2022 Beacon - Winter

BEAC N The Ohio

Volume 29, Issue 1, Winter 2022

Fourth Generation Miamisburg Mason Installed as Master!

Page 4

WB Dick Rose: Veteran, Lawyer, Mason Page 5

A Year of Successful Giving Page 12

Saluting Our Masonic Sheriffs Page 6 Page XX

A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE OHIO MASONIC HOME AND THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO

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 Scholarship Program. . . 16 The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio One Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504 614-885-5318 or 800-292-6092 Jim Hall, PM Director of Programs jhall@glohio.com The Ohio Masonic Home Marketing Department 2655 W. National Road Springfield, OH 45504 937-525-5609 OMHmarketing@ ohiomasonichome.org If you would like to receive the Ohio Beacon electronically, send an email with your request to OMHmarketing@ ohiomasonichome.org

A Message

from the

Dear Brethren, As we change our calendars and prepare to jump into 2022 we stop to reflect on the past year and give thanks to the scores of volunteers, donors, and staff who provide unwavering support to our Ohio Masonic Home. Your ideas, willingness to donate your time, talents, and treasure, and passion for providing relief to those in need inspire a partnership that enables The Ohio Masonic Home to meet its objective to be both an employer and provider of choice.

Thanks to 500+ volunteers in excess of 12,000 hours donated, the Home receives good counsel, residents in dementia care participate in engaging activities, clients of the Resource Center get needed transportation, and much more. We are forever grateful for your selfless contributions.

Speaking of contributions, we would like to thank our nearly 3,400 donors for their generosity in support of the work of the Home. Philanthropic support of The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation continues to grow, and timing could not be better. Today, there are more than 46 million adults age 65 and older in the United States. That number is expected to grow to 90 million by 2050. It is projected that 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older by 2030. The need is great today and will continue to grow into the future. We thank our donors and ask you to invite a friend to join the cause by donating today.

I remain incredibly proud of the work of our dedicated employees. No matter what challenge is presented, they are standing by to tenaciously conquer it. They do it willingly with a smile, a gentle word, or an act of kindness. They are called to provide care and compassion to those we serve. Our employees make The Ohio Masonic Home a great place to work!

So together, caring and compassionate volunteers, donors, and staff work in unison to bring Light to individuals in Darkness. We work together to make our Ohio Masonic Home the first choice in choosing where to live, work, and play.

I will close by sharing and celebrating the life of a sister, mom, grandma, and friend. A resident of Western Reserve Masonic Community (WRMC), Martha Wehner recently passed away and has joined her beloved husband of 61 years, Norman, in Heaven.

In her obituary published in the Medina-Gazette it states, “The family is grateful to all WRMC staff who, over the years, befriended and cared for both our parents and caused our mother to declare WRMC the greatest place on earth.” Godspeed Martha. We will miss you as we miss Norman. Two of the nicest people on earth are now reunited.

Thank YOU for doing your part to help keep The Ohio Masonic Home the ‘greatest place on earth.’

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.

CEO

SAVE-THE-DATE Due to the constant changes and monitoring of infection rates of the Coronavirus, the status of Home Day will be determined in mid-March. Keep up-to-date at: Facebook (@theohiomasonichome) and www.ohiomasonichome.org

OMH Foundation Golf Classic June 13, 2022 Rose Society Ball September 24, 2022

A Message

from the

Hello Brethren!

I have just recently completed my first three months as your Grand Master – and it has been a busy, yet wonderful experience. We are just about to enter the reception season and I am looking forward to seeing many of you as we start our journey around the state of Ohio.

When I was elected to this position, I laid out the plans, goals, and objectives of the Grand Lodge for the upcoming year – and I shared them with the Brethren during my Deputy Grand Master’s Rollout Program. I did so, because I believe that it is important that we all be held accountable for what we say we are going to do.

Are the plans aggressive for this year? Yes, they are.

For me, it is more important to set the bar high and get as much done as you possibly can – rather than set the bar lower and not accomplish all that you could have done.

In late January, I will be presenting my first quarterly update to the Brethren. I will be discussing what the goals were and how your Grand Lodge is executing against them. I am happy to report that we have made significant progress in executing on a number of the items, and we are looking forward to making even more progress in the coming months.

