Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Labor Day 18th Annual Table Lodge Hills-borough Lodge No. 25

Trilby Lodge Gun Raffle Drawing & Stated 7:30 PM

6:30 PM Diinner

Jr Grand Wardens Home Coming 11 am– 3pm Travelers Lodge No.390

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Scottish Rite -

Tampa Memorial Service Bockover

District 17 Official Visit Merritt Island

District 25 Official Visit West Palm

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Travelers Lodge No. 390

Corp Board Masonic Home Orange Blossom Lodge Steak Din-ner

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Board of Trustees Masonic Home Royal Order of Scotlamd

DDGM Official Visit Brandon Lodge 114

District 15 Official Visit Leesburg

District 12 Official Visit Ocala Committee on Work

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September 2019 Do the Right Thing, For the Right Reason

at the Right Time

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5

Grand Masters Homecoming

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 Harbor City Table

Lodge | Melbourne District 22

Official Visit Ft Pierce

District 13 Official Visit Sanford

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

Columbus Day Scottish Rite - Tampa

Corp Board Masonic Home DeMolay Cotillion District 14 Official Visit Brooksville

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Board of Trustees Masonic Home

Travelers Lodge No.390

Ebenezer Degree Olin S

Imperial Shrine Membership Seminar

Scottish Rite | Valley of Miami

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Halloween

October 2019 Do the Right Thing, For the Right Reason

at the Right Time

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MINUTES OF THE BOARD MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES THE MASONIC HOME OF FLORIDA

July 21, 2019

The Members of the Board of Trustees of the Masonic Home of Florida met in regular session on Sunday, July 21, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. with the following members present: PRESENT: R∴W∴ D. Mark Small, Chairman R∴W∴ Ronald E. Peebles, Vice Chairman R∴W∴ Glen B. Bishop R∴W∴ Glen L. Garner R∴W∴ Chester A. King R∴W∴ R. James Rocha R∴W∴ Kenneth E. Shaw R∴W∴ Lawrence A. Williamson ABSENT: Brother Justin W. Franke (Excused) R∴W∴ F. Joseph Smedley (Excused) ALSO PRESENT: M∴W∴ John W. Westerman, III, Grand Master; R∴W∴ Thomas L. Turlington, Jr., Deputy Grand Master; R∴W∴ Jeffrey S. Foster, Senior Grand Warden; R∴W∴ Robert J. Lambert, Junior Grand Warden; and M∴W∴ Richard G. Hoover, P.G.M. CALL TO ORDER: R∴W∴ D. Mark Small called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. The Chairman welcomed all assembled and asked them to join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. The Invocation was given by R∴R∴ Robert W. Taylor, Sr. INTRODUCTION OF BOARD OF TRUSTEES: R∴W∴ D. Mark Small, Chairman; R∴W∴ Ronald E. Peebles, Vice Chairman; R∴W∴ Glen B. Bishop; R∴W∴ Glen L. Garner; R∴W∴ Chester A. King; R∴W∴ R. James Rocha; R∴W∴ Kenneth E. Shaw; and R∴W∴ Lawrence A. Williamson. R∴W∴ Chester A. King made a motion that the Minutes from the last regular Board of Trustees Meeting held on Sunday, June 16, 2019, be approved as printed and distributed. Second was made by R∴W∴ Glen B. Bishop, and the motion carried. REPORT OF THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD: The Board of Trustees met in a Workshop Session on Saturday, July 20, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. The Chairman presented a summary of the Annual MCSA convention, with new ideas, tools and techniques. The Chairman mentioned that next year’s convention is scheduled for June 7 – 9, 2020, in Connecticut. The East Coast location should allow a few more members of the Board to attend. The morning session continued with a discussion on our Mission Statement and the need to update it to make it current. Examples from several other Masonic Homes were presented for consideration. Each Board member was asked to review the examples and be prepared to offer their recommendations and adjustments at a future meeting. The afternoon session started at 1:30 p.m., following lunch, with R∴W∴ Glen B. Bishop, leader of the IT Task Force providing a report on the action he has taken and will report on today.

