Michigan Masons Cornerstone Fall 2020

CORNERSTONE

Michigan Masons

FALL 2020 ISSUE 04

Help us create a better Masonic Experience

Learn about the all new Lodge Charity Accounts

TOUR MASONIC PATHWAY’S

NEWEST UPGRADES

TABLE OF

CONTENTS 3 Gratitude

What We’ve Been Up to While You’ve Been Away

7

4

Creating a Better Masonic Experience

Lodge Charity Accounts

9

Robert Conley System CEO Michigan Masons

10 You are the Heart of what we do A time to Think, Dream and Plan 11

UPCOMING EVENTS NEWS

During these uncertain times the health and safety of you, your families and the wider community is of the utmost importance. Due to the increasing urgency of the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, we have made the decision to cancel the annual Florida and Arizona reunions for 2021. We will be closely monitoring the situation and if possible, we will bring the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation reunions back to you in 2022.

Mike Logan

CEO Michigan Masonic Home

Please feel free to reach out to me at 1-800-994-7400 with any questions or concerns you may have.

In the meantime, please stay safe.

Kelly McPherson, Director The Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation

Kell y McPherson Director Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation

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Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Fall 2020

Gratitude

By Mike Logan, Michigan Masonic Home CEO

Gratitude is the feeling that prompts us to say “thankyou”—both to our Great Architect of the Universe and to others—for the things that make us happy and make us better. Gratitude is the catalyst for action that drives our motivation and mindset. We feel gratitude for the people we love, the earth we live in, our bodies, our talents, our animals, our friends/family, our vocation, our community and for the small things that occur every moment in our daily life.

we ought to give thanks to our God for all that we have, because we recognize that, ultimately, everything good in our lives is because of the Supreme Being. Just as our appreciation for each other is felt more deeply when it is accompanied by action, our prayers of thanks to God mean more when we strive to serve others.

However, gratitude is more than a feeling; it is a choice and a mindset. Here at Michigan Masonic Home we often tend to encourage each other to choose an “Outward Mindset” on a daily basis. The foundation for an outward mindset revolves around the principal of “seeing people as people.” We “Thankfulness is the beginning of often have a choice to make when interacting gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of with others, we can honor our code of seeing people as human beings needing support and thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist encouragement or we can view people as objects. merely of words. Gratitude is shown in

When we see others as people and not objects, acts.” we understand the importance of humility, - Henri Frederic Amiel -1821-1881 compassion and empathy. William James, American philosopher and psychologist wrote, Cultivating an attitude of gratitude is a process. It “The deepest craving of human nature is the need to requires humility to acknowledge others’ roles in our be appreciated.” In order to witness and experience success and to attribute our blessings to our Supreme the wonders of relationships, we must understand that Being. It also requires conscious focus to be grateful people need support, optimism and appreciation in in times of difficulty. You may be going through some their lives! People need other people who see them difficult challenges. Losing a loved one, starting a new as human beings in need of support and appreciation. job, working through a marriage concern, dealing with Have you ever been around a person who is always looking at the negative? Does focusing on the negative a health issue, struggling to pay your bills or trying to make a change in your lifestyle. Seek support, find do anything for anyone? peace in a friend/spouse, reflect on your daily life, take the time to pray or meditate and ultimately, maintain Having a grateful attitude allows us to be happy not your vessel of gratitude on a daily basis. Ease is coming only during good times, but also in times of trial.

– Take heart and surround yourself with people who Gratitude forces us as human beings to take action, be care about you. If things are going well for you, please present and seek the small wins in our daily life. We can choose to find the positive in people and situations take the time to reach out and thank someone. Be sure to take the first step in showing others the power of around us rather than to let life’s difficulties drag us gratitude. down.

Gratitude grows as it is expressed. By expressing our gratitude to others for their help and kindness, we give them the joy of being appreciated and we increase our own ability to recognize our blessings. Most important,

Together In Service, Mike Logan – CEO Michigan Masonic Home

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Fall 2020

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What We’ve Been Up To

While You’ve Been Away

Though we cannot wait to welcome everyone back to visit us in person, while you have been away, we have been very, very busy at Masonic Pathways. Following strict Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) guidelines, in early May construction and remodeling of several venues within the Michigan Masonic Home and the Jack F. Sanders Health Care Center resumed.

Thanks to the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation, and their “Masonry Lives Here!” fundraising campaign, we were able to complete much-needed remodeling projects throughout the lower level of the Masonic Pathways residential building and the Memory Care unit in the Jack F. Sanders Health Care Center.

