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BEACON Volume 25, Issue 1 Winter 2018
Tribute to Jim Zeigler Page 4
Florida Trip Wrap-Up Page 5
Upcoming Campus Events Page 7
Reaching the Community Page 8
Masonic Memorial to Honor Veterans Page 11
OMH Scholarship Page 12
Why choose the Ohio Masonic Home? TO LIVE Page 9
Better is a Never-Ending Quest Page 13
WRMC's Silver Songbirds Page 15
...and more!
A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO MASONIC HOME AND THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO
To Our Veterans... I have elected to give a special emphasis to military veterans this year. In fact, I even designed a special lapel pin for Masons who are veterans. The pin is adorned with four military campaign ribbons. Starting at the top is World War II service, next is Korea, then Vietnam and finally Desert wars. I know that not every veteran served in one of these campaigns however, my wish is that every military veteran who is also a Mason will wear this pin with pride for having served our Nation. The design of the pin is to denote all who served from World War II until now. The campaign ribbons are to cover all military veterans from our oldest to our youngest. Having served in the United States Navy myself, I know the many sacrifices that are made by our veterans. I served in Vietnam but was never in combat. I hold those who did serve in combat in the highest regard. They not only sacrificed being away from home and family, they experienced unpleasantness and hardships that we can’t even imagine. I also want to address those who didn’t serve. When I ask men if they are a veteran when giving my veteran’s pin out, I often get a response like “no, unfortunately, I’m not” as they look at the floor. My Brothers, only a small number have served and although, I consider that an honor, it is not shameful if you did not serve. As Master Masons you are serving now. You are serving your God, your family, your community and your Lodge. You need not be ashamed of anything because you have not served in the military. I think this quote from the 32nd degree says it best.
I’m glad that the Veteran’s Pin has been so well received and that I see many brothers wearing it. To our World War II veterans, thank you for saving our nation and our world from disaster. You are truly “The Greatest Generation.” To our Korean War veterans, thank you for serving in a war that is often under recognized and for enduring the hardships you had to bear. To our Vietnam veterans, Welcome home! To those who have served in the Desert Wars, thank you for fighting to maintain peace and democracy around the world. There have been countless other conflicts that I have not mentioned, some we don’t even know about. So, to all Veterans, thank you for all you have done and continue to do. God bless you all! Fraternally, Eric “Rick” Schau Grand Master
“It is not given to all men to bear arms for his nation’s defense, but every man may cherish his country’s flag with a devoted love, may support his country’s laws with a willing obedience, and may so live day by day that the commonwealth shall be prospered through his industry, established through his fidelity, and honored through his integrity.”
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. Chad Simpson | Director of Program Development | The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio One Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504 | 614-885-5318 | csimpson@freemason.com Ohio Masonic Home | Marketing Department 2655 W. National Road | Springfield, OH 45504 | 937-525-5609 | OMHMarketing@ohiomasonichome.org
Ushering
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Dear Brethren, I hope that you and your families had a wonderful Christmas and a happy new year! We are off and running in 2018 as we continue our journey to serve our Brethren and their families wherever they may be. We recently wrapped up our annual Florida Grand Master’s Receptions held on January 14-16, 2018. Turnout was good and we enjoyed getting to meet and spend time with all of our Florida Brethren and their families as well as the Grand Lodge Officers. Please see the wrap-up on page 5 for more details. In an effort to ensure that we are effectively and efficiently meeting the needs of our constituents, the OMH Resource Center will be adding an additional Liaison to cover the southwest part of the state. Rebecca (Becky) Cason has accepted this role and we are currently backfilling her position. Becky has a great deal of experience in this area and will be an asset to southwest Ohio and the surrounding areas. This additional resource will ensure that we are quickly assessing and responding to the Brethren and their families. We are also currently in the process of evaluating the need for additional resources in the northwest part of the state. As we move forward, we will continue to evaluate these needs statewide. We are in full swing with our new external marketing firm. We recently launched our new social media campaign to continue to attract qualified residents to our campuses, and also to improve our employee recruitment results. We encourage you to like and share us on our new and improved Facebook page (www. facebook.com/ohiomasonichome). As discussed during annual communications, we are actively evaluating the markets for each of our campuses to ensure we have a full understanding of the
Find the Helping Heart! Congratulations to George Bringman, PM of Ashland Lodge #151 in Ashland, OH, the winner of last edition’s Find the Leaf search! There were 5 Leaves in the last edition. In this edition, we salute the charitable accomplishments of the OMH Resource Center and our Masonic Brethren with a Helping Heart graphic! Search through this entire edition and count how many times you find the Helping Heart graphic to the right (do not count the example graphic or the logo).
