Tuesday, December 22, 2015





OK, it is finally Winter

No, it doesn’t feel like winter yet, but that’s OK.  It will soon enough.  As much as we all like images of that fluffy white stuff falling softly to earth on Christmas Eve, the rest of that package deal can get uncomfortable.  We are more than happy waiting to use words like drifting, blizzard, ice-covered, and wind chill in our daily conversation.

Thanks to all who assisted with our recent degree work, our participation in La Rue’s Christmas in the Village, and other such pursuits.  No matter the activity, more hands make the work easier for all. 

Our last meeting featured our DDGM, RWB Willard Fissel, conducting his first Pre-Inspection Visit, assisted and coached by RWB Fred Somerlot.  Preceded by a lasagna dinner, it was quite an evening. 

Even though we are in the middle of our holiday break, we are knee-deep in the “Masonic” season.  We’ve already had the 15th District Annual Meeting, Grand Lodge Annual Communication, our election and installation of officers, and are now looking Inspection square in the face.  To say this is a busy time hardly does it justice, and we kind of like it that way.

Two local activities shape our calendar for the short term: 
-  At the 15th District Annual Meeting our Inspection date and degree were established:  Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 10am, in the FC degree.  Yes, you read that correctly, it will be in the morning.  Coffee, juice, and doughnuts will be available prior to the meeting.  Those wishing a more substantial breakfast are being redirected to Coonie’s.  They have catered our last couple Inspections and offer full breakfast service on Saturdays.  With the District holding most of its functions at 9am, we felt 10am was a good compromise to complete Inspection without taking over an entire evening.

-  We initiated two (2) EA candidates at our first meeting in December, and have a third EA candidate scheduled for January 20th.  To the best of our recollection, the last time we initiated two candidates at the same meeting was May 18, 1977.  That father-son duo also took their FC degrees the same night, September 7, 1977.  Depending on how this unfolds, we might try duplicating this feat in the near future.


Below are dates significant to our Lodge, community, and District.  We suggest marking your calendars accordingly.


December 25, 2015            Christmas.  The reason for the season goes deeper than presents, trees, and candy canes.

December 31, 2015            New Year’s Eve.  This is an excellent opportunity to select, appoint, or otherwise pick a Designated Driver BEFORE the celebration begins.

January 1, 2016                  New Year’s Day.  This is a chance for that fresh slate we all talk about, crafting the new (and better) you, and a better community you are part of.  And possibly watch some football.  (Go Bucks!)

January 2, 2016                  This is the day most of us decide whether sticking to those resolutions is going to happen.  Or not.

January 6, 2016                  Regular Meeting, featuring an FC practice. 

January 9, 2016                  15th District Annual Work Day at Palestine #158, starting at 9am.

January 11, 2016                College Football Championship Game.

January 16, 2016                Inspection in the FC degree.  Coffee, juice, and doughnuts available prior, with Lodge opening at 10am.

January 18, 2016                Martin Luther King Day               

January 20, 2016                Regular meeting, featuring an EA Initiation. 

February 14, 2016              Valentine’s Day.  Consider this your reminder to make arrangements to show that special someone in your life how much they mean to you.

February 15, 2016              President’s Day. 

March 20, 2016                    Palm Sunday
                                                First day of Spring

March 27, 2016                    Easter

April 8, 2016                         15th District Grand Master’s Reception at 7pm.  Place to be determined.



That’s all we know for now.  Stay warm, and we’ll

See you in Lodge!


.

Thursday, November 12, 2015



OK, it is finally Autumn

While we like the change of the seasons as much as anyone, we admit to a certain preference for warm months.  This year the transition from warm months waited until after Halloween, but has gotten more serious lately.  As this was being typed it is 50 degrees, rainy, with winds of 20-30 mph, gusting to 40-50 mph.  At this is the warmest day this week!

Regardless of the calendar and the weather, we are knee-deep in the “Masonic” season.  We’ve already had the 15th District Annual Meeting, Grand Lodge Annual Communication, our election of officers, and are now looking Installation square in the face.  To say this is a busy time hardly does it justice, and we kind of like it that way.

