Minnesota Masons Encourage Building Social Connections

 On November 11, 2024, the Grand Lodge of Minnesota and Minnesota Masonic Charities recently hosted a screening of the documentary "Join or Die," which is inspired by Robert Putnam’s influential book "Bowling Alone." This event brought together members of the General public and the Masonic community to reflect on the vital role of social capital and community engagement.

The screening was a significant occasion, highlighting the importance of strengthening communal bonds and promoting active participation in social networks. "Join or Die" delves into the decline of social capital over recent decades, illustrating how reduced community involvement has led to greater social isolation and weakened democratic processes. By showcasing this film, the Grand Lodge of Minnesota underscored its commitment to fostering strong, connected communities.

Attendees were greeted in a warm, welcoming atmosphere at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center, reflective of the Masonic principles of brotherly love and mutual support.

Other great organizations were invited and had display booths for the attendees to gain more information on other organizations that they may wish to become more involved in. the JP4 Foundation, Free Bikes4kids, Facelet Foundation, Meals on Wheels, The Women's Club of Minneapolis. 

The event also served as a reminder of the timeless values upheld by the Freemasons, such as charity, relief, and truth. By bringing attention to the significance of social capital, the Grand Lodge of Minnesota demonstrated its dedication to improving society through active involvement and support for one another.

In addition to the intellectual stimulation, there was a palpable sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the attendees. This sense of unity and collective effort is at the heart of both Freemasonry and the message of "Join or Die." The event was not only an educational experience but also an inspiring call to action, encouraging participants to take concrete steps towards building stronger, more connected communities.

Overall, the screening of "Join or Die" was a resounding success, reaffirming the Masonic commitment to community engagement and highlighting the enduring relevance of Robert Putnam's work. It left attendees with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to contribute positively to their communities, embodying the Masonic ethos of making the world a better place through collective effort and social connection.

 

2024 University of Minnesota Table Lodge

 

On November 12, 2024, representatives from the University of Minnesota, the Grand Lodge of Minnesota and from Minnesota Masonic Charities gathered at the McNamara Alumni Center for an annual Table Lodge.

The Table Lodge has been a long-standing tradition but was interrupted for a few years due to the pandemic. It felt good to be back on the university campus to celebrate this extraordinary partnership between the Masons of Minnesota, and the University of Minnesota.

Walking into the McNamara Center toward the reception area, I passed the elegantly set dining room. There was an undeniable buzz of excitement in the air to be able to gather together once again.

I had the opportunity to meet several cancer researchers, and children’s health researchers. I also met Dr. Damien Fair of the Masonic Institute for the Brain. Everyone displayed great enthusiasm and passion for their work.   It was inspiring to listen to them discuss their projects, the possible break throughs and advancements, along with the potential for improving the countless lives of people.

The researchers were very grateful for the Mason’s support and explained how important that the funding they receive from the Minnesota Masons thru Minnesota Masonic Charities is extremely important to allow for them to continue their valuable work.

Connie W. Delaney PhD, Dean and Professor School of Nursing

I had a wonderful conversation with Dr. Connie W. Delany, the Dean of the School of Nursing, discussing a wonderful new project she is working on for the Science and Care for Healthy Aging initiative. Her passion for helping people is unsurpassed.

We proceeded to dinner where we were seated in a delightful blend of university staff and Masons. This assigned seating format allowed for the opportunity to meet new people, meaningful conversations, and cheerful banter.

Dr, Rebecca Cunningham President of the University of Minnesota, and CEO of Minnesota Masonic Charities John Schwietz

The Master of Ceremonies for the Table Lodge was the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Minnesota Masons, Foster D. Solem.

PGM Eric Neetenbeck, gave a humorous and lighthearted set of instructions to all newcomers. He reminded all that this is not a drinking game and provided helpful hints on the toasting procedures to avoid splashing, sloshing and spraying their liquid libations onto their fellow dinner guests.

He explained that the toast is completed by shouting with gusto either the French version of Vivat, meaning long live or the British version Huzzah. When it came time for the toast to the University of Minnesota the toast was completed by shouting Ski-U-Mah, the schools victory slogan.  These expressions are to demonstrate enthusiastic support for the subject or person being toasted.

These cheers truly enhance the festive atmosphere of the evening and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and friendship.

In our Masonic Table Lodge the seven toasts are an essential part of the evening’s celebration. Each individual toast usually represents a shared value, that provides for a moment of reflection, deepening the bonds between the Brothers and attendees in friendship and fraternity.

This year the toasts were a blend of traditional Masonic toasts plus some additions to encompass the projects supported by Masonic Charities and the University of Minnesota.  Below is a listing of the toasts.

