive assisstance to remain in his home to pay for things such as utilities and medication each month. That same client could also recieve assistance for a one-time payment to help pay an unexpected medical bill. The Masonic Home assisted 22 Long-Term assistance clients with one-time payments totaling $29,022.51. Many of these clients also received monthly financial assistance.

T

he Short-Term Financial Assistance program provides financial assistance primarily to younger Missouri Masons, their wives, widows, and female members of the Order of the Eastern Star. This program recognizees that members of the fraternity may need asssistance during unexpected hardships, such as an unexpected medical problem. Short-Term Assistance typically lasts 6 months or less, and qualified applicants may receive monthly assistance, one-time payments, or a combination of monthly and one-time payment assistance.

Short-Term Financial Assistance Distribution 7%

92%

Short-Term One-Time Payments/Medical

The Home also provided monthly assistance to enable 6 clients to remain in their homes, totaling $37,432.00.

Without this monthly assistance, these clients would not have been able to reamin in their homes or facilities.

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Short-Term Home

93%

Missouri Outreach

In Fiscal Year 2015, the Masonic Home assisted 6 There are several methods to either be referred or to clients in their homes with monthly assistance totaling make a referral to the Masonic Home of Missouri: $7,468.94. In addition, the Home assisted 37 clients with one-time payments totaling $94,962.31. Five of • Notify your Lodge’s Masonic Home Representative that you are needing a referral for services. the short-term assistance clients received both monthly assistance and one-time payments.

• Visit our webpage at www.mohome.org and all pages on the website have a “Contact Us” button.

Financial Assistance Programs Just fill out the information requested and someone Client Demographic 10% 13% will contact you.

1% 14%

18%

Masons Couples Widows OES Widows/OES

44%

Children

To qualify for financial assistance, all applicants must be Missouri Master Masons, their wives/widows or female members of the Order of the Eastern Star in good standing. The Masonic Home reviews Age and Length of Membership requirements on all applicants.

In addition, applicants must complete a financial application to demonstrate a financial need.

Applicant age when raised as Master Mason Prior to the age of 40 40 - 49 years

Continous Good Standing requirements prior to application 5 years 10 years

50 - 59 years 60 + years

15 years 20 years

• Call our office at (800) 434-9804 and ask to speak to an Outreach Caseworker.

• Fill out the enclosed postage paid referral card located in this magazine. Please make sure to have a phone number for the person being referred and print legibly.

Great Tip! Discuss with your adult children the Home’s programs. Remove and give the referral card to them for safe-keeping. You might not need the services now but by educating those that may make decisions for you later in life and giving them the means to reach us; you will be doing everyone a service.

Did You Know?

All referrals received by the Masonic Home of Missouri are confidential. All cases are assigned a number and the person requesting assistance is referred to as “John Doe” or “Jane Doe”. No mention of the person’s Lodge/Chapter or the town where they reside is included in the paperwork presented to the Board of Directors. The Masonic Home of Missouri is commited to preserving the privacy and confidentiality of our clients.

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The Faces of the Truman Club Still Why I Support My Masonic Home!

Worshipful Brother Terry Shofner was born and raised in E. St. Louis, IL. He served in the Naval Reserve for 34 years retiring as a Commander in the Navy Seabees. He is a graduate engineer from the Missouri University of Science & Technology (Rolla). Alice, Terry’s wife, was raised in St. Louis County and graduated from Pattonville High School.

She then attended Southeast Missouri State in Cape Girardeau majoring in Elementary Education.

After graduation, Terry worked as a fire protection and safety engineer for FM Global, Monsanto, Pfizer, McCarthy and Tarlton. He is a registered Professional Engineer in seven states. Alice is a retired elementary educator who taught 1st and 2nd grades in Pattonville. She sings in their church choir and a ladies A cappella chorus. They have five children and 12 grandchildren that keep them busy. They enjoy traveling with each other and with friends. They are active in their local Baptist church.

In 2004, Terry served as Worshipful Master of Bridgeton Lodge No. 80, where he is an Endowed member, followed by several years as Secretary. He is currently the Masonic Home Representative as well as Treasurer for the Lodge and the Temple Association.

He is a member of the Lodge of Research, Scottish Rite, National Sojourners and the Heros of ’76.

