T H E
O H I O
BEACON Volume 25, Issue 3, Summer 2018
Parting Words from Grand Master Schau Page 2
Donor Recognition Page 4
Home Day Wrap-up Page 5
Deputy Grand Master Rolls Out 2019 Program Page 7
OMHF Golf Classic Wrap-up Page 8
Veterans Monument Dedications Page 15
Dodgeball for Charity Page 8
Washington’s Sword in Museum Exhibit Page 10
OMH Gives Blood and Saves Lives Page 12
...and more!
A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO MASONIC HOME AND THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO
Looking Back My dear Brothers, it’s hard to believe that my year as Grand Master is rapidly drawing to a close. Linda and I thank everyone who helped make this an experience of a lifetime. We have traveled this Great State all year and have been met with nothing but warm welcomes and gracious hospitality. Everywhere we have traveled, we have been welcomed as family and we appreciate each of you. As of this edition, we have placed a Veterans Memorial at both the Browning and Western Reserve Masonic Communities. We are still waiting on final approval from the VA to place the other two in Ohio’s National Cemeteries in Dayton and Rittman. My hope is that by the time you receive this edition, they will be in place. I thank the many Lodges and individual Masons who contributed to this great project. Funds are still coming into the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation for our Veteran’s Projects and my hope is to be able to sponsor a Honor Flight from each of the five locations in Ohio that they operate from. This line item within the Charitable Foundation will continue into the future to assist with funding other Veteran’s Programs. Through the Amnesty Program, 470 Master Masons were reinstated representing 221 Lodges. I am very pleased in the results. However, I feel we all need to work toward a goal of not losing a single member. The Replace Yourself Program has not proven as successful as I had hoped. Our Lodges raised 477 Master Masons from October 31st through June 30th. Of those, only 61 RYP Award forms were submitted by Lodge Secretaries. If you registered for the program and Replaced Yourself but didn’t receive your pin and certificate, ask your Lodge Secretary to submit it. You may still receive it. The program will continue through the coming year. Please continue to promote this worthwhile program. I still believe that it can and will be successful, with your help. From Grand Lodge Communication in October to mid-July, Linda and I have traveled approximately 48,000 miles. That includes many locations and Lodges throughout Ohio, nine other states, two foreign countries, and a cruise, in which we visited two foreign
on the
Year
ports and conferred an Entered Apprentice degree at sea with over 45 Masons in attendance. As far as we can tell, this was a first for the Grand Lodge of Ohio. One of the highlights of the year was traveling to London to take part in the 300-year celebration of the United Grand Lodge of England. It was an experience we will never forget. The Grand Lodge Officers performed 20 Lodge Reconsecration Ceremonies, three Cornerstone Ceremonies, one Lodge Dedication and one new Lodge Constitution and Consecration during the year. I am thankful for their tireless dedication to our Craft. I attended many Lodge Award Nights and presented several 50, 60, 65, 70, and 75-year awards. However, the day after being installed as Grand Master (October 22) I had the honor of presenting an 80-year award to Brother Kenneth Smith of Barton Smith Lodge in Toledo. He was a very energetic 101-year-old who amazed us with his story telling and memory. He was still very proud to be a Mason. Another unforgettable experience. Unfortunately, we lost Brother Smith just two months later. Having the honor of serving as your Grand Master for this year is an experience that is hard to put into words. I have worked hard for this Great Fraternity and assure you that it has been a labor of love with many memories, blessings, and more friendships. Thank you for allowing me to serve as your Grand Master! Please continue to
Embrace Our Heritage . . . Preserve Our Traditions. Fraternally, Eric “Rick” Schau Grand Master
The Ohio Beacon is published quarterly. Please report all changes of address to your Lodge Secretary, who, in turn, will notify the Grand Secretary, who maintains the database that produces the BEACON mailing lists. Douglas Kaylor, PGM | Program Coordinator | The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio One Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504 | 614-885-5318 or 800-292-6092 | dkaylor@glohio.com Ohio Masonic Home | Marketing Department 2655 W. National Road, Springfield, OH 45504 | 937-525-5609 | OMHmarketing@ohiomasonichome.org
Growing Better Every Day Dear Brethren, I hope you and your families are having a wonderful summer full of family, fun, and celebration. As we take a moment to reflect on the year thus far, we at the Ohio Masonic Home have a lot to celebrate! The Ohio Department of Health recently conducted annual surveys at all three of our campuses. We are proud to announce that through the dedication and diligence of our staff, all facilities are deficiency free, with no healthcare citations in our skilled care or assisted living.
It is through the Resource Center that we are able to understand the needs of those we serve while fulfilling our obligation to care for the members of our Fraternity, and their families, across the state of Ohio.
