A Century of Service

The Masonic and Eastern Star Home (MESH) Board has met monthly to oversee the operation of MasonicAid programs and the Jennings-McCall Center (JMC) in Forest Grove, Ore. With the beginning of a new Grand Lodge year in June, new board members were added and we immediately began working on our tasks.

Staff members from the Grand Secretary’s office joined me and Grand Secretary, M.W.B. James L. Morgan, P.G.M. in June as we attended the Annual Conference of the Masonic Communities & Services Association. This conference provided valuable insight and training regarding the operation of Masonic retirement facilities.

There have been a variety of challenges at JMC as we exited the COVID-19 pandemic, which seem to have altered American views regarding work. Staffing at JMC has been an issue of concern, with vacancies and new hires of administrators, medical staff, and care providers. Occupancy at JMC suffered noticeably during the COVID-19 pandemic because residents could not visit with their friends and family in person. Occupancy has been slowly rising and is much improved but has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels. Additional challenges are new state requirements which have been implemented and increased insurance costs. These issues have required much of our attention.

The MESH Board has authorized significant remodeling, repairs, and restoration of the JMC building and grounds this summer to maintain the facility’s condition and appearance. This work includes interior remodeling in the west entry and lobby, roofing on both the Independent and Assisted Living wings, new security cameras, and planning for a new exterior landscape feature on the west side of the building. Once permitting and development of a resident care plan was completed, work began in August.

Also in August, the MESH Board held their annual planning retreat in Baker City. Mr. Mark Remley and Ms. Crystale Harding from Aidan Health Services, the management company employed by MESH, were invited to attend a portion of the planning event this year. The planning session was well received and allowed the MESH Board to focus on long term issues. One of the more interesting topics was how to infuse the operations and atmosphere at JMC with Masonic values.

In closing, I would like to thank all who have donated funds, time, and resources to the success of the Masonic and Eastern Star Home. The Masons and Eastern Star members in Oregon have maintained a successful program assisting our members for 100 years, with the home having been established in 1922. We are well positioned to begin our next century of service.

Fraternally,

M.W.B. Mark L. Posler, I.P.G.M. MESH Chairman