2023 - Beacon Fall

The Ohio A Joint Publication From

Beacon Volume 30, Issue 4, Fall 2023

Maximizing Your Experience in Grand View Page 7

Our Wish List Page 8

Now is the Time to Consider a Move Page 15

Residents Continue Taking Flight Page 12 Page XX

Honoring 100 Page 13

Page XX

A Message from the CEO

IN THIS ISSUE Letter from the CEO . . . . 2 Letter from the GM . . . . . 3

Dear Brethren,

Grand Lodge News . . . . 4

I hope this issue of The Ohio Beacon finds you and your families doing well as we prepare for the upcoming holidays.

The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center News . . . . . . . . . 10 The Ohio Masonic Communities News. . . . 12 Springfield Masonic Community News . . . . . 13 Browning Masonic Community News . . . . . 14 Western Reserve Masonic Community News . . . . . 15 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 Communities Marketing Department 2655 W. National Road Springfield, OH 45504 (937) 525-5609 OMHmarketing@omcoh.org If you would like to receive The Ohio Beacon electronically, send an email with your request to OMHmarketing@omcoh.org

ADDRESS CORRECTIONS?

Please update your information via Grand View, 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.

We are certainly in the full swing of holiday preparations at The Ohio Masonic Communities. On page 10, you’ll read about Hope for the Holidays, an outreach of The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center offering hope and support to our brethren and community members in need. New this year, you can support residents at Springfield Masonic Community and Browning Masonic Community by joining us at holiday events sponsored by their SPRIG volunteer groups. The Festival of Trees and Festival of Wreaths are also great ways for you to offer financial support through The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation by purchasing your own decorated tree or wreath in the silent auction. More details about these events can be found at the bottom of this page or by visiting omcfoundation.org.

As we wind down the year, I want to thank each of you for your support. Whether you give your time, support our mission financially, or spread the word of the good work we’re doing, you play an important role in helping our communities thrive.

While the renovations and expansions to our buildings and campuses are exciting, it’s the impact we make in people’s lives that’s key. As of writing this letter, The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center has already assisted 1,570 individual members of our Fraternity and the community just this year. Each of them has a story of the physical, social, or emotional need that we offered them support with. You can read one of those stories on page 10.

Now is the time that we shift our focus towards 2024 and how we shape the future of our organization. The final phase of the expansion project at Western Reserve Masonic Community will be completed by the end of the year, and we expect to begin accepting more short-term rehab patients and long-term skilled nursing care residents early in 2024.

With that wrapping up, we are shifting our focus to Springfield Masonic Community. We’re developing our repositioning plan and evaluating both what we currently offer and what the needs of the local community are. We are evaluating several other service lines to ensure we are meeting the needs of our communities. We’re still early in the planning stages, but we’ll provide updates on these plans in the coming months.

Lastly, we are taking a deep dive into the trends of needs we are seeing through The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center throughout the state. We will also be sending out a survey to several thousand of those individuals who have received services to garner their feedback. This will allow us to evaluate current and future needs, and appropriately align services in an efficient and effective manner. We will share our findings in a future issue, and we will continue to discuss them in our travels as well.

Stay safe this fall and winter and enjoy the holiday season with your families and friends.

Fraternally, Brother Scott Buchanan CEO, The Ohio Masonic Communities

SAVE THE DATES FOR THESE HOLIDAY EVENTS! The Foundation’s Auxiliary Rose SPRIG VI

The Foundation’s Auxiliary Rose SPRIG I

Saturday, November 18 10 am - 8 pm Sunday, November 19 Noon - 5 pm Festival Green Clubhouse Springfield Masonic Community 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, OH

Saturday, December 2 10 am - 9 pm Sunday, December 3 Noon - 5 pm Harmony Hall Browning Masonic Community 8883 Browning Dr., Waterville, OH

Festival of Wreaths

Festival of Trees

Enjoy food, beverages, and treats while selecting festival decorations to brighten your Christmas season, all while supporting The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation.