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The Board voted to purchase and utilize “office 365” in support of IT enhancements at a cost of $5.00 per month/per user. This will be an initial start of 10 users at a cost of $50.00 per month, after a thirty-day trial period. R∴W∴ Glen L. Garner was assigned to lead the task force to create the job description and salary requirements for our two new budgeted positions, Director of Development and Assistant Administrator. R∴W∴ Kenneth E. Shaw was assigned to lead the task force study and recommendation on ways to move forward on the separation of the Masonic Home from Grand Lodge. The Board planned to reconvene on Sunday morning for a brief round table and tour of the facility by Mrs. Lisa Tsotsos, Administrator. Discussion continued on the topic of areas of responsibility descriptions for the Admissions and Relief, Budget, Long Range Planning and Operations Sub-Committees. An initial draft of job descriptions was presented and discussion followed. These job descriptions will be updated and presented at the next Board Meeting. The Chairman, as the lead for the Repositioning Task Force, provided an update on meetings with our consultants and a schedule for up-coming meetings on this topic. The Separation Task Force will start by drafting By-Laws that will be needed as this effort moves forward. This should be accomplished by the end of 2019. R∴W∴ Chester A. King presented the Secretary of the Board’s Report and then moved for its adoption. Second was made by R∴W∴ Lawrence A. Williamson and the motion carried. ADMINISTRATOR’S BOARD REPORT: Lisa Tsotsos reported at our last regular Board Meeting we had 103 Residents in the Home. During the month of June, we had 4 admissions, 1 loss and 2 discharges, bringing the total to 104. Of those, 41 are men and 63 are women, with 1 of the women sponsored by the Order of the Eastern Star. ADMITTED: ADMIT DATE: Doris Roberts, husband’s membership at Brandon Lodge No. 114 06/10/2019 Ray Shook, Non-Masonic (Private Pay) 06/25/2019 Gladys Shook, Non-Masonic (Private Pay) 06/25/2019 Elizabeth Roik, husband’s membership at Palmwood Lodge No. 303 06/27/2019 DECEASED: DECEASED DATE: Geraldine Starnes, husband’s membership at DeSoto Lodge No. 105 06/23/2019 Admitted: October 18, 2018 DISCHARGED: DISCHARGE DATE: Tomas Ratner, membership at Hibiscus Lodge No. 275 06/14/2019 Admitted: January 19, 2017 Rosalinda Ratner, husband’s membership at Hibiscus Lodge No. 275 06/14/2019 Admitted: January 19, 2017 With 4 admissions, 1 loss and 2 discharges, the month of June ended with 56 Assisted Living and 48 Nursing Center for a total of 104 residents. MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT FAILED EQUIPMENT REPORT: 1. Replaced worn out fan shaft bearing on AHU #5 serving R/C 1 East hall and employee area. 2. Replaced 208-volt fan motor and both hot and cold zone valve motors on fan coil unit in room 240 N/C

2. 3. Replaced SMP5 power supply for R/C 2.

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DIETARY DEPARTMENT REPORT: The total number of resident meals served for the month of June was 9,672 with 1,287 other meals, which included employees, visitors and special events, for a total of 10,959 meals served. The Masonic Home collected $579.00 toward meal cost. The raw food cost per meal was $2.11. SECURITY DEPARTMENT REPORT: There were no reportable incidents for the month of June. There were 4 new resident ID badges and 5 new employee ID badges issued. HOUSEKEEPING/LAUNDRY DEPARTMENT REPORT: The Housekeeping Department standards are at a good level to maintain the facility standards. The laundry used 15 gallons of Bio Power Detergent at $27.42 each, 17 gallons of Flo-Glo Chlorine Destainer at $10.79 each, 15 gallons of Flo Prime Alkali Builder at $24.00 each and 15 gallons of Qualitex Sour/Softener at $19.00 each for a total of $1,239.73 in chemical costs for the month of June. The average count was between 60,000 and 65,000 pounds for the month. A motion was made by R∴W∴ Chester A. King and seconded by R∴W∴ Lawrence A. Williamson that the Administrator’s Report be accepted as read. Motion carried. LONG RANGE PLANNING COMMITTEE REPORT: 1. Update on Low Scored Site Initiative Program – In 1998 the Masonic Home of Florida had an

underground storage tank removed and upon removal from site a report was generated due to contaminates being found and the Masonic Home/Grand Lodge entered into the Florida Petroleum Liability and Restoration Insurance Program. Through the years our score was very low and less of a priority for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP). With this program it requires site access which has been requested by them for several years to close us out of the program, but comes with a $10,000 deductible that must be paid for access and testing of the site and ground through the program. The Low Scored Site Initiative (LSSI) program was introduced in 2013 to allow closure of these sites with no deductible but requires less coverage provided if the site requires remediation. Through the LSSI program we can choose a contractor or allow FDEP to choose from a random list. We can close this issue out by following through and allowing access with work to be done. A certified contractor by FDEP has solicited our site and requested us to use them as a source for closure. The Long Range Planning Committee recommends that the Corporate Board proceed with the LSSI paperwork and move for closure of the project as soon as possible with BTEX Engineering, Inc.