Springfield Masonic Community has recently received the honor of being the recipient of the 2018 Betty Pitzer Meritorious Service Award from the United Senior Services of Clark County. This award is in recognition for our service in volunteering, on and off campus senior based programming, and our commitment to providing lifelong learning opportunities to all seniors of Clark County.
In our mission toward growth and sustainability, we recently rolled out a five-year capital plan. We are excited for the growth opportunities at each of our campuses. Growth will bring new living opportunities across the state. Browning Masonic Community will be expanding our Water’s Edge Villas with the construction of eight new independent living homes. Our Springfield Masonic Community will be converting some of our independent living space into assisted living apartments. This conversion will allow more of our residents to age in place and have access to services. Our biggest opportunity for growth is at our Western Reserve Masonic Community with additional independent living apartments, enhanced amenities, and the refresh of existing space.
Our Western Reserve Masonic Community was recently named in Medina County Lifestyle Magazine as “2017 Best Retirement Community” and was presented with the Reader’s Choice award. Please join me in congratulating the entire Ohio Masonic Home team on their commitment, hard work, and dedication to making our campuses “Providers of Choice.” Our Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center is experiencing positive growth in both outreach and volunteers. We continue to see organic growth in all of our programs. Currently, we have a network of seven committees, 51 ambassadors and 112 volunteers. As we continue through the year, we are on pace to facilitate approximately 1,900 cases versus the 1,574 in the prior year.
Find the Giving Hands! Congratulations to Thomas E. Fisher of Willoughby Lodge #302 in Painesville, Ohio, the winner of last edition’s Find the Carnival Tent search! There were 3 Tents in the last edition. In this edition, we salute those who give, be it charitable donations, blood, or time. Search through this entire edition and count how many times you find the Giving Hands graphic to the right (do not count the example graphic or the logo). Submit the correct answer along with your contact
On behalf of the Ohio Masonic Home, I would like to thank you all for your hard work and dedication to our mission. Fraternally, Brother Scott Buchanan CEO, The Ohio Masonic Home
information 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 September 14, 2018, 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.) SUMMER 2018
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Thank You For Your Generosity! The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation expresses a sincere thank you to the individuals, Masonic bodies, foundations, businesses and organizations listed below who contributed to the Foundation between January 1 and June 30, 2018. The investment made by each donor positively impacts the Ohio Masonic Home’s ability to serve as the trusted partner in helping people to age respectfully.
$10,000 +
Anonymous Charles E. Brister Estate of Gerald Buxton Frank & Marguerite Colburn Estate of Dorothy Dutcher Estate of Ralph Dutcher Walter Frank Robert R. Kauffman Estate of Donald A. Kingsbury Estate of Klair Henry Kissel Susan L. Minor SEI Investments Dorothy T. & Myron T. Seifert Webster Sturdivant The Columbus Foundation US Bank Harry D. Waddell Estate of Margaret P. White
$5,000 - $9,999
CNA Insurance Orlando W. Davis Robert J. Davis Tim Godard Ralph J. Gooding Donald C. & B. Jane Huser Manning & Napier Ridge Stone General Contractors, LLC Vivian H. Schulze Howard M. Sheeler Kenneth R. Sterrett
$2,500 - $4,999
Aetna Approach Marketing LLC Brower, a Marsh & McLennan Agency CHW Mechanical Services DataServ HealthPRO Heritage, LLC Bessie V. Hosler Medline Industries Inc. MVDconnect Betty H. Oberle Plante Moran, PLLC PNC Financial Services Group Point to Point Systems Remedi SeniorCare Anonymous Cyril Veinott Barbara P. Weaver Estate of JoAnn Whitacre
$1,000 - $2,499
Douglas E. Allen George D. & B.J. Arters Browning Masonic Resident Council Scott A. Buchanan Celina Lodge #241, F&AM Lawrence L. Cornell Grafton M. Acklin Council #127, R&SM Grand Chapter of Ohio, OES
Grand Council of Ohio, R&SM Hiram Lodge #18, F&AM James L. Mason Medina Chapter #266, OES Harold G. Shrive Anna L. Sine David G. Subleski Third Protestant Memorial Church Endowment Fund Valley of Dayton, AASR Western Hills - Cheviot Lodge #140, F&AM Estate of Robert E. White Frank R. Williams James E. Zemancik
$500 - $999
9th Masonic District Officers Association Ameriprise Financial Robert S. Anderson Ann Rutledge Chapter #453, OES Anthony Lodge #455, F&AM Athens Chapter #39, RAM Batavia Lodge #104, F&AM William J. Bean Timothy Eames Fazio Color Shop, Inc. David W. Feller First Commonwealth Advisors Grand Court of Ohio,
Order of Amaranth Steven Hardwick Rob Lane Timothy L. Larimore Donald L. Losasso Thomas Maloney Network for Good North Bend Mark Lodge #1, RAM North Star Lodge #638, F&AM Emerson R. Oberlin Ohio State Secretaries Association Palestine Lodge #158, F&AM Steven M. Petitjean Joan F. Primm Diana Rhoades Frank T. Schenck Harold & Josephine Shank Sharonville-Calvary Lodge #204, F&AM Temple Lodge #28, F&AM Tippecanoe Lodge #174, F&AM Kevin B. Todd Keith Tuttle University Lodge #631, F&AM Michael W. Vary Paul A. Weglage Tim S. Wheeland John B. White
A big thank you as well to our $499 and below donors, who were too numerous to list. Your generosity is very much appreciated!
