2022 Beacon - Fall

IN THIS ISSUE

Letter from the CEO ... 2

Letter from the GM .... 3

Grand Lodge News . . . . 4

Dream Flights Poster .... 8

The Ohio Masonic Home Dream Flights Stories ... 10

The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation News...... 12

The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center News 14

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

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.

A MessAge froM the Ceo

Dear Brethren,

It’s hard to believe we’re already preparing for the end of 2022 and making plans for 2023. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished at The Ohio Masonic Home this year and the care and support we’ve continued to provide to our community members and fellow Masons.

In August, LeadingAge Ohio presented us with the Excellence in Innovation Award, recognizing our innovation through the implementation of a practice or activity which contributes significantly to the quality of life of the individuals served. While it’s an honor to receive this award and be recognized for our work, our focus is, and always has been, on our community members and staff. The investments we make in technology and infrastructure are with them in mind. That’s what sets us apart from other senior living communities.

The first part of the new healthcare center is finally ready to open at Western Reserve Masonic Community. This phase features 32 skilled nursing beds and another 18 will be added in 2023. Community members living in the old healthcare center all got to choose their room in the new building. The private rooms are larger than before, and more representative of the care we’re known for providing. Every room even has a view. One of the key differentiators that will set us apart from our competitors is Med Mizer beds in each room. These beds allow our community members to ambulate more easily. We are the only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Ohio who is using the beds, but they make care easier for our staff and improve the quality of life of the community members. The ribbon cutting is scheduled for November 16 and, if all goes according to plan, our current skilled nursing community members will spend Thanksgiving in the new building.

Memory care is another area where we’re ahead of the curve using technology; our progressive approaches are why we’re an employer and provider of choice. Embodied Labs is a virtual reality (VR) training offering a firsthand view of what it’s like for the community members with dementia they’re caring for. We’ve been using this training for six years now and we’re still the only CCRC in Ohio using it – but it makes a huge difference in the quality of care our staff provides.

New this year, we’ve started using robotic pets in our memory care programming. The companion pets provide comfort to community members and reduce the feelings of isolation they experience. The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation has been instrumental in bringing this project to life. You can learn more about the pets and the foundation’s Giving Tuesday campaign at: ohiomasonichomefoundation.org/Tuesday.

As always there’s a lot going on, but I’m optimistic about what the future holds for The Ohio Masonic Home and our Fraternity.

Fraternally, Brother Scott Buchanan CEO, The Ohio Masonic Home

Hello Brethren!

To the Brethren of Ohio -- thank you! I am truly honored to be elected and installed as your Grand Master. I am looking forward to the coming year. This year I am asking our Brethren and Lodges to focus on our Fraternal relations with my theme of “Building Brotherhood.” Building Brotherhood is more than just making Masons; it is about making connections with our Brethren, getting our Brethren back into our Lodges and making our Lodge experience one that will make our Brethren want to come back and be involved.

There are several initiatives that I have planned for this year. Some of you are already hard at work preparing your Lodges for one of them- the statewide Open House event on April 22, 2023. The key to the success of any event is planning and getting the word out. Each Lodge should have formed a planning committee and have some preliminary plans. The Grand Lodge has plans to advertise the event, but each Lodge can advertise locally. There is much to be done and I encourage all of the Brethren to get involved with the Open House in some manner. Perhaps you could help clean up the Lodge, maybe you are a Facebook user and you can help promote your open house, or volunteer to be present the day of the event to welcome the public and answer questions. Keep up the good work and help make the Open House an event the public will want to attend and learn about our Lodges.

This year Lady Jane Anne and I have chosen to support our Ohio Masonic Youth Groups. We believe that Charity begins at home and our youth are our future. We are asking the Masons and Ladies of Ohio to help in various ways. Through your financial support, you can:

• Defray the costs for new members to join and participate in events

Find the Propeller!

