A Joint Publication Of The Ohio Masonic Home and The Grand Lodge of Ohio
Tis the season for
Recreation
T H E
O H I O
BEACON In this Issue: • Masonic Aging Services acquires MobiCare • Miracle Miles for Memory Care Road Rally • Independence Day Celebrations • Playing at Life • SMC Lodge of Instruction • Rescue in the Philippines • Deputy Grand Master Schedule
VOLUM E 20, ISSUE 2
013 SPRING 2
SPRING 2013
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Inspection Season
James F. Easterling, Grand Master Brethren, Inspection season has again come to an end. During the time leading up to a lodge’s inspection, the Brethren keep the lodge hall buzzing with practices, planning meetings and taking care of all the little things that lead to a great inspection. After all that hard work, it can be tempting to sit back and put things on cruise control. Most Lodges go dark over the summer, and sometimes it can be tough to jump start activity again when we return to labor in the fall. This year, I am asking each individual Lodge to continue “working” after the inspection season and over the summer with an emphasis on education and social opportunities for their Grand Master’s Class candidates,
traditional candidates and the Brethren of the lodge in general. We can never have too much education or brotherhood when it comes to our fraternity. So keep the momentum going that you worked so hard to achieve in preparation for your lodge inspection. The Grand Lodge of Ohio along with nine other Grand Jurisdictions from across the United States and Canada will recreate an historical event this July 4th by reenacting the cornerstone ceremony of the Perry’s Victory monument. Brethren, we have the opportunity to recreate something very special. One hundred years ago in 1913, over 5,000 Masons gathered on the island of Put-In-Bay in Lake Erie, to lay the cornerstone for Perry’s Victory Monument. This memorial is the only peace memorial in any Federal Park in the United States. I invite you, your families and your friends to experience this fun filled and historic July 4, which I promise, you will never forget.
The Ohio Beacon is published quarterly. Please report all changes of address to your Lodge secretary, who, in turn, will notify the Grand Secretary, who maintains the database that produces the BEACON mailing labels. Chad Simpson Director of Program Development The Grand Lodge F&AM of Ohio One Masonic Drive Springfield, OH 45504 614-885-5318 csimpson@freemason.com
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Kristen Hirschfeld Communications Manager The Ohio Masonic Home 2655 W. National Road Springfield, OH 45504-3698 937-525-3025 khirschfeld@ohiomasonichome.org
I am inviting all Masons to be part of the parade that will travel through downtown Put-In-Bay and conclude at the memorial. Remember to bring your apron! This event is cosponsored by the National Park System and the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and it is something that I am very excited about. I hope you will be too. My theme this year is “Freemasonry- Together We Can…” and I have seen that put to work many times from one side of the State to the other. Lodges helping other Lodges, Lodges getting involved in their communities, raising money for those who are in need and the list goes on and on. Together we can show the public that Freemasonry has a lot to offer. What a tribute it will be for us to embrace our past and celebrate our history, to recognize and thank our military veterans, who have fought and sacrificed, to see that we can continue to enjoy our freedoms and liberties that we cherish each and every day and to have the fellowship and brotherhood of sharing in a great day. I look forward to seeing you, your apron and your family on this 4th of July. Please check out the Grand Lodge web site at freemason.com for more information. Safe travels to each of you. God bless our troops and God bless Freemasonry.
Spring & Summer If I had to choose I would say the seasons of Spring and Summer are my favorite. Spring with its new life and budding flowers always reminds me that in the darkest, coldest times of my life there is still the guarantee of rebirth through Spring. It is a time we can take walks outdoors and feel the brisk air of winter fading; being replaced with the invigorating and clean scent of things growing and warmer months ahead. As spring slides into Summer the life and growth of plants and trees erupt into the glory of what nature can become. All the bright colors and joyous smells of summer, everything from flowers to food on the grill, make me
smile. One of the best parts of Summer for me is the time I get to spend on the boat, water and in the woods. Alone and with family and friends, recreation is an event that we can use to strengthen ourselves, and the bonds of families and friends, resulting in a more robust and responsible community. I think of recreation truly as RE Create; a time to really balance our lives and re create ourselves anew to realize our potential in life. As we head into this summer season, my hope for all of you is that you can take time to reflect on the gifts you have been given and the aspirations of your heart; that the Summer is filled with Re Creating yourself as
Tom Stofac CEO, The Ohio Masonic Home you want to be. If your aspiration is taking a stroll around your yard or campus, putting your hands in the dirt to help a plant grow or just sipping a cool drink while you reminisce with a good friend, I wish you all peace and joy as we recreate together and together Re Create the community we live in.
