Winter 2012 by Ohio Masonic Home

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 1

WINTER 2012

BEACON Full Circle A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO AND THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

Coming

A Childhood Resident Returns To Springfield IN THIS ISSUE:

OMH Scholarship ....................... 4 Life Compass .............................. 9 2nd Annual Symposium on Freemasonry and the Civil War .. 10 Masonic Model Student Assistance Program ................... 12 A Fond Farewell ........................ 14 Jim Ziegler as a youth at the Ohio Masonic Home.

n years past, it was common for children to be placed in large, institutional homes. In some cases they were orphans with no family members to take them in. In many other cases, the parents were unable to provide for their children but wanted to ensure that they would have a safe and caring home. From 1897 through 1956, the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield was just such a place. It was home to a total of 740 children, including James Ziegler who arrived in 1935 and would return decades later to make the Springfield Masonic Community his home again. “My mother died in 1935 when I was nine years old,” Jim

says. “My father worked for the Pennsylvania Railroad, and he just wasn’t able to care for me and my younger brothers and sister. Dad, grandfather and uncles were all Masons, so he was able to send us to the Ohio Masonic Home.” While many children at the Springfield home were parentless, others shared Jim’s situation; their parents were simply not able to care for them. These children stayed at the home until they were 18 or until their parents’ situation improved and the families could be reunited. “We lived in the Cunningham Building,” Ziegler says. “It was a nice place, but there were rules. Boys and girls were mostly kept

apart from one another. There was an imaginary line, and the boys stayed on one side and the girls on the other. That rule even applied to brothers and sisters, so I didn’t get to see my younger sister very often.” Five years after arriving, Jim’s father remarried and was able to bring his children home. Sixty years later, in 2000, Jim returned with his wife to the Springfield Masonic Community campus as residents. “She had severe arthritis and needed the kind of care we could get here,” Jim says. “This arrival was much more pleasant than the first time. The campus was so

1935

Continued on page 8

Value

The

of Masonic Membership

By Kevin Todd, Grand Master

Lodge Membership: At this time of year some of our Brothers have chosen to not pay their lodge dues and let their membership be suspended. The most common reason given is economic. “I don’t go to lodge much anymore and can’t see any reason to continue paying my dues.” Even if you only consider the economics benefit of your membership you will have plenty of reason to continue your lodge membership. There are several money saving programs to which you have access just because you are an Ohio Mason. For instance: • My own lodge dues are $50 per year (less than 15 cents per day). Because I am an Ohio Mason I save at least $96 per year on my personal cell phone. • I also just finished a three day trip to Florida where I saved more than $250 on the hotel and rental car alone. That’s about a 700% return on my $50 annual dues investment. These are only two of many money saving programs available to you through the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Take a look at the programs and you will see that it makes economic sense to continue your membership. The 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.&A.M. of Ohio P.O. Box 629 Worthington, OH 43085-0629 614-885-5318 csimpson@freemason.com Kristen Hirschfeld Communications Manager The Ohio Masonic Home 2655 W. National Road Springfield, OH 45504-3698 937-525-3025 khirschfeld@ohiomasonichome.org

WINTER 2012

Go to www.freemason.com and select “Programs” at the top of the page or call 800-292-6092 and speak with Chad Simpson for information on the special programs for Ohio Masons. You can save money and enjoy the prestige and fraternal benefits of an Ohio Mason!

Tools for the Journey and Freemason University: In just three short months Jack Allen, Past Grand Master, and his Leadership Committee Team have created what I believe is the premier Masonic Leadership Training site available today, www.freemasonuniversity.com. Greg Smith, Mike Clevenger, Duane Kemerly, and Chad Simpson have fashioned a leadership training site that is comprehensive, informative, and easy to use. The website covers a variety of subjects under the headings of Leadership, Management, and Ritual. It is a leap forward in the area of Masonic training that can be used by anyone. The lessons taught in these short courses can be used in your lodge, your profession, and in your personal life; and best of all, it’s free. All you need is the desire to improve yourself. Go to www.freemasonuniversity.com and see for yourself. Take one of the courses and you will be amazed at the content and quality of this leadership training. Oh, and did I mention that it is free!

Endowed Memberships: Just like 10,000 other Ohio Masons I have an endowed membership at my lodge. An endowed membership is a gift to my lodge that will pay a return to my lodge now and long after I am gone. This is a good long term strategy for our lodges and, as a reward for my generosity, I no longer have to pay

annual dues at my lodge. However, income at our lodges Kevin B. Todd, has been Grand Master affected by the same negative forces that have reduced our personal investments. Our lodges are struggling to keep up with their fixed costs. Therefore, if you are like me and have an endowed membership, please consider sending in some portion of your annual dues to your lodge to help with your lodge’s finances.

Masonic Model Student Assistance Program: Very shortly you will be receiving a request in your mail to support the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program (MMSAP) in Ohio. Please support this important program. MMSAP was created to train our teachers, administrators, and school staff to recognize and help children in our schools who are at risk. Your support of this important program will certainly save the lives of some of our children and provide needed training for our school staffs. The MMSAP program works to improve the overall effectiveness of our Ohio schools and makes a better life for our children.

Grand Masters Blog: Please take the time to visit the Grand Master’s Blog at www.gmohio.blogspot.com. If you have followed this blog recently, a technical issue stopped the blog from updating in the middle of November. That issue has been corrected. New content is being added.

Navigating

in Neutral

By Tom Stofac, Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio Masonic Home

ne of the phrases we have had since I arrived at OMH has been: “It’s a new day.” We say this to proclaim the new way we want to do business and the new vision for the organization. The old ways are memories we respect and from which we learn but not to which we cling; and the “new day” is to what we aspire. In Thomas J. Stofac, CEO William Bridges book Managing Transitions he describes the necessary steps to celebrate and claim the endings of the old way and to consistently declare the new vision. The most important point in this development, however, is managing the “neutral zone”. The “neutral zone” is the time between the old way and the new beginning. Clearly you cannot simply proclaim a new day and new vision and attain it without sufficient hard work. This is where we stand at OMH. We are in the process of managing that “neutral zone” and journeying to our new beginning. We have accomplished much, yet there is still much to do. As I was thinking about this, I can tell you I was drawn to thoughts of the New Year and how people make resolutions to change but seldom keep them. Maybe if we take a little time to see that we are announcing a new beginning and celebrate the ending of the old way, we will better manage our goal of attaining the new start for ourselves. Remember, we all are typically in the “neutral zone” in some aspect of our life. As we progress into 2012 with all the hopes and dreams of what we aspire to as an organization and a fraternity, may we be blessed with the wisdom and insight to manage our journey well.