Congratulations to Jon Schneider of Lancaster Lodge #57 in Lancaster, Ohio, the winner of last edition’s Find the Paw search! Contact the OMH Print Shop at 937-525-4939 or info@omhprintshop.com to claim your prize! There were 4 Paws in the last edition. In this issue, we celebrate Dream Flights. Community members from all three of The Ohio Masonic Home campuses who are veterans were treated to rides in an authentic Stearman biplane (see pages 9-12). Search through this entire edition and count how many times you find the Propeller graphic to the right (do not count the example graphic).

• Help with the cost of clothing to meet the dress codes

• Assist with the costs of insurance for the Chapters, Bethels, and Assemblies

• Provide assistance with the cost of attending State and Regional Conferences

The youth groups are asking that we provide awareness of the youth groups, volunteer as adult leaders to serve in leadership roles, and include the members of the Masonic Youth Groups in Lodge activities. Perhaps a Lodge could invite the youth to a social event, a community service project, or just ask them to come to a dinner and get to know them. Remember, the youth are our future and where future members will come from.

Jane Anne and I are looking forward to supporting our Ohio Masonic Youth Groups and we hope you will too. Please visit the Grand Lodge website to donate or make your check payable to the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation with a notation on the check for the “2023 First Ladies Charity."

As we approach the holidays, Jane Anne and I would like to wish all of you the happiest of holiday seasons. May your homes be filled with love and you enjoy time with your family and friends.

Fraternally, Steven M Grindle Grand Master Grand Lodge of Ohio

Submit the correct answer along with your contact information (name/address/phone) and Lodge affiliation to The Ohio Masonic Home, ATTN: OMH Marketing, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, Ohio 45504 or via email at OMHmarketing@ohiomasonichome.org by Friday, December 23, 2022, 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.)

Brethren and Friends all,

I hope this finds you and your families doing well as we count our blessings and give thanks.

The 213th Annual Communication is in the books. The excitement was everywhere as 1,100 Brethren and visitors converged on Columbus, Ohio on October 28, 2022. A special thank you to the 14th District Communication committee and the Grand Lodge office staff for a job well done. It was great to see our Brethren together, enjoying time to fellowship with friends old and new, as we refreshed ourselves for the beginning of a new Masonic year. Be sure to attend your next stated meeting to learn about the legislation voting results as you build Brotherhood in your Lodge.

The Membership Renewal Program is progressing very well. Emails and first-class mailings have been sent to all members resulting in more than 67% already in good standing for 2023. Make sure your membership dues are renewed by the November annual meeting and support your Lodge officers at their upcoming installation for the coming year.

Grand Lodge Member Service Awards for 50, 60, 65, 70, and 75 year members were distributed to each District at the District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) training session on October 29, 2022. See your DDGM to get your service awards for presentation before the end of the year.

This past year, Grand Secretary Zoom calls were found to be very helpful for both the office staff and Lodge Secretaries. We open with current events and training topics and conclude with a Q&A period. Our Lodge Secretaries even share a few tricks they’ve learned along the way. You can join the next bi-monthly Zoom meeting on Tuesday, November 29th. They are scheduled at 10:00am and 7:00pm on the last Tuesday of every other month. All Secretaries receive the Zoom link invitation via email prior to the event. I hope to see you there.

In observance of the holiday season, the Grand Lodge office will be closed November 24-25 for Thanksgiving and December 26-30 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s, returning to normal office hours on Monday, January 2, 2023.

It’s an honor to serve the Grand Lodge of Ohio. Gayle, Darlene, Julia, Jim, Doug, and I are committed to our members so please call on us if we can be of any assistance.

It’s a Great Day for Freemasonry!

Keith W. Newton, PGM, Grand Secretary

Zack Jacobs, Past Master of Tippecanoe Lodge #174 is making a big impact in his community through charitable giving.

Zack is the owner of a family-run State Farm office on Main Street in Tipp City. He was nominated as a Dayton Daily News Community Gem by Susie Gray of the Tipp City area.

He has stopped budgeting money from his business for marketing, which he didn’t feel he was getting a big return on. He’s since used it in a more charitabledriven budget. The thought was that people will see a small business rolling up their sleeves, donating time and money to the community. That might also attract customers and influence other businesses to do the same.