Questions? Call or email Dan Shirk: dshirk@omcoh.org (937) 926-4305 Ask about the Friday Cocktail Receptions!

A Message from the Grand Master My Dear Brethren, This article is being written about a month prior to the Grand Lodge Annual Communication. It has been a distinct honor and privilege to serve this Grand Lodge in various capacities these past seven years. Thanks go out to all that have supported me during this journey of a lifetime. I especially want to thank my wife, Karen, for her support and being a continual travel companion during the many miles, meetings, dinners, and receptions we have attended these past seven years.

On Saturday, November 25th, at the Dayton Masonic Center, the Grand Lodge officers will welcome the Grand Lodge officers of Indiana and Michigan as we each exemplify one of the degrees. Following the ritual work, everyone is welcome to join the Grand Lodge officers from all three jurisdictions for refreshments and fellowship until 6:00 pm. You will be able to register your attendance in Grand View.

During the month of April, I am asking Ohio’s Lodges to hold an open house to promote themselves in their communities. Inviting the community into our Lodges will show we are not the “secret society” some people preach, but a warm and friendly community center that should be an inviting place for people to gather and enjoy being together.

There are young men knocking on the door of Freemasonry, looking for a sense of belonging, brotherly connections, and community service. All of these are some of the missing things in their life.

Masonry offers those and much, much more to this generation. Invite them in and offer the right hand of Brotherhood of this great Fraternity of Freemasons.

Wishing all good health and happiness this coming year.

Fraternal Blessings to all, Paul A. Weglage Grand Master Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth

Find the Holiday Bell!

Congratulations to Michael Burns of Orient Lodge #321 in Waverly, Ohio, the winner of last edition’s Find the Elephant search! You have won a Port Authority polo courtesy of The Grand Lodge of Ohio Store. A Grand Lodge representative will reach out to you to receive your prize. There were 4 elephants in the last edition.

In this issue, we learn about Hope for the Holidays, a program by The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center (OMCRC). Search through this issue and see how many times you find the Holiday Bell graphic to the right (do not count the example graphic). Learn about this program and the other good works of OMCRC on page 10.

Submit the correct answer along with your contact information (name/ address/phone) and Lodge affiliation to The Ohio Masonic Communities, ATTN: OMC Marketing, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, Ohio 45504 or via email at OMHmarketing@omcoh.org

by Friday, December 15, 2023, and be entered to win a prize courtesy of The Grand Lodge of Ohio Store!

(Your participation serves as permission to include your name and Lodge affiliation in the next edition of the Beacon.)

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The Grand Lodge of Ohio

A Message from

The Grand Secretary Brethren and Friends all, I hope this finds you all enjoying the beautiful changes of fall.

I write this column just following the 214th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio held on October 20, 2023, at the Kalahari Resort and Convention Center. We had a great time visiting with guests from neighboring jurisdictions as well as Brethren from across the state of Ohio. It appears the events went well because we heard a lot of accolades about the food and service at the venue. More than 1,200 Masons enjoyed a very nice session, thanks to the planning and preparation by MWB Steven M. Grindle and Lady Jane Anne and their GLO2023 committee. The local committee, led by RWB Jeff Young, did a fabulous job.

New this year was the use of an electronic voting device or key fob. After a few fun test questions, the membership was comfortable, and the devices were used throughout the day. They performed without incident and provided immediate response, with exact voting counts allowing the work of 23 pieces of legislation to move along at a very good pace.

The 2024 membership renewal program is moving along very well. To keep continuity year to year, the Grand Lodge is sending the same messaging at the same time intervals to Lodge members. Members with an email address in Grand View received their email renewal notice in mid-August. Members not receiving an email notice, and any member with an outstanding dues balance, were sent a membership renewal notice via first class mail in mid-September. Through mid-October: • • • •

59% of our membership has already renewed their annual dues for 2024.

419 of 428 Lodges had members take advantage of the credit card option in Grand View.

120 of 419 lodges received credit card payments via direct deposit or ACH from Grand Lodge.

More than 8,000 members, a 4% increase from last year, utilized the credit card payment option in Grand View.

