Its official – summer is here!

We’ve finally moved past the cold snow of winter, the watery tempest that was spring, and the flashes of oppressive heat and excessive wind that marked each transition. Summer at last!

June did not pass quietly, courtesy of four hundred Brothers who joined Grand Master Bradford A. Goebel on Friday, June 24^th. The occasion was to lead the Parade of Athletes at the opening ceremonies of the Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games. Grand Master Goebel presented a check for $200,000 from Ohio Freemasons to help sponsor the athletes who participated in this two-day event. The picture above is of the Grand Lodge of Ohio Officers (including Senior Grand Warden James Easterling, seen in the center of the "O," completing one of the items on his bucket list.) Thanks to all who contributed to this year’s Special Olympics, and to those who assisted SGW Easterling up from the turf.

We have no Masonic anniversaries for the month of July. Not a great surprise, as Lodges are usually dark during the summer months. We do, however, have several who are celebrating birthdays during July:

7-10…………Dan Hicks

7-17…………Stanley Foos

7-18…………John Mathew

7-21…………Tim Stapleton

7-24…………Howard Dean

7-24…………Clyde Schertzer

7-26…………Joshua Zachman

In addition to our customary calendar listings we have a special category. Deputy Grand Master Kevin B. Todd will conduct eight meetings across the state this summer to rollout the Grand Lodge Program for 2012. These meetings are intended to assist Lodges in planning for the next Masonic year and should be of interest to all active Masons. The dress code is business casual, and the meetings are held in an open-forum format. Attending one provides valuable insight into the ideas and activities coming down the road.

• Wednesday, July 13, 7:00 P.M.—Wayfarer Lodge No. 789, Akron
• Tuesday, July 19, 7:00 P.M.—Wick Lodge No. 481, Youngstown
• Friday, July 29, 7:00 P.M. —University Lodge No. 631, Columbus
• Saturday, July 30, 9:00 A.M.—Jefferson Lodge No. 90, Middletown
• Friday, August 12, 7:00 P.M.—Guernsey Lodge No. 66, Cambridge
• Saturday, August 13, 9:00 A.M.— Trowel Lodge No. 132, Jackson
• Friday, August 19, 7:00 P.M.—Findlay Lodge No. 227, Findlay
• Saturday, August 20, 9:00 A.M.—Temperance Lodge No. 73, Sidney

The following are additional events for your calendar:

July 4, 2011. Independence Day. Celebrate the birth of our country. Attend a parade, watch some fireworks, host a cookout, or just relax under the shade of your favorite tree. Whatever your chosen activity, take a moment to honor the sacrifices of those who have gone before us. You'll be glad you did.

September 7, 2011. First Stated Meeting after the summer break. FC degree is tentatively planned.

September 10, 2011. Annual Meeting, at Mt. Gilead #206 @ 9am.

September 11, 2011. 15^th District Awards Dinner, hosted by Oliver #447 at the Plaza Inn @ 6pm: http://www.plazainn.net/

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

October 14 & 15, 2011. Grand Lodge Annual Communication, held in Cleveland, Ohio.

November 12, 2011. 15^th District Secretary’s Meeting, held at East Liberty #247 @ 9am.

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

A special thanks to those who pointed out the calendar typos in the previous posts.

That’s all we have on the schedule for now. Be sure to take the opportunity to squeeze in some fun in the sun!

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According to the thermometer we’ve moved from spring to summer. Our activities also reflect the transition, even though the calendar doesn’t quite agree. Our full list of events is contained in our previous post, but we have some additional information to share regarding the Special Olympics.

The opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics will take place at OSU Stadium on June 24^th. Ohio Masons will lead the parade, gathering at 6pm at the southeast corner of the Stadium. Requested attire is white shirt and dark slacks. The first 500 Masons to register will receive a hat, and all will receive a special pin. There will be refreshments afterwards at the Recreational and Physical Activity Center (RPAC) near the southeast corner of the Stadium.