He posts information on the business Facebook page about the organizations they are working with at the moment. In spotlighting these nonprofits, he can shine a light on what they are doing and hopefully move other local organizations to follow suit.

The organizations Jacobs has worked with include Shoes 4 the Shoeless, Project Believe for foster kids living in residential facilities, Downtown Tipp City Partnership, United Way, Tipp Monroe Community Services, students at Tippecanoe High School with

financial literacy programs, and many more! Zack also reached out, along with colleagues, to those in the region who were affected by the 2019 Memorial Day tornado outbreak. He was on the ground within 12 hours of the storm, making sure people were taken care of. During this time, he also reached out to his colleagues to determine how he could help the rebuilding and support the local community.

“The focus of the giving changes on a regular basis. I try to look at what’s important to the community and step in to fill a need as needed,” Jacobs said. He also tries to donate blood on a regular basis and volunteers at Graham School District, where he grew up. He has also donated to and volunteered for the Miami County Abuse Shelter, Springfield City Youth Mission, and Pink Ribbon Girls.

Susie Gray wrote, “He has demonstrated a quiet philanthropy through the Dayton region. This includes not only giving of funds to support local charitable endeavors, but also an extraordinary amount of personal time to various charitable and nonprofit organizations throughout his Tipp City community and our Dayton region.”

tipp City Brother helps CoMMunity through philAnthropy And volunteering

MAKING a DIFFERENCE in the COMMUNITY

Cortland Lodge #529 is raising the bar to a whole new level when it comes to community involvement.

Since 2019, Cortland Lodge has held a fundraising breakfast on the first Saturday of every month. The thought of a fundraising breakfast is not earth shattering, but how they get the community involved is. They team up with a different local nonprofit organization each month, inviting them to attend and help if they’d like. The money they earn from the breakfast is then donated to the organization! This gets more community involvement, and at the same time promotes Freemasonry in the Cortland community, by working together with other organizations. Here are some of the organizations Cortland Lodge has teamed up with: many different Boy Scout packs, Cortland Little Bulldogs, Rainbow Girls, Cortland Garden Club, M.S. Soldiers, and TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return). As of January 2022, Cortland Lodge has raised over $13,000 for these local organizations.

Cortland Lodge also holds a blood drive in tandem with the Red Cross every other month – and has been doing so for the past 20 years!

Finally, Cortland Lodge spearheaded fundraising events that raised more than $165,000 to build a Veteran’s Memorial in the center of Cortland. The opening of the memorial was attended by many Brothers, Boy Scouts, community members, and veterans, with news coverage from across the area! The memorial was officially opened on Sunday, May 30th, 2021. Cortland Lodge also actively participates in the Memorial Day and Veterans Day events held at the memorial.

The beauty of what Cortland Lodge is doing is serving multiple purposes. They are raising funds for wonderful organizations across the city to help them continue their good services. They are also working in tandem with these organizations to broaden the amount of people they can serve and help. Lastly, they are showing the community of Cortland what the tenets of Freemasonry are all about.

Have you completed your Masonic Moonlight Journey? Have you ever heard of the Masonic Moonlight Journey?

In days of old, when streetlights were few and headlights had not yet been invented, many rural Lodges met according to the light of the moon so that members traveling at night could safely see their way home.

Twelve Lodges still hold the lunar tradition of meeting by the light of the moon! This is your opportunity to visit them.

Several years ago, the Grand Lodge office began issuing the Masonic Moonlight Journey Certificate. The premise is to encourage Brothers to travel all across the state of Ohio visiting these

wonderful Lodges that hold true to this lunar tradition. Once you’ve visited a Lodge, the Secretary affixes their Lodge seal and date of your visit on the certificate. This repeats until you’ve visited all twelve of the Lodges.

The miles are many and the hours are long to complete this journey. When you’re finished, the Brothers you’ve met and the places you’ve seen make it well worth it!

Here are the full moon dates for 2023: January 6th, February 5th, March 7th, April 6th, May 5th, June 3rd, July 3rd, August 1st, August 30th, September 29th, October 28th, November 27th, and December 26th.

