BEAC N The Ohio
Volume 28, Issue 4, Fall 2021
Grand Lodge Officers Installed for 2022 Page 5
The Royal Scofield 3rd Induction Ceremony Page 7
Generous Grant used for Connecting Realities Page 15
Breaking Ground at Western Reserve Masonic Community! Page 13 Page XX
A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO MASONIC HOME AND THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO
IN THIS ISSUE Letter from the CEO . . . . 2 Letter from the GM . . . . . 3 Grand Lodge News . . . . 4 The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation News. . . . . . . . 8 The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center News . . . 10 The Ohio Masonic Home News . . . . . . . . . 12 Western Reserve Community News. . . . . 13 Springfield Masonic Community News . . . . . 14 Browning Masonic Community News . . . . . 15 Florida Reunion. . . . . . . 16 The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio One Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504 614-885-5318 or 800-292-6092 Jim Hall, PM Director of Programs jhall@glohio.com The Ohio Masonic Home Marketing Department 2655 W. National Road Springfield, OH 45504 937-525-5609 OMHmarketing@ ohiomasonichome.org If you would like to receive the Ohio Beacon electronically, send an email with your request to OMHmarketing@ ohiomasonichome.org
A Message
CEO
Dear Brethren, It is my hope that this message finds you all well as we enter the final quarter of 2021. The last 18 months have created some of the most unprecedented challenges we have ever faced. I am happy to report that our Ohio Masonic Home weathered the pandemic very well and we continued to stay focused on the support and care for our Brethren, their families, our community members, and the team of people providing that support. We are proud to share that 2021 marked the 126th anniversary of our Ohio Masonic Home’s opening and our journey to serve Ohio Masons. For 126 years we have maintained that same support and care, and we look forward to the future with enthusiasm! We have remained laser-focused on the future of our Ohio Masonic Home and how best to continue to deliver high quality care and support, in the most efficient and effective ways. As we discussed in our last issue, the trustees of our Ohio Masonic Home and Foundation board members have been very busy working with us on cementing that pathway well into our future. You will see in this issue that we are in the ground on our expansion/ repositioning project at our Western Reserve Masonic Community. We are in the planning stages of repositioning our Springfield Masonic Community to move similar services to a single space and to be able to offer additional service offerings. At our Browning Masonic Community, we are in the process of updating the corridors, dining room, adding a small pub area, and evaluating the market for additional villas on the campus. Additionally, we are doing a great deal of research and outreach in Southeast Ohio. Members of our Foundation and Ohio Masonic Home boards have been working together with the Ohio Masonic Home team to assess the needs of our brethren in Southeast Ohio and how best to provide services in the area. I would like to thank DeAnna Kinney, SE Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator, and Brother Joe Mathews (former Mayor of Marietta) for all of their hard work, time, and dedication in assisting us with our endeavors. We have a great deal of work to accomplish but are well on our way. In closing I wish you all well as we enter the holiday season and hope to see as many of you as possible in our travels in the coming months. Fraternally, Brother Scott Buchanan CEO, The Ohio Masonic Home
ADDRESS CORRECTIONS?
Please update your information via Grandview, or 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 lists. The Ohio Beacon is published quarterly.
from the
Celebrating 25 Years of The Ohio Beacon
It's hard to believe that The Ohio Beacon is now 25 years old. In the winter of 1995, the first issue was published. The Ohio Beacon staff has located the first few issues. Throughout this year, we have posted these archival issues online for you to view. Take a look to reflect upon years past and see some familiar faces.
1. 2. 3. 4.
To view the Fourth issue of The Ohio Beacon
Go to www.theohiobeacon.com At the top of the screen, click Archived Print Editions Scroll down and find the Special Issues heading Click on 4th Issue of The Ohio Beacon
A Message from the Grand Master Brethren All, I’ll start off this message by thanking my family, friends, Lodge, and all the Brethren who have supported my Masonic journey over the past seventeen years. This has truly been the journey of a lifetime! As a businessperson who has had a long career in the corporate world, I look at and evaluate everything that we do through a lens of “how can we do this better?” Our fraternity does many things extremely well – like taking care of our Brethren, working to improve our communities, and providing charitable relief to those in need. So, what are the things on my mind for this year as Grand Master? The primary focus over the coming year is MEMBERSHIP: making new Masons, helping current members realize the benefits of belonging, and welcoming back those who have lost contact with their Lodges. We plan to give our Lodges the flexibility to make new members through expanded options for Grand Master’s Classes and multi-candidate degrees that augment traditional initiations. We are supporting improved member communications. We are improving our prospective member inquiry process. We are providing an improved background check system. We are also promoting closer cooperation with the appendant bodies because data shows a positive correlation to membership retention. In all this, our Lodge, district, and Grand Lodge leaders are a key part of the solution… and I am anxious to hear their views and ideas on how our challenges can be addressed. We need their continued, dedicated focus on making Masons.