To Be A Brother Have you ever met someone you immediately knew was special, a person that you meet and do not realize how they are going to influence or be a part of your life? I am so blessed to have that happen to me often, especially in our organization with all the extraordinary people we serve on our campuses and those in their homes. This past holiday season I was able to meet Jim Ziegler. Jim has been a part of OMH for over 70 years. He was on the Springfield campus when he was a child and returned to stay as an adult. My meeting with Jim, who runs the train room on SMC’s campus, was brief but very pleasant taking place during the Christmas dinner at the Linder Community Center. Later that week Jim was struggling and not feeling well but made his way to my office because he needed to give me a pocket coin on which I could inscribe the dates of my initiation, passing and raising. This beautiful man was so delighted to find me in my office as I was just about to leave. Taking several minutes out of my day to talk to

Jim and receive the great gift he had for me was so touching. You see it was not as much the coin as it was the hands and feet that worked to deliver the coin. It was not as much the coin as it was the significance of what it means to be a brother regardless of age. We are all bound by our obligation to support one another and to be a brother to each other in any way we can. For me, Jim is just one more of those shining stars we have in our midst. One to admire and whose example of how to live we should follow. A star should be nurtured and cared for in its time of need. Would you consider thinking about those shining stars in your life? Do they live on one of our campuses? Do they live at home and need assistance or just someone to talk to? If so, know that we at OMH are committed to being your partner in this journey to help each other as we age. Call us if we can help, or let us know if you want to be a part of helping to nurture the shining stars like Jim through your time, talent or treasure.

Tom Stofac enjoyed attending the Florida luncheons with fellow Masons. (Pictured from left to right: Tim Strawn, Jim Easterling, Dwight McVicker and Tom Stofac) WINTER 2012

Deadline

Ohio Masonic Home Scholarship

Approaching

The 2011 scholarship recipients are pictured with John White, CFO, and Bill Berry, Scholarship Committee Chairman.

The application deadline for the Ohio Masonic Home Scholarship Program for the 2012-2013 school year is April 1, 2012. Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria to qualify for consideration: • Have graduated from a high school or passed the GED. • Have made satisfactory academic progress in the preceding academic year (if applicable) as indicated by completion of required credit hours and a grade point average of at least 2.3 on a 4.0 scale. • Be at least 16 but not more than 25 years of age at the time of application. • Be accepted to or currently enrolled in a college or university on a full-time basis.

• Have a Masonic membership or affiliation by establishing that the applicant or the applicant’s father,, step-father, grandfather or stepgrandfather is or was a Mason in good standing at the time of death of a body recognized by the Grand Lodge of F.&A.M. Masons who are students may also apply with proper documentation. Upon meeting the above criteria, applicants must complete a four-page application form. Forms are available at www.ohiomasonichome.org under the Resources directory on the left side, or as link at the bottom of the home page. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Deadline for the

2012-2013

Ohio Masonic Home Scholarship Application is

April 1, 2012

For more information or questions, contact Vicki Slaughter at 800-564-9016 or FAP@ohiomasonichome.org.

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Quality

Western Reserve Masonic Community Recognized For Selecting a senior living community is a major decision requiring careful consideration. Information from qualified, independent reviewers lets potential residents make an informed decision. Recent reviews and ratings demonstrate that the Western Reserve Masonic Community is one of the leading senior living options in Ohio. Western Reserve Masonic Community (WRMC) recently earned outstanding ratings from a variety of sources. Most impressive is the top ranking from U.S. News and World Report. WRMC provides a continuum of care for seniors, ranging from independent living, to assisted living and skilled nursing care. Their skilled nursing care received five stars from U.S. News and World Report and was named one of the Best Nursing Homes in Ohio. This star rating system is also used by the federal government’s Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to help residents, families and caregivers compare nursing homes. At the state level, teams of inspectors conduct unannounced site visits to inspect a broad range of quality issues, from the safety of food preparation to adequacy of infection control. Again, WRMC was rated at the top of the scale with a fivestar rating. “This excellence in care and quality would not be possible

without the dedication of our 175 employees,” said WRMC President Jay Dettorre. “This recognition belongs with the team that made it happen.” Potential residents who visit WRMC quickly sense that it’s a special place, staffed by caring professionals. It’s good to know that initial positive feeling is backed up by hard data from a number of qualified, independent organizations. The very high marks they’ve awarded to WRMC prove that this is an outstanding choice for senior living.

Hope Flies High A special celebration on January 13 at North Central Elementary (Pioneer, Ohio) ended three days later and 170 miles away in a courtyard at Western Reserve Masonic Community (WRMC). Students at North Central released 370 balloons as part of their Hope Takes Flight celebration. It honored three classmates, Caden Baker, Travis Turner and Alexis Flynn, who are all cancer free after multi-year battles with the disease. WRMC staff and residents were surprised to find some of those balloons one morning. Notes attached to the balloons asked the

finders to contact the students. Retirement Counselor Mary Vasko commented, “Having the balloons land in the middle of our courtyard, so close to where we will be building our memory care center, is really very inspirational!” The parents of the survivors were touched by the balloon launch celebrating the victory over cancer. “As a child they haven’t lived yet, so why should they have to endure the first few years of their lives with chemotherapy, doctor visits and needle pokes?” said David Baker, father of 6-year-old Caden. “It’s amazing; that’s why I love being from this community,” said Karrie Turner, mother of 7-yearold Travis. “Everyone cares for everybody. You may not know them, but you know of them; and everyone is there for each other.” “The residents and staff at WRMC were equally amazed and moved by this experience,” said WRMC President Jay Dettorre. To honor the courage, spirit and determination of Caden, Travis and Alexis, WRMC made a donation of $100 in each of their names to the American Cancer Society. That money is in addition to the more than $7,000 raised by the North Central student’s Relay for Life team and other fundraisers. Mila Smolinski, a WRMC resident, was one of the first to notice the unusual spark of color in the courtyard. She said, “We all have the idea that hope springs eternal and love is the answer. It’s a spiritual thing.” Thanks to a group of elementary students in the tiny town of Pioneer, colorful balloons delivered a message of joy and hope to the Western Reserve Masonic Communities. WINTER 2012

