Where has summer gone?

OK, that is mostly rhetorical, but not in a sense.  It seems like just yesterday we were suffering through the downpours of spring.  We had some 90+ degree days, and we are now back to highs of 72 and lows of 56.  (Insert your favorite Ohio weather joke here.)

Despite our thoughts on the weather, the calendar shows that our traditional summer break is quickly drawing to a close.  As this is being typed objects at every hand assure us that is the case.  Pre-season football has started, local schools are back in session, and Labor Day is coming up quickly.  That means one additional thing – our first Lodge meeting of the fall will soon be upon us.

For the record, our first meeting following our break will be on Wednesday, September 4.  Our WM has assured me that in keeping with tradition, there will continue to be a meal prior to each meeting this fall, including the 4^th.  Dinner will be served at 6:30pm, and Lodge will open at 7:30pm.

We have a number of events planned and anticipated.  Below is a list that has significance to both our Lodge and the 15^th District.

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.  Possible 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 can be found online at https://www.grandlodge2019.com/.

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!  Maybe even take an office!

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.  If you decide that learning more about our fraternity isn’t enough to get you up early on a Saturday morning, come for the doughnuts!

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

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

December 21, 2019              Proposed 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 hope to take advantage of the opportunity.

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

See you in Lodge!