The
Springfield, OH 45504 (614) 885-5318 or (800) 292-6092 Jim
As we enter a new year, I am happy to report that we finished 2023 very strong, with many accomplishments significant to our future. Our Western Reserve Masonic Community repositioning project has reached its completion, and now the entire facility is positioned to provide a beautiful, state-of-theart space for our community members to thrive, live their best lives, and receive the highest in quality care. This project has set us apart in senior living as the entire campus now has the same look and feel indicative of the quality of services provided within.
Browning Masonic Community completed renovations that refreshed their Pathways Memory Support Neighborhood and updated some of the assisted living neighborhood community spaces.
Our two healthcare centers, one at Springfield Masonic Community and the other at Western Reserve Masonic Community, continue their rating as 5-star facilities, which ranks us in the top 10% in the State of Ohio. Through The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center, we assisted many members of our fraternity and their families with 1,656 new cases and well checks. The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation relaunched their SPRIG volunteer groups with successful fundraising events at Springfield Masonic Community and Browning Masonic Community. These events were an amazing opportunity for our Masonic community members and members of the community at large to come together and support the great work our teams do.
OH 45504 (877) 881-1623 OMHmarketing@omcoh.org
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The Ohio Beacon is published quarterly.
Looking forward, we’re setting our sights on ensuring we are a provider and employer of choice. We have made great strides and will continue to ensure we have the foresight to understand and deliver the products and services wanted and needed by our communities. We are constantly evaluating feedback and the overall senior living industry to ensure we are ahead of the curve. We continue to evaluate additional service lines both at the campuses as well as through our resource center. Now that we have set a new standard with the completion of Western Reserve Masonic Community repositioning, and significant upgrades to Browning Masonic Community, we will focus on the repositioning of Springfield Masonic Community with the planning of a new healthcare center and additional assisted living apartments over time. We are currently in the process of evaluating the market and performing high-level design work. We are also evaluating needs and additional services through our resource center.
We also recently welcomed new members to the board of directors for The Ohio Masonic Communities. I would like to take an opportunity to thank our departing board members, Brother David L. Collins and Mrs. Jessie Leek, and the expertise and dedication they shared with us during their 11-year tenures. We’re excited to announce the appointment of Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Rettig and MWB Tim Wheeland who begin their tenure. You can learn more about them, and the rest of our board members, by visiting omcoh.org/leadership or scanning the QR code on this page.
Fraternally, Brother Scott Buchanan CEO, The Ohio Masonic
My Dear Brethren,
Happy New Year to all!
As I write this article, I am in Florida getting ready to atten d the three receptions, sponsored by The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation. The Grand Lodge Officers, who have journeyed to the warm Florida con fines, will be visiting with our Ohio Masonic Brethren and their Ladies. These Brethren are now living in Florida or just visiting to get away from the Ohio winter seaso n. It is always a great time to visit and share the good news about Ohio Freemasonry with our Florida Brethren.
During the month of April, I’ve asked the Lodges in Ohio to hold an open house sometime during that month. The positive feedback received after last year’s open house prompted me to expand the time frame the Lodges could hold one. This change will allow the Lodge to choose the date to fit their schedule during the month of April. Now is the time to start planning for a successful open house. We can share information with our Lodge communities about our great Masonic Fraternity and our organization.
Inspection season is in full swing. If you have not been to Lod ge in a while, I encourage you to do so now. Your Lodge Brethren would love to offer the right hand of fellowship and get reacquainted with you.
Wishing each and every one of you a very healthy year ahead.
Yours in Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth,
Paul A. Weglage Grand Master
Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth
Congratulations to Seth Frazier
Brethren and Friends all,
I hope your holiday season was filled with happiness and joy. During the past few weeks, our friend Old Man Winter moved in with single digit temps, putting the deep freeze on Ohio. (We don’t want any rubbing it in from you snowbirds.) It’s a good time to check in on your friends and neighbors.
The Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation will roll out a special f undraising campaign this spring. A one-time opportunity to add a unique piece of Masonic history t o your collection. There are only 174 available, so don’t miss your chance to get one while suppo rting our Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation. Watch for details to come.
Have you ever read the publication LIGHT, from the George Washington Masonic National Memorial? They do a wonderful job keeping the world updated on activities at the memorial, as well as very good informational and educational articles. Well, the latest George Washington Memorial LIGHT newsletter is now available to download. This issue contains a recap of the 2023 cornerstone rededication ceremony, including the historic parade through the streets of Alexandria, and other updates, including an introduction from their new President, Kenneth G. Nagel and new Executive Director, Karl Hopkins. To download LIGHT, go to: gwmemorial.org/pages/light . For more information visit the memorial’s website at gwmemorial.org .
The Short Talk Bulletin is a great resource for Masonic Education and has been provided to Grand Lodge officers, Past Grand Masters, the Master and Secreta ry of all subordinate lodges, and subscribers for over 100 years. The Masonic Service Association has implemented a tool to provide access to the Short Talk Bulletins and Emessay Notes right from your Grand View Member account. Go to your Grand View Portal page, select the new tile titled “Short Talk Bulletins,” and you can download them in PDF format. You also can sign up to receive them directly by email if you choose. Thanks to the MSA and Grand View for their work to make this available.
It’s an honor to serve the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The office staff is committed to serve you 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
On a snowy Saturday morning, on January 13, 2024, a group of friends and Masons gathered at Amesville Lodge #278 to enjoy a hardy breakfast, great fellowship, and the latest educational findings from the Brothers of the Ohio Lodge of Research. Travelers arrived from all over Ohio as well as surrounding states. While many topics were discussed, the focus of the day was RWB Chad Kopenski’s presentation of his research into the life and works of publisher John Sherer which began two years earlier as a result of an unexpected discovery in Amesville Lodge. During this meeting, visitors were given the opportunity to get to know the Brothers of Amesville and learn about the rich history of Amesville Lodge.
The Ohio Lodge of Research is a statewide organization chartered by the Grand Lodge of Ohio for the purpose of encouraging Masonic study and research. Its members are committed to sharing their enthusiasm for Masonry, and the Light they have gained, through presentations, publications, and fellowship. The Lodge has a strong internet presence at ohiolodgeofresearch.com, including a wide range of resources helpful to the Lodge Education Officer interested in new program
material, the curious Mason who wants to know more, and the avid Masonic researcher hoping to locate critical information in their studies.
The Lodge hosts virtual meetings and discussions on a wide range of topics. The activities of the members are highlighted in a biweekly video podcast, OLR Connections. Education is supported through the distribution of the Norman G. Lincoln Scholarships for Ohio college students. And of course, the educational and research efforts of Ohio’s Masons are encouraged in every way possible.
The Ohio Lodge of Research gathers inperson in January, May, and September of each year at an Ohio Lodge which serves as host. Every effort is made to regularly move the meetings throughout the state, so everyone has an opportunity to attend a Lodge of Research meeting. Any Lodge interested in hosting a meeting for the Lodge of Research should reach out to the Master or Secretary (contact information is available on the website). Hosting a meeting is a great opportunity to highlight your Lodge and fellowship with a group of Masons interested in your story
I watched my father and how proud he was to be a Mason. I knew that he had put off becoming a Mason because of the cost, but after a couple of years did and became very dedicated to his Lodge and his Royal Arch Chapter in our small town. I knew I wanted to join as soon as I turned 21, while I was in college at Bowling Green. The distance caused a small delay, but I finished during my senior year in college.
I remember studying for my exams with my father, in our basement around the coal furnace that heated our house. I also have very fond memories of riding to and from Lodge with my father and two other men who lived close. I learned much from them about what it meant to them to be a Mason. They were also influential, and encouraged me to serve as an officer and learn the various lectures and charges.
As a young man I found it easy to memorize the work and became involved in not only my Lodge and Royal Arch Chapter, but also quickly in Council and Commandery. Shortly thereafter I also became active in Scottish Rite and Shrine.