Terry and Alice are longtime supporters of the Home. In 2009, the Masonic Home published an article about them titled “Why I Support My Masonic Home”. We found it more than fitting to highlight the Shofner’s once again to show our

gratitude for their continued support of the Home.

We asked Terry what inspired him to make his first donation to the Masonic Home. He replied by saying “donating to the Home seemed to be the thing to do when I became a Mason. I also responded to the Grand Master’s appeal letter.”

Terry is impressed that our primary mission is caring for “our Brothers, their Widows, and Children”. He is also thrilled with the Partnering to Honor and the CreatingA-Partnership programs. This is not a surprise since Terry is the Masonic Home Rep for Bridgeton Lodge No. 80. Both of these programs provide matching funds from the Masonic Home to Lodges and Chapters up to $10,000 each fiscal year to help fund Honor Flights and care packages to those individuals currently serving and to assist children in need within your communities.

The Masonic Home held its 10th annual Truman Club dinner this past September. The Shofner’s were recognized for their membership in the Charles A. Lindbergh Society. Terry and Alice have only missed one year because Alice’s A cappella chorus had a concert on the same evening. Alice now schedules the event and jokingly says that she makes sure that it is never on the same night as our Truman Club Dinner. Mark your calendar to attend the 11th Annual Truman Club Dinner on Saturday, September 24, 2016. The odds are very good that Terry and Alice will be in attendance!

Terry wishes that everyone knew all of the good things that the Masonic Home of Missouri accomplishes.

So, with this message, we would like to challenge each of you to make it a personal mission to become more familiar with “Your Masonic Home”. Do you really know everything we do here? As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary of our Outreach Programs in 2016, we are going to make it our personal mission to make sure that we get the message out there to you. We invite you to visit our website at www.

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Charles A. Lindbergh Society mohome.org or phone (800) 434-9804 with questions.

Alice and Terry give to the Masonic Home of Missouri to share their blessings with others. Terry holds Harry Truman’s quote, “The Masonic Home of Missouri, in my opinion, is reason enough for the existence of the Masonic Fraternity. Every man who is a member of our Fraternity in Missouri ought to be proud of the fact that he contributes to the welfare of his Brethren, and their children” as the primary reason for his deep regard for the Home and its mission.

Please consider joining Terry and Alice in their ongoing support of the Masonic Home.

(from left to right): Terry and Alice Shofner, Tom Spencer (photo credit: Masonic Home of Missouri archives)

Giving Back to Society Thomas A. Spencer became a member of the Truman Club in 2010 and has been attending the annual dinner since 2012. Tom resides in Arlington, Texas and makes the drive to Columbia, Missouri every year to join us for the event. When we asked if we could write an article about him, he agreed and said the theme of the article should be “Born poor, work hard, manage well and give back to society that you have profited from.”

Tom was born in San Diego, California and joined the Army in 1956, retiring in 1976 with the rank of Major.

His military decorations include the Silver Star, Bronze Star for valor, the Purple Heart and Distinguished Member of the 502 Infantry Regiment (just to name a few). He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in 1971 from the University of Nebraska under the Army Bootstrap Program, majoring in Business and earned his Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Boston University in 1975. He completed the majority of both degrees while on active duty with the Army.

Tom joined his hometown lodge, Chula Vista Masonic Lodge No. 626 F&AM of Chula Vista, CA, in 1962.

While stationed in Germany, he became a dual member of Oregon Military Lodge No. 223 in Frankfurt under the Grand Lodge of Oregon. He founded a new lodge – Oregon Military Lodge No. 936 under the German Grand Lodge and in 1975 he served as its first Master.

He is also a member of the York Rite of Frankfurt, Germany, Moslah Shrine Temple and Scottish Rite Bodies in Fort Worth, TX and is a member of several research lodges in the United States (including Missouri), Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand.

He continues to be active in lodge work after retiring and is a plural member of Arlington Lodge No. 438 AF&AM of Arlington, TX. Tom’s interest in Masonry led him to pursue a four-year course in Masonic History and Philosophy at the Grand Lodge of South Australia and Northern Territories, receiving his diploma in 2010.