New Year
needs within the markets we serve. In response to our most recent study, we have made changes to our pricing structure at Springfield Masonic Community to better align with the market. As a result, occupancy has improved, and we anticipate this positive trend to continue in the months to come. Our Western Reserve campus is in the process of a market study to evaluate the need for a repositioning of all service lines in this vibrant market area. We finalized our expansion of the Water’s Edge Villas at our Browning Masonic Community campus this summer, and all units are full, plus we have a wait list for any future expansion plans that may come to fruition. Our Resource Center continues to build momentum, with the number of individuals in which we provide assistance growing by the day. Each week, we continue to receive feedback from individuals that we have provided assistance, in accordance with our mission, which would warm your hearts deeply. In closing, we wish you well as we work our way through the rest of the winter and into the spring. We have many events on our campuses forthcoming. Please see page 7 for a list of all our campus events.
Fraternally Yours, Brother Scott Buchanan CEO, The Ohio Masonic Home
Submit the correct answer along with your contact 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 March 16, 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.) WINTER 2018
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Gone…But Never Forgotten James Zeigler was born in Mansfield, Ohio on October 1, 1924 and passed to Eternal rest on December 16, 2017. Over the years, he was a soldier, an engineer, a traveling salesman, a locksmith and a security guard. Jim contributed his successful life and career to the training he received as a child at The Ohio Masonic Home. "It made being in the Army a piece of cake and has affected my whole life." Jim came to the Ohio Masonic home in 1933 as a child. He was 9 years old and stayed until 1940 when he returned to live with his father after he remarried. Jim graduated High School in May of 1943, was drafted in June of 1943 and honorably served his country for 3 years in the Army during WWII, serving in Germany, France, Belgium and Austria. Jim was a Private First Class assigned to Battery C of the 865th Anti-Aircraft Battalion. Jim served 11 years in the U.S. Army Reserve. Brother Zeigler joined the Masons in May of 1947 and was a 70 year member of Bellville Lodge #376. He later joined the Scottish Rite Valley of Cleveland in 1967. Jim returned to the Ohio Masonic Home as a resident in 2000 with his wife Doris. You never had to look far to find Jim, he was usually in the Train Room. When asked how he ended up in the Train Room, he replied, “Dad was a railroad man. When he came home at night, he didn’t want to see any trains, so I never had a train set at home. In 2001, I volunteered to help out in the Train Room and have been here since.” Jim enjoyed all the trains and the pleasure of meeting all the people who came to visit. He especially enjoyed those repeat visitors and had fond memories of Home Day in 2011, having over 400 visitors come through the station. Jim has made his final stop on the tracks of life, and the trains don’t run at the Ohio Masonic Home anymore, but the memories of them both will never be forgotten.
Every Freemason has the Responsibility to replace Himself We've been too quiet about our fraternity! Every Brother needs to become a spokesman for Freemasonry. It's important to talk with non-Masons about who we are and what we do. Seventy-six percent of new Masons joined because it is tradition in their family, someone they respected was a Mason or their friends or co-workers are Masons. A Brother who knows of a man that he feels would make a good Mason should talk to him about our fraternity. Help ensure the future of our great fraternity and your Lodge... REPLACE YOURSELF! For more information www.replaceyourself.org.