COVID has once again raised its ugly head – and your Grand Lodge quickly executed our contingency plans to keep our Lodges operating. Lodges now have the flexibility to conduct virtual meetings if they feel it is not appropriate to meet in-person.

Virtual meetings are allowing our members – regardless of their location or situation – to engage with the Brethren of our Lodges. With virtual meetings, anyone with a smartphone, an iPad, a tablet, or a computer, can participate in a virtual Lodge meeting (while using tools like Zoom or Webex) – as long as your Lodge chooses to conduct virtual meetings.

My Brethren, if you are unable to attend your Lodge inperson, I encourage each of you to reach out to your Lodge and determine if they are conducting virtual

Find the Badge Congratulations to Lawrence D. Cooper of Hiram Lodge #18 in Delaware, Ohio, the winner of last edition’s Find the Excavator search! There were 3 Excavators in the last edition.

In this edition, we salute a number of Ohio Sheriff's who also happen to be Freemasons. Search through this entire edition and count how many times you find the Badge graphic to the right (do not count the example graphic).

Grand Master

meetings (and ask for help if you need assistance). Let your Lodge know that you want to participate and engage with them virtually if possible.

Over the coming months, there are many opportunities for our Lodges to try new things, new implementations, new technologies, and new processes. Our Masonic Fraternity cannot continue with “business as usual” and expect to prosper in the years ahead. We must adapt and do whatever is necessary to attract new men into our Fraternity, as the next generation of younger men will expect a more modern and updated organization.

The time is now for change – and I ask that each of you help make that change a reality, as the future of our organization depends on it.

In closing, I will leave you with a few comments and thoughts: • • •

Dream Big, Think Big, and Execute Big. Do not let the minutia get in the way of ALL OF US making progress.

Everyone has a role to play in the success of our Masonic Fraternity – and I ask you, what is your role?

My theme for this year is “Reflect on Freemasonry.”

I’d like to encourage everyone to reflect on where Masonry has been – and more importantly, reflect on how we want to move our great Masonic Fraternity into the future.

God bless you, God bless our country, and God bless our great Masonic family.

Timothy S. Wheeland Grand Master Grand Lodge of Ohio

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, March 11, 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 WINTER 2022 3 in the next edition of the Beacon.)

The Grand Lodge of Ohio

A Message

Brethren and Friends all,

from

The Grand Secretary

Old Man Winter has moved into Ohio and set up camp. It’s a good time to check in on your friends and neighbors.

The Grand Lodge of Ohio was saddened to report the Zanesville Masonic Temple, home to The Lodge of Amity No. 5, was destroyed by fire on January 6, 2022. The temple which stood for almost 120 years, also served many community businesses.

Although their historical treasures were lost, The Lodge of Amity No. 5 will continue to stand strong in Zanesville, Ohio.

The outpouring of support they have received has come from Masons, Lodges and Jurisdictions across North America. Another example of what Masons do to offer relief whenever and wherever needed.

It’s also a good time for us all to reflect on how well our own Lodge or home is prepared for such a catastrophe. Do you have historical treasures that cannot be replaced? Possibly artwork,

literature, hand crafted items, keepsakes that are on display in your Lodge or home that are not secure and protected. It’s a good time for all of us to review how well we are prepared if our own Lodge or home faced such a tragedy.

I’m proud to be an Ohio Freemason, standing alongside my Brothers from The Lodge of Amity No. 5. They are a true example that the Lodge is not the building, but the Lodge is the Brethren.

Thank you Brethren for living your Masonic tenets every day. Zanesville is fortunate to have you as a part of their community.

It’s an honor to serve the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The office staff is committed to serving you, so please call on us if we can be of any assistance.

It’s a Great Day for Freemasonry!

Keith W. Newton, PGM, Grand Secretary

Fourth Generation Miamisburg Mason Installed as Master!

Minerva Lodge #98 held its annual Installation of Officers ceremony on November 20th and made history. At just twenty-three years old, Brother Nick Gore became one of the youngest elected Master since Minerva Lodge was chartered in 1843. Gore submitted his petition as soon as he turned nineteen in 2017 and has been an active Mason ever since. In his remarks, he noted that he wants to focus on the traditions of the Lodge and Masonry in his year, not surprising for a young man with his Masonic background.

He is a fourth generation Master Mason, following his greatgrandfather, Charles, in February 1956; his grandfather, Rick, in March 1993; and his father, Rex, in April 2010. WM Nick is the third generation to serve as Worshipful Master in less than a decade. Rick Gore led the Lodge in 2014 and Rex Gore served in 2017.