So, how did Tom become a member of our Truman Club? Tom receives the Missouri Freemason Magazine and noted that we had an awards program for donors at the Masonic Home. (Note: Texas does not have a program like this!) He was intrigued by our annual dinner and liked the idea since it was a “formal” affair and ladies could also attend. Tom has always supported charity projects of the organizations in which he belongs, so it was an easy fit. The more he learned about what we do, he became more inspired to upgrade

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his membership. This year, Tom was recognized as a member of the Charles A. Lindbergh Society. In addition, he challenged 5 members at the Truman Club Dinner to upgrade their membership to the next level and he would do the same. We are happy to say that Tom has plans to attend the dinner on September 24, 2016 and will be recognized for upgrading to the Omar Bradley Society. In September 2015, we installed the Truman Club Donor Wall to permanently recognize our loyal Truman Club donors beginning at the Laura Ingalls Wilder Society. We would like to thank Mr. Spencer once again for making this possible by underwriting the cost of this project. We invite you to stop in to see it the next time you are in Columbia.

We asked Tom what he thought was one of the most important things we’ve achieved since he began donating to us. Without hesitation, he referred to our Financial Counseling Program, which he states is “a must.” He went on to say that “giving financial assistance to someone without attacking the problem that caused the financial problem is not good.”

The Financial Counseling Program offers financial educational services to our Masonic members and their family members through individual consultations and group educational presentations.

Hosting a financial counseling presentation offers an opportunity for Lodges and Chapters to connect with the youth and Masonic widows in their community. These presentations are offered free of charge.

Tom would like for all Missouri Masons to know that the Masonic Home of Missouri is THEIRS. He wishes that more Masons would take an opportunity to donate to the Home and become a member of our Truman Club. Tom went on to say that “there was a prayer at our entrance into Masonry that requested we be a true and faithful brother in the Fraternity. As such, we should all be donating some of God’s blessing upon us so that those less fortunate can have a better life.

That’s being true and faithful to Masonry’s ideals.”

Please mark your calendar to attend our next dinner on September 24, 2016. You will not want to miss an opportunity to personally meet Tom and learn more about his interesting background.

Five Q & A’s with a Past President of the Board David W. Haywood, PGM served as the President of the the Board of Directors for one year by virtue of his Grand Lodge office.

MWB Haywood is a member of Webster Groves Lodge No. 84 (Webster Groves, MO). Dave served as President of the Masonic Home of Missouri Board of Directors in 2013-2014.

Q: What was the one thing about the Masonic Home of Missouri that made an impression on you?

DWH: “The speech that MWB John Nations gave each time he visited a Lodge or brethren made an impact on me.

Knowing that the Home was helping people from the plains of Missouri to the hills of the Ozarks, to the cities far and wide made me very proud.”

Q: What program was your personal favorite and why?

DWH: “The Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP). The ability for the Lodges to help their own members and others in their communities. This program enhances the public relations and visability of the individual Lodge each time a check is given to a local organization to help others in need.”

Q: How did the year that you served as the Board President make a difference in your life?

DWH: “The first half of my Presidency was the 125th Anniversary. It was a lot of work but it showed the longevity of the charity and hearing the stories of how the Home made an impact on the children who grew up in the original Home and those we were helping now was incredible.”

Q: Why have you decided to make the Masonic Home of Missouri a charity in which you support financially?

DWH: “Harry S. Truman said it best, “The Masonic Home of Missouri, in my opinion, is reason enough for the existence of the Masonic Fraternity.”

Q: If you could express one thing to everyone in the Masonic Fraternity about the Masonic Home, what would it be?

DWH: “The Masonic Home of Missouri is the true charity of Freemasons in Missouri.”

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Five Q & A’s with a Past Board Member

Five Q & A’s with a Past Board Member

Jeffrey D. Lee served on the Board of Directors for four years as elected by the membership at Annual Communication. Jeff is a member of Henderson Lodge No. 477 (Rogersville, MO). Jeff served on the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Finance Committee, Outreach Committee (Chairman), and Administration Committee.

Charles F. Wiegert served on the Board of Directors for four years as elected by the membership at Annual Communication. Charlie is a member of GardenvilleCache Lodge No. 455 (St. Louis, MO) and Noble Lodge No. 684 (St. Louis, MO). Charlie served on the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Outreach Committee, Administration Committee (Chairman), and Development Committee.

Q: What was the one thing about the Masonic Home of Missouri that made an impression when you became a Board member?

