The Ohio
BEAC N Volume 28, Issue 2, Spring 2021
Calling All Veterans
Page 4
Deputy Grand Master Sets Rollout Schedule for Summer 2021 Page 6
Ohio’s Oldest and Youngest Worshipful Masters? Page 7
Construction Begins on Jack Hartzell Pavilion Page 14
What’s next for The Ohio Masonic Home? Page 12 Page XX
A J O I N T P U B L I C AT I O N O F T H E O H I O M A S O N I C H O M E A N D T H E G R A N D L O D G E O F O H I O
IN THIS ISSUE Letter from the CEO . . . . 2 Letter from the GM . . . . . 3 Grand Lodge News . . . . 4 The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation News. . . . . . . . 8 The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center News . . . 10 The Ohio Masonic Home News . . . . . . . . . 12 Springfield Masonic Community News. . . . . 13 Browning Masonic Community News . . . . . 14 Western Reserve Masonic Community News . . . . . 15 Family Matters. . . . . . . . 16 The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio One Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504 614-885-5318 or 800-292-6092 Douglas Kaylor, PGM Program Coordinator dkaylor@glohio.com The Ohio Masonic Home Marketing Department 2655 W. National Road Springfield, OH 45504 937-525-5609 OMHmarketing@ ohiomasonichome.org If you would like to receive the Ohio Beacon electronically, send an email with your request to OMHmarketing@ ohiomasonichome.org
A Message from the CEO Dear Brethren, It is hard to believe that a year has passed since the start of the pandemic. In that short time, so much has changed. Our need for human connection and community has become even more essential to every aspect of our health and well-being. Having a solid network of support or strong community bonds fosters both emotional and physical health and is a necessary component of our everyday lives. The sense of community, friendship, and concern for all within our reach has long been the foundation that makes the Ohio Masonic Home a pillar in the communities we serve. Whether caring for our brethren, widows, or today’s aging population, the care, compassion, and concern provided to those we serve remain a vital part of our mission. To expand our focus on education and community outreach, we continue to cultivate relationships with the Grand Lodge, appendant bodies, and partners within our communities. Through continued collaboration efforts and more awareness, our Resource Center is able to expand services and care to the members of our Fraternity and their families across the State of Ohio. We are beginning to see glimmers of hope and a return to ‘normal’. With restrictions loosening, we were excited to see the bus at Western Reserve Masonic Community on the move again, taking 30 of our community members to the Brown Derby for a fun night out. At Browning Masonic Community, I was honored to help grill out for our community members and staff, and music and games of corn-hole rounded out a wonderful evening. And at SMC, our community members held their first event since the pandemic, with pizza and game night in our beautiful Festival Green building. We will continue to focus on building a strong sense of community within our organization and in the lives of those we serve. Whether it’s family, friends, coworkers, or neighbors, the connections we build help foster feelings of belonging and well-being. We believe that the foundation of a strong community is cultivated through our residents, clients, employees, collaborations, and partnerships. As we move forward, we are excited about where we are going and what the future holds for the Ohio Masonic Home. Thank you for your continued support of our ongoing endeavors. Fraternally, Brother Scott Buchanan CEO, The Ohio Masonic Home
ADDRESS CORRECTIONS?
Please update your information via Grandview, or report all changes of address to your Lodge Secretary, who, in turn, will notify the Grand Secretary, who maintains the database that produces the BEACON mailing lists. The Ohio Beacon is published quarterly.
CANCELLED After much consideration, the difficult decision has been made to cancel Home Day 2021. Our concern for the health and safety of our Brethren along with our community members was the deciding factor in this decision. Please stay connected with our Ohio Masonic Home on Facebook (@theohiomasonichome) and at www.ohiomasonichome.org.
SAVE-THE-DATE OMH Foundation Golf Classic June 7, 2021 Rose Society Ball August 14, 2021
A Message from the Grand Master Brethren All, It is Spring, the days are getting longer, and the birds are singing their notes of joy and praise. The pandemic is lessening its grip with use of vaccines and natural immunity, and I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. The time has come to get the Masonic engine running again. Have you called the Brethren or Widows of your Lodge just to see how they are doing? Have you set better standards by providing a training/refresher session for the Brethren who serve as candidate mentors to discuss, explain, and train the brethren to coach candidates through either the Principles Proficiency or the Master Craftsman Program? How about a Typewritten Ritual night, Warden's and Deacon's Training, Presumptive Master's Training, More Light Night, Masonic Volunteer Training, or the Grand Master’s Virtual Road Show? There are plenty of things we can do to keep Masonic interest alive and well. It is my fear that we have had too much idle time during the pandemic, and it is easy to “get out of the habit” of going to Lodge. We need to come up with interesting ways to spark enthusiasm among the membership. We have been operating safely and I have you to thank for that. Inspection season is almost over and during my travels throughout Ohio, even with the time off and diminished participation, I have seen a lot of exemplary degree work.