Announcing Grand View The Grand Lodge has purchased a new membership management system from Grand View, a Louisiana company founded by a lodge secretary who wanted to make life easier for himself and better for his members. Is it so much better that we think 450 Lodge secretaries in Ohio will benefit from this replacement for MORI? The simple answer is yes. Grand View is a better product, and it will make it easier for members to control their own information, pay their dues, engage in lodge activities, and receive the latest news. In many ways, this product allows the Grand Lodge of Ohio to join the 21st Century. Each member will have his own individual portal. He will be able to control his own information, set his preference on whether he wants email, text, or paper communications, use e-commerce services, and even join a social media network that is exclusively for Master Masons.
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Watch for more information in the next issue of the Beacon.
Home Day 2018 Wrap-up On behalf of the Ohio Masonic Home, thank you for being a part of Ohio Masonic Home Day 2018. The day proved to be such a resounding success for our residents, the Fraternity, and campus visitors. The estimated crowd count was over 1,500. Additionally, we had 10 different organizations selling food, and 22 vendors in our merchants tent this year either selling crafts or providing information. The Chapel Service was well attended. The weather was great, except for a brief rain causing the cancellation of the parade. The food was excellent and the entertainment and activities were enjoyed by all. Campus tours were given throughout the day and of course the world-famous strawberry shortcake was a big hit! We hope you all had a very enjoyable day and look forward to seeing you again next year.
to Moore present a check ns, Bill Taylor and Steve . or) ect Dir F Past OES Grand Patro MH (O CEO) & Steve Petitjean . Scott Buchanan (OMH S), was unable to attend OE M, (PG s ers Go Jan er, mb me e itte es. mm pus Co cam used for all three OMH Money donated will be
Rose Bass (resident) hit ches a ride with Brother Mike Nugent, of Huber Heights Lodge #77 7 and Widows Sons Solomons Sevens Chapter.
Children were entertained
mous joyed some fa 6th District en e th of e. s ak er C th t Bro rawberry Shor Home Day St
by the bouncy castle.
Guests marveled at the Resident Art Show.
Welcome Back, Melissa Hirn-Pulliam!
Melissa (Missy) Hirn-Pulliam has returned to the Ohio Masonic Home, accepting a position in the Resource Center as the Community Outreach Manager for Southern Ohio. Missy had worked for the organization previously in the I-CARE program. Missy is looking forward to getting reacquainted with the Fraternity and being a resource in Southern Ohio. She comes to us from Adena Medical Center where she was the social worker in the Emergency Department for the past five years. At this time, she is organizing our database with resources in the Southern Ohio area to better connect our clients with the resources they need. Missy resides in Bainbridge with her husband. SUMMER 2018
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A Very Surprising Number Ohio Masonic organizations proved themselves to be very generous, giving $425,000 in scholarships in the last year. This includes the well-known programs in the state by the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation, Scottish Rite Abbott Scholarships, and Ohio Masonic Home Foundation. These three institutions gave about $155,000 in scholarships last year. In addition, however, and almost hidden from view, 160 of Ohio’s Masonic Lodges gave 380 local scholarships worth $270,000. Each Winter and Spring, college-bound students from across Ohio begin their own ritual of applying for college scholarships. Their Grand Master Schau giving scholarships needs are very real. According to the State of Ohio, the average in the 6th District annual cost to attend a public university main campus in Ohio including tuition, books, room and board equate to $25,000. Students can reduce their costs by attending university branch campuses or community colleges; but for many, scholarships and loans are an essential part of funding their education. Grand Lodge Scholarships are awarded in each of Ohio’s twenty-five Masonic districts. Usually, two awards are given, one each to a male and female student. Applications are turned in to the District Scholarship Committee, screened, and forwarded to the Grand Lodge for action. The Abbot Scholarships are a program of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. They are distributed through the twelve Valleys in Ohio. Applications are made through the Valley. The Ohio Masonic Home Scholarships are an award, established by the Home to honor its original mission to serve not only distressed Master Masons and their widows, but also the children of Masons. Applications are made directly to the Home, and while all may apply, Masonic orphans are given a preference in the application process. Local lodge scholarships are more difficult to find, and Masons should check with their local lodges to see if any are being offered. Award criteria will vary by lodge. While some extra effort may be involved, with local scholarships being the largest block of giving in Ohio, finding out if your lodge offers scholarships could bring big benefits. If you would like to help Ohio’s young scholars make a college education a reality, consider a gift or bequest to the organization of your choice: Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation, Scottish Rite Charities, or the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation. Becoming a scholarship donor is a positive way to invest in the future.