The two local activities to shape our year have been the 15th District Annual Meeting and our Lodge elections.  At the District meeting our Inspection date and degree were established:  Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 10am, in the FC degree.  Yes, you read that correctly, it will be in the morning.  Coffee, juice, and doughnuts will be available prior to the meeting.  Those wishing a full substantial breakfast are being redirected to Coonie’s.  They have catered our last couple Inspections and offer full breakfast service on Saturdays.  With the District holding most of its functions at 9am, we felt 10am was a good compromise to complete Inspection without taking over an entire evening.

Our Lodge elections have been completed.  Those elected and appointed are listed on the tab “Current Officers and Contact Information”.  Installation of our 2015-16 officers is scheduled for our next meeting, November 18th, with a pizza dinner prior at 6:30pm.  WB Mark Wamack, KYCH, is scheduled to be our Installing Officer.  An additional feature of the meeting will be a degree planning session.  We received and approved three (3) new petitions, and anticipate an EA degree (or 2, or 3) at our meeting on December 2nd.  Some members recall doing 2 degrees in a single meeting, but not 3.  It promises to be interesting.

Below are dates significant to our Lodge, community, and District.  We suggest marking your calendars accordingly.

November 14, 2015            15th District Fall Education Meeting.  Held at La Rue #463 in La Rue, starting at 9am.  Coffee, juice, and doughnuts will be available prior.  You do not need to be an LEO or officer to attend, and no reservations are necessary.

November 18, 2015            Pizza dinner at 6:30, Meeting with Installation of Officers at 7:30pm.

November 26, 2015            Thanksgiving.  More than an opportunity to stuff ourselves and watch football, it can be a time of reflection, introspection, and appreciation of the blessings we enjoy.

December 2, 2015              EA degree(s).    Pizza dinner prior.

December 5, 2015              15th District Past Master Convocation.  Held at Mt. Gilead #206 in Denmark, starting at 9am.

December 16, 2015           Lasagna dinner at 6:30pm.  Pre-Inspection meeting with DDGM Willard Fissell at 6pm.

December 17, 2015            5 – 8pm, LaRue’s Christmas in the Village.  One of the things we love about small towns is their sense of community, and ours is no different.  Previous years have featured a parade, carriage rides, food (hot dogs, cookies, and hot chocolate), face painting, musical groups (Marionnaires, Elgin Show Choir, local church choirs), and an opportunity for the little ones to share their wish list with the Big Guy (Santa!).  Did we mention this is all free?!? 

December 25, 2015            Christmas.  The reason for the season goes deeper than presents, trees, and candy canes.

December 31, 2015            New Year’s Eve.  This is an excellent opportunity to select, appoint, or otherwise pick a Designated Driver BEFORE the celebration begins.

January 1, 2016                  New Year’s Day.  This is a chance for that fresh slate we all talk about, crafting the new (and better) you, and a better community you are part of.  And possibly watch some football.

January 2, 2016                  This is the day most of us decide whether sticking to those resolutions is going to happen.

January 6, 2016                  Regular Meeting.

January 11, 2016                College Football Championship Game. (Go Bucks!)

January 16, 2016                Inspection in the FC degree.  Coffee, juice, and doughnuts available prior, with Lodge opening at 10am.

January 20, 2016                Regular meeting.


That’s all we know for now.  Stay warm, and we’ll

See you in Lodge!

.

Friday, August 7, 2015



Where has Summer Gone?


It seems like just yesterday we were suffering through the monsoon rains of spring.  Yes, we know that was just 2 weeks ago.  After 2 weeks of summer, we were hardly ready for this week’s transition to fall.  Such is the weather in Ohio.

The 2015 sessions for the Deputy Grand Master Rollout Programs have already begun.  We were fortunate to attend the first one, on July 28th in Findlay.  RWB Robert Rill Jr. presented his view for the future of our fraternity.  He endorsed continuing the efforts already in place, while making common-sense improvements and adjustments.  His presentation addressed two points sure to be of interest to our membership.