Grand Lodge member service awards for 50-, 60-, 65-, 70-, and 75-year members were distributed to each District at the District Deputy Grand Master training session on October 21, 2023. All Lodges will be receiving theirs very soon for awards presentations before the end of the year.

In 2023, Grand Secretary Zoom calls were found to be very helpful for both the office staff and Lodge Secretaries. We’ll continue the bi-monthly schedule at 10:00am and 7:00pm on the last Tuesdays of November, January, March, May, July, and September. I hope to see you at the next one scheduled November 28, 2023.

In observance of the holiday season, the Grand Lodge office will be closed November 23-24 and December 25-January 1, 2024, returning to normal office hours on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 It’s an honor to serve the Grand Lodge of Ohio. The office staff is committed to serving you so please call us at 614-885-5318, or email us at gloffice@freemason.com, if we can be of any assistance.

It’s a Great Day for Freemasonry!

Keith W. Newton, PGM, Grand Secretary 4 FALL 2023

The Grand Lodge of Ohio

TRI - STATE DEGREE EXEMPLIFICATION

Join the Grand Lodge officers of Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan as they each perform ritual work! Following the degrees everyone is welcome to join the Grand Lodge officers from all three jurisdictions for refreshments and fellowship until 6 pm!

Beginning at 1 pm

525 W. Riverview Ave. Dayton, OH

Saturday, 25 Nov. 2023

Refreshments until 6pm

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FALL 2023

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The Grand Lodge of Ohio

Grand Lodge Officers 2023-2024 The Grand Lodge officers for the 2023-2024 year were elected, appointed, and installed at the Annual Communication in Sandusky, Ohio, on Friday, October 20, 2023.

MWB Paul A. Weglage – Grand Master RWB William M. Carter III – Deputy Grand Master RWB Shawn A. Johnson – Senior Grand Warden RWB Michael L. McCandlish – Junior Grand Warden MWB Steven E. Cokonougher – Grand Treasurer MWB Keith W. Newton – Grand Secretary

RWB J. Randolph Clark – Grand Chaplain RWB Wayne A. Fischer – Grand Orator RWB Jeffrey M. Sime – Grand Marshal RWB Eric W. Muehlenbein – Senior Grand Deacon RWB Troy L. Davis – Junior Grand Deacon RWB Delbert M. Braund Jr. – Grand Tyler

Three Generations of Freemasons at Jefferson Lodge #90 On September 18th the Master and Officers of Jefferson Lodge #90 took part in an Entered Apprentice Degree for Brother Daniel Johnson.

However, this was no ordinary Entered Apprentice Degree. This Degree would bring a grandfather, father, and son together as Brothers! WB Kevin Johnson, Past Master of Jefferson Lodge, had the distinct honor of presiding over his son’s Entered Apprentice Degree that evening. WB Jack Barr, Past Master of Jefferson Lodge and grandfather of Brother Daniel Johnson, participated as Senior Warden for the occasion that marked grandfather, father, and son as Brothers!

Does your family have a Masonic lineage that you would like featured in The Ohio Beacon?

If so, please email your story to Jim Hall, Grand Lodge of Ohio Director of Programs, at jhall@glohio.com

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The Grand Lodge of Ohio

Maximizing Your Experience in Grand View

By WM Eric Lee, Paramuthia Lodge #25 Freemasonry, an institution steeped in tradition and ritual, has entered the digital age with the Grand View platform. This communication and member management platform is a bridge connecting ancient Masonic practices with modern technology. Though some might find Grand View slightly challenging to navigate due to its occasionally slow and non-intuitive interface, the potential benefits it offers are profound.

A cornerstone of any effective system is the accuracy of its data. Keeping your contact information upto-date in Grand View is paramount. Lodges are forging ahead with ambitious plans for the future and you, as an esteemed member, play a pivotal role in this journey. The cornerstone of our success is effective communication. By ensuring your details are accurate, you're enabling the Lodge to reach out to you promptly.

Furthermore, Grand View is not just about communication. It's a comprehensive portal where you can check the status of your dues, make online payments with a credit card, and even present a virtual dues card when you're traveling.