MUSIC IS MAGIC – USE IT!

By George E. Moore, P.M, R.S.S. of Celina Lodge #241

As a newly raised Master Mason in 2003, I had the benefit of learning the Blue Lodge “Examinations." I learned from the very well-traveled and Masonically-educated Brother W.B. William C. Adams. He earned many Masonic titles in his life –including being knighted as a Knight of the York Cross of Honour.

During our many hours together at his kitchen table in my Masonic infancy, he shared many valuable bits of wisdom with me. He stressed that everything we do as Masons during our degree work is for the candidate. When he mentioned this, he would often chuckle and add, “That man paid good money for that Degree.”

As Freemasons, we are gifted with a very unique opportunity, throughout our Fraternity, which separates us from all other groups and organizations fiercely competing for the modern man’s precious time.

Our ritual work is comprised of thousands of beautiful small experiences which combine for an unforgettable overall experience. If done well, it can encourage the candidate to make a lifelong commitment to our fraternity. Sometimes this extends to creating multiple generations of Masons, as well.

Unfortunately, some of these beautiful small experiences in our rituals are overlooked by modern Masons for one reason or another. This includes the overlooking of music as part of the Masonic experience.

Think about the power of music in one’s own life. A song can instantly set the mood for a moment, take a person on a trip down memory lane, and even touch the most tender chords of human existence.

Now, think of how powerful music can be in our Masonic rituals and how much it can add to the candidate’s experience. Read through the rituals all

across Freemasonry – music is in there for a reason. Think about how different the Third Degree would be without “Pleyel’s Hymn” being sung at the graveside. Playing a funeral dirge on the march to the grave site, such as Chopin’s “Funeral March”, adds even more to the somber tone of that occasion. Even something as simple as adding quiet background organ music during the circumambulations of a candidate can change the whole ‘tone’ of that portion of the ritual work – pardon the pun.

Many Grand Bodies, in various jurisdictions all across Freemasonry, have music resources available. Sometimes it’s in the form of pre-recorded music but they could possibly even be able to connect you with a Masonic musician who could assist in the performance of the ritual. These Grand Bodies also often permit the use of optional music and songs during ritual work in addition to that which is found in the ritual itself. This is subject to each Grand Body’s laws, rules, and regulations, which must be strictly adhered to at all times.

If you are a member of a Masonic Body that is not fortunate enough to have any musical resources or musicians available do not despair. The internet offers many music options which can meet your Masonic music needs. Virtually any song you would like to use can be found online and downloaded either for free (if in the public domain) or for a small fee. The music can be put into a playlist to be played during the Degree work. If you are unsure how to do this, ask around your Masonic circles. See if there is a Brother who is tech-savvy that can help put it together and provide instruction or perhaps they have a child or grandchild that can help.

In the last few years, I have made it a “Masonic Mission” to make sure that music is a part of Degree work where appropriate. I have been told by many Brothers, Companions, and Sir Knights that the appropriate and timely use of music really enhances the Masonic experience for everyone, particularly the candidate, which should always be our focus.

"...think of how powerful music can be in our Masonic rituals"

T he o hio M asonic h

dream fLigHtS makeS tHe Sky tHe Limit for veteranS

Veteran’s Day has recently come and gone and at The Ohio Masonic Home we are proud to recognize and honor our veterans. Earlier this summer all three campuses in Medina, Springfield, and Waterville, Ohio provided an opportunity for their veterans unlike anything they had ever done before. They went flying! What made the experience even more special was the unique plane they got to fly in.

Dream Flights is a non-profit organization dedicated to honoring seniors who are veterans by giving them the ride of their life. Through donors, community support, and volunteers, veterans are given flights in an open cockpit Boeing Stearman biplane. This is the same aircraft that was used to train many military aviators in the late thirties and early forties, and were particularly important during World War II.

Founded in 2011 by Darryl and Carol Fisher and the Fisher family, their love for seniors and the aviation

world inspired Dream Flights. Generations of family and friends, and members of the community, come together to celebrate the achievements and sacrifices made by our seniors. Just over 5,500 veterans have enjoyed these flights – free of charge – over the last decade.

