May Past Master David Ogle, who leads lodge outreach, explains.

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1 May 2018 Partnering with Masonic Homes It s under 4 miles from the San Dimas Masonic Center to the Masonic Home at Covina if you push it, that s about 10 minutes, door to door. San Dimas Lodge No. 428 treasures this closeness, in proximity and in spirit. Past Master David Ogle, who leads lodge outreach, explains. Visiting the campus We attend degrees and lodge functions for Destiny Lodge No. 856 (which meets on the Covina campus), and have conferred degrees there too. We love attending SummerFest; our brothers with young kids especially look forward to it. We ve already been posting about this year s event on the lodge app. Connecting outreach We ve participated in the Lodge Outreach Program since the program s start, and worked closely with Masonic Outreach Services (MOS) before that. Currently there are three brothers on our lodge outreach team. Every year we find ways to involve our master and pedestal officers in a training or informational presentation. The lodge hosts a High Twelve lunch every week. We re regularly joined by an MOS representative. It s a chance for MOS to meet our brethren and get us up to speed on the Home s support services. Recently, we heard about the Pharmacy Discount Program (offered through the Masonic Value Network). The Lodge Outreach Program connects us with great resources, and creates an open line of communication between the lodge and MOS. This benefits our fraternal family in any number of ways: When MOS recently had a surplus of donated lift chairs, they reached out. Sure enough, a brother in our district was a grateful recipient. Meeting the interns The Homes runs an internship program for USC students pursuing master's degrees in social work. Thanks to our lodge s proximity and friendly relationship with MOS, the staff suggested we host the interns for lunch at the beginning and end of each school year. At the first lunch, the supervisor introduces the interns, and talks about their program. The interns then meet and interview a lodge brother about the fraternity, and what it means to our members and families. This gives them a frame of reference for Masonry as a social support system. At the end of the school year, the interns return to give a presentation about what they ve accomplished, and how working with the Homes will inform their social work practice going forward. These lunches are now part of the internship orientation, and a rite of passage upon its conclusion. Combining efforts Our lodge runs a year-round clothing drive for the Midnight Mission, and we ve lately been supporting a shoe drive by the local DeMolay. I mentioned these to a brother who lives at the Covina Home. He suggested getting the campus involved, and introduced me to a staff person to ask. Sure enough, there are now two donation boxes in the Home s

2 main lobby, which residents have been filling with clothing, blankets, and shoes. (In total, the DeMolay members have collected more than 2,000 pairs of shoes!) Having a relationship with the Covina Home, its residents, and its staff has been a boon to our lodge. We not only get to witness one of our fraternity s most enduring examples of relief, we get to partner with it. Contact: David Ogle Connect with the Homes Is your lodge on friendly terms with the Masonic Homes? What about your outreach committee? Your members? A relationship with the Homes is a great way to participate in your Masonic tenet of relief. And in times of need, it can be a life-saver. Here a few ways to grow your connection. Tour the campuses in Union City and Covina Visit on-campus lodges for a degree or stated meeting Perform a degree at Union City s Outdoor Degree Site Participate in events like the Covina SummerFest and Union City HarvestFest Join the Lodge Outreach Program Invite Masonic Outreach Services to your lodge for an informational presentation Volunteer at a Homes campus Explore masonichome.org for information, news, and lodge resources on Facebook and MasonsofCA on YouTube Give financial support by donating to the Annual Fund, organizing a lodge gift to the Masonic Homes, and encouraging 100% officer giving And don t forget: Masonic Assistance is always available to answer your questions and connect you with support. Just call (888) or fill out this request form. Other helpful articles: Start an outreach committee Improve lodge outreach Your May checklist Stay on track with lodge business and prepare for important deadlines. Here s your May checklist. Executive Committee Last chance to attend the 2018 Master & Wardens Retreat. The Palm Springs Retreat takes place May Senior Warden, along with Executive Committee Identify and approach members for 2019 open elected and appointed officer positions Identify and approach members for the 2019 Audit, Membership Retention, and any other committees Set calendar for 2019 and identify event leaders Continue preparing 2019 budget Set installation date and approach installing officer, master of ceremonies, and chaplain Review all candidates progress towards advancement Junior Warden

3 Continue tracking 100% officer giving to the Annual Fund, with officers setting an example through gifts that represent their capability as well as their commitment to our charitable programs Secretary Send list of members with late dues to the Retention Committee Send any suspension notices via certified mail Provide necessary information so Charity Committee can consider remissions Begin reviewing roster for accuracy in preparation for the end of the Grand Lodge membership year, June 30 Treasurer By May 15, submit IRS form 990 and FTB form 199 (unless your lodge has previously agreed to have Grand Lodge prepare these forms) Hall Association By May 15, submit IRS form 990 and FTB form 199 By May 15, submit form 200 to Grand Lodge Pay insurance premium Questions? Contact Member Services at or (415) For your Trestleboard SummerFest at the Covina Masonic Home is packed with fellowship, family, and (free!) fun for all ages. Tell your lodge to save the date! Download this ad, plus an additional reminder. This month: SummerFest: Saturday, July 28 Covina Masonic Home (Document on Page 5) Age Successfully at Acacia Creek (Document on Page 6) Share in your TrestleboardShare in your Trestleboard. Find it on masonichome.org Whether you want a Masonic Homes info sheet for your Trestleboard, an educational flyer for your bulletin board, or guidelines for your outreach committee, make your first stop the Education and Resources page on masonichome.org. This helpful page includes: Printable info sheets about the Homes, Masonic Outreach, and the Masonic Center for Youth and Families Lodge outreach guides, checklists, forms, and phone scripts In-depth presentations for outreach leaders These resources have been developed and compiled by Masonic Outreach Services. Question of the month Last month we asked how your lodge connects with the Masonic Homes. Of those who responded: 71% - Coordinate outreach with MOS as needed 41% - Participate in Lodge Outreach Program 41% - Invite MOS into lodge for informational presentations 35% - Give financial support (ex. lodge donation to Annual Fund, 100% officer giving)

4 29% - Visit Homes on-campus lodges (ex. stated meetings, degrees) 24% - Attend Homes on-campus events (ex. Covina SummerFest, Union City HarvestFest) 12% - on Facebook 12% - Tour campus(es) as a lodge 6% - Perform degree at Union City s Outdoor Degree Site 6% - Other

5 SAVE THE DATE SummerFest Family Fun at Our Masonic Home Saturday, July a.m. 3 p.m. Live music Swimming Carnival games Craft booths Tours Kettle corn, funnel cakes, and other festival treats Catered lunch and dessert And more! All festivities free with registration bring the whole family! RSVP at masonichome.org/summerfest

6 Friendly neighbors. Great food. Beautiful views. Acacia Creek Retirement Community, next to the Masonic Home at Union City, is full of life. From high-end fitness facilities to fine dining experiences, on-campus programs and classes, cultural excursions, and upscale amenities, you'll find everything you need and more to age successfully! acaciacreek.org (877) RCFE # COA #246