As you might imagine, the Special Olympics is a huge undertaking. In previous years there have been between 2500 and 3000 participants. This year it costs $140 to send an athlete to the Summer Games, and Masonic contributions are used to sponsor all athletes. Those wishing to donate can send a check to the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation. In the Memo space include your Lodge Number, and “Special Olympics” (Special Olympics - #463). Checks can be mailed to:

Grand Lodge F&AM of Ohio

Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation

PO Box 629

Worthington, OH 43085-0629

Some reminders are appropriate. First, all donations to the Charitable Foundation are tax deductible. Second, consider travel times carefully. Taking hints from those who attend OSU football games, traffic can be heavy and parking is never that close. Allowing a little extra time permits arriving relaxed and refreshed, and is much more fun than the alternative.

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We have several Masonic anniversaries for the month of June:

6-6-45………Joseph Spitzer

6-14-61……..Larry Knapp

6-6-62………Ralph Lee

6-4-75………Tom Hafer

6-7-78………Richard Peterman

6-6-79………Evan Clark

6-2-10………Tim Stapleton

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Here are those celebrating birthdays during June:

6-16…………Robert White

6-19…………Charles Randles

6-19…………Dan Stover

6-23…………Philip McCullough

6-30…………Theo McElheny, Sr.

We are now taking a break to enjoy the last of spring and the start of summer. As we ease through the heat and humidity, remember this is what we hoped for all last winter!

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Spring has sprung!

Spring finally sprung, and is giving way to the warmth of summer. Fields are drying, permitting farmers a chance to till and plant, and our thoughts turn from treading water to backyard cookouts. This week we did see one neighbor driving his tractor-mounted snow blower, but suspect he wasn’t listening to a local forecast.

Our last meeting before summer break featured several enjoyable aspects. The evening started with a fabulous meal prepared by our Senior Deacon, Dave Allman. It was more delicious than words can describe. Our meeting featured presentation of Masonic Service Awards to WB Larry Knapp (50+ years, right photo) and B. Terry Hafer (40+ years, left photo). Photos included with this post portray our WM Milton Lightfoot with these distinguished Brothers. B. Dan Hicks (40+ years) was also scheduled to receive an award but was unable to attend.

We moved on to a two-pronged Masonic Minute by our LEO, Rick Sigrist. The first portion was one of the Grand Lodge mandated Education Programs, the Two Wolves Parable (http://www.freemason.com/images/leo/two-wolves-parable.pdf). The second portion was a walk down memory lane for our award recipients. WB Rick presented minutes for the meetings at which each was raised to be a Master Mason. For Larry this was June 14, 1961, for Terry it was February 2, 1971, and for Dan it was March 17, 1971. Stories and recollections followed, which continued well into the social hour in the dining room.

Although we are “done” for a while, we have many calendar items for your consideration. Pull out your date book and mark it accordingly:

June 12, 2011. Ohio Masonic Home Day.

June 24-26, 2011. Ohio Special Olympics – State Summer Games. At the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Venue to be announced: http://www.sooh.org/events.php

July 4, 2010. Independence Day. Celebrate the birth of our country. Attend a parade, watch some fireworks, host a cookout, or just relax under the shade of your favorite tree. Whatever your chosen activity, take a moment to honor the sacrifices of those who have gone before us. You'll be glad you did.

September 7, 2011. First Stated Meeting after the summer break. FC degree is tentatively planned.

September 10, 2011. Annual Meeting, at Mt. Gilead #206 @ 9am.

September 11, 2011. 15^th District Awards Dinner, hosted by Oliver #447 at the Plaza Inn @ 6pm: http://www.plazainn.net/

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

October 14 & 15, 2011. Grand Lodge Annual Communication, held in Cleveland, Ohio.

November 12, 2011. 15^th District Secretary’s Meeting, held at East Liberty #247 @ 9am.

December 3, 1022. Past Master’s Convocation, held at Bellefontaine #209 @ 9am.

Until our next post, enjoy summer. It is a time to appreciate the flowers springing up everywhere, and an invitation to get out and get active again.

See you in the fall!

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April showers brought May flowers!

Since our last post we’ve been busy! Many of us have been dodging rains and hanging onto heavy objects to keep from being blown away in spring storms. Mowing has again become both an issue and a blessing. Locating pontoons for mowers has been difficult, but it is a sign that warm weather is finally arriving!