JDL: “How professional and caring the Masonic Home is and how much they do for the Masonic Fraternity.”

Q: What was the one thing about the Masonic Home of Missouri that made an impression when you became a Board member?

CEW: “It’s serious work. Seeing the cases and seeing the sad situations some of our brothers and sisters were in was an eye opening experience. It made me feel as a Mason I was living up to the obligations I took so many years ago to help others.”

Q: What program was your personal favorite and why?

JDL: “That’s a tough one but I’d have to say the Children’s Financial Assistance Outreach Program. I liked how the program helped children regardless of the situation that the family found themselves in.”

Q: How did the years you served on the Board make a difference in your life?

JDL: “It made me appreciative of what I have and of the great fraternity that I belong to.”

Q: Why have you decided to make the Masonic Home of Missouri a charity in which you support financially?

JDL: “Until I became a board member, I didn’t fully understand the need and what we could do for our brethren through the Masonic Home of Missouri. Now I give to help the charity continue to make an impact on others.”

Q: If you could express one thing to everyone in the Masonic Fraternity about the Masonic Home, what would it be?

JDL: “That the Masonic Home of Missouri is truly a caring part of our Masonic Fraternity. It shows through the professionalism of the staff and how many of our brethren we have helped and can help.”

Q: What program was your personal favorite and why?

CEW: “Creating-A-Partnership. My Lodge is able to provide meals for children on the weekends through a back pack program, and we can help twice as many children through the Masonic Home’s matching funds.”

Q: How did the years you served on the Board make a difference in your life?

CEW: “It was a fantastic experience. I learned so much about our spectacular fraternity and the wonderful and dedicated people who “run” it. I am grateful we are so fortunate to have such great caretakers, and the future of our organization is in the hands of people who care so much.”

Q: Why have you decided to make the Masonic Home of Missouri a charity in which you support financially?

CEW: “People, especially Masonic Brothers and Sisters who really need help, are helped by the programs the Masonic Home provides. If you want to really try and help make a difference and you want to be sure your money is being used for that purpose, the Masonic Home is the place to give.”

Q: If you could express one thing to everyone in the Masonic Fraternity about the Masonic Home, what would it be?

CEW: “The work they do and the assistance we are able to provide to so many in need, is the most important thing a Mason can do.”

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The Legacy Society A Society of the Masonic Home of Missouri

Spotlight on Dar & Susan Weston Dar and Susan Weston reside in El Segundo, CA and recently made the journey back to Missouri to attend our Truman Club Dinner. While, at the dinner, Dar learned about our Legacy Society and realized the impact he could make by remembering the Masonic Home of Missouri with a planned gift in his estate plan.

Dar and Susan have a strong connection the Home since Dar’s parents were active in Masonry, and his mother was a resident of the Masonic Home in Kansas City. Dar feels blessed in so many ways and would like to encourage others to join him in his long term commitment to the Home.

Brother Dar Weston was born in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dar received a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Government from the University of Missouri (UMKC) in 1964 and then studied Mandarin Chinese. He was an officer of Mother Chapter DeMolay in Kansas City and Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) fraternity at UMKC. Dar became a Mason in Hawaii in 1970, a Scottish Rite member in San Diego in 1972, and a Shriner in Taipei, Taiwan in 1980. He coached a DeMolay basketball team in Honolulu, Hawaii. He has served as secretary and treasurer in the El Segundo Masonic Lodge No. 421 and chaired committees for public school students of the year, public school essays and scholarships, and led the revitalization and expansion of the annual U.S. Constitution Commemoration event by adding participation from local government and schools, nearby lodges, and the local Boy Scouts of America troops.

Dar joined the U.S. Navy as a naval aviation intelligence officer in Pensacola, Florida. His initial tours of duty took him to Ca Mau, Vietnam as the Assistant Naval Intelligence Liaison Officer (NILO) and Hawaii as an Officer Special Agent with the Naval Investigative Service. After that, the Navy sent Dar to Claremont Graduate University where he received a Master of Arts degree in Asian Studies (China emphasis) in 1974.

While a Navy officer, Dar taught modern Chinese history at the La Verne University campus in San Diego, California and the University of Maryland campus in Taipei, Taiwan.