efforts to develop, implement, and optimize programs to improve our corporate agility. The pandemic has taught us we need to incorporate contingency planning into our thinking and introduce succession planning at all levels. We must move faster to adapt to the world around us – as the next generations of men will demand an updated and more modern Masonic organization. Brethren, Ohio Masonry is at a fork in the road. Where do you want Ohio Masonry to go? Do YOU want to continue doing what we have been doing? Or do YOU want to make the needed improvements, streamline our processes, optimize our programs — and grow? The choice is yours over the coming year – and the years that follow. In closing, I ask that you Dream Big, Think Big, and Execute Big. My theme for the year is “Reflect on Freemasonry.” REFLECT on where Masonry has been, and more importantly, REFLECT on where and how you want to move this great fraternity into the future. Everyone has a role to play in the success of our fraternity, and I ask you, “What is your role?” Thank you, and God bless you all! Thank you, and God bless you all! Timothy S. Wheeland Grand Master Grand Lodge of Ohio
Your Grand Lodge officers will continue to drive the goals and objectives of our ongoing Grand Lodge long-range planning. We will focus on the integration of technology and processes into the day-to-day operations of the Grand Lodge office, our Blue Lodges, and our appendant bodies. We will also continue our
Find the Excavator
Congratulations to Chuck Keller, of Baltimore Lodge #475 in Baltimore, Ohio, the winner of last edition’s Find the Firework search! There were 4 Fireworks in the last edition. In this edition, we celebrate Hope and Moving Forward. One such symbol is the start of a new expansion project at Western Reserve Masonic Community. Search through this entire edition and count how many times you find the Excavator graphic to the right (do not count the example graphic). Read more about this project on page 13.
Submit the correct answer along with your contact information (name/address/phone) and Lodge affiliation to Ohio Masonic Home, ATTN: OMH Marketing, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, Ohio 45504 or via email at OMHmarketing@ohiomasonichome.org by Friday, December 10, 2021, and be entered to win a prize, courtesy of the Ohio Masonic Home Print Shop! (Your participation serves as permission to include your name and Lodge affiliation in the next edition of the Beacon.) FALL 2021 3
The Grand Lodge of Ohio
A Message
from
The Grand Secretary
Brethren and Friends all, training topics and then moved into a Q&A period. Our Lodge Secretaries even shared a few The Membership Renewal Program is moving along tricks they’ve learned along very well. Members with an email address in Grand the way. Since they were View received their email Renewal Notice mid-August. very popular, we’ll schedule Members not receiving an email notice and any member periodically in 2022. I hope to with an outstanding Dues balance was sent a Notice via see you at the next one scheduled November 30, 2021. 1st Class mail in mid-September. Through the end More than 1,200 Masons converged on the Sharonville of September: Convention Center on October 15, 2021. The ladies • 30% of our membership has already renewed their present enjoyed a great day exploring Cincinnati while annual dues for 2022. the members enjoyed a very nice session, thanks to • 419 of 440 Lodges had members take advantage of the planning, and preparation by MWB Richard A. the Credit Card option in Grand View. Dickerscheid, Lady Teri and their GL2021 Committee. • More than 5,000 members utilized the credit card For those not able to attend in person, the Virtual Link payment option in Grand View. available through your Grand View Member Portal Grand Lodge Member Service Awards for 50yr, 60yr, was popular. 65yr, 70yr and 75yr members were distributed to each In observance of the Holiday Season, the Grand Lodge District at the District Deputy Grand Master training office will be closed on November 25-26 and December session on October 16, 2021. All Lodges will be 27 thru 31, returning to normal office hours on Monday, receiving theirs very soon for Awards Presentations January 3, 2022. before the end of the year. It’s an honor to serve the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The In 2021, Grand Secretary Zoom calls were found to office staff is committed to you so please call on us if we be very helpful for both the office staff and Lodge can be of any assistance. Secretaries. We opened with current events and a few I hope this finds you all enjoying the beautiful changes of Fall.