OMH CEO Tom Stofac Receives Prestigious Award The Ohio Masonic Home wishes to congratulate CEO Tom Stofac on being recognized as an outstanding, notable and accomplished alumnus by Bowling Green State University at the 2013 College Alumni Awards. With 30 years of experience in the long-term care industry, Stofac is known as a visionary leader, strong strategic facilitator, innovative thinker and a cultural change agent. As the top executive for the Ohio Masonic Home, he is responsible for the long-term guidance, direction and success of the organization. Prior to joining the company in April 2011, Stofac was the president of
Stofac Consulting, LLC. Previously he was president and CEO of Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. He has also served the senior care industry in Minnesota, Massachusetts and North Dakota. The prestigious College Alumni award was presented in recognition of exceptional professional and personal achievements to an alumnus from each college on Saturday, March 2. A native of Youngstown, Ohio, Stofac earned his bachelor’s degree in gerontology from the College of Health and Human Services. A total of only seven alumni were awarded at the Stroh Center prior to attending
the Bowling Green versus Ohio University men’s basketball game. “It was an honor to receive this award,” commented Stofac. “As Ralph Waldo Emerson says, ‘Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.’” Tom Stofac is chief executive officer of the Ohio Masonic Home, an aging services company that serves nearly 750 residents on campuses in Springfield, Waterville and Medina, Ohio. They also provide communitybased services to more than 1,700 clients in various locations across the state. SPRING 2013 3
Perry’s Monument & Peace Memorial Island, Kentucky, Minnesota, and Louisiana all appointed commissioners to cooperate in this venture. This memorial was “to inculcate the lessons of international peace by arbitration and disarmament.” Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry commanded of United States naval forces on Lake Erie during the War of 1812. On September 10, 1813, his command fought a successful fleet action against a task force of the Royal Navy in the Battle of Lake Erie. Perry’s victory was the first time in history that an entire British naval squadron had surrendered. His leadership materially aided the successful outcomes of all nine Lake Erie military campaign victories, and the fleet victory was a turning point in the battle for the West in the War of 1812. Perry was honored with a Congressional Gold Medal, the thanks of Congress, and a promotion to the rank of Captain. During the years following the war, many attempts were made to establish a memorial to this event. However, this was unsuccessful due to a lack of organization and financing. On February 28, 1908, the General Assembly of Ohio, by joint resolution, provided for the appointment of a commission to observe the approaching centennial anniversary of the Battle of Put-in-Bay. The states of Pennsylvania, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, New York, Rhode 4 SPRING 2013
This memorial was constructed by the multi-state commission from 1912 to 1915. Beneath the stone floor of the monument lie the remains of three American officers and three British officers. Carved in the rotunda walls are the names of Perry’s vessels along with the names of the Americans who were killed or wounded in the battle. The memorial consists of the great Doric column of pink-white granite 45 feet in diameter and 352 feet tall standing in the center of the plaza which extends from a museum on one hand to a heroic bronze statue flanked by a colonnade. Records from the Grand Lodge of Ohio indicate that a corner stone laying ceremony was held at ‘High 12’ on July 4, 1913. An emergent communication was opened by Grand Master Edward S. Griffiths aboard the City of Buffalo as it sat in the harbor at Put in Bay. Present at the laying of the cornerstone were over 5000 members of the Craft including officers and representatives from
many of the Grand Lodges from states involved in this project. A procession was formed under the direction of the Grand Marshall Matthew Smith and was escorted by more than 1000 knights Templar who marched to the base of the memorial. Although substantially completed in 1915, funding problems prevented the proper completion of a fully realized memorial complex. In 1919 the federal government assumed control of the monument and provided additional funding. The official dedication was celebrated on July 31, 1931. This monument is administered by the National Park Service and is the only federal monument dedicated to Peace. As such, its purpose clearly reflects the Masonic tenet of Brotherly Love.