Club 81

With the support of Owosso Lodge #81, we now have a very popular area where residents can gather to watch their favorite sporting event, or a myriad of DirecTV options on one of six large flat-screen televisions. This special clubroom offers the opportunity to play pool, tabletop shuffleboard, and a choice of video games.

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Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Fall 2020

HuisHaus Theater Donated by Thomas & Shelia Huis

In memory of Ruth E. Rust, this newly remodeled theater boasts nine comfortable theater style seats and the latest technology for streaming and viewing new release movies, as well as classic favorites.

Resident Kitchen & Dining Area

Sponsored by Brighton Lodge #247, in memory of Brother Harley Zeeb, this all new kitchen and dining area is for special resident get-togethers. Whether all-inclusive resident meetings and events, individual residents celebrating with family, or Friday popcorn popping, this space is sure to be hopping (or popping) every day!

Thomas A. & Patricia A. Rossman Game Room

For those who prefer to play cards, enjoy more traditional board games, or assemble jigsaw puzzles, this comfortable and well-lit space is perfect for quiet socialization.

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Fall 2020

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Keith Hilliker Sensory Room Donated by Joshua & Sao Pease in memory of Keith Hilliker

Reaching for the Stars Media Center

Located in our newly remodeled Memory Care unit, this special SnoezelenÂŽ multi-sensory room offers a relaxed atmosphere with pleasant and engaging surroundings, soothing sounds, captivating aromas and tactile experiences proven to be stimulating to those with cognitive challenges or who suffer from dementia disorders.

Sponsored by the Grand Chapter Order of the Eastern Star of Michigan, this inviting new area includes a comfortable reading room, extensive library of works by popular authors, and two all-new computer stations.

It’s Never 2 Late

Donated by Archie & Kellie Canterbury

In memory of Carl & Virginia Canterbury, this amazing new technology provides video content from thousands of available online libraries to enhance memory and help manage cognitive impairment challenges for patients in our Memory Care unit.

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Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Fall 2020

Creating a Better Masonic Experience

In an effort to better serve you and make sure you are getting the most out of YOUR Masonic experience, we ask that you please fill out this short survey and return in the envelope provided. This survey can also be found on our website at michiganmasons.org/survey

How long have you been a Freemason?

Square 1-3 years Square 11-20

Square Life Member

Do you actively attend lodge?

Square Yes

Square 4-10 years Square 21+

Square No

If your answer to #2 was no, why do you not attend?

Square I find no value in attending

Square I am geographically unable

Square I am busy with other appendent bodies

Square Other ________________________________

Square I am physically unable

Square I don’t have time

Comments: _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________ How did you feel the last time you walked out of lodge?

Square Excited

Square Valued

Square Disappointed

Square Unacknowledged

Square Indifferent

Square Frustrated

If you left lodge feeling less than satisfied, what suggestions do you have that might add value to your experience? _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ Do you believe Masonic education is important?

Square Yes

Square No

Did you know the Museum and Library keeps regular hours that allow for visitors and lodge tours?

Square Yes

Square No

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Fall 2020

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Would you be interested in touring the Museum and Library?

Square Yes

Square No

What way do you receive Masonic news and information?

Square Website

Square Electronic news

Square Lodge

Square Mailings (Newsletters/notices from lodge)

Do you currently donate to the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation?

Square Yes

Square No

If you currently don’t donate, why?

Square I don’t know where the money goes

Square I can’t afford it

Square I believe that the portion to MMCF in dues is sufficient

Square Not Applicable

Square I give to other appendent bodies

Square I don’t know how

Comments: _____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________ What is one thing you think your lodge needs to help grow for the future?

Square Marketing Assistance Square Masonic Education

Square Financial Education

Square Leadership/Relationship Training

Square Social Events

Did you know individuals and lodge groups can tour the Masonic Home?

Square Yes

Square No

Thinking about your future, what kind of services would interest you?

Square Home-based and Community Services (At-home caregiver support, care management, meals on wheels, in-home therapy) Square Long-term care planning (financial planning, geriatric care management, senior services resources, retirement planning) Square Active Adult Living options (55+ independent living, lifestyle & community activities) Square Memory Support Services (housing, personal care services, cognitive care, medication assist, life enrichment activities) Square Assisted Living (housing, personal care, healthcare, daily living assistance)

Would you consider a move to the Michigan Masonic Home?

Square Yes

Square Maybe Page 8

Square No

Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Fall 2020

Lodge Charity Accounts For centuries, being concerned for those in need has been an essential quality of a Freemason’s way of life.

