So that was Winter?

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We know, we know. It is too soon to think about such things. Spring actually starts on March 20^th at 1:14am. Even after that it is too soon to declare that winter is over. Some of our older members remember horrendous snows in April. One shared a story from his grandmother, who recalled that snow flurries made an appearance the morning of an Independence Day parade in the early 1900’s. No matter how you view it, spring is on the way. Daylight is increasing at the rate of 2 minutes 40+ seconds per day. As this is being written the forecast is for a high of 68 degrees, with a gentle rain. Lest we forget, February last year saw the worst snow of the winter, immediately followed by the worst flooding to hit our village since 1963. Like winter, even spring has its challenges.

Speaking of challenges, we received information from Grand Lodge that recommends changes to what we post to this site. The basis of their guidelines is the confidentiality of member information, which we have always tried to respect. We have never published residential addresses, phone numbers, or email addresses of members. We have posted birthdays and Masonic anniversaries, and photos from special ceremonies with the parties identified. During discussion at a recent meeting we determined the following approach best fits our situation.

- In the future no member will be identified on our site without signing a permission form before the posting. A separate form will not be required for each instance.

- Permission slips will be mailed to each of our members to sign and return. Signed forms will permit us to continue posting birthdays, Masonic anniversaries, and historical photos.

- If not already on file, permission slips will be requested for each person photographed receiving an award, other special recognition at the Lodge, or participating in the ceremony.

- The WM will be offered the opportunity to review and adjust each item intended for posting.

- The content of “LaRue Lodge – The First 100 Years” from 1972 will remain available, as it is also found on local historical sites.

This area is an appropriate concern, the ripples of which will be felt for years to come. A quick survey of Masonic web sites assures us we are not alone. At this point portions of both the 15^th Masonic District and Grand Lodge web sites would appear to require revision also. As with any major change, it will take us some time to become comfortable with the new processes. Please bear with us during the transition.

We still have events to mark on your calendar, indicated below:

March 6, 2012. Election Day. If you haven’t already cast your ballot through the early voting or absentee options, this is your chance to make your thoughts count. For this reason it is called participatory government.

March 11, 2012. Daylight Savings Time. The official change takes place at 2am. The phrase “spring forward, fall back” suggests we should move our clocks forward one hour.

March 17, 2012. Our Inspection in the EA degree. Inspection starts at 2:30pm, and at this point refreshments are not scheduled. Please Note: This is a change from the date and time previous posted.

April 13, 2012. 15th District Grand Masters Reception. Held at the Huntsville Event Center, 6886 Wishart Street, Huntsville, OH 43324. Dinner is scheduled to start at 7pm. The cost is $17.50, and reservations can be made through the Lodge Secretary prior to April 6, 2012. The menu has been released, and is:

Chicken Breast
Roasted Potatoes
Mixed Vegetables
Salad
Rolls
Coffee, lemonade, ice tea, soda
Dessert Bar

Additional Inspection dates are listed on the 15^th Masonic District web site, noted in the left margin.

This summarizes what is happening with Lodge “as we type”. As more information becomes available, we will share.

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See you in Lodge!

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Where is Winter?

Shhhhhh!

We don’t know the answer to that one. After serious reflection, we’re not even sure we care. Countless trees have been sacrificed on the topics of global warming, global cooling, the coming ice age, future droughts, the effect of sun spots, and other similar concerns. What we know for sure is parts of Alaska have already had 3 times their normal yearly snowfall, and we haven’t. This week we count ourselves lucky!

By now you are surely aware Inspection season is in full bloom. Several Lodges have had their operations examined by the team of DDGMs and DEOs, with many yet to come. Our opportunity to impress has undergone a slight adjustment since our last post. Our Inspection date has been changed to Saturday, March 17, at 2:30pm. There will be no meal or snacks associated with our event, but there will be a dinner served at Bellefontaine #209 prior to their EA Inspection.

