Where has summer gone!

Since our last post time has seemed to fly by.  Some of us have enjoyed vacations, others participated in stay-cations, and some of us just plain worked!  No matter how you’ve spent it, we are halfway through August and close to the unofficial end of summer – Labor Day.  Already some of our more industrious members have been focused on the first Lodge meeting of the fall, and the plethora of activities that follow.

As you check our calendar listings below, you will notice we anticipate moving our most recent candidates along “earlier” rather than “later”.  Time will tell if this works as planned, but we feel confident.  We also hope to have the outstanding MM exams returned.

The Deputy Grand Master’s Roll-Out Program schedule has all but ended, as the last of the presentations are scheduled for this week.  Members of our Lodge attended the session in Columbus, and returned impressed.  It was short, to the point, and presented ideas considered workable by those present.  Our favorite line of the presentation was that the DGM did not intend to reinvent the wheel, just improve on some design flaws.  It is good to have leadership with a sense of humor.

We have an update on our roof repair issue.  The official answer is “Not yet - again.”  The circumstances of the leak, and the type of repair needed, requires a combination of things that have been in short supply:  an extended period of warm, dry weather, combined with being at the top of the repair list.  You may have guessed by now that particular trifecta has not occurred, but we are getting closer. 

Our calendar below highlights many events, meetings, holidays, and a few special occasions. 

July 18 – August 17, 2017            Deputy Grand Master Roll-Out Programs.

Held in various locations throughout Ohio.  All sessions scheduled for 7-9pm.  Please refer to the Grand Lodge web site for specific locations.

September 4, 2017             Labor Day

September 6, 2017             First Lodge meeting after summer break

Pizza dinner @ 6:30pm.  Two FC degree presentations are anticipated.

September 16, 2017           15^th District Annual Meeting. 

Held at Mad River #161 at 9am.

September 17, 2017           15^th District Awards Banquet. 

Held at the Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, OH, at 6pm.  (http://plazainn.net/)

September 23, 2017           15^th District Past President’s Golf Tournament

Held at Kings Mill Golf Club, Waldo, OH. Sign-in at 7:30am, Shotgun Start at 8:30am. $60 per player covers golf, cart, lunch, and prizes.  Contact District Treasurer, Larry Lance, PO Box 52, West Liberty, 43357  (937-465-6560).  

October 4, 2017                   Lodge meeting @ 7:30pm.

                                                One MM degree anticipated.

October 9, 2017                   Columbus Day

October 18, 2017                Lodge meeting @ 7:30pm

                                                One MM degree anticipated.

October 20-21, 2017           Grand Lodge Annual Communication.

                                                Held at the Dayton Masonic Center.

November 1, 2017             Annual Meeting.

In addition to the normal business of the Lodge, this is the meeting where we elect Officers for the coming year.  Come and make your voice heard!

November 7, 2017              Election Day.

If you are reading this, you have plenty of time to register and be eligible to vote.  Polls are open from 6:30am until 7:30pm.  Vote!

November 11, 2017            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 18, 2017            15^th District Fall Education Meeting. 

Held at La Rue #463 at 9am.

November 23, 2017            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 25, 2017            The Game.

Since 1897 The Ohio State University has played the University of Michigan. Between them they have won 79 Big Ten Championships, and 19 National Championships. Long considered the country’s best college football rivalry, it is considered “must see TV” in both states. This chapter takes place at That School Up North.  How can shopping possibly compare?

December 2, 2017              15^th District Past Master Convocation. 

Held at Oliver #447 at 9am.

December 25, 2017            Christmas

December 31, 2017            New Year’s Eve.

                                                Be sure to pick your Designated Driver first!

January 1, 2018                  New Year’s Day

January 13, 2018                15^th District Annual Workday

                                                Held at Marion #70, starting at 9am.

February 10, 2018              Inspection in the EA degree.

Refreshments will be served at 9am, with Lodge opening at 10am for Inpsection.