The Masonic tradition continues. WB Rick Gore has another son, David, who joined in 2013. WB Rex Gore’s second son, Jake, is eager to join once he finishes his active duty in the United States Marines in December 2022 as well.

4 WINTER 2022

veteran, lawyer, mason

Richard “Dick” Rose was born in Ashtabula on Sept. 24, 1920.

Dick Graduated from Shaw High School and went on to earn a Business Administration degree from Western Reserve University. He was just months shy of completing his Juris Doctorate when the United States entered World War II. Rose being a life-long lover of boats immediately enlisted in the Navy. He was then commissioned in under six months as a commanding officer on a PT boat used for air and sea rescue in the Pacific. He was assigned to Long Beach, California Navel Station. During this time his commanding officer, Robert Montgomery (actor, director, and producer) took a liking to him in. Due to their relationship during downtime Dick’s boat and crew were used in several films such as the 1945 musical/comedy “Bring on the Girls,” about a millionaire who joins the Navy to find a girl. During this time, he met and formed bonds with many actors, such as James Cagney.

Discharged from the Navy in January 1947 Rose returned to Law school and moved back to Ashtabula County to practice law. Rose and his wife “Jean” raised five children, eight grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren!

On May 5, 1948, Dick petitioned Orion Lodge No. 353 in Kingsville, Ohio. He was a firstgeneration Mason and had started to notice gentlemen he encountered in his work were all Masons. He finally asked one of them how he could become one and the rest is history! By June 28, 1948 Dick was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. Rose almost immediately jumped into the officer line and started learning ritual as fast as he could. During his journey through the chairs, he successfully gave all three charges and lectures. In November of 1955, Dick was installed as Worshipful Master of Orion Lodge No. 353. Of his year in the East and his journey through the chairs, he said he was proud of the accomplishment of becoming Master and learning the Charges/Lectures. Rose said, “You don’t get to the East without hard work and dedication.”

Rose who resides in a nursing home is still sharp as a tack. He reads the Wall Street Journal daily and listens to audio books courtesy of the Library of Congress program that they send for free! He also has a complete set of 79 hours of the King James Bible and New International version to keep him on top of the Bible study class he leads at the Villa. Rose is the oldest living member of Orion Lodge and come this September he will turn 102 years old!

Thank you, Worshipful Brother Rose for your service to our Country and to our Fraternity! SMIB!

WINTER 2022

5

The Grand Lodge of Ohio

WB Dick Rose

The Grand Lodge of Ohio

Appreciation for the

Service of Our Brethren THANK YOU!!

The Grand Lodge of Ohio would like to highlight our Brothers who also serve their communities and districts as Elected Sheriff’s. There are 19 current County Sheriff’s in office who are Freemasons with many others who are either retired or Deputies! Thank You for being Pillars of the Community working to make our world a better place!

Bro. Rob Streck Montgomery County 2nd District Alpha Lodge No. 729

Bro. Doug Engle Defiance County 5th District Hicksville Lodge No. 478

Bro. Tracy Evans Pike County 7th District Orient Lodge No. 321

Bro. Jeff Lawless Lawrence County 12th District Lawrence Lodge No. 198

6 WINTER 2022

Bro. Gordon Ellis Bro. Kimmy Rogers Brown County Adams County 6th District 7th District Russellville Lodge No. 166 Winchester Lodge No. 236

Bro. Alex Lape Fairfield County 13th District Baltimore Lodge No. 475

Bro. Scott Crawford Crawford County 16th District Bucyrus Lodge No. 139

The Grand Lodge of Ohio

Bro. Todd Corbin Huron County 16th District Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 64

Bro. Rodney Smith Athens County 17th District Coolville Lodge No. 337

Bro. Larry Mincks, Sr. Washington County 17th District Lowell Lodge No. 436

Bro. Jason E. Mackie Noble County 18th District Olive Lodge No. 210

Bro. Travis Hutchinson Wayne County 20th District Ebenezer Lodge No. 33

Bro. George Maier Stark County 21 District William McKinley Lodge No. 431

Bro. David M. Lucas Belmont County 23rd District Friendship Lodge No. 89

Bro. Fred J. Abdalla Jefferson County 24th District Jenkins Lodge No 471

Bro. Dale Williams Carroll County 24th District Carroll Lodge No. 124

Bro. Brian McLaughlin Columbiana County 24th District East Palestine Lodge No. 417

Bro. Bruce Zuchowski Portage County 25th District Newton Falls Lodge No. 462 WINTER 2022

7

$5,0 0

$250

The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation

$

0 10

The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation would like to recognize the following individuals, Masonic bodies, foundations, businesses and organizations for their support between October 1 and December 31, 2021.