Here are the Birthdays celebrated during the month of February. If you happen to talk with one of these Brethren, wish him well!

2-1…………Rod Lightfoot

2-2…………Tom Hafer

2-5…………Phillip Weist

2-19………..Don Adams

2-22………..Jeff Winslow

2-24………..Richard Spracklen

2-26………..Randall Huffman

2-26………..Richard Peterman

2-26………..Tom Tucker

And here are the Masonic Anniversaries being celebrated this month.

2-3-43………Theodore McElheny

2-6-62……....James Weist

2-6-63……....Phillip McCullough

2-2-71……....Terry Hafer

2-6-85………Marvin Guider

2-14-87…..…Charles Randles

2-26-00……..Jeff Davis

The following are suggested events for your calendar:

March 17, 2012. Our Inspection in the EA degree. Inspection starts at 2:30pm for the pleasure of RWB Paul Robinson, DDGM. Please Note: This is a change from the date and time previous posted.

April 13, 2012. 15th District Grand Masters Reception. Held at the Huntsville Event Center, Huntsville, OH. Dinner scheduled to start at 7pm.

In addition to the above, we are making plans for our next degree experience (MM) and Masonic Awards Recognition. The date of the degree experience hinges on our Inspection preparations, our candidate’s work schedule, and exam proficiency. Most likely we are looking at the second meeting in April, or the first meeting in May. At this time the Masonic Awards Recognition is tentatively slated for May 16. As soon as the dates for either of these events are finalized, they will be posted.

Until the next time, enjoy the great spring weather while it lasts!

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See you in Lodge!

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Happy New Year!

Where has the time gone? It seems like just a few days ago we were seeing Christmas decorations line store shelves. By now the dust has finally settled on those same shelves, the last of the Christmas paper has been pulled off the dining room lights, and those gifts that were a half size too small have been exchanged. Valentine’s candy can’t be far away.

We have three Masonic Anniversaries this month:

1-16-60………….Clyde Schertzer

1-20-82…….……John Mathew

1-15-97………….Don Kennedy

We have four birthdays for January:

1-5………………..Rick Sims

1-9………………..O.M. Roux

1-18………………Marvin Guider

1-18-……………..Ralph Lee

Today of all days it is appropriate to consider fresh starts and new beginnings. As we flip that calendar page over to 2012, consider some things before writing anything. At the end of the year what would you like this calendar to look like? What events or activities would you like it to reflect? Some would say more time with family, while others would list that special dream vacation. Regardless of your preference, if it is reflected in the listings, you’ll feel better about it as the year draws to a close. Now is a good time to pencil in those special things.

The following are suggested events for your calendar:

January 14, 2012. J.C. Musser Work Day, held at Boggs #292 @ 9am. Our District copy of the written ritual will be available.

January 21, 2012. Inspection Season starts with inspection of Mt. Carmel #303 in the MM degree. The first section starts at 11am, dinner at noon, resuming immediately after. Please consult the 15^th District web site for the full Inspection schedule. Please note there have been adjustments to the original published schedule.

February 1, 2012. FC degree.

March 31, 2012. Our Inspection in the EA degree. Snacks served at 9am, Inspection starts at 10:00am.

April 13, 2012. 15^th District Grand Masters Reception. Held at the Huntsville Event Center, Huntsville, OH. Dinner scheduled to start at 7pm.

Although attendance at the above is earnestly solicited, the arrival of winter makes it appropriate to discuss caution. Previous years we were informed that Lodges were not permitted to cancel meetings due to weather conditions. This has since been relaxed, permitting cancellations if the safety of the brethren was at issue. Realistically, you are the best judge of safety in your travels, not us. If you decide it isn’t safe to travel to one of our functions, please stay home! We will understand your reason, appreciate that you considered it, and thankful that you are safe. ‘Nuff said.

.Be careful out there!

.See you at Lodge!

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Merry Christmas!

Can it possibly be?