During the summer, be visible in the community by hosting or participating in one new community event or project not done in the previous year. If some of these suggestions sound familiar, they should if you are trying to obtain the Grand Master’s Award. Brethren, I implore you to keep busy during the summer. There is more to Ohio Masonry than passing your inspection. We have a lot to offer, and you can play a big part in the process if you “Use the Tools!”
Fraternally, Richard A. Dickerscheid Grand Master
We still have many interested men wanting to join our craft and I would suggest using the new background check in combination with the “OneDay Class” to facilitate the degree process. This is a great way to perform degrees while doing so safely.
Find the Sunrise
Congratulations to James Richardson, of Augusta Lodge #504 in Pattersonville, Ohio, the winner of last edition’s Find the Shield search! There were 4 Shields in the last edition. In this edition, we think about what's next. It's looking more and more like life may return to normalcy quite soon! A sunrise represents a new day and new opportunities to grow. Search through this entire edition and count how many times you find the Sun graphic to the right (do not count the example graphic).
Submit the correct answer along with your contact information (name/address/phone) and Lodge affiliation to Ohio Masonic Home, ATTN: OMH Marketing, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, Ohio 45504 or via email at OMHmarketing@ohiomasonichome.org by Friday, June 18, 2021, and be entered to win a prize, courtesy of the Ohio Masonic Home Print Shop! (Your participation serves as permission to include your name and Lodge affiliation in the next edition of the Beacon.) SPRING 2021 3
The Grand Lodge of Ohio
Calling All Veterans
The Grand Lodge invites all military veterans to add their service histories to their Grand Lodge Membership Record in Grand View. It is an easy-to-do, self-service operation. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Go to Freemason.com and pick Members on the top right blue menu bar Select Member Center or for more help pick “visit our blog” for step-by-step instructions (If new profile) Select Member Registration on the top right blue menu bar You will need to know your member number of your permanent dues card Once signed in, select My Profile Select and complete the form for Military Service While on your profile, check to make sure we have your email address. At this time, an email is the most costeffective way to communicate with our membership. It allows us to hold the line on member’s dues while making sure you stay connected to your Lodge and Grand Lodge.
The Grand Master and Grand Lodge of Ohio is proud of every member who answered the call to serve his country. We owe our freedom to the women and men of the armed forces and recognize that they and their families often pay a hard price for their service. We would like to keep a record of all who have served. The camaraderie found in military units and that found in the Lodge are sometimes described as similar. A Master Mason who understands the 5 Points of Fellowship will always have his Brother’s back. It is a form of trust that cannot be purchased. It must be understood through shared experiences and then earned by action. The Grand Lodge invites every Masonic veteran to set up his Grand View account and record his service history.
Grotto Honors Grand Master
Oola Khan Grotto, and Khana Shahar Grotto honored our Most Worshipful Grand Master, Prophet and Brother Richard A. Dickerscheid, by holding a joint ceremonial in his honor on March 17 in Springfield. Eleven new prophets were welcomed to Grotto, with the Grand Master personally administering the obligation. The eleven -along with a number of prophets who joined last year during the height of the pandemic -- were introduced to the Enchanted Realm via a full-form ceremonial. The new prophets received commemorative certificates signed by the Grand Master, who is a member of Oola Khan Grotto. The Mystic Order of Veiled Prophets of the Enchanted Realm, whose subordinate bodies are called Grottoes, is an organization by and for Master Masons. While not connected with Masonry proper, its membership is restricted absolutely and exclusively to Master Masons in good standing. Although it is primarily an organization for good wholesome fun and frolic, it also has its serious side. Its slogan is GOOD FELLOWSHIP. Its humanitarian foundation helps provide dental care to children with special needs.
