We’ll admit it - we are ready for warm(er) weather. Not the "100+ degrees in Texas" version, but the warm days and cool nights of Ohio. And what will this summer bring for us? Considering all the possibilities, right now we'd settle for "average", whatever that is.
With Inspection season finally over (yes, it seems to take years to squeeze in 11 Inspections), we are turning our attention to other activities.
First is a reminder of the calendar as we currently know it:
May 30th - Memorial Day. Yes, it is a holiday, but a somber one. It is an opportunity for us to honor those who gave their lives for our country.
June 11 @ noon is the 15th District Grand Master's Reception Picnic at West Liberty Lyon's Park. Contrary to the image of pomp and circumstance usually associated with a Grand Master's Reception, this one is casual - like a picnic! It is a great opportunity to interact with Grand Lodge Officers, getting to know the person, not just the title.
July 4th - Independence Day. This commemorates the passing of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776. Parades, fireworks, cookouts, and draping everything in red, white, and blue is how we think of it now. In 1776, it was a day that changed the world.
August 20 @ 7:30am is the 15th District Golf Outing. Held at Kings Mills Golf Club, Waldo, Ohio. You don't have to play golf to enjoy the day. Reportedly, there are those who walk the course with the players, occasionally coughing (yelling!) during a putt, kicking a ball into a water hazard, or stepping on a ball in a sand trap. It's all about fun and fellowship!
September 5th - Labor Day. Becoming a federal holiday in 1894, Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of the American worker. Those who do the heavy lifting to keep things working have earned this recognition.
September 7 @ 7:30pm is our first meeting of the fall. It is anticipated that we will have petitions to review, and the EA degree to practice. Refreshments? We'll know closer to the date.
September 17 @ 9am will be the 15th District Annual Meeting at Boggs #292. Among other things discussed will be finalization of the 2023 Inspection schedule. Will there be doughnuts? Possibly. Will it be exciting? Depends on your definition of exciting. Will a recap be made available on the 15th District site for those who can't attend? Holding your breath on this is not recommended.
September 18th @ 6pm will be the 15th District Awards Dinner. It will be held at The Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, Ohio. Even if your Lodge didn't win something (after all, this isn't youth soccer), the food and fellowship are enough to justify attending.
November 11th - Veterans Day. This a day to express gratitude to America's service members, past and present, who served in both war and peace.
November 19th @ 9am is the 15th District Fall Education Meeting, to be held at Palestine #158. This is usually a fun, exciting, and informative session. Yes, doughnuts are usually involved.
November 24 - Thanksgiving Day. Observed in North America, this is meant to celebrate the harvest season, as well as the other blessing of the year. Yes, that means there is more to the holiday than turkey and football.
December 3 @ 9am will be the 15th District Past Master's Convocation, to be held at Marion #70.
The last topic is one that pops up every spring - What do we do during summer? That answer is much longer than the question might indicate.
Lodges traditionally "go dark" (don't meet) during the months of July and August. In our particular location, with a largely agrarian populous, June also poses challenges. For years we have not had sufficient attendance in June to conduct business. It is clear that our necessary vocations are not to be neglected, and just as clear that we are not permitted to "cancel" meetings. Where does that leave us? Call before you come, unless you are bringing lots of friends.
That summarizes what we are looking at for the present. As additional information becomes available we will post it. Till next time,
See you in Lodge!