2. Update on 30KW generator – the generator will not be donated to Clearwater Lodge No. 127 or Temple Terrace Lodge No. 330 as it provides backup power for the Residences of Coffee Pot Bayou apartments. Rental services will be evaluated for Clearwater Lodge in the event the Masonic Home would require it as an evacuation site for future emergency events.

3. The tri-annual inspection of the Nursing Center by the Fire Marshal was completed and passed with a change in the paperwork to accommodate the future annual inspection.

4. We have received only one quote for resealing the entire facility and it appears to be high. We will continue to procure additional quotes for next month for comparison.

5. Room 233 on the second floor received water damage from long time intrusion and the interior has been stripped of all drywall, and finishes including ceilings. This will require refurbishing and have a contractor lined up not to exceed $14,000. The Long Range Planning Committee recommends approval to proceed with this project.

6. In the process, Bob Robertson stated he is securing preliminary proposals to cleanout equipment and furniture in the unoccupied hall, as well as cleanup for cosmetic repairs and finishes to prepare for and rebuild the north wing of the 2nd floor ALF area in case we should require the use of these units. There appears to be interest since we have opened the community to non-Masonic affiliation.

7. Inspection of all roof surfaces has been completed by Abode Roofing and a site plan has been provided to determine present condition and status of all roofs and their surfaces. All areas were assessed and will be included in the 5-year plan for future repair or replacement.

8. An update on the kitchen floor replacement was given with work to commence on August 6th and should take approximately 2-3 weeks to complete with incremental areas being demolished and replaced in coordination with day-to-day prep and cooking schedules.

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9. There are no upcoming contracts for renewal in July and one coming up in August for Aquatech water treatment which will be evaluated and none in September.

10. The Maintenance Director’s Report is attached as a part of this report. R∴W∴ Lawrence A. Williamson presented the Long Range Planning Committee Report and moved for its adoption. Second was made by R∴W∴ Glen B. Bishop and the motion carried. LEGAL ADVISOR’S REPORT: The total funds received during the month of June from Estates and Wills was $5,848.43, which brings the year-to-date total of funds received for the Masonic Home Endowment Fund, Inc., on behalf of Estates and Wills, to $270,938.72. As of this date, there have been no funds received from Estates and Wills and deposited into an account other than the Masonic Home Endowment Fund, Inc. R∴W∴ Glen L. Garner moved for adoption of the Legal Advisor’s Report. Second was made by R∴W∴ Chester A. King and the motion carried. BUDGET REPORT: The following report reflects expenditures through June 30, 2019: Administration 36.34% Maintenance 19.98% Dietary 21.62% Nursing 22.45% Housekeeping 25.73% Recreation 22.02% Social Services 23.20% TOTAL 24.89% We report that we are currently under budget 3.1% ($250k) for the fiscal year before contingency funds are used, and after amortizing for the insurance premiums already paid. A motion was made by R∴W∴ R. James Rocha and seconded by R∴W∴ Kenneth E. Shaw that the Budget Committee Report be accepted as presented. Motion carried. ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE REPORT: The Admissions and Relief Committee met by conference call on Wednesday, July 17, 2019, and the following application was approved for admission: Mrs. Helen Jolley, sponsored by Escambia Lodge No. 15 There were no applications for Emergency Relief or Non-Resident Relief received by the committee and no Non-Resident Relief Funds were distributed in June of 2019. R∴W∴ Kenneth E. Shaw presented the Admissions Committee Report and moved for its adoption. Second was made by R∴W∴ Glen L. Garner and the motion carried. OPERATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT: A. Technology: The Digitech with Privatel VOIP updated telephone service should be completed next

month. B. Marketing:

i. Total of 104 residents; of which 36 are Private Pay (17 non-Masonic); with 50 in the Skilled Nursing Facility and 54 in the Assisted Living Facility from the Census Breakdown Report.

ii. Reviewed tracking inquiries – 27 inquiries and 13 tours. iii. We have received a total of 117 Masonic Home Surveys to date. R∴W∴ Ken Shaw tabulated the

online and hard copy responses. We will coordinate with Grand Lodge to use the fobs for another survey at next year’s Annual Grand Communication.

C. We scheduled a follow-up with Greystone for next month to update the analysis.

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D. Continuing our 100 Year Anniversary, the Masonic Home of Florida will prepare a solicitation flyer to Lodges for a $500 donation to the Masonic Home Building Fund prior to Christmas.