Web

I-CARE on the

Blogging Anyone? The I-CARE Service Coordinators across the state of Ohio have started blogging. Each week they post short 50-word stories about what they are doing, what you can do to get involved and tips on different topics. The blog is titled Weekly Post and is located on their website. I-CARE is a free service offered by the Ohio Masonic Home to Masons, their wives and widows, and Eastern Star members. Many friends, neighbors and loved ones have reaped the benefits of this program, and the service coordinators would like more people to know about it, and how to use it. For more information go to their website at www.mssohio.org or call toll free at 1-888-286-0010.

Your Story Here at the Ohio Masonic Home we have touched many lives. Stories abound about a man or a woman whose quality of life was markedly improved after they came to one of our campuses or called one of our in-home services. Now we want to hear your story. How has the Ohio Masonic Home family of services touched your life or the life of someone you know? Go to our website at www.ohiomasonichome.org and click on the link at the bottom of the page to share your experience with us. We want to know how our story is your story.

Toledo to Host Conference on Masonic Education The Midwest Conference on Masonic Education will be held under the direction of its president, Charles R. Murphy, Past Grand Master, in Toledo on Friday, April 27 and Saturday, April 28, 2012. The Grand Plaza Hotel, 444 North Summit Street will host the conference, and the representatives of 12 American and 1 Canadian Grand Lodges will be in attendance. The conference provides an opportunity for the participating Grand Lodges to share information regarding education in their various jurisdictions. It is also a forum for individual Brethren with an interest in

WINTER 2012

Masonic education. It is open to any Master Mason who wishes to register, which may be done by visiting www.freemason.com. Hotel room rates are $95 per night plus tax, and the reservations are to be made directly with the hotel (cut off date will be Friday, April 6, 2012). The phone number for reservations is 419-241-1411. To receive the special room rate, an attendee must identify himself as attending the Midwest Council on Masonic Education. Valet parking is recommended, and it will be half price at $4 a day or $8 for overnight guests.

An open discussion will be hosted on Friday evening by Arts & Sciences Lodge #792. Saturday morningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities will begin with a Lodge Consecration Ceremony followed by the conference for the remainder of the day. Speakers will include Shawn Eyers, editor of the Philalethes Magazine, and George Braatz, the new Executive Secretary of the Masonic Service Association. Saturday evening will include the annual banquet and Installation of Officers. Sunday morning will consist of breakfast and any outstanding jurisdictional reports.

Grow

Cornerstone Home Health Continues To Kevin Root, Director of the Northeast Ohio Division of Cornerstone Home Health, says he loves coming to work. “You come in every morning and you know that the sky is the limit,” he said, referring to the continued growth of Cornerstone. “We started a few years ago with something that was relatively small, but every day we are getting bigger, adding services for our growing number of clients.” The long-term plan for Cornerstone is to serve the entire state of Ohio, and they are making significant progress toward that goal. Currently, they are authorized by the state to serve clients in 55 of the state’s 88 counties, but the people running Cornerstone are being careful to not grow too quickly. “We are eager to grow, but we’ll do it carefully,” Kevin said. “The most important thing is for us to continue to provide the high, Cornerstone-level quality of care. Physicians are very particular about where they refer their patients; they want to feel absolutely sure that their patients will be in good hands. We are doing what it takes to earn that high level of trust both from the physicians and the patients they refer to us.”

Cornerstone offers three groups of services: • Home Health, providing in-home skilled medical services. • Hospice, providing palliative and end-of-life care. • Helping Hands, providing unskilled services like errands, help with dressing and bathing and light housework. Another focus area for Cornerstone’s growth is to bring those services to all three of the Ohio Masonic Home campuses; Browning, Springfield and Western Reserve. “Many of these services are available now to residents on the Masonic Home campuses, but they are often provided by outside organizations,” explained Cornerstone President Mary Pencil. “We believe we can provide a higher level of service and care. And because Cornerstone is also part of the Ohio Masonic Home organization, we can work more closely with the campus staff to make

these services as convenient as possible for the residents.” Mary and her growing team are currently working with the staff at the Western Reserve Masonic Community to make Cornerstone’s services available to residents there. Mary is constantly in motion, whether promoting Cornerstone to physicians and other referral sources, recruiting new professionals for her team, working with staff members at the Masonic communities or coordinating the activities of her staff. Despite the tremendous workload, Mary and her team are clearly energized. They are enthusiastically striving to blanket Ohio with the higher level of service and care provided by Cornerstone Home Health and

Hospice. Together, they know that they can help their clients live happier, healthier and longer lives. If you are interested in any of the services above or if you would like to find out what other services are available visit: www.cornerstonehelpinghands.org or www.cornerstonehealthcare.org WINTER 2012

Browning Resident D Marks Her Third Dec Community’s Longes

Childhood resident Jim Ziegler, on the right, with another boy on park bench.

Coming Full Circle A Childhood Resident Returns To Springfield – continued from front cover beautiful when we arrived. It was like something out of a picture. “We lived in the apartments at Cunningham Place, the same building I lived in when I was a child. Living in an apartment let us be on our own and helped us avoid spending more time at a hospital or nursing home.” Jim describes his retirement at Springfield as “wonderful … to be able to live here with my wife and get her the care she needed. I’ve had a few problems lately, but the staff gives me a lot of encouragement to get better. I hope

to be able to move back to my apartment soon.” They say that life is a wheel. That is truly the case for Jim Ziegler who found a safe haven at Springfield as a child, and a comfortable retirement home as an adult. For Jim and the other current residents, the Springfield Masonic Community provides a caring environment that makes it possible to live longer and happier.