Dar & Susan Weston at the 2015 Truman Club Dinner. (photo credit: Masonic Home of Missouri archives)

Following graduate school, Dar was assigned to the U.S. Taiwan Defense Command in Taipei, Taiwan in 1974.

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Missouri Outreach

This was a time when the U.S. began to close its military bases in Taiwan preparatory to recognizing China, and both Chiang Kai-shek and Mao Tse-tung would die before Dar returned to the United States. In Taiwan, Dar met, dated, and married Susan. He separated from active duty in 1977 to remain in Taiwan as Hughes Aircraft System International’s foreign office manager for the installation of an air defense program in Taiwan.

At the completion of the defense program, Dar and family returned to the Hughes International Division at corporate headquarters in California where he managed the company’s compliance with Department of State export regulations. He was also the Assistant Vice President for China activities. In this latter capacity, he participated in a four-person delegation to Beijing, China to discuss a potential mutual U.S. – China defense program at the request of the U.S. Government. This visit and other contacts by government and company officials led to Dar’s organizing the follow-on visit of the Chinese Ministry of Defense delegation and other visits to Hughes Aircraft Company.

Dar continued his naval career as a reserve intelligence officer translating Chinese language documents and twice functioning as the Assistant Navy Attache in Singapore. Commander Weston retired from the U.S. Navy Reserves in 1995. His 18 commendations include the Bronze Star with “V” for valor. He retired from Hughes Electronics Corporation, International Division in 1995 and his company, ExportAlert, in 2014 Dar’s interests include golf and writing. He and Susan have one son, one daughter, three grandchildren, and one great-grandson.

It is our pleasure to welcome Dar and Susan as one of the newest members of our Legacy Society. If you would like more information regarding the Legacy Society, please contact Jackie Walters at jwalters@mohome.org or by calling (800) 434-9804.

Barbara Ramsey Appointed MCSA Board Secretary The Masonic Communities & Services Association (MCSA) is a national organization established in 1931.

At the time MCSA was formed, it provided a forum for “superintendents” of Masonic Homes to share problems about their homes and find solutions with their counterparts. Several years ago, MCSA broadened its mission to not only recognize and set the standard of care for Masonic charitable organizations but move beyond bricks and mortar. They recognize that all Masonic Homes were founded upon the same Masonic Principles, although they may carry out their missions in different ways. MCSA has reached out to states like Missouri to learn more about our Outreach Programs.

The Masonic Home of Missouri’s Executive Director, Barbara Ramsey, was asked to speak about Missouri’s Outreach Program at the Annual Conference the last two years. In addition to speaking at the MCSA Annual conference in June 2015, Mrs. Ramsey was asked to serve on the Board of Directors for MCSA holding the office of Secretary of the Board and serving as Chair of the Outreach Committee.

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What to Expect from the Affordable Care Act

By: Carly Dibben, Financial Counsling Caseworker

On March 23, 2010 the Affordable Care Act (ACA), often referred to as Obamacare, was signed into law and fundamentally changed healthcare in America.

This piece of federal legislation changed how Americans obtain and pay for their health insurance.

These changes have taken place slowly over these past five years to allow for a smooth transition for both consumers and insurance providers.

And while these changes are nearing completion, there is a major shift in financial responsibility for each American should they not have adequate coverage.

One of the most talked about changes to healthcare brought about by the ACA is that of the Individual Shared Responsibility Payment. This is a fee, often referred to as a penalty or fine, that consumers must pay should they not meet qualification of minimum essential coverage. It is assessed as you prepare your annual federal income tax return if you or anyone in your household did not maintain health insurance coverage that met ACA guidelines during any point of

the calendar year. The amount of the fee is based on the number of months that you, your spouse, or dependent minor children did not have adequate coverage. There are a few exemptions to the shared responsibility payment. These exemptions are mostly based on lack of affordable coverage options, the length of gap in coverage, membership in certain groups, and certain hardships and life events. A person’s qualification for an exemption can be determined while completing their tax return.

The Individual Shared Responsibility Payment has gradually increased over the years. Again, this was to allow for consumers to secure qualifying coverage without being penalized should they have difficulty with the process. There was no penalty fees assessed the first years of the Affordable Care Act. Fees were first collected for 2014 with plans for the fee to increase incrementally over the next few years. This chart shows how the fee was assessed in the past and how it will be assessed over the coming years.