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Florida GM Reception Wrap-Up In January, Grand Master Eric R. Schau, visited our Ohio Brethren living in Florida. He, along with other Grand Line Officers and Ohio Masonic Home staff members, hosted three luncheons meeting with more than 200 Masons and their Ladies. During each visit, Grand Master Schau shared news from Ohio and presented 50, 65 and 70 year service awards to those in attendance. Ohio Masonic Home CEO, Brother Scott Buchanan, shared news about OMH and how, even if you live in Florida, we are here to assist our Ohio Brethren
wherever they live through the Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center. Both he and MWB Schau encouraged them to call the Resource Center’s toll free number, 1-877-881-1623. The Grand Lodge Officers and the Ohio Masonic Home staff thank everyone who was able to attend these luncheons. A big thanks also to our hosts for their assistance; RWB Ken Gavins at Sarasota/ Bradenton, MWB Steve Krekus at Fort Myers, and RWB Jerry Hatton at The Villages.
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Brethren Recognized for 70 & 75 Years of Masonic Service
Charles J. Lindecamp Past Grand Master Charles R. Murphy had the privilege of presenting Worshipful Brother Charles J. Lindecamp with his 70 year service award. He served as Worshipful Master of Erie Lodge No. 239 in 1952 and is 98 years old. He is already making plans to receive his 75-Year award.
Robert Creps Grand Master Schau joined with the Brethren of Bellville Lodge No. 376 and the 20th Masonic District to present Worshipful Brother Robert Creps his 75 Year service award. The Presentation took place at Wedgewood Estates in Mansfield, Ohio. He served as Worshipful Master of Bellville Lodge in 1953 and is 96 years old.
Lawrence E. “Larry” Sarbaugh Past Grand Master Murphy also traveled with the Brethren of Hubbard Lodge No. 220 to the “state up north” to present Worshipful Brother Lawrence E. “Larry” Sarbaugh with his 75 year service award. He served as Worshipful Master of Hubbard Lodge in 1989 and was elected Lodge Secretary in 1990 – an office he held for seven years. He retired as a Professor and Associate Dean of Communications at the Michigan State University. After his retirement, Larry and his wife Dorothy managed a Christmas tree farm on their acreage, originally owned by his maternal grandparents. He is 96 years old.
Fred R. Colburn Worshipful Brother Fred R. Colburn of Harrisonville Lodge No. 411 was presented his 75 year service award by Worshipful Brother Roger Gaul. Brother Colburn is 100 years old and served as Master of Harrisonville Lodge in 1949. Fred has resided on his 160 plus acre farm in Athens County his entire life and continues to care for his twenty head of cattle. Harrisonville Lodge is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, having been chartered in 1868.
Valley of Dayton to host the Mounties! The Master Mason Degree Team of North West Mounted Police Lodge No. 11 will exemplify the Master Mason Degree on March 25th at the Dayton Masonic Center, located at 525 West Riverview Avenue, Dayton, Ohio. This is a free event open to all Master Masons who bring their own aprons!
Registration will open at noon, and Lodge will open at 1:00 p.m. “This will be the third in a series for us,” explained Randy Clark, Valley Secretary, "Two years ago we hosted the Oklahoma Masonic Indian Degree Team, and last year it was the Black Watch Degree Team from Scotland. We are looking forward to witnessing the work done by our Brethren from Canada.” For question, please call 937-222-9103 or email randy.clark@daytonaasr.org.