60 years

A 1940s Christmas with the boys and their nurse at The Ohio Masonic Home.

WINTER 2012

s new residents at the Browning Masonic Community settle in and meet current residents, a common question is, “Have you lived here long?” When they ask Dorothy Woods that question, she can honestly respond, “Longer than anyone else!” Dorothy and her husband Ralph moved from their lifelong home in Toledo to an apartment on the Browning campus in 1982, giving her bragging rights as the longest resident. She and Ralph agreed that they wanted an apartment as their new residence. “They have the regular homes here that are very nice, but we really wanted the convenience of an apartment,” Dorothy recalled. “They had recently converted some three-bedroom apartments into larger two-bedroom apartments. We took one of those because Ralph was quite an organist, and we needed one of the larger apartments to accommodate his organ. Before he passed away in 2004, Ralph was always asked to play for sing-alongs and special events, including some weddings.” The Woods moved to Browning for a number of reasons. First on the list was because it gave them the freedom to travel the country and the world with no worries about leaving their home vacant. Their travels took them to every state as well as international destinations. A particularly memorable trip took them to France, where Ralph returned to some of the areas where he fought during World War II.

1982

Dorothy Woods cade As st-Time

Resident

Two back surgeries have slowed Dorothy a bit, but she continues to do her own washing and other chores. She talks fondly of the many walks she and Ralph would take around the campus. “We have a big pond we would walk around. There were always ducks and other birds. The campus is really out in the farmland. It’s very quiet and so beautiful in the summer. Dorothy remains an outgoing and charming lady who vividly recounts the details of her long life. She gives partial credit for her longevity to genetics; her mother lived to be 95. But she gives the lifestyle at the Browning Masonic Community considerable credit, as well.

Life Compass Your Resource

Trusted

he Ohio Masonic Home has been the trusted resource to allow people to age respectfully for 120 years. In addition to our campuses and community based programs we are introducing Life Compass. Life Compass is a compilation of products and services that benefit those requiring in-home or retirement community living assistance and support. For those interested in learning more about leading edge assistive technology, products and services

“Living here has been so wonderful. They take care of all the heavy work, and I have no doubt that’s helped me live longer. I also think all the fresh air has to be good for you.” Experts agree that one of the keys to happiness and long life

is to surround yourself with friends and family. Dorothy was surprised in December by many of her friends and staff when they threw a party celebrating the fact that she has been a resident longer than anyone living at any of the three Masonic Home campuses. Dorothy has the regular companionship of many fellow residents, but especially looks forward to her daily meals with five other ladies who live in her building. “We can sit and talk about old times and share stories about our children and grandchildren. You never feel alone here. The other residents and staff are so nice to have around. It makes me feel very safe and so at home.”

120 years

in addition to our professional and service based support, check out our newest program Life Compass by calling 1-877-881-1623 or visiting our latest website www.agingrespectfully.org. The following are just a few samples that may allow you or your loved one to live in the comfort and familiarity of your own home: Skilled Care Direct Pharmacy is a retail pharmacy that comes to you through the convenience of home delivery. If you or your loved ones are taking medication, adherence is essential to maintaining good health. The Skilled Care Direct Rx program is easy to use, multi-dose, lightweight packages are sealed, sequential,

tamperproof and clearly labeled with all necessary information, such as drug names, descriptions, patient name and administration time. Care Plus is an in-home, medical alert system that provides security and confidence so you can continue your daily activities. Care Plus consists of two systems—a Personal Emergency Response System and a Medication Monitoring System. You can choose one or both to meet your needs or the needs of a loved one. WINTER 2012

Lodges

News from the

2nd Annual Symposium on Freemasonry and the Civil War Science Lodge #50 will host the 2nd Annual Symposium on Freemasonry & the Civil War on May 19, 2012 on Johnson’s Island, which was the site of a Civil War POW camp for Confederate officers. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the symposium starts at 9 a.m. The symposium will conclude with lunch for $12 and self-guided tours of the island. To register for this event or to submit a topic for presentation please contact Chad Simpson at CivilWar@freemason.com.

A Final Service to a Brother When Howard E. Hawkins died in early December, he was a resident of Jane Lew, West Virginia and a 45-year member of Juilliard Lodge #460 in Louisville, Ohio. His son requested a Masonic funeral for his father. However, Juilliard Lodge is located about 200 miles from where the funeral was to take place. Normally, a local West Virginia Lodge would have been asked to perform the ceremony, but this was not possible.

Learning of the situation, Tommy Logston, Past District Deputy Grand Master, and members of Belpre Lodge loaded up their cars and made de the trip to Weston, West Virginia. These Brothers were able to provide a final service to a Brother by conducting his Masonic funeral and truly earning the title of traveling men and Masons.

A Legacy of Sharing The estate of Brother L. John Riegler, Jr. has made a sizable donation to the Charitable Foundation of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, which makes financial grants to Ohioans in need. Riegler was a lifelong friend of Thomas Zahler, Past Grand Master of Ohio, and the two traveled hundreds of miles together attending Masonic functions. “John’s entire estate went to various charities and that is just the way he lived his life, always being concerned about others who were in need,” explain Zahler. The Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation in a 501(c)3 foundation and all contributions to it are taxdeductible. Its creation was the brainchild of Zahler, and it has made a difference in the lives of needy Ohio families since 1994. The grants issued by the Charitable Foundation are intended to supplement the efforts of local lodges to assist people in their area.

WINTER 2012

Thomas Zahler, left, presented L. John Riegler, Jr. with a 65-year membership certificate.