Calendar Year 2014

Calendar Year 2015

Calendar Year 2016

* 1% of household income

* 2% of household income

* 2.5% of household income

* Maximum: total yearly premium fo rthe national average price of a Bronze plan sold through the marketplace.

* Maximum: total yearly premium * Maximum: total yearly premium for for the national average price of the national average price of a Bronze a Bronze plan sold through the plan sold through the marketplace. marketplace.

OR

OR

OR

* $95.00 per adult

* $325.00 per adult

* $695.00 per adult

*$47.50 per minor child

* $162.50 per minor child

* $347.50 per minor child

* Maximum: $285.00

* Maximum: $975.00

* Maximum: $2,085.00

The fee assessed was whichever was the higher of these two calculations.

The fee assessed will be whichever The fee assessed will be whichever is is the higher of these two the higher of these two calculations. calculations.

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Missouri Outreach

What’s in the Numbers?

25

is how long the Outreach Programs have been providing assistance to Missouri Master Masons, their wives/widows, female members of the Order of the Eastern Star and all children throughout the State. Help us celebrate 25 years of being where you are in 2016.

348

men have been appointed to be Masonic Home Reps for Lodges throughout Missouri.

We also have 6 Masonic Home Reps for Chapters in the State. The Home would like to express our gratitude for your support & assistance.

1,357

Veterans are now in the Masonic Home of Missouri’s Armed Forces database. These honored men and women recieve a special lapel pin in recognition of their service.

During the year, they also receive cards on Armed Forces Day and Veteran’s Day.

saw the first Outreach Program. This program was called the “Outreach Program” and has now evolved into the Long-Term Financial Assistance Outreach Program.

There are now nine distinct Outreach Programs.

$10,000.00 is the amount that the Masonic Home of Missouri may match per Lodge or Chapter each fiscal year, July 1st through June 30th, for the Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP).

Applications are available on our website at www.mohome.org or mailed upon request.

All matching funds must be raised by the Lodge and/or Chapter and the application must contain two signatures, with one being either the Worshipful Master, Worthy Matron, Lodge/Chapter Secretary or Treasurer.

people have ‘liked’ our Facebook page at https://www.facebook. com/MasonicHomeofMissouri

1,262

1991

Zero

recommended audit adjustments, management recommendations, and no qualifications were found in the FY15 external audit for the Masonic Home of Missouri.

(800) 434-9804

is the Masonic Home of Missouri’s toll-free phone number.

Contact us if you have questions about the Outreach Programs, to make a referral, schedule a presentation or if you want to support the Home.

120

points are available to a Lodge for completing the Masonic Home of Missouri’s portion of the Grand Lodge Achievement Award. There are 20 points maximum available if the Lodge’s Masonic Home Rep attends training by the Home on the Outreach Programs, 15 points max. for referring a name of a Mason/Female member of the OES/Child in need to the Masonic Home (5 pts each), 25 points max. for participating in the Creating-A-Partnership Program (CAP), 25 points max. for hosting a Ladies luncheon/tea/dinner to share information about the Masonic Home, and 10 points max. for creating/ updating your Lodges’ Widow’s list. To find out more about how your Lodge can receive these points, contact Rhonda at (800) 434-9804.

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You can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless, tasteless, and highly poisonous gas which is produced by combustion. Some sources of carbon monoxide are automobile engine exhaust, portable propane heaters, natural gas appliances, furnaces, water heaters, woodburning fireplaces and barbecue grills.

Poisoning occurs from the inhalation of carbon monoxide gas. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning may include: headache irritability confusion dizziness poor coordination unconsciousness shortness of breath lack of breathing chest pain nausea and vomiting abnormal heartbeat coma The exposure level of carbon monoxide influences the symptoms, recovery and damage done to an individual.

Mental abilities can be impaired and permanent brain damage can occur.

Emergency treatment for an individual exposed to carbon monoxide includes moving the exposed individual to an area with fresh air, calling 911 or the appropriate emergency services number and ventilating the affected area. If the individual has stopped breathing, artificial breathing, such as CPR, should be initiated.

Knowledge is the first step to preventing carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide can be detected in the home by installing carbon monoxide alarms.

