Quick Update

Brothers,

Our WM asked us to share two events and one circumstance:

1 – We passed our MM Inspection yesterday.  Through creative assignments, chair shuffling, and some assistance from visiting Brothers, our candidate was raised in fine form.  However, due to the prevailing custom of postponing presentations until a regular meeting, much of what normally follows the degree work will occur at our Stated Meeting on Wednesday, February 15.

2 – Our Inspection lunch was provided by Lynch’s Cash & Carry.  We served 50 meals, but had prepared for at least 60+.  As a result, we are having a dinner at 6:30pm PRIOR to our stated meeting on February 15.  The menu is lunchmeat sandwiches (turkey, ham, roast beef), potato salad, coleslaw, cookies, and beverages.

3 – For the second year at Inspection we had to shut down the restrooms, as they overflowed.  We thought this issue was under control, but obviously we were wrong.  At this point addressing this issue requires folks with more expertise than we have.  Combined with fixing our roof leak ($3270), this could prove to be one of our more expensive winters.

See you in Lodge! 

.

Where is that water coming from ?!?

There are several old saws about flat roofs:

 

- It isn’t a question of if they will leak, but when.

- They are the equivalent of a “Full Employment Act” for roofers. 

- They are the Supreme Architect’s way of saying you have too much money.

By now you’ve probably heard about our roof leak, which sprung in the corner just behind our Secretary’s desk.  It might have gone unnoticed except for the soggy ceiling tile crashing to the floor.  Thankfully the only injuries sustained were to the ceiling tile and our checking account.  Professionals from Mike’s Roofing identified the issue as a leak in an old patch job.  (See photo on left.)  The good news is we are “on the list” for the repair to be completed.  The bad news is that conditions have to be dry for their fix to work.

After doing some research it appears the old patch job cost us $1625.00, which was considered a bargain years ago.  This fix, when accomplished, will set us back almost $3300.00.  Do we have the money?  Yes.  Could we use some help with this unexpected expense?  Absolutely!  If you are able to help in any way, it would be greatly appreciated.  Drop us a note, an email, or a phone call and we can discuss it further. 

For us, it is now officially Inspection Season.  We had our Pre-Inspection Visit on January 18^th for the pleasure of RWB Will Fissell, DDGM.  That night we tried to arrange all the proper documents, forms, reports, books, booklets, trinkets and accoutrements to make the audit process as smooth as possible.  We processed all his requests plus the extra credit bonus questions:

1- When, exactly, are “Minutes” considered “Minutes”?

2 – How many sheets of paper are required to demonstrate we have gone “paperless”?)

Afterwards we retired to the dining room for more serious business – pizza!  It was a great evening, and ended with an educational presentation by WB Ralph Ed Brown, DEO. 

For the record, the full Inspection Schedule for the 15^th Masonic District can be found on their web site, a link to which is on the left side of this page.

Below is our anticipated schedule for the first half of 2017.  Adjustments will be made as necessary, so check back often.

January 28, 2017                Inspection Season Starts, with Mt. Gilead Lodge #206.  Full schedule available at the 15^th District web site link on the left.

February 1, 2017                 Stated Meeting.  MM practice is anticipated.

February 8, 2017                 Special Meeting for the purpose of practice for Inspection.  Lodge opens at 7:30pm.

February 11, 2017              Inspection of La Rue Lodge in the MM degree.  Lodge opens at 11am, lunch at noon, resuming degree work following lunch.  Lunch will be a “build your own sandwich” buffet with the customary accompanying dishes, from Lynch’s Cash & Carry.

February 15, 2017              Stated Meeting

February 20, 2017              Presidents’ Day

March 25, 2017                    Grand Master’s One Day Class, 9am, at Palestine #158.

March 31, 2017                    15^th District Grand Master’s Reception, 7pm, at All-Occasions Catering, Waldo, OH.  Cost is $20 per person, with money received by RWB Larry Lance, 15^th District Treasurer, by Wednesday, March 15.

June 24, 2017                      300^th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry

15^th District Picnic, 2pm, hosted by East Liberty #247.

That’s what we know for now.  See you at Lodge!

.

Happy New Year!

By now you have (probably) entered or completed the Holiday Recovery Stage.  Familiar symptoms are tunneling through mounds of wrapping paper, figuring out which “empty” boxes are really empty, and wondering how to fit the tree and ornaments back into their original packages.  Oh, yes, and trying to cancel that new gym membership that you know you’ll never use.  We can’t help you on the first three, but we have suggestions on an excellent stair-climbing exercise program that might make a gym membership unnecessary.