Grand Secretary Emeritus Recognized for 50 Years as a 33º Mason Members of the Scottish Rite Valley of Cambridge visited Grand Secretary Emeritus Robert A. Hinshaw in Brevard, North Carolina to celebrate his 50-year tenure as a 33º Mason. Hinshaw joined the Scottish Rite Valley of Cambridge in 1949 and later served twice as a presiding officer in the Valley of Cambridge. The Supreme Council of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite honored him for his service to

Freemasonry in 1961 when he was made a 33º Mason in Chicago. Hinshaw was Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 1969 and Grand Secretary from 1970 to 1984. After retiring as Grand Secretary, he moved to Brevard and affiliated with Dunn’s Rock Lodge #267 and served as its Secretary for 10 years. Robert A. Hinshaw

The Mason’s Apron – A Fitting Tribute Each new Mason is presented a white, leather apron by his Lodge. It is a symbol of innocence, marking his distinction as a member. It serves as a consistent reminder for higher thoughts, nobler deeds, and greater achievements. At the conclusion of a Brother’s life, his apron is traditionally buried with him or cremated with his remains. However, from time to time aprons are instead returned to a Brother’s Lodge. Rather than allowing such an apron to collect dust and lay unused, it is a fitting tribute to the memory of a Brother to place his apron with those used by the Lodge during its meetings. The Brother who attends a meeting and has the honor of donning that apron can remember his departed Brother by reading his name and the dates of his Masonic initiations under the apron’s flap.

Masons from Scotland to Exemplify Master Mason Degree The Scottish Rite Valley of Cincinnati has organized a visit from the Black Watch Masonic Degree Team of Scotland. The team will exemplify the Master Mason degree according to Scottish Ritual on two occasions. April 14, 2012 Aurora Lodge #48 will host the Scottish Master Mason degree at the Portsmouth Masonic Temple, 602 Chillicothe St., Portsmouth, OH 45662. Dinner will be at 6 p.m., and lodge will open at 7 p.m. April 20, 2012 the Valley of Cincinnati will host the Scottish Master Mason degree and a special banquet at the Cincinnati Masonic Center, 317 E. 5th St., Cincinnati, OH 45202. For more information contact the Scottish Rite Valley of Cincinnati at 513-421-3579. WINTER 2012

Assistance

Masonic Model Student MMSAP is a three-day

workshop that trains teams of school personnel to identify and intervene with at-risk students. These workshops have been funded by the Ohio Masonic Fraternity since 1995 and are offered at no cost to schools. Participants may also receive CEUs and one hour graduate course credit at Ashland University (cost of $175). MMSAP works well for schools interested in establishing a student assistance team or to reinvigorate an existing team. The training fits a number of guiding principles for education reform, addressing such issues as:

• moving toward becoming worldclass schools by addressing issues based on academics, behavior, health and attendance of the students • fostering creativity and innovation, and encouraging students to think beyond limits • allowing teachers and other school staff to lead the way in student assistance • analyzing the individual student and developing personalized education program based on his/her needs, guided by assessments provided by school staff and families • focusing on the whole student through the community of education: families, schools and communities

Program

When asked about which age groups the program was intended to help, one of its co-creators, Larry Newman responded, “Our training focuses on ‘Strength Based Intervention,’ meaning we identify the presenting problem(s) or issue(s) using our school criteria of Academics, Behavior, Health, and Attendance. We then identify the ‘Assets’ the student possesses and develop an intervention plan based on what they own and what they need. It doesn’t matter if it’s pre-school or adult education. The complexity of the issue may change but the formula we have works with at-risk young people of any age.”

Additional information is available at http://www.freemason.com-masonic-model-sap.html.

Save-The-Dates Groundbreaking o Memory Care Ce n nters April 15, 2012

THE OHIO MASONIC H OME

11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Western Reser ve MASONIC COM MUNITY

4 p.m.-6 p.m.

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“Home Day ” June 10, 2012 Starts at 10 a.m.

Civil War

Silver Coin Identifies S

oldiers who went off to face the enemy often carried with them mementos of home. During the Civil War, Freemasons often carried certificates and other means of identifying themselves as members of the Craft. A silver coin engraved with a Masonic Insignia and the initials S.B.B. helped to identify a grave of a soldier from Pierpont, OH who was killed in action near New Orleans, LA during the Civil War. The coin was discovered with the remains of a soldier buried on the farm of Mr. Davis Weill. In 1914 a letter was received by Brother F. F. Cutright, Secretary of Relief Lodge

Soldier’s Grave

#284 from Mr. Weill explaining the discovery of the coin: “A couple of years after cessation of hostilities between the States, one of my laborers in plowing a field, turned up an old grave, whose indications pointed to its being that of a soldier, and in said grave, was found a medallion or charm, made out of a silver half dollar, having engraved on one side the following: A Square and Compass in the center and the following engraved around the Bible, Relief Lodge #284 and the letters S.B.B. at the base. This grave was about 20 miles from Port Hudson, LA, which during the war 1861-1865 was as you doubtless know, quite a fort, at and around which many a man both Federal and Confederates, paid for his devotion to his country. I mentioned the find to quite a number of Masons, who showed some interest in the matter, and promised to trace up the Lodge in question, but so far as I know never did. “I was very desirous of returning said Charm to some member of S.B.B.’s family, satisfied that it would prove an Heirloom, if the grave was in fact that of a soldier, as I surmised, but time went on, no information was

New Ohio High Twelve Association President Travels the State Rollin Furnas, the newly-installed President of the Ohio Association of High Twelve Clubs, is travelling the state encouraging Masons to take a closer look at High Twelve as a way to enhance their Masonic experience. According to Furnas, “membership in a High Twelve Club offers all Brother Masons, their wives and widows the opportunity to join us for lunch, hear a dynamic speaker and exchange important information concerning their Lodges.”