July 4th Put-in-Bay Events Salute to America’s Armed Forces: 11 am - 6 pm at the Memorial Grounds
Each branch of America’s Armed Forces will publicly display their service to our country, highlighting opportunities and programs available currently with respect to our security, defense, and stability.
Citizenship Naturalization: 11 am at the Lower Plaza, Perry Memorial
Federal Judges will convene an outdoor court for the purpose of administering the Oath of American Citizenship to qualified and prepared candidates.
Armed Forces Delayed Entry Program Ceremonies: 11:30 am at the Lower Plaza, Perry Memorial Two hundred young Americans will to take their Oath of Enlistment prior to Basic Training in our American Armed Forces.
Fourth of July “Salute to America” Parade: 2 pm in downtown Put-in-Bay (Delaware Street, Memorial Plaza)
This parade, a celebration of America’s birthday, will march through the Put-in-Bay business district.
Masonic Centennial Reenactment of the Perry Memorial Cornerstone Ceremony: 3 pm at Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial
Grand Lodge Officers from nine states will assist Grand Master James F. Easterling Jr. with the reenactment of the cornerstone laying ceremony. A special Cornerstone Celebration coin has been minted by the Grand Lodge of Ohio and will be passed out to all veterans in recognition of their service that has been the cornerstone of our country.
Fourth of July Band Concert: 7:30 pm at the Memorial Visitor Center Grounds
This free patriotic concert will be presented by the 122nd Army Concert Band. The Back Porch venue of the Perry Memorial Visitor Center features free folding chair seating on the grassy area, or the customary lawn chair/blanket seating so popular among American 4th of July concert goers. This pre-firework event has become a Put-In-Bay tradition.
Firework Display: Dusk/sunset at the Memorial Visitor Center Grounds A perfect ending to a patriotic celebration - fireworks over the lake will complete the day!
Special Olympics The Opening Ceremonies for the Special Olympics Summer Games will be held at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex on the campus of The Ohio State University on Friday, June 28 at 6 pm. As in previous years, the Masons will have the honor of leading the Parade of Athletes. Refreshments will be served by the Ohio Grotto Association in the Family Hospitality Tent after the ceremonies. SPRING 2013
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Intoducing Masonic Aging Services
leading edge, assistive technology as well as professional and service based support to all individuals. The Ohio Masonic Home is excited to announce the rebranding of Masonic Senior Services of Ohio, a corporation within its family of aging services organizations, to be called Masonic Aging Services.
A philosophy of aspired living enables us to partner with like minded individuals and companies to enrich lives and empower our aging population.
The goal of Masonic Aging Services is to promote the “95% of aging adults are staying independence and aspirations home, which leaves only 5% of those who wish to age well, choosing to stay in a senior living where and how they want. community,” said Tom Stofac, CEO, We accomplish this mission the Ohio Masonic Home. “As an through researching the latest aging services organization we are technologies which encourage the reaching out, partnering with and pursuit of whole person wellness, bringing products and services and endeavour to bring them to to individuals to help them live the individuals who will use them where they want.” to fulfill these aspirations. Over 120 years of experience in aging services have been directed toward this initiative, with the result being a consumer retail business aimed at promoting the independence of aging individuals. Masonic Aging Services Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ohio Masonic Home, providing a high level of
“Many people have asked about Masonic Aging Services and the purpose of such an organization,” Tom confessed. “My response is that we all are on this journey of aging together and it is time for a company that recognizes this and celebrates it through whole person wellness and an aspired living philosophy.”