It’s a Great Day for Freemasonry! Keith W. Newton, PGM, Grand Secretary
The C. Rolland Lattanner Cup On a beautiful Sunday in September, several brothers in the 14th Masonic District traveled to Dublin to visit MWB Rollie Lattanner and have lunch with him, his son, and daughters. We were able to enjoy an excellent lunch and wonderful conversation at his residence. During our visit, we shared with Rollie that beginning in 2020, the annual 14th Masonic District golf outing has been named the C. Rolland Lattanner Cup and we displayed for his blessing the trophy that is presented to the winning team each year. Due to the pandemic and restrictions, we’ve lived under for the past 18 months, MWB Lattanner had not seen the trophy. He was honored and overjoyed to know we had placed his name on our champions trophy. For those interested in challenging our 2020 & 2021 winning team in 2022, (yes, a back-to-back winner) mark your calendars now for Saturday July 9, 2022. The 3rd annual C. Rolland Lattanner Cup will be held at York Golf Club in Worthington. Final details and reservation forms will be released in January 2022, via the Ashlar and district Facebook page. MWB Lattanner and his family appreciated our visit. I received a beautiful thank you card, which began with “Let us be grateful to people who make us happy…” It was a day of great fellowship and brotherhood.
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We are honored to know the Lattanner family and call them friends!
for
2022
The Grand Lodge of Ohio
Grand Lodge Officers Installed The Grand Lodge officers for the 2021-2022 year were elected, appointed, and installed at the Annual Communication in Sharonville, Ohio, on Friday October 15, 2021. They are listed here with their Lodge and home District listed. All Grand Lodge officers are recognized as Right Worshipful Brothers except for the Grand Master and Past Grand Masters.
GRAND LODGE OFFICERS 2021-2022 Grand Master: MWB Timothy S. Wheeland University Lodge No. 631 – 14th District Deputy Grand Master: RWB Steven M. Grindle Toledo-Fort Industry Lodge No. 144 – 11th District Senior Grand Warden: RWB Paul A. Weglage Millennium Lodge No. 779 – 2nd District Junior Grand Warden: RWB William M. (Bill) Carter, III Dover Lodge No. 489 – 22nd District Grand Treasurer: MWB Steven E. Cokonougher Linden Lodge No. 637 – 14th District Grand Secretary: MWB Keith W. Newton Wilmington Lodge No. 52 – 8th District Grand Chaplain: RWB Timothy A. Ward Capital City Lodge No. 656 – 14th District Grand Orator: RWB Shawn Johnson Fielding Lodge No. 192 – 9th District Grand Marshall: RWB Mike McCandlish Lancaster Lodge No. 57 – 13th District Senior Grand Deacon: RWB Wayne A. Fischer Kilwinning Lodge No. 356 – 1st District Junior Grand Deacon: RWB Ward L. Weber II Avery Lodge No. 493 – 14th District Grand Tyler: RWB Greg Brewer Capital City Lodge No. 656 – 14th District
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The Grand Lodge of Ohio
You’ve often heard of sons following in their fathers’ footsteps and becoming Worshipful Masters of the same Lodge as their father. Of course, this is usually years after their father sat in the East. There are even those rare occasions where a son might get to be in the Officer line with their father or ask his father to sit in the East as Chaplain. How often is it that a father & his son get to sit in the East at the same time? Not very often! In 2017 WB Ryan Cresanto was elected to serve Worshipful Master of East Palestine Lodge No. 417. That same year WB Tom Cresanto was elected to serve as Worshipful Master of Negley Lodge No. 565. Thus, making them both Masters of their respective Lodges that are a mere 3.6 miles apart.
“Being Worshipful Master the same year as my father in a neighboring Lodge was not only memorable and historic, but a great privilege!” – WB Ryan Cresanto
WB Tom Cresanto & WB Ryan Cresanto with their Master’s Jewels & Aprons at East Palestine Lodge No. 417’s Installation of Officers.
“I thought it was spectacular that my son was Master in East Palestine the same year I was Master in Negley, I couldn’t have been prouder!” – WB Tom Cresanto
MWB Doug Kaylor, WB Tom Cresanto & WB Ryan Cresanto at Negley Lodge No. 565’s 125th reconsecration.
A Historical Celebration!