High Twelve was originally created, in part, to provide a meeting place for elder Masons who might be unable to attend evening meetings. By coming to a daytime lunch, each Brother has the chance to bond with fellow Masons, be accompanied by their wives, and provide a way to include widows in the area. High Twelve Clubs support the Wolcott Foundation, which offers scholarships to students who wish to gain Masters Degrees to attend

vouchsafed me, and I forgot all about the matter, and in the meantime I lost or mislaid the charm. A few days ago, in rummaging over an old truck of papers and effects, I found the charm and I made up my mind to endeavor to find out where Relief Lodge #284 was located. I wrote to Mr. Bromwell Gr. Secy. F. & A. M. Cincinnati, OH, and he furnished me your name and address. “If there are any members of the family of the late S.B.B., have them communicate with me, if none, and your Lodge wants the charm, let me know.” The coin belonged to Brother Sylvester S Brower, who was initiated in Relief Lodge on September 18, 1861, passed on October 2, 1861, and raised a Master Mason on October 5, 1861. He last attended Relief Lodge in March of 1862, shortly before leaving Pierpont to serve in the Union Army and later losing his life in battle. The coin and the letter from Mr. Weill hung for many years in Relief Lodge as a testimony of a Brother’s attachment to his Lodge.

George Washington University. Additionally, the clubs also support the Masonic youth organizations of Ohio including Jobs Daughters, Rainbow Girls and DeMolay. Ohio High Twelve Clubs are currently located in Bryan, Cincinnati, Dayton, Downtown Columbus, East Liverpool, Euclid, Fostoria, Hamilton, Lima, Lorain, Mansfield, Mt. Vernon, Sandusky, Sidney, Springfield, Toledo, Worthington and Youngstown. For information about Ohio’s High Twelve Clubs contact Rollin Furnas at 937-604-6970 or Ken Hershberger at 937-244-0554. WINTER 2012

Farewell

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

A Fond T

he Ohio Masonic Home would like to wish Timothy B. Strawn health, happiness and the best life has to offer in his retirement. As the President of the Benevolent Endowment Foundation Tim raised funds for many worthy causes, all of which led to the betterment of care and assistance for Masons, wives, widows and others in need. In addition to fundraising, he took part in many events, whether travelling to important Masonic gatherings or burying a time

capsule for future generations to open and enjoy. Throughout his career Tim witnessed and played a role in the expansion of the Home from one campus and location to a family of organizations that encompasses

Generosity

Thank You For Your $10,000 + Brister, Charles E. Fouch, Edward L. & Carol Liddle, Thelma Lindner, Carl & Edyth Williams, Robert Leo Workman, David L. Zemancik, James Edward $5,000 - $9,999 Bowyer, Dallas W. & Helen B. Brodbeck, Helen E. Grand Chapter of Ohio, RAM Masons of Ohio Moss, George K. Schulze, Vivian H. $2,500 - $4,999 Colburn, Frank R. Davis, Orlando W. Hiram Lodge #18, F&AM Oberle, Betty H. Rubicon Lodge #237, F&AM Seifert, Dorothy T. & Myron T. Sheeler, Howard M. $1,000 - $2,499 Anonymous Arters, George D. & B.J. Auman, Audrey E. Browning Masonic Resident Council Grand Chapter of Ohio, OES Groveport Lodge #240, F&AM Hawley, Charles Eugene & Suzanne L. Hosler, Bessie V. Kannal, Larry F. Kraushaar, Vern Markin, William & Sandra Mason Lodge #678, F&AM Moran, Patrick M. Northwest Hi Twelve, #535 Ohio Priory #18, KYCH

WINTER 2012

Ohio Valley York Rite College #196 Ramsay, Stanley Thomas & Carol S. Sine, Anna Laura $500 - $999 2nd Masonic District Association Far Hills Lodge #784, F&AM Golden Gate Lodge #245, F&AM Guernsey Lodge #66, F&AM Huber Heights Lodge #777, F&AM Karth, Charles E. & Marjorie J. Kelly, Floyd Logston, Tommy A. & Marlene Luther B. Turner Lodge #732, F&AM Mercer Lodge #121, F&AM Mt. Sterling Lodge #269, F&AM National Lodge #568, F&AM Nickel, Charles A. Primm, John R. & Joan F. Quarry Lodge #382, F&AM Rocky River Lodge #703, F&AM Sebring Lodge #626, F&AM Shadyside Lodge #724, F&AM Shrive, Harold George St. Andrews Lodge #619, F&AM Star Lodge #187, F&AM Summit Lodge #213, F&AM VanSlyck, Louis Stephen Washington Lodge #17, F&AM Watters, Gary E. & Deborah L. West Gate Lodge #623, F&AM William H. Hoover Lodge #770, F&AM William McKinley Lodge #431, F&AM Williams, Frank R. Willoughby Lodge #302, F&AM Wilmington Lodge #52, F&AM Wooley, Clyde E. $100 - $499 19th Masonic District Association Abel, John F.

Allen, Jack L. & Yvonne Allen Lodge #276, F&AM Anderson, Charles N. Anonymous Ashbrook, Robert L. Ashland Lodge #151, F&AM Ashlar Lodge #639, F&AM Ault, Charles R., Sr. Ault, Harold Jay Bane, John R., Jr. Bartley, Thomas J. Bass, James Bayman, James L. Beard, Richard A. Bell, Bernard Lee & Margaret A. Benner, Brian Berold, Charles F. Black, Ross R., II & Linda Bordner, Richard E. Brainard Lodge #336, F&AM Briggs, Charles J. Broughton, Raymond Buckner, Bob Burgoon, James R. Byesville Lodge #654, F&AM Caldwell, Robert R. Carl, Douglass S. Carmany, Harry J. Carney, Robert V., Sr. Carter, David M. Center Lodge #86, F&AM Chalfant, William S. Chandler Lodge #138, F&AM Chaney, John N. & Martha S. Chapman, Ronald F. Chorey, Bryan D. Cincinnati-Lafayette Lodge #483, F&AM Clark, Robert A. Cline, Thomas E. & Marjorie A. Clossen, Dwight E. Cole, Kenneth J. Coleman, Carl R., M.D. College Hill-Harry S. Johnson Lodge #641, F&AM

