May/June 2010
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 3
BEACON A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO AND THE OHIO MASONIC HOME
Historic White House Stones Masonic Marked Stones Brought Together Again for Display After Nearly 60 Years One of the most valuable artifacts In the current exhibit, 45 of those in the Grand Lodge of Ohio Museum is currently on display in Alexandria, VA, in an historic exhibition in the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. When the White House was undergoing a major renovation, beginning in 1949, President and Most Worshipful Brother Harry S. Truman noticed Masonic markings on stones in the original White House foundation. At one point, only the White House facade and some of the original foundation stones remained. President Truman inspected the work often and during one tour he noticed a large number of stones engraved with mason’s marks, which were subsequently determined to have been made by Scottish stonemasons. In 1952, he had one stone sent to each U.S. Grand Lodge and dozens to other Masonic organizations. Each stone has a small White House brass plaque affixed to it and was accompanied by a letter – framed of recycled White House wood – to the Grand Master. Ohio has proudly displayed its stone and letter ever since.
stones have been brought together again, on loan. After President and Brother George Washington approved the site and design for the White House in 1792, it was discovered that the young nation lacked the number of master stonemasons to bring the design to fruition. At least eight stonemasons from The Lodge of Journeymen Masons #8 of Edinburgh, Scotland were brought to America, and the White House walls rose to completion in 1798. During construction, the stonemasons, being Freemasons, joined the local lodge, Federal Lodge #15 of the Grand Lodge of Maryland. Federal Lodge became the first lodge when the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia was constituted in 1811. In addition to bringing together the White House stones, the exhibit contains a Minute Book and Personal Mark Book from the Lodge of Journeyman Masons #8 in Scotland. They list the stonemasons who immigrated to the United States in 1794 to help build the White House. In This Issue: The exhibit opened in Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies........2 conjunction with the George Living Up to the Family Name .....................5 Washington Memorial Making the Elite Eight in the State ...............6 Outdoor Master Mason Degree Schedule.. 10 Association’s 100th Making A Good Man Better ...................... 11 Anniversary and will run Freemasonry – It’s All in the Family ........... 13 through May 2011.
George Braatz, Past Grand Master of Ohio, examines display. Ohio’s stone is in the middle row, on the right. He is a member of the George Washington Memorial’s Board of Trustees.
The exhibit also includes Federal Lodge’s first Account Book, listing the Scottish stonemasons and White House architect James Hoban as its first Master. Additional materials include a letter from President Truman, historic photographs, and other items.
The George Washington Masonic Memorial
Alexandria, VA Open April 1 – September 30 Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday: Noon - 4 p.m. Guided Tours Daily: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3 p.m. www.gwmemorial.org
Carrying Freemasonry Into the Next Generation By Terry W. Posey, Grand Master Most students entering college for the first time last fall were born in 1991. They are 19 years of age, and we can admit them into the ranks of Freemasonry. Beloit College created a list that tells us about the lives of those 19 year olds. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22.
The Green Giant has always been Shrek, not the big guy picking vegetables. They have never used a card catalog to find a book. Margaret Thatcher has always been a former prime minister. Salsa has always outsold ketchup. They have been preparing for the arrival of HDTV all their lives. Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream has always been a flavor choice. Babies have always had a Social Security Number. They have never had to “shake down” an oral thermometer. There has always been a Cartoon Network. Women have always outnumbered men in college. There have always been flat screen televisions. Everyone has always known what the evening news was before the Evening News came on. There has always been a Planet Hollywood. Agent Starling has always feared the Silence of the Lambs. There has always been blue Jell-O. They have grown up with bottled water. Pete Rose has never played baseball. The World Wide Web has been in existence since before they were born. Gas stations have never fixed flats, but most serve cappuccino. IBM has never made typewriters. Caller ID has always been available on phones. Ice Tea has always been available in cans or bottles.
The Beacon is published bi-monthly 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 Brett Turner, Manager of Marketing and Communications The Ohio Masonic Home 2655 W. National Road Springfield, OH 45504-3698 937/525-3025 bturner@ohiomasonichome.org
2
May/June 2010
How do you find a plumber? How do you find a lawyer? A doctor? If I don’t know one, I look online. I look for recommendations from various web sites. Then I look at their website, and I determine whether they Terry W. Posey, Grand Master meet my needs. I don’t know about you, but I have found that candidates these days know much more about Freemasonry than I did 33 years ago. Back then, all I knew was what a friend told me, and what I learned from a pamphlet. Today, potential candidates have researched the history, meaning and ceremonies of Freemasonry. Those candidates are better prepared, better involved and time will tell as to whether they will become better Masons. Those new candidates have a mission – a job. They have, as we do, a duty to carry Freemasonry into the next generation and to carry forward the time-honored lessons of the fraternity. My friends, technology is there for the using, and Lodges need to use it to their full advantage by developing websites, using email and even online blogs. This year, I began a blog to let Ohio Freemasons know what their Grand Master was doing on their behalf. As I have said many times before: All Masonry is local. If Lodges care about their members – sick and well, their charities and their local events to the best of their ability and using the resources at hand, then when all things are said and done, it has been another good day for Freemasonry in Ohio.
Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies on June 25 Ohio Freemasons will lead the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Summer Games on Friday, June 25. Brothers should gather at 6 p.m. at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex of The Ohio State University in Columbus. A new fundraising program is being developed by the Grand Lodge Special Olympics Committee in partnership with Anthony Thomas Candy. More information will be available in September.