$10,000

0 $2,50

Circle of Roses

0

$1 ,000

0 $50

Red Rose: Charles E. Brister Trust Bruce E. Conner Robert J. & Mary Davis Fred R. Colburn Estate Tim & Kathy Godard Grand Lodge of Ohio Charles C. Johnson Robert R. Kauffman Neal L. Kissel Jeff & Peggy Lovelady Luther Holbrook Estate Vivian H. Schulze Trust Webster Sturdivant Trust Teheran Grotto The Hillier Family Foundation The William E. Roth Family Trust US Bank Pink Rose: Ronald L. & Elaine Connelly Paul Haueisen Bessie V. Hosler Trust Ned A. Katterheinrich Dorothy T. & Myron T. Seifert Trust Valley of Dayton, AASR Lavender Rose: Angel Funding Consulting LLC David P. & Gwen Bennett John T. & Elizabeth Cameron Isaac D. & Heather Demarest William T. Gilmore Martin L. Hall Trust Orlando W. Davis Trust Rose SPRIG 2 Howard M. Sheeler Trust University Lodge #631, F&AM Dr. Gary B. & Pamela Williams Peach Rose: 11th Capitular District Association Daniel H. Becker Dr. Ross R. & Linda Black Troy Breidenbach Scott & Katrina Buchanan Canton Lodge #60, F&AM Chagrin Falls Chapter #152, RAM William A. & Mary Cilley Grace L. Cone Trust Steven A. & Toni Duncan Fort Hamilton Chapter #568, OES Gerhard J. Hinderer Mark Howard Betty M. Jones Lithopolis Lodge #169, F&AM Tommy A. & Marlene Logston Masonic Veterans Association Dr. Gary L. & Shirley Nicholson Betty H. Oberle Trust Steve & Lori Petitjean Joan F. Primm Robert & Elizabeth Rettig Rose SPRIG 1 Ronald Scott Michael L. & Samantha Terry Valley of Youngstown, AASR Gary E. & Debbie Watters Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC JoAnn Whitacre Estate James E. Zemancik Orange Rose: Audrey E. Auman William P. & JoAnn Bodle George O. & Marilyn Braatz Gary J. Brookins William J. Browning William M. & Zoe Carter Gregory B. & Kathleen Clatterbuck Enoch T Carson Lodge #598, F&AM Facebook Fundraisers Matthew G. & Diane Gloor J. Keith & Debra Green Groveport-Lockbourne Lodge #801, F&AM Steven Hardwick H. Mac & Glenda Harned Ted D. Howenstine Huber Heights Lodge #777, F&AM Jeffersonville Lodge #468, F&AM Michael D. Kalbfleisch William Kohler Stanley E. Kopp William Kohler Donald L. & Theda Losasso James L. Mack Samuel J. & Janet Miller Paul E. Morris David Dee & Kathy Mowry New Carlisle Lodge #100, F&AM New England Lodge #4, F&AM New Franklin Lodge #803, F&AM Norwood Lodge #576, F&AM Frank & Amy Petrie Ruth Plautz Richard A. Puzzitiello, Sr. Reynoldsburg Lodge #340, F&AM Robert W. Ridzon Harold & Josephine Shank Trust James O. Shore Harold G. Shrive Trust Richard D. & Marjorie L. Snow Richard D. Thomas Kevin B. & Pam Todd Travelers Woods Campground Stephen P. Warren Western Hills - Cheviot Lodge #140, F&AM Robert E. White Estate William H. Hoover Lodge #770, F&AM Yellow Rose: William G. & Alice M. Batchelder John S. Bennett Janice Billing David & Susan Black Bloomingburg Lodge #449, F&AM Larry Boger Matthew & Clare Boggs Emmett Conway Lytton Crossley Willard L. & Norma L. Davis Lehr L. Dircks Victor R. Dubois Leonard K. Fields Janice M. Freitag Michael E. Geron Goodale Lodge #372, F&AM Bruce R. Graham Grove City Lodge #689, F&AM Michael S. Harvan Heber Lodge #501, F&AM Jodi Heffke Barbara J. Henz Robert W. Hill Homeworth Lodge #499, F&AM William E. Honeycutt Tom G. Jacobs Alan W. & Sally B. Jones JPMorgan Chase William E. Kays Daniel C. Kirkbride Julius H. Knake Douglas W. Kullman Chris Larsen Jessie Leek Leesburg Lodge #78, F&AM George H. Luman Jason Maiher Shaun & Melissa Marolt Mason Lodge #678, F&AM Mount Akra Lodge #680, F&AM Eric Muehlenbein Craig A. & Lisa Noble Robert E. Olsson Donald E. & Pearl Park Jesse Pertee David E. Phillips Your commitment to The Ohio Masonic Pilgrim Lodge #691, F&AM Gerald G. & Cheryl Pugh Darrell E. Reed Jon R. & Judy Schamp George P. Stoffel David G. & Joyce Subleski Home Foundation makes this possible.