Spread over three sunny August days, more than 20 veterans –both men and women – took to the sky. The light breeze made these days perfect for flying in an open cockpit plane. The 20 minute flights were enjoyed by veterans representing the United States Air Force, Army, and Navy. Spouses, as well as children and grandchildren, celebrated this special day with their beloved veterans. Plans are already under way for The Ohio Masonic Home’s 2023 Dream Flights.

“Today was a great day. A bunch of people that I never knew before have gone through a lot of trouble to do something for some of us veterans and it’s great. We need more people in the world that are willing to help other people out. It’s kind of indicative of what you find in the Masonic Fraternity and The Ohio Masonic Home.”

Brother Nick Stroh | 33rd degree, Past District Deputy Grand Master – District 11, Valley of Toledo Navy Petty Officer Second Class, 1960-1963 | Resident, Browning Masonic Community

Honoring a Legacy of Service and Sacrifice

The year was 1951 and Rowena Lindh decided to join the United States Navy. One year after the Korean War began, Rowena was just a teenager when she enlisted. When asked what motivated her to join the service, she shares that she wanted to have her education paid for and see the world.

After completing basic training and technical school, Rowena became an Aviation Electronics Technician. Her job? “I used the radar equipment in a training room…to teach pilots and crewmen how to hunt for submarines,” she shares. In 1954, she even appeared on the cover of “The Navy Guide,” a weekly informational pamphlet. It was nearly 60 years after her time in the Navy before women were allowed to serve on the submarines she trained service members to detect.

You could say the military became a family affair for Rowena. Her late husband, Brother Leonard Lindh, was a U.S. Marine during World War II – nearly 20 years before the two met and were married. Years later, their oldest son Jerry attended the Air Force Academy and became a pilot. In 1992, problems with his aircraft led to Jerry paying the ultimate price, saving many civilians with his sacrifice. The memory of her son inspired Rowena to participate in Dream Flights. She shares, “I imagine he would like for me to go on it, and that’s partly why I am going because I know he would think I was silly to miss the opportunity.”

At 90 years old, Rowena went on the flight of her life with Pilot Darryl Fisher. After 20 minutes flying over Medina and her home at Western Reserve Masonic Community, she landed beaming, with a smile from ear-toear. She chuckles as she shares, “I had a good time. It’s a big place, this world.”

“It’s an experience that I’ve been waiting a long time for. Since I was 10 years old. I can’t stop smiling. It was wonderful – just great.”

Dom

Pica

| Navy Aerographer, 1952-1960 Resident, Western Reserve Masonic Community

dreamer

Brother Jim Lehnert spent his early years growing up in Toledo, Ohio. In 1951 he decided to enlist in the United States Air Force where he served four years – from 1951-1955. Serving during the Korean War, his tour of duty took him to Japan and Korea.

Airman Lehnert was a paramedic and worked in air evacuation. He was assigned to a KC-97 Stratofreighter – a four-engine, piston-powered tanker aircraft. He frequently moved injured troops by helicopter as well. Military EMTs, like Jim, provide emergency medical treatment, limited primary care, health protection, and evacuation in a variety of operational and clinical settings – from point of injury or illness through the continuum of military healthcare.

As you can imagine, being a paramedic in combat is a very challenging job with a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute you’re saving a life and the next minute you’re faced with the fact that you can’t save every life. Jim saw hundreds of young troops with missing limbs as he carried and cared for the wounded and dead. These memories have stayed with Jim, the way they stay with our veterans for a lifetime.

Now, nearly 70 years later, Jim got back in a military aircraft in August 2022. This time, no paramedic duties were required as he went on his 20 minute flight with Pilot Darryl Fisher. At 89, with a scooter to help him get around, Jim was concerned that he might have difficulty getting in the plane. “It’s alright if you can’t get me in the plane. Don’t worry, I’ll understand,” he consoled the pilot and crew. Before he knew it, Jim was sitting in the plane and soaring over Bowling Green, Ohio, just 22 miles from where he grew up and 13 miles from his home at Browning Masonic Community. For Jim, Dream Flights was his dream come true.