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The Grand Lodge of Ohio
Brother Cody O’Flaherty Receives Award for Saving a Life Wyandot County Sheriff, Todd D. Frey, presented a life-saving award to Brother Cody O’Flaherty, a Correction’s Officer with the Wyandot County Sheriff’s Office, and a member of Warpole Lodge No. 176 in Upper Sandusky. On February 18, 2021, Brother O’Flaherty was able to intervene, stop an attempted suicide, and help the inmate receive emergency counseling. The Sheriff credited Brother O’Flaherty with saving the inmate’s life. Brother Cody has been a member of Warpole Lodge for less than two years. He received his Master Mason Degree on July 4, 2019, at the Lodge's annual celebration of our nation's birthday. This Lodge holiday tradition was started in 1923 and has continued yearly except for 2 years (1939 & 1945). Several members received a degree on that day, which included a memorial service for deceased members followed by a ham and egg breakfast. With the COVID-19 restrictions last year, the Lodge assembled in the Harrison Smith Park and planted a tree in honor of their deceased members in the Lodge, Chapter and Council, which meet in Upper Sandusky. In addition to working for the Wyandot County Sheriff's Department, Brother Cody also works in security for Wyandot Memorial Hospital. In the future, he hopes to enrich his education in the law enforcement field by being enrolled in the Police Academy in Marion.
Celebrating 25 Years of The Ohio Beacon It's hard to believe that The Ohio Beacon is now 25 years old. In the winter of 1995, the first issue was published. The Ohio Beacon staff has located the first few issues. Throughout this year, we will be posting these archival issues online for you to view. Take a look to reflect upon years past and see some familiar faces.
To view the second issue of The Ohio Beacon 1. Go to www.theohiobeacon.com 2. At the top of the screen, click Archived Print Editions 3. Scroll down and find the Special Issues heading 4. Click on 2nd Issue of The Ohio Beacon SPRING 2021
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The Grand Lodge of Ohio
DEPUTY GRAND MASTER SETS ROLLOUT SCHEDULE FOR SUMMER 2021 Right Worshipful Brother Timothy S. Wheeland, Deputy Grand Master, has announced his schedule of rollout programs for the summer of 2021. RWB Wheeland’s rollout programs will be presented across the state starting on July 19, 2021. The rollout program presentation is designed to inform the Brethren and their ladies across the state regarding the details of the plans that will be implemented during to the 2021 – 2022 Masonic year. RWB Wheeland is a Past Master of University Lodge #631 in Columbus, Ohio, Past District Officer, Past District Deputy Grand Master, Thrice Potent Master of the Enoch Lodge of Perfection – AASR (Valley of Columbus), member of R.A.M. Chapter, R.&S.M. Council, Columbus Commandery, Aladdin Shrine, Red Cross of Constantine, and AMD.
RWB Timothy S. Wheeland & Lady Kim
Tim is currently a Senior Director at Verizon Media who manages a team in the Membership and Subscriptions group – where he has worked for 35 years. Tim’s work experience includes managing roles for various online companies -- such as CompuServe, AOL, Netscape, and Yahoo! Tim’s background in membership management has allowed him to bring an understanding of the critical metrics that drive member acquisition, churn, and retention to the fraternity. All rollout programs will begin at 7:00 pm. All members and their ladies are encouraged to attend these highly informative sessions. Date July 19, 2021 July 20, 2021 July 21, 2021 July 26, 2021 July 27, 2021 July 28, 2021 August 2, 2021 August 3, 2021 August 4, 2021
Lodge Huber Heights Lodge #777 Guernsey Lodge #66 University Lodge #631 Milford Lodge #54 Findlay Lodge #227 Scioto Lodge #6 Star Lodge #187 Paramuthia Lodge #25 Mansfield Masonic Complex
Address 7778 Wildcat Road, Huber Heights, Ohio 45424-1942 730 Wheeling Avenue, Cambridge, Ohio 43725 2436 W. Dublin Granville Rd., Columbus, Ohio 43235 32 Water Street, Milford, Ohio 45150 303 Osborn Avenue, Findlay, Ohio 45840 57 East Main Street, Chillicothe, Ohio 45601 2307 Sackett Avenue, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223 12 West Carpenter Street, Athens, Ohio 45701 1250 Middle Bellville Road, Mansfield, Ohio 44904
Daniel Carter Beard Scouter Award