I served as Master in 1969, and in the fall of 1971 became the Secretary of Blazing Star Lodge #268. I served in that capacity until our Lodge merged with Mechanicsburg Lodge #113 in 2005. I actually became Secretary (acting) of Mechanicsburg Lodge a short time prior to our actual merger. I have continued serving as Secretary since that time.
I have always enjoyed being Secretary as it keeps me involved and “in the know.” The members of the Lodge look to the Secretary as the stabilizing and constant presence in the Lodge. I have always cherished the lines of communication between me as the Secretary and the Brothers of the Lodge.
Many Masonic honors have come to me but my service to my local Lodge has to be among my most cherished, and the support of my Lodge brothers has been most appreciated.
Among the many Masonic honors that have come to me, a few stand out:
I was knighted as a Knight of the York Cross of Honour in 1974, then served as Eminent Prior of Ohio Knights of the York Cross of Honour in 1992 and in 2008 was elected as Registrar (same as Secretary/Treasurer) and continue in that capacity.
In 2013, I was appointed as Grand Recorder of the Grand Commandery of Ohio and have been elected each year since that time.
Most recently, I was notified that I have been elected to receive the 33rd Degree in the Scottish Rite in 2025.
I have enjoyed serving Masonry through the years and pray that my service has been beneficial to the Craft.
WB Richard Wendt College Hill – Harry S. Johnson Lodge #641
I am proud to be a Freemason. My father was a Past Master of his Lodge in Wisconsin, and my father-in-law was a Commander in the York Rite. I was also inspired to petition a Lodge because of several friends that I respected who were Masons.
I enjoy the comradery of the many great men who are, and were, members of my Lodge. We have always had a dedicated group who serve our Lodge and continue to improve our ritual work and facilities. Learning the ritual when I was a line officer gave me a lot of self-confidence that served me well in my career as a Senior Scientist at Procter & Gamble for 35 years.
I have accepted election as treasurer for over 40 years because I like to be busy and felt I could contribute a thrifty voice when financial matters were involved. I believe the Lodge Treasurer should be very transparent in all handling of money, so a printed report is given to everyone at our stated meetings. Our members know their money is well spent.
Are you interested in being featured or do you know someone that should be nominated for our “Mason Monday” campaign?
Submit your nominations today to tripp42@aol.com
Dear Brethren and Friends,
As the chapter of 2023 ends, we’re excited to look ahead to the possibilities that await us. First and foremost, a sincere and heartfelt thank you for continuing to support The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation. Your generosity and support positively impact the lives of those in our care and we are truly grateful. In 2024, we look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events, around our campuses, and out in the community. With so much work yet to accomplish, we can only accomplish our mission with your benevolence. Thank you again and here is wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year.
God bless you one and all.
Fraternally Yours,
Brother Robert J. Hanrahan III, University Lodge #631 Executive Director
1st Place Winners
2023 Grand Duke's
Erik Glass
Jesse Rowe
Tom O'Donnell
Jason Rees
The Society of Roses recognizes donors who have shown extraordinary financial support with lifetime gifts of $10,000 or more.
To see an up-to-date list, please visit: omcfoundation.org/recognition or scan the QR code with your mobile device.
The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation
2024 Grand Duke and Duchess Ron and Elaine Connelly at the 2023 Rose Society Ball
2023 Grand Duke and Duchess Matt and Diane
Gloor at the 2023 Grand Duke's Golf Classic
Golf Classic
In January, Grand Master Paul A. Weglage, visited our Ohio Brethren living in Florida. He, along with other Grand Line Officers and staff members of The Ohio Masonic Communities (OMC), hosted three luncheons. During each visit, Grand Master Weglage shared news from Ohio and presented notable year service awards to those in attendance.
Brother Scott Buchanan, CEO of The Ohio Masonic Communities, shared news about OMC and how, even if you live in Florida, we are here to assist our Ohio Brethren wherever they live through The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center. Both he and MWB Weglage encouraged them to call the resource center’s toll free number, 1 (877) 881-1623.