Since we are informally known as the Flood Capital of Ohio each passing storm causes us to watch the all too frequent rise and fall of the river. As residents of Kiwanis Village prepare to return after two months in limbo there are forecasts for additional thunderstorms. Hopefully those storms will bypass our area so the residents can return home, and get used to a “new” normal in familiar surroundings.

We have calendar additions to make, so pull out your date book and pencil these in:

May 4, 2011. Regular Stated Meeting, featuring the EA degree for a new candidate.

May 18, 2011. Regular Stated Meeting, featuring presentation of Masonic Service Awards. Dinner starts at 6pm, with the meeting at 7:30pm.

June 12, 2011. Ohio Masonic Home Day.

June 24-26, 2011. Ohio Special Olympics – State Summer Games. At the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Venue to be announced: http://www.sooh.org/events.php

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

September 10, 2011. Annual Meeting, at Mt. Gilead #206 @ 9am.

September 11, 2011. 15^th District Awards Dinner, hosted by Oliver #447 at the Plaza Inn @ 6pm: http://www.plazainn.net/

October 14 & 15, 2011. Grand Lodge Annual Communication, held in Cleveland, Ohio.

November 12, 2011. 15^th District Secretary’s Meeting, held at East Liberty #247 @ 9am.

December 3, 1022. Past Master’s Convocation, held at Bellefontaine #209 @ 9am.

As the following list indicates, we have several Masonic Anniversaries for the month on May:

5-7-52……..O.M. Roux

4-18-62……Howard Dean

5-20-64……Wayne Schaber

5-20-65……Richard Hoover

5-17-67……Michael Dutton

5-20-70……Rollie McElheny

5-20-70……Pearl Gamble

5-3-72……..Stanley Foos

5-15-74……Milton Lightfoot

5-18-78……Jeff Winslow

5-1-85……..Rod Lightfoot

5-15-10……Josh Zachman

Those celebrating birthdays in May are:

5-4…………Robert Lee

5-27……….Stephan Sigrist

Until our next post, enjoy spring. It is a time to appreciate the flowers springing up everywhere, and an invitation to get out and get active again.

Enjoy!

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We passed!

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OK, we’re not really bragging, just expressing relief. March was such a busy month, both for the Lodge and the community. The last day of February we had “The Flood”, which saw much of our community under water. Things dried out long enough to have our Pre-Inspection visitations, with “The Flood – Part 2” the following weekend. While many of us were pumping or cleaning, the rest of us held meetings, a MM practice, celebrated the newest recipient of the Grand Master’s Excellence in Youth Award, and conducted the MM degree on our newest candidate. A week later we conferred the MM degree for our annual inspection on a pro tem candidate for the pleasure of RWB Paul Robinson. To say we’ve been busy barely covers the situation.

As mentioned above, the 15^th District held its reception for the Grand Master of Masons in Ohio on March 25^th in Milford Center. It is always enjoyable sharing an evening with the leaders of our fraternity. This year we were pleased that one of our nominees, Ben McKinniss, was a recipient of the Grand Master’s Excellence in Youth Award. Ben is a senior at Elgin High school, and anticipates attending Ohio Northern University this fall. He has been active in sports as well as academics, 4-H, church and community activities, and serves as an excellent example of the qualities of character and leadership which form the basis of the award. We are especially pleased to note that for each of the past seven years a nominee from our Lodge has been a recipient of this recognition. While we would love to take credit for some part of this good fortune, we don’t deserve it. The real credit goes to the deserving youth that can be found in each of our communities.

Although Inspection season has ended for our District, plenty of activities remain. For a sample, please check out our calendar below:

January 15 through April 2, 2011. Inspection season. Finished!

April 15, 2011. Chester Lodge #238 spaghetti dinner from 5-7:30pm. $8 for an adult, $4 for a child.

April 28, 2011. Marion County Scottish Rite dinner, held at the Marion Masonic Temple. Dinner starts at 7pm, with presentations to follow. RWB Joseph Hickman and RWB Fred Somerlot will receive their 33^rd degree jewels that evening. RSVP requested.