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Upcoming Campus Events Springfield Masonic Community, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45504 For more information on any of our Springfield events, please call 937-525-3067 February 19 - Morning Star Lodge at 10:00 a.m. in the Burkhart Auditorium February 21 - Caregiver Expo from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. in the Festival Green Clubhouse February 27 - High Twelve at 12:00 p.m. in the Community Center March 15 - Ask A Doc Program at 1:00 p.m. in the Festival Green Clubhouse March 16 - Clark County Career Tech School Job Fair from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the Festival Green Clubhouse Veterans Roll Call: Meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month in the Lindner Community Center at 6:00 p.m. High-Twelve: Meets every fourth Tuesday in the Lindner Community Center at 12:00 p.m. with lunch at 11:00 a.m. Rainbow Assembly: Meets on the first and third Monday every month in the Lindner Community Center at 6:30 p.m. DeMolay: Meets on the first and third Tuesday every month in the Lindner Community Center at 6:00 p.m. Western Reserve Masonic Community, 4931 Nettleton Rd., Medina, OH 44256 For more information on any of our Western Reserve events, please call 330-721-3000 February 19 - Veterans Round table at 2:00 p.m. in the Western Reserve Room February 19 - Medina Rainbow Girls Assembly at 7:00 p.m. in the Chapel February 20 - Medina DeMolay at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel February 22 - Medina Lodge No. 58 at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel February 26 - Medina Chapter 266 O.E.S. at 7:30 p.m. in the Chapel Medina Eastern Star: Meets on the second and fourth Tuesday every month in the Chapel at 6:00 p.m. Medina Lodge: Meets on the second and fourth Thursday every month in the Chapel at 6:00 p.m. Veterans Roundtable: Meets on the third Monday every month in the Western Reserve Room at 2:00 p.m. Alzheimer’s Support Group: Meets on the third Wednesday every month in the Western Reserve Room at 3:00 p.m. Therapy Talk: Meets on the fourth Tuesday every month in the Chapel at 2:00 p.m. Browning Masonic Community, 8883 Browning Dr., Waterville, OH 43566 For more information on any of our Browning events, please call 419-878-1815 February 20 - Triune O.E.S Chapter No. 344 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rubicon Lodge Room February 21 - Music with the Toledo Symphony February 26 - Rubicon Lodge No. 237 at 7:00 p.m. in the Rubicon Lodge Room March 16 - Jiggs Dinner from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
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Reaching the Community Springfield Masonic Community has been hard at work in reaching out to the local area businesses. Efforts to connect with nearby businesses and residents include: • Hosting events for the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association at the Festival Green Clubhouse. Presentations were held December 10, The War of 1812, January 14, “The Mostly True Story of Simon Girty,” and will host "Life on the Frontier" on February 4. All presentations are open to the public. For more information you can visit the George Rogers Clark Heritage Association Facebook page. • Partnered with The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program this year at SMC and provided gifts for 70 children in the Clark County Area. • Reached out to local schools and Universities to increase awareness of employment opportunities available and also possible partnerships for internships. • Partnered with Project Jericho and Madcap Productions to host a Puppet Show on campus. Project Jericho provides in-depth performing and visual arts camps and workshops with a goal to make art and cultural experiences available to all youth and families in our community. • Partnership with Fuller Center of Clark County, who builds and repairs homes in partnership with families in need. Homeowners work with volunteers and then repay the costs of materials on terms they can afford, with no interest charged or profit made. This is a charity with dignity that creates safe homes and revitalizes communities. • Hosting the 2nd Annual Food Truck Rally on campus, May 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. in an effort to draw the community onto the campus. More details to come.
at
Enriching Lives
Browning Masonic Community
The Ohio Masonic Home empowers residents to be champions of their own lifestyle. By putting together strong social events, volunteer opportunities, and many additional engaging activities, OMH staff truly provides the pinnacle of retirement living. One such staff member is Michele Kipplen, Life Enrichment Director at Browning Masonic Community. Michele Kipplen has been with the Ohio Masonic Home for three years. She assists residents with planning personal and leisure activities on and off campus. She also assists with recruiting volunteers and transportation for our residents. These duties are essential to providing residents with an active, engaged and fulfilling lifestyle. When she is not assisting our residents she is an active photographer and is involved in the Waterville community and a member of the Waterville Rotary. Michele is currently working on a project for 2018 with the Waterville Historical Society photographing the historical homes of Waterville to bring the Historical Society's archives up to date with more current photos. Not only is she active locally, but she is also active in the Detroit area as she has been part of photography teams for TEDx Detroit and Exposure 101 Conferences.