Collinwood Lodge #582, F&AM Connelly, Ronald L. & Elaine M. Council of Annointed Kings Creps, Michael R. Crossan, Ralph E. & Rita Davies, Richard T. Delta Lodge #207, F&AM Demkee, Donald E. DeVassie, Terry L. & Faye Dill, Wayne S. & Kay L. Dover Lodge #489, F&AM Drake, David V. Duerringer, Joe A. Edgar, Daniel E. Enterling, Harold, Jr. Ernest, Nelson B. Ernst, Herbert, Jr. & Wendy Esper, Allen W. Esswein, Larry A. Evans, David E. Fair, Gilbert L. Faust, Carl E. Feller, David Wayne & Bonnie J. Forsyth, William R. Fort Amanda Lodge #706, F&AM Francke, Charles J. & Audrey A. Frick, Wallace H. Frost, E. Richard & Loretta Funk, William U. & Jacque R. Galentin, Rodney Garrettsville Lodge #246, F&AM Garrison, William E. Gibson Lodge #301, F&AM Glendening, Michael J. & Suzanne Graft, Jack H. & Kathy S. Green, David D. Groff, David T. Gullett, Roby Haas, Paul David, Jr. & Carolyn T. Hagerty, G. Curtis Hall, James V. Hallman, James A. Hamilton, Charles Greg Harkins, Daniel C. Harmar Lodge #390, F&AM

the entire state of Ohio. He has been honored not only for his work with the Home, but through the fraternity as well. In 2009, he was enshrined into the Ohio DeMolay Hall of Fame, and three short weeks later was elevated to the 33째 at the annual meeting of the Supreme Council of Scottish Rite Freemasonry in Boston, MA. Through his articles in the Beacon Tim shared a part of himself to his readers and shared his passion about the Ohio Masonic Home and

its relationship with the Fraternity. Tim will always be a shining beacon whose vision was to strengthen the relationship between the Ohio Masonic Home and the Fraternity. It is with great respect that we thank him for his fifteen years of service. He leaves a signature mark; one which will forever remind those who follow that the core values and principles of Freemasonry are the foundation upon which the Ohio Masonic Home was built.

We offer our grateful appreciation to the estates, individuals, groups or other Masonic bodies who have supported the Ohio Masonic Home with gifts given between September 1 and November 30. Harpley, Raymond & M. Lucile Hartzell, John A. Hawk, Larry V. & Dorothy I. Hays, Margaret Hegenberger, Paul & Nancy J. Heisler, Charles W. Henson, L. David Hinds, John L. Holcomb, J. Robert & Antoinette Hovan, Richard G. Hoye, Robert L. Huckeriede, Brian A. Huddleston, Clyde Ray, Sr. Hudson Lodge #510, F&AM Humrighouse, Helen M. & Roy C. Humrighouse, Roy C. & Helen M. Hutchinson, William Franklin Hyde Park Lodge #589, F&AM Irish Council #67, Knight Masons USA Isbel, Harold L. J. B. Covert Lodge #437, F&AM James M. Hall Company Jefferson Lodge #90, F&AM Jenkins, Stephen G. Johnson, Owen E., M.D. & Joyce Jones, Alan W. & Sally B. Joy, Gwyn S. Juilliard Lodge #460, F&AM Kahle, Gordon W. & Dorothy M. Kaiser, Ralph F. Karl, Robert E. Keffer, Richard E. Koke, John & Laura Kosto, John E. Kouts, Stephen J. Kress, George O., Jr. Kuns, Marvin R. La Grange Lodge #399, F&AM Lahmann, William J. Landry, Barney M. & Muriel H. Laughlin, William E. Lawrence, Paul Lebanon Lodge #26, F&AM

Liberty Center Lodge #518, F&AM Lilly, Hanson C. & Harriett Lima Lodge #205, F&AM Lofton, Arthur A. & Janet Lomax, Donald C. Losasso, Donald L. & Theda Lowery, James S. Lowry, Harvey Lynne, Donald M. MacKinnon, Donald R. & Shirley A. Magnolia Lodge #20, F&AM Marion Lodge #70, F&AM Maxson, Vernon E. McCorkle, Leon M., Jr. McDonald, Jack McGarvey, John P. McLachlan, John G. McMillin, James T. & Joanne E. McVay, Don C. Mechanicsburg Lodge #113, F&AM Mergler, H. W. Messner, Harold C. & Ethel Miclea, John Miller, Guy Gilbert Miller, Richard L. & Gloria Mills, Herbert R. Minton, Allen W. Morgan, Frederick W. & Thelma L. Morrissey, Richard A. Mowry, David Dee & Kathy Mull, Hubert H. Muller, Fred Murphy, Charles D. Murray, Robert Eugene Myers, James Napoleon Lodge #256, F&AM Nestor, Kenneth L. & Judy M. Netzley, Robert New Home Lodge #338, F&AM Newman, David William Nicholas, Henry E., Jr. Noble, Craig A. & Lisa S.

North Bend Lodge #346, F&AM Nyce, Kiinsley F. Ohio Grand Assembly, Order of the Rainbow For Girls Ohio State White Shrine Association Olesko, George Olive Lodge #210, F&AM Oliver, Melvin D. Oskins, William M. Oxford Lodge #67, F&AM Parkside Lodge #736, F&AM Peebles Lodge #581, F&AM Peerless Lodge #591, F&AM Perseverance Lodge #329, F&AM Phoenix Lodge #123, F&AM Pickaway Lodge #23, F&AM Pilgrim Lodge #691, F&AM Posey, Terry W. & Cheryl Price, William M. Puskarich, Matthew P. Puskarich, Michael T. & Judy Reardon, Robert W. & Michelle M. Rogers, Dana B. Rohde, Eric Robert Roth, Gordon E. & Ruth Ann Rothhaar, Marvin E. Rudd, Robert G. & Mary E. Ruse, William J. Rutherford, William P. Schick, E. G Schneider, Roy E. Schuld, Joseph F. Scott, Donald W. Shank, Harold & Josephine Shanks, Charles C. Shelby Lodge #350, F&AM Sherwood Lodge #620, F&AM Shiloh Lodge #544, F&AM Smith, Jack Boyd Smith, John R. Solar Lodge #730, F&AM South Point Lodge #497, F&AM Steele, Harold W. Steffens-Shultz, Inc.