If you are interested in partnering with us on this journey please visit www.MasonicAgingServices.com or call (877) 881-1623. 6 SPRING 2013
“Rescue in The Philippines” is a newly released documentary detailing the extraordinary story of how the four Frieder brothers, Cincinnati businessmen manufacturing cigars in 1930s Manila, together with Manuel Quezon, the charismatic first president of the Philippines, Paul McNutt US High Commissioner and an ambitious Army Colonel named Dwight Eisenhower helped 1,200 Jews escape the Nazis and immigrate to the Philippines. The documentary makes regular mention of the fact that cigars and poker seemed to be the uniting thread among this odd group of men. Another interesting connection shared by all except Eisenhower - apparently unknown to the documentarians - is Freemasonry. Alex, Philip, Morris and Herbert Frieder were all Masons from Cincinnati. Quezon was the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines and an active Mason until he resigned his membership in 1930 to join the Catholic Church. McNutt was an Indiana Mason, and on January 25, 1939 he addressed the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. As part of that speech he said, “Through all the years of my life I have put all that I have against those who would deny any man the right to worship God as he pleases or who would draw any line of creed or of color. I believe in that as I believe in the fundamental principles which have mad Masonry the great fraternal organization.” www.rescueinthephilippines.com
Masonic Aging Services Acquires MobiCare On Thursday, April 11, 2013, Masonic Aging Services Corporation acquired Canadian based MobiCare with the mission of continuing its purpose and filling a current gap existing in healthcare. “When we started this company a bit over a year ago, we embarked on a journey to help make easier the lives of families dealing with the management of Alzheimer’s disease through the use of technology,” said Omer Dor, Chief Executive Officer, EDO Mobile Health. That amazing journey started with MobiCare, which was developed to empower and enable the circles of care of people living with the conditions of related dementia. According to Alzheimer’s Association’s “Latest Facts and Figures”, in the United States alone, 15.4 million family and friends provided 17.5 billion hours of unpaid care to those with Alzheimer’s and other dementias in 2012— care valued at $216.4 billion, which is more than eight times the total sales of McDonald’s in 2011. Their involvement in The Next 36, a national entrepreneurial program designed to help young Canadians make an impact in their society, assisted the executive team in making substantial progress with MobiCare in a very short period of time. “Today it gives me a great deal of pleasure to let you know that MobiCare has been acquired by US-based Masonic Aging Services, a subsidiary of the Ohio Masonic Home, to continue and aid unpaid caregivers in their journey,” said Dor.
“The acquisition of EDO Mobile Health underscores our commitment to deliver innovative technologies to those who need it most,” said Charles Dyer, President, Masonic Aging Services Corporation. “MobiCare adds a best-in-class mobile caregiving platform to Masonic Aging Service’s growing portfolio of products and services.” 95% of aging adults are staying home, which leaves only 5% choosing to stay in a senior living community. As an aging services organization Masonic Aging Services is reaching out, partnering with and bringing products and services to individuals to help them live where they want. “This organization not only shares our values and commitment to the aging population and its caregivers, it also has the operational and financial capabilities to grow the size of our impact to North America, as well as internationally,” said Dor. At a time when the general public is concerned with the coming changes to healthcare policy, this acquisition will bring new opportunity for the expansion of MobiCare and peace of mind to unpaid caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s, dementia or other chronic illnesses. “EDO Mobile Health had a vision for how an innovative mobile platform could change the way we care for our loved ones,” said Dyer.
“This acquisition will accelerate that vision bringing access to the technologies, expertise and resources required to scale and innovate.” Masonic Aging Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Ohio Masonic Home, is the trusted resource for Aspired Living by providing an appropriate level of leading edge, assistive technology as well as professional and service based support.
MobiCare Making Caregiving Easier
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On The Road Again 2nd Annual Michael T. Puskarich Miracle Miles for Memory Care Road Rally August 24, 2013
Are you going to run with it?