Getting started is straightforward. Visit Freemason.com, click “Member Portal” located in the top right corner, and select “Grand View Sign In”. If you're a first-time user, you'll find thorough instructions on creating a Grand View account. Once registered, simply enter your email and password to gain access.

Upon logging in, "My Portal" offers a multitude of functionalities, including: Updating Contact Information: Navigate to “My Profile” and open the “Contact Information” dropdown. This section lets you modify your

personal details. For timely text message updates about upcoming events, ensure your mobile number is saved under the “Mobile Phone” field. Additionally, the “Other Contacts” section is invaluable for listing essential contacts like emergency contacts, family members, or close friends.

Traveling Masons: If you're on the road, "Find Meetings" is your best friend. Simply input your location to get details of nearby Masonic meetings. And don’t forget the “Virtual Card” – an essential tool to verify your Masonic membership at any meeting.

Diving into Resources: Whether you're a Lodge officer or a member, "My Portal" is a treasure trove. From printable petitions, Lodge inspection guides, and officers' manuals, to tools for master craftsmen and mentoring, the resources are vast.

Especially notable is the educational video library, with "The Acacia" being a standout.

The Royal Scofield Society: A homage to Masonic education, the Royal Scofield Society recognizes and supports those dedicated to Masonic learning and its practical application. It's an initiative that fosters continuous learning and through "My Portal" you can easily sign up to be part of this esteemed society.

While Grand View might present a slight learning curve, it is a testament to Freemasonry's commitment to evolving with the times. Embracing it is not just about adapting to a tool. It's about being part of a global Masonic movement that marries the past with the present, ensuring a luminous future.

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The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation

A message from The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation May God grant a blessed Christmas and holiday season and provide for you and your loved ones' health and prosperity in the new year!

Thank you to all our generous supporters and volunteers.

OUR WISH LIST

As a nonprofit, the mission of The Ohio Masonic Communities is made possible through the generous support of donors to The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation. Donations help our communities thrive by providing opportunities, experiences, and innovations that go above and beyond budgetary restrictions. You can be a part of this mission by using the envelope provided to support one of the focuses that have been identified for 2024.

Health and Wellness ($500 - 7,500) Patient care simulator, upgraded CPR mannequin with training AED, training laptops, NuStep exercise machine, multi-functional trainer, Tuffstuff rower, free leg weights, dumbbells, weight racks.

Memory Care ($5,000 - 15,000) Tactile artwork packages or Lucynt tables.

Life Enrichment ($1,500 - 5,000) Puzzle packages or indoor shuffleboard.

Life Enrichment Environmental ($1,550 - 20,000) Picnic tables, park furniture package, playground set with slide and climbing wall.

Life Enrichment Therapeutic ($1,000 - 5,000) Musical instruments Enriching the lives of those we serve is one of our primary priorities. Give a gift of love by contributing today. Make this holiday season one of joy and satisfaction knowing you have enriched the life of one or many very special people.

Ways to give Contributions by check can be made payable to The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation and mailed to: The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation 2655 W National Rd, Springfield OH 45504.

To make a donation online, please visit omcfoundation.org and click on the “Donate Today” button.

For a full list of ways to give, please visit

omcfoundation.org/how-to-give The Society of Roses recognizes donors who have shown extraordinary financial support with lifetime gifts of $10,000 or more.To see an up-to-date list, please visit: omcfoundation.org/recognition Or scan the QR code with your mobile device.

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2024 EVENTS Grand Master's Florida Receptions January 14-16 See back page for details.

