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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. 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.