The Masters Hi-12 #590 R. Edward & Lane Trego Village Lodge #274, F&AM Eric J. Watson Richard & Tracy Webber Paul A. & Karen Weglage Warren A. Whittaker Frank R. Williams Trust Gregory A. Williamson James & Sherry Williamson Charles & Deborah Wood Timothy K. Woofter Lewis D. Yoder

To the HUNDREDS of White Rose donors, THANK YOU! There were simply too many to list!

8 WINTER 2022

We wish to thank everyone for their continued support!

Welcoming: Amber Rose

R E FREFLECTION LECTION

Greetings from your Ohio Masonic Home Foundation! We hope your holidays were filled with family, friends, and fellowship.

The start of a new year often brings a time for reflection and a time for excitement. It is a time to look back on everything we’ve accomplished while eagerly anticipating what is to come. As we reflect on 2021, we at The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation are grateful for the generosity, commitment, and support from our volunteers, residents, clients, and donors.

If you were near the Foundation offices at yearend, you might have heard the distinct chime of a bell ringing in the corridor, “Ding. Ding. Ding!” After a year of incredible growth and kindness, the team was celebrating all that had been accomplished.

Additional reflection showed a new level of giving was achieved for two reasons: the commitment of long-time supporters and the new support of donors who gave to us for the first time or after many years of not giving.

Making a gift feels good – just writing the check and putting it in the mail is rewarding for me. Caring for others is part of our Masonic obligation. When I have a good year, I want to pass it along to others… and it was a good year.

Because of the generosity of brothers like the one paraphrased above, our 650+ community members across all three campuses are warm, safe, and connected to people who care for them. Your gifts to The Ohio Masonic Home make that possible.

As we look toward 2022 and beyond, we reflect on what we share with you each quarter.

You’ve told us how you enjoy learning about our residents and clients, their hobbies, and their stories. Your feedback has been that you want to feel the impact, and your input will continue to shape our messages to you. Our commitment is to share powerful stories of kindness and relief through the eyes of our donors and those we serve.

Each quarter, you’ll learn more about how the gifts of time and treasure you make impact Masons, their widows, and countless others across the State of Ohio.

We have big goals for 2022 and we are actively recruiting new supporters! We are inviting the more than 50,000 Ohio Masons who did not, or could not, donate in 2021 to join our cause. If each of these Brothers could make a gift of $20 or $40, it would double the impact for individuals in need.

We ask that you invite a friend to become a supporter and give prayerful consideration to how you can help our Ohio Masonic Home. May 2022 be your best year ever!

WINTER 2022

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The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation

Amber and her husband Chris share interests including traveling, boating, We are happy to share that our Ohio Masonic Home and exploring new golf courses. As with most couples, they also spend Foundation team is growing. In an effort to help a fair amount of their time debating build new connections, Amber Rose was recently over what’s for dinner. Cooking is hired as the new Director of Development. one of their love languages and they love preparing meals for their family Amber has served the greater Dayton community and friends. Mildly obsessed with the Dayton Flyers, through fundraising and community engagement you’ll find Amber wearing her red shoes and cheerfor more than 15 years. She comes to The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation after fundraising leader- ing loudly at every home game. ship in the social services, arts, and most recently When asked why she chooses this work, Amber healthcare. replied, “I love people! Hearing stories and sharing Connecting people to their passions is where Amber memories is one of my passions. It’s not my job to ask for money, it’s my calling to connect people to excels and she has dedicated herself to the field of the work we’re doing. To help them see how they philanthropy by earning her CFRE (Certified Fundcan change the lives of others and create a legacy raising Executive) and being named a 40 Under 40 of generosity.” by the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy.