Other precautions are to assure: • All fuel-burning appliances are correctly used and maintained • Furnaces, water heaters, and gas dryers are inspected every year • Fireplace chimneys and flues are inspected and cleaned every year • Automobile exhaust systems are regularly checked for defects Please contact your doctor, local health department or the Department of Health and Senior Services (866) 628-9891 if you have questions about carbon monoxide poisoning.

*reprinted with permission from DHSS (MO)

You Can Prevent Carbon Monoxide Exposure • Do have your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.

• Do install a battery-operated or battery back-up CO detector in your home and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. If the detector sounds leave your home immediately and call 911.

• Do seek prompt medical attention if you suspect CO poisoning and are feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or nauseous.

• Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage or near a window.

• Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.

• Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t vented.

• Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.

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Missouri Outreach

Masonic Home of Missouri Contact Information Ever wondered who you need to call to ask a question about a program or who could help you make arrangements for a presenter at a event? We have compiled this listing of contact information and staff functions for your use.

Before discarding this magazine, please tear this page off and place somewhere that you can refer back to it during the year.

Finance Andrea Thacher

Main Contact Information: Masonic Home of Missouri 6033 Masonic Drive, Suite A Columbia, MO 65202

Senior Accountant

athacher@mohome.org Ext. 223

(573) 814-4663 Phone (800) 434-9804 Toll Free (573) 814-4660 Fax

Norma Carmody Accountant

ncarmody@mohome.org Ext. 229

Website: www.mohome.org

Fund Development Julie Kirchhoff

Annual Giving Officer

jkirchhoff@mohome.org Ext. 230 Responsible for Truman Club, Courtyard Paver Program, Vincil Society and Penny-A-Day.

Executive Director Barbara Ramsey bramsey@mohome.org Ext. 209

Jackie Walters

Director of Finance & Fund Development Jodi Blake

Administrative Office Coordinator mphillippe@mohome.org Ext. 213 Responsible for building calendar & rental and Museum loan agreements.

Kathy Horn Receptionist

khorn@mohome.org

Facilities Richard White

Building Services Engineer rwhite@mohome.org Ext. 225

Partnership Coordinator

twoodard@mohome.org Ext. 210 Responsible for Creating-A-Partnership (CAP) Program, Partnering to Honor (PTH) Program, and Resource Directories.

Chantana Irvin

Masonic Family Cares & Widows/ Veterans Program Coordinator cirvin@mohome.org Ext. 239 Responsible for arranging assistance through the Masonic Family Cares Program, and maintaining the Widows & Veterans Pins/Databases.

Carly Dibben,

Financial Counseling Caseworker cdibben@mohome.org Ext. 217 Responsible for Financial Counseling Program.

Major Gifts Officer

jwalters@mohome.org Ext. 214 Responsible for major gift donations including planned giving and the Legacy Society.

jblake@mohome.org Ext. 212

Administrative Support Michelle Phillippe

Letitia “Tisha� Woodard

Outreach Programs Dana Morgenthaler

Financial Assistance Caseworker danam@mohome.org Ext. 211 Responsible for Long & Short Term Financial Assistance Casework and client referrals.

Communications Rhonda Stone Lightfoot

Community Relations Coordinator rlightfoot@mohome.org Ext. 218 Responsible for marketing, MHM Representatives liasion, Ladies Luncheons/Teas and speaking engagements, website, publications, and social media.

Debbie Summers

Financial Assistance Caseworker dsummers@mohome.org Ext. 219 Responsible for Long & Short Term Financial Assistance Casework and client referrals.

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Important Dates Saturday, January 16, 2016 • Board of Director’s Meeting in Columbia, MO

Saturday, March 19, 2016 • Board of Director’s Meeting in Columbia, MO

Monday, January 18, 2016 • Martin Luther King Jr.’s Day - Complex closed

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 • Ladies Dinner @ St. Joseph Lodge No. 78

Monday, February 1, 2016 • Missouri Outreach article submission deadline

Thursday, April 14, 2016 • District 10 Supper at Marceline Lodge No. 481

Monday, February 15, 2016 • President’s Day - Complex closed

Saturday, April 16, 2016 • Board of Director’s Meeting - St. Louis, MO

Saturday, February 20, 2016 • Ladies Dinner @ Hermitage Lodge No. 288 • Board of Director’s Meeting in Columbia, MO

Please confirm that events are still scheduled before traveling by calling Rhonda at (800) 434-9804.