The Ohio Beacon is published quarterly by The Ohio Masonic Communities at 2655 W. National Rd. Springfield, OH 45504
The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio One Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504 (614) 885-5318 or (800) 292-6092 Jim Hall, DDGM Director of Programs jhall@glohio.com
The Ohio Masonic Communities Marketing Department 2655 W. National Road Springfield, OH 45504 (877) 881-1623
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.
Dear Brethren,
A Message from the CEO
The summer months find many of us gathering with friends and loved ones, enjoying the weather, food, and company. At The Ohio Masonic Communities, the same is true for our residents. That’s why we focus on providing them with opportunities to gather and make lasting memories with each other.
This summer is off to a big – and busy – start, and it’s just the beginning. Some of the events we’ve had so far include outdoor concerts and a Margaritaville party. Throughout the summer we’re hosting a Community Fest event at each campus. This event celebrates our residents with live music and entertainment, delicious food, and a fireworks show. Our residents are encouraged to invite their loved ones to come out and celebrate with them, making the experience that much more special.
We also enjoy hosting events that bring children to our communities, including our Intergenerational Day Camps and our signature princess and superhero themed event, Capes and Crowns. Through the Masonic Youth Outreach Program, our Intergenerational Day Camps allow the next generation to build relationships with our residents, teaching them valuable skills they’ll have for a lifetime and greatly impacting the lives of both the children and our residents. Residents enjoy the experience of bringing their grandchildren to these events, making special memories with them at the place they call home.
Dream Flights is always one of the highlights of summer for me. Not only do we get to honor the veterans at our campuses by giving them a flight in a World War II Stearman biplane, we get to show them that they can do anything they want. Regardless of physical limitations, we make sure every veteran who wants to fly is able to get into the plane. The looks on their faces when they realize they made it into the airplane shows just how much it means to them to do something they never thought was possible. After their flight, they start to think about the other things they want to do that they didn’t think they could. Whatever those dreams are, we do our best to find a way to make it happen.
Thank you for the role you play in bringing the dreams of residents to life!
Fraternally, Brother
Scott Buchanan
CEO, The Ohio Masonic Communities
My Dear Brethren,
A Message from the Grand Master
What a year this has been serving this great Fraternity as your Grand Master. Lady Karen and I have traveled all across Ohio, visited numerous Lodges, and met with a plethora of Brethren and their Ladies during the past 8 years. These opportunities to connect and form bonds with the Brethren and their Ladies has made all of the hard work and long hours on the road well worth the effort. Seeing Freemasonry from the wide perspectives of the Brethren throughout the state never ceases to amaze me. We all put our own spin on what it really means to live out our Masonic principles in our daily lives. It has truly been an honor to represent the Grand Lodge of Ohio, and all of you, in our travels throughout Ohio and the United States.
On our way home from last October’s Annual Communication, I had the pleasure to stop in Findlay and present an 80-year service award to Brother Paul A. Burton, a member of Carey Lodge #420, who will celebrate his 104th birthday this coming January. The visit with him was inspiring, and one of the greatest opportunities that falls under the purview of the Grand Master. If you haven’t done so already, reach out to your older members, especially those who are due a service award, and reconnect with them. Invite them back to Lodge to break bread with the Brethren. Make the special trip to their home to chat. Reignite their flame for the craft, and I am sure you will find your own Masonic fire rekindled as well.
This year, during the various Grand Master’s Receptions, raffle tickets were sold to have the opportunity to name the multicolored ceramic elephant that Lady Karen had on display and served as the inspiration for her ladies pin. This effort raised over $6,000 for the Children’s Dyslexia Centers throughout Ohio. Your participation and generosity to aid the children who utilize the Dyslexia Centers is incredibly heartwarming, and Karen and I were extremely touched by your generosity towards this charity. Congratulations go out to WB Scott Harder, and his Lady Tiffany, of Damascus Collingwood Lodge #643 for winning the raffle and the right to name the elephant. They settled on the name “Ellie,” and it is the perfect moniker for that beautiful elephant artwork. Again, thank you to everyone from around Ohio, and even Scotland, who participated in this fun charitable endeavor. You have made an impact on a young person who will be better off because of your generosity.