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

Where has the time gone!

It seems like just yesterday we were relaxing after our MM Inspection.  That was three months ago!  Time does fly when you are busy, and we have been busy.

The most notable adjustment in our routine has been candidates.  We are awaiting the MM exams on the last of our trio of candidates.  Work schedules and health issues have been contributing factors, but this should be resolved “soon”.  In addition, we have initiated two additional candidates.  Unfortunately our summer break will result in a pause in their progress, but that is an issue we are happy to have.

The Deputy Grand Master Roll-Out Program schedule has been released, as noted below.  These are excellent opportunities to learn first hand what is in store for Ohio Lodges from the person who authored the plan.  They are informal by nature, being a presentation followed by a Q&A session.  Over the years each of us has probably received a written directive, and after reading it wondered “What made them think this was a good idea?”  These sessions are your chance to find out.  The Grand Lodge site has the full schedule, but here are the sessions closest to our area:  July 27 – Columbus, August 7 – Lima, August 8 – Tiffin.

We have an update on our roof repair issue.  The official answer is “Not yet.”  The circumstances of the leak, and the type of repair needed, requires a combination of things that have been in short supply:  an extended period of warm, dry weather, combined with being at the top of the repair list.  You may have guessed by now that particular trifecta has not occurred, but we are nearing closer. 

Since we spoke above of summer breaks, even if we aren’t holding a tyled meeting, activities still occur.  Our calendar below highlights many events, meetings, holidays, and a few special occasions. 

May 29, 2017            Memorial Day. 

Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.

June 4, 2017            Ohio Masonic Home Day, Springfield, Ohio.  See schedule link on the left side of this page.

June 21, 2017          First Day of Summer.  Break out the sun screen!

June 23, 2017          Ohio Special Olympics.

Opening Ceremony (http://www.sooh.org/events.php)

June 24, 2017          300th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry

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

July 4, 2017              Independence Day.  Celebrate the birth of a nation! 

As of this date, 241 years and counting.

July 18 – August 17, 2017            Deputy Grand Master Roll-Out Programs.

Held in various locations throughout Ohio.  All sessions scheduled for 7-9pm.  Please refer to the schedule below, or the Grand Lodge web site for specific locations.

September 4, 2017             Labor Day

September 6, 2017             First Lodge meeting after summer break

September 16, 2017           15^th District Annual Meeting. 

Held at Mad River #161 at 9am.

September 17, 2017           15^th District Awards Banquet. 

Held at the Plaza Inn, Mt. Victory, OH, at 6pm.  (http://plazainn.net/)

October 9, 2017                   Columbus Day

October 20-21, 2017           Grand Lodge Annual Communication.

                                                Held at the Dayton Masonic Center.

November 11, 2017            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 18, 2017            15^th District Fall Education Meeting. 

Held at La Rue #463 at 9am.

November 23, 2017            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 25, 2017            The Game.

Since 1897 The Ohio State University has played the University of Michigan. Between them they have won 79 Big Ten Championships, and 19 National Championships. Long considered the country’s best college football rivalry, it is considered “must see TV” in both states. This chapter takes place at That School Up North.  How can shopping possibly compare?

December 2, 2017              15^th District Past Master Convocation. 

Held at Oliver #447 at 9am.

December 25, 2017            Christmas

December 31, 2017            New Year’s Eve.

                                                Be sure to pick your Designated Driver first!

January 1, 2018                  New Year’s Day

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

.

 

Well, if our last post was just to share 2 events and one circumstance, this one can afford to be a little more detailed.

First, yes, we did pass our MM Inspection, as witnessed by 50 Brothers, which included many District Deputies and District Officers, both past and present.  Through some interesting shuffling of members among the speaking parts, and assistance of visiting Brothers for non-speaking parts, things went well.  As with all endeavors, many hands make for light work, especially those who are so willing to assist.  Were we the picture of perfection?  No.  Did we successfully communicate the significance of the degree work to the candidate?  From all accounts, that answer is “Yes”.