WRMC is Deficiency Free! Our Western Reserve Masonic Community staff recently celebrated Deficiency Free Survey results. Please help us in congratulating our entire Western Reserve Masonic Community team and the hard work they deliver day in and day out to achieve such amazing results and such a huge success!
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Deputy Grand Master Rolls Out 2019 Program On July 14th, Deputy Grand Master Jess N. Raines began a series of twelve Roll Out Programs detailing his plans for the 2018-2019 Masonic Year. Brethren from across West Central Ohio came to Huber Heights Lodge, No. 777, to get a first look at the coming year so they could begin final plans for their local lodges. RWB Raines theme for the year is INVEST. He is asking the Brethren to Invest in themselves, their Lodges, Communities, and their Fraternity. In his message, he asks each of us to be proud of our membership and prepared to tell our own story of how we came to Freemasonry and why we stay. He asks us to help our lodges by increasing our focus on Masonic education and by joining the Replace Yourself Program. He gave examples of lodges that have made an investment in community services and programs and described the benefits they have enjoyed from increased fellowship and satisfaction. And finally, he notes that when you invest in yourself, your lodge, and your community, you naturally build fraternity. RWB Raines also detailed new developments for the coming year, beginning with the change to the Grand View membership management system. He described a new Masonic Academy that will be formed to provide better Masonic education online, at any time it is convenient to the member. He announced that he will authorize a series of Grand Master’s Classes around the state at different times of the year. He discussed inspection requirements, candidate proficiency, and lodge improvements. He also shared plans for a new public relations and marketing program called “This is Ohio Freemasonry.” RWB Raines also has two exciting programs involving out of state travel. First, on November 3, 2018, Brethren from the Grand Lodges of Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan are going to meet in Indianapolis to demonstrate their rituals. Next, RWB Raines has also planned a bus trip to Gettysburg and Washington, DC, to be held July 31 to August 4, 2019. RWB Raines also described his plans to promote the Masonic Model Student Assistance Program in the coming year. MMSAP helps school personnel identify at-risk students and gives them proven methods to deal with bullying and similar problems. According to RWB Raines, Ohio loses too many young people to suicide and violence and MMSAP can help save lives in every district in the state. The Roll Out ended with an open Q and A session, and RWB Raines was asked about a wide variety of lodge and individual topics. It proved to be a time when every member present was able to ask questions and voice opinions. Overall, the morning was viewed as a success by everyone present and well worth their time.
AUGUST ROLL OUTS Thursday, August 9 7:00 p.m. Summit Lodge No. 213 Twinsburg, Ohio Sunday, August 12 2:00 p.m. Rubicon Lodge No. 237 Browning Masonic Community Thursday, August 16 7:00 p.m. Mount Vernon Lodge No. 64 Norwalk, Ohio Sunday, August 19 2:00 p.m. Lima Masonic Temple Lima, Ohio Thursday, August 23 7:00 p.m. Northwest Masonic Temple,Columbus, Ohio Saturday, August 25 9:00 a.m. East Palestine Lodge No. 417 East Palestine, Ohio Wednesday, August 29 7:00 p.m. J.B. Covert Lodge No. 437 Withamsville, Ohio SUMMER 2018
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OMHF Golf Classic Raises Thousands for Memory Care On Monday, June 4, the fifth annual Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Golf Classic took place at Wedgewood Golf & Country Club in Powell, Ohio. Hosted by US Bank and the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation, teams representing more than 18 corporate sponsors along with Grand Lodge of Ohio brethren from around the state were able to raise more than $85,000 for our Ohio Masonic Home Memory Care Centers in Springfield, Medina, and Waterville. We wish to thank all of our tremendous sponsors, especially our naming sponsor, US Bank; our presenting sponsor, SEI; and our primary sponsors, Ridgestone Builders, Manning & Napier, CNA, and Dinsmore & Shohl. Thanks also go to everyone who golfed in the outing and volunteered their time to make the day a success. The 2019 Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Golf Classic will be on Monday, June 3 and will once again be at Wedgewood Golf & Country Club. Put it on your calendar and reserve your spot early by calling the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation office at 937-525-5637 or send an email to maharris@ohiomasonichome.org.
Dodgeball
for
Charity!
