As a result of his prognostication last month, we thought we were mere weeks from the sunny warmth of spring. Not so fast my friend! Over a 10-day period at the end of February we experienced two major snow storms, and record-breaking flooding. As one might expect the snow has all but disappeared with the rain, although piles are still present on roadsides and beside driveways. With waters again rising, we’ll keep our fingers crossed, and our boats at the ready.
On March 2nd we were visited by RWB Paul Robinson, DDGM, and WB Frank Egelsky, DEO, who made it to the village between storms. The purpose was our pre-inspection audit and special presentations. According to their reports, everything was in order, and we were cleared for the next step in the process. WB Egelsky presented the Grand Lodge Education Program, a 20-questions-style questionnaire relating to the Masonic Code, Officer’s Handbook, and degree work. Very enjoyable, and educational. We were also pleased to learn that one of our nominees was selected as the recipient of the Grand Master’s Excellence in Youth Award for the 15th Masonic District. Ben McKinniss will receive the actual award at the Grand Master’s Reception on March 25th (see below). Those wishing to be present need to contact the Secretary for reservations.
We would like to share some background details on the recipient of this year’s Grand Master’s Excellence in Youth Award. Ben McKinniss follows in the steps of his older brother Tom, who was selected for this honor in 2007. We were unable to locate a comprehensive history of this award, but believe this is the first time siblings have been honored in this matter. We are also aware that with Ben’s selection, LaRue Lodge has nominated youth selected for this award for the seventh year in a row. As proud as we are of our involvement in the process, we remind the reader that this says less about us than about the quality of youth present in all of our communities. That’s something worthy of celebration!
Below are the new listings for birthdays and Masonic anniversaries.
Birthdays for March:
3-1…..………..Rollie McElheny
3-21..…………Brian Lightfoot
Masonic Anniversaries for March:
3-20-46…………..James Thuma
3-19-52.……….…Gene McMahan
3-2-60..……….….Randall Huffman
3-4-65…………….Cedric Radcliffe
3-16-66……….….Arthur Keirns
3-17-71……….….Dan Hicks
3-29-78………..…Greg Rice
3-18-81…………..Dan Stover
3-15-89…………..Rick Sims
3-29-03…………..Jeff Adkins
We constantly adjust our 2011 Calendar Listings. Make sure to check them out and plan accordingly. If you need a pocket calendar to keep track of important dates, check with the SW.
January 15 through April 2, 2011. Inspection season. Please refer to the 15th District web site for specific dates, times, and locations.
March 11 & 12, 2011. State Secretary's Association Meeting, Worthington, Ohio.
March 16, 2011 @ 7:30pm. This is a Stated Meeting, and will feature MM practice for both our candidate and Inspection. Come if you can, as we can always use the help.
March 25, 2011 @ 7pm. The 15th District Grand Master’s Reception. It will again be held at Karen’s Event Center, Marysville.
March 26, 2011 @ 10am. Special meeting for the conferral of the MM degree on our most recent candidate. Come if you can, as we can always use the help! This will be excellent practice for Inspection the following Saturday. See below.
April 2, 2011 @ 10am. Annual Inspection of LaRue Lodge for the pleasure of DDGM Paul Robinson, in the MM degree.
June 12, 2011. Ohio Masonic Home Day.
October 14 & 15, 2011. Grand Lodge Annual Communication, held in Cleveland, Ohio.
That’s all that we know of for now. Since it is again raining, we’ll be spending the rest of the day working on pontoon boats.
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