Where We’ve Been, Where We Are Going By Worshipful Brother David Bannerman, Chief Executive Officer, The Ohio Masonic Home
T
he Ohio Masonic Home was incorporated in 1890 as a separate corporation, not owned by any one Masonic organization. Five Masonic bodies (Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, Grand Council, Grand Commandery and Scottish Rite) each appoint members as trustees to its board. We were formed to provide a home for worthy distressed Master Masons their wives, widows and orphans. Since our first residents were admitted in 1897, we have been providing health care, personal care, housing and other services to older adults. We stopped serving children in 1956. We have been providing community-based services since 2002. Congress passed and amended a major piece of health care legislation recently. The Ohio Masonic Home is affected by that legislation as an employer, as employees, as a provider, and as our residents and clients use it. Since health care is a big part of our business, I want to provide you with the best information, hopefully not clouded or biased so that you will see the effect that legislation has on us.
The legislation is thousands of pages long. It includes requirements, prohibitions, funding increases, funding cuts, new idea trials and study commissions, all intended to fix some portion of the problems in health care. Some of those things will happen in 2010, others will not happen until 2014 or beyond. Some changes will be benefits, others will be burdens. Here is one example of a change in 2010. There is relief for seniors who hit the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole.” Currently, some Medicare recipients receive drug
Presenting Grand Lodge Officers…
coverage, then have to pay for more of their costs and then their costs go back down. This year they will get a $250 rebate check. In future years the hole is gradually closed through discounts on generic drugs until it goes away in 2020. This helps our residents and clients and probably many of you. Look for more information in this column or go to www.AAHSA.org and look for the health reform hub.
Ohio Masonic Home CEO Dave Bannerman visits residents prior to speaking at a Springfield Masonic Community High 12 Club #483 meeting.
Steven E. Cokonougher of Westerville serves the Grand Lodge of Ohio as its Grand Marshal. He is a Past Master of Linden Lodge #637 as well as a Past District Education Officer and Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 14th Masonic District. Additionally, he is a Knight of the York Cross of Honor and a Past Commander in Chief of Scioto Consistory of the Valley of Columbus, Scottish Rite. With a tenure of 35 years, he is currently a manager overseeing inventory loss prevention at Kroger Company.
Steven E. Cokonougher
Robert C. Rill, Jr.
Robert C. Rill, Jr. of Swanton is the Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Ohio and a Past Master of Northern Light Lodge #40. He is a Past District Deputy of the 11th Masonic District. He is currently serving the Valley of Toledo, Scottish Rite, as Thrice Potent Master of Mi-A-Mi Lodge of Perfection. Professionally, he is a field supervisor for Jones & Henry Laboratories. May/June 2010
3
Widows Sons Masonic Riders T
he Widows Sons Masonic Riders is an international association of motorcyclists, whose membership is open to all Master Masons who enjoy the sport of motorcycling and have a desire to ride with their Masonic Brothers. The association has four primary goals: 1. Introduce the sport of motorcycling to our Masonic Brothers 2. Raise Masonic awareness in the world of motorcycling 3. Contribute to charities and to the relief of our widows and orphans 4. Support the Masonic Lodge through regular attendance and assisting with or attending Lodge events The Widows Sons was created in 2000 and is divided into Grand Chapters and local chapters, which currently exist in over half of the states, several Canadian provinces as well as the countries of the Netherlands, Finland, England, Scotland and Wales. Though members of the Widows Sons wear standard “biker regalia,”
such as vests and patches, they associate with only the best aspects of motorcycling and represent the Masonic fraternity in a positive light at all times. For more information contact Brian Knoll at 614/554-1320 or visit www.ohiowidowssons.com.
The logo of the Ohio Widows Sons was adopted in 2004. It is packed with Masonic symbolism that serves to remind members of their calling as Freemasons.
Ohio Freemasonry Hits the Highway Charles B. Douglas, a member of Amelia Lodge #590, has turned the back ends of his fleet of semis into billboards for Ohio Freemasonry. His trucks travel all across the United States, and one of three different ads is displayed on each of them. Pictured are Darvin Rudd, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 6th Masonic District and Charlie Douglas owner of CD-Express.
Freemasonry – It’s All In The Family Central Ohio Masons to Celebrate Grand Master’s Theme A family-friendly celebration of Grand The evening will include a social Master Posey’s theme for the year will hour, dinner and a performance by take place on October 6 at the Aladdin renowned comedian Randy Riggle. Shrine Center, Columbus.
Two National Leaders From Ohio Ohio is known for providing leadership in national Masonic organizations. At the Conference of Grand Masters earlier this year in Virginia, two of the leaders were photographed together. They are Jim S. Deyo, left, Past Grand Master of Ohio, currently serving as Grand Lieutenant Commander of the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction; and William H. Koon, II, Past Grand Commander, Knights Templar, of Ohio, currently serving as Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, Knights Templar, of the United States.
4
May/June 2010
For more information contact Aladdin Shrine at 800/475-3850 ext. 23.
Living Up to the Family Name As a teen, Mary Bancroft Walters saw firsthand how the Springfield campus improved lives. Now as a 102-year-old senior, she’s on the receiving end of that care. Mary’s father “Pop” Bancroft, was the assistant superintendent for 25 years when The Ohio Masonic Home’s Springfield campus also served as a children’s home. An assisted living building on the campus is named Bancroft Manor in the family’s honor. When she needed to recover from an illness recently, Mary chose a place she’d trust. “I knew I wanted to come here because it was the best place,” she said. “It doesn’t surprise me the same type of care is going on now. They’ve treated me as if I were home.” It was 1923 when the Bancrofts moved into Hillman House, a large house used to lodge the campus’ boys, down the hill from the main campus, on what is now Route 40 and close to where the current entrance is. The entrance at the time extended out farther. On her first day here, Mom and Pop had to go into town, leaving Mary and her brother John to get to know the children. A group of boys invited them to play cowboys and Indians and the two newcomers found themselves tied to a tree as part of the fun. Although already 15 at the time, Mary said she enjoyed playing with the kids. Being 15 then was more like being age 10 now, Mary explained. One of the earliest memories she had of the campus was the construction of the Rickly building, which was the campus hospital, and where she is now recovering. Despite having to share her parents’ attention with several other youngsters, Mary said she and John never felt jealous or a lack of attention from their parents.