April 30, 2011. Boggs #292 steak dinner from 4:30-7pm. $12.

June 12, 2011. Ohio Masonic Home Day.

June 24-26, 2011. Ohio Special Olympics – State Summer Games. At the Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Venue to be announced: http://www.sooh.org/events.php

September 10, 2011. Annual Meeting, at Mt. Gilead #206 @ 9am.

September 11, 2011. 15^th District Awards Dinner, hosted by Oliver #447 at the Plaza Inn @ 6pm: http://www.plazainn.net/

October 14 & 15, 2011. Grand Lodge Annual Communication, held in Cleveland, Ohio.

November 12, 2011. 15^th District Secretary’s Meeting, held at East Liberty #247 @ 9am.

December 3, 1022. Past Master’s Convocation, held at Bellefontaine #209 @ 9am.

As the following list indicates, we have several Masonic Anniversaries for the month on April:

4-18-62……Howard Dean

4-2-65……..Don Redd

4-19-67……Richard Spracklen

4-5-78……..Arthur Knickel

4-4-79……..Ron Phillips

4-4-84……..Robert Everly

4-18-90……Brian Lightfoot

4-19-95……Randy Blue

4-27-02……Ted Williams

4-7-04……..Tom Tucker

4-9-05……..Charles McConnell

4-9-05……..Robert White

Those celebrating birthdays in April are:

4-7………...Arthur Knickel

4-10……….James Weist

4-14……….Terry Hafer

4-18……….Jeff Davis

4-26……….James Thuma

4-27……….Joseph Spitzer

We’re now taking a brief break from our activities to enjoy spring, appreciate the flowers poking through the ground, and the seed catalogues that fill the mail box. Till the next meeting, stay dry!

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Was It Something We Said, Buckeye Chuck?

As a result of his prognostication last month, we thought we were mere weeks from the sunny warmth of spring. Not so fast my friend! Over a 10-day period at the end of February we experienced two major snow storms, and record-breaking flooding. As one might expect the snow has all but disappeared with the rain, although piles are still present on roadsides and beside driveways. With waters again rising, we’ll keep our fingers crossed, and our boats at the ready.

On March 2^nd we were visited by RWB Paul Robinson, DDGM, and WB Frank Egelsky, DEO, who made it to the village between storms. The purpose was our pre-inspection audit and special presentations. According to their reports, everything was in order, and we were cleared for the next step in the process. WB Egelsky presented the Grand Lodge Education Program, a 20-questions-style questionnaire relating to the Masonic Code, Officer’s Handbook, and degree work. Very enjoyable, and educational. We were also pleased to learn that one of our nominees was selected as the recipient of the Grand Master’s Excellence in Youth Award for the 15^th Masonic District. Ben McKinniss will receive the actual award at the Grand Master’s Reception on March 25^th (see below). Those wishing to be present need to contact the Secretary for reservations.

We would like to share some background details on the recipient of this year’s Grand Master’s Excellence in Youth Award. Ben McKinniss follows in the steps of his older brother Tom, who was selected for this honor in 2007. We were unable to locate a comprehensive history of this award, but believe this is the first time siblings have been honored in this matter. We are also aware that with Ben’s selection, LaRue Lodge has nominated youth selected for this award for the seventh year in a row. As proud as we are of our involvement in the process, we remind the reader that this says less about us than about the quality of youth present in all of our communities. That’s something worthy of celebration!

Below are the new listings for birthdays and Masonic anniversaries.

Birthdays for March:
3-1…..………..Rollie McElheny

3-21..…………Brian Lightfoot

Masonic Anniversaries for March:
3-20-46…………..James Thuma

3-19-52.……….…Gene McMahan

3-2-60..……….….Randall Huffman

3-4-65…………….Cedric Radcliffe

3-16-66……….….Arthur Keirns

3-17-71……….….Dan Hicks

3-29-78………..…Greg Rice

3-18-81…………..Dan Stover

3-15-89…………..Rick Sims

3-29-03…………..Jeff Adkins

We constantly adjust our 2011 Calendar Listings. Make sure to check them out and plan accordingly. If you need a pocket calendar to keep track of important dates, check with the SW.