“I enjoy the times when I get to work with the residents. That is the highlight of my day.” 8 WINTER 2018
Michele Kipplen Director of Life Enrichment, BMC
Live L ife O M
Move to the
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As leaders from the Ohio Masonic Home and the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation travel the state, we are often asked a very basic, yet poignant, question, “Why should I consider moving to one of the three Ohio Masonic Home campuses?” The easiest way to answer this question is in two words: TO LIVE! That’s right! Individuals and couples choose to come to our campuses for different reasons. Some make the decision based on a clinical need, while others come in search of the opportunity to make new friends. Still others come to be closer to family and loved ones, or because they may need some financial assistance to age respectfully. No matter what influenced the residents’ decisions to move onto campus, there is one thing for certain, and that is they came here to live life to its fullest. Whether you enjoy playing cards, creating art, working in a wood shop, hanging out with friends, or simply looking for a respite to relax and take in the beauty of our campus surroundings, we would suggest that the Ohio Masonic Home is an amazing place to live. If you are looking for something to do, look no further than our Life Enrichment Coordinators. These individuals make it easy to get involved in any number of groups, clubs or activities. In addition, there are wonderful volunteer opportunities where you have the ability to give of your time and talents. We learn so much from our residents! In fact, below is a link to a short commercial that showcases several of our residents as they show others how exciting it can be living at the Ohio Masonic Home. We hope that you find it as enjoyable as we have!
To view the commercial, visit: youtu.be/UXqmbL_4eZo You can read more about the commercial on page 14. As you can see, the residents are our family. We care deeply, and we work diligently to provide an incredible experience for all. As you retire and start to ponder about what’s next, please give consideration to your Ohio Masonic Home. You can speak to our Sales & Marketing teams at any of our three campuses; Western Reserve, Browning or Springfield. Oh yes, and should you choose to stay in your own home to be closer to family and friends, we understand and we care about YOU too. Please know that your Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center is just a phone call away should you ever need any assistance.
You can reach our Resource Center at 877-881-1623. We look forward to seeing some of you on campus and many of you as we travel the State of Ohio. THANK YOU for your ongoing support of your Ohio Masonic Home. WINTER 2018
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Norman's Story
Another OMH Resource Center Success Norman Lincoln’s life changed abruptly in September of 2017, when he had a car accident resulting in an ankle surgery. This event was the catalyst in bringing together a variety of resources and people of many backgrounds and disciplines. Beginning with his recovery, Norman chose the Springfield Masonic Community for rehabilitation after his surgery. Norman lived at the Ohio Masonic Home as a child, and has been an active part of the OMH Alumni group ever since. During his recovery, Norman worked with Jon Marmon, Therapy Manager at Springfield Masonic Community, who reached out to Becky Cason (Pictured to the left of Mr. Lincoln), then Resource Center Coordinator, who brought in DeAnna Kinney (Pictured to the right of Mr. Lincoln), Resource Center Liaison. The team was able to work with Norman on a variety of social, clinical and financial issues so that he could discharge home safely after rehab. During several months of rehab at SMC, the Resource Center team worked with local plumbers, cleaning services, Lodges and social service agencies. Norman’s home needed extensive maintenance to address many plumbing and electrical issues, broken windows and doors, deep cleaning, and restocking of food and supplies. The Resource Center team was able to facilitate Norman’s safe return by coordinating with the following agencies and organizations: The Veterans Service Office of Preble County, Council on Aging, Camden Lodge #159 and other Masonic bodies in the 2nd District, SteriClean, Bob Wolfe - Fulk Plumbing Services, and Ohio Living. Norman’s friends and fellow Masons, Mike Stephenson, Charles Thackrey and Mark Howard also helped with getting Norman items he needed for his home such as a new mattress, windows and a microwave. Norman is currently back in his home with continued support from his Masonic Brothers and the Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center staff. Norman has been a Mason for 49 years. He is a member of Camden #159, Bolivar #82 and Oxford #67. He is also a member of the AASR Valley of Dayton, KYCH and is the Grand Historian for Chapter, Council, and Commandery of Ohio.