The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award is a national recognition approved by the Boy Scouts of America and promoted by many Grand Lodges in the United States. It may be presented to any Master Mason who has made significant contributions to youth through Scouting. This is a selective award requiring a nomination and approval. The Grand Lodge of Ohio has nomination forms available in the Grand View Resources Library. Here is the story of a recent recipient. Brother William DeVelin, an engineer at the Piketon Uranium Enrichment Plant, has been an adult scouter for the past 16 years, serving as head of Cub Scout Pack 14 and Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 14 which served both St. Peter’s and St. Mary’s Catholic Churches in Chillicothe. He became a member of Scioto Lodge, No. 6, in 2016. Masons from Scioto Lodge nominated Brother DeVelin, and the award was presented on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2020, at the Chillicothe Masonic Temple by MWB Keith Newton, Grand Master. During his time as Scoutmaster, 13 youngsters attained the rank of Eagle Scout, including his son, Tom DeVelin, who
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entered the Ohio National Guard during his junior summer at Waverly High School, and who later served a year in Afghanistan when his anti-missile unit was deployed there. Brother DeVelin now serves as a District Committeeman and Commissioner for the Chief Logan District of the Simon Kenton Council. Bill organized a religious retreat for Catholic Scouts in 2017 resulting in two of the scouts receiving the Ad Altare Dei Award. Last winter, he organized a first-aid meet for 50 scouts at the Ohio University, Chillicothe, Field House. This was his 10th year running that program. He has also organized District swimming merit-badge clinics. Bill and his wife Toni have been married 37 years and live in the Lake White area near Piketon. If you know a Mason who – like Brother DeVelin – is making a significant contribution to young people through Scouting, please consider nominating him for the Daniel Carter Beard Scouter Award.
The Grand Lodge of Ohio
Ohio’s Oldest and Youngest Worshipful Masters? In December 2009, Worshipful Brother Harold Potter was installed as Master of Hart’s Grove Lodge, No. 397 (now Triandria, No. 780). He was 99 years old at the time of his installation. MWB Terry Posey, Grand Master, attended WB Potter’s installation and then returned later in the year to help celebrate his 100th birthday. WB Potter is believed to be the oldest Master in Ohio’s history – and yes, he passed his inspection! But who was Ohio’s youngest Master? It turns out we don’t really know, but here is the story of one possible candidate. In December 2020, Worshipful Brother Eric Vance Day was installed as Master of South Point Lodge, No. 497. At 22 years old, he is Ohio’s youngest Worshipful Master this year.
Worshipful Brother Harold Potter WB Day petitioned the Lodge as soon as he turned 19 and after being raised, he advanced from Junior Steward to Worshipful Master in three years. He has two gavels that he uses regularly, one of which was his great grandfather’s and was reportedly made from the historic Logan Elm. He has many plans for his year as Master. He hopes to hold a Grand Master’s Class, outdoor Master Mason Degree, a spaghetti dinner and some other fundraisers for local charities. In addition, he really wants to lead the Lodge on a long weekend fishing trip at Lake Erie if COVID-19 rules will allow it.
WB Day was asked why he became a Mason. He wrote, “I was curious, and I wanted to have another way to bond with my dad and grandfather and make those memories with them that I had seen them making with each other when I was a kid.” He described one of his early memories, “I remember my father and grandpa reading out of a little book, and I started asking questions. They told me it was a book that I had to earn before I was able to look at it. That really piqued my interest.” Left to Right: uncle, grandfather, father and WM Vance Day on the date he was raised.
The Grand Lodge does not usually track the ages of its Worshipful Masters, but staff member Darlene Shirk researched the question. She determined that the average age of a worshipful master this year is 51.5 years of age. Currently, there are 28 masters under the age of 30 and twelve over the age of 75. WB Potter’s record seems safe for the moment, but the Grand Lodge would like to know if there has been a Worshipful Master younger than age 22. Please let us know. In the meantime, we are very proud of WB Day and his accomplishments.