This year the Zerubbabel Award was crafted to encourage newly raised Master Masons to be active in their Lodge and expand their Masonic horizons via visitations to other Lodges. With all the Brethren we have met across the state proudly wearing their “Z” pins, the adoption of and enthusiasm for this award have far exceeded our expectations. It is wonderful to see the young Master Masons continuing their journey of self improvement by engaging actively at their home Lodge, in their home district, and throughout the state. Congratulations to all the Brethren who have earned this mark of distinction in their young Masonic careers.
Wishing all of you the very best in your own Masonic journey.
Yours in Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth,
Paul A. Weglage Grand Master
Find the Piano Keys!
Congratulations to David Swingle of Aurora Lodge #48 in Portsmouth, Ohio, the winner of last edition’s Find the Eclipse Glasses search! You have won a prize courtesy of The Grand Lodge of Ohio Store. A Grand Lodge representative will reach out to you to receive your prize. There were 5 Eclipse Glasses in the last edition.
We honor our residents and their incredible stories and hobbies, such as Neal's story on page 14. Search through this issue and see how many times you find the Piano Keys 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 The Ohio Masonic Communities, ATTN: OMC Marketing, 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, Ohio 45504 or via email at OMHmarketing@omcoh.org by Friday, September 20, 2024, 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.)
A Message from The Grand Secretary
Brethren and Friends all,
We are enjoying a beautiful summer in Ohio. I hope you are taking time to enjoy baseball, auto racing, motorcycling, picnics, camping, or whatever your favorite summer activities may be. Remember to take a minute to check in on your friends and neighbors.
Update your Grand View membership account today! This is a busy time for Lodge Secretaries as they review and confirm your Lodge annual return information. Lodge and member records are checked before the Grand Lodge year end closes on July 31 each year. Remember to thank your Secretary when you see him next. They do a great job keeping our membership and Lodge records in good order.
I want to share a little information about Lodge tax status. Our members have a lot of questions about whether their Lodge is a 501(c)3, 501(c)10, or some other classification. In simplest terms, a 501(c)3 is a nonprofit charitable organization, not subject to federal tax or state sales tax. A 501(c)10 is a not-for-profit domestic fraternity, not subject to federal tax but required to pay state sales tax. Ohio Masonic Lodges fall under a 501(c)10 definition. So, when the Lodge makes a purchase for name badges, lodge paraphernalia, or any other taxable items, they are subject to state sales tax. For more information, please review irs.gov/charities or contact your local tax expert.
August 5, 2024 is the opening day to remit your 2025 Lodge membership dues. Log in to your Grand View member account to pay your dues by credit card (auto renew available if you choose) or send your payment to your Lodge Secretary. By renewing your membership status early, you help us save on program costs by eliminating multiple communications. Remember, yearly membership renewal dues must be remitted on or before your Lodge annual meeting each November.
As a Mason in Ohio, the Dayton Masonic Center is a beautiful treasure we enjoy as home in the gem city. If you have never visited, you are in for a special treat at GL2024. The 215th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of F&AM of Ohio will be held there on October 18, 2024. Registration is open now. Just go to glohio2024.com to make your meal and hotel reservations. You can also register directly in Grand View by going to My Portal, then Events, and then go to October 18th on the Event Calendar or select the 2024 Annual Communication Reservation tile. Click once, then follow the electronic form. Helpful tip in Grand View - do not use the back button.
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 at gloffice@freemason.com if we can be of any assistance.
It's a Great Day for Freemasonry!
Keith W. Newton, PGM Grand Secretary
Learn about National Camper Travelers
Are you looking for another opportunity to spend time with your Brothers and include your family? Do you like to spend time camping? If you answered yes to these two questions, then National Camper Travelers (NCT) is your opportunity to do both.
Founded in 1966 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, National Camping Travelers Inc. is an organization dedicated to bringing Masonic families together for fun and fellowship. We are a Masonic family camping club made up of Master Masons, Eastern Stars, their families, and the widows of our deceased Brethren who died while they were active NCT members. Since 1966, the organization has spread, creating chapters all across North America.