Social Media.  Grand Lodge, individual Lodges, as well as individual members increasingly use social media.  Web sites fit this category, but represent just a small portion of what is currently available.  Grand Lodge is interested in making a more interactive form of social media available to members.  With the assistance of those who know computers and programming, Grand Lodge is preparing such a program.  As of this time it does not have a catchy title.  The format will be similar to Face Book, with links between Grand Lodge, Masonic Districts, individual Lodges, and members.
- It will be MORI driven, in that it will be a “closed community” limited to members.  Your membership number will be required to log in.
- Lodge Officer directories will be accessible, not just the Worshipful Master and Secretary, which are currently listed for Grand Lodge purposes.
- Calendars will be made available to list events at the Lodge, District, or Grand Lodge level.  Each member in Ohio will be able to access this information. 
- Announcements will be available through this system, presumably anything that is for the good of the Order.
- There is currently not a deadline to have this system in place, but preparations have already begun. 

Approachability.  This is a concern of the DGM, and the entire line of Grand Lodge Officers.  They want each of us to feel comfortable to talk with them, ask questions, express opinions, etc.  Each of them might have a title significant to the Fraternity, but they are members just like us, and want to be treated as such.


The Deputy Grand Master Rollout Program sessions present an opportunity to hear thoughts, ideas, and plans for the fraternity directly from the source.  They are informal, and present an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification.  The session is repeated in various locations to cut travel time and ensure everyone has an opportunity to attend.  Below are the dates and locations for the remainder of this year’s sessions, all of which start at 7:30pm:


Wednesday, August 12 at the Mansfield Masonic Temple, Mansfield, Ohio

Friday, August 14 at the Cuyahoga Falls Masonic Temple, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Tuesday, August 18 at Guernsey Lodge # 66, Cambridge, Ohio

Thursday, August 20 at Paramutha Lodge # 25, Athens, Ohio

Tuesday, August 25 at Scioto Lodge # 6, Chillicothe, Ohio



Here are some additional dates for your consideration:


September 2, 2015             Lodge.  This is our first meeting after the summer break.

September 7, 2015             Labor Day.  Dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, it constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

September 12, 2015           15th District Annual Meeting.  Held at Mad River #161 in West Liberty, starting at 9am.  This is the meeting where Inspection dates are finalized and District Officers elected.

September 13, 2015           15th District Awards Dinner.  Held at the Plaza Inn in Mt. Victory.  Dinner costs $15.50, including tax and tip, and starts at 6pm.  Reservations are required by September 11, directed to RWB Larry Lance, District Treasurer.

October 12, 2015                Columbus Day.

October 23-24, 2015           Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, held at the Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio.  Details will be posted as they become available.

November 14, 2015            15th District Fall Education Meeting.  Held at La Rue #463 in La Rue, starting at 9am.

November 26, 2015            Thanksgiving.

December 5, 2015              15th District Past Master Convocation.  Held at Mt. Gilead #206 in Denmark, starting at 9am.

           
Along the way we will add more dates and information.  Check back often.


That’s all we know for now.  Stay warm, and we’ll

See you in Lodge!


.

Friday, May 22, 2015



Summertime!
(Almost)

This is one of those topics certain to stir a discussion.  As usual, it depends on what landmarks are in use.  Judging by the equinox it is still spring - and a marvelous one it is.  Using other measures suggests it already is, or will soon turn to summer.  Two of those measures are Memorial Day and the summer break from Lodge meetings.

Memorial Day is generally considered as having been established on May 5, 1868, by an organization of Union veterans.  Originally called Decoration Day, it was a time for decorating the graves of soldiers with flowers.  Through legislation passed in 1968, the observance was moved from May 30th to the last Monday in May, effective in 1971.  Summer, otherwise known as “tourist season”, is generally considered to run from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day.

Lodge meetings operate on a different schedule completely.  (How else could you explain the year starting November 1st?)  Historically the vast majority of Lodges take a break during the summer months.  Many reasons have been offered, but the need to attend to crops and livestock combined with the recent invention of air conditioning seem the most likely.  That doesn’t mean that Lodges are idle during the summer months, as our schedule below will attest.  It does suggest that Stated Meetings are put on hold.