Wrapping

up the

Holidays!

Resource Center

In 2021, the Resource Center served 1,514 new clients, assisting with 1,931 cases. Our community outreach coordinators completed 116 home visits, 202 resident visits, 744 well checks, and did outreach to 598 widows and widowers. We provided over $106,302.20 in relief through emergency assistance, Masonic at-home financial assistance, COVID Care Packages, and through our Hope for the Holiday Program. Our amazing volunteers provided 348 referrals in 2021! Together, we are making a difference!

Thank You Letters from the Heart:

Covid Care Packages were sent. The Resource Center assisted wit h 106 families impacted across the state.

It’s difficult to put in words our experience with the Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center and Samantha Loy, Director. I reached out to my Lodge at first because I was concerned about the doubling of the dues, and since I’m on a fixed income it would be difficult to manage. Shortly thereafter, my Lodge Brothers found out about our plight and they brought it to the attention of the Grand Lodge who in turn informed the Resource Center. This set in motion a fire storm and the help that we received in baskets full of necessities, gift cards for groceries, and help paying our past due bills has been overwhelming. We also have Covid, and my wife was not able to work, resulting in a decrease in income for our day to day expenses.

The kindness from the Resource Center and the Lodge has been truly amazing. It’s comforting to know that we can rest easy and recover without having to worry about financial matters.

Season Spreading Joy this Holiday and all year through!

Fellow Brethren, know that this help is available as many may not be aware and are suffering and struggling. This help has renewed our faith and has eased our burden and we will be forever grateful.

Thank you to Cedar Lodge, the Grand Lodge and the Resource Center. We are so appreciative of your support.

Sincerely, Albert Caligiuri Thank you so much for the gift box received last month! It was filled with wonderful surprises! A wonderful silver ornament for my tree, cookies, candy, and a lot of other goodies.

The highlight of the box was the Walmart gift card that was very much appreciated. Your thoughtfulness at a time of adjustment for me in losing my husband Baylor Kirk on October 29th was so kind. He was a member of the Masonic community for 65 years which meant a lot to him. Thank you again for thinking of me and for all you do!”

Sincerely, Clarice Kirk

10 WINTER 2022

Bob and I would like to thank the Resource Center and Lodge for everything you have done for us.

The Christmas gift box and also the lift chairs and bed for Bob was very much appreciated.

108 Holiday Baskets were sent to families in need this holida y season.

-Linda and Bob Keely ers 23rd MVP Committee memb bags for putting together Christmas ut-ins. sh d an five Lodges widows

The Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center Welcomes

Trinity Davidson!

Trinity lives in Middleport, Ohio with her husband and son. If you would like information on resources in Southern Ohio please contact us at 877-881-1623, or, you may reach Trinity on her cell phone at 740-970-7903.

Resource Center

We are so excited to announce that Trinity Davidson has joined the Ohio Masonic Home Resource Center team as the Community Outreach Coordinator for Southern Ohio. Trinity has a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work. Prior to coming to the Ohio Masonic Home Trinity worked for Integrated Services for Behavioral Health. She has also served as a Case Manager for Woodland Centers, Inc., and the Gallia-Meigs Community Action Agency where she was the head of Supportive Services for Veterans and Families.

Trinity is passionate about helping people and has a strong commitment to serving the needs of the community.

About The Resource Center

by Raquel Brown, NW Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator & Masonic Youth Outreach Program Coordinator

The Resource Center provides individuals with an opportunity to experience the outreach, empathy, and commitment of the Ohio Masonic Home whether in the community or on one of our three campuses. Regardless of where you call home the Ohio Masonic Home through the Resource Center is only a phone call away with outreach to assist in areas related to clinical, financial, and/or social resources.

Over the years, we’ve worked on fulfilling our mission through programs to provide assistance for not just the elderly, but youth all the way through adulthood. We’ve done this by providing scholarship opportunities for youth with additional youth programming, a Masonic Volunteer Program, and the Bereavement Program. In a world faced with current restrictions and isolation requirements related to the pandemic that impacted all of our communities through the Resource Center you’re never alone.