On August 25th, 2012 drivers, friends, family and supporters from all across the state answered the question “If I hand you the ball, are you going to run with it?” with a resounding YES and hit the road to raise funds for the building of new Memory Care Centers at Browning and Western Reserve Masonic Communities. Fast forward to April 2013, what was once a vision, is now a reality; one which is just a couple of months away from opening its doors at state of the art facilities and providing the best care for residents suffering from Alzheimer’s and Dementia related illnesses. I am very touched by all the generosity and endless love displayed during this event and could not be more thankful to the people that support it. Well we have decided to run with it again this year, and on Saturday August 24th, 2013 the ball is being put in your hands again. The sound of cars, trucks, vans, SUV’s and motorcycles will be heard starting there engines and taking off, from cities all over Ohio, for the most memorable event of the year. So fill up your tanks, grab the coolers, load up the family and call your friends to join in and be a part of the Miracle Miles for Memory Care Road Rally. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to be a part of this
statewide memorable event. Because so many people have been affected by memory loss diseases, it’s easy to find others who will want to support your effort with a donation. Your job is to ask. The number one reason that people will donate to the “Miracle Miles for Memory Care Road Rally” is because someone asked them! The Miracle Miles for Memory Care Road Rally is a charitable fundraising event with the goal to raise $100,000 for Memory Care Centers located in Springfield, Waterville and Medina, Ohio. The growing demand for quality care for those families who suffer from Alzheimer’s and dementia related disease is on the rise. These state of the art centers will allow people who are progressing through the deteriorating stages of memory loss to stay at a place they can call home and receive the best programming possible that not only supports the victim, but also gives the family tools and support throughout. There will be a Kick-Off event at the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield and at Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina at 8:30 AM. The rally point for all participants will be at Harbor Town Place located at
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7033 Lighthouse Way Route 25, south of Levis Commons, Perrysburg, Ohio, where all participants will line up at Noon for a parade of vehicles to Browning Masonic Community. The event will culminate at Browning Masonic Community with a giant Tailgate Party, food, live music, vendors, closing ceremony, awards, prizes and special announcements. This event is open to everyone. So whether you drive a car, truck, van, SUV, motorcycle or even a tractor, load up the family, choose a starting point or form your own, and come join us for a day you will not want to miss. Visit www.memorycaremiles. com for more information and to get registered to participate. The excitement is building, the weather is getting nicer every day and I can hardly wait to get ON THE ROAD AGAIN……Why don’t you join us, “take the ball” and run with it!
Starting Points Springfield: Medina: Sunbury: Napoleon: Cincinnati: Chillicothe: Cambridge:
Ohio Masonic Home Western Reserve Masonic Community A.D. Farrow Harley Davidson Napoleon Harley Davidson To Be Determined To Be Determined To Be Determined
The Beginning Never Ends with the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Ever since the vision of a place to care for aging fellow Master Masons, their wives, widows and orphans, The Ohio Masonic Home has been working diligently through the strong leadership of those that could see more than that which was right in front of them. Since 1890 to this very day, leaders have continued to take carefully planned steps to create an entity unique to any other facility in Ohio. The Ohio Masonic Home and the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation are working hand in hand to continue to look beyond today for greater avenues of care, which you are seeing being transformed right before your eyes. With the new “Aspired Living” philosophy, just recently launched, we are moving in a direction of care for our residents in addition to the traditional methods successfully used over the years but to allow The Ohio Masonic Home to engage in the ability to allow those we care for to rise to a greater level of quality of living. Instead of just taking care of those that need our love and care and telling what to do we are
now creating opportunities to create a desire of things to achieve that before were not thought possible. This new philosophy embraces the concept that aging is a part of living and through the many diverse charitable entities we support at The Home and through the fund raising efforts of the Foundation we can create a level of doing through an attitude that, “I Aspire to do that which I thought not possible for me to do until now”. For example, we all like recreation, whatever that may be to each of us, so…Aspire to have fun doing that which one likes to do the most. God’s gift to us each day is a brand new 24 hours. Our new philosophy is to provide those opportunities to “Aspire” to do those things that fill that special gift each and every day, whatever that might take to accomplish.
Terry DeVassie
2013 Chairman, The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Board of Trustees
addition to the I-Care program are; Memory Care, Resident Care and Masonic Financial Assistance Care in addition to the Foundation’s College Scholarship program. The multi faceted tasks of the Foundation is to respond in providing the funds, and a very close and clear vision of the use of those funds, by way of the financial contributions our supporters of The Ohio Masonic Home have made, so that they realize that we are and will continue to be, good stewards of their gracious and unselfish gifts.