“To actually be here and feel like you’re really being honored for what you did – that’s huge. It made me really happy. I want to go back and get my private pilot’s license.”

a m irac L e and t wo unforgettab L e day S

In August 1965 Bruce Gardner married the love of his life, Betty Jane. Excited to be married and still in the honeymoon phase, Bruce was drafted in January 1966. Due to a medical situation, Bruce was able to defer and spend a few extra months with Betty. Bruce was drafted into the Army 1st Air Cavalry in April 1966 and shortly thereafter headed for Vietnam. He was assigned to the UH-1C, a helicopter used extensively during the Vietnam War. Bruce’s position on board the helicopter permitted him to see everything happening while they were in flight. As a door gunner, he handled tasks related to armament – an extremely important position during war times. The helicopters flew at tree top altitudes from dusk until dawn. As Bruce was nearing the end of his two year tour, he experienced what had to be the most frightening time in his life. His helicopter’s tail boom was hit by friendly fire and they were shot down. Just 13 days before coming home to his wife, Bruce found himself wondering if he would live to see Betty Jane. The crew was rescued by a slick boat and taken to safety, and the remains of the helicopter were retrieved the following day. Remarkably, everyone survived the crash. Bruce describes their rescue as “a miracle of God.”

As Bruce shared the emotional story of his miraculous return home, he reminisced that it took 40 years to be able to share the story of this frightening day. Following his time in the service, Bruce has flown in a military helicopter and he and Betty Jane have flown in a civilian helicopter.

In August, along with other Springfield Masonic Community veterans, Bruce got to experience a different type of flight. As a thanks for his service, Bruce went on his own Dream Flight. With Betty Jane

Bruce had what he described as a wonderful experience and a day he’ll never forget.

Would you like a copy of the 2022 Dream Flights poster?

Visit theohiobeacon.com/archived-editions and click 2022 Dream Flights Poster You can also scan the QR code to the left with your mobile device.

Watch the 2022 Dream Flights Highlight Video here!

Visit youtu.be/9aIIhacZsnU or scan the QR code to the right with your mobile device.

by his side,

Donna Hogg | Army National Guard Sergeant, 1982-2000 | Resident, Springfield Masonic Community

The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation held the Third Annual Rose Society Ball on September 24, 2022. It was a wonderful evening honoring Grand Duke and Duchess Terry and Cheryl Posey and welcoming the new Grand Duke and Duchess, Matthew and Diane Gloor.

In addition to crowning a new Grand Duke and Duchess, this year’s Rose Society Ball focused on skilled nursing at Western Reserve Masonic Community (WRMC). Some of the funds raised are being used to purchase Med Mizer beds for the new healthcare center at WRMC.

Med Mizer beds are unique in the comfort and ease they provide to the community members and staff who use them. The use of these beds improves the quality of life of our community members while improving staff efficiency and effectiveness.

Thanks to the support of our donors, especially those who supported the Rose Society Ball, every room in the new healthcare center at WRMC will feature a Med Mizer bed. This may seem like a small detail, but it’s an example of one of many small details that sets The Ohio Masonic Home apart from other senior living communities.

We are grateful for Grand Duke and Duchess Terry and Cheryl Posey’s efforts raising awareness and support for our mission over the last year, and are looking forward to seeing the success of Grand Duke and Duchess Matthew and Diane Gloor’s efforts. We hope we’ll see you at one of our events next year! For more information on our 2023 events, call 1-888-248-2664.

2023 f lorid A r e C eption

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 16, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.

Sarasota/Bradenton: Peridia Golf & Country Club 4950 Peridia Blvd. E. Bradenton, FL 34203 Host: George Braatz

Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.

Bonita Springs: Artichoke & Company 11920 Saradrienne Ln. Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Host: Steve Krekus

Wednesday, January 18, 2023 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 Harley Sanders at (937) 525-3035 or email hsanders@ohiomasonichome.org.