The basic unit of NCT is the chapter. Each chapter is led by a Master of Travel, assisted by a Wagon Master, Secretary-Treasurer, Chaplain, Safety Director, and the Chapter Trustees. Between the chapter officers and the national officers we have, in many cases, a State or Provincial Director and a District Director. Each district is typically made up of four states and/or provinces. Activities vary from chapter to chapter, but they typically include potluck meals, barbecues, crafts, area trips, golf, parties, games, and worship services.
Each year, we have an annual National Rally that is typically held from Saturday through Thursday in July. We also have an official publication, News to Campers, which is printed quarterly in March, June, September, and December. Through this, we keep members up to date on what is going on in NCT, including planned activities at the district and state/provincial level, as well as special functions planned by the chapters. In addition, many of the individual chapters publish a monthly newsletter. NCT chapter members are also very active within their communities through charitable work and outreach programs. From planting trees on Arbor Day to crocheting blankets for local hospitals, members are dedicated to giving back to their communities.
Currently there are two NCT chapters active in the state of Ohio. The Shawnee Kookin’ Kampers chapter are active in the central and southeastern portion of the state and the West Central Ohio chapter is active in the west central portion of the state. Both chapters enjoy opportunities to gather together camping or for a meal monthly April-November. There are also opportunities to gather in Florida over the winter if you are a snowbird.
For further information, please feel free to contact Keith Manbeck, National 2nd Vice President of NCT, at (614) 554-0718 or kjm7460@yahoo.com. You can also visit gonct.org.
The Grand Lodge of Ohio
Grand Lodge Museum Open House
Saturday, September 14, 2024 | 10 am - 4 pm
Rickly Commons at Springfield Masonic Community 2655 W. National Rd., Springfield, OH 45504
The Grand Lodge Museum will hold an open house. This event is open to all Masons and their families and guests.
The museum offers exhibits on Masonic arts, crafts, and the history of Freemasonry in Ohio and The Ohio Masonic Home (now The Ohio Masonic Communities). Located in Rickly Commons at Springfield Masonic Community, the museum is usually open by appointment through the Grand Lodge office. Visitors should allow an hour to tour the galleries.
Parking is available at the Grand Lodge Headquarters, 1 Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504. There is a short walk uphill to the York Rite building where all visitors should enter. Those who cannot walk uphill can be dropped off at the entrance to the York Rite building. The museum in Rickly Commons is connected by an enclosed walkway.
The Grand Lodge plans to hold quarterly open houses in the coming year. Watch for future announcements in The Ohio Beacon.
– believed to be Canadian Royal Arch regalia
Johns Lodge #13 and Vandalia Lodge #742 visiting the museum
A step back in Masonic History!
On January 20, 2024 MWB Paul Weglage and the Grand Lodge officers traveled to Lynchburg Lodge #178 in the 7th Masonic District for their 175th Reconsecration! While all Reconsecration’s are special, this one had that little bit of wow factor along with it! In attendance was Lynchburg Lodge’s current Master WB Tyler Coleman with their 175th Reconsecration carpet. To his direct right, WB Gene Malott, Master of Lynchburg in 1974, with their 125th reconsecration carpet. To his right, WB Ed Moore, Master of Lynchburg in 1996, with their Lodge rededication carpet! What a great day for Freemasonry in Lynchburg & Ohio!!
19th Century Lodge Room Exhibit
Apron
Recent Open House
St.
Most Worshipful Brother Paul A. Weglage's Travels around the State
A Message from the Executive Director
Dear Brethren and Friends,
Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we do, we make a life by what we give.” Whether you are a member of our Circle of Roses, Society of Roses, or Legacy of Roses, I thank you for your gifts from the heart and look for you at the Rose Ball weekend to celebrate our Masonic Fraternity.
God Bless you,
Brother Robert J. Hanrahan III, University Lodge #631 Executive Director
Wine, Women, and Shoes a Success
On June 2, 2024, a new partnership was forged between the Grand Lodge of Ohio, Eastern Star of Ohio, and The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation (OMCF). This inaugural event brought together women who work for worthy causes and celebrated in “Unity there is Strength.” Brookside Country Club served a delectable brunch, the wine tasting was exquisite, and above all the fellowship these ladies shared was inspiring.