This past spring, eight staff members from OMH and SMC combined forces, took on the name of “Mighty Duckers” and went to battle with 17 other teams to see who would walk away with the coveted 2018 Salvation Army Dodgeball Tournament Trophy. To be honest, our team was hoping to just be able to still walk away. With the average age of 47, our team went up against much younger and more experienced group of teams in the double-elimination tournament held to help fund the Salvation Army’s at-risk youth program. Ryan Ray, the Salvation Army Development Director expressed “This is a high energy, a lot of fun, enjoyable tournament and it has a greater purpose.”
Although our team did not win the trophy, we did all walk away, with a sense of accomplishment. We knew we had contributed to a greater cause, and were able to give back to our community. We were able to continue to build the partnership between the Salvation Army, the community and The Ohio Masonic Home. We were able to bond together as a team and have some fun, and get to know one another outside of the work place, and we all survived without injury. We may not have won the tournament, but we were the best dressed team there thanks to The Ohio Masonic Home Print Shop, who designed and printed our custom made shirts. Next year, “we’ll be back!”
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Western Reserve Masonic Community Partners with Bunker Hill Golf Course Western Reserve Masonic Community is pleased to announce its new partnership with Bunker Hill Golf Course in Medina, Ohio. Bunker Hill Golf Course, originally Bunker Hill Farm, was established in the early 1900s. Walter Kennedy, who fought in the Battle of Bunker Hill, acquired the land and the course was purchased in 1939 by Berneta and Roger Ingraham. In the 1980s, their grandson, Arnold, took over the course and the rest is history. The Ingraham family has supported and been supported by the Medina community for many decades. They trust in the new General Manager, Chad Gibson, to continue the tradition. “The community is our blood supply. We count on their business to keep us in business. That is why we go the extra mile every day to make our customers feel like this is their home away from home,” said Chad. The attention to detail and the modern improvements that have been made recently at Bunker Hill’s course have earned it a four star rating by Golf Digest the last five years. Beautiful scenery with rolling hills, ponds, creeks, and a carpet of green make up the quality of the course that has earned its many accolades in the Medina County area. In fact, it’s been voted best golf course in Medina County for 10 years in a row! Chad and his team are thrilled with the partnership opportunity between Bunker Hill Golf Course and Western Reserve Masonic Community. “We are so excited to partner with such a great organization where we can put smiles on residents faces that results in smiles on their families faces. I couldn’t think of a better Win Win Win situation!” As part of this new partnership, residents of Western Reserve Masonic Community will have access to play golf, use a cart, as well as have access to the putting practice green all free of charge! Residents also have the option to enjoy lunch at Bunker’s Grill with Chef Roger Hardman serving daily specials, fresh made bread, and locally grown ingredients. He and Chad have reunited at Bunker’s Grill after working several years together at a previous venue. Residents can read a book while drinking a cup of coffee on the deck overlooking the course, play a game of checkers while drinking a freshly brewed glass of iced tea, or enjoy a cup of homemade soup while chatting with friends. The friendly staff at Bunker’s Grill will make all residents feel right at home. “Western Reserve Masonic Community is excited for this opportunity to partner with such a huge player in the Medina community,” said Jason French, Administrator of Western Reserve Masonic Community. “What a great way for our residents to stay active and involved in the community!”
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Washington’s Sword
in
Museum Exhibit
The Grand Lodge of Ohio’s Masonic Heritage Museum is hosting a new exhibit on American Union Lodge, No. 1. The Museum plans to present temporary exhibits from each of Ohio’s six founding lodges over the next few years.
The prize of the current exhibit is a sword, which General and Brother George Washington gave to Brother Rufus Putnam for his outstanding service during the Revolutionary War. American Union Lodge, No. 1, has a storied history. It was founded in 1776 in Roxbury, Massachusetts, as a traveling Military Lodge. Its members were all soldiers in the Continental Army, and throughout the Revolutionary War, American Union Lodge met wherever members were stationed, including Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New Jersey. It is one of the few lodges that can actually document attendance by George Washington at its meetings. After the War, American Union Lodge came to Marietta in the Northwest Territory with Major Jonathan Heart as its Worshipful Master. Rufus Putnam, the first elected Grand Master for Ohio, was also made a member during the Revolutionary War on August 2, 1779, and his name is listed with other members in the Minute Book. The Museum exhibit includes a copy of the Lodge’s original warrant from 1776, its subsequent Massachusetts charter from 1803, a minute book from 1782 and 1783 while the lodge was in Connecticut, and a number of other items. Rufus Putnam, who would later be elected the first Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Ohio, had presented the lodge with this sword which had been presented to him by General and Brother George Washington for service during the War. The Minute Book on display also shows when Brother Putnam was raised a Master Mason in 1779. The Masonic Heritage Museum opened in 2017 in its permanent rooms at the Ohio Masonic Home Springfield Community. Visitors are welcome, and an appointment to visit can be made by calling the Grand Lodge office at 800-292-6092.