Kilts and Cocktails January 25 Dayton Masonic Center Dayton, Ohio Fifth Thursday February 29 Location TBA Circle of Roses Dinners March and April Date and Location TBA Bourbon, Bubbles, and Brews May 8 The Bourbon Affair Findlay, Ohio Fifth Thursday May 30 Location TBA Wine, Women, and Shoes June 2 Brookside Country Club Columbus, Ohio Grand Duke's Golf Outing June 3 Location TBA Fifth Thursday August 29 Location TBA The Rose Society Ball Welcome Reception September 6 Renaissance Hotel Columbus, Ohio The Rose Society Ball September 7 Renaissance Hotel Columbus, Ohio

The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation

Dear Brethren and Friends,

A Message from the Executive Director

Excitement, appreciation, and elegance are words that describe the 2023 Rose Society Ball. The weekend provided a sense of appreciation and elegance for all our benefactors of The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation.

We thank Their Graces Matthew and Diane Gloor for their tireless efforts throughout the year supporting the good works we do at The Ohio Masonic Communities and those we serve. Their lead gift enabled us to purchase our first Lucynt Table and set a precedent for this innovation on all three of our campuses. We thank them with all our heart and soul.

His Grace Ron Connelly, having accepted the scepter, expressed for the Duchess and himself how honored they are to be selected as this year’s royalty and ambassadors for The Ohio Masonic Communities, The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center, and The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation.

He said, “We will serve with pride as we tell the beautiful story of our Fraternity’s oldest charity. Through foresight, dedication, and generosity we will meet needs as our Brethren have for over 130 years. Elaine and I plan on being a large part of this year’s activities and invite you to join us in the fun.”

Brother Connelly then invited Grand Master Steven Grindle to make his remarks, who acknowledged the work of The Ohio Masonic Communities and challenged all Brothers to join in with their support.

We are blessed to have such resolute men and women within our Fraternity whose first concern is the welfare of others.

Our work may never be over, yet together we will continue to meet the challenge of the day. Support the $100 challenge and let us show the world the good works of our Ohio Masonic Fraternity.

God bless you one and all.

Fraternally Yours,

Brother Robert J. Hanrahan III, University Lodge #631 Executive Director

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Hope for the Holidays

Resource Center

During the holiday season The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center offers Hope for the Holidays.

This special program provides help with a holiday meal and/or a care package for older adults who may be facing social isolation and loneliness. There is also a program that benefits children who may be in need. The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center continues to offer care packages for those who are feeling under the weather. If you know of someone who could benefit from a care package, please contact the Community Outreach Coordinator in your area today.

In addition, if you have a child or youth group that would like to send a letter or holiday card to an older adult, please contact The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center.

Hope for the Holidays provides blessings to those that need a little extra hope this time of year.

We understand that the holidays are hard for some. Please know that we are here for you. If you need support, or information on local resources, please call The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center at 877-881-1623.

We are here to help.

Emergency Assistance Program As we fall into the latter part of the year and winter approaches, we reflect on the past year. For some, it was a year of trials and tribulations. From hurricanes in Florida to the train derailment in East Palestine and more, many have had hardships and suffered losses. The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center offers an emergency assistance program that can help with needs related to aging, health, or safety.

One such example was when Ohio Mason William French reached out to The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center in need of financial help after a hurricane hit near his home in Florida. A Community Outreach Coordinator assisted the couple with their request. After contacting numerous disaster relief agencies, it was determined that there was no funding available for the needs they had. The couple continued to work with their Community Outreach Coordinator for support because their refrigerator, which had been damaged in hurricane related flooding, was slowly starting to go out. They also had numerous home repairs that they needed assistance with. Through collaboration, The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center worked to get the couple approved to receive emergency financial assistance.

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William and his wife Karen reported that they are very pleased with the assistance provided and thanked The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center and their Community Outreach Coordinator for all the work put into helping them. They shared, “[we’re] sending a huge thank you to The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center. The fridge is wonderful and so very appreciated. Special thanks to Trinity for all you did to make this possible.”

Today.

Tomorrow.

Together.

We are in the process of sending out client satisfaction surveys to better assess the needs of our clients.

We appreciate your time in completing these surveys.

If you would like more information on any of the programs of The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center, including the Masonic Volunteer Program (MVP), Masonic Youth Outreach Program (MYOP), or Masonic bereavement program, or if you are interested in learning more about implementing the Mason’s Care program in your Lodge, please contact us.