“We were all together, they became Pop’s kids too,” she said. “My parents were good people. The boys could come in at any time, the door was always open. It was like one big clubhouse.” The children living on the campus were not orphans, but kids whose parents could not support them. If a situation improved, the children could move back in with their parents or stay until the children turned age 18 and finished school. Orphans did not have parents and could be adopted, whereas The Home’s children could not. Former children’s Home resident Guy Miller recalls seeing Mary when she would drop by to visit her parents with her own kids. “Mary has a lot of Mom and Pop’s traits, like being a caring person,” said Guy. The Ohio Masonic Home also had its nursing home at the time, but Mary said she rarely saw any of
to become involved in sports like baseball or tennis. Or learning trades and crafts they could apply later in life. “I don’t think there was a boy who lived there who turned out bad,” said Mary. The alumni of The Ohio Masonic Home’s children’s home meet every two years and will do so again the weekend of July 9-10. In the second part of this story in the next issue: Mary Bancroft Walters becomes a noted local artist and overcomes personal tragedies to make it to age 100 and beyond
the adult residents unless she visited her father’s office in Bushnell Hall, except on Saturday nights. Every Saturday in what is now the Burkhart Auditorium would be movie night. The children and adults would gather together to enjoy films of all kinds. Mary doesn’t remember any particular films, but that most were silent pictures. She also recalls the many opportunities the children had,
Mary Bancroft Walters looks at a portrait she painted of her parents, ‘Mom’ and ‘Pop’ Bancroft. ‘Pop’ was the administrator of the children’s home on the Springfield campus for 25 years. Holding the photo is Cynthia Whitacre Cameron, one of the last children to live on the campus and a member of The Ohio Masonic Home Alumni Association, which is planning a reunion this summer. Mary is donating the painting to the Springfield campus.
For more information on Springfield Masonic Community, call 888/290-2664 or visit us at www.springfieldmasoniccommunity.org.
May/June 2010
5
Making the Elite Eight in the State Residents at Browning Masonic Community let state officials know it’s one of the best resident care facilities in Ohio according to a recent survey. The Waterville-based facility ranked eighth out of 547 state-wide assisted living facilities in The Ohio Department of Aging 2009 Residential Care Facility Resident Satisfaction Survey. S The survey ranks rresidential care ffacilities, or assisted living, based on faceli IN THE STATE tto-face interviews with rresidents regarding their perceptions of th the facilities in which they live. Browning had a 98.08 percent rating out a possible 100 against a state average of 92.07. “This is a reflection of the skilled staff and the standards we set,” said Dave Subleski, Browning Masonic
8th
Community president. “We are grateful for such fine residents who think this much of us.” Browning resident Don Glanzman got a knock on his door one day. It was the Department of Aging surveyors asking him to answer questions. “I was glad to tell them this is a wonderful place I’m very happy at,” said Don. “From the minute I came in the front door here, everyone would say to me ‘Hello Don.’ That was very impressive.” The survey results are available at www.ltcohio.org/consumer/index.asp. For information on Browning Masonic Community, call 866/878-4055; or go to www.browningmasoniccommunity.org.
Resident Don Glanzman enjoys the chance to work in the campus store and compete in Wii bowling at Browning Masonic Community.
A Guide Through the Maze of Medicare M
edicare can seem like a maze, not just to the average person, but to employees of senior living campuses and home health care providers as well. Handled the wrong way, it could lead to headaches. Mary Lough-Pencil, Director of Cornerstone Home Health and Hospice, knows her way around the Medicare maze and is glad to share her knowledge with fellow employees, which she did in a briefing this spring. Mary was trained by the Medicare program. By educating others on the everchanging Medicare system, it leaves Ohio Masonic Home employees better prepared when those who need its services seek help.
6
May/June 2010
Cornerstone Director Mary Lough-Pencil
Medicare’s roots go way back to the Truman administration. It was signed into law in the mid 1960s, with hospice being added to Medicare benefits in 1982. Changes continue to be added to the program, leaving families in
need of knowledgeable guides as to their options. And that’s where having this knowledge establishes an organization’s creditability. It’s the little things that can make the difference for families. “We are in a time when ignorance is not bliss anymore,” said Mary, who began learning all about Medicare while working as Nursing Director at The Ohio Masonic Home’s Springfield campus.
A Floral-Colored Artistic Life Roses are in full bloom yearround at Medina’s Western Reserve Masonic Community from now on. Hanging in the Western Reserve Room meeting area are Rose Fantasy #3 and #4, two paintings of colorful floral arrangements created and donated by garden villa resident Virginia Tiell Woide. Virginia and her late husband, Robert E. Woide, made the world more colorful with their paintings for years. Now Virginia is discovering new opportunities. “I’ve had a good life and fulfilled dreams,” she said. “Now there are so many things to do here.” The Woides’ art has been a fixture in the Cleveland area for many years, expanding internationally as well. Virginia specialized in painting flowers in watercolors and Robert, landscapes. Their work is compatible and they usually exhibited together. “I love color. That is why I chose flowers. Painting with watercolor is magical”, said Virginia. It was that way from the beginning when the pair met as students at Kent State University. They studied art education, later establishing careers in Cleveland City Schools. Their influence has guided other young artists through their work as educators. Virginia was a teacher and Robert was the Director of Fine Arts which included visual art, music, dance and theater. They later became art education professors at Case Western University.