If you would like to reach one of our Liaisons, please contact our Resource Center at
877-881-1623
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Masonic Memorials to Honor Veterans Be a Part of This Historic Undertaking
It is the desire and hope of Grand Master Eric R. Schau that Ohio Freemasons will honor our Masonic military and service veterans by placing memorials at four locations: the National Cemetery in Rittman, Ohio; the National Cemetery in Dayton, Ohio; the Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio; and the Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina. Ohio. The same beautiful memorial (mock-up pictured at right) will be erected at each location and include the following inscription: FREEMASONS 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 Lodges and their members can become a part of this great undertaking by making donations to the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation. Checks should be made out to the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation with Veterans Projects in the MEMO line and mailed to: 1 Masonic Drive, Springfield, Ohio 45504. Donations may also be made online by visiting www.glohio.com. All donations for this project are tax-deductible as the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation in a 501(c)3 not-forprofit foundation. Any donations received in excess of that needed for the memorials will be donated in support of Honor Flight.
Contact RWB Ron Runion with questions at 330-618-9553
Photo credit: Michael D. Cecil
The Masonic year is in full swing. Inspections, events, and gatherings of all shapes and sizes are happening across the state. A select group of men have taken up the mantle of an Ohio Masonic Home Ambassador, and are traveling mile after mile from event to event to help us spread the word. One example, pictured above, is Matt Strehle from Medina Lodge #58, presenting at Ebenezer Lodge #33 (Wooster) during their inspection. In addition to attending events and inspections in their area, these men are charged with being advocates, educators and communicators for the Ohio Masonic Home. Whether it’s a brief two minute blurb about what is available to assist our brothers and their families in need or a half-hour presentation at a widow’s dinner, these men have gone above and beyond the call of duty. We currently have forty-two ambassadors serving across the state. If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity to serve our brothers, please contact Jesse Pertee (info below). It is not a big time commitment, and many of our ambassadors work it into their normal Masonic travels. If you are interested in joining us, or if you are interested in inviting one of our ambassadors to come to your function, contact Jesse Ray Pertee at JPertee@ohiomasonichome.org or call 937-717-8071. WINTER 2018
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Applications are Now Being Accepted for the OMH Scholarship Program The Ohio Masonic Home Scholarship Program is an endowment established by the Ohio Masonic Home to provide tuition assistance for eligible full-time students working toward a Bachelor’s, Associate or other undergraduate degree program at accredited institutions. Applicants must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for consideration. This criteria is listed on the scholarship forms located on the Ohio Masonic Home’s website at www.ohiomasonichome.org. Applications, and supporting documents, must be mailed and received by the 3:00 p.m. deadline on Monday, April 2, 2018. For more information or questions, contact the OMH Scholarship Office at (877) 881-1623 These awards provided by the program are very significant in assisting students to offset the burden of college tuition. The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation gratefully accepts contributions to support the continuance and growth of the Ohio Masonic Home Scholarship Program. When donors specify the OMH Scholarship Program to benefit from their contribution, it allows for additional scholarships to be awarded. To give a gift, please make your check payable to the OMH Scholarship Program, 2655 West National Road, Springfield, Ohio 45504. You will receive written acknowledgment of your tax deductible gift. Your support promotes the success of scholars.
Compassion and Service
The Joys of Resident Volunteering Walk into the gift shop on any given Wednesday, and you’ll be greeted with the radiant smile and warm welcome of Alice Howell. Volunteering in the gift shop is something that Alice has taken great pride in since shortly after moving to Springfield Masonic Community in 2014. As a business owner, and beautician for nearly 65 years, Alice has always been very active and engaging with others. Alice’s dedication to volunteering goes beyond her weekly service in the gift shop. Every Thursday you can depend on Alice to guide visitors and answer campus questions as the Lobby Greeter in York Rite. As a member of the events committee, she also helps in coordinating campus events such as Oktoberfest, the Valentines Dance, and others alike. As if that wasn’t enough, Alice also serves as a Resident Ambassador. She speaks with prospective residents for SMC, answering questions about moving to our campus, what to expect and why, and recommends they too, should make the move. This is something she is most proud to do as she is very passionate about living at SMC. She has even opened up her home to offer tours to prospects. Compassion and service are values that run deep for Alice. It’s more than just keeping busy, but rather an opportunity to carry on her husband’s Masonic legacy of giving back to others. It’s a way for her to continue to live with purpose, develop new friendships, and bring happiness and joy to those around her. The Springfield Masonic Community is thankful for its volunteers and knows that without residents like Alice, we couldn’t do what we do.