On August 19, 2021, the Brethren of Pomeroy-Racine Lodge #164, in the Magnificent 12th District celebrated a very special and historical occasion during the regularly stated meeting. In attendance that evening was Brother Alfred E. Crow. On August 12th, Brother Crow celebrated his 104th birthday. On this day, Brother Crow also received his 65-year pin as a Good and Upright Mason. Prior to opening our Lodge in Master Mason Degree, those in attendance wished Brother Crow a Happy Birthday and celebrated with birthday cake. To assist in this celebration, RW Junior Grand Warden Paul Weglage of the Ohio Grand Lodge was in attendance. Our Lodge was called from Labor to Refreshments, at which time family joined us in the reading of the certificate and the receiving of the 65-year pin. A letter written by Brother Crow to the Lodge was read aloud. The following is quoted from his letter: “I want to thank the members for their celebration of my 65th anniversary as a member……. I am very proud to be a member of an organization which promotes the policies of God and the articles of moral conscience for its guidance……. Following the Christian belief results in the promise of everlasting life after death. It also provides a moral compass for every individual and a reward.” WM John Epple said, "What an honor and a privilege it was to be a part of this historical celebration."
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The Grand Lodge of Ohio
The Royal Scofield 3rd Induction Ceremony The Royal Scofield Society held its 3rd annual Induction Ceremony at Sharonville-Calvary Lodge No. 204 on Thursday October 14th. The 10 members inducted bring the total number of Brothers who have completed all facets of the society better known as “Masters of the Craft” to 32. Unfortunately, we had one Brother who could not attend and will be inducted at a later date. Congratulations to all who have finished their journey putting in copious amounts of time working toward this goal! Aedificate Exemplo (Build By Example)! Inductees 23. Adam C. Newsome – New Carlisle #100 – Masterpiece: Biography of WB William M. Berry 24. Stanley E. Kopp, Sr – Ashland #151 – Masterpiece: Why do Masons Acknowledge a Higher Power? 25. Samuel J. Batten – Ameila #590 – Masterpiece: Construction of Steps for Fellow Craft Lecture (Not Present) 26. George E. Moore – Celina #241 – Masterpiece: “An Empty Chair” – A Masonic Poem 27. Gergory M. Kita – Cleveland #781 – Masterpiece: “Practice What You Preach” – The Working Tools 28. Keith J. Manbeck – Mercer # 121 – Masterpiece: The Acacia: Scientific, Biblical, & Personal Meaning 29. William J. Laseur, Jr. – Emery #258 – Masterpiece: Circumpunct Display Case 30. James B. Parker IV – Wick #481 – Masterpiece: The York Rite Story 31. Ronald A. Mulkey – Russellville #166 – Masterpiece: Army Leadership Principles in the Masonic Lodge 32. Edward E. Paulson – Theodore Breck #714 – Masterpiece: The Formation and Early History of Theodore Breck #714 33. Alfred C. Butler – Alpha #729 – Masterpiece: How My dad Introduced Me to Masonic Principles Through Science Fiction
The Royal Scofield Seal Box I was asked at last year’s meeting of the RSS to make a box since keeping it in a plastic grocery bag seemed to be lacking class. I was initially planning on making a sliding top box for it similar to the one I made for the Goose and Gridiron Lodge for their gavel from walnut. As the time drew near, I remembered having the piece of wood from Rufus Putnam’s house in my stash of special wood from several years ago and thought it would be a nice gesture to include some of it. It was not initially in the plan. I was gifted the wood from Bro. Bill Reynolds of American Union Lodge. He works at the museum that cares for the Rufus Putnam house and had obtained the wood when an addition made to the home later in Rufus’ life was dismantled for a more accurate presentation focusing on the original 4 rooms of the Campus Martius era. I spend about 20 hours crafting that box most of it in the preparation of the inlay, the execution of the dovetail joints, and fitting the lid. I work in the style of the 18th century in that all work was done with hand tools. No power tools were used in the construction of this box from rough lumber to finished product. I have been interested in historical woodworking of small objects for many years and constantly research and reproduce objects from and for museums. I am currently working on a small box made from wood that was a witness to George Washington from his Mount Vernon estate. That tree began growing in 1780 about 50 yards from the house. It blew down in a storm in late 2019. My motivation for this project is to show that everyone has a talent and they should find a way to share their talents for the benefit of their Lodge and the Craft!-RWB Dan Hrinko. FALL 2021
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$5,0 0
$250
The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation
$
0 10
The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation would like to recognize the following individuals, Masonic bodies, foundations, businesses and organizations for their support between July 1 and September 30, 2021.