Christmas is only 24 days away?

Where has the time gone?

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Thanksgiving has passed and the rest of the turkey has (finally) disappeared. The expanded edition of Black Friday is over, although the scent of pepper spray lingers in the air. Cyber Monday went by more quietly, but some detect the scent of scorched plastic drifting through Ethernet connections. Locally we’ve also had our first official snowfall of the year, followed by the most recent edition of the Flood of the Century. Despite all the issues and concerns, what better time of the year could there be?

December is a month of parties, events, and festivities. It is hard to resist being included in gatherings at work, with family, and within our social groups. Culminating with New Year’s Eve celebrations, December is probably the brightest month of the year. Each community has special displays and programs, Nativity scenes and services. Even if you enjoy the bustle of the season, these are a great way to relax, recharge, and reconnect with the things most meaningful during the holidays. Don’t know where any of these might be? Just ask your family or neighbors! Chances are they will point you the right direction.

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We have two Masonic Anniversaries this month:

12-27-55…….….Donald Adams

12-4-68…………Harvey Doss

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We have three birthdays for December:

12-9..……………..Pearl Gamble

12-22……………..Wayne Schaber

12-31..…………....Charles McConnell

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The following are events for your calendar:

December 3, 2011. Past Master’s Convocation, held at Bellefontaine #209 @ 9am.

December 14, 2011 @ 5-8pm. LaRue’s Christmas in the Village. This is the annual Christmas in the Village celebration in downtown La Rue. This is certainly a family-friendly event. Previous years have featured choirs caroling, free refreshments, carriage rides, and the Big Guy (Santa) making a special appearance. And did we mention free food?

December 25, 2011. Christmas.

January 1, 2012. New Year’s Day.

January 14, 2012. J.C. Musser Work Day, held at Boggs #292 @ 9am. Our District copy of the written ritual will be available.

January 21, 2012. Inspection Season starts with inspection of Mt. Carmel #303 in the MM degree. The first section starts at 11am, dinner at noon, resuming immediately after. Please consult the 15^th District web site for the full Inspection schedule.

March 31, 2012. Our Inspection in the EA degree. Snacks served at 9am, Inspection starts at 10:00am.

April 13, 2012. 15^th District Grand Masters Reception. Held at the Huntsville Event Center, Huntsville, OH. Dinner scheduled to start at 7pm.

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To close, we have a lesson to share gained from years of watching football bowl games:

Pace yourself!

See you at Lodge!

Can it be the Holidays Already?

Every year the days, weeks, and months seem to fly by more quickly. It seems like we were just getting used to the 90+ degrees of summer when we were plunged into the cool temperatures of fall. Then, as we are getting used to the idea of fall, retailers seem intent upon keeping us off balance. Lately while strolling through some major stores, shelf space was being shared by Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving cornucopia, and Christmas tree lights. At this rate we can expect Easter candy displays next week!

As many of you know, our degree work has been temporarily placed on hold. Our candidate is dealing with personal issues that require his attention, which temporarily limits his availability. We are continuing with preparations to be ready when the situation works out. When this changes we will make it known.

Our first meeting in November is always election of officers for the coming year. Those elected for 2011-12 are listed beside the office they accepted:

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WM – Brian Lightfoot

SW - David Allman

JW – Gene McMahan

SD – Milton Lightfoot

JD – Cedric Radcliffe

Treasurer – Rick Sigrist

Secretary – John Mathew

Tyler – Richard Spracklen

There will be a Closed Installation at our second meeting in November.

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We have two Masonic Anniversaries this month:

11-5-69………….John Hesse

11-3-99………….Scott Jackson

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We have seven birthdays for November:

11-3..……………..Randy Blue

11-5..……………..Rick Sigrist

11-9……………....John Hesse

11-17………….….Harvey Doss

11-19……………..Michael Dutton

11-22……………..Theodore Williams

11-28……………..Evan Clark

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The following are events for your calendar:

November 8, 2011. Ohio’s General Election. They don’t call it participatory government for nothing. Make your vote count!

