Merry Christmas!

Can it possibly be?

Christmas is only 14 days away?

Where has the time gone?

To quote a previous post, Thanksgiving has passed and the last of the turkey has (finally) disappeared. The expanded edition of Black Friday is over, although the scent of pepper spray lingers in the air. The Super-Sized version of Cyber Monday went by more quietly, but some detect the scent of scorched plastic drifting through Ethernet connections. Locally we’ve also had our first official snowfall of the year.  It was not enough for purists, but more than enough for those Florida-bound.  Despite all the issues and concerns, what better time of the year could there be?

December is a month of parties, events, and festivities. It is hard to resist being included in gatherings at work, with family, and within our social groups. Culminating with New Year’s Eve celebrations, December is probably the brightest month of the year. Each community has special displays and programs, Nativity scenes and services. Even if you enjoy the bustle of the season, these are a great way to relax, recharge, and reconnect with the things most meaningful during the holidays. Don’t know where any of these might be? Just ask your family or neighbors! Chances are they will point you the right direction.

Here is the calendar as we know it at the moment.

December 20, 5-8pm.  LaRue’s Christmas in the Village.  This is the annual celebration in downtown La Rue. It is certainly a family-friendly event, starting with a parade at 5pm. Previous years have featured choirs caroling, free refreshments, carriage rides, and the Big Guy (Santa) making a special appearance. And did we mention free food?

December 25, 2011. Christmas.  Don’t forget the reason for the season.

December 31, 2012.  New Year’s Eve. 

It’s not too late to select a Designated Driver!

January 1, 2012. New Year’s Day.  The day when the resolutions meet the treadmill.  Or not.

January 2, 2013 @ 7:30pm.  This is our first meeting of 2013.

January 12, 2013 @ 9am.  J.C. Musser Work Day, held at Mad River Lodge #161 in West Liberty, OH.

March 22, 2013 @ 7pm.  Grand Master’s Reception, held at the Huntsville Events Center, Huntsville, Ohio.  Ticket information will be shared when received.

March 23, 2013 @ 1pm.  Inspection of LaRue Lodge #463 in the FC degree.  Snacks served at noon.

Make sure to update your personal calendar!

To close, we have a lesson to share gained from years of watching bowl games:

Pace yourself!

See you at Lodge!

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Welcome to November!

It has been a busy month, and we’re just getting started.  The largest news item is our election of officers for 2012-2013.  At the bottom of this post is the entire list of elected and appointed officers.  Our calendar listings have had some adjustments, and we learned some new information at the 15^th District Secretary Meeting. 

The question most often asked each year is about a Grand Master’s One Day Class for new members.  The answer is “YES” for 2013, but details are not immediately available.  It appears the classes will be held at several locations throughout the state during the months of April and May.  The locations already identified to us are the meeting locations of the Scottish Rite Valleys in Ohio.  Full information will be made available at the Past Masters Convocation in December. 

Another area of interest is the Grand Master’s Reception.  This year it is scheduled for the Huntsville Events Center, which was also the location last year.  For 2014 the District is taking a fresh look at this event.  Although not publicized, the date has been established, leaving only the location unsettled.  Due to the size and shape of our District this is not a decision without ramifications.  If you are aware of a business suitable for hosting this event, it is suggested you contact the District Advisor with the particulars.

Here is the calendar as we know it at the moment.

November 17 @ 7:30pm.  Installation of RWB Charles Buck as DDGM and WB Matthew Pollock, DEO.  Ceremony to be held at Marion Lodge #70.

November 21 @ 7:30pm.  Installation of our elected and appointed officers for 2012-2013.   This will be a closed installation, with WB Mark Wamack presiding.

November 22.   Thanksgiving.  Our country’s celebration is generally considered to have started in 1621.  That year the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.  Only 242 years later President Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.  However you celebrate, take time to appreciate the things most important in your existence.  We’re sure you’ll be glad you did.

December 1 @ 9am.  Past Master’s Convocation, held at Palestine #158.  This is now being publicized as the “15^th District 2012 Past Masters Instruction Convocation”.  A major change this year is that all in attendance will participate in the educational and informational sessions.  Only the last portion of the meeting will be restricted to actual Past Masters.

January 12, 2013 @ 9am.  J.C. Musser Work Day, held at Mad River Lodge #161 in West Liberty, OH.