Ohio AMD In-Gathering to Honor C. Michael Watson
Several summer vacations were spent in Europe with fellow artists. Virginia said she was pleased that their sons could make the trips as well, and enjoyed seeing them learn new languages and cultures. The Woides sold numerous paintings over the years, once right off the easel. They put on dozens of exhibitions. Virginia recently marked her 10th year as a garden villa resident at Western Reserve Masonic Community. She and Robert moved there because of the space the garden villa home afforded. Although painting will always be dear to her, Virginia is excited to discover new things such as music. She is a member of the campus’ Chimers, W.R.M.C. Recorders and enjoys the SeniorNet computer classes. “There are so many things to do here and residents who have expertise in many areas,” she said. “One of Virginia’s newest challenges was being commissioned to do a drawing of the campus’ main building. That drawing can
now be seen on note cards sold by the resident council as a fundraiser. Virginia was inspired by her dad’s drawings as a youngster to become an artist. Now she’s proving it’s never too late to expand your skills. “Drawing is something you just do. All you need is a sketch pad, a good pen and draw what you see.”
Western Reserve Masonic Community resident Virginia Tiell Woide with Rose Fantasy #3 and #4, paintings she did and donated to the Western Reserve Room.
For more information on Western Reserve Masonic Community, call 866/433-1514 or visit our web site at www.wrmcohio.org.
The Annual In-Gathering of the Ohio members of the Allied Masonic Degrees will be held on Saturday, August 21 at the Grand Lodge Building in Worthington. The day’s activities will include a reception in honor of C. Michael Watson, Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of the United States. This meeting is open to all members of the Allied Masonic Degrees and will feature noted Masonic historian and author S. Brent Morris. For more information contact Michael Cecil at mccecil@aol.com or 419/886-2181. May/June 2010
7
AllforAboard! Model Train Fun Toy trains and model railroads
to accommodate bigger displays and more models. The collection grew, but a construction project forced the were a fixture for many youngsters train room to be dismantled and growing up in the 20th century. moved to a storage facility. Now many of those trains and In 2001, interested residents, led tracks have been stowed away in by Jim Zeigler, talked to campus attics, garages and basements. administrators about reviving the At Springfield Masonic Community train room. The concern was that and Browning Masonic Community, the collection would rust and the hobby has never gone away deteriorate in storage. A new display due to the efforts of several train area was found in the lower level of enthusiasts. Rickly, where it remains today. One could even say their efforts Jim’s dad worked on the railroad, are gaining steam. and said eight hours a day on it was enough. As a result, Jim never had This Stop: Springfield a toy train or any real interest in Masonic Community them until his skills were needed The golden age of model train to repair one of the models prior to collecting had passed by the time their storage. Springfield Masonic Community’s He’s been the head engineer ever depot began in the 1970s, when a since in Springfield. Jim isn’t sure resident named L. W. Royer formed of how many pieces of equipment The Ohio Masonic Home Railroad he has. There are five tables of Club. Most of the equipment was tracks spread through two rooms, donated by Masons or their with several trains lining shelves estates and the first train on the walls. room was located in the The oldest model train in the lower level of Bushnell collection is from 1914 and was Hall, known widely as donated by a Springfield resident. the castle. The oldest actual piece is a 1904 The collection was map of Ohio railroad stops, which moved to the Rickly was donated by Building at a later date a resident. One of Jim’s favorite gadgets is a small video camera mounted on the front of a model. As the train travels the tracks, live video can be seen on a monitor.
8
May/June 2010
The walls are lined with pictures as well as models of classic cars. An interactive feature is a collection of VHS and DVD videos on various trains residents can check out. His latest acquisition is a collection of hundreds of photos donated by a railroad office that was downsizing its office space. Jim said he plans to share the collection with Browning Masonic Community and Western Reserve Masonic Community. Jim estimated 500 people visited the Springfield train room in 2009 and hopes to exceed that in 2010. The train room is open 1:30-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and by appointment. The Springfield Masonic Community train room will also be open beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 6 during Ohio Masonic Home Day.
where,” said Chuck, an independent living resident and the Browning trainmaster. Chuck’s fascination with trains started early. He recalls as a youngster knowing what time it was by the blowing whistle of a passing train. Browning has devoted a large part of its lower level to all things train. You’ll find 34 large cars, 45 HO trains and 30 O gauge cars. One of the earliest pieces is from the Lionel Corporation, famous for making toy trains and model railroads, a set of switches from 1912. The collection also contains a large selection of train books, pictures, conductor outfits, lamps, railroad ties and other memorabilia. Part of the This Stop: Browning fun is not knowing what you may Masonic Community find. For Chuck, that’s just a start. Chuck Lucas got his first model train “I’d like to fill that whole in 1950 and never really had a chance basement some day,” said Chuck. to properly use it. He kept it with him One of his goals is to update his entire life, bundled away as his current models and tracks with career took him from Michigan to current technology. With a palm California, hoping to display it one day. control, three to four trains could Today, he’s got one of the biggest operate on one track. model train rooms in the Northwest The Browning train room is Ohio area at Browning Masonic available for viewing by appointment. Community. Call 419/878-4055. Tours will be The train room was started by available during the Browning the efforts of several residents who Masonic Community Cruise-in donated their trains and volunteered. event on Saturday, July 24. Current resident Dorothy Woods’ The Springfield and Browning late husband, Curly, was a retired rail- train rooms may accept donations road worker and was instrumental in of model trains, equipment or other creating the area and paving the way memorabilia. For more information, for what is there now. contact Jim Zeigler in Springfield “I love it, it gives me a chance to at 937/322-1355 or Chuck Lucas at get away without really going anycwljal67@roadrunner.com. May/June 2010
9
Health On The Plus Side M
Medication Monitoring Unit
asonic Helping Hands specializes in keeping seniors and disabled adults independent in their homes with direct nonmedical services in three Ohio areas. Masonic Helping Hands can also reach out to aid people anywhere in the country through the CarePlus medical alert system. CarePlus is a system that offers clients and their families peace of mind with service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There are two CarePlus systems: a personal emergency response system that calls for help if someone is in need of immediate attention and a medication monitoring device that aids medication compliance.