$10,000
0 $2,50
Circle of Roses
0
$1 ,000
0 $50
Red Rose Douglas & Nanci Allen Charles E. Brister Trust Estate of Lucile F. Dumont Joint Temple Committee of Spencerville Adolph Krams John P. & Jo Ann Mountain Opal Dancey Memorial Foundation The Columbus Foundation US Bank Walter Frank Trust Dallas W. & Helen B. Bowyer Trust
Pink Rose Steve & Lori Petitjean
Vivian H. Schulze Trust
Lavender Rose Bill J. Douglass Estate of Frank Whittenberger Grand Commandery of Ohio, KT Frederick M. Jackson Martin L. Hall Trust Orlando W. Davis Trust Terry W. & Cheryl Posey Dorothy T. & Myron T. Seifert Trust Howard M. Sheeler Trust Peach Rose Angel Funding Consulting LLC Anonymous George D & BJ Arters Trust George & Marilyn Braatz Scott & Katrina Buchanan Dayton Lodge #147, F&AM Timothy Eames Frank & Marguerite Colburn Trust Grand Chapter of Ohio, OES Barbara J. Henz Bessie V. Hosler Trust Clyde R. Huddleston, Sr. Sherilyn L. Moon Betty H. Oberle Trust Pat Rothhaar Scioto Lodge #6, F&AM Anna Laura Sine Trust Valley of Cambridge, AASR Gary E. Watters York Lodge #563, F&AM William H. & Virginia Zimmer Orange Rose 17th District RAM Association Anonymous Arbor Rehabilitation & Healthcare Services, Inc. Greg Bowlus Ronald & Elaine Connelly Thomas W. & Cathy Cordas Cornerstone Psychological Isaac & Heather Demarest Facebook Fundraisers Farmersville Lodge #482, F&AM Thomas S. Fisher Kenneth Holroyd JMM Architects Russell W. Klingler David & Virginia Lewis Charitable Fund James C. Llewellyn George E. Moore Neoacacia Lodge #595, F&AM Gary L. & Shirley Nicholson Nathan Pelfrey Harold George Shrive Trust Sunrise Lodge #783, F&AM University Heights Lodge #738, F&AM Tim S. Wheeland Robert E. White Estate Gary B. & Pam Williams Randy & Debra Williams Frank R. Williams Trust Yellow Rose American Union Lodge #1, F&AM S. Douglas Ballantyne Janice Billing David & Susan Black Charles & Ethel Briggs David & Mary Ann Collins Coventry-Akron Lodge #83, F&AM Delhi Hills Lodge #775, F&AM Emery Lodge #258, F&AM Stanley Evans Fulton Lodge #248, F&AM Golden Gate Lodge #245, F&AM Richard Herr, DO Chris Larsen Magnolia Lodge #20, F&AM Mason Lodge #678, F&AM Michael L. Finnell Lodge #711, F&AM Paul W. Miller Donald E. Muncy Bruce A. Neal Robert E. Olsson Jesse Pertee Frank & Amy Petrie Quarry Lodge #382, F&AM Robinson Locke Lodge #659, F&AM Your commitment to The Ohio Masonic William A. Rose Thomas R. Schuck Harold & Josephine Shank Trust St. Andrews Lodge #619, F&AM Home Foundation makes this possible. David G. & Joyce Subleski Tiffin Lodge #77, F&AM Kevin & Pam Todd Tuscarawas Lodge #59, F&AM Julia Valentine Weyer Lodge #541, F&AM JoAnn Whitacre Estate Wilmington Lodge #52, F&AM To the HUNDREDS of White Rose donors, THANK YOU! There were simply too many to list!
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We wish to thank everyone for their continued support!
The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation hosted the second annual Rose Society Masquerade Ball and Weekend at the Westin Great Southern Hotel in Columbus, Ohio. The weekend began with a reception to meet the incoming Duke and Duchess of The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Rose Society, Terry and Cheryl Posey. The kilts worn by Terry Posey soon-to-be Duke of the Rose Society; Scott Buchanan, CEO of The Ohio Masonic Home; Steve Petitjean, Executive Director of The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation and Rob Hanrahan reigning Duke of the Rose Society were the talk of the evening. Cameras were flashing! Saturday’s activities included tours of the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and the Columbus
Museum of Art, followed by the Rose Society Masquerade Ball. During the ball, Terry and Cheryl Posey were crowned the Duke and Duchess of The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Rose Society. The Duke and Duchess opened the dance floor with the first dance. We are very touched by the generosity displayed for this event and are very thankful for the support we have received. We wish to thank our sponsors, especially naming sponsor – US Bank; and presenting sponsor – Baile Senior Development. This year’s proceeds benefit the community members in skilled nursing at the Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio.