Through the leadership of Karen Weglage, First Lady of Ohio; Cheryl Maslowski, Grand Worthy Matron; and Dan Shirk, Volunteer and Special Events Coordinator for OMCF, each organization raised over $2,000 for their charity of choice.
Grand Duchess Elaine Connelly, Lady Shirley Nicholson, and Lady Willa Jean Smalley joined in the fun by bidding on auction items fit for a queen. Yet, Lady Lisa Davis was the big winner as her bid secured the donated Jimmy Choo shoes. Lisa has indicated she will wear them to the Rose Society Ball on September 7, 2024, at the Downtown Renaissance Hotel in Columbus, Ohio.
Plans have already been set for next year, so mark your calendars for June 22, 2025, at the beautiful Brookside Country Club.
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.
The Grand Dukes Golf Classic Wrap-up
A new golf course and new games, and yet the same spirit of fellowship and working towards a common goal. In our 11th year, Jefferson Country Club provided new challenges for the 100 golfers playing the field and raising dollars for memory support programs at The Ohio Masonic Communities.
Almost 100 percent of our golfers used the air cannon as their driver on one par three – and not one of them hit the green. Many hooks and slices though. Better luck next year!
Over $100,000 net proceeds were donated. We thank our lead benefactor, US Bank, and all our benefactors for their generosity in helping us achieve this goal.
Mark your calendars as we will return to Jefferson Country Club on June 2, 2025. For information, please contact Dan Shirk at dshirk@omcoh.org or (937) 926-4305.
Helping Brothers and Their Families
George Parker Jr. and his Lady Jackie received critical financial support from The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center following a bad motorcycle accident that left them both injured and unable to work. George is a dedicated member of Plainfield Lodge #224 and a member of the Lion’s Paw Chapter of Widow’s Son’s, and Jackie is a proud member of the Eastern Star. After the accident, they found themselves facing a challenging period of medical recovery and financial uncertainty. The assistance we were able to provide highlights our commitment to the Brethren and their families.
Memories to Last a Lifetime
Intergenerational Day Camps create memories that last a lifetime. The Masonic Youth Outreach Program (MYOP) embraces the importance of intergenerational activities and enhancing the quality of life for The Ohio Masonic Communities’ (OMC) residents. Intergenerational Day Camps allow youth to build relationships with OMC residents, teaching youth valuable skills they’ll have for a lifetime and greatly impacting the lives of residents.
Day camps were held at all three campuses this year. Events were open to the children and grandchildren of campus staff and residents, as well as all youth in the community. A portion of funding for this event is thanks to a generous grant from The Christ Foundation!
Through The Ohio Masonic Communities Resource Center, the vision of MYOP includes being a leading community provider bridging the gap between generations, finding common ground for older adults and youth. By establishing these relationships, one objective is to learn and grow from one another. Providing a community engagement platform, it assists with combating loneliness, isolation, and seasonal depression. The social engagement amongst the generations builds substance, versatility, and resilience to face the many obstacles encountered within a lifetime, building values and skills through guidance and mentorship to promote positive outcomes.
Photos from the Browning Masonic Community event
Photos from the Western Reserve Masonic Community event
Photos from the Springfield Masonic Community event
Pictures worth 1,000 words
For the fourth straight year, The Ohio Masonic Communities (OMC) hosted Dream Flights – a nonprofit who gives veterans living in senior living communities the ride of their lives. Over four days at the end of June, 20 veterans who are residents at OMC campuses got an opportunity of a lifetime. They were given a ride in a 1940s Stearman biplane to honor their time in the military serving our country. The smiles on their faces say it all. Pictures truly are worth 1,000 words.
It’s finally a dream coming true. It’s something that he wanted to do ever since he found out it could be done.
– Jo Ann Mountain, wife of resident, veteran, and flyer John Mountain
It was beautiful. Everything I ever expected.
– James Kuhel, resident, veteran, and flyer
It's wonderful to do this for us. We really appreciate it.