Yes, it is past the holidays, which places us on the cusp of Inspection Season, and all that comes with it.  Lodges will be announcing their schedule of dinners, practices, more dinners, Pre-Inspection Visits, even more dinners, and finally Inspections.  Some modern Lodges have few, if any, steps from the outside into the facility.  (No, we are not jealous, much.)  Others, such as ours, have enough stairs to provide a nice cardio workout (see above).  Of course, the more activities you attend, the less you need that gym membership! 

Please note:  For those less focused on a workout, or with some mobility issues, we have a wonderful alternative.  Our chair lift, which had been sidelined just prior to Christmas, is back in operation.  A set of new batteries was all it took.  That, plus our Secretary standing on his head in the stairway during the removal/replacement procedure.  He’s OK though, and is getting used to that double vision thing.

With that in mind, below is our anticipated schedule for 2017.  Adjustments will be made as necessary, so check back often.

January 9, 2017                  College Football Championship Game

                                                Even if your team isn’t playing, it is usually a good game.

January 14, 2017                15^th District Work Day, 9am, held at East Liberty #247.

                                                This is open to all members, and gives insight on how all aspects of Inspections are supposed to work.

January 16, 2017                Martin Luther King Day

January 18, 2017                Pizza Dinner at 6:30pm, prior to our Stated Meeting.

Pre-Inspection Visit by RWB Willard Fissell, who will start examining our books at 6pm.

January 28, 2017                Inspection Season Starts, with Mt. Gilead Lodge #206.  Full schedule available at the 15^th District web site link on the left.

February 8, 2017                 Special Meeting for the purpose of practice for Inspection.  Lodge opens at 7:30pm.

February 11, 2017              Inspection of La Rue Lodge in the MM degree.  Lodge opens at 11am, lunch at noon, resuming degree work following lunch.

February 20, 2017              Presidents’ Day

March 25, 2017                    Grand Master’s One Day Class, 9am, at Palestine #158.

March 31, 2017                    15^th District Grand Master’s Reception, 7pm, at All-Occasions Catering, Waldo, OH.

June 24, 2017                      300^th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry

15^th District Picnic, 2pm, hosted by East Liberty #247.

That’s what we know for now.  See you at Lodge!

.

Schedule Change!

Today we received the following message from the La Rue Village Office, regarding this year's Christmas in the Village celebration:

** Important Message **

Christmas in the Village has been canceled due to predicted low temperatures.

Santa, hot dogs, cookies, and hot chocolate will be available at the bank from 3-6pm. 

Although most of us hate change, this seems to be the best decision. Temperatures for Thursday are predicted for a high of 7 degrees, and a low of -1, with winds of 15-20 mph. 

Please adjust your calendars accordingly.

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The weather outside might be cooling off, but we have been busy inside.

If you’ve been following our schedule you already know our meeting on December 7^th was busy.  Starting with a pizza dinner, 19 members enjoyed an active meeting of fellowship, degree work, and a celebration of Masonic service. 

Assisted by RWB Willard Fissell and Brothers from the 10^th Masonic District, our most recent Master Mason had an excellent experience.  It was a double blessing for us, as it also served as preparation for our MM Inspection February 11^th (see calendar below). 

 

An additional highlight of the evening was celebration of our Masonic Service Awards.  Many of us have attended these functions elsewhere, where the person to be recognized is expected to appreciate receiving a certificate without even mentioning their name.  That’s not the way we do things in La Rue.  This year we were blessed to have in attendance a 65-year member, a 50-year member, a 40-year member, and a 35-year member.  In the photos above you will see (1) WB Gene McMahan flanked by RWB Willard Fissell, DDGM of the 15^th District, and WB Brian Lightfoot, WM, (2) RWB Richard Spracklen flanked by RWB Willard Fissell, DDGM of the 15^th District, and WB Brian Lightfoot, WM, and (3) RWB Spracklen, WB McMahan, WB Sigrist, and WB Mathew.  Each had an opportunity to share recollections of their Masonic journey, and each received a Grand Master’s pin from RWB Fissell.

It is worth noting that these Brothers have not taken their membership lightly.  RWB Spracklen continues to serve as Tyler and Trustee.  WB Sigrist continues to serve as Treasurer, Trustee, and Lodge Education Officer.  WB Mathew continues to serve as Secretary. 

WB McMahan merits special mention, and not just for his 65 years of membership.  Utilizing skills learned as a former restaurant owner, WB McMahan has been responsible for more Masonic Dinners than anyone can remember.  He has also served as Junior Warden for more years than anyone remember, with best estimates exceeding 30 years.  This November, at the age of 93, WB McMahan decided to step down as Junior Warden to be able to spend more time with his wife, who is experiencing medical issues.  Any Lodge would feel fortunate to have members such as this.  We know we do.