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The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation
Circle of Roses
The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation would like to recognize the following individuals, Masonic bodies, foundations, businesses and organizations for their support between January 1 and March 31, 2021. Red Rose $10,000+ Baile Senior Management Charles E. Brister Trust Clarice Krehbiel Trust Floyd A. Roberts Dorothy T. & Myron T. Seifert Trust Pink Rose $5,000-$9,999 C & N Industrial Contractors, Inc. Frank & Marguerite Colburn Trust Ralph J. Gooding Trust Paul Haueisen Donald C. & B. Jane Huser Trust Nova Caesarea Harmony Lodge #2, F&AM RCS Construction Scottish Rite Valley of Cincinnati Foundation Kenneth R. Sterrett Trust UBS Financial Services Lavender Rose $2,500-$4,999 Aline Phone Systems Alto Healthcare Staffing DataServ Orlando W. Davis Trust Fazio Color Shop, Inc. Martin L. Hall Trust Helen Opperman Estate JMM Architects Point to Point Systems Remedi SeniorCare Ridge Stone General Contractors, LLC Rose SPRIG 2 Howard M. Sheeler Trust Solid Blend Technologies Peach Rose $1,000-$2,499 Angel Funding Consulting LLC Arabic Club Foundation George D & BJ Arters Trust Richard & Dana Beatty Charles & Ethel Briggs Scott & Katrina Buchanan Cincinnati Bell Isaac & Heather Demarest
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Phillip A. Hoffman Bessie V. Hosler Trust The David & Virginia Lewis Charitable Fund Betty H. Oberle Trust Frank T. Schenck Anna L. Sine Trust Richard D. Snow Third Protestant Memorial Church Endowment Fund Valley of Dayton, AASR Wick Lodge #481, F&AM Keith S. Williams
Orange Rose $500-$999 William R. Beach Furniture Solutions Group Kilwinning Lodge #356, F&AM Lake Shore Lodge #307, F&AM Medina Lodge #58, F&AM Milford Lodge #54, F&AM Moriah Lodge #105, F&AM Susan Muenzer & Craig Nilsson Ohio State Secretaries Association Ronald & Jean Owen Steve & Lori Petitjean Philips Senior Living Rescue Painting & Decorating, Inc. Riddle Lodge #315, F&AM Rockton Lodge #316, F&AM William G. Selsam Harold G. Shrive Trust Somerset Lodge #76, F&AM University Lodge #631, F&AM Valley of Canton, AASR Wauseon Lodge #349, F&AM Robert E. White Trust Frank R. Williams Trust William G. Windnagel Yeatman Lodge #162, F&AM Yellow Rose $250-$499 11th Masonic District Association 21st Masonic District Association A-1 Able Pest Doctors John Ashlock Batavia Lodge #104, F&AM Leroy Bayliss
David & Susan Black Matthew & Clare Boggs Jay & Gina Dettorre Rosalie J. & Roger Edgington Edon Lodge #474, F&AM Elyria Lodge #787, F&AM Facebook Fundraisers Fairborn Lodge #764, F&AM Franklin County Memorial Lodge Germantown Lodge #257, F&AM Michael J. & Suzanne Glendening GLO2026 Herbert J. Sims & Company, Inc. William E. Honeycutt David & Holly McMorries Melrose Lodge #671, F&AM William L. Moore William A. Nichols Niles-McKinley Lodge #794, F&AM North Star Lodge #638, F&AM Ohio Living Old Erie Lodge #3, F&AM Robert E. Olsson Paul C. Mencer Estate Jesse Pertee Willard O. Rankin Reynolds & Reynolds Employee Foundation Sherwood Lodge #620, F&AM Squared Business Solutions Michael D. Stern David & Joyce Subleski Martin & Bonita Trent Harry D. Waddell Trust Wadsworth Lodge #385, F&AM Western Hills - Cheviot Lodge #140, F&AM York-Temple Chapter #155, RAM
Thank You!