If you or someone you know could benefit from the Resource Center please connect to the Community Outreach Coordinator in your area today.

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, LPN

Bobbi Schickler, CSA

NW Ohio Community Certified Senior Advisor® Outreach Coordinator SW Ohio Community & Masonic Youth Outreach Coordinator & Outreach Program Masonic Bereavement Coordinator Program Coordinator (419) 260-0855 (513) 567-1100

DeAnna Kinney, LSW

Dan Shirk

Trinity Davidson, BSW

Southern Ohio SE Ohio Community Central Ohio Community Community Outreach Coordinator Outreach Coordinator (937) 926-4305 Outreach Coordinator & Masonic Volunteer (740) 970-7903 Program Coordinator (740) 262-1974

Millie McNeal

Financial Assistance Coordinator (937) 525-3005

WINTER 2022

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A Year

of

Successful Giving

The Ohio Masonic Home

It’s the New Year and it’s time to take a look back at some of the accomplishments of 2021. Yes, 2021 was a difficult year, but the successes make everyone connected to The Ohio Masonic Home (OMH) very proud. Here’s three of the success stories.

The American Red Cross continues to face an emergency blood shortage.

The hospitals demand continues to outpace the number of donations being received. If you are debating whether to donate blood, the basic criteria is easy.

You must be in good health and feeling well on the day you choose to donate. You must be at least 16 years old in most states and weigh at least 110 pounds.

Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds and most of us will need blood some time in our lifetime. Springfield Masonic Community (SMC) members take that need seriously.

Employees, community members and Clark County residents come out to support the blood drive numerous times each year. These blood drives help residents all across our state.

Giving Tuesday, described as a global day of giving is held each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving.

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Since this first annual day of giving in 2012, nonprofits in the United States have raised more than $1.9 billion.

Giving Tuesday presents nonprofits with a day full of opportunities. Because many members of the general public now know what it is and may even set aside money each year to donate on that day, it’s the perfect chance for nonprofits to highlight their missions, solicit donations, and gain new supporters. The Ohio Masonic Home received $6,145 in donations. This is a testament to the quality programs facilitated by OMH. As the year was drawing to a close, The Ohio Masonic Home reached out to support the community by working with the Salvation Army in their Red Kettle Campaign. Donations were doubled on December 22nd.

OMH was pleased to make a donation totaling $5,000!

This past year, 2021 was a truly successful year, one that The Ohio Masonic Home can be very proud of.

24th Annual Grand Master's Florida Reception In January, we were delighted to celebrate our 2020 and 2021 service awards. Grand Master, Timothy S. Wheeland, visited our Ohio Brethren residing in Florida.

He, along with other Grand Line Officers and staff members of The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation, hosted three luncheons. Grand Master Wheeland shared news from Ohio and presented service awards to those in attendance.

Brother Rodney Pence made sure he was present to receive his 75 Year Service Award, even though just three days prior, his home suffered significant damage from a rare Florida tornado. Word has it that Brother Pence wears his pin proudly and carries his award everywhere he goes to share with others.

Ohio Masonic Home Foundation Executive Director, Brother Steve Petitjean shared news about the Home 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 toll free number, 1-877-881-1623.

The Grand Line Officers and The Ohio Masonic Home Foundation thank everyone who was able to attend these luncheons. A big thanks also to our hosts for their assistance: MWB George Braatz, MWB Steve Krekus and his Lady Carol, and Brother Jerry Hatton and his Lady Lisa.

Making

the

Best

of

Things

Many people feel that 2021 was one of the most challenging years of their lives. At Springfield Masonic Community (SMC), no one will deny that this year has had some trials and tribulations, but there were successes that everyone is proud of.

Educating the surrounding communities is a priority at SMC. A Lunch and Learn series is underway and is being well received. The speakers have included an attorney who spoke on how to plan for long term health care as well as financial options and new Medicaid laws. Upcoming educational topics will include health and positive thinking.

Springfield Masonic Community is proud of our country’s veterans and honored to have them residing on the campus.

They are parents, children, and SMC employees making up a vital part of the campus. They are celebrated every year on Veterans Day. Thank you for stepping up when your country needed you.

