We passed!

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Ok, we should have anticipated that result. We practiced on actual and pro tem candidates, and had experienced hands on the apron presentation and lecture. The new wrinkle was a member presenting the EA charge for the first time. He did an excellent job, and is already making plans to learn the lecture for next year’s Inspection.

Speaking of Inspections, our attendance this year was up to our usual standard. Our members accounted for a full one-third of those present. By adding our Honorary Members who were present, we accounted for approximately half of the attendees. Historically we have excellent representation of our membership at both regular and special meetings, and this year has been no exception.

Inspection season is quickly drawing to a close. As this is being written, only two remain for the season: Mt. Carmel #303 on March 31^st, and Indian Lake #722 on April 16. Full details can be found on the 15^th Masonic District web site in the left margin. Be sure to take a non-perishable food item for donation to a local food bank!

With the official start of spring, our focus starts to shift toward different things. We are in the process of setting dates for our Masonic Awards presentation, and honoring the Past Masters of LaRue Lodge. Every organization is a product of those who have gone before. We have been blessed with members who unselfishly donate their time and talents. When discussing such topics many think of the Past Masters who hold offices, but we know that is just the beginning of the conversation. Ours take an active interest in maintaining the building, representing us at various functions, and interacting with the community. Frequently referenced as “those guys that meet upstairs”, we enjoy a level of community recognition and involvement that would be difficult to duplicate in larger communities. To each a heart-felt Thank You barely touches our appreciation for their efforts.

As a reminder, the Grand Master’s Reception is just around the corner. There is still time to make your reservation, with details described below. It is also an opportunity to meet the recipient of the 2012 Grand Master’s Excellence in Youth Award. Yes, he was nominated from our Lodge, and Yes, we have nominated several for this recognition over the years. Our track record reflects that for 8 consecutive years a young person nominated by our Lodge has been selected for this award. We would love to take sole credit for such an accomplishment, but can’t. Credit is due to the young people, supported by their parents and families, who choose to display the qualities of character and community involvement which are the focus of the award. While each community has them, we are pleased to assist in seeing ours receive proper recognition.

The following is the only date currently on our Lodge calendar:

April 13, 2012. 15th District Grand Masters Reception. Held at the Huntsville Event Center, 6886 Wishart Street, Huntsville, OH 43324. Dinner is scheduled to start at 7pm. The cost is $17.50, and reservations can be made through the Lodge Secretary prior to April 6, 2012. The menu has been released, and is:

Chicken Breast
Roasted Potatoes
Mixed Vegetables
Salad
Rolls
Coffee, lemonade, ice tea, soda
Dessert Bar

This summarizes what is happening with Lodge “as we type”. As more information becomes available, we will share.

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See you in Lodge!

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So that was Winter?

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We know, we know. It is too soon to think about such things. Spring actually starts on March 20^th at 1:14am. Even after that it is too soon to declare that winter is over. Some of our older members remember horrendous snows in April. One shared a story from his grandmother, who recalled that snow flurries made an appearance the morning of an Independence Day parade in the early 1900’s. No matter how you view it, spring is on the way. Daylight is increasing at the rate of 2 minutes 40+ seconds per day. As this is being written the forecast is for a high of 68 degrees, with a gentle rain. Lest we forget, February last year saw the worst snow of the winter, immediately followed by the worst flooding to hit our village since 1963. Like winter, even spring has its challenges.

Speaking of challenges, we received information from Grand Lodge that recommends changes to what we post to this site. The basis of their guidelines is the confidentiality of member information, which we have always tried to respect. We have never published residential addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses of members. We have posted birthdays and Masonic anniversaries, and photos from special ceremonies with the parties identified. During discussion at a recent meeting we determined the following approach best fits our situation.

- In the future no member will be identified on our site without signing a permission form before the posting. A separate form will not be required for each instance.

- Permission slips will be mailed to each of our members to sign and return. Signed forms will permit us to continue posting birthdays, Masonic anniversaries, and historical photos.

- If not already on file, permission slips will be requested for each person photographed receiving an award, other special recognition at the Lodge, or participating in the ceremony.

- The WM will be offered the opportunity to review and adjust each item intended for posting.

- The content of “LaRue Lodge – The First 100 Years” from 1972 will remain available, as it is also found on local historical sites.

This area is an appropriate concern, the ripples of which will be felt for years to come. A quick survey of Masonic web sites assures us we are not alone. At this point portions of both the 15^th Masonic District and Grand Lodge web sites would appear to require revision also. As with any major change, it will take us some time to become comfortable with the new processes. Please bear with us during the transition.

We still have events to mark on your calendar, indicated below:

March 6, 2012. Election Day. If you haven’t already cast your ballot through the early voting or absentee options, this is your chance to make your thoughts count. For this reason it is called participatory government.

March 11, 2012. Daylight Savings Time. The official change takes place at 2am. The phrase “spring forward, fall back” suggests we should move our clocks forward one hour.

March 17, 2012. Our Inspection in the EA degree. Inspection starts at 2:30pm, and at this point refreshments are not scheduled. Please Note: This is a change from the date and time previous posted.

April 13, 2012. 15th District Grand Masters Reception. Held at the Huntsville Event Center, 6886 Wishart Street, Huntsville, OH 43324. Dinner is scheduled to start at 7pm. The cost is $17.50, and reservations can be made through the Lodge Secretary prior to April 6, 2012. The menu has been released, and is:

Chicken Breast
Roasted Potatoes
Mixed Vegetables
Salad
Rolls
Coffee, lemonade, ice tea, soda
Dessert Bar

Additional Inspection dates are listed on the 15^th Masonic District web site, noted in the left margin.

This summarizes what is happening with Lodge “as we type”. As more information becomes available, we will share.

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See you in Lodge!

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