E. The MCSA conference was held June 23-26, 2019, in Portland; our attendees networked with senior living vendors, lenders, and consultants.

F. Other: i. R∴W∴ Glen Garner will review job descriptions for an Assistant Administrator, which will report

to the current Administrator, and a Donor Development position which will report to the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and will develop metrics for donor relations.

ii. Next month we will review prices – ALF ($120/day), SNF ($200/day), deposits (3 months), and application fees ($500).

iii. R∴W∴ Glen Bishop reviewed our IT Software needs – a) Contact Manager (PipeDrive), b) Donor Development, c) Video Conference, d) Large File Transfer (Drop Box) and new switches for secure communications.

R∴W∴ R. James Rocha presented the Operations Committee Report and moved for its adoption. Second was made by R∴W∴ Kenneth E. Shaw and the motion carried. The Chairman of the Board discussed task force usage to address particular tasks and how this will be utilized moving forward. An IT Task Force Report was presented by R∴W∴ Glen B. Bishop regarding seven tasks he has dealt with. R∴W∴ Glen B. Bishop moved for acceptance of the IT Task Force Report and second was made by R∴W∴ Chester A. King. Motion carried. The Grand Marshal and Grand Master made introductions of all the Brothers and ladies present. Then the Grand Master and the First Lady made themselves available for presentations and contributions. ANNOUNCEMENTS: The next regular Board Meeting will be held on Sunday, August 18, 2019, at the Masonic Home of Florida. R∴R∴ Robert W. Taylor, Sr., gave the Benediction and the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, R∴W∴ D. Mark Small R∴W∴ Chester A. King Chairman Secretary to the Board of Trustees

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of

Free and Accepted Masons of Florida RICHARD E. LYNN, P.G.M. GRAND LODGE BUILDING GRAND SECRETARY P.O. BOX 1020

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32201-1020 PHONE: (904) 354-2339

TOLL FREE (800) 375-2339 FAX: (904) 632-3865

“Think Perpetual Membership”

August 29, 2019

TO: ALL PARTICULAR LODGES RE: LET YOUR PENNIES MAKE GOOD CENTS REPORT

PER REGULATION 22.07 Dear Brother Secretary: Your Third Quarterly Report of collections for the Masonic Home Endowment Fund, “Let Your Pennies Make Good Cents Program” and remittance is due on or before October 15, 2019, per Regulation 22.07. This return covers your collections through September 30, 2019. In the event you have no collections, please mark the Quarterly Return NONE and return to this office. Please be sure to fill in the space provided for Lodge Name, Address and Number. We need a report filed even though there are no collections for the quarter. Thanking you for your cooperation, Sincerely and fraternally,

Richard E. Lynn, P.G.M. Grand Secretary REL/wj Enc. Cc: Grand Lodge Officers D.D.G.M.’s Chairman, L.Y.P.M.G.C. Committee

Detach and Send Only White Copy to Grand Secretary. Keep Colored Copy for Your Lodge Records. Return to: Grand Lodge of Florida, P.O. Box 1020, Jacksonville, FL 32201-1020

SEND THIS COPY 3rd QUARTERLY RETURN TO GRAND SECRETARY ON OR BEFORE OCTOBER 15, 2019

LODGE NAME, ADDRESS, AND NUMBER

(No. 1) Amount Collected for this Quarter ......................................................... $

(No. 2) Amount Collected by Circumscribe ....................................................... $

(No. 3) Check Attached ...................................................................................... $

Particular Lodge Report on “Let Your Pennies Make Good Cents”

RETURN FOR QUARTER ENDING

SEPTEMBER 30, 2019

This return to be filed in the Grand Secretary’s Office on or before OCTOBER 15, 2019 “Remember Our Masonic Home in Your Will”

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of

Free and Accepted Masons of Florida RICHARD E. LYNN, P.G.M. GRAND LODGE BUILDING GRAND SECRETARY P.O. BOX 1020

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32201-1020 PHONE: (904) 354-2339

TOLL FREE (800) 375-2339 FAX: (904) 632-3865

“Think Perpetual Membership”

August 29, 2019 TO: SECRETARIES OF ALL THE PARTICULAR LODGES RE: FRATERNAL REMINDER

1. Regulation 22.06 requires the mailing to each member of the Lodge a Statement of Dues and Assessments for 2020, on Notices furnished by the Grand Lodge, between October 15th and December 1st, which shall include voluntary contributions to the Masonic Home.

