Ambassadors visited two members today. First, Mason Chris Harris showed ambassadors around the second floor of the Hermon Masonic Lodge and shared some of the building and organization’s history. Grinnell’s Mason chapter was chartered in 1870 and they met in various locations around town before deciding to build their building in 1918. Their goal as an organization is to “make good people better” and Chris laughed when saying most of the rumors we’ve heard about the Masons aren’t true but they make it fun. They’re always accepting new members, if you’re interested in learning more, reach out to a current member.
Ambassadors then ventured to the third floor to celebrate the opening of American Brawn Charity Solace Center. American Brawn is a nonprofit who’s mission is to share information on suicide support and raise money to purchase life saving equipment for first responders. Founder Kent Reed shared that he has been interested in exploring a support location for veterans and first responders to gather and find comfort with others who have similar backgrounds. He approached the Masons about renting the third floor of their building and they agreed to partner.
The American Brawn Solace Center is open Thursday nights from 6-8 PM. They offer art projects, books or magazines to read, music and other activities for people looking for an opportunity to find solace. Kent intends to add some more structured programming in the future but the current sessions are drop in. While everyone is welcome, the space is specifically looking to provide veterans, active military and first responders the opportunity to connect. Some of the projects attendees are working on will be available for purchase during the auction at the upcoming annual American Brawn Gala (save the date for July 13).
Join Kent and others this Thursday and every Thursday from 6-8 PM on the 3rd floor of the Mason building (928 Main Street). There are chair lifts available if attendees need assistance with the stairs. If you have questions about the Solace Center or would like to make a donation to American Brawn, contact Kent at 641-821-5134 or visit their website at americanbrawn.us
Pictured L-R: Lisa Cirks - Cirks Financial Services, Rachael Kinnick - Grinnell Chamber, Whitney Bair Crawford, Agent with New York Life, Gary Benest - American Brawn Charity Volunteer, Trent Arment - MCG - Mahaska Communication Group, Phil Grout - Hy-Vee, Jess Dawson - REMAX Partners Realty- Grinnell, Donnette Ellis - Grinnell College Community Connections, Monica St. Angelo - Grinnell Area Arts Council, Fran Conn, Kent Reed - American Brawn Charity, Charlie Isaacs - Theisen's, Rod Rosburg - American Brawn volunteer, Stephanie Lair - UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center, Nathan Beck - Community 1st Credit Union, Rachel Arsenault - Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate, Hannah O'Polka - Cleanfoodfix Wellness Studio, Hannah Voss - UnityPoint at Home, Matt Moyer - Bayer Crop Science, Faith Repp - Capstone Behavioral Healthcare, Marissa Pronschinske - Grinnell Chamber
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