– Carl Heckert, resident, veteran, and flyer
Summer Festivities at Western Reserve Masonic Community
Summer is a special time at Western Reserve Masonic Community. Whether it’s the outdoor summer concert series and cookouts, trips to see performances at Blossom Music Center, or just enjoying their patios and balconies, residents know how to enjoy fun in the sun.
June brought two extra special events to campus for residents. The first was a patriotic concert featuring the Silver Songbirds choir. The choir is part of the Connecting Realities programming found in the Pathways Memory Support Neighborhood. Led by Liz, music therapist for The Ohio Masonic Communities, the choir is an opportunity to engage residents with dementia in music. The choir also includes volunteers who live in other areas of the campus. In June, the families of choir members were invited to the campus for a patriotic-themed event complete with a performance by the choir.
The following weekend was time for the annual Community Fest. This has become a favorite event for residents and staff, and their families, as well as the community. Even with a last-minute date change due to weather, this year did not disappoint. Everyone who attended enjoyed the festivities including food trucks, balloon creations, Touch a Truck with vintage police vehicles, and getting to watch a Cleveland Clinic Critical Care Transport helicopter landing. Kids and residents alike were thrilled to climb aboard some of the Touch a Truck vehicles, especially the helicopter. Of course, the fireworks were the cherry on top.
Still Finding New Hobbies
The son of a railroad worker, Neal Kissel found himself following in his dad’s footsteps in his young adult years. He spent time working on the railroad before joining the Air Force, where he was stationed in California. After his time in the service, Neal ended up back on the railroad in Ashtabula, Ohio, but he knew he wanted to go back to California. So, Neal packed up his life and moved across the co untry. At 22 Neal became a Mason and the Fraternity has had a profound impact on his life. Thanks to a Brother he met at a Lodge meeting, he got a job working for Southern California Edison company whe re he spent his career working his way up the ladder in the steam generation department.
In his mid-70s, Neal began to think about what would happen if he ever needed help. Both of his adult children and their families lived near Cleveland, thousands of miles from his home in California. He had friends in California, but he knew he didn’t want to be a burden to them so he started looking into options. He considered Masonic Homes of California, but didn’t meet the requirements of being a California Mason. Thankfully, having been raised in a Lodge in Ashtabula, Neal had always been aware of Springfield Masonic Community and decided to look into it.
Now 87, Neal has lived in his villa home at Springfield Masonic Community for 12 years. Neal shares, “I enjoy the companionship of the other residents here, but I’m also happy to spend time alone.” Every night, Neal has dinner with a group of four other guys and enjoys talking with them while they eat.
Now, Neal is looking to the future. It’s important to him that he leaves a lasting impact on the world, and is working on making his mark. For Neal, his legacy will be his charity. He has planned a series of donations to The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation to support the work of Springfield Masonic Community. Neal shares, “I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve never made more than I could spend, but I always had more than I needed. Now I have an obligation, especially as a Mason, to share what I’ve been given.”
New Spaces to Enjoy the Summer Sun
Some Browning Masonic Community residents volunteer with The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation as part of the Rose SPRIG I. In December, the group hosted Festival of Trees, a fundraising event to support the campus, and raised over $11,000. These funds were then available for them to use on campus for items and activities th at would improve their lives.
The group decided that the first thing they wanted to use their donations for was updating their outdoor gathering spaces. They purchased new patio furniture for their gazebo, and held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the new additions.
The gazebo ribbon cutting was held July 12, and it opened just in time for their Community Fest event that evening. Community Fest at Browning Masonic Community was a perfect opportunity for residents to gather and enjoy some of their new spaces toge ther.
Community Fest was open to all residents and staff, and their families, as well as members of the community. Everyone enjoyed cookout staples like hot dogs and hamburgers, root beer floats, live music from Andrew and Teri Dean, snow cones, games, and more. The night was capped off with a magnificent fireworks show that was enjoyed by all. Everyone is already counting down to Community Fest next year. Of course, this year’s Festival of Trees will come first and planning is well underway. Contact The Ohio Masonic Communities Foundation if you’d like to learn more about getting involved in a Rose SPRIG group near you!