As the Christmas season was in full swing and 2021 was coming to a close, the SMC community members were reminiscing about the past and looking forward to the future. Yes, there was talk about events that had to be canceled and family members that were uncomfortable traveling due to the pandemic. But through the blessings of the season, there was more conversations about the successes of 2021 and what 2022 had in store.

SMC Community Member Receives 50 Year Pin District Deputy Grand Master Jackie Butler presented Brother John Landrum, resident of Springfield Masonic Community, with his 50 year service pin this past December. Brother Landrum is a longstanding member of Yellow Springs Lodge #421. Pictured left to Right: Jamie Schenck (Junior Deacon), David Stamper (Worshipful Master), John Landrum, Jackie Butler (District Deputy Grand Master, District 8), Jim Matthews (DEO, District 8), Tony Berardi (President/ Administrator, Springfield Masonic Community).

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Springfield Masonic Community

One of those successes happened on October 2nd when SMC employees and family members participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Wittenberg University. Some employees participated with donations while other walked and made donations. The total donation of $1,895 was raised.

Preparations are underway for next year.

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A Year to Remember Browning Masonic Community

“A year to remember” is a good way to describe 2021. If you ask the community members at Browning Masonic Community (BMC) you will hear a variety of unique stories, some of sadness and others of celebration and excitement for the future. Here are some reminders of celebrations and acts of kindness in 2021.

Browning Masonic Community

Browning Masonic Community (BMC) received an $8,000 grant from Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, Waterville, Ohio. The grant was the beginning of a new approach and way of life at Pathways Memory Care Center. The approach engages in meaningful programs such as hobbies and social activities that connect with events of the past. A multidimensional approach to care and services leads to a satisfying quality of life for our community members.

BMC clearly understands the significance of building relationships, and they have done so with both Waterville and Whitehouse Fire Departments. BMC hosted a First Responder Appreciation Breakfast at Dale’s Diner in Waterville. Browning Masonic Community extends sincere thanks and appreciation for the dedication, kindness and professionalism shown by these First Responders to everyone at BMC and the surrounding community.

Thanksgiving is thought of as a family time.

For many people Thanksgiving can also be a very challenging time. Thanksgiving stirs up all kinds of memories for so many people. BMC decided to provide a tasty treat to anyone simply for the asking. Over 160 pies were distributed to those who came to the campus and the rest were shared with the Waterville Fire and Police Departments, Waterville Family Physicians Group, Key Bank and Daniel Robinson, OD. The true meaning of Thanksgiving was felt in just a few short hours through this simple act of kindness.

Let’s remember these memorable times in 2021 and look forward to more in 2022.

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The WRMC Expansion the

Best Show

in

Town!

Did you know that a dump truck that has four sets of tires can hold five loads of dirt while a dump truck with five sets of tires can hold six loads of dirt? The community members are watching with massive attention to detail and a desire to learn about every step of the process. It’s all part of “the best show in town.”

If you ask the community members where they see the biggest changes, they will tell you the community center. The chapel is now becoming the community center. The community center will be available for use by the WRMC community members. It can also be used by organizations in the greater Medina area. With an exterior door that opens off of the parking lot there would be no reason for concern permitting outside organizations the opportunity to rent the space. Currently this is still a hard hat area, but it won’t be long before the doors will open and everyone will get a first look.

Be sure to follow our construction progress! These projects will position Western Reserve Masonic Community as the premier senior living community in Medina, Ohio.

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Western Reserve Masonic Community

The community members at Western Reserve Masonic community (WRMC) are so excited to watch their community grow. They will tell you that “it’s the best show in town.” You will find some people standing in the doorway watching the heavy equipment. You will find others watching from their apartments while more community members are watching from the common area on the 3rd floor.

BEAC N The Ohio

2655 W. National Rd. Springfield, OH 45504-3698 www.theohiobeacon.com

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The Ohio Masonic Home 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’s or other undergraduate degree program at an accredited institution. Upon meeting the criteria, applicants must complete a fivepage application form. Students may access the scholarship forms at the Ohio Masonic Home’s website at...

www.ohiomasonichome.org ...under the About Us tab. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

Application and supporting documents may be mailed or uploaded to the Ohio Masonic Home’s website. Faxed or emailed applications are not accepted. The application deadline for the Ohio Masonic Home Scholarship Program for the 2022-2023 school year is April 1, 2022.