The Grand Lodge Officers and The Ohio Masonic Communities staff thank everyone who was able to attend these luncheons. A big thanks also to our hosts for their assistance: MWB George Braatz at Sarasota/Bradenton, MWB Steve Krekus at Bonita Springs, and Brother Walter G. Barner, Jr. at The Villages.
2024 Foundation Newsletter
Fifth Thursday
February 29, 5:30 pm - 7 pm Station 1, Springfield, OH
Circle of Roses Dinners
March 13
Springfield Masonic Community April 12
Browning Masonic Community
Bourbon, Bubbles, and Brews
May 8
The Bourbon Affair Findlay, Ohio
Fifth Thursday
May 30 - Location TBA
Grand Duke's Golf Classic
June 3
Jefferson Country Club Blacklick, OH
The Rose Society Ball
Welcome Reception
September 6
Renaissance Hotel
Columbus, Ohio
The Rose Society Ball
September 7
Renaissance Hotel
Columbus, Ohio
In an effort to connect with you more, we are launching a newsletter for The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation this year. The newsletter will recognize our wonderful donors, keep you updated on events happening in your area, and highlight how your donation makes a difference for our residents.
The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation
In 2023 The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center assisted Masons and Eastern Star members and their families with 1,656 new cases and well checks. Thanks to the generous support of several Lodges, donors, staff, and The Christ Foundation, whose mission of blessing others and renewing hope, our holiday outreach program was able to provide 105 households across Ohio with Christmas gifts and care packages. We would like to give a special thanks to our volunteers for assisting with deliveries and outreach efforts this past holiday season.
Our volunteers recorded 496 hours in December!
We are excited about what 2024 will bring. We have welcomed a new intake coordinator, Rachel, and are also preparing for our new Central Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator to start February 21st. We look forward to introducing you to your new central Ohio representative and thank you for responding to our recent survey. We take pride in offering the best services and making sure that we are responding to the growing needs of our communities.
We are so excited to announce the newest member of our team! Rachel is in The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center office Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4:30 pm. We have rerouted our phone number, (877) 881-1623, to ring through to Rachel during business hours. When you call, simply press “4” for the resource center.
Hello, I am Rachel Lancaster, the new Intake Coordinator for The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center. I graduated from Kent State University where I received a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I began my social services career 20 years ago, working as an intern at the local homeless shelter in Kent. In my free time I enjoy getting outside and exploring the local metro parks. On the weekend you will find me kayaking local rivers or floating the lakes reading!
The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center was blessed with a $10,000 grant from the Haile Foundation! These funds will help people in Brown, Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, and Warren Counties. It will assist people with getting ready for the winter months, and continued support and well checks year-round.
If you need help with food, utilities, and/or getting your home ready for the winter months, please call us at (877) 881-1623. We have coordinators across the state ready to help!
With inclement weather and cold temperatures, it’s important to stay safe in the winter months. For tips on what you and members of your Lodge can do to stay safe go to omcoh.org/wintertips or visit
The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center on Facebook.
The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center
If
Wesley and Viola Moore have an affinity for service – to the Masonic Volunteer Program (MVP), their family, the Fraternity, and to the community at large. Wesley, a member of Friendship Lodge #89 for 30 years, was also a District Deputy Grand Master from 2017 to 2019 and holds numerous other Masonic offices and titles. He currently serves as the President of the 23rd Masonic District Association. He and his lovely wife, Viola, have been volunteers for the 23rd District MVP Committee since 2017 and are extremely active, making deliveries of fruit baskets at Christmas, helping with projects, or checking on clients of The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center. Wesley and Viola also coordinate community fundraisers, like a Lawn Tractor Derby and a UTV Poker Run in conjunction with the Guernsey County Sheriff’s Department, donating the money to families in need and supporting the Shop with a Deputy program in both Guernsey and Belmont Counties.