The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation is responsible for providing the opportunity for Masons and non-Masons alike across this state we call Ohio to support our efforts of caring for those on our campuses, as well as those that “Aspire” to continue to live in their homes to age gracefully through the efforts of the I-Care program.
We, the Trustees of The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation, “Aspire” to see these great visions we are embarking upon to continue and that these efforts will provide the foundation for even a greater vision of addressing the needs of those we care for today and those that will seek the love, care and compassion of The Ohio Masonic Home in the future.
The charitable causes that the Foundation directly supports, in
This is just the beginning and may it never end.
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Playing at Life at Western Reserve Masonic Community
As William Shakespeare once said, “All the world’s a stage, and the men and women merely players.” One group of residents from Western Reserve Masonic Community has taken this quite literally, forming WRMC Readers Theater nearly a decade ago. Strangely enough, the group began during a tai chi class. WRMC residents Ray and Jan Bubsey were discussing a play their tai chi instructor, Sandi Harris, was directing for Show Biz Theater at the time. Jan simply asked, “Can we do a readers theater here?” That was enough to get things running. Sandi immediately signed on as the director and proceeded to lead the group, which consisted of six residents: Ray and Jan Bubsey, Rosemary Haumesser, Edna Greenhorn, Bill Pfaff and Barbara Long. Skits were ordered from New York and the group then selected the ones they wished to perform, divided roles, and began rehearsal. It got a little complicated, explains Jan, “We’re all hams! Sometimes people wanted to play the same parts.” The actors worked it out, however, and have continued to perform regularly over the years. In 2010, Medina County Arts Council Vice President Jim Gilder came on as the new director. This was very beneficial because, as a retired drama director and English teacher
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Photo (left to right): Director Jim Gilder, Ray Bubsey, Neal Beck, Jack Coberly, Margie Bayne, Jan Bubsey, Larry Shaw, Edna Greenhorn, Rosemary Haumesser, Louise McCarty, Blin Scatterday, Harry Lawrence
at Cloverleaf High School, he easily selects skits and assigns roles. The troupe runs on a six-week schedule. At the start of each cycle, Gilder brings the new set of skits and assigns roles. Players meet once a week for the first three weeks to rehearse, then hold a dress rehearsal to finalize staging and sound details. Week five is the performance. Each performance consists of an average of five skits and lasts about an hour. On week six, Gilder brings a DVD of the performance for the group to watch and gives each member a copy of the DVD to keep. The next week, they begin the process anew. The skits are generally humorous in nature, which suits Ray Bubsey just fine. He says, “The best part is when I get a laugh. We have fun and we do a lot of laughing.” They started as a small group performing with no microphones in a nook of the rotunda. Over the years, locations and equipment increased as members have come and gone. Today, there are 12 actors—Ray, Jan, Rosemary, and Edna from the
original six, as well as Neal Beck, Jack Coberly, Margie Bayne, Louise McCarty, Blin Scatterday, Harry and Eleanor Lawrence, and Larry Shaw—and two sound technicians—Dom Pica and Roy Hoskins. They perform on stage in WRMC’s Chapel for residents and at times the community. They have also performed for the High Twelve Club, Ladies Auxiliary of Knights of Red Cross of Constantine, Medina Scottish Rite Society, and the Social Order of Beauceant. One of the newer members, Jack Coberly, has recently begun writing for the group. “Readers Theater has been tremendous for me because I always wanted to act and write. This gives me the opportunity to do both.” His most recent effort highlights puns and will require perfect timing of the cast. They have even talked about taking the show on the road, but it is ultimately about residents joining together to enjoy something they love. Says Rosemary Haumesser, “I’ve always loved drama. As a teacher, I did a lot of plays with my students. Being involved in drama again is wonderful.”