Giving Goes Full Circle Always one to help others, Tommy Junkins, a member of Weyer Lodge #541, was not seeking assistance when he reached out to Resource Center Liaison DeAnna Kinney, but was wanting to find a way to continue to support those around him. Due to his numerous health issues, Tommy was having increasing difficulty with mobility and had just received a new power chair, but had no way to transport the chair from place to place in his vehicle. Utilizing the Emergency Assistance Program, the Resource Center Liaison was able to purchase a scooter carrier for Tommy, who was able to get volunteers to mount it on his vehicle. Tommy now uses his scooter to go to a local nursing home to lead residents in a prayer group. Throughout his life, Tommy has freely offered his help to others. In 1995, while living in Columbus, he rescued 3 people from a house fire. In 2013, Tommy was able to rescue a man who was caught in the current of the Ohio River. And presently, Tommy has joined the 23rd District Committee of the Masonic Volunteer Program as the 112th volunteer in the state.
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Tommy is eager to share his experience with others in need and hopes to help spread the word about the assistance available through the Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center.
New Beginnings...A Blank Canvas As you step off of the elevator onto the fifth floor of Burdick Tower at Springfield Masonic Community, you are immediately surrounded by paintings of breathtaking landscapes with snow covered mountains, deserts with steep ravines, and roaring rivers. The hallways are lined with scenic paintings from places all over the world. Paintings so clear you have to squint because you can’t tell if it’s an enlarged photograph or a real life painting. As you near the end of the hallway you enter into an art gallery of wall to wall scenic paintings and in a little yellow chair, sits a man who has painted it all. His name is Don Muncy and he’s a retired Navy veteran and self-taught artist whose portfolio is larger than life. Don and his wife, Ginny, have lived at the Springfield Masonic Community, a subsidiary of the Ohio Masonic Home, in Springfield, Ohio for the last 13 years. “We’ve known each other for 82 years. We met at the age of 14. She had the prettiest smile on the block,” says Don as he and his wife are getting ready to celebrate their 77th wedding anniversary this fall. Don enlisted in the Navy in 1940. While in the Navy, he advanced up the ranks quickly through the Navy Air Traffic Control Class and eventually, after discharge, held controller positions in the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). After retirement in 1977, Don and Ginny set out on a whirlwind adventure in a diesel truck and 34 foot motor home, traveling over 100,000 miles in the United States, Mexico, and Canada and playing over 400 golf courses. Ginny even won the Mt. Springs Country Club 54 Hole Ladies Championship in Sonora, California in 1991. “She won the championship and I was her caddy,” Don says with a smile. Each place they traveled, Don would snap thousands of photographs to be used later on as inspiration for his paintings. “I went to vocational school and joined the Navy. I had no prior fine arts background.” That all changed when Don retired. Always having an eye for the fine arts, he decided in 1977 he would learn how to paint. “I told Ginny, I was going to go to college or take classes and teach myself how to paint. We had my retirement party on a Saturday evening and by Monday morning I was painting.”
As Don continued to pursue his passion, he was fortunate enough to study with Hal Krause, Chicago Art Institute graduate and retired Disney Studio Illustrator and also took a few of the Bob Ross workshops to fulfill his passion for learning and painting. He’s taught art classes in Arizona, California, Florida, and now Ohio as a hobby. Ginny also has a passion for the arts. She learned, while the couple resided in Hawaii, the study of Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. She learned from a well-known teacher Sofu Teshigahara, founder of the Sogestsu School of Ikebana in Japan. In 1999, the Muncy’s and the Springfield Masonic Community Director of Activities established the “One Grand Painting Club” for residents interested in art. Since its creation, many residents have been involved in the class and produced the artwork that lines the community center walls and other buildings around the Springfield campus. Unfortunately, in 2003, Ginny was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) that would eventually turn into dementia and wasn’t able to focus as much on her passion for art. Since then, Don has had to take some time away from teaching to tend to his loving wife. “I had to take some time off to tend to Ginny, now that our daughter is retiring and is able to help out, I can get back to painting and teaching.” In November 2015, with the help of Springfield Masonic Community, the art studio and gallery was completed on the fifth floor of Burdick Tower to serve as the classroom and library for Don and his students. Residents with amazing life stories just like Don fill the Ohio Masonic Home campuses in Springfield, Waterville, and Medina. The Ohio Masonic Home makes it possible for residents to fulfill their passions through an active lifestyle and thriving social community. “I appreciate everything that the Ohio Masonic Home has done for me and my artwork.”