Such is the case for our Lodge.  Our next scheduled Stated Meeting will be held on Wednesday, September 2nd, at our usual time.  Be careful not to confuse the issue:  we are not canceling any meetings; we are just stating that if you show up before September 2nd you will be very lonely.

Since our last post you will note that we have added an additional page to our site:  La Rue Area Activities, Events, and Services.   The title of the page provides insight into the contents.  Take a few minutes to check it out, even if you live in the area.  You might find or learn something new.

The 2015 schedule has been posted for the Deputy Grand Master Rollout Programs in Ohio.  These sessions present an opportunity to hear thoughts, ideas, and plans for the fraternity directly from the source.  They are informal, and present an opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification.  The session is repeated in various locations to cut travel time and ensure everyone has an opportunity to attend.  Below are the dates and locations of this year’s sessions, all of which start at 7:30pm:


Tuesday, July 28 at the Findlay Masonic Temple, Findlay, Ohio.

Friday, July 31 at Jefferson Lodge # 90, Middletown, Ohio

Tuesday, August 4 at the Northland Masonic Temple, Columbus, Ohio

Wednesday, August 12 at the Mansfield Masonic Temple, Mansfield, Ohio

Friday, August 14 at the Cuyahoga Falls Masonic Temple, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Tuesday, August 18 at Guernsey Lodge # 66, Cambridge, Ohio

Thursday, August 20 at Paramutha Lodge # 25, Athens, Ohio

Tuesday, August 25 at Scioto Lodge # 6, Chillicothe, Ohio



Here are some additional dates for your consideration:


May 25, 2015            Memorial Day.  An opportunity to express appreciation for those who have sacrificed to keep our country free.

June 14, 2015          Flag Day

June 21, 2015          Father’s Day.  An opportunity to honor fathers and fatherhood, and celebrate the contributions they have made in our lives.

July 4, 2015              Independence Day.  Celebrating the birth of a nation doesn’t have to include parades, picnics, and fireworks, but it is fun when it does.

September 2, 2015             Lodge.  This is our first meeting after the summer break.

September 7, 2015             Labor Day.  Dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, it constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

October 23-24, 2015           Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, held at the Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio.  Details will be posted as they become available.


Along the way we will add more dates and information.  Check back often.



That’s all we know for now.  Stay cool, and we’ll

See you in Lodge!

.

Monday, April 6, 2015



Spring!


It is finally here, but not without issues or difficulty.  Shortly after the official rollout we experienced more snow, accompanied by cold temperatures.  Thankfully one of the signs of spring is those conditions don’t stay around for long. 

As many of you know, our most recent candidate was initiated at our first meeting in April.  The evening started with a pizza supper, allowing those in attendance a chance to get acquainted before the work began.  The food was good, and as usual both the fellowship and turnout were excellent.  Over 28% of our membership was in attendance that night, besting all but the most well attended of our events.  There are tentative plans to repeat the experience for our first meeting in May.  Stay tuned for details.

One recent community happening took place below our dining room.  Candy Craft Junkers opened in the vacant storefront on Good Friday.  Featuring both seasonal craft and re-purposed items, it is encouraging to see a business open in the village.  We encourage you to stop by and check out their offerings.

There are other services, activities, and organizations within and around our community.  Many have web sites and/or Face Book pages, which has almost supplanted word-of-mouth advertising.  As mentioned in our last post, our plan is to add a “Local Interests” page to our site.  If you have a suggested listing, please let us know at larue463@yahoo.com. 


Here are some dates to remember:


April 15, 2015           Tax Day.  Make sure your paperwork is postmarked accordingly.

May 9, 2015              LaRue Village Yard Sale Day, or as some call it, the Bargains by the Carload experience.  Flyers are usually available listing addresses of registered sellers, or you can use the time-tested method of driving every street.

May 10, 2015            Mother’s Day.  Everybody has one, knows one, and has been influenced by one.  This is your official day to let them know how much that means to you.

May 16, 2015            LaRue’s Clean-Up Day.  Detailed Information will be available on the Village web site.

