Welcome to Summer!

OK, it isn’t really summer – yet.  But at least the weather has finally made the turn from winter to spring.  The general consensus is that eventually things will dry out enough to remove the pontoons from the mower.  Maybe.

Many things have occurred since we last updated the web site.  To list them all would probably break the internet, but there are some that are very deserving.

Our first-ever raffle went off without a hitch.  It was intended as a fundraiser for Lodge expenses, but turned into more than that.  Through it we became acquainted with more Brothers than we imagined, forming relationships that bridged counties, Districts, and Jurisdictions.  For the drawing we found a Brother who had not purchased a ticket (somehow we missed him!), who participated in a “blind” drawing to select a winner.  The winning ticket had been purchased by a member of Findlay #202.  When contacted he surprised us by donating a portion of the prize to our Lodge in the name of Findlay #202.  What a wonderful gesture!

During Inspection Season it is expected that Brothers will travel to other Lodges.  This year we took that up a notch.  Regular interactions with Latham, Senate, and Sager Lodges have resulted in many shared activities – dinners, meetings, candidate experiences, Education programs, etc.  Interactions such as this are one of the hallmarks of the Fraternity, and are greatly enjoyed.  Long-time members will find many similarities with our relationship with the former Lodge in Marseilles.  One cannot count the number of joint activities we shared with them, but certainly the highlight was the fish fry’s we shared.  It is wonderful that we continue to create similar memories for current members.

Our calendar below has the standard listings of activities.  In addition, we’d like to share a word about our meeting schedule. 

We adhere to the thought that Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summer, and Labor Day is the unofficial end of summer.  No, we aren’t seaside shop owners courting tourists, although that doesn’t sound so bad.  Instead, we are a community closely tied to agricultural pursuits.  One of the byproducts of that reality is a membership unlikely to attend meetings during this period. 

We finished the month of May with two MM degree practices.  Not a bad conclusion to a transitional month, considering the possibilities.  “What comes next?” you ask.  Well, we have answers, but first an explanation.

Masonic Lodges are not permitted to cancel meetings.  This is similar in thought to the unofficial Post Office motto: 

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds

The exception in our case is that we don’t have appointed rounds, only appointed days and times.  When conditions make travel or attendance unsafe, uncomfortable, or inconvenient, we advise members to attend to their necessary vocations and welfare.  “What does this mean to me?”  It means that if you arrive for a Lodge meeting before September 4^th, you will most likely be alone – unless you brought a friend.

As always, there are many items on the calendar.  The last of the Inspections has been held for the year, so we are able to concentrate on lighter news and events:

May 27, 2019            Memorial Day. 

Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.

June 2, 2019            Ohio Masonic Home Day, Springfield, Ohio.  See schedule link on the left side of this page.

June 7-8, 2019          La Rue’s “Oorang Bang”, otherwise known as La Rue’s Village Festival.  Activities include a duck race on the Scioto River, music, food, and a parade.  It’s the kind of thing only a small town can do right. See poster below.

June 8, 2019            15^th District’s Grand Master’s Reception, @ noon in Perry Park, East Liberty, OH, USA

June 28, 2019          Opening Ceremonies of the Ohio Special Olympics.  To be held at the OSU campus, Columbus, Ohio, at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex.  Bring a lawn chair and an apron.  Dress is white shirt and dark slacks.  Food will be served before the parade, at 5:30pm.

July 4, 2019              Independence Day.  Celebrate the birth of a nation! 

As of this date, 243 years and counting.

September 2, 2019 Labor Day.  Although many view this as the unofficial “last day of summer”, it was created to celebrate those who do the heavy lifting that keeps our country going.  Whether you are firing up that grill, or muttering under your breath about traffic, don’t lose sight of the effort and dedication it takes to provide us the comforts we enjoy.

September 4, 2019             First meeting of the fall.  MM degree anticipated.

September 7, 2019      15^th District Past Presidents Golf Tournament.  Held at Kings Mills Golf Club (2500 Berringer Road, Waldo, OH). 

September 14, 2019           15^th District Annual Meeting, held at Mt. Gilead Lodge

@ 9am.

September 15, 2018           15^th District Annual Awards Banquet, held at The Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, OH, at 6pm.

October 14, 2019       Columbus Day. 

October 2019           Grand Lodge Annual Communication.

To be held in Marietta, Ohio.  Details to come soon.

November 5, 2019              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 6, 2019             Annual Meeting.

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 11, 2019            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 16, 2019                        15^th District Fall Education Meeting, held at La Rue Lodge at 9am.

December 7, 2019              15^th District Past Masters Convocation. 

                                                           Held at Mt. Carmel #303, starting at 9am.

December 14, 2019                        MM Inspection for La Rue Lodge!

Yes, this is “early”, at least compared to previous years.  Based on the precedent of Marion #70 last year, we discovered earlier dates were permitted, so we took advantage of the opportunity.

In addition to the above, the Deputy Grand Master has issued the schedule for his 2019 presentations.  This is an opportunity to hear "from the horse's mouth" what plans are in store for the coming year.  You will note that all are in August, but the entire State is covered.  The full schedule is below.

This seems to cover our calendar as we know it.  This summer remember to take time to sit back, relax, and savor the warm weather we so desperately longed for all winter.