When asked why they volunteer, Wesley states, “Not only do we get to help others, we have an extreme amount of fun doing it.” They both love to see the smiles on the faces of those they help. They share, “We get a good feeling by helping people in need.” The Moore’s share a strong sense of duty to their family and are respected role models among the Fraternity, as well. Their sons, Wesley and David, are also Masons, with David holding the office of Junior Warden at Friendship Lodge in Barnesville, Ohio. The couple enjoy sharing their time and talents, and have fun serving together.
We thank Wesley and Viola, and the rest of our more than 360 volunteers throughout the state, for everything they do. There are volunteer committees active in 21 of our 25 Masonic Districts. These committees are a partnership between the Fraternity and resource center that allows us to identify and assist Masons, their wives and widows, and Eastern Stars who may be in need of information, advocacy, or assistance.
If you would like to join the MVP Committee in your district, or are interested in starting a committee in districts 3, 4, 16, or 22, please call or email DeAnna Kinney at (740) 262-1974 or dkinney@omcoh.org. If you have the desire to help fellow Masons or the widows and widowers in your Lodge or chapter, or be more connected to the Fraternity, please consider becoming a volunteer.
How much do you know about moving to a campus of The Ohio Masonic Communities? Test your knowledge with this quiz!
QUESTION
1
True or False? I have to give up all of my stuff (asset surrender) when I move in.
☐ True ☐ False
False! The Ohio Masonic Communities stopped this more than 20 years ago. When you move to one of our communities, we want you to bring the things that are important to you with you. Bringing your own stuff with you when you move can help make your new space feel like home.
QUESTION
2
True or False? I should wait to move until I have to or can no longer live on my own.
☐ True ☐ False
False! Every campus of The Ohio Masonic Communities has a lot to offer. We encourage anyone 55 or older to consider moving so they can make the most of their retirement. Our independent living options are perfect for those can still manage on their own but want to take advantage of community benefits. We hear from residents all the time that they wish they would have moved sooner. Our campuses have a variety of living options and care that adjusts to your needs. Plus, with calendars full of activities and events to choose from we have something for everyone to have fun.
QUESTION
3
True or False? If I live at one of the campuses I’ll be surrounded by a great community of other Masons.
☐ True ☐ False
True! For our Brethren, this can be one of the best benefits of moving. While we aren’t exclusive to Masons, many of our residents are Masons or Eastern Star. We even have Lodges located on some of our campuses! Come take a tour and ask about the Masonic community on campus.
QUESTION
4
True or False? As a Mason I can live on one of the campuses for free.
☐ True ☐ False
False! We’re proud of our Masonic roots and Masonic values are at the core of our mission. We have set prices for each villa, apartment, and suite, and we charge the same price for everyone whether they are Masonic or not. Through The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center there is a financial assistance program available to qualifying Masons and their wives or widows. The financial assistance program reduces the monthly rent to an affordable price based on income.
If you want to learn more about how you or someone you know can live at one of our communities, call us at (877) 881-1623 or visit omcoh.org.
Expansion and renovations have been the focus of Western Reserve Masonic Community for over two years. Now in its final phase, the $49 million project is winding down. The campus has long been known for the high quality of care they provide and this project makes the look and feel of the campus resemble it.
With the first parts of the expansion and renovation complete, including the new state-ofthe-art healthcare center and luxury independent living apartments and community spaces, focus shifted to the assisted living neighborhood. Its outdated design didn’t match the rest of the campus and the oversized dining room wasn’t the most practical use of space for residents. The building had potential to become a beautiful and more useful space, so last spring started its several month renovation process.
When the newly renovated space reopened, it was unrecognizable. Where there once had been a large, mauve-colored dining room was now several community spaces with the luxury design found in the rest of the building. There’s now an updated restaurant-style dining room, a multipurpose room with a full kitchen, and a chapel. A movie theater was added too! Even
the beauty parlor was updated as part of the renovations, and now it rivals the beautiful and calming environment you’ll find in any salon or spa .
While the renovations in the assisted living neighborhood were wrapping up, the Pathways Memory Support Neighborhood also got some TLC. New paint, flooring, lighting, artwork, and furniture have transformed the entire neighborhood. It’s created a more relaxing and functional neighborhood environment for the residents that call it home.