May 25, 2015            Memorial Day.  An opportunity to express appreciation for those who have sacrificed to keep our country free.

June 7, 2015            Ohio Masonic Home Day.  Be sure to check their web site for a full list of activities.

June 14, 2015          Flag Day

June 21, 2015          Father’s Day.  An opportunity to honor fathers and fatherhood, and celebrate the contributions they have made in our lives.

June 26, 2015          Opening ceremony of the Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games.  Check their web site for details (http://www.sooh.org/ ).

July 4, 2015              Independence Day.  Celebrating the birth of a nation doesn’t have to include parades, picnics, and fireworks, but it is fun when it does.

September 7, 2015             Labor Day.  Dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, it constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

October 23-24, 2015           Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, held at the Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio.  Details will be posted as they become available.


Along the way we will add more dates and information.  Check back often.



That’s all we know for now.  Stay warm, and we’ll

See you in Lodge!


.

Monday, March 9, 2015



Is it Spring Yet?
Why Not?


As this is being written ice and snow are finally melting, and it is a balmy 40 degrees.  Grass has yet to make its appearance, but we are sure is it under there somewhere.  Weather prognosticators are trumpeting the early arrival of spring rains, breathlessly claiming this is the actual start of the growing season.  There might be some truth to this, as snow is high in nitrogen, facilitating crop growth as well as lawn grass.  But don’t worry – there is no need to chip ice off the mower just yet.

By now you have most likely received one of the yellow post cards from the Grand Lodge of Ohio, with a return address of Chesapeake, Virginia.  If not, don’t worry – yours will be arriving soon.  Essentially this represents an opportunity to purchase a directory of Members of Ohio Lodges.  Similar in concept to school alumni directories, it is the first experience this writer has had with Masonic groups.  There is no obligation to purchase, and it is a sales pitch, not a scam.  The Virginia address is the home office of the publisher, and has been authorized by Grand Lodge.  If you are interested, the Grand Lodge of Ohio has additional information on the topic.  Clicking on the link on left side of this page will take you there.

Speaking of the internet, time and change have been happening around us, expanding and improving access to information and services.  That is a cryptic way of saying there are some local web sites we’d like to bring to your attention. 

The Village of La Rue has had a Face Book account for some time now.  It has been used to post boil alerts, closings, outages, celebrations, and observances.  They have added a web site which is even more full-featured.  The community calendar, Village Council minutes, and other important information are posted regularly.  You don’t need to live in the Village to make use of the information.  Check them out at:

The La Rue Community Alliance was formed as a non-profit group to improve and enhance local businesses, and address flooding issues.  You can check out their site at:


Food is not only necessary for existence, but a prominent feature of many meetings.  Recent Inspection dinners have been catered by Coonie’s, many regular meetings feature pizza from JC’s, and Lynch’s Cash & Carry has provided ingredients for many others.  Each has a web presence which features the offerings and specials.  We encourage you to check them out:

Coonie’s:

JC’s Pizza:

Lynch’s Cash & Carry:

There is one more site to bring to your attention.  Many local residents have this book marked, and check it regularly during rainy periods.  As you probably have guessed, it is the water level for the Scioto River:


There are other services, activities, and organizations within and around our community.  Many have web sites and/or Face Book pages, which has almost supplanted word-of-mouth advertising.  Our plan is to add a “Local Interests” page to our site in the coming months.  If you have a suggested listing, please let us know at larue463@yahoo.com. 


Here are some dates to remember:

March 27, 2015        15th District Grand Master’s Reception.  Listed as starting at 7pm, it will be held at Marion #70, at a cost of $20 per person.  In a departure from previous years, attire is listed as business casual (no coats or ties), and the menu is a loaded potato bar.  Reservations are needed by March 20th.

March 20, 2015        Spring !

April 5, 2015             Easter

April 15, 2015           Tax Day.  Make sure your paperwork is postmarked accordingly.

May 10, 2015            Mother’s Day.  Everybody has one, knows one, and has been influenced by one.  This is your official day to let them know how much that means to you.