November 11, 1011. 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 12, 2011. 15^th District Secretary Meeting, held at East Liberty Lodge #247 @ 9am. Attendance isn’t restricted to those holding the Secretary position. Considerable information is shared pertaining to future District and Lodge activities.

November 24, 2011. 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 26, 2011. The Game. Since 1897 The Ohio State University has played the University of Michigan. Between them they have won 78 Big Ten Championships, and 18 National Championships. Long considered the country’s best college football rivalry, it is considered “must see TV” in both states. This year both teams have new coaches. How can shopping possibly compare?

December 3, 2011. Past Master’s Convocation, held at Bellefontaine #209 @ 9am.

December 25, 2011. Christmas.

January 1, 2012. New Year’s Day.

January 14, 2012. J.C. Musser Work Day, held at Boggs #292 @ 9am. Our District copy of the written ritual will be available.

January 21, 2012. Inspection Season starts with inspection of Mt. Carmel #303 in the MM degree. The first section starts at 11am, dinner at noon, resuming immediately after. Please consult the 15^th District web site for the full Inspection schedule.

March 31, 2012. Our Inspection in the EA degree. Snacks served at 9am, Inspection starts at 10:00am.

April 13, 2012. 15^th District Grand Masters Reception. Held at the Huntsville Event Center, Huntsville, OH. Dinner scheduled to start at 7pm.

That sums up the information we have at this time. Be sure to dust off that ritual. Soon we’ll need your help in the FC and MM degrees!

See you at Lodge!

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What happened to fall?

OK, we thought summer was too hot, and so was September at first. Then the rains came, along with the cool temperatures. As we attempt to look through the rain-streaked window, the raft is sounding like a better deal. At least until the weather turns cold.

On to business!

We have had the 15^th District Annual Meeting and have information on Inspections as well as the Grand Masters Reception. Full details can be found at http://district15.freemason.com/ .

Our Inspection is scheduled for Saturday, March 31, 2012. We will be offering snacks at 9am, and Inspection in the EA degree will commence at 10am. Since coffee, juice and doughnuts went over well the last time, you might anticipate a reprise of that menu.

The Grand Masters Reception has a longer back story. It will be held on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 7pm at the Huntsville Event Center. The facility is in Huntsville, which is between Bellefontaine and Indian Lake, on route 117. Frequent readers and\or attendees will recall that Karen’s Event Center in Marysville was the location for many years. Unfortunately the catering company didn’t own the building. The owner was forced to sell, and it was purchased by a church. With short notice to seek other locations for our assigned date, the District was fortunate to find this location.

We have six Masonic Anniversaries this month:

10-21-64…………Phillip Winslow

10-21-70…………Phillip Weist

10-2-74…………..Robert Lee

10-5-77…………..Rick Sigrist

10-20-93…………William Bennett

10-31-09…………David Allman

We have five birthdays for October:

10-11……………..Ronald Phillips

10-19……………..Cedric Radcliffe

10-21……………..Josiah Sayers

10-26……………..Robert Everly

10-28……………..Gene McMahan

The following are additional events for your calendar:

October 5, 2011. Stated Meeting. FC degree is tentatively planned.

October 14 & 15, 2011. Grand Lodge Annual Communication, held in Cleveland, Ohio. For those who have never attended one, this would be a wonderful experience.

November 2, 2011. Annual Meeting of LaRue Lodge #463. Our Annual Meeting gives you the chance to make your thoughts known on the future leaders of our Lodge. You don’t have to accept an office to enjoy the evening, so we’ll count on seeing you.

November 8, 2011. Ohio’s General Election. They don’t call it participatory government for nothing. Make your vote count!