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“I truly believe this is where I was meant to be” - Alice Howell
Better is a Never-Ending Quest By Worshipful Brother Walter Augenstein, Past Master of Pleasant Valley Lodge No. 531 After a recent Lodge Officer Installation, I was socializing with my Brother Freemasons at a local restaurant where there were a number of large flat screen TVs, displaying various channels, sports and otherwise. I happened to see a television commercial with the tag line, “better is a never-ending quest.” The commercial featured various demonstrations of athletic prowess, although to be fair, there was one instance of a person in a cap and gown to serve as a token representative of intellectual achievement. The question came to me, does this represent all that our society and/or civilization regards as “better?” Certainly these represent laudable accomplishments, but again, is this all that there is to “better?” Do they unconditionally make our society, our world "better?"
your country, your God and yourself than what you do in the gymnasium or in the classroom or how much money you make. We who are the antecedents of medieval stonemasons know well that there is more to being a man than being proficient at your vocation or trade.
We use the lessons learned in achieving mastery of our trade as an allegory for the beneficial refinement of our immortal souls, however they are not the end in themselves. The “better” that we profess refers to our t struck me that this interactions with our fellow men (and women) and is best learned could well serve as a in the context of brotherly endeavors. This is what we motto for our have done for centuries and will fraternity in that our continue ad infinitum.
"I
alleged purpose is to make men better"
It struck me that this could well serve as a motto for our fraternity in that our alleged purpose is to make men better, but only if we are able to answer the question “What is better?” Where does that “noble contention, or rather emulation, of who best can work and best agree” fit into the above context? It appears to me that in the drive for more fame, recognition, profits, etc., an entire aspect of life and human behavior is being neglected. It falls to us to proclaim the message that you are more than what you do. You are more to your family, your neighbor,
The phrase itself has a number of attractive features. It is only six words; it is very general; and it packs a powerful message. It refers to the never ending quest that we face in preparing our souls for that house not made by hands. I think that it even beats my previous favorite Masonic motto: “Freemasonry, a blueprint for life.” [Note: this was the 2004 Grand Master’s theme.] In my humble opinion, I think that we should take this, or an equally powerful motto, set it into stone, and saturate the public consciousness with it. Obviously, this is a subjective viewpoint, and I offer it up for consideration as such.
Masons should ask: What is better? Masons should answer: Better families, Better neighbors, Better citizens, Better subjects of God Better men - Masons WINTER 2018
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Ohio Masonic Home Residents are Ready for Their Close-up Over the last two years, Springfield Masonic Community has redefined its programing to fit the more active lifestyle demands of those moving to the campus. Residents of the campus are more engaged than ever, as they take part in the formation of clubs, events, programs and truly shaping what will be the best years of their lives. Creating and maintaining this active and engaging culture was just the first step. Just as SMC had to redefine its programing, the campus had to make changes in its strategies and messaging to reach this active customer base. Now catering and appealing to the younger side of the 55 and better community, the avenues for reaching these folks included social media targeting, digital banners and a television commercial. The television commercial aired the weekend of Labor Day, and drew almost instant attention. The market immediately noticed its fun, creative, out-of-the-box style in highlighting campus life at SMC. The commercial showcases how, at SMC, you are empowered to be what you want to be. You want to be an artist: join or teach an art class. You want to stay active: take a daily stroll around the campus or join the daily fitness classes. Whether you’re an athlete, a business woman, a biker, or a doctor, the commercial shows the world that, at Springfield Masonic Community, age is just a number.