Resource Center

The goal of The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center is to help members of the Masonic family, and other Ohioans, find solutions for their financial, social, and clinical needs. Our focus is on helping those we serve receive the resources they need in the best location for them, whether that be their home, one of our campuses, or elsewhere. That goal has remained the same through the years. We continue to learn new ways to stay connected with each other and our communities. Remaining connected with our Masonic family and members of the fraternity remains a priority for The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center. We value a strong sense of community, not only on our campuses, but throughout the state.

(Pictured: DeAnna Kinney and Bobbi Schickler at OES Grand Chapter in Sharonville, Ohio.)

If you or someone you know could benefit from The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center please connect with the Community Outreach Coordinator in your area today.

Call toll-free 1 (877) 881-1623 or visit omcresourcecenter.org

Samantha Loy

Director & NE Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator (937) 504-4407

Raquel Brown, RN

NW Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator & MYOP Coordinator (419) 260-0855

Bobbi Schickler, CSA

Certified Senior Advisor® SW Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator & Masonic Bereavement Program Coordinator (513) 567-1100

DeAnna Kinney, LSW

SE Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator & MVP Coordinator (740) 262-1974

Trinity Davidson, BSW

Southern Ohio Community Outreach Coordinator (740) 970-7903

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The Ohio Masonic Communities

Scan this QR code with your mobile device for a video of our 6,000th flight celebration, or visit The Ohio Masonic Communities on YouTube.

Residents Continue Taking Flight At the end of July, The Ohio Masonic Communities continued something that has become a tradition in recent years. They partnered with Dream Flights to give residents who are veterans the flight of their lives.

Over the course of three days, 20 residents took flights in an open cockpit Stearman biplane. New this year, residents who had been given the opportunity to fly in previous years were invited back to not only celebrate this year’s flights, but also to be honored as members of their own “frequent flyers” club. The icing on the cake, The Ohio Masonic Communities was able to celebrate with Dream Flights as they reached their monumental 6,000th flight.

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HONORING

H 100 H

In October 2022, Springfield Masonic Community resident Don Muncy celebrated his 100th birthday with a party that brought together generations of friends and family. Little did anyone know that the party was just the beginning of where his adventures would take him that year.

A World War II veteran who spent his career in air traffic control, Don was honored as a recipient of the 2023 Ford Oval of Honor. Hundreds of people attended the event at the National Museum of the United States Air Force where Don’s story was shared and he received his award. The next day, he was the parade grand marshal for the CenterPoint Energy Dayton Air Show.

A few years ago, Don was one of the Springfield Masonic Community residents who was given the opportunity to fly with Dream Flights. Under normal circumstances, a senior living resident can only go for a ride in the open cockpit biplane one time. But

the exception is known as the Centenarian Club.

Because Don is 100, he was able to experience his second ride with Dream Flights. Now he will have the chance to fly with them every year, and he’s already counting down the days until he can go for a ride in the biplane again next summer.

The best part, is that the flight honoring Don’s military service and his 100 years of life was the 6,000th flight that Dream Flights has given since they started on their mission of flying senior veterans.

Don didn’t stop there, though. In August he got to take a flight in Champaign Gal, a restored World War II B-25 J. After his flight, he was able to sign the inside of the bomb bay. Not only was it a fun experience, it crossed a plane off Don’s list. He has now flown on every World War II B-series bomber except for B-17 Flying Fortress – which he would jump on if given the chance. For now, Don celebrates his 101st birthday and continues planning his next adventures.

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Springfield Masonic Community

Turning 100 is a big milestone. It’s something that should be celebrated, and the sky is truly the limit.

Browning Masonic Community

Browning Masonic Community Residents Enjoy the Holidays Residents at Browning Masonic Community take the holidays seriously. Whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or birthdays, residents and staff find fun and creative ways to celebrate with food, games, activities, and decorations. You can tell what season or holiday season it is based on the community’s decorations from the moment you walk in the door.