January 15 through April 2, 2011. Inspection season. Please refer to the 15^th District web site for specific dates, times, and locations.

March 11 & 12, 2011. State Secretary's Association Meeting, Worthington, Ohio.

March 16, 2011 @ 7:30pm. This is a Stated Meeting, and will feature MM practice for both our candidate and Inspection. Come if you can, as we can always use the help.

March 25, 2011 @ 7pm. The 15^th District Grand Master’s Reception. It will again be held at Karen’s Event Center, Marysville.

March 26, 2011 @ 10am. Special meeting for the conferral of the MM degree on our most recent candidate. Come if you can, as we can always use the help! This will be excellent practice for Inspection the following Saturday. See below.

April 2, 2011 @ 10am. Annual Inspection of LaRue Lodge for the pleasure of DDGM Paul Robinson, in the MM degree.

June 12, 2011. Ohio Masonic Home Day.

October 14 & 15, 2011. Grand Lodge Annual Communication, held in Cleveland, Ohio.

That’s all that we know of for now. Since it is again raining, we’ll be spending the rest of the day working on pontoon boats.

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Bless you Buckeye Chuck!

It has already been a long cold winter. Thanks to the celebrated rodent prognosticator, we are assured that spring is a mere 6 weeks away. Using recent experience as a guide, we suppose that means 12 more significant snowfalls, and 6 more chances to lose power along with our footing. We shudder to consider the possibilities without the impact of global warming.

On the 2^nd we attempted to hold our regular stated meeting, but without effect. The five hearty souls who braved the weather shared travel experiences and mishaps, all of which will be more humorous when the bruises heal. When no additional members arrived, we headed back to our warm homes. Observing our progress on the sidewalk brought to mind Paul Simon’s popular tune, Slip Sliding Away, with a slightly erratic pace.

Much of the discussion on the 2^nd involved the concept of canceling meetings due to ice and snow, declared emergencies, or other exigent conditions. For this reason restating the procedure as it is known to us seems appropriate. Of the four Past Masters present, none recalled ever receiving permission from Grand Lodge to cancel a Stated Meeting. Over the years this issue has been addressed by several Grand Masters, and we know of no change in this position. For that reason, do not expect us to make an announcement canceling a Stated Meeting. That being said, we recognize there are situations where attempting to attend is not recommended. These include declared emergencies, hazardous conditions, and any situation where personal or family safety is an issue. We enjoy gathering for the fellowship on meeting nights, but firmly desire that no one is put at risk to do so. In the grand scheme of things, it is our membership that is important, not the meeting. ‘Nuf said.

Below are the new listings for birthdays and Masonic anniversaries.

Birthdays for February:
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

Masonic Anniversaries for February:
2-3-43……….….Theodore McElheny, Sr.

2-7-62……….….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

We constantly adjust our 2011 Calendar Listings. Make sure to check them out and plan accordingly. If you need a pocket calendar to keep track of important dates, check with the SW.


January 15 through April 2, 2011. Inspection season. Please refer to the 15^th District web site for specific dates, times, and locations.

March 11 & 12, 2011. State Secretary's Association Meeting, Worthington, Ohio.

March 25, 2011 @ 7pm. The 15^th District Grand Master’s Reception. It will again be held at Karen’s Event Center, Marysville.

March 26, 2011 @ 10am. Special meeting for the conferral of the MM degree on our most recent candidate. Come if you can, as we can always use the help! This will be excellent practice for Inspection the following Saturday. See below.

April 2, 2011 @ 10am. Annual Inspection of LaRue Lodge for the pleasure of DDGM Paul Robinson, in the MM degree.

June 12, 2011. Ohio Masonic Home Day.

October 14 & 15, 2011. Grand Lodge Annual Communication, held in Cleveland, Ohio.

That’s all that we know of for now. Taking a tip from Buckeye Chuck, we’re getting those sunglasses and wide brim hats ready for spring, but we’re going to hold off on the shorts and sandals!

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