A Beautiful Piece of History
When parents bring a child into the world, they have dreams of what their child’s life might be like. Sometimes life changes and those dreams can’t become reality. Even as early as the late 1890’s, families needed help caring for their children. The Ohio Masonic Home (OMH) began as a refuge for the children of Masons. In 1897, the first applications were received for 42 children. The first children to call The Ohio Masonic Home, “their home” were Nellie and Nina Shaffer. They arrived on April 20, 1897. More than 750 children were reared at the Home, but as time marched on, OMH made needed changes to continue to take care of widows and children of Masons. Story after story is documented of those who called The Ohio Masonic Home “their home.” As the demand for senior living homes increased, OMH evolved their services to assist adults. By 1956 the remaining five minors left the Home. A special piece of history, is the marriages that came from children who grew up together, fell in love and became husband and wife. Other children came full circle, starting and then choosing to live the later years of their lives at The Ohio Masonic Home. A monument depicting the early years in OMH history has a special place on the campus and in people’s hearts. A plaque near the foot of the monument expresses the values of Masons past and present. “The devotion to these young lives embodies the high ideals of Freemasonry.” Dick Snow spoke at Grand Chapter in early October sharing some memories of the days when children walked the halls and called OMH “their home.” He remembers people such as Jim Zeigler, Warren Swisher and Paul Dunaway as well as the marriage of Richard McKeever to Doreen Reed. A special memory has stayed with Dick throughout his life, the prayer that was said by the children before every meal. Our kind and Heavenly Father, From whom we all are fed. Thanks today for our home and friends, And thanks for our daily bread. All we eat and drink and wear, Proves our Heavenly Father’s care. Amen.
The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation
Rose Society Masquerade Ball and Weekend
Resource Center
e p s o y e H for thHolida
The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center each year plans events and/or outreach geared towards fostering ongoing Independence and advancing social connections. The holiday season for some can be a very joyous time filled with gifts, family, and joy; however, depending on individual situations, and various family dynamics this may also be the exact opposite outcome. As a result, the Resource Center has created a tradition of holiday outreach. What does holiday outreach include? In addition to phone calls completed for advancing socialization and wellness, care packages can also be sent at this time. This year we will continue that tradition throughout our campuses, and out in the community, to spread joy and family promoting togetherness. If you could benefit from a phone call or a holiday package, please call us. These can even include a prepared holiday meal for those that are in need. We also have COVID Care packages (pictured right) if you or someone you know has tested positive for COVID and needs help. COVID Care Packages can include a gift card to a local pharmacy to help with your at-home management, chicken noodle soup, crackers, Gatorade and tea bags. You can request contactless delivery.
If you would like more information and/or to sign up for our holiday outreach program, or if you are in need of a COVID Care Package, contact us at 877-881-1623. We are here to assist our campuses and the communities we serve all across Ohio.
2021 Ohio Masonic Home Scholarships Awards
The Ohio Masonic Home Scholarship Program was established in 2002 with a gift which was dedicated to provide for a perpetual student scholarship program which provides financial aid to students who are themselves Masons, or the children and grandchildren of Ohio Freemasons. In the last thirteen years, our program has received a total of 1005 qualified applicants and has awarded 246 scholarships which have enabled students to attend college and help to defray the costs of higher education. This year, we received a total of 33 applications and we were able to award a total of 12 scholarships. These winners represent all areas of the state and are currently or will be attending 10 different colleges and universities with a wide variety of degree programs. The 2021 awardees included (pictured left, in order by row): Lynette Camerlin, Kaleb DeWitt, Paige Heffke, Riki Kaiser, Ruth Kaiser, Cade Meade, Seth Meade, Camerynn Ratliff, Charles Zugaro, Brady Jeffcott & Joseph Jeffcott,
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Congratulations to all of the recipients! The application for the 2022 Ohio Masonic Home Scholarship will be posted on the Ohio Masonic Home website (www.ohiomasonichome.org) in January 2022.
WHY W
e
Do It.
Please enjoy this pictorial of just a few examples of the good works and smiling faces of The OMH Resource Center and their army of volunteers.