A Grand Centerpiece! The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center staff collaborated with the Western Reserve Masonic Community Wood Shop, and the Grand Commandery of Ohio in a project making centerpieces for the Grand Commandery Banquets. The guys at the wood shop were able to take countless pieces of wood and cut them into the shapes of shields. The ladies of the 8th division then took those pieces of wood and turned them into a coat of arms to represent every Grand Master of the Knights Templar. On the back of these shields, they attached a piece of worn and burnt paper with a story about that specific Grand Master, and illustrated his coat of arms on the front. The guys and ladies take a lot of pride in their work, and the opportunity to enrich a banquet honoring the Sir Knights in Ohio was icing on the cake. 14 WINTER 2018
WRMC's Silver Songbirds December was a jingling and jolly month for many at The Western Reserve Masonic Community! The Silver Songbirds Chorus joined in the merry activities as a new choral group. The Silver Songbirds Chorus performed “Merry Musical Memories” for family and friends for the first time on December 17. Beyond being full of fun, the chorus provides an inclusive space for residents with Alzheimer’s, other dementias, and brain injuries to sing and work towards a common goal — a performance! Family members and caregivers are encouraged and welcomed to sing with the chorus, gain support from one another, and create positive memories with their loved ones. The Silver Songbirds Chorus is based on The Giving Voice Chorus model, which gives caregivers and their loved ones affected by Alzheimer’s, an activity to experience together in the community. This initiative was adapted to residential life, and introduced to the Western Reserve residents by the granddaughter of Sam Lambert, Alex Melchiorre. Often visiting her grandpa and looking for a way to create positive memories together, Alex started The Silver Songbirds Chorus. Eleven weeks of rehearsal, every Monday, from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. prepared The Silver Songbirds for their Christmas concert. During rehearsals, familiar Christmas carols were lead by our choir director, Alexandra Horwitz. Horwitz is a senior at Highland High School, and will be pursuing a music therapy degree at Baldwin Wallace University. Dr. Elva Michal, a Villa’s Resident and our pianist, provided their tune. Dr. Michal, in the offseason, also provides individual music lessons to residents in Pathways. Throughout the hour-long rehearsals, The Silver Songbirds, with Alexandra and Dr. Michal, worked on perfecting songs and having a great time! The choir was comprised of singers from a variety of backgrounds, from many years of singing to their first experience in a choir with The Silver Songbirds Chorus. Regardless of talent level, the Songbirds sounded like they had been together as a choir for 11 years, instead of just 11 weeks! The Monday night
practices did not just consist of singing, but time to socialize, enjoy a refreshing beverage, and “move and groove!" Rehearsal volunteers helped them to grow in so many ways! Everyone was thankful for the help from: Dr. Elva Michal (pianist), Alexandra Horwitz (choir director), Dr. Keith Michal, Maria Melchiorre, John Melchiorre, Brendan Gulick, Katy Major, Olivia Tomsick, and Scott Michal. With great anticipation, the Christmas concert came and The Silver Songbirds we’re humbled to perform in front of 125 of their closest family and friends in the chapel. Various members introduced songs and many caregivers sang next to their loved ones. Our resident soloist sang Silent Night beautifully! She stated that she enjoyed her first season with The Silver Songbirds, and expressed that her favorite part was “singing and also [that] everyone is so happy!" As the concert came to a close, Santa and Mrs. Claus made a surprise appearance. Those present were delighted to have them, and enjoyed their gifts and treats. The fun did not end after the performance concluded, though. Jean Lee, author of Alzheimer’s Daughter, joined the group with her book, and shared her experiences during the reception. The Alzheimer’s Association provided a table with resources on support and outreach services. The “Merry Musical Memories” performance ended with many families getting to know one another and sharing Christmas joy. The Silver Songbirds will be preparing for a spring performance very soon. Rehearsals will take place every Monday from 6:00 7:00 p.m., starting February 26, 2018. They are looking for committed and energetic volunteers. No singing experience is required as there are many different volunteer roles, and they will make sure you are comfortable in your role. Residents in other living areas serve as the best individuals to volunteer due to their understanding of the Masonic Obligation. The Silver Songbirds Chorus is looking forward to an exciting Spring Concert. They would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, and hope to make wonderful memories together, this spring!
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The Sandwich Shop Now Open at SMC
SMC is proud to announce the opening of the Sandwich Shop, located in the York Rite building. Residents and employees alike pitched in to create this new amenity. The Sandwich Shop provides another dining option for residents, staff and visitors where they can enjoy soups, salads, sandwiches and more! Order off of the great every day menu or excite your taste buds with the weekly special. The Sandwich Shop is open Monday through Friday 10:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 -5:30 p.m.
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