March 22, 2013 @ 7pm.  Grand Master’s Reception, held at the Huntsville Events Center, Huntsville, Ohio.  Ticket information will be shared when received.

March 23, 2013 @ 1pm.  Inspection of LaRue Lodge #463 in the FC degree.  Snacks served at noon.

Make sure to update your personal calendar!

2012-2013 Officers / Elected and Appointed

Dave Allman, Worshipful Master
Brian Lightfoot, Senior Warden
Gene McMahan, Junior Warden
Rick Sigrist, Treasurer
John Mathew, Secretary
Milton Lightfoot, Senior Deacon
Cedric Radcliffe, Junior Deacon
Pearl Gamble, Senior Steward
Larry Knapp, Junior Steward
Richard Spracklen, Tyler
O. M. Roux, Chaplain
Rick Sigrist, Lodge Education Officer
.
For the coming year, the following will serve as trustees:
Pearl Gamble
Cedric Radcliffe
Brian Lightfoot
Rick Sigrist
Richard Spracklen
.
That summarizes what we know for now. 

See you in Lodge!

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Halfway Through Fall? How Did That Happen?

After reading our last post it is obvious our attention was elsewhere this fall.  September came and went, as did most of October.  As we close in on November we’ll try to catch up.

Many changes have occurred since our last post.  We now have a new set of Grand Lodge officers, led by MWB James F. Easterling, Jr.  At the level of the 15^th District we have even more changes.  WB Bruce Seaburn is our District President, and WB Travis Lance is the new VP.  RWB John Crabbe has stepped down as Treasurer, being replaced by RWB Larry Lance.  RWB Charles Buck has replaced RWB Paul Robinson as DDGM, and we have two new DEOs:  WB Matthew Pollock and WB Michael Dodds.  Rarely has our District experienced such a large leadership change.  Our congratulations and best wishes go out to each, along with our appreciation for jobs well done by their predecessors.

Our calendar has had some adjustments since our last post also.  Some meeting dates have changed, as well as the starting times.  We’ve also added some events, so make sure to check out the entire list.

November 3 @ 9am.  District Secretary’s meeting held at Marion #70.  Not just for the Lodge Secretary, these meetings offer information and insight on future events.

November 6 from 6:30am until 7:30pm.  Election Day.  Vote! Discharging this responsibility only takes minutes, but is one of the basic features of our democracy.  It is called participatory government for a reason.

November 7 @ 7:30pm.  Annual Meeting and election of officers for 2012-13.  You don't have to take an office to attend, neither does staying home keep you from being considered. 

November 10 @ 7pm.  Installation of RWB Michael Dodds as DEO at Boggs Lodge in DeGraff. This is an open installation,so bring your wives and family.  Light snacks will be served.

 

November 17 @ 7:30pm.  Installation of RWB Charles Buck as DDGM and WB Matthew Pollock, DEO.  Ceremony to be held at Marion Lodge #70.

December 1 @ 9am.  Past Master’s Convocation, held at Palestine #158.

January 12, 2013 @ 9am.  J.C. Musser Work Day, held at Mad River Lodge #161 in West Liberty, OH.

March 22, 2013 @ 7pm.  Grand Master’s Reception, held at the Huntsville Events Center, Huntsville, Ohio.  Ticket information will be shared when received.

March 23, 2013 @ 1pm.  Inspection of LaRue Lodge #463 in the FC degree.  Snacks served at noon.

That summarizes what we know for now. 

See you in Lodge!

What Happened to Summer?

It seems like last week we posted thoughts about our most recent candidate, our Masonic Service Awards event, and the Deputy Grand Master’s Roll Out Program.  Now all those are in our rear view mirror.  My how time flies!

Before moving on completely, including a few words about our weather is appropriate.  This summer we seem to have received our share of 90+ degree days, and possibly more.  This contributed to the drought we still experience, and was highlighted during the power outage in the area at the end of June.  For six days the Village was without power, ranging from a minor inconvenience for some, to a catastrophe for others.  Generators and folks who owned them became very popular during that stretch.  Although everyone has a favorite recollection or two of this period, some observations may not have caught their deserved attention.  Here are some of ours, in no particular order.

- Several businesses remained open, although with reduced hours or services.  Among these were the Post Office and Lynch’s grocery.

- Generators found their way to the homes of those with medical conditions, along with spare cans of fuel.