Aspired Living in Action at Springfield Masonic Community During Springfield Masonic Community’s (SMC) Aspired Living Launch Week each resident and staff member was asked to write something that they aspired to do on a star. Dawn Suchland, the A.D.O.N., brought Bill King, a resident who uses a wheelchair, to assist with ambulation to the launch events. She asked him if he had something that he aspired to do that she could write on his own star. Bill spoke saying one of his aspirations was to be able to go back to his home church. During Lent they held special services each Wednesday and served lunch. Inspired by the new culture of aspired living Dawn arranged transportation to take him along with her to his church. While visiting Bill was able to meet with old friends, reminisce about the clothing store which he had owned, and worship God among some of his friends. “ It was so great to be able to go back to my church,” Bill said. “I really enjoyed visiting with my friends and reminiscing about the things we enjoyed in the past together.” Anne Tapogna, a resident at SMC, was unable to see her father on Easter due to illness. Wishing to create a special time to make up
for Easter, Dr. Tapogna planned to go to Red Lobster to have lunch with his daughter. SMC Security Guard and dream fulfiller, Larry Riley, drove a bus to take Anne to and from Red Lobster. Roxana Eshelman, another aspired living proponent, who works for Cornerstone Helping Hands as a home health aide said she would go with the Tapognas to assist Anne with her meal. As a result of the “yes, you can,” aspired living culture, both Dr. and Anne Tapogna were able to spend an enjoyable dinner together. Bingo is a very important event on the SMC campus, so much so that some of the residents have aspired to have a Bingo Bash. Bill Irwin, a resident approached Linda McNealWhite, SMC staff and said that he had a commercial Bingo machine that someone wanted to donate to the campus and would we want it. With a resounding “yes” it was settled and May will see the beginning of “Real Bingo,” much to the excitement of the residents. These events were not just one department or one company making the Aspirations of our residents happen but many working together for the good of our residents. A special thank you to all who were involved in making these special wishes come true for our residents.
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Residents form Lodge of Instruction 2013-2014 Rollout Programs
The Masons residing on the Springfield Campus of the Masonic Home recently formed a new club, the Springfield Community Lodge of Instruction. A lodge of instruction is an association of Masons who gather to learn, practice and seek to understand Masonic ritual. Lodges of Instruction are most common in England where lodges often have stated meetings only quarterly. The Lodge of Instruction on the Springfield Campus provides Masonic residents a chance to enjoy the familiarity of the lodge experience without the bureaucratic or financial burden of an actual chartered lodge. “I’m proud of their dedication and was happy to give my blessing,” said Grand Master Easterling. “It’s entirely their own thing - when they meet and what part of the ritual they practice.” The first meeting was held on
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February 13, during which the Brothers practiced opening and closing a lodge of Entered Apprentices. A discussion was held about how they each became Freemasons. A Master Masons’ Lodge was the focus of the March meeting, and the April meeting focused on the ritual of a Lodge of Fellow Crafts. “It’s nice to be able to work the ritual again,” explained Rick Elder, Past Master of Mt. Cory Lodge. “It’s good for the brain, and it’s nice to get to know one another Masonically.” “We’ve been able to open and close a lodge in all three degrees and without any ritual books being opened in the room,” reported Bill Irwin, Past Master of New England Lodge. A planning meeting is held each month to determine the agenda for the Lodge of Instruction, and the residents take turns filling the various officer stations and places. Lodge of Instruction meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 10 am in the Burkhart auditorium. Masonic visitors are always welcome.