Last, but not least, will be the second half of the healthcare center. When the first half opened in early 2023, work began on the second half which involved tearing down the old building and putting a new one in its place. Construction has been completed and residents are expected to begin moving in by early spring – as soon as the state inspection and licensing process is complete. The opening of this state-of-the-art space will mark the end of this multi-year project, but it’s just the beginning of the great reputation Western Reserve Masonic Community has in the community.
Residents raise funds for The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation
Holiday celebrations at Springfield Masonic Community took on a new form this year. In addition to the normal festivities, they hosted a new event, Festival of Wreaths. With the support and guidance of The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation, a group of residents got together and formed a SPRIG group. Together, their goal is to raise money that will be used for improvements around their campus and resident activities throughout the year
The Festival of Wreaths was their inaugural event and it was a huge success. The event was held November 18-19, but residents spent weeks finding sponsors, gathering supplies, decorating wreaths, and planning the details for the weekend of the event. The SPRIG group ended up having 50 wreaths that were sold during a silent auction at the event. Some of the wreaths were decorated and donated by sponsors while others were donated by a sponsor and decorated by residents. All the residents involved enjoyed decorating the wreaths, attending a special reception the night before the festival formally kicked off, attending the events and activities throughout the weekend, and seeing the fruits of their labor as the event came to life.
Throughout the weekend, the entire community was invited to attend breakfast with Santa, enjoy festive treats, view the decorated wreaths, purchase handmade items created by residents, and place bids on their favorite wreaths in the silent auction. It was a weekend full of festive fun to kick off the 2023 holiday season.
In January 2024, a check presentation was held at Springfield Masonic Community. Residents involved in the SPRIG group presented a check to The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation. The check represented the proceeds from the Festival of Wreaths. The event raised $9,283 for the foundation to invest in their campus. Residents are excited not only for what they will be able to do with those funds, but also to have more fundraising efforts throughout the year and make their Festival of Wreaths in 2024 even bigger and better.
After months of anticipation, renovations are finally complete in the Pathways Memory Support Neighborhood at Browning Masonic Community. The renovations started with new paint, flooring, and lighting, but it didn’t end there. Next up came furniture and artwork, but not just any pieces would do. It needed to be special.
Several years ago, The Ohio Masonic Communities created its own program for memory support called Connecting Realities. The goal of the programming is to meet each resident where they’re at – in their reality. Connecting Realities emphasizes purposeful spaces, such as life stations and rooms dedicated to specific uses or activities.
Browning Masonic Community has been using Connecting Realities in their Pathways Memory Support Neighborhood for a long time, but the renovations gave them a chance to take it to the next level. One of the new additions is a movie theater style room complete with comfy chairs and fun popcorn buckets. There’s also a music area with a piano and baskets of instruments, a reading area with cozy chairs and bookshelves overlooking the courtyard, and an updated living room and dining room.
Residents are enjoying not only the new spaces, but also the activities – both in their newly redesigned neighborhood and out and about on the campus. One of their recent activities, a regular on the calendar, was Feeling Fabulous Friday where residents got together in the dining room and enjoyed facials, manicures, and massages. Other activities that have been the talk of the neighborhood include joining a staff member for a golf cart ride around the campus and going fishing at the on-campus pond. No matter which neighborhood residents live in, there’s never a shortage of fun at Browning Masonic Community.
The Ohio Masonic Communities Scholarship Program is an endowment established by The Ohio Masonic Communities to provide tuition assistance for eligible full-time students working toward a bachelor’s, associate’s, or other undergraduate degree program at an accredited institution. Upon meeting the criteria, applicants must complete a five-page application form. Students may access the scholarship forms at: omcoh.org/scholarship-program
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. Application and supporting documents may be mailed or uploaded to The Ohio Masonic Communities website. Faxed or emailed applications are not accepted. The application deadline for The Ohio Masonic Communities Scholarship Program for the 2024-2025 school year is April 8, 2024.