The medication monitoring system helps regulate a client’s medicinal needs by setting a schedule. Medications are loaded into the unit, set a clock for when they need taken and program the alert to remind the client when to take their medicine. An alert will sound to remind its time for the medicine to be taken and ends when consumed. If not taken, the 24-hour care center will respond. Many hospital admissions are the result of people not taking their medication as prescribed. Set up is easy and the system is simple to use. Other benefits of Care Plus: • No long term agreements • No equipment to purchase • Friendly local staff • 5-Diamond Certified Monitoring Center • Industry Leading Response Times • Smallest alert help button in the industry Masonic Helping Hands helps keep seniors and disabled adults independent in their homes through non-medical services such as light
Personal Emergency Response System This system consists of a small monitoring device, about the size of a telephone answering machine, and a pendant worn around the neck, the smallest of its size in the industry. If a user needs help, they simply press the button and a local care center staffer will check in to see how they can help.
housekeeping, companionship, driving and other means. These services are available in the greater Dayton/Springfield, Cincinnati and Toledo areas. To get the CarePlus Medical System or for more information, call 877/564-0210 or go to www.masonichelpinghands.org.
Outdoor Master Mason Degree Schedule One of the great traditions of Ohio Freemasonry is the conferring of an outdoor Master Mason degree during the summer or early fall. The weather is beautiful (usually), the friendships lasting and the food delicious. Generally, the attire for an outdoor Master Mason degrees is causal, and it is always a good idea to bring your dues card, an apron and a lawn chair.
• • • •
June 5 June 11 June 12 June 19
• June 26 • • • • • • •
July 3 July 10 Aug. 7 Aug. 14 Aug. 21 Sept. 11 Sept. 18
20th District 15th District 3rd District 9th District 2nd District 11th District 13th District 17th District 19th District 12th District 1st & 6th Districts 23rd District 6th & 7th Districts 21st District 25th District
Please communicate with the designated contact person to make arrangements to attend any of these degree conferrals. • Sept. 25 16th District
10
May/June 2010
9 a.m. 7 p.m. 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 4 p.m. 6:30 a.m. 10 a.m. 6 a.m. 7 a.m. 11:30 a.m. 9 a.m. 10 a.m. 10 a.m. 1 p.m. 7 a.m. 8:30 a.m.
contact Robert Odon 440/235-9146 contact Kevin Centers 937/597-8424 contact Terry Chamberlain 937/622-2413 contact Dan Shirk 937/631-0507 contact Walt Barner 937/898-6587 contact Russ MacKinnon 419/474-7706 contact Phil Grounds 614/499-0244 contact John Russell 740/373-8010 contact Gary Sites 740/745-2796 contact Glenn Earl 304/416-2862 contact Douglas Ryan 513/200-8944 contact Gene Hilligas 740/501-5822 contact Randy Campbell 937/444-3360 contact Jim Easterling 330/608-8891 contact Terry Swauger 330/638-6373 contact David Hawk 419/986-5835
Making A Good Man Better, Keeping A Good Man Active B
rother Brad Birkhimer had an early jump on what it means to be a Mason before he was raised in July 2009. His example inspired fellow lodge members at Ohio Lodge #199 in Bladensburg to form one of the state’s newest I-CARE committees last November. The basis came from Brad’s friendship with Brother Bill Hagans, a long-time member of Ohio #199. The men met at church and formed a close bond. Bill is a World War II veteran and former POW. His stories appealed to the history buff in Brother Birkhimer. In addition to their friendship, Brad was inspired to help Bill out in other ways. Brad spends five to six hours a week doing tasks for Bill ranging from clearing ice from his roof and spouting in winter to getting his tractor ready to mow in the spring. “Some day that will be me needing the help,” said Brad. “All you have to do is get back to basics.” One thing Bill really wanted was to continue going to lodge meetings and Brad was glad to drive him. This was a benefit to all parties: it enabled Bill to stay in touch with his lodge; it kept lodge brethren
in touch with one of their older members; and it got Brad curious about the organization. Brad knew little of Freemasonry and sat outside the lodge room while Bill attended meetings. After three meetings and getting to know the members, Brad was inspired to petition to Ohio #199. Soon after he was raised, the lodge members considered forming an I-CARE committee. The 19th District is a strong area for I-CARE work according to Central Ohio Coordinator Mary Jane Bates, with committees in Center Star #11, Heath #771, and Licking #291 having recently formed as well. Although a new member, Brother Birkhimer stood up when forming a committee was discussed, having already been practicing its principles. “The bottom line is as Masons we’re here to help,” said Brother Roy Wortman, Ohio #199 I-CARE committee chairman. “The idea was we would refine and improve what we were already doing by adding more formal structure within the I-CARE program. Mary Jane Bates has really done
Brother Brad Birkhimer, left, was inspired to join Ohio Lodge #199 after forming a friendship with Brother Bill Hagans. Their bond was an inspiration for lodge members to form an I-CARE committee.