2. Section 20, Article X of the Constitution requires notification of those whose dues are six

(6) months in arrears (July 1st) and those who have not responded within three (3) months should be forwarded the Final Notice and Summons (September 30th).

3. Your assistance is particularly required in careful preparation and prompt forwarding of

updating forms reporting the status changes of members as they occur, thereby avoiding Computer Department saturation at the end of the year.

Sincerely and fraternally, Richard E. Lynn, P.G.M. Grand Secretary REL/wj cc: Grand Lodge Officers Past Grand Masters

District Deputy Grand Masters

The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of

Free and Accepted Masons of Florida RICHARD E. LYNN, P.G.M. GRAND LODGE BUILDING GRAND SECRETARY P.O. BOX 1020

JACKSONVILLE, FL 32201-1020 PHONE: (904) 354-2339

TOLL FREE (800) 375-2339 FAX: (904) 632-3865

“Think Perpetual Membership”

August 29, 2019 To: The Worshipful Master and Members of Particular Lodges Re: Proposed Legislation Dear Brothers: In accordance with Regulation 12.15: “Any proposed amendment or alteration of the Constitution, or Regulations to be presented to the Grand Lodge for adoption at an Annual Communication shall be submitted to the Grand Secretary before December 31 by Resolution explaining the reasons for amending the Constitution or Regulation or proposing new Constitutional provisions or Regulations, using no more than two letter size typewritten single spaced pages, and must be sent by the Grand Secretary to each Particular Lodge, the Grand Lodge Elective Officers, the District Deputy Grand Masters, the District Instructors, and Past Grand Masters no later than sixty (60) days prior to the Grand Lodge Annual Communication. (1993) A proposed amendment or alteration of a Regulation or the Constitution may be designated emergency legislation by a majority vote of members present and presented at the Annual Grand Communication for consideration by the members of the Grand Lodge present and voting. (1984).” The Resolution should be accompanied by suggested wording changes to the Regulation(s) effected by said Resolution. If Regulation changes are not submitted with the Resolution, it will be returned to the person submitting the Proposed Legislation. We would request that this letter be read at your Lodge’s next Stated Communication, emphasizing that it must be received before December 31st, for the information of all persons interested in submitting Proposed Legislation for the coming year. If you should have any questions, please call feel free to call. Sincerely and fraternally,

Richard E. Lynn, P.G.M. Grand Secretary REL/wj cc: Elected Grand Lodge Officers

Past Grand Masters

BAHAMAS RELIEF While we in Florida managed to escape the wrath of Hurricane Dorian, our Brothers and Friends to the south in the Bahamas weren’t so lucky. With a Category 5 storm hovering over the islands for nearly two days, communities are devastated.

Early estimates by The International Red Cross believes as many as 13,000 homes have been severely damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Dorian. Because it's hard to get in touch with people on the ground, those numbers are just estimating. The storm, which was stationary over the Bahamas for a historically long period of time, has torn roofs off of buildings, destroyed homes, flooded streets and knocked out power. Many have asked about providing assistance and making DONATIONS. The Grand Lodge of Florida does have a system in place to receive and distribute monetary donations which is generally the best long term approach. There are English, Irish, & Scottish Constitutions in the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and the Turks & Caicos Islands, your Grand Lodge has contact availability to distribute funds. Monetary Donations can be made to:

Masonic Charities of Florida, NOTE on your check Bahamas Relief and send to the Grand Lodge Office at P.O. Box 1020, Jacksonville, FL 32201-1020. Florida Keys Lodge No. 336, 284 Tavernier St., Tavernier, Florida, (305) 852-8156 and Boynton Lodge No. 236, 2701 Quantum Blvd., Boynton Beach, Florida, (561) 734-3727 have begun programs for donations. You can contact these Lodges and see what their arrangements are if you or your Lodge is interested in setting up a relief effort in your area. If you are making a donation to a Non-Masonic Group: ASK: Where are your collected items being stored prior to delivery? How is the delivery to be made? When is delivery expected to be made? Who is receiving the collected items upon arrival? What plans do they have to store and distribute the collected items?