The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation
Humbled and Appreciative
The past few months we have received some very nice notes included with donation. It makes me very proud to say, “I am an employee with The Ohio Masonic Home.” Hearing about the exemplary care, compassion and concern we give to those in our care and their families has my heart swelling with joy. It is because of your donations that we are able to care for others’ loved ones. Here are a few excerpts from the notes: “.. I appreciate the good care he was given when I could not…” “…Each and every one was very polite, professional, informative, caring, and even calm, under some occasions, what must have been difficult times.” “…Our sincere thanks to everyone who cared for mother, including the laundry, housekeeping, financial services, Matt the exercise guru, and the incredible nurses, Audrey who kept me in touch with mother via FaceTime in a caring and loving way… Everyone showed incredible kindness to all of us…” “…thanks to all the administration who made hard decisions to protect all in your care.” We are very appreciative of the donations we receive and wanted to share with your our recognition programs. The Circle of Roses recognizes donors who have contributed $100 or greater during a calendar year. The donor’s annual cumulative giving is segmented into seven levels with each level represented by a different color of rose. • • • • • • •
White Rose Circle Yellow Rose Circle Orange Rose Circle Peach Rose Circle Lavender Rose Circle Pink Rose Circle Red Rose Circle
$100 – $249 $250 – $499 $500 – $999 $1,000 – $2,499 $2,500 – $4,999 $5,000 – $9,999 $10,000 and above
The Society of Roses recognizes donors who have shown extraordinary financial support with lifetime gifts of $10,000 or more to The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation. • • • • • • •
White Rose Society Yellow Rose Society Orange Rose Society Peach Rose Society Lavender Rose Circle Pink Rose Circle Red Rose Society
$10,000 – $24,999 $25,000 – $49,999 $50,000 – $99,999 $100,000 – $249,999 $250,000 – $499,999 $500,000 – $999,999 $1,000,000 and above
The Legacy of Roses recognizes those who have made a lasting commitment to our mission by making a deferred gift. A gift of tomorrow could include the naming of The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation as a beneficiary in a will or trust, on a retirement account or life insurance policy, or through the purchase of a gift annuity. Leaving a legacy is like providing a tree for shade. As Warren Buffet once said, “Someone is sitting in the shade today, because someone planted a tree a long time ago.”
Mark your calendars for the second annual Rose Society Weekend and Masquerade Ball at The Westin Great Southern Columbus on August 13 - 15, 2021. The Westin is situated near the German Village in a historic, beautifully renovated red brick building first opened in 1897. Friday afternoon will kick-off with a safari tour at the Wilds followed by the Duke and Duchess reception. On Saturday, participants will tour the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and The Ohio State Band Room tour (pending COVID-19 restrictions). The highlight of the weekend will be the Rose Society Masquerade Ball on Saturday evening. Proceeds will benefit our skilled nursing community members at the Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio.
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Your Ohio Masonic Home RESOURCE CENTER
Resource Center
The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center assists people with finding the clinical, financial, and social services they need to age respectfully. We make referrals and coordinate services with appropriate local agencies and fraternal organizations. Also, we can connect you to information and resources like finding home health care, our Ohio Masonic Home campuses, our trusted partners, medical equipment, products that help you stay in your own home, and offer connection to benefits through the Veterans Administration, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, Social Security, and more. We are available to talk over the phone or we can do a home visit and come to you.
Call 877-881-1623 to reach any of the Ohio Masonic Home campuses or our Resource Center. We have local coordinators in your area! The Community Outreach Coordinators work closely with the Lodges in their assigned Districts. In appreciation for the assistance and support provided to the Fraternity, Lodges oftentimes recognize the coordinators in their respective area by way of donations made to The Ohio Masonic Home. On October 1, Highland Lodge #38 invited Melissa Hirn-Pulliam to their meeting to accept a significant donation in her honor to the Resource Center. Not only did the Lodge make a significant monetary donation, but the members of the Lodge donated individually to the Resource Center as well by ‘passing the hat’ during the September meeting. Melissa was overwhelmed by their generosity. Another example of Lodges “giving back” is Lucasville Lodge’s practice of honoring those members who have passed on. Please see below: "For several years Lucasville Masonic Lodge No. 465 has been making donations to the OMH In Memory of each of its members that has passed away. Recently, we were informed that we could be more selective as to where and how our donations could be used. We decided that our funds would be best utilized close to home. So we decided to begin earmarking our donations for use by the OMH Resource Center, and in particular the Southern Ohio region in which we are located and served by Melissa Hirn-Pulliam, outreach coordinator."
Did you Know?
• Your local coordinator can come to your Lodge/ District meetings and do presentations • We have a bereavement program that will connect with widows/widowers • We have a volunteer program and are in need of more volunteers • We can provide grief support or even help you start a grief support group • We have a youth program • We can connect you to solutions for your unique situation • We help provide information and make referrals based on your clinical, financial or social need • We have an Emergency Assistance Program and offer Masonic at-home care financial assistance • The Resource Center is funded by the Ohio Masonic Home Foundation
Jason Throckmorton, PM and Sec., Lucasville Masonic Lodge No. 465
Partnering Together! "The Eighteenth Masonic District Association honored DeAnna Kinney for her hard work and dedication to the Monroe, Muskingum, and Noble counties at the Association meeting on 4-7-21 and presented her with a hand-made Traveling Train Award. This award is held in high regards in our District for those dedicated Masons and Lodges that travel throughout our District during the inspection season. With the difficult times we have had from last year on, let it be known that DeAnna has helped numerous Masons, as well as their widows and Eastern stars, during the current pandemic, to get the help they have needed during these tough times. Without her assistance, we would not be able to coordinate as well as we do with helping our brothers and their families. This award is well deserved and we are extremely lucky to have DeAnna as our Resource Center Community Outreach Coordinator. DeAnna works with our MVP Committee Chairman and District Advisor, Jeff Gallaher, to link those in need with services, community resources and assistance from our MVP Volunteers. The 18th District has been in partnership with the Ohio Masonic Home through the efforts of DeAnna since 2007. Congratulations on receiving this unique honor! And THANK YOU for your dedication to our Fraternity."