a conscientious job as coordinator, and is there for us and for our members when needed.” One of the committee’s first actions was to look up all members age 60 or older and contact them to see who could use some help. The committee helped a lodge member recondition his driveway on a recent Saturday. “I’ve been in many organizations but never have I been in one like this,” said Brother Birkhimer. “I am proud to be a Mason.” Mary Jane said all of the I-CARE committees are working hard at keeping their senior members and their wives and widows taken care of.
Lynchburg Lodge to Hold Annual Charity Motorcycle Ride On Saturday, June 19th, the Lynchburg Masonic Lodge will sponsor its 6th Annual Carol Walton Memorial Ride with the Masons. The charity motorcycle ride will benefit the Lynchburg Lodge Masonic Foundation Fund. The Fund provides an annual scholarship to a graduate of the local high school, supports Ohio
Special Olympics, and assists members of the community in need. The ride will begin at the Ponderosa Steak House in Hillsboro, Ohio, with registration at 10:30 a.m. A donation of $15/solo and $20/couples will be collected at registration which will include a For more information, buffet meal. The ride will go to our web site at depart promptly at noon. www.lynchburg178.webs.com. May/June 2010
11
Widows Dinner Springfield Masonic Community staff, state High 12 officers and Grand Lodge officers helped conduct the annual Masonic Widows Dinner for female residents who have lost their spouses. Left, Grace Brown pins a corsage on Edna Korns. Right, Grand Master Terry W. Posey presents newly widowed spouses Arlene Counts, Regina Stephenson and Phyllis French their special pins. Springfield Masonic Community President Jerry Guess watches from the back.
4th Annual Toledo Ft. Industry Lodge Clay Shoot On April 11, Toledo Ft. Industry Lodge #144 held its 4th Annual Clay Shoot. Forty individuals, including Masons, prospective members, and Junior Grand Deacon Robert Rill, Jr., participated, and raised $720 for Ohio Special Olympics.
Golden Rule Lodge Celebrates Building Centennial On Saturday, March 20, the Grand Lodge Officers rededicated the home of Golden Rule Lodge #562 in Willard and laid a new cornerstone for the building, where the Lodge has been located since 1910.
New England Lodge Graduates First Leadership Class Pictured are the first graduates of John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership participants, sponsored by New England Lodge #4. The course met twice a month, starting on November 4, 2009 and concluding on April 21, 2010. The instructor was Michael Clevenger, Past Master of New England Lodge. The course will be offered again from August through January. For more information contact Michael Clevenger, 614/885-5494 or mike@masonicleader.com.
12
May/June 2010
Freemasonry – It’s All In The Family A Special Evening for A Grandfather and His Two Grandsons – Now Brethren All
By David L. Dresser, PGM
An interesting and historic event took place early in the term of our current Grand Master Terry W. Posey at Far Hills Lodge in Centerville, Ohio. This was an extremely special evening for me, as I was able to raise my two grandsons, Michael A. Miller and Jonathan D. Miller with the assistance of many distinguished Masons and Brethren from around the state and the Second District. Under Dispensation from our Grand Master, we were permitted to confer the Master Mason degree upon both of the boys “side by side”, at the same time, from beginning to end. We used two teams of officers, where appropriate, using one speaking part with one going through the motions in several cases so that both candidates received the same experience. There were no shortcuts, and the work was exemplified as it is written. Historic, because as far as we know, this was the first time that this has ever been done. At least with proper authorization. Several of the Brethren listed, including my son Jim, who lives
in Texas, were also present, and assisted me in the initiation of these two Brothers as Entered Apprentices. I will list many of those who were present and hope that I don’t leave anyone out. If I have, I apologize in advance. Grand Master, Terry W. Posey, Past Grand Masters Douglas O. Brenneman; William P. Mayberry; Neil M. Smalley; James M. Willianson; The Grand Treasurer Ronald L Connelly; The Junior Grand Deacon Douglas N. Kaylor; The Grand Chaplain Nathan N. Pelfrey; The Grand Tyler Clifford P. Koss; current and Past District Deputies Grand Masters, Gary L. Nicholson; Edward C. Liefke, Jr. (now deceased); Richard L. Coy; Warren E. Gregory; J. Rodger Capplinger; William P. Mayberry, Jr; Howard Laudermilk; Larry Atcheson; and a personal friend of the family, Jerry Ward. Also present were my son, Brother James D. Dresser; son-inlaw Brother John Millstead (a new member of Far Hills Lodge); The Worshipful Master, Jack Harless,
Wardens and Brethren of Far Hills Lodge #784, including W.B. Tom Routsong; The Worshipful Master, Larry Hall, Wardens and Brethren of Vandalia Lodge #742 (my Lodge); Members of the Antioch Temple Shrine Past Masters Unit, and a variety of Brethren from the Second Masonic District. We were honored by the presence of 84-year-old Brother Edward Crider, a member of Quarry Lodge #382, who resides at Western Reserve Masonic Community. His son brought him to Centerville for the occasion. Edward is the grandfather of Jonathan’s wife. A very special thank you to our Grand Master for his assistance and participation; to Richard L. Coy, who arranged the entire evening, including a very fine array of food for dinner and snacks, and James R. Elliott, the Senior Past Master of Vandalia Lodge (and a dear friend) for lining up many of the Brethren who participated. This was truly an old fashioned Masonic event with good ritual and outstanding brotherhood. May/June 2010