Below is our adjusted calendar of events.  One significant adjustment is for our next meeting, December 21^st.  That evening will start with dinner at 6:30pm, consisting of chili and cornbread.  Bro. Mike Wells will be preparing the meal, and frequent attendees will know to come early.

We’d like to remind you of a special local event.  La Rue’s Christmas in the Village celebration will be on Thursday, December 15th.  The family-friendly celebration has a number of attractions.  Keeping with tradition, the parade starts things off at 5pm.  The event continues with performances by the Elgin band and show choir, local church choirs, the Marionaires, carriage rides, train rides, live reindeer, food, and visits with the Big Guy – Santa!  And did we mention this was all free?  This is truly an event that only a small community could do right.

With that in mind, below is our anticipated schedule for the balance of 2016, and what is known for 2017.  Adjustments will be made as necessary, so check back often.

December 15, 2016            La Rue’s Christmas in the Village.  From 5 – 8 pm.

December 21, 2016            Chili and cornbread dinner at 6:30pm.  Stated Meeting. 

December 25, 2016            Christmas. 

December 31, 2016            New Year’s Eve.  Be sure to pick a designated driver!

                                                Reminder:  8:30pm, OSU v. Clemson.  Go Bucks!       

January 1, 2017                  New Year’s Day. 

January 2, 2017                  This is the day most of us decide whether sticking to those resolutions is going to happen.  Or not.

January 9, 2017                  College Football Championship Game

January 14, 2017                15^th District Work Day, 9am, held at East Liberty #247.

January 16, 2017                Martin Luther King Day

January 18, 2017                Stated Meeting.

Pre-Inspection Visit by RWB Willard Fissell.

January 28, 2017                Inspection Season Starts, with Mt. Gilead Lodge #206.  Full schedule available at the 15^th District web site link on the left.

February 11, 2017              Inspection of La Rue Lodge in the MM degree.  Lodge opens at 11am, lunch at noon, resuming degree work following lunch.

February 20, 2017              Presidents’ Day

March 25, 2017                    Grand Master’s One Day Class, 9am, at Palestine #158.

March 31, 2017                    15^th District Grand Master’s Reception, 7pm, at All-Occasions Catering, Waldo, OH.

June 24, 2017                      300^th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry

15^th District Picnic, 2pm, hosted by East Liberty #247.

That’s what we know for now.  See you at Lodge!

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Officer & Activity Update

Things have settled down, for a while.  Our “best laid plans” referenced last month proved to be just a bump in the road.  Whew!

Since our last post we have had an excellent fish fry dinner, election of officers at our Annual Meeting, and Installation.  That might sound like we are ready for a rest, but our calendar indicates otherwise.

Here are the elected and appointed officers installed at our last meeting:

Worshipful Master              Brian Lightfoot

Senior Warden                    Greg Markley

Junior Warden                    John Dray

Treasurer                              Rick Sigrist

Secretary                              John Mathew

Lodge Education Officer  Rick Sigrist

Senior Deacon                    Mark Wamack

Junior Deacon                    Cedric Radcliffe

Senior Steward                   Pearl Gamble

Junior Steward                   Mike Wells

Chaplain                               Milton Lightfoot

Tyler                                       Richard Spracklen

Trustee                                  Pearl Gamble

Our next stated meeting is special in several ways.  As our calendar notes indicate for December 7, we will have a pizza dinner, a MM degree is scheduled, and our DDGM, RWB Willard Fissel, will be presenting our Masonic Service Awards.  This is always an interesting experience, but this year it promises to be extra special.  Two of our long-time members, WB Gene McMahan and WB O.M. Roux, will receive awards for 65-years of membership.  These Brothers have actively participated in our Lodge for many decades, well past their times sitting in the East.  Until last year WB Roux was the longest serving Chaplain in our Lodge, stepping down because he felt like taking a break.  Until this month WB McMahan served as Junior Warden, having served for so many years we’ll have to research when he wasn’t serving in that capacity.  Using skills learned as the former proprietor of one of La Rue’s best eateries, he also prepared and supervised more Lodge dinners than anyone can remember.  Come join us for a fun evening.

Taking a larger view of December, it 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 in the right direction.

We feel one celebration merits special mention.  La Rue’s Christmas in the Village celebration will be on Thursday, December 15th.  A stroll through town reveals that preparations have already begun – yes, even before Thanksgiving!  Downtown decorations are going up, window displays are being planned, and areas are being designated for location specific activities.  The family-friendly celebration has a number of attractions.  Keeping with tradition, the parade starts things off at 5pm.  The event continues with performances by the Elgin band and show choir, local church choirs, the Marionaires, carriage rides, train rides, live reindeer, food, and visits with the Big Guy – Santa!  And did we mention this was all free?  This is truly an event that only a small community could do right.