May 25, 2015            Memorial Day.  An opportunity to express appreciation for those who have sacrificed to keep our country free.

June 14, 2015          Flag Day

June 21, 2015          Father’s Day.  An opportunity to honor fathers and fatherhood, and celebrate the contributions they have made in our lives.

July 4, 2015             Independence Day.  Celebrating the birth of a nation doesn’t have to include parades, picnics, and fireworks, but it is fun when it does.

September 7, 2015             Labor Day.  Dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, it constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

October 23-24, 2015           Annual Communication of Grand Lodge, held at the Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio.  Details will be posted as they become available.


Along the way we will add more dates and information.  Check back often.



That’s all we know for now.  Stay warm, and we’ll

See you in Lodge!


.

Monday, January 19, 2015



We Passed!


OK, it wasn’t completely in doubt, but there were some difficulties to overcome.  Practices during the holidays were a little rough, and fitting in visits by Distinguished Guests disrupted our schedule, but we were sure we had everything covered.  Then illness struck 3 of our key members, one on the afternoon of Inspection.  Our WM put together a plan to address the issues, our members stepped up, and the evening came off with only the occasional glitch.  We learned many things during the process, including how resourceful our leadership can be, and that giving the lecture corresponding to the Inspection degree is kind of important.

To give a general recap, there were 53 members who signed our registration book, 11 of our own members, of which 9 were Past Masters, with a total of 32 Past Masters.  Dinner was catered by Coonie’s, serving a total of 42 meals.  Unofficially, that meant that 11 attendees missed out on an excellent meal.

New this year were the 15th District attendance sheets.  As some will recall, traveling awards are determined by a complex system of points.  Allegations that the formulas used were discovered as part of Egyptian hieroglyphic inscriptions cannot be verified. 

Essentially, the most points are given for the lowest level officers in attendance, while some officers are combined with non-officers into the “Good Brethren” category, and awarded the least number of points.  Previous years saw the District Officers huddled with calculators, and the occasional abacus, listening to numbers and categories being shouted out while making their calculations.  Instead, this year there were individual sign-in sheets for each Lodge, plus our own Lodge sign-in book.  Absent some basic instruction, some signed in the correct places, some signed elsewhere, and some didn’t sign anything.  As with all the other “firsts” experienced this year, this is certainly a work in progress.

As the first Inspection of the year we provided an opportunity to demonstrate how many new processes would work, or not.  Most of the adjustments streamlined the process, with the intent of starting at 7:30, and having everything complete by 9:30pm.  Our District takes over 2 hours to travel from one end to the other, so this is a significant issue.  The introduction process provided the largest single change.  We did not have to introduce dignitaries in one degree (MM), switch to another (EA) to continue, and switch back (MM) to conclude the evening.  With the new standards of who is introduced, and how, over 30 minutes were shaved off the process.  At our official starting time we received instruction on how things were going to be different this year.  When the gavel finally rapped to close the meeting, it had not yet reached 9pm.  That was a good thing, and everyone present appreciated it.

As the first Inspection of the season, obviously there are more to follow.  The complete list of Inspection dates and locations can be found on the 15th District web site by using the tab on the left. 

Other notes for your calendar:

February 16, 2015 President’s Day

March 27, 2015        15th District Grand Master’s Reception.  Listed as starting at 7pm, it was announced this would be held in Marion, Ohio.  Additional details will be posted as they become available.

April 5, 2015             Easter

May 10, 2015            Mother’s Day.  Everybody has one, knows one, and has been influenced by one.  This is your official day to let them know how much that means to you.

May 25, 2015            Memorial Day.  An opportunity to express appreciation for those who have sacrificed to keep our country free.

June 21, 2015          Father’s Day.  An opportunity to honor fathers and fatherhood, and celebrate the contributions they have made in our lives.

July 4, 2015              Independence Day.  Celebrating the birth of a nation doesn’t have to include parades, picnics, and fireworks, but it is fun when it does.

September 7, 2015 Labor Day.  Dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers, it constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.


Along the way we will add more dates and information.  Check back often.


That’s all we know for now.  Stay warm, and we’ll

See you in Lodge!


.