13
FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE
Make This A Masonic Summer By Right Worshipful Brother Timothy B. Strawn, CAE, President, The OMH Benevolent Endowment Foundation
N
ow that spring is here, we’re all busy with spring cleaning, mulching, mowing, planting and making our plans for summer vacations and trips. We hope that as you’re planning you’ll include a visit to one of our campuses and their special events this summer/ early fall. Each of our three campuses welcome your visit at any time, of course. But, just as mom taught you, be sure to call ahead first to secure a tour or “conversation” appointment. Certainly you don’t need an appointment to just come to a campus and drive around, but because you’ll find the campus so nice and inviting, you’ll probably want to stop and ask questions, and it’s easier to make an appointment to do so even before you arrive. Call our marketing office in Springfield (Springfield Masonic Community), 888/290-2664; Waterville (Browning Masonic Community), 866/878-4055; or Medina (Western Reserve Masonic Community), 866/433-1514 to plan your visit and tour today! Or plan to visit one of the campuses during its special,
“signature” event. In Springfield, Ohio Masonic Home Day is Sunday, June 6th. A number of lodges, individuals and families have made attending this event an annual tradition. In Waterville, Browning’s Annual Car Show is Saturday, July 24th, and is growing in popularity in the area. In Medina, Western Reserve’s Renaissance Family Faire, Saturday/Sunday, September 25/26 features food and activities of long ago. At each event, you’re invited to tour the campus and learn more about our services and programs as well as enjoy great activities and great food. And, if your vacation plans include golf, why not spend a day with us in Medina on July 26th or Springfield September 13th and play a round with sports and entertainment celebrities. Our Jim Perry Legends Golf Classic brings former professional baseball, football, basketball stars to golf with our friends while raising money for our Alzheimer’s programs at those respective campuses. Come play golf with and meet former Cleveland Indians including American League Cy Young
Northern Light Lodge Makes A Difference in Their Community Northern Light Masonic Lodge #40, Maumee, held its12th Annual Pancake Breakfast and Silent Auction to benefit the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio on Saturday, March 20. The cooks started the day at 3:30 a.m. to begin preparing food for a 7:00 a.m. opening. Grand Master Terry W. Posey was greeted at 7:30 a.m. and introduced
14
May/June 2010
to radio personality Harvey J. Steele of WKKO K100 with a live broadcast, during which he thanked Northern Light Lodge for their ongoing support of the Kidney Foundation. The breakfast was a great success serving over 550 people and raising $8,500. This event has raised $87,000 over the past
Award-winning pitcher Jim Perry, catcher Hal Naragon and pitcher Jim “Mudcat” Grant; National League Cy Young Award-winner Vern Law; Cleveland Browns quarterback Milt Plum and linebacker Jim Houston; NBA players Cazzie Russell of the New York Knicks and “Big George” Wilson of the Cincinnati Royals; and former boxing referee and Blazing Saddles actor Bubba Gilliam. We promise you not only a great game of golf at Fox Meadow Country Club in Medina or Greene Country Club in Fairborn, near Springfield, but stories, laughs and memories you’ll never forget. (Or, if you’re not a golfer, just come to the dinner following golf and meet these great guys as they come off the course.) To play in or sponsor either of these events or to order dinner tickets, call the Foundation office at 888/248-2664. We hope your spring/summer is full of fun and enjoyment, and, hopefully, a trip to one or more of our campuses and/or special events. We know you’ll be glad you included us in your plans! See you soon!
12 years and all of funds have remained in northwest Ohio to directly impact the lives of those living with kidney disease. The event would not be possible without the help of the local Rainbow girls and the DeMolay boys in the dining room. The community’s support for the event through their donations of pancake mix, sausages, eggs, juice, milk, water, syrup and toppings as well as plates, napkins and the printing of tickets and flyers was remarkable.
It’s All In The Family in Perry County Donation to Help Children’s Services A donation of $1,000 was presented to Perry County Children’s Services by Michael R. Satterfield, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 13th Masonic District, on behalf of his family, the
Fairfield Baptist Church, Thurston, Ohio, and Thornville Lodge #521. Perry County Children’s Services provides an article of clothing and a toy to approximately 200 less
fortunate children in the Perry County area. A total of $2,000 has been donated to Perry County Children’s Services to date through this particular fundraiser. Various Masons and Masonic Lodges in the Perry County area have worked as well to donate additional money to help these young people.
