Winter seems to be coming quickly!

How quickly you ask?  We’ve already had one morning featuring snowfall, and more are predicted to follow.  That doesn’t mean we won’t be busy, but it does mean we have to remember to turn up the heat on meeting nights!

Since our last post we have tried to stay busy.  The most exciting event was raising two (2) new Master Masons the same evening.  No, we didn’t do the degree work “as a group”, but individually.  Along the way there were two FC exams returned, plus a MM exam from another candidate.  It made for a later evening than usual, but it was rewarding.

On the District level other “new” things are happening.  Frequent readers will recall our Lodge was the first in the 15^th District to feature a web presence.  We started with a basic page with xpage.com, later shifting to the geocities.com platform.  When that partnership expired we moved to blogspot.com, where we have been for many years.  This year the 15th District has decided a more coordinated and enhanced web presence is appropriate, and has taken steps to make that happen.  Enlisting the aid of a trained specialist, our path involves transition to yet another web presence:  https://15thdistrict.org/larue463/.   

If you rush to that web page you will find it still “Under Construction”.  That is techno-speak for we haven’t had time to pull our information over from this site to that one – yet.  When that happens we will post a notice, and send an email to the membership.  Until then we’ll try to post updates as they occur.

We have a modest update on our roof repair issue.  It is fixed!  Our next step is removing the ceiling tile in the Lodge room to clear away the fallen plaster, etc.  Since that is both messy and time consuming, we will attempt to schedule the work around meetings and other events.

Below are the calendar listings we know of at this time.

November 1, 2017             Annual Meeting.

Prior to the meeting, at 6:30pm, will be a fish dinner, courtesy of RWB Spracklen.  In addition to the normal business of the Lodge, this is the meeting where we elect Officers for the coming year.  Come and make your voice heard!

November 7, 2017              Election Day.

If you are reading this, you have plenty of time to register and be eligible to vote.  Polls are open from 6:30am until 7:30pm.  Vote!

November 11, 2017            Veterans Day

This is the day to celebrate those who have placed their lives on the line for the freedoms we love. Don't take the opportunity just to thank a Veteran. Do take the opportunity to thank all the Veterans you encounter, whether in person or via social media. It will mean more to them than words can describe.

November 18, 2017            15th District Fall Education Meeting - CANCELLED ! ! ! 

This meeting has been cancelled by the 15th District as it conflicts with the Grand Master's DEO School.  Instead, this meeting will be held at Oliver #447 on Saturday, December 2nd at 9am, in conjunction with the Past Master's Convocation.

November 23, 2017            Thanksgiving

In 1621, 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. In 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Take time to give thanks for what you hold dear.

November 25, 2017            The Game.

Since 1897 The Ohio State University has played the University of Michigan. Between them they have won 79 Big Ten Championships, and 19 National Championships. Long considered the country’s best college football rivalry, it is considered “must see TV” in both states. This chapter takes place at That School Up North.  How can shopping possibly compare?

December 2, 2017              15th District Past Master Convocation. 

Held at Oliver #447 at 9am.  Also on the agenda is the 15th District Education Meeting, postponed from November 18th.  (See above).

December 6, 2017              Masonic Service Awards

Dinner will be at 6:30pm, with our meeting following. 

December 9, 2017              15^th District Tech Meeting

Held at Palestine #158 at 1pm.

December 14, 2017            La Rue’s Christmas in the Village 5 – 8pm.

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, live reindeer, 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, 2017            Christmas

December 31, 2017            New Year’s Eve.

                                                Be sure to pick your Designated Driver first!

January 1, 2018                  New Year’s Day

January 2, 2018                  This is the day most of us decide whether sticking to those resolutions is going to happen.  Or not.

January 13, 2018                15th District Annual Workday

                                                Held at Marion #70, starting at 9am.

February 10, 2018              Inspection in the EA degree.

Refreshments will be served at 9am, with Lodge opening at 10am for Inspection.

That’s what we know for now.  See you in Lodge!

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