Resource Center
8th Masonic ) and Yellow Springs Lodge/ ove (Ab t tric Dis ic son Ma The 25th of ramps to aide mental in the construction District (below) were instru d. rs in nee the accessibility of Brothe WRMC Commun ity Member, Jim Zemancik, ho lds his PERS device that The Re source Center helped to acquire.
24th Masonic Dist rict Volunteer Comm ittee.
Raquel Brown an d DeAnna Kinney greet Grand Sess ion visitors to spread the word!
Masonic Voluntee r Program Comm ittee members, Bev G allaher, from the 18th District, and Lind a DeBolt, from th e 23rd District, he lping out at our O MH Resource Center booth at the Gra nd Lodge session.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with a health or safety need, contact us at 877-881-1623. We have programs that can help!
Call toll-free 1-877-881-1623 or visit www.omhresourcecenter.org
Samantha Loy
Director, OMH Resource Center & NE Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator (937) 504-4407
Raquel Brown, RN
NW Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator & Masonic Youth Outreach Program Coordinator (419) 260-0855
Bobbi Schickler, CSA
Certified Senior Advisor® SW Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator & Masonic Bereavement Program Coordinator (513) 567-1100
DeAnna Kinney, LSW
SE Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator & Masonic Volunteer Program Coordinator (740) 262-1974
Dan Shirk
Central Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator (937) 926-4305
Bobbi & DeAnna will temporarily be serving the Southern Ohio Area.
Millie McNeal
Financial Assistance Coordinator (937) 525-3005
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The Ohio Masonic Home
Looking Back & Looking Ahead These last 12 months have been challenging for so many community members across all three campuses. Even though there have been times when everyone was wondering when will it end, all three communities kept moving forward to provide the best experiences for their community members. Staff became family when visitations were restricted. Everybody pitched in to make each day the best it could possibly be.
members smiling while the staff made their lives a bit easier.
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Are you still feeling thankful? The answer is a resounding yes! Ask community members across our campuses what they are thankful for and you will hear a variety of thoughts. You can hear ideas such as a caring staff, our chaplain, good food that was delivered to our rooms when we couldn’t dine in groups and of course the vaccine clinics. Others will tell you about activities that have resumed such as the July 4th fireworks or off campus lunches and other outings. Let’s not forget the animal visits that make everyone smile. You can’t feel sad or depressed when petting your favorite animal. The lists of things to be thankful for are endless.
There are many stories to be told, and one of the best stories is our staff members looking at our community members as their “grandparents” or “their adopted mom.” That is truly something to be thankful for.
The OMH staff members have their own list of things they are thankful for. Just ask a WRMC staff member and she’ll tell you about spending time talking with a 106 year old community member. She was thankful to be able to listen to her stories as well as what life was like when she was our age. You will hear others talk about how they enjoy helping and caring for our community members. You could see community
As 2021 is coming to a close, it's time to look back to all what life thrust upon each of us in the last twelve months. Staff and community members are thankful that they had each other to lean on. Now let’s look forward to 2022 and see what it holds in store for us. Let’s make the New Year the perfect time to make new memories and do our best to live each day to the fullest.
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Another example includes a staff and community member. Moving from your lifelong home isn’t easy and often new community members feel homesick. A staff member spent time trying to find a cure for homesickness. The best cure was simply letting the new community member know that she was welcome and part of the OMH family.
Breaking Ground at Western Reserve Masonic Community!
Western Reserve Masonic Community
Tuesday, September 28th was a momentous day at Western Reserve Masonic Community (WRMC). Jason French, WRMC President and other leaders held a ground breaking! The construction project will include an additional 56 independent living apartments with private patios and balconies. This construction project will also include a 50 bed dual certified nursing center with a separate entrance and a new physical/occupational therapy area. As you enter, you will be greeted by a beautiful great room lobby. There will be multiple dining venues to include a bistro and a formal dining room. You will also have the use of a wellness/fitness area and a multi-purpose room to help keep you active. Your car will be kept out of the weather with spacious underground parking. Enjoy following our construction progress! These projects will position Western Reserve Masonic Community as the premier senior living community in Medina, Ohio.