Thank You For Your Generosity 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 February 1, 2010 and March 31, 2010. $10,000 + Brister, Charles E. Frank, Walter Kettlewell, Kenneth
Shrive, Harold George Stow Lodge #768, F&AM Valley of Dayton, AASR Yellow Springs Lodge #421, F&AM
$100 - $499 10th Masonic District Association 14th Masonic District Association 15th Masonic District Association 2009 - 2010 Grand Lodge Family Anderson, William E. $2,500 - $4,999 Arcanum Lodge #295, F&AM Oberle, Betty H. Avon-Miami Lodge #542, F&AM Sheeler, Howard M. Baker, Dale L. & Pauline Berk, Louis F. $1,000 - $2,499 11th Masonic District Association Brown, Helen N. 16th Masonic District Association Brown, Robert L., M.D. & Linda L. Byesville Lodge #654, F&AM Arters, George D. & B.J. Beaver Valley Lodge #753, F&AM Center Star Lodge #11, F&AM Charles T. Raymer-Covenant Lodge Blendon Lodge #339, F&AM #683, F&AM Davis, Orlando W. Clarington Lodge #597, F&AM Hosler, Bessie V. Clarksville Lodge #323, F&AM Oaks, Paul Clifton-Gaston Allen Lodge #664, Sine, Anna Laura F&AM Third Protestant Memorial Church Cubbison, Robert W. & Jean Endowment Fund Dieckhoner, Craig R. Doric Lodge #172, F&AM $500 - $999 Dresden Lodge #103, F&AM 5th Masonic District Association Duhamel, Jay W. 7th Masonic District Association Farmersville Lodge #482, F&AM 8th Masonic District Association 12th Masonic District Association Felicity Lodge #102, F&AM 13th Masonic District Association Ferris, David S. Fisher, Earl E., Jr. Canton Lodge #60, F&AM Flat Rock Lodge #580, F&AM Fielding Lodge #192, F&AM Gable, Howard E. Grove City Lodge #689, F&AM Galbraith, Jeffery A. Highland Lodge #38, F&AM Garrettsville Lodge #246, F&AM Kelly, Floyd Gist, Ronald Montgomery Lodge #94, F&AM Glaser, John E. & Patricia A. Moriah Lodge #105, F&AM New Carlisle Lodge #100, F&AM H.S. Kissell Lodge #674, F&AM Harding-Concordia Lodge #345, Past Monarch’s Association of F&AM Medinah Grotto $5,000 - $9,999 Davidson, Hannah G. Huser, Donald C. & B. Jane Moss, George K.
Heights-Lion Heart Lodge #633, F&AM Holcomb, J. Robert & Antoinette Hyde Park Lodge #589, F&AM Johnson, Owen E., M.D. & Joyce Karth, Charles E. & Marjorie J. Latham Lodge #154, F&AM Lattanner, C. Rolland & Joy G. Logan Elm Lodge #624, F&AM Losasso, Donald L. & Theda Lynchburg Lodge #178, F&AM Marion Lodge #70, F&AM Mason Lodge #678, F&AM Matthews, James A. Miller, William R. Mt. Olivet Lodge #226, F&AM Mulligan, Edwin F. New Harmony Lodge #435, F&AM New Straitsville Lodge #484, F&AM Nichols, Junior A., U.S.A.F., Ret. & Ursaline J. Ohio State Secretaries Association, F&AM Oliver H. Perry Lodge #341, F&AM Oola Khan Grotto Pomeroy-Racine Lodge #164, F&AM Puskarich, Michael T. & Judy Ricketts, Ronald L. Sabina Lodge #324, F&AM Snyder, Donald L. & Joann Solon Lodge #757, F&AM Steubenville Lodge #45, F&AM Swisher, V. Warren Taubler, Charles Waltz, Jeffrey P. Wauseon Lodge #349, F&AM Whitacre, Jo Ann Willes, Alvin J. & Karen J. Williamson, James M. & Sherry Willoughby Lodge #302, F&AM Xenia Lodge #49, F&AM
May/June 2010
15
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
Getting The Message Out Worshipful Brother Jeffrey P. Waltz, 33°
Worshipful Brother Jeffrey P. Waltz was intrigued by Masonry long before his raising. Now he’s become one of its most vocal advocates as the newest member of The Ohio Masonic Home’s Board of Trustees. Working as an executive for Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati, Brother Waltz noticed several gifts and bequests being made to The Ohio Masonic Home by his trust clients. Though he had never heard of The Home, Jeff was interested why so many people were donating a portion of their assets – wealthy and poor, Masons and non-Masons, and women. “Each donor had a story of how The Ohio Masonic Home touched their life,” said Jeff. Jeff was raised in 1994 at Mariemont Lodge #707, later serving as Worshipful Master and became the first Worshipful Master of Caliburn Lodge #785, chartered in 2002. He is also a member of Syrian Shrine and Royal Arch Masons among other Masonic activities. Last summer, Brother Waltz received the 33°, along with Benevolent Endowment Foundation president Right Worshipful Brother Tim Strawn. Due to his background in philanthropy through trusts and estates, Jeff was asked to join the foundation board in 2008, working
with a joint Masonic Home and foundation investment committee. This sparked his interest in the parent board. He was appointed to the parent board earlier this year. It was a challenging time in the health care arena even before the recent government health care package was passed. Jeff said it will be something for the board members to guide. “We need to position ourselves to be able to respond quickly to the needs of our residents and their families. Our services need to expand beyond the traditional brick and mortar of campuses and provide those services required by an ever aging population. “One of our selling points should be that though care institutions come and go, it should be a comfort to those in need that The Ohio Masonic Home has been in existence since 1895.” Getting the word out to Masons and non-Masons about the many
organizations and forms of help available through The Ohio Masonic Jeff Waltz Home need to be spread across the generations according to Jeff. Board members bring a variety of professional experience. Jeff’s credentials include over 25 years in the banking industry, several years experience on banking committees and knowledge of IRS and tax laws. Several members of Brother Waltz’s family were active Masons in the Cincinnati area. He’s always amazed to see the names of his grandfather and great uncles on brass donor plaques in Founder’s Hall in the Cincinnati Masonic Center. Jeff is a lifelong resident of Cincinnati and father of two daughters. He is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford and earned his MBA from Xavier University. He enjoys softball and golf and helps caddy at local LPGA developmental tour events.
Come to Browning Masonic Community’s Annual Car Show and Family Fun Fest Saturday, July 24 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.