OK, it isn’t really summer – yet. But the weather has made a serious turn from winter to feeling like summer. So consider this just trying to keep up with the times.
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.
To be clear, COVID-19 is still the elephant in the room. Almost everything we consider “normal” has been impacted. Meetings and gatherings were the most obvious, with everyone wondering “Who is that masked man?” You don’t have to be a Lone Ranger fan to understand that reference. More disruptive has been the frequent schedule adjustments required by outside forces.
The best example of schedule adjustments was our EA Inspection. Originally scheduled for March 20, it was rescheduled to March 17th. Due to additional circumstances it was moved to April 14th, then April 21st, and finally to April 28th. One side issue was that due to the multiple dates some of our officers were unavailable when the actual event occurred. Thankfully we were blessed with spontaneous offers of assistance.
Future events are still impacted by the virus and the changing levels of restrictions. As example, the Ohio Masonic Home Day has been cancelled for 2021, as have the Ohio Special Olympics. We are hoping that autumn will see us return to a schedule and activity levels that feel more customary.
To expand on that thought, 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 active candidates. 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 1st, 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 31, 2021 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.
July 4, 2021 Independence Day. Celebrate the birth of a nation!
As of this date, 245 years and counting.
September 1, 2021 First meeting of the fall. FC degree anticipated.
September 6, 2021 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.
October 8-9,
2021
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.
October 11, 2021 Columbus Day.
November 3, 2021 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, 2021 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.
That’s all we know for now, although we anticipate the calendar filling with additional listings as the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed. Until then, take care of yourself, and we’ll see you in the fall.
No comments:
Post a Comment