In order to better serve you and your lodge and uphold the tradition of recognizing and responding to the needs of your Brethren and your community we will be launching the new Lodge Charity Account (LCA) program on April 1, 2021.

Similar to the Community Charity and Scholarship programs, the LCA program will be an application/reimbursement program. The differences are YOUR lodge gets to choose the way you use your funds. Lodges and members can also now choose to donate directly to your LCA to increase your yearly withdrawal amount.

This new program, if you let it, will open up new conversations, engage more members, start new partnerships in the community and let your lodge embrace philanthropy in a whole new way!

For more information, please call 800-994-7400 or visit our secure website: www.michiganmasons.org/foundation/

Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Fall 2020

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You are the Heart of what we do Walk into the Michigan Masonic Home (MMH) on any given day and you’ll experience a community filled with life and vibrancy. A community where seniors are engaged in activity… where new friendships blossom, and where residents are given every opportunity to learn and experience new things.

The energetic everyday life our residents enjoy is born from a commitment that began over 100 years ago when a dedicated Fraternity came together. When MMH opened, it filled an urgent need in administering quality care to our aging Brothers and Sisters.

Last year, in response to changing needs and desires we launched the first ever “Masonry Lives Here Campaign”. The residents of MMH craved a more active lifestyle and because of YOUR generous response, we were able to create new and inviting spaces and more importantly a space that feels less like a facility and more like a home!

Your support of the capital campaign embraces our rich history and dedication to setting the standard of quality living for our residents and it ensures that a warm and inviting place of peace and wellness will be available for years to come.

Though our renovations are complete, we strive for continued excellence. Our current priorities are improving programming and enhancing the quality of life for our valued residents now and in the future.

It is our hope that one day soon, we will once again be able to open our doors and invite you to see all that you have accomplished. In the meantime, we wish you good health and may you be blessed as you have so generously blessed us.

With gratitude,

Kelly McPherson, Director Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation Page 10

Michigan Masons - Cornerstone Magazine - Fall 2020

A Time to Think, Dream and Plan

By Robert Conley, Michigan Masons System CEO

This time of masks, social distancing and limited supplies of essentials (a certain kind of paper comes to mind) can lead all of us into a place of fear and worry. However at the same time, depending on our where our minds are at, (Mindset) we can also find a place in our lives for thinking, dreaming and planning for the future. Yes, the future!

I think often of what tomorrow will look like. I wonder if you do as well. And, if you do indeed look at the future, what do you see? Do you see darkness and want, or light and fulfillment? There is an axiom that states, we see what we envision. Yes, I could see a future filled with less. But I wouldn’t believe it for a moment. The path we find ourselves on was perhaps not of our own making, but we have the choice of how to walk it.

Didn’t we come to rely on things like Facebook and Twitter to replace the connection that comes from one to another?

Didn’t we decide that our neighbors were unnecessary as we rushed along our life’s path, so much so, that few of us even know the names of our neighbors? Didn’t we decide we didn’t really need to go to church? After all, Sunday mornings are time to relax and sleep in, not get dressed up and worship the one from whom all blessings flow. Didn’t we decide that we didn’t really need to go to lodge on Monday evenings?

I mean, they really don’t need me, the food isn’t that good and I’m beat after a long day’s work.

And after a while of not going, I probably wouldn’t know any of the Brothers anyway.

As for me, today – I treasure those I love (and who love me) much more than I once did. I long for a hug I cannot have, for a handshake that right now is fraught with danger. To laugh like I once did, loudly and without a covering over my mouth.

I long to see a smile, and to see those friends that cannot, today, come out and play. I’ve learned that going to church really never was a chore – it was a duty, I owed to myself. A place and time to think and dream, and yes give thanks to the one that has given me so much. There are already chairs that once held familiar faces that will be empty when we get together once again, and there will be places in my lodges that once held men I called Brother, that will, for me, be filled with only memories.

Good memories, but memories nonetheless.

I’m going to make my plans for the future now.

That future for me, will see me with my friends in Lodge, my family around my table, my fellow worshipers in Church – and I won’t take for granted the things I’ve discovered, because of this pandemic, that really matter to me. Faith, Friends, Family and Fraternity. Their worth in my life is incalculable.

Wear a mask, stay six feet apart and wash your hands! Do it, because I want to see you in Church, in lodge and at my table when this is over. And it will be over! The sun still shines, the Lord still loves us and our fraternity still stands strong! So mote it be forever more.

Michigan Masons - www.michiganmasons.org - Fall 2020

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1204 Wright Ave Alma, MI 48801 www.michiganmasons.org

From our families to yours, Have a safe and healthy Holiday Season