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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Pass the Lemonade – It’s Hot!!!

We might have to be reminded again how awful the snow and cold temperatures felt last winter. Last week the high dipped into the upper 80’s, and some folks were wearing jackets! Fear not, the forecast for August ensures we will be seeing more of the 90’s than we have so far. Enjoy it while it lasts.

Although it is summer, Lodge related activities continue. At the end of July the first of eight presentations by the Deputy Grand Master, Kevin B. Todd, was held at University Lodge # 631. Our delegation returned with notes, handouts, and a survey form providing insight into the coming Masonic year. RWB Todd gave an excellent presentation, which included two video segments to illustrate points and activities. The entire schedule is included on the July 2011 post below. One is scheduled for every corner of the state, and those able to attend will have the opportunity to share thoughts and ideas with RWB Todd. Did we mention they have refreshments?

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

8-15…………Richard Hoover

8-18…………Larry Knapp

8-20…………William Bennett

8-22…………Don Kennedy

8-26…………Dave Allman

8-27…………Jeff Adkins

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. FC degree is tentatively planned.

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/ . Reservation information will be posted as soon as it is available.

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

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

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, 2011. 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. Till the next time, remember to drink plenty of fluids, apply sun screen regularly, and dust off that ritual! Our next meeting will be here before you know it!

Stay cool!

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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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