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Springfield Masonic Community wins the 2018 Betty Pitzer Meritorious Service Award! The Springfield Masonic Community, a subsidiary of the Ohio Masonic Home, is the 2018 recipient of the Betty Pitzer Meritorious Service Award. Springfield Masonic Community was nominated and received the award from United Senior Services of Clark County. Springfield Masonic Community received the award in recognition of their involvement in the surrounding community providing seniors opportunities in volunteering, on and off campus senior based programming, and providing lifelong learning opportunities. Ballots were sent out to all Clark County United Senior Services members. Once the votes were tallied, the Springfield Masonic Community joined the list of prestigious past winners of the award which began in 1994 to honor the late Betty Pitzer, founder of United Senior Services. Tiffany Harding, Corporate Director of Sales, states “I am so very proud to see that the hard work and the dedication to our seniors is being recognized by people in the community at large! We are very proud of this achievement! We make a difference in the lives of so many, and we do it together, as a team.” Springfield Masonic Community officially received the award on June 5 at the United Senior Services Annual Volunteer Luncheon.
OMH Gives Blood by Dan Shirk Did you know that every day in the U.S., roughly 44,000 pints of blood are needed? The Red Cross has over 130 years of experience providing humanitarian aid – including more than 70 years of supplying blood to those in need. In an effort to continue building relationships with the community, the Ohio Masonic Home partnered with the American Red Cross and hosted a Blood Drive at Springfield Masonic Community on July 18. Let me explain why supporting our Blood Drive was important to me, both personally and from an organizational standpoint. Most importantly, very few people actually get to take an active role in helping to save a life. By taking an hour out of my day, I get to make a real difference. I feel grateful I am healthy enough to help in this way. The Ohio Masonic Home also benefits from our blood drive. By participating in our blood drive program, we combine our strengths for a few hours, around a worthwhile and lifesaving cause. We can do a lot of good. We can have a lot of impact.
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and
Saves Lives
Odds have it, someone you know will need blood during your lifetime. In fact every two seconds someone in America needs blood, from trauma victims to cancer patients, mothers giving birth to premature babies and so many more. Here is a short testimony from a staff member. “In February 2004, I unfortunately was involved in a serious car accident. I sustained a compound fracture of my right tibia and fibula that required emergency surgery to save my right leg. After a week hospital stay my blood counts continued to go down. Blood loss from the accident and the surgery made it urgent that I receive several units of blood after my counts continued to drop drastically. I have been so grateful for the lifesaving donations of blood since that time. We never really think about how far reaching blood donation is until it hits close to home. This is such a great humanitarian event for our organization and I am proud to be part of it. “ Each pint of blood we collected will help save up to three lives and will touch the lives of so many more. What a great way to pay it forward and make an impact on people in our community and across the country.
Special Olympics 2018 $4 Million and counting! In June, hundreds of Ohio Masons from across the state braved the prospect of rain to attend the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Summer Games at Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus. During the ceremony, Grand Master Eric R. Schau, accompanied by the Grand Lodge officers, presented a check for $140,000, which represented the grass roots fundraising of Masonic Lodges all across Ohio. People seldom realize that this donation is raised entirely by local lodges. They conduct a wide variety of projects ranging from runs, polar bear plunges, pancake breakfasts, and spaghetti dinners in order to collect the money that has helped fund the Summer games for over thirty years. As the hard work of these local lodges, the Grand Lodge has now contributed over $4,100,000 to this worthy cause. The Grand Master and grand lodge officers would like to recognize and thank Right Worshipful Brother Michael Cecil for his continued leadership as chairman of the Special Olympics Committee. His enthusiasm, organizational skills, and dedication have made this charitable activity by Ohio Masons a success. Also, the Grand Master expresses his thanks and appreciation to all the masons and their families who contributed to this year’s success.
OMH Print Shop Unveils 2018 Commemorative Apron The OMH Print Shop is now taking orders for the 2018 Commemorative Apron. This custom-designed apron features original art printed onto a sturdy, double-layer, white apron with unique buckle and pocket in the back. This apron would serve as a wonderful decorative piece for your Lodge, a personal gift, or a marvelous talking point in your office. Orders placed by September 14, 2018, or while supplies last, will be ready for pick-up from the OMH Print Shop booth at the 209th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Ohio in Sandusky, Ohio. This design will be available until mid-2019, with a new design to be unveiled at Home Day 2019. Be sure to place your order as soon as possible to ensure you do not miss out on a single year of these unique aprons.
For more information, or to place your order, contact the OMH Print Shop at 937-525-4939, email info@omhprintshop.com, or visit www.omhprintshop.com.
SUMMER 2018
13
A Reason
for
Giving
by:
Jay Dettorre
Have you ever been somewhere and suddenly experienced a rush of emotions accompanied by a flood of memories? It happened to me recently while visiting a friend at Western Reserve Masonic Community.
Masonic Community. He took art classes, joined different card groups and participated in various outings (of course, he’d stop in my office every Thursday morning and ask for 10 dimes and a quarter for Thursday night Bingo).