- Residents periodically checked on neighbors, just because.

- Work groups formed to assist persons unable to prepare food, providing them fresh meals throughout the outage.

- Families found that entertainment was possible without electronics.

- Smart phones and Face Book became the communication methods of choice to keep the community informed, creating links that are still maintained.

Often the media glosses over how communities take care of themselves in times of difficulty.  It is reassuring to know that our community does take care of each other, and does the right thing even when no one is looking. 

Our calendar is starting to become clearer as fall approaches.  Make sure to mark the following highlights in yours:

September 5, 2012 @ 7:30pm.  This is our first meeting after our summer break.

September 8 @ 9am.  Annual Meeting, held at Chester #238.  Valuable information is available at these meetings.  Topics include finalizing the 15^th District Inspection Schedule, recap of the Deputy Grand Master’s Rollout Program, and announcements pertinent to the Craft. 

September 9 @ 6pm.  15^th District Awards Dinner, held at the Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory.  Reservations are required by September 5th, and may be made by contacting our District Secretary at 740-225-1066, or by email at: jlbelt@earthlink.net

September 10.  Jim Perry Celebrity Golf Classic, Windy Knoll Golf Club

November 10 @ 9am.  District Secretary’s meeting held at Marion #70.  Not just for the Lodge Secretary, these meetings offer information and insight on future events.

December 1 @9am.  Past Master’s Convocation, held at Palestine #158.

January 12, 2013 @ 9am.  J.C. Musser Work Day, held at Mad River Lodge #161 in West Liberty, OH.

March 22, 2013 @ 7pm.  Grand Master’s Reception, held at Highland High School, hosted by Chester Lodge #238.  Ticket information will be shared when received.

March 23, 2013 @ 10am.  Inspection of LaRue Lodge #463 in the FC degree.  Snacks served at 9am.

That summarizes what we know for now. 

See you in Lodge!

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Almost Summer!

We are pleased to announce completion of the degree work for our newest member.  With the assistance of Brethren from Marion #70 and Latham #154 we raised a new MM at our second meeting in May.  Although each visitor and honorary member contributed greatly to the experience of our candidate, we value their friendship and fellowship even more.   

As we near our traditional break, the weather assures us summer is truly just around the corner.  Even though we have had a busy spring, we still have some business to handle before we start sipping lemonade in the hammock.  Our meeting on June 6^th will feature a dinner at 6pm, and presentation of our Masonic Service Awards during the meeting.  This year we are pleased to have two (2) 60-year presentations, both to current officers!  Yes, they are both Past Masters, but both continue their active support of the Lodge.  The full breakdown is as follows:

           

Two Members           60-years of Masonic Service

Three Members         50-years of Masonic Service

One Member             40-years of Masonic Service

            Two Members           35-years of Masonic Service

            One Member             25-years of Masonic Service

The dinner menu had not been established as of this writing, but it is sure to be good as our SW is in charge of the arrangements.  We are sure this will add to his string of extraordinary culinary delights.  No reservations are needed, so come!

Summer calendar listings are a combination of fun activities and useful information.  Our customary listings are toward the bottom of this post.  We are using this spot to recommend the presentations scheduled by the Deputy Grand Master describing his intended programs for 2013.  Borrowing from the Spring 2012 edition of The Beacon, here is the pertinent information:

Deputy Grand Master James F. Easterling, Jr. will offer sessions around the state to rollout the Grand Lodge programs for the 2013 Masonic year. These sessions will provide Lodge officers and members information they need to plan for the next Masonic year in coordination with the Grand Lodge programs. Attire for these meetings is business casual.

June 16, 9 AM, Aurora Lodge #48

June 23, 9 AM, Guernsey Lodge #66

July 11, 7 PM, Canton Temple

July 19, 7 PM, Cortland Lodge #529

July 23, 7 PM, Quarry Lodge # 382

July 25, 7 PM, Mansfield Temple

July 28, 6 PM, Jeffersonville Lodge #468

Aug. 10, 7 PM, Bellvue Lodge #273

Aug. 11, 5 PM, Hiram Lodge #18

Aug. 18, 9 AM, Paramuthia Lodge #25

Aug. 31, 7 PM, Temperance Lodge #73

Sept. 7, 7 PM, Browning Masonic Home

Sept. 8, 5 PM, Amelia Lodge #590

Here are our customary calendar listings:

Wednesday, June 6^th, we will host a dinner at 6pm.  Although the menu was not established prior to this post, rumor has it our SW will be concocting something special for the evening.  The inspiration for the evening is presentation of our Masonic Service Awards.  This year we have two recipients for a 60-year award, three recipients for a 50-year award, one for a 40-year award, two for a 35-year award, and one for a 25-year award.  This is remarkable for a Lodge of our size.  Please come and join our celebration.