Halloween was the focus for several weeks with activities including a pumpkin decorating contest and trunk-or-treat. Residents also got together to create their own unique ghost paintings. Everyone picked their paint colors and determined how many ghosts they wanted to create on their painting. Some chose to create a ghost for each of their children or grandchildren, some chose a random assortment of ghosts, and others decided to create their pets. After they created a general shape with paint on their paper, they used a plastic card to scrape the paint down the page and into the rest of the shape. Don’t worry – it’s easier than it sounds. Just check out some of the creations!

After Halloween, many people begin to shift their focus to the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons. For residents at Browning Masonic Community, thoughts and plans for the holiday season began months ago. They decided to host a craft fair on campus where they could sell their handmade items and gifts. Months of planning and preparation went into getting ready for a craft fair to be held November 4.

Instead of everyone working on their own individual craft projects to sell, they worked together to create items as a community. Week after week residents gathered with one another to work on new crafts that could be sold. One week everyone created keychains that were fall colors or that looked like snowmen. Other weeks the focus was on creating gnomes or making soap, among other tasks. The crafts themselves were fun, but everyone would agree that the time spent together was even better.

So, what’s next? Everyone is excited about more upcoming meals and events for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Plus, celebrating New Year's is always fun for everyone involved! Follow Browning Masonic Community on Facebook (facebook.com/browningmasoniccommunity) to stay up-to-date with what residents are doing!

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Now is the Time to Consider a Move!

If you have ever considered moving to a senior living community, especially a campus of The Ohio Masonic Communities, this is your chance. With the independent living construction completed at Western Reserve Masonic Community and winter on the way, this is the best time to move and join the community.

Beyond beautiful new apartments, residents get the added advantages of beautiful new community spaces. Residents are welcomed onto campus from the moment they park in the underground parking lot or walk through the luxury lobby and great room. It’s a feeling that only continues as they continue on to a restaurant-style dining room, pub, and café and even further as they continue to their apartments.

But community is more than just the location, buildings, and services. That’s why lifestyle is part of everything at Western Reserve Masonic Community. Whether its chef-prepared dinners with friends, workouts in the fitness center with a certified trainer, joining a group of neighbors with similar interests for a deep conversation or painting class, having a night out on the town at a restaurant or watching a performance, or weekly happy hours, the possibilities are endless! You shouldn’t have to give up who you are when you move to a senior living community.

Come as you are and live life to the fullest.

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Western Reserve Masonic Community

Independent living apartments at Western Reserve Masonic Community now range from one bedroom/one bathroom to three bedrooms/ two bathrooms. Depending on the floorplan a new resident chooses, the options also include a den, fireplace, walk in closet, and patio or balcony. These apartments are ideal for those 55+ who can still live on their own, but want to take advantage of a maintenance-free and worry-free lifestyle.

The Ohio A Joint Publication From

Beacon

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

Scan code to learn more about the trusted partner to help our communities thrive.

2024 Florida Recep tion Scott Buchanan, CEO of The Ohio Masonic Communities, cordially requests your company at any or all of the Ohio Grand Master receptions.

Sunday, January 14, 2024 at 4:30 p.m.

Bonita Springs: Artichoke & Company 11920 Saradrienne Ln. Bonita Springs, FL 34135 Host: Steve J. Krekus

Monday, January 15, 2024 at 12:00 p.m.

Sarasota/Bradenton: Peridia Golf & Country Club 4950 Peridia Blvd. E. Bradenton, FL 34203 Host: George O. Braatz

Tuesday, January 16, 2024 at 12:30 p.m.

The Villages: SeaBreeze Recreation 2384 Buena Vista Blvd.

The Villages, FL 32162 Host: Walter G. Barner, Jr.

Cost is $10 per person/per luncheon.

For reservations, please call Harley Sanders at (937) 525-3035 or email hsanders@omcoh.org.

Please make reservations prior to Sunday, December 31, 2023.

Please make checks payable to The Ohio Masonic Communities and mail to: The Ohio Masonic Communities ATTN: Harley Sanders, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45504

Join us for news and award presentations

by Scott Buchanan and Paul A. Weglage, Grand Master of Ohio.