Its official – summer is here!

We’ve finally moved past the cold snow of winter, the watery tempest that was spring, and the flashes of oppressive heat and excessive wind that marked each transition. Summer at last!

June did not pass quietly, courtesy of four hundred Brothers who joined Grand Master Bradford A. Goebel on Friday, June 24^th. The occasion was to lead the Parade of Athletes at the opening ceremonies of the Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games. Grand Master Goebel presented a check for $200,000 from Ohio Freemasons to help sponsor the athletes who participated in this two-day event. The picture above is of the Grand Lodge of Ohio Officers (including Senior Grand Warden James Easterling, seen in the center of the "O," completing one of the items on his bucket list.) Thanks to all who contributed to this year’s Special Olympics, and to those who assisted SGW Easterling up from the turf.

We have no Masonic anniversaries for the month of July. Not a great surprise, as Lodges are usually dark during the summer months. We do, however, have several who are celebrating birthdays during July:

7-10…………Dan Hicks

7-17…………Stanley Foos

7-18…………John Mathew

7-21…………Tim Stapleton

7-24…………Howard Dean

7-24…………Clyde Schertzer

7-26…………Joshua Zachman

In addition to our customary calendar listings we have a special category. Deputy Grand Master Kevin B. Todd will conduct eight meetings across the state this summer to rollout the Grand Lodge Program for 2012. These meetings are intended to assist Lodges in planning for the next Masonic year and should be of interest to all active Masons. The dress code is business casual, and the meetings are held in an open-forum format. Attending one provides valuable insight into the ideas and activities coming down the road.

• Wednesday, July 13, 7:00 P.M.—Wayfarer Lodge No. 789, Akron
• Tuesday, July 19, 7:00 P.M.—Wick Lodge No. 481, Youngstown
• Friday, July 29, 7:00 P.M. —University Lodge No. 631, Columbus
• Saturday, July 30, 9:00 A.M.—Jefferson Lodge No. 90, Middletown
• Friday, August 12, 7:00 P.M.—Guernsey Lodge No. 66, Cambridge
• Saturday, August 13, 9:00 A.M.— Trowel Lodge No. 132, Jackson
• Friday, August 19, 7:00 P.M.—Findlay Lodge No. 227, Findlay
• Saturday, August 20, 9:00 A.M.—Temperance Lodge No. 73, Sidney

The following are additional events for your calendar:

July 4, 2011. Independence Day. Celebrate the birth of our country. Attend a parade, watch some fireworks, host a cookout, or just relax under the shade of your favorite tree. Whatever your chosen activity, take a moment to honor the sacrifices of those who have gone before us. You'll be glad you did.

September 7, 2011. First Stated Meeting after the summer break. FC degree is tentatively planned.

September 10, 2011. Annual Meeting, at Mt. Gilead #206 @ 9am.

September 11, 2011. 15^th District Awards Dinner, hosted by Oliver #447 at the Plaza Inn @ 6pm: http://www.plazainn.net/

October 5, 2011. Stated Meeting. MM degree is tentatively planned.

October 14 & 15, 2011. Grand Lodge Annual Communication, held in Cleveland, Ohio.

November 12, 2011. 15^th District Secretary’s Meeting, held at East Liberty #247 @ 9am.

December 3, 2011. Past Master’s Convocation, held at Bellefontaine #209 @ 9am.

A special thanks to those who pointed out the calendar typos in the previous posts.

That’s all we have on the schedule for now. Be sure to take the opportunity to squeeze in some fun in the sun!

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