Sunday, June 10th.  Home Day at Springfield Masonic Community

June 16 @ 1 o'clock.  Mad River #161 will be holding their annual golf outing at Blues Creek in Marysville.  For the sum of $40 you will receive 18 holes of golf, a cart, a sandwich, chips and a pop. Questions can be directed to 567-674-1700.

June 22-24.  Ohio Special Olympics, held at the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. 

July 28.  Browning Masonic Community Car Show at Pray Park

September 8 @ 9am.  Annual Meeting, held at Chester #238.  Valuable information is available at these meetings.  Topics include establishment of the 15^th District Inspection Schedule, recap of the Deputy Grand Master’s Rollout Program, and announcements pertinent to the Craft. 

September 9 @ 6pm.  15^th District Awards Dinner, held at the Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory.  Reservations are required by September 5th, and may be made by contacting our District Secretary at 740-225-1066, or by email at: jlbelt@earthlink.net

September 10.  Jim Perry Celebrity Golf Classic, Windy Knoll Golf Club

November 10 @ 9am.  District Secretary’s meeting held at Marion #70.  Not just for the Lodge Secretary, these meetings offer information and insight on future events.

December 1 @9am.  Past Master’s Convocation, held at Palestine #158.

That summarizes what we know for now. 

See you in Lodge!

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Here comes Summer!

.

What crazy weather.  Temperatures were in the 80’s in March, in the 30’s in April, and back in the 80’s again for May.  With this experience in the spring, summer promises to be very interesting.

Don’t let anyone tell you we put the Lodge into cruise control mode until fall.  We continue to be busy, and have plans for two special occasions prior to our summer break.

Wednesday, May 16^th, is our next meeting.  That evening we will be conferring the MM degree for our most recent candidate.  At 6pm that evening we will be gathering for a pizza dinner.  If you are able to assist with the degree work we’d love to have your help.  If not, at least come for the pizza and fellowship!

Wednesday, June 6^th, we will host another dinner, also at 6pm.  Although the menu was not established prior to this post, rumor has it our SW will be concocting something special for the evening.  The inspiration for the evening is presentation of our Masonic Service Awards.  This year we have two recipients for a 60-year award, three recipients for a 50-year award, one for a 40-year award, two for a 35-year award, and one for a 25-year award.  This is remarkable for a Lodge of our size.  Please come and join our celebration.

Of course there are other events, celebrations, and activities within the 15^th District, and for Ohio.   Although complete lists can be found on various web sites, we’ve gathered the following for your consideration.

June 16 @ 1 o'clock.  Mad River #161 will be holding their annual golf outing at Blues Creek in Marysville.  For the sum of $40 you will receive 18 holes of golf, a cart, a sandwich, chips and a pop. Questions can be directed to 567-674-1700.

June 22-24.  Ohio Special Olympics, held at the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. 

September 8 @ 9am.  Annual Meeting, held at Chester #238.  Valuable information is available at these meetings.  Topics include establishment of the 15^th District Inspection Schedule, recap of the Deputy Grand Master’s Rollout Program, and announcements pertinent to the Craft. 

September 9 @ 6pm.  15^th District Awards Dinner, held at the Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory.  Reservations are required by September 5th, and may be made by contacting our District Secretary at 740-225-1066, or by email at: jlbelt@earthlink.net

November 10 @ 9am.  District Secretary’s meeting held at Marion #70.  Not just for the Lodge Secretary, these meetings offer information and insight on future events.

December 1 @9am.  Past Master’s Convocation, held at Palestine #158.

That summarizes what we know for now. 

See you in Lodge!

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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.

.

See you in Lodge!

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So that was Winter?

.

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.

.

See you in Lodge!

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Where is Winter?

Shhhhhh!