November 11, 1011. 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 12, 2011. 15^th District Secretary Meeting, held at East Liberty Lodge #247 @ 9am. Attendance isn’t restricted to those holding the Secretary position. Considerable information is shared pertaining to future District and Lodge activities.

November 24, 2011. 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 26, 2011. The Game. Since 1897 The Ohio State University has played the University of Michigan. Between them they have won 78 Big Ten Championships, and 18 National Championships. Long considered the country’s best college football rivalry, it is considered “must see TV” in both states. This year both teams have new coaches. How can shopping possibly compare?

December 3, 2011. Past Master’s Convocation, held at Bellefontaine #209 @ 9am.

December 25, 2011. Christmas.

January 1, 2012. New Year’s Day.

March 31, 2012. Inspection in the EA degree. Snacks served at 9am, Inspection starts at 10:00am.

April 13, 2012. 15^th District Grand Masters Reception. Held at the Huntsville Event Center, Huntsville, OH. Dinner scheduled to start at 7pm.

That sums up the information we have at this time. Be sure to dust off that ritual. Soon we’ll need your help in the MM degree!

See you at Lodge!

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And you thought summer was hot?

OK, we thought summer was hot too. But who thought September would still feature temperatures in the 90’s? So it has been in Ohio this year: one day blizzard, the next day flood. We hesitate to ponder the weather we will experience this coming winter. We are considering orders for ponchos, water wings, and snow shoes. And maybe a raft.

For our first meeting of the year we had anticipated an FC degree experience. Although that is still possible, it appears this will be delayed until a later meeting. Stay tuned for details as they become available. Instead, our Lodge Education Officer has promised a presentation that makes his previous efforts seem like warm-ups in comparison. Get there early for a good seat!

We have one Masonic Anniversary this month:

9-21-77……………Stephan Sigrist

We have several birthdays for September:

9-6………………..Scott Jackson

9-10………………Arthur Keirns

9-14………………Greg Rice

9-16………………Phillip Winslow

9-22………………Donald Redd

9-29………………Milton Lightfoot

The following are additional events for your calendar:

September 5, 2011. Labor Day. Celebrate those who have done the heavy lifting to make our country great.

September 7, 2011. First Stated Meeting after the summer break.

September 10, 2011. 15^th District Annual Meeting, at Mt. Gilead #206 @ 9am.

September 11, 2011. 15th District Awards Dinner, hosted by Oliver #447 at the Plaza Inn @ 6pm: http://www.plazainn.net/ . We have been requested to turn in a head count by Thursday, September 8^th. Please contact our Secretary if you plan to attend.

October 5, 2011. Stated Meeting. MM degree is tentatively planned.

October 14 & 15, 2011. Grand Lodge Annual Communication, held in Cleveland, Ohio. For those who have never attended one, this would be a wonderful experience.

November 2, 2011. Annual Meeting of LaRue Lodge #463. Our Annual Meeting gives you the chance to make your thoughts known on the future leaders of our Lodge. You don’t have to accept an office to enjoy the evening, so we’ll count on seeing you.

November 8, 2011. Ohio’s General Election. They don’t call it participatory government for nothing. Make your vote count!

November 11, 1011. 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 12, 2011. 15^th District Secretary Meeting, held at East Liberty Lodge #247 @ 9am. Attendance isn’t restricted to those holding the Secretary position. Considerable information is shared pertaining to future District and Lodge activities.

November 24, 2011. 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 26, 2011. The Game. Since 1897 The Ohio State University has played the University of Michigan. Between them they have won 78 Big Ten Championships, and 18 National Championships. Long considered the country’s best college football rivalry, it is considered “must see TV” in both states. This year both teams have new coaches. How can shopping possibly compare?

December 3, 2011. Past Master’s Convocation, held at Bellefontaine #209 @ 9am.

December 25, 2011. Christmas.

January 1, 2012. New Year’s Day.

That sums up the information we have at this time. Be sure to dust off that ritual. Our next meeting is just around the corner!

See you at Lodge!

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