Summer?
It barely feels like it now! As we head
toward our first meeting of the fall, it dawns on us that summer is quickly
drawing to a close. It has been
everything you’d expect in Ohio: periods of heavy rain, many days of drought,
hot weather, cool weather, and it changes every couple days. Jokes abound describing running the A/C in
the afternoon and the furnace at night, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The Deputy Grand Master’s Roll Out Programs have made
their last appearance, at least until next year. For those who missed the events, it was an
opportunity to hear from the source what is planned for the coming year, and
why. It is hard to summarize the content
in just a few phrases, but here are some high points from my notes on RWB Steven
Cokonougher’s presentation:
1 – All possible communications will be digital. Grand Lodge spent over $110,000 last year on
postage, much of which could have been better spent elsewhere.
2 – To enhance leadership abilities, multiple training
opportunities will be offered for Deacons, Wardens, and Education Officers.
3 - A Speakers
Bureau will be developed for each District, the members of which will be made
available for Special and Stated Meetings, on both Masonic and non-Masonic
topics.
4 – Meetings and activities need to be respectful of the
time, effort, and expense of those who attend, especially new candidates. As a result, some adjustments will be made to
the current process of introductions and processes used during meetings, and at
related social functions.
The Power Point presentation
used during the meetings can be found at:
Since our last post we have made
a significant change to our entry way.
For over a year we have struggled with the chair lift that runs from
downstairs to the first landing. For
reasons unknown to us, it quit one day, and hasn’t operated since. Although examined by many, no satisfactory
explanation was found. We finally called
in professionals from 101 Mobility in Lewis Center (http://columbus.101mobility.com/). After a thorough examination and discussion
of the options, we found it cheaper to have a new chair lift installed than
attempt a repair on the old one. A photo
of the new one should appear below.
The technician is in the chair, having demonstrated that it indeed works. We still have the 2nd chair lift
operating from the landing to the top of the stairs. The replacement and installation did make a
dent in our investment funds, but will make attending Lodge more comfortable
for those with mobility issues.
As usual there are a number
of calendar listings to note.
August
23, 2014 3rd Annual Road Rally,
presented by the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation (memorycaremiles.com). There are multiple possible starting points, so
check out the web site for detailed information.
September
1, 2014 Labor Day.
September 3, 2014 First
meeting of the fall, at 7:30pm.
September 6, 2014 District
Meeting at Mt. Carmel #303 at 9am.
September
14, 2014 District Awards Dinner at the Plaza
Inn (http://www.plazainn.net/). Dinner starts at 6pm. Further
details will be posted when they become available.
October 13, 2014 Columbus
Day
October
17-18, 2014 205th Annual Communication
of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held at the Sharonville Convention Center, 11355 Chester Road, Sharonville, OH.
November 15, 2014 Fall
Education Meeting at Oliver #447 at 9am.
November 27, 2014 Thanksgiving
December 6, 2014 Past
Master Convocation at Marion #70
at 9am.
December 25, 2014 Christmas
December 31, 2014 New
Year’s Eve. Please select a Designated
Driver!
January
1, 2015 New Year’s Day. Your first opportunity to stick to those
resolutions, or not.
That’s all we know for now. Stay warm, and we’ll
See you in
Lodge!
.