With that in mind, below is our anticipated schedule for the balance of 2016, and what is known for 2017.  Adjustments will be made as necessary, so check back often.

November 19, 2016            15^th District Fall Education Meeting, 9am at Boggs #202.

November 24, 2016            Thanksgiving

December 3, 2016              15^th District Past Masters Convocation, 9am, held at Chester #238.

December 7, 2016              Pizza dinner at 6:30pm.  Stated Meeting.  MM degree scheduled.  Presentation of Masonic Service Awards.

December 15, 2016            La Rue’s Christmas in the Village.  From 5 – 8 pm.

December 25, 2016            Christmas. 

December 31, 2016            New Year’s Eve.  Be sure to pick a designated driver!

January 1, 2017                  New Year’s Day. 

January 2, 2017                  This is the day most of us decide whether sticking to those resolutions is going to happen.  Or not.

January 9, 2017                  College Football Championship Game

January 14, 2017                15^th District Work Day, 9am, held at East Liberty #247.

January 16, 2017                Martin Luther King Day

February 11, 2017              Inspection of La Rue Lodge in the MM degree.  Lodge opens at 11am, lunch at noon, resuming degree work following lunch.

February 20, 2017              Presidents’ Day

March 25, 2017                    Grand Master’s One Day Class, 9am, at Palestine #158.

March 31, 2017                    15^th District Grand Master’s Reception, 7pm, at All-Occasions Catering, Waldo, OH.

June 24, 2017                      300^th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry

15^th District Picnic, 2pm, hosted by East Liberty #247.

That’s what we know for now.  See you at Lodge!

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Since our last post our thoughts have gone to a famous author, Robert Burns: 

“The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

That pretty well describes progress with our three candidates.  Work schedules, injuries, and travel plans have all had an impact on our anticipated degree schedule.  Along the way we have also had our own schedule issues, making for an interesting autumn.

With that in mind, below is our anticipated schedule for the balance of 2016, and what is known for 2017.  Adjustments will be made as necessary, so check back often.

October 5, 2016                   Pizza dinner at 6:30pm, followed by our Stated Meeting.

October 10, 2016                Columbus Day.  Celebrate Christoforo Columbo, who “sailed the ocean blue in 1492”, and for years was identified as the person who discovered America.  History buffs generally recognize the land was named for Amerigo Vespucci, who apparently had a better PR Manager.  Both had better PR men than Leif Eriksson, credited with landing here 500+ years earlier than either of them.

October 14-15, 2016           Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, held at the Kalahari Resort, Sandusky, Ohio.

October 19, 2016                Stated Meeting.  MM degree anticipated.

November 2, 2016.             Fish Fry at 6:30pm, followed by our Stated Meeting.  Annual Election of Officers.

November 8, 2016.             Election Day.  Take the time to exercise the privilege secured for each of us by our ancestors.  Your vote does make a difference!

November 11, 2016            Veterans Day.  Originally called Armistice Day, it signified the end of WW1.  Renamed in 1954, it now celebrates the service of all U.S. military veterans. 

November 16, 2016            Stated Meeting.  Installation of 2016-17 Officers anticipated.

November 19, 2016            15^th District Fall Education Meeting, 9am at Boggs #202.

November 24, 2016            Thanksgiving

December 3, 2016              15^th District Past Masters Convocation, 9am, held at Chester #238.

December 7, 2016              Stated Meeting.  Presentation of Masonic Service Awards.

December 25, 2016            Christmas. 

December 31, 2016            New Year’s Eve.  Be sure to pick a designated driver!

January 1, 2017                  New Year’s Day. 

January 2, 2017                  This is the day most of us decide whether sticking to those resolutions is going to happen.  Or not.

January 9, 2017                  College Football Championship Game

January 14, 2017                15^th District Work Day, 9am, held at East Liberty #247.

January 16, 2017                Martin Luther King Day

February 11, 2017              Inspection of La Rue Lodge in the MM degree.  Lodge opens at 11am, lunch at noon, resuming degree work following lunch.

February 20, 2017              Presidents’ Day

March 25, 2017                    Grand Master’s One Day Class, 9am, at Palestine #158.

March 31, 2017                    15^th District Grand Master’s Reception, 7pm, at All-Occasions Catering, Waldo, OH.

June 24, 2017                      300^th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry

15^th District Picnic, 2pm, hosted by East Liberty #247.

That’s what we know for now.  See you at Lodge!

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