Toast 1- To our country (MWB John Cook)

Response - Reed Endersbe 

Toast 2- To a future without cancer (Bro. Chuck Dietz)

Response - Dr. Jakub Tolar, Dean of Medical School  

Toast 3 - To happy hearts and healthy minds of children (WB Roger McNear)

Response- Dr. Joseph Neglia, Head of Department of Pediatrics 

Toast 4 - To healthy aging (Barb Brihn, PWGM) 

Response - Dr. Jim Pacala, Head of Family Medicine. 

Toast 5- To the Grand Master (RTW Keith Reirson)

Response - Grand Master, Foster Solem 

Toast 6 - To the University of MN (MWB Steve Johnson)

Response - Dr. Rebecca Cunningham, President 

The chant here was Ski-u-Mah, the U of M cheer.

Toast 7- Tyler's toast (MWB John Gann)

 

To conclude the Table Lodge, the University of Minnesota Acapella Choir performed “Auld Lang Syne”, which is by Free Mason Robert Burns. The song title is Scottish which means time gone by or long, long ago. 

As a Minnesota Freemason and a supporter of Minnesota Masonic Charities attending this event was incredibility fulfilling.  To meet the people performing the research and to know that my contributions are making a positive impact on the people of Minnesota is gratifying and that the support of Minnesota Masonic Charities has an impact beyond our borders and will have a lasting legacy that impacts future generations. 

It was also pretty nice to meet the 18^th President of the University of Minnesota, Rebecca Cunningham, as well and hear her say thank you to Masonic Charities. 

 

 

 

Veterans Day 2024

Thank you to the Veterans Administration  

 

The First Annual Minnesota Masonic Charities Pillars Society Brunch

 

On October 27, 2024, Minnesota Masonic Charites held its first annual Pillars Society Brunch in the Dan Patch Hall at the Minnesota Masonic Heritage Center in Bloomington, Minnesota.

The Pillars Society is a community of generous and dedicated donors who believe in and are committed to the mission of Minnesota Masonic Charities.

The Pillars Society was created in 2006 as a special distinction reserved for supporters who have given $1,000 or more thru cash donations, estate planning or deferred giving.

There are five levels of membership in the giving in outright gifts, planned gifts or bequests which range from Craftsman with a gift of $1000 to Platinum with a gift of $500,000. Other levels are Bronze with at gift of $25,000, Silver a gift of $100,000 and Gold with a gift of $250,000.

Being a member of the Pillars Society, I have a sense of fulfillment knowing that my contributions will help to ensure the future of the charitable work of Minnesota Masonic Charities.

Below is a sample of the partnerships, endeavors, and research that the Minnesota Masonic charities support.

The Minnesota Masonic Home - Established in 1918 the 194-bed facility is on an 80-acre campus situated on the bluffs of the Minnesota river in Bloomington, Minnesota. The award-winning home is a resident-centered facility that provides short term rehabilitation and long-term care.

The Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota.

The M Health Fairview-Masonic Children’s Hospital.

The Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain.

The Minnesota Masonic Children’s Clinic for Communication Disorders.

The Minnesota Masonic Scholarship Program -to date the MMS has given $13 million in scholarships to Minnesota graduating high school students. Future projections are for $1 million to be given away soon with the emphasis on those seeking studies in Nursing, Agriculture, Law Enforcement and Education.

Mission Grants – these are grants given to establish organizations who are working on critical issues and provide valuable services in our Minnesota Communities. Here is just a small sampling of some of those organizations:

The Crescent Cove Respite and Hospice Home – they provide extended care and support to children and young adults that face a shortened life expectancy.

The MAV-V and Eagles Healing Nest – these are organizations which are dedicated to addressing the needs of our Minnesota Veterans.

Matching Grants for Minnesota Masonic Lodges and Order of the Eastern Start Chapters - This program is an opportunity for Lodges and Order of Eastern Star Chapters who are fundraising for a charity event in their community to double their fundraising dollars. Grants are provided up to $10,000 per grant with a limit of $25,000 per masonic organization in a calendar year.

After enjoying a delightful brunch, the attendees were treated to an engaging murder mystery play titled: “Murder at the Dan Patch Racetrack.”

The murder mystery play was a fun adventure. It combined corny humor with suspenseful storytelling, and active audience participation to determine who the identity of the murderer.

As amateur detectives we interacted with the quirky characters, gathering clues, and following twisted plots lines, as the whodunit played out before us.

The play was written and directed by professional Paul Warshauer specifically for the brunch attendees.

The cast of characters included members of Minnesota Masonic Charities and the Grand Lodge.

I can say it was a delightful experience full of laughter and charm watching my fellow masons entertain the attendees and “act” their parts and hats off to all for an outstanding performance with little advance preparation.

The Murder at the Dan Patch Stables was an enjoyable experience, and I hope there is another murder mystery next year.

John Schwietz, CEO of Minnesota Masonic Charities, did divulge a new upcoming giving initiative by the Minnesota Masonic Charities to serve the community. I am unable to disclose any details yet but stay tuned as an announcement will be made soon and I will be writing about that in another post. 

 

 

 

The Cast and the table of participants who deduced the Case