We don’t know the answer to that one. After serious reflection, we’re not even sure we care. Countless trees have been sacrificed on the topics of global warming, global cooling, the coming ice age, future droughts, the effect of sun spots, and other similar concerns. What we know for sure is parts of Alaska have already had 3 times their normal yearly snowfall, and we haven’t. This week we count ourselves lucky!

By now you are surely aware Inspection season is in full bloom. Several Lodges have had their operations examined by the team of DDGMs and DEOs, with many yet to come. Our opportunity to impress has undergone a slight adjustment since our last post. Our Inspection date has been changed to Saturday, March 17, at 2:30pm. There will be no meal or snacks associated with our event, but there will be a dinner served at Bellefontaine #209 prior to their EA Inspection.

Here are the Birthdays celebrated during the month of February. If you happen to talk with one of these Brethren, wish him well!

2-1…………Rod Lightfoot

2-2…………Tom Hafer

2-5…………Phillip Weist

2-19………..Don Adams

2-22………..Jeff Winslow

2-24………..Richard Spracklen

2-26………..Randall Huffman

2-26………..Richard Peterman

2-26………..Tom Tucker

And here are the Masonic Anniversaries being celebrated this month.

2-3-43………Theodore McElheny

2-6-62……....James Weist

2-6-63……....Phillip McCullough

2-2-71……....Terry Hafer

2-6-85………Marvin Guider

2-14-87…..…Charles Randles

2-26-00……..Jeff Davis

The following are suggested events for your calendar:

March 17, 2012. Our Inspection in the EA degree. Inspection starts at 2:30pm for the pleasure of RWB Paul Robinson, DDGM. 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, Huntsville, OH. Dinner scheduled to start at 7pm.

In addition to the above, we are making plans for our next degree experience (MM) and Masonic Awards Recognition. The date of the degree experience hinges on our Inspection preparations, our candidate’s work schedule, and exam proficiency. Most likely we are looking at the second meeting in April, or the first meeting in May. At this time the Masonic Awards Recognition is tentatively slated for May 16. As soon as the dates for either of these events are finalized, they will be posted.

Until the next time, enjoy the great spring weather while it lasts!

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See you in Lodge!

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Happy New Year!

Where has the time gone? It seems like just a few days ago we were seeing Christmas decorations line store shelves. By now the dust has finally settled on those same shelves, the last of the Christmas paper has been pulled off the dining room lights, and those gifts that were a half size too small have been exchanged. Valentine’s candy can’t be far away.

We have three Masonic Anniversaries this month:

1-16-60………….Clyde Schertzer

1-20-82…….……John Mathew

1-15-97………….Don Kennedy

We have four birthdays for January:

1-5………………..Rick Sims

1-9………………..O.M. Roux

1-18………………Marvin Guider

1-18-……………..Ralph Lee

Today of all days it is appropriate to consider fresh starts and new beginnings. As we flip that calendar page over to 2012, consider some things before writing anything. At the end of the year what would you like this calendar to look like? What events or activities would you like it to reflect? Some would say more time with family, while others would list that special dream vacation. Regardless of your preference, if it is reflected in the listings, you’ll feel better about it as the year draws to a close. Now is a good time to pencil in those special things.

The following are suggested events for your calendar:

January 14, 2012. J.C. Musser Work Day, held at Boggs #292 @ 9am. Our District copy of the written ritual will be available.

January 21, 2012. Inspection Season starts with inspection of Mt. Carmel #303 in the MM degree. The first section starts at 11am, dinner at noon, resuming immediately after. Please consult the 15^th District web site for the full Inspection schedule. Please note there have been adjustments to the original published schedule.

February 1, 2012. FC degree.

March 31, 2012. Our Inspection in the EA degree. Snacks served at 9am, Inspection starts at 10:00am.

April 13, 2012. 15^th District Grand Masters Reception. Held at the Huntsville Event Center, Huntsville, OH. Dinner scheduled to start at 7pm.

Although attendance at the above is earnestly solicited, the arrival of winter makes it appropriate to discuss caution. Previous years we were informed that Lodges were not permitted to cancel meetings due to weather conditions. This has since been relaxed, permitting cancellations if the safety of the brethren was at issue. Realistically, you are the best judge of safety in your travels, not us. If you decide it isn’t safe to travel to one of our functions, please stay home! We will understand your reason, appreciate that you considered it, and thankful that you are safe. ‘Nuff said.

.Be careful out there!

.See you at Lodge!

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