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Dreams Take Flight at Springfield Masonic Community
Off they go into the wild blue yonder…
Springfield Masonic Community
On August 11th, 2021 the Ohio Masonic Home, in partnership with Dream Flights, paid a high honor to several World War II veterans by offering them rides in a restored 1941 Stearman biplane, at Grimes Field in Urbana, Ohio. You could say it was a sky high honor. Dream Flights is a non-profit organization established and dedicated to seniors and United States military veterans. These veterans from all across the country, living in senior living facilities were offered the opportunity to soar like an eagle. This day was a special day to honor each one of them. Springfield Masonic Community veterans had the chance to fly, as well as several from Sidney, Ohio. They ranged in age from 95 to 101 years old. Family and friends came to see these men take their special flights. Some of the veterans had as many as four generations of family enjoying this adventure. Darryl Fisher, the founder of Dream Flights, gave these veterans the unique opportunity as part of Operation September Freedom. He says, “When they’re up in the clouds, their wartime memories come flooding back. It seems to pale in comparison to the gift they gave us in terms of freedom, but it’s what we can do, so we love to do it. It’s very emotional. I get teared up when they start telling stories, and I see the joy on their face. It’s a very powerful experience.”
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Generous Grant
used for
CONNECTING REALITIES Browning Masonic Community (BMC) received an $8,000 grant from Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Through the generous gifts of its members, Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church of Waterville, Ohio, is pleased to offer grants for mission purposes beyond Zion and its congregation. Zion’s Endowment Committee administers the fund through an application process. In 2021, BMC began “Connecting Realities,” a new approach and way of life at Pathways Memory Care Center. This multidimensional approach to care and services leads to a satisfying quality of life for our community members. They engage in meaningful programs, such as hobbies and social activities, that connect with events of the past. Health-related empowerment, confidence and purpose in life are also promoted. This approach has been used on another Ohio Masonic Home community with excellent success.
Browning Masonic Community
Connecting Realities is a person-centered approach that focuses on the abilities, needs, interests and strengths of elders with dementia in a supportive environment. It can identify where the person with Alzheimer’s is “living” at that moment and help them to become better engaged with those around them, including staff and family, and lead to a better quality of life. The approach features “life stations” throughout Pathways which support individuals by placing needed memory, visual, auditory, tactile and olfactory cues in the environment. All this provides useful cues and allows for attention to activities that are personally relevant to the community members. These life stations will include the Men’s Workshop, Music & Art Room, Exercise Room, Laundry Station, Office Area, Reading Nook and a Flower Station. The proof of the success using Connecting Realities comes from testimonials shared by family members:
We have an example of a community member who was non-verbal and did not interact well with others. His visits with his daughter were very strained. She felt that she was talking at him and would sit and stare at him in silence until the visit was over. They were both present but not connecting. Staff then spoke with the daughter and suggested that on her next visit to try something different. The staff provided her with a sensory bin that had magnetic connecting building tiles. The tiles were dumped out on the table and the daughter started to play with them. Before long her dad joined in and was smiling, laughing, and interacting better than any of their recent visits. The daughter came to staff after the visit with tears in her eyes and stated, “I felt like I was able to connect with my dad again even though we didn’t talk.” A community member has a background of being a school teacher who was also a driver’s education instructor. The staff was aware of his background. When going on an outing the community member was placed behind the driver. During the trip he started critiquing the driver and gave pointers on the do’s and don’ts of driving. At the end of the ride the staff member went to help him off of the bus when he informed her that she received a B for her driving performance. She then listened to his suggestions and let him know that she will work on it before they drive together again. Browning Masonic Community is thankful to have received this generous grant. It will be put to good use to support those that reside in Pathways Memory Care Center on the BMC campus more many years to come. FALL 2021
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BEAC N The Ohio
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID OH Masonic Home
2655 W. National Rd. Springfield, OH 45504-3698 www.theohiobeacon.com
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2022 Florida R eception Scott Buchanan, CEO of The Ohio Masonic Home, cordially requests your company at any or all of the Ohio Grand Master luncheon receptions. Monday, January 17, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. Sarasota/Bradenton: Peridia Golf & Country Club 4950 Peridia Blvd. E., Bradenton, FL 34203 Host: George Braatz
Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. Bonita Springs: Artichoke & Company 11920 Saradrienne Ln., Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Host: Steve Krekus
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at 12:00 p.m. Lady Lake: La Hacienda Regional Recreation Center 1200 Avenida Central, Lady Lake, FL 32162 Host: Jerry Hatton Cost is $10 per person/per luncheon. For reservations, please call 937-525-3012. Please make reservations prior to Friday, December 31, 2021. Please make checks payable to The Ohio Masonic Home and mail to: The Ohio Masonic Home, ATTN: Wendy Hensley, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45504
Join us for news and award presentations by Scott Buchanan and Timothy Wheeland, Grand Master of Ohio.