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-WB Josh Shumate, 18th District Association President
Are you aware of the many programs that our craft has to aid and assist one another? Reflecting upon this thought, we can ask ourselves whether we do enough with the allotted hours for a Brother or his family? Then a song fills my spirit by Bill Withers with these lyrics, “Sometimes in our lives, we all have pain, we all have sorrow. But if we are wise, we know that there’s always tomorrow...” No matter how bleak the situation, we are Ohio Freemasonry strong.
By Benjamin Okwumabua, PM
The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center, 877-8811632 can be contacted for multiple levels of support at any time. Each Lodge has a regional representative. Brother Dan Shirk who represents the Central Ohio region, immediately reached out to our distressed Brother and collaborated efforts with the Canal Winchester Lodge. As the stanza in Withers song reminds us: “You just call on me, Brother, when you need a hand. We all need somebody to lean on...” We may not all be able to hold a melody, but what we can do is make one great band which so harmonizes the world through the notes of love to give relief. Share this story to impact and improve another man’s life, a Mason, a Brother.
Resource Center
One of our brethren, who was facing challenging times with extenuating health issues, was dismayed with hopelessness due to physical limitations that prevented him from leaving his home for treatment and the lifesaving care that he needed. He was not aware nor did he know how to access the resources and guidance that we as Freemasons are blessed to have. Through conversation with one another, we find opportunities to help each other. Again, the continued lyrics to Bill Wither’s song resonates: “Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on...” Through this fellowship, our Brother not only received assistance through the generous donation of a temporary ramp initiated by his home Lodge, Canal Winchester #670, enabling him to leave his home to receive medical care; he was also surprised with a visit to his home by the Grand Master of Ohio, Most Worshipful Brother Richard Dickerschied and the Grand Lodge officers.
Lean on Me
Make your contribution to support your Brethren and enable great programs that we as Masons have. Live, listen, and leave love.
Accessing programs of relief start at the member’s respective local Lodge level by which the Worshipful Master and membership can initiate aid from the Lodge to assist a distressed Brother. A number of supplemental assistance programs then open up, such as The Grand Lodge of Ohio Charitable Foundation, the Scottish Rite Grand Almoners Fund, and many other programs.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with a health or safety need, contact us at 877-881-1623. We have programs that can help!
Call toll-free 1-877-881-1623 or visit www.omhresourcecenter.org
Samantha Loy
Director, OMH Resource Center & NE Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator (937) 504-4407
Raquel Brown
Bobbi Schickler
DeAnna Kinney
NW Ohio Community SW Ohio Community SE Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator Outreach Coordinator & Outreach Coordinator & Masonic Youth Masonic Bereavement & Masonic Volunteer Outreach Program Program Coordinator Program Coordinator Coordinator (513) 567-1100 (740) 262-1974 (419) 260-0855
Melissa Hirn-Pulliam
Dan Shirk
Millie McNeal
Southern Ohio Central Ohio Community Financial Assistance Community Outreach Coordinator Coordinator Outreach Coordinator (937) 926-4305 (937) 525-3005 (740) 970-7903
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What’s next for the Ohio Masonic Home?
Most people are starting to see “light at the end of the tunnel” as we are seeing larger numbers of people who have been vaccinated. A high percentage of community members across all three campuses are fully vaccinated and ready to get life back to our new normal. Pfizer vaccines were administered in January and early February.
All of the campuses have been very careful to comply with COVID-19 protocols for the health and safety of the staff, their families and most importantly the community members.