Walking down the hall, I found myself passing my father’s old apartment. Nearing his room, I began looking for the familiar pieces once decorating his door. Getting closer, I slowed my pace and instinctively brushed my fingers across the door as I’d done so many times before.
He was meeting new people and making new friends. It was through these new friendships he began his inquiry of Freemasonry. At the age of 81 my father was raised a Master Mason.
On this day, however, something felt different. I couldn’t help but think of my father’s life before and after moving onto the Western Reserve Masonic Community campus. Growing up, my father was committed to our family and never really took the time to explore his own interests. He was a selfless man who put our needs, and the needs of others, before his own. Later in life, my mother’s health began to decline and my parents made the decision to move into Western Reserve Masonic Community. My father continued to tend to her increasing needs until she passed in 2011. At 79, my father began actively “living” and beginning a new chapter at Western Reserve
In the fall of 2015, my father was diagnosed with cancer and passed away peacefully two weeks later. Traditionally, this would have been a time of sadness supplemented by tears. But, I began to experience a sense of peace and gratitude. Peace knowing my father approached his last years with new a sense of enthusiasm, gratitude knowing his life was greatly enhanced living at Western Reserve Masonic Community. I’m asking you to please join me in making a gift to The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation. Your gift will help enhance the lives of community members across the state and ensure they receive the same love, care and support as my father.
Assisting Masonic Widows The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center wants to let you know about our renewed efforts to assist Masonic widows and widowers. Through the Resource Center we will be able to mail out a packet to widows and widowers upon the death of their spouse. Included in this packet will be information on important documentation to gather and numbers to call (Social Security, Medicare, etc.), as well as information on grief and loss, local resources and contact information for the Resource Center Liaison closest to the surviving spouse. We will enclose pamphlets tailored to their situation and follow up with a phone call and sympathy card. This is another way to express our Masonic Obligation of caring for our widows. Our goal is to reach individuals before they are in crisis to be their advocate and to support them through their grieving process. In Districts where we have a Masonic Volunteer Program Committee, our goal is to utilize willing volunteers to also follow up with those widows and widowers to offer additional support as needed. We are providing several options for getting the information to our team. If you are aware of a Brother or their spouse who is widowed, please let us know by contacting us at 877-881-1623 or via our website at www.omhresourcecenter.org/secretaries
14 SUMMER 2018
OMH Campuses Dedicate Veterans Monuments On Saturday, July 7, at 10:00 a.m., Ohio Masonic brethren and guests from around northwest Ohio joined Grand Lodge Officers to dedicate a Veterans Memorial monument honoring our Masonic Military Veterans at Browning Masonic Community. Later that day at 2:00 p.m., the program was repeated as the Grand Lodge Officers dedicated a second Veterans Memorial monument at Western Reserve Masonic Community. Eric R. Schau, Grand Master of Ohio Masons, wanted to honor our Masonic Veterans and undertook an initiative to raise funds to erect memorials at four locations in Ohio: Browning Masonic Community, Waterville; Western Reserve Masonic Community, Medina; National Cemetery, Rittman; and National Cemetery, Dayton. Throughout the year Brethren, Lodges, and appendant Masonic organizations contributed to this effort. Four granite memorials were created. Standing just under four foot in height, the monuments are each capped with a relief of the Square and Compass, bearing the following inscription:
Free Masons of Ohio Dedicated to all Masonic Veterans who served with Honor, Loyalty and Integrity, while upholding the principles of Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth. Grand Lodge of Ohio – 2018 Eric R. Schau, Grand Master We’d like to thank the Grand Master, Eric R. Schau, Grand Lodge Officers, and the rest of the Ohio Masonic brethren, family, and friends whose support helped make these memorials a reality. We know they will make a huge impact in honoring our Masonic Military Veterans across the state.
SUMMER 2018
15
T H E
O H I O
BEACON
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID OH Masonic Home
2655 W. National Rd. Springfield, OH 45504-3698 www.theohiobeacon.com
The Resource Center, at the Ohio Masonic Home, is here to help you with questions about aging services, finding resources in your community and linking you with the help you may need. We have a team of professionals in the community who can speak with you by phone, or in person, to assist you with clinical, social or financial issues. The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center can quickly provide: • Support for widows/widowers • Advocacy for clients going through the VA or Social Security systems • Assistance with Medicare/Medicaid questions • Linkage to local resources like home delivered meals, home health and transportation • Education on issues like Caregiver Stress, Advanced Directives and Grief • Coordination of existing services • Linkage to Fraternal assistance from Lodges and other Masonic bodies • Education on aging issues to help make informed choices • Dedication to your continued independence • Connection to home maintenance options • Emergency financial assistance program • Provide information on Ohio Masonic Home communities and services
If you would like to speak with one of our Resource Center Liaisons, you may call: 1-877-881-1623.
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Contact the
Phone
877-881-1623 Email
omhrc@ohiomasonichome.org