Please make reservations prior to Saturday, December 31, 2022. Please make checks payable to The Ohio Masonic Home and mail to: The Ohio Masonic Home, ATTN: Harley Sanders, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45504

Join us for news and award presentations by Scott Buchanan and Steven M. Grindle, Grand Master of Ohio.

Every year, the Tuesday following Thanksgiving is dedicated to raising support for important causes. Known as Giving Tuesday, the day of fundraising is an opportunity for nonprofits, like The Ohio Masonic Home, to raise awareness of their work and generate financial support.

For Giving Tuesday 2022, The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation’s focus may surprise you. Butterscotch the cat and Biscuit the dog.

You may remember reading about Butterscotch, the robotic cat, in the last issue of The Beacon. The Ohio Masonic Home has a few of the companion pets already in service with residents

who could benefit from extra social and emotional support. Butterscotch and Biscuit have been particularly useful with memory care community members, providing them additional companionship.

The pets only cost about $150 each. They've already had a positive effect on mental wellbeing, stress, physical mobility, and feelings of loneliness or isolation.

This Giving Tuesday, the goal is to raise support for Butterscotch and Biscuit so that even more community members can have their very own companion pet.

To learn more about Giving Tuesday and Butterscotch and Biscuit, visit ohiomasonichomefoundation.org/Tuesday or call 1-888-248-2664.

By planning ahead for the future you can provide for your loved ones and leave a legacy, helping to ensure the future of The Ohio Masonic Home and those we serve.

Where do I begin?

Regardless of size, all gifts are important to help continue the vital work of The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation (OMHF). When it comes to creating a legacy or planned gift, you may have questions and concerns about outliving your assets or ensuring loved ones benefit from your estate. You may also be confused or overwhelmed by the options such as giving through your will or a life insurance policy. Professional financial advisors and the OMHF team can show you how simple it can be to create a legacy gift that benefits you, your loved ones, and the charities important to you.

How large of an estate do I need to create a gift? Simply put, an estate is any property, money, or personal belongings that you may have at the time of your death. Most people leave an estate when they die, even though they may not have a great deal of wealth. Anyone can arrange to leave a charitable gift from their estate, often allowing them to make a larger gift than they could have made during their lifetime.

Should I tell the charity about my legacy gift? This is up to you, but it is preferred so that your generosity can be recognized and your wishes can be accommodated. Those who make any type of planned gift to OMHF also become members of our Legacy of Roses Society.

Important tips about leaving a legacy:

• Talk to a professional, including your attorney or financial advisor. OMHF can also help you learn about gifts that can maximize your legacy.

• Discuss your wishes with your family.

• Encourage your attorney or advisor to work with your favorite charities so that your intentions are known.

• You can choose to recognize a specific program or need that is important to you.

Bereavement Corner: 3 Ways to Survive the Holidays after Someone Dies

The holidays can be amazing. They can also be tough for the broken-hearted. Do you miss someone who used to sit at your Christmas table?

Here are a few things you can do to help ease the pain during the holidays.

1.

TELL THE TRUTH ABOUT YOURSELF

Have you ever said, “I’m fine” when you weren’t? Sure, it can seem easier to pretend like you’re fine or isolate yourself. You might think talking about your loss is a burden to others, or be afraid that if you talk about it you’ll never stop crying.

I’ve had the same thoughts since my dad died and can tell you from experience, bottling up your feelings only prolongs the pain. If you’re sitting around the table and something funny happens, it’s okay to laugh. If you’re sitting around the table and you feel sad, it’s okay to cry.

Don’t know what to say? When you have a feeling of sadness or loneliness, etc., say to one of your trusted people, “In this moment, I feel very sad,” or very alone, or whatever you feel. That way, the moment can pass, and you can go to the next moment. That way you get it out.

Amazing things happen when you tell the truth: Other people feel safe to open up too, your kids get to see a healthy example of walking through grief, and you get relief too.

2. WRITE A PS LETTER

You know how after someone you love dies you can’t stop thinking about things you wish you would have said, or moments you wish you could share? Grab a pen and paper and write a letter to them. Then, if you can find a safe person who will listen without offering advice or analysis, read it to them.

3. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR ACTIONS

Also, consider paying attention to what you might do to avoid your feelings. Do you drink too much, overeat, lose yourself in television, or stay obsessively busy? Those are only a few of the ways people try to avoid their feelings. And while those activities often work temporarily, they prolong the emotional pain, and often make you feel worse.

This article is taken from the Grief Recovery Method Blog written by Allison James Henry. Our own Bobbi Schickler is in the process of completing her training to become a Grief Recovery Method Specialist.

Oftentimes people think that we are saying the Grief Recovery Method will take away sadness. We don’t even mean that. It’s normal to feel sad and miss someone.

If the holidays are hard for you, that's okay. I just hope you know that you don't have to feel pain every moment, at every holiday, forever. My wish for you is that you may find peace, and if you are still searching, that you would allow us to help.

Hope for the Holiday

Family, laughter, and socialization are three things many of us associate with happiness. These are present all year round, but can be especially important during the holiday season. This happiness is depicted through children communicating with their parents and grandparents and sometimes reciprocating the care that they have received throughout their life.

What does the holiday season mean to you? For some, the holidays may not always bring a sense of happiness. The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center understands that, so we started Hope for the Holiday to help.

During the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons we offer Hope for the Holiday in addition to our routine outreach. This special program can provide help with basic needs like a holiday meal. It also offers the opportunity to "adopt a family" or a "grandparent"

during the holiday season. It provides the gift of love during this time. We send care packages to people facing social isolation and loneliness. We also offer a special program for youth, providing a toy or gift for children that might not otherwise have anything to open on Christmas morning. If you know anyone that might benefit from this program, please contact your local Community Outreach Coordinator today. Or, if you would like to give, please contact The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation.

We will also be doing an adopt-a-grandparent program this holiday season to get youth involved in our outreach. If you have a child that would like to adopt a grandparent and write them a holiday card and/or sing them Merry Christmas, please contact Raquel Brown, Masonic Youth Outreach Program Coordinator, at 419-260-0855 today.

Helping to Weather the Storm

be available to support Robert. He was staying with a relative in

needed to go back to Florida to assess the damage to his home. Through our emergency assistance program, we were able to provide a gift card to him for gas and food, as well as a hotel room during his return to Florida. Robert has shared these photos with us as they have been cleaning up the debris.

The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center was able to help Brother Robert Cunningham of Solar Lodge #730. Brother Cunningham is an Ohio Mason living in Florida whose home was damaged by Hurricane Ian. His Lodge reached out to SW Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator Bobbi Schickler to see what assistance might

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WhAt Brethren Are sAying ABout the ohio MAsoniC hoMe

“Come here if you are looking for an active life. This is a place to keep moving and participate in different activities. You can expect to have an activity once a month. We have a wellness center and there are excellent volunteer opportunities.”

Brother David Flohre, SMC Independent Housing Manager, Huber Heights Lodge #777

“I have been a Mason for 77 years and I’ve lived here for 17 years. It’s home. This is the longest I’ve lived anywhere. Live the way you want to live at Springfield Masonic Community.”

Brother Don Muncy, St. Andrews Lodge #619 and Morningstar Lodge #795

“I am a Mason and attended various Masonic activities at WRMC. I was always impressed with the grounds and welcoming atmosphere. We were finding it more difficult to maintain our home, our health was beginning to show signs of aging, and thus a decision to plan our future became a priority. We came to WRMC because of the continuing care concept knowing this is a one-stop shop, we will live here, become involved in the community, and spend our remaining days as community members. We have found WRMC a very welcoming community from the first day we arrived.”

Brother Carl Heckert, Wellington Lodge #127

More quotes can be found in The Ohio Masonic Home’s Special Publication. If you did not receive it by mail, it can be accessed online by scanning the QR code.

“The Ohio Masonic Homes are well run facilities and very caring places.”

Brother Del Braund Brookville Lodge #596 Past Master

Learn more about our history, the work we do at our campuses and with Ohio Masons, and the important role you play in fulfilling our mission. How are you choosing to fill that role?