Some of the items needed are: Baby Formula Diapers (Infant/Child/Adult) Female Hygiene Products Pet Food (Dog, Cat, etc.) Eyes Drops & Contact Lens Solution Soap Wipes (Cleaning & Baby) First Aid Supplies Toothpaste Shampoo Razors & Shaving Cream Mouthwash Rubbing Alcohol & Hydrogen Peroxide Bleach & Cleaning Supplies Flashlights Non-Electric Clock Portable Non-Electric Radio Batteries Disposable Plates, Glasses and Utensils Candles Mosquito spray Plastic Drop Cloth Canned foods (Meats, Fish, Fruits and Vegetables) Canned Soups Canned Puddings Canned or Powered Milk Cereal, Cookies and Snacks Condiments Peanut Butter and Jelly Coffee and Tea Can Openers

Dried Fruit Powered or Packaged Drinks Water Batteries Small generators Sunscreen Toiletries Leather Work Gloves Hand Sanitizer Tents Box Fans Matches R∴W∴ Larry D. Duff PDDGM 2016, KYCH, KTCH Ph: 352-874-2164 E-Mail: Ldduff@centurylink.net Project Director – Public Relations & Publicity Member – Penal Affairs Panel Member – Grand Masters Coordinating Committee Treasurer – Leesburg Lodge No. 58 Secretary – Memorial Lodge No. 15 R∴W∴ Duff also serves as a Corporate Board Member and Treasurer of the Leesburg Food Bank, a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation.

Other Things to Know/Consider Before You Donate Money or Needed Items: 1. How to find a reputable organization: • Under most circumstances, look at a nonprofit organization for donations. The charity’s

website should include some documentation of being a 501(c)(3) organization, or have a copy of their IRS Form 990 available for donors to check. That means that the IRS has approved the nonprofit as a tax-exempt, charitable organization. Confirming this status is a good start, but it doesn’t tell you much about what the charity does, or how they use donations.

• The next step after confirming this status is to check the charity’s rating on a watchdog site. Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance are three of the most prominent. You can find information about how much funding a charity receives, what percentage of donations are used for programs (versus overhead), and who runs the organization.

2. Spot charity scam warning flags: • Some scam artists are willing to use the guise of charity to con generous people out of their

money. In 2015, the FTC charged four supposed cancer-related organizations with committing $187 million worth of fraud. Signs you may not be dealing with a legitimate charity include:

• They won’t offer details about their mission, cost, or how donations are spent • The name or website is almost identical to another well-known nonprofit (some fraudulent

charities do this to confuse donors) • The rep leans hard on you to donate. Eagerness is one thing, but a guilt trip is a red flag. • They ask for cash or checks made out to someone other than the charity • They won’t offer the usual acceptable documentation; such as proof of nonprofit status or

receipts for donations 3. Questions to ask a charity before donating: • Once you’ve finished your preliminary research to establish the charity’s legitimacy, use these

questions to help you decide whether to support the organization: • What’s the exact name of the charity? This is helpful as a last check against possible scams.

• What programs are you working on? Imagine you’re donating to help save an endangered species. One organization may fund breeding programs. Another may work to preserve habitat. Find an organization working in the ways you care about most.

• What results have you accomplished? You want to see some indication that the organization is completing projects that have continued success.

• How will my donation be used? While checking charity watchdog sites can give you an idea, you’ll get the most up-to-date answers straight from the source.

• Is my donation tax-deductible? Not all donations are. You should get a receipt you can show the IRS to claim a deduction.

• What is the charity’s religious and political leanings? An organization’s stance on a hot-button issue like LGBT rights or women’s reproductive health options may affect your decision to support them.

4. What form of payment is best? • Your payment method can make a big difference in how much of your donation makes it to

the charity. Mailing a check to the organization you support may seem a little old-fashioned. But the charity will receive the full amount that you donate and you’ll have a carbon copy to document your donation for the IRS.

• Using your credit card to give to charity is secure and convenient. If you want to send recurring donations, it may be easier to set it up on your credit card than remember to send a check every month. A downside is that a fee applies to most credit card transactions (charities are not exempt from merchant processing fees). The charity will probably receive 97% or 98% of your donation. Double-check with your credit card issuer, though. Capital One covers the transaction fee so that the charity receives your full donation.

• Sending cash–as in actual paper money–is always a bad idea. It’s simply too easy for someone other than the charity to pocket your gift. Check and credit card donations are much harder to intercept.

• Donating over the phone can diminish the value of your contribution, even if the person you speak with isn’t a scammer. Some charities contract with for-profit telemarketers. A large cut of your donation could end up going to the telemarketing company rather than the nonprofit. If you receive a fundraising call for a cause you want to support, go to the charity’s website and find out how to donate directly.

5. Donating cash back rewards: • If you want to give to charity but your budget is tight, consider donating your credit card

rewards. Most cash back rewards programs offer an option to donate your rewards directly to particular nonprofit organizations.