The Ohio Masonic Home
As we look around all of our communities, everyone is still wearing masks and social distancing. Everyone is being very respectful of their fellow community members. Even with these restrictions still in place, people are coming out of their villas and apartments and some social activities are beginning to happen. These are still campus only events, but people are laughing and talking and enjoying themselves and being able to see their neighbors in person, instead of talking on the phone or on Zoom. Each campus has held different activities from a game night to a cookout and even a dinner at a local restaurant. Green seemed to be the color of the day as the game night coincided with St. Patrick’s Day and steaks were grilled out on another campus. Spirits were high and the excitement shown on everyone’s face. Planning is underway for events such as a Kentucky Derby Day party to a Spring Fling while listening to the sounds of jazz. If you are wondering what else will be planned, stay tuned. After dealing with a year of COVID-19, you can be assured that the best is yet to come!
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Pizza and Game Night at Springfield Masonic Community
Springfield Masonic Community
March 12th is a day that many of the community members at the SMC will remember. This was the first gathering since the pandemic started in March, 2020. Approximately 60 people turned out for the event. Green was the color of the day so St. Patrick’s Day could be celebrated as well. Pizza was served as well as great cookies for dessert. Everyone loved the food and enjoyed the games. But most of all, everyone just enjoyed talking to each other. People may have talked on the phone, or been part of a Zoom conversation, but for everyone, this was the first social event since the pandemic. We would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Dave Flohre and his events committee for the planning of this fun filled evening. They are already planning for upcoming events, such as Derby Day.
We are excited to see what the future holds! SPRING 2021
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Construction Begin s on
Jack Hartzell Pavi lion
Browning Masonic Community
Community members at Browning Masonic Community (BMC) are excited that construction has begun on their new outdoor pavilion. It will be an A-Frame pavilion with an outdoor kitchen, pergola, fire pit, raised gardens and a shed. This new area will be a gathering place for those living at BMC. People wishing to plant and maintain a garden will be able to do so. Gardening tools and planting areas and boxes will be provided to ensure all who wish to participate have the opportunity. This project will build upon the relaxing, social atmosphere at BMC and will add to the natural beauty of the campus. This will be the perfect place to hold parties and picnics in the spring, summer and fall. The pavilion will be named the “Jack Hartzell” Pavilion in honor of the outstanding work that he has done as the Chairman of the Board for BMC. Browning Masonic Community appreciates the generous donations made through The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation that is making this project possible.
14 SPRING 2021
Looking Forward to the OLD Normal
Western Reserve Masonic Community
Spring has sprung and as the grass starts to grow, flowers and trees start to bloom and blossom. We at Western Reserve Masonic Community are growing and starting to bloom lifestyle activities off campus. Once again, we have started see our community members out and about in the main dining room for eating. If you're out, you will start seeing the WRMC bus out and about. City loop is back up and running, with Buhler’s grocery runs, men’s breakfast outing and walking club outings to Seiberling Nature Realm in Akron. We just had 30 of our community members attend a dinner outing at The Brown Derby restaurant. As our outings start growing and we start to get back to our “old normal,” come grow with us...
...the journey is never ending.
SPRING 2021
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The Ohio
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Family Matters Allen Hill retired from the US Coast Guard, and in 2016 moved to Browning Masonic Community (BMC) in Waterville, Ohio. He took pride in being an active community member and Masonic Volunteer. Mr. Hill found joy in visiting his spouse at a neighboring facility where she resided receiving nursing care. BMC has Independent Living and a Memory Care unit called Pathways. In addition, he had access to Rubicon Lodge where Mr. Hill would meet regularly prior to the pandemic. As a result of visitation being on hold due to the 2020 regulations put in place through the CDC, we provided Mr. Hill with an electronic device through a program implemented called Breezie to coordinate virtual face-to-face visits with his wife who is also an Eastern Star. As time continued and distance grew greater Mr. Hill wanted the experience of an even closer connection to family. Family matters and increased socialization is a pertinent part in promoting positive health and wellness. He informed the Community Outreach Coordinator and Jennifer Rill (BMC Business Office Manager) that he had family near our Western Reserve campus that also had a Skilled Nursing unit, and through support from Jennifer and the OMH Foundation, Raquel Brown (OMH Resource Center Community Outreach Coordinator) and Mark Harris (OMH Foundation) were able to get Mr. Hill assistance to relocate both Mr. Hill and his spouse to our Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio. It is now that Mr. Hill is able to regularly visit Mrs. Hill, participate in activities on campus together, and they are within close proximity to their grandchildren.
Mark Harris, Allen Hill, Raquel Brown