Second, the drain issue appears to be resolved.  Frequent readers will recall that on two successive Inspections the rest rooms overflowed, requiring them to be shut down.  After the first incident we thought the issue had been successfully addressed.  Now we know it has.  Since we share the building with Lynch’s Cash & Carry, who provided ingredients for our Inspection meal, it was important to get this right.  Along the way we learned many things about the plumbing through the building, including how it is routed, where “our” pipes are, and how it leaves the building.  It was an educational experience for us and the building’s owner, who was satisfied with our resolution.

Third, our roof issue has not yet been resolved, or paid for ( $3270 ).  Unfortunately the “fix” requires not just being next on the schedule, but a series of dry days for the repair to work.  At this point we are neither at the top of the list, nor have we had the required period of dry weather.  The leak has not been horrible, and we have been successful in catching the water in garbage cans.  Although effective, we are hoping our next report will include results instead of hopes.

Fourth, there have been some legislative changes that have impacted how our Lodge conducts business.  Years ago we were approved for non-profit status as a 501-C-10.  No, we are not tax exempt, just recognized as a non-profit.  That means your dues and donations ARE NOT tax deductible, although donations to the Ohio Masonic Home are deductible.  Now we are also required to register with the Secretary of State as a non-profit.  Those who follow legislative events will recognize this as a result of the rules passed relating to Homeland Security issues.  To maintain access to our funds, and be able to adjust them according to needs of the Lodge, we recently completed and filed the appropriate documents.  Yes, it cost us $25 to register as a non-profit, even though we were already granted that status.  What this does for us is to maintain our flexibility to shift funds and change investments as our needs change.

Fifth, we have more candidates!  Our MM degree at Inspection left us with one remaining candidate from our “class of three”.  Since then we have received and approved one petition, and have been informed another will be delivered shortly.  Subject to schedules and availability, we are expecting a busy spring and fall. 

The remaining items for presentation relate to the calendar.

* - As this is being typed there are five Inspections remaining within the 15^th District, which puts us just past half way.  A complete list of Inspections can be found at the 15^th District web site, accessible by using the link to the left. 

* - Coming up shortly are events related to the Grand Master’s One Day Class, and the 15^th District Grand Master’s Reception.  Although deadlines have passed for meals at the events on March 25 and 31, the June event promises to be a different kind of experience.  To celebrate the 300^th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry there will be a picnic at a park, hosted by East Liberty #247.  We were informed this would be a family friendly event, and that spouses or significant others, kids, friends and relatives are welcome.  Specifics (food?) are still being clarified, but this gives candidates from the One Day Class a chance to get to know other members of the Fraternity, and for us to get to know them.  FYI - At last report, over 1,600 candidates will be participating in the One Day Classes throughout Ohio. 

* - The Ohio Masonic Home Day in Springfield is celebrating their 125^th Anniversary this year.  It will be held on Sunday, June 4.  Opening ceremonies will start at 11am, and the day will conclude after the 3:30 parade.  The full schedule of events can be found at their web site:  http://ohiomasonichome.org/ohio-masonic-home-day/schedule/

Here is the rest of the calendar as we know it now:

March 20, 2017        First Day of Spring. 

Celebrate by putting your snow shovel in storage.

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

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

May 29, 2017            Memorial Day.  Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates all men and women who have died in military service for the United States. Many people visit cemeteries and memorials on Memorial Day and it is traditionally seen as the start of the summer season.

June 4, 2017            Ohio Masonic Home Day, Springfield, Ohio.  See schedule link referenced above, or on the left side of this page.

June 21, 2017          First Day of Summer.  Break out the sun screen!

June 24, 2017          300th Anniversary of Modern Freemasonry

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

July 4, 2017              Independence Day.  Celebrate the birth of a nation! 

As of this date, 241 years and counting.

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

.

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! 

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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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