The advantages of donating rewards points: • You can give money without taking it out of your regular budget • The organization receives 100% of your donation A few disadvantages to consider: • Your points donation is likely not tax deductible • You may not find your organization of choice on the list 6. How to donate miles • One useful asset other than cash is airline miles. Staff may need to plan business trips to further

the organization’s mission. The Red Cross, for example, may use miles to send volunteers to aid in areas affected by disaster, for example. The Make-a-Wish Foundation sends terminally

ill children and their families on meaningful trips. Your unused miles help charities fund these travel plans.

• Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta and other airlines let you donate miles to charitable organizations. Go to the online portal as you normally would to redeem miles, and look for a donation option. You’ll be directed to a list of charities you can support. Depending on how many miles you plan to donate, you may be able to spread your donation over several organizations. Check your card issuer for rules about minimum mile donation amounts and expiration dates.

7. Get better value on donations by looking for matches: • Credit card companies can amplify your donation through matches. With certain rewards credit

cards if you use your card to make your donation, you may earn cash back points automatically, be sure to check with your specific credit card issuer on how they view charitable donations made with their credit card. It could be a nice little boost for doing a good deed. There are other credit card issuers who may match your donations up to a set dollar amount, again be sure to check with the card issuer on what their program is for charitable donations.

8. How to track where your money goes: • You’ve set up your one-time or recurring donation and have that warm, fuzzy feeling of doing

good. At least, you would feel that way if you knew for sure that your gift made a difference. • Keep in touch with your charity after you make a donation. You noted their programs and

projects before donating. Now, make a plan to check in after six months or a year to see what progress they’ve made. Sign up for a mailing list to get updates. You can also check in on sites like GiveWell to see if an organization is fulfilling the promises they made to donors and program recipients. Knowing what happened after you sent in your gift will be an important factor in your decision whether to keep supporting them next year.

9. Why cash is better than goods–or even food • Food bank drives don’t always go according to plan. Eager givers may overwhelm a local food

bank around Thanksgiving with too many frozen turkeys to store. Food banks often receive expired or damaged donations that they have to sort and discard. When I called my local food bank to inquire about what they needed most, I expected to hear that baby formula or spices were high on the list.

• “Cash,” the staff member on the line said instead. That way, they could shop for the food bank themselves, with their most up-to-date inventory list in hand.

• Cash may be an impersonal gift for family and friends, but it’s usually the best way to go for charities. After a disaster, planes and trucks full of clothing and toys can do more harm than good, demanding storage space and volunteer hours that are needed for other purposes. Even overseas food donations can hurt local industries’ efforts to produce what people need locally. If you’ve done your homework to find a reputable, effective organization, you can rest assured that your money will make its way to someone who needs the help.

GRAND MASTER’S HOMECOMING

Please join us for a wonderful evening of great food & fellowship.

Come out and celebrate with Most Worshipful Grand Master

John W. Westerman, III&

First LadySudy Westerman

Approved for Distribution by M.W. John W. Westerman, III, Grand Master on Aug. 27, 2019

SATURDAYOCT. 5, 20196:30 PM to 9:30 PM

LAKE EVA BANQUET CENTER 799 Johns Ave.Haines City, FL 33844

Registration at 5:30 PMDinner starts at 6:30 PM

PRIME RIB DINNERWith all the fixings!

HOTEL RESERVATIONSHampton Inn202 Cypress Gardens Blvd.Winter Haven, FL 33880863-299-9251

Room rate: $119 per night.Deadline for rate: Sept. 23Ask for the Grand Master’s Homecoming rate.

For more information,contact R.W. John R. Miller(313) 549-7620

ENGLAND/FRANCE

MASONIC VISITATION ITINERARY

OCTOBER 16-23 2019

October 16...............

.....Depart for L

ondon

October 17 -

18.........Visit United G

rand Lodge

of England

and

atten

d 2 lodge m

eetings

October 19.....

................Attend

Eastleigh Lo

dge No. 8340 meeting

October 20...............

...Travel Paris

October 21 -

22.......Visit Pa

ris, Grand L

odge Nationa

le Francaise

and a

ttend 2 lodg

e meetings *

October 23...

................Return

to the U.S.

Total cost

per person

including t

axes and f

ees: $1,400.00**

This quote d

oes not co

ver costs

such as tr

avel insura

nce,

meals and gr

ound trans

portation.

Please conta

ct our tra

vel agent a

nd fellow Brothe

r Scott

Barrish to s

ubmit your boo

king reques

t and make p

ayment

on the boo

king. He c

an be reac

hed via the

following co

ntact

information,

scott@swelltrav

elagency.c

om or 352-77

7-3661.