Stephens, Harold M. Stites, Clyde & Elizabeth Stratton, William D. & Nancy Strawn, Timothy B. & Lois K. Sunrise Lodge #783, F&AM Superior Lodge #179, F&AM Temple Tabernacle No LXII, HRAKTP The Order of the Red Cross of Constantine Thinnes, Thomas N. Thomas, David W. Thomas, Richard D. Thomas, Robert L. Tiffin Lodge #77, F&AM Trinity Lodge #710, F&AM Troy, Bill M & Marcia A. Turner, David Umlauf, Edward S. Valley Lodge #145, F&AM Valley of Dayton, AASR Waltz, Jeffrey P. Warnock, Kenneth E. Warpole Lodge #176, F&AM Wasylik, Robert M. West, George L. Western Reserve Lodge #507, F&AM White, Lawrence O. Whitehall Lodge #761, F&AM Whitley, John E. Whittenberger, Frank Herbert Wilburn, William Lewis Winchester Lodge #236, F&AM Wood, John Douglas Wood, Robert H. & Nancy C. Woods, Herschell R., Jr. & Betty G. Wuest, George C., Jr. Youngblood, Bonnie & John H. Younger, Anthony V. Zaylor, Robert W. Zinn, Joseph J. Zumbrunnen, John E.

WINTER 2012

BEACON A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO AND THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

2655 W. National Road Springfield, Ohio 45504-3698 www.ohiomasonichome.org www.freemason.com

Skillful D

Surgeon and Educator

r. Gary Williams serves on the Board of Trustees for Western Reserve Masonic Community. As an accomplished surgeon and a reputable businessman, he brings valuable knowledge and keen insight to meetings, but outside the boardroom he is an all around Akron man. From attending Akron Public Schools as a youth he graduated on to The University of Akron. After a short stint at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, he returned for his surgical internship and residency to Akron City Hospital. Upon graduating in 1976, he went into the private practice of General Surgery. In 2006 he became a part of Summa Physicians Inc., and currently serves as Chief of the Division of General Surgery at Akron City Hospital. Apart from his surgical occupation, which is noble in itself, he is a professor at the Northeast Ohio College of Medicine, passing his knowledge on by educating the next generation of surgeons. His list of professional accomplishments and involvement

both locally and nationally is a commendation to his character and to his drive to serve his community. It was this drive that led to him being selected a 33° Scottish Rite Mason. At this point in his career, Gary decided to step up his participation in the fraternity. He served as Worshipful Master of Victory Lodge #649 in 2003, Commander-in-Chief of Akron Consistory, Valley of Akron, AASR in 2004 and District Deputy Grand Master in the 21st District from 2006 to 2008. In 2004, he was appointed to the Board of Trustees for Western Reserve Masonic Community, serving on the Resident Relations Committee and then the Finance Committee. When asked about the aging services industry Gary said, “I have been actively involved in the care of geriatric surgical patients for years. My experience has shown that the elderly recover from surgery much better in a well known environment, and if possible they should stay in a familiar setting. Seniors present a

Dr. Gary Williams

unique set of health management concerns including drug reaction and interactions, need for physical therapy, assistance with daily activities and support with acts and duties of daily life.” Gary’s knowledge is invaluable when considering the Memory Care Center which Western Reserve plans to break ground on this April. It will be a facility which will allow patients with Alzheimer’s disease to remain close to their loved ones in a familiar setting while receiving exceptional care. Gary lives with his wife of 42 years, Pamela, and after his service to the Fraternity, the community and Western Reserve, enjoys time out on the golf course.

MA SO NIC SE NIOR SE RVIC E S O F OHIO

Dear Brother, This past year has gone by all too quickly. It was just in April 2011 that I was appointed the CEO of your Ohio Masonic Home. Then on September 29, I was raised a Master Mason. I have just returned from traveling with the Grand Master on our annual visit to Florida where we met our Ohio brothers who have moved to warmer climates. During my journey over the past nine months, I have learned that for 120 years the Ohio Masonic Home has provided fellow brothers, their wives and widows a level of care second to none. It is my vision for the Ohio Masonic Home to become the “trusted resource to help people age respectfully.” In doing so, we will deliver that level of care at one of our communities in Springfield, Medina or Waterville; or under the roof of your own home. In essence we are working to bring “The Home” right to the front doorstep of your home. One of the programs we offer through Masonic Senior Services of Ohio is I-CARE; an acronym that stands for Independence through Coordination, Assistance, Referral and Education. This program is now entering its seventh year and is designed to help members of our fraternity over the age of 65 along with their wives, widows and members of the Eastern Star maintain the independence we all cherish. The program is staffed by seven Licensed Social Workers who cover the state of Ohio linking

people with community services, and in many cases reuniting clients with their lodges. If you know of an aging brother who needs help, please refer to the phone numbers on the other side of this flyer. One of our service coordinators Please consider helping will work with you to with a gift to grow help that brother, his the vision to be the wife or widow. trusted resource to help But what if you want people age respectfully to assist? There is a role wherever they choose for you as well. I-CARE to call home. committees are formed by local lodges. Currently there are over 50 I-CARE committees across the state. I encourage you to check with your lodge to see if they have a committee and if not, to inquire as to how you can form one. Working together we can help people age respectfully wherever they choose to call home. Fraternally yours,

Tom S Stofac T f President, Masonic Senior Services CEO, The Ohio Masonic Home

For more information please check the reverse side and contact the coordinator in your region or call 888-286-0010.

www.mssohio.org

I-CARE covers the entire state of Ohio

Northwest Ohio

419-779-0057 800-706-1709 06 1709

WILLIAMS

FULTON LUCAS

DEFIANCE

HENRY

HURON AS

R WYANDOT CRAWFORDICHL MARION

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1 West Central Ohi Ohio io

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HIGHLAND

BROWN ADAMS

937-605-5475 475 888-207-8472 472

FAIRFIELD PERRY

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CLARK

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ERIE

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330-730-7718 800-901-1431 LAKE ASHTABULA

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Northeast Ohio

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614-572-3507 866-453-8002 February 2012