Deputy Grand Master Norman J. Mick will hold 10 regional meetings this summer to rollout programs for the 2013-2014. These meetings will be held in conjunction with the Grand Lodge Committee on Education and Information. Brothers interested in their lodges as well as Lodge Officers should plan to attend one of the regional meetings. Business casual will be the appropriate attire. Saturday, June 15, at 10:00 am Montgomery Lodge No. 94, Host 7790 Cooper Rd, Cincinnati, OH Friday, June 21, at 7:30 pm Scioto Lodge No. 6, Host 57 E. Main St, Chillicothe, OH Saturday, June 22, at 10:00 am Morning Dawn Lodge No. 7, Host 307 Third Ave, Gallipolis, OH Saturday, June 29, at 10:00 am Hiram Lodge No. 18, Host 51 W. Williams St, Delaware, OH Friday, July 12, at 7:30 am OH Masonic Home, Host 2655 W. National Rd, Springfield, OH Saturday, July 13, at 10:00 am Findlay Lodge No. 227, Host 303 Osborn Rd, Findlay, OH Saturday, July 27, at 10:00 am Mansfield Lodge No. 35, Host 1250 Middle Bellville Rd, Mansfield, OH Saturday, August 17, at 10:00 am Quarry Lodge No. 382, Host 366 Eastland Rd, Berea, OH Saturday, August 24, at 10:00 am Guernsey Lodge No. 66, Host 730 Wheeling Ave, Cambridge, OH Saturday, August 24, at 3:00 pm American Union Lodge No. 1, Host 308 Front St, Marietta, OH
Proposed House Budget Offers Tax Property Relief Speaker of the House William G. Batchelder, an active Ohio Freemason, has included language in House Bill 59 - the House version of the Governor’s proposed budget - that offers property tax relief to Masonic lodges as well as those of the Prince Hall Masons, Granges, Odd Fellows and Knights of Columbus by removing these properties from the tax rolls.
the general good in Ohio’s rural and urban community. The property tax burden carried by individual lodges constitutes a major part of their annual budget, while providing very little financial support to local schools or public services though tax revenue. As lodges are forced to sell their buildings, local communities lose one of their limited charitable resources.
Annually, Ohio Freemasons contribute $15 million in charity within the state of Ohio. Most lodge halls are not used to generate income but rather are the central location for the distribution of charity, community activities and the promotion of
Several years ago, Brother Jim Hughes, then an Ohio Representative and currently an Ohio Senator, sponsored two bills that would have removed the lodge buildings from the tax rolls. Though one bill
passed the House, it never made it out of committee in the Senate. House Bill 59 has passed the Ohio House and is currently in committee in the Ohio Senate. To support this effort to bring wellneeded tax relief to qualifying fraternal lodges, please write a letter of support to your local Ohio Senator.
Freemasons Pay It Forward More than 40 Summit County Freemasons and caring community members fanned out over Northeast Ohio to deliver in excess of one hundred food baskets and certificates to needy families. Summit County is a part of the 21st Masonic District, home to Grand Master James F. Easterling Jr. The Masonic Assistance program provides groceries for needy families, including members of the Masonic fraternity and returning military veterans, who are nominated by Veterans Affairs, area churches, the Salvation Army and local social service agencies.
Members of Hudson Lodge No. 510 coordinated the assembly of the baskets and were ably assisted by members of Meridian Sun No. 69, Coventry-Akron No. 83, National Lodge No. 568, Wayfarer No. 789, Victory No. 649 as well as members of the Scottish Rite Valley of Akron. Matt Cowger, Star Lodge No. 187, donated his truck for the deliveries. Save A Lot store #634 assisted with purchasing and loading the food, and Newell Rubbermaid donated one hundred plastic totes. “This effort, which began 21 years ago as a Christmas food
basket program, has been expanded to a larger year-round help initiative,” said Jeff Burton, event chairman. “It is consistent with the fundamental beliefs of Freemasons, which are brotherly love, relief and truth.” It is also a living example of Grand Master Easterling’s theme, “Freemasonry, together we can… SPRING 2013
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Sunday, June 9, 2013- Home Day in Springfield, Ohio Join us for a new take on our traditional Home Day festivities. We’ve kept all of your classic favorites and infused them with new, fun and exciting activities for the whole family. You won’t want to miss it! Summer 2013-Memory Care Centers Unveiled The time has come for the unveiling of our new Alzheimer’s and Dementia Memory Care centers on our northern campuses. Watch our Facebook pages or the Ohio Beacon online for more information for the dates the doors will open. Thank you for your support in helping this vision to become a reality. www.theohiobeacon.com Saturday, August 24, 2013- 2nd Annual Miracle Miles for Memory Care Road Rally The sound of cars, trucks, vans, SUV’s and motorcycles will be heard starting their engines and taking off from cities all over Ohio for the most memorable event of the year. So fill up your tanks, grab the coolers, load up the family and call your friends to join in and be a part of the Miracle Miles for Memory Care Road Rally. www. memorycaremiles.com
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