We will be trave

ling to lodge

s in London

, Eastleigh

and Paris.

The itinerary

for these

visitations

will be provid

ed under

separate c

over.

* If enough B

rothers pr

esent we may co

nfer a Fellow

Craft Degree

** Prices and

availability

subject to

change at

time of booki

ng

Affiliate of Leg

ato ® Florida

Seller of Tr

avel ST41147

Approved for distribution by M.W. John W. Westerman, III, Grand Master, on August 30, 2019

7th Annual

October 12, 2019 8A.M. – 12P.M.

Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park

Completely free event offered to all Citizens with Physical or IntellectualDisabilities Requiring Supervised Care

Free Rods & Reels and T-Shirts Strictly Limited to the First 250 Applicants(applicant may be accompanied by additional family members/guardians/care takers)

Pre-Registration ONLY, on a First- Come, First- Served Basis (see attached

registration forms, or call (850) 341-5036, or go to WWW.SeaNoLimits.com)

This FREE Event includes: Your Logo Here

Your Logo Here

Fishing Rod & Reel (to keep)

Grilled Lunch w/ Beverages

Event T-Shirt

Child ID Program (Optional)

Fish Identification Booklets

Fishing Education & Hands-on InstructionCat Country 98.7 FM "Cat" MascotEscambia Search & Rescue Demonstration

Proudly Sponsored by

Approved for Distribution by M.W. John W. Westerman, III, Grand Master, on September 5, 2019

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2019 FORT CLINCH OUTDOOR MASTER MASON DEGREE

Brothers of Amelia Lodge have been conferring the Master Mason Degree for over 3 decades inside the fort that is located on the north end of Amelia Island. Confederate forces seized the fort in early 1861 and Master Masons from both sides met and held meetings inside the fort according to fort records. Travel back in time to a lantern lit Fort Clinch as the Degree Team confers the M.M. Degree in Civil War attire, and please feel free to wear yours.

Supper will be served at Amelia Lodge from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. Dinner Reservations requested at econs@comcast.net.

After dinner, meet at the fort inside of historic Fort Clinch State Park! Park admittance and parking is free to Brothers attending the Degree.

Your current dues card is required. Bring bug spray, folding chair, and a light jacket.

Other activities available include Amelia River Cruises, Golf, 14-Miles of Atlantic Coast Beach, Historic Downtown Fernandina Beach. For information on

these and other activities email to econs@comcast.net

Accommodations at the Residence Inn

Amelia Island, 2301 Sadler Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034. Discounted room rates are available from Oct. 19 – 21. Reservations deadline is September 21, 2018 be sure to use Group Code: Ft. Clinch Degree. 904-277-2440 ext. 0

FRIDAY NIGHT SOCIAL

TOURS AND EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE

WEEKEND

SUPPER AT THE LODGE FROM 3 – 5

PM

GAVEL RAPS AT

6 PM!

MEMORABILIA ON SALE

AMELIA LODGE NO. 47 1101 South 14th Street Fernandina Beach, FL

www.amelialodge47.com

Approved for Distribution by M∴W∴ John W. Westerman, III, Grand Master, on August 30, 2019

Tommy Turlington’s Deputy Grand Master’s Fundraiser

December 11, 2019

SPAGHETTI DINNER & DESSERT AUCTION

With all the fixins!!!! Meatless Spaghetti Dinner will be available for those who desire meatless.

Location: New Smyrna Lodge No. 149, open to all brothers. 300 N Riverside Dr New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170

Time: 6:30 PM, Wednesday – December 11th.

Donation: $ 10.00 Per Person

Dress: Casual

A special “Homemade Dessert” Auction will be held after the dinner. (Donations of Homemade Desserts not required but appreciated.)

If you would like to help sell tickets or buy tickets contact Jackie Arrington – jackiearrington@bellsouth.net – 386-328-4175 or Howard Chase – hchase@cfl.rr.com 386-679-3472.

Come and enjoy the fellowship and a great meal while helping to raise funds for Tommy’s 2020 Grand Master’s Homecoming. Grand Lodge does not provide funds for the homecomings, so we would appreciate your help.

As always, thank you!!!

For additional registration information, please contact New Smyrna Masonic Lodge No. 149 F&AM, Address: 300 N Riverside Dr, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, Phone: (386) 423-2370. FLORIDA REGISTRATION NUMBER CH51935 “A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE 800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE.OR VISIT WWW.800HELPFLA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE ”.

Approved for Distribution by M∴W∴ John W. Westerman, III, Grand Master, on August 13, 2019