BEACON January/February 2009

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1

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

Statewide Open House Planned for All Masonic Lodges on March 21 On Saturday, March 21, every

Masonic Lodge in the state of Ohio will open its doors for a public open house. The Masonic Lodge can often be one of the prominent buildings in many Ohio communities. However in some cases, the public has rarely had the opportunity to step inside. That is about to change. “It’s time for the public to have a chance to see what’s behind those closed doors and to experience some of the genuine fellowship Masons share,” says Charles R. Murphy, Grand Master of Ohio Masons. “Also, it’s a great opportunity to introduce a prospective member to the fraternity.”

Each local Lodge will set its own agenda and schedule for March 21. The Grand Master has simply asked each to participate. Multiple Lodges meeting in one building may hold a joint open house. Lodges are also encouraged to work with the appendant organizations meeting in their buildings to give the public a glimpse of the whole Masonic family, including women’s and youth organizations. “Every Lodge has some housekeeping issues, too which they need to attend, “ says Murphy. “However, I think the renewed relationship with the community will make all the work well worth it.”

Brothers wishing to volunteer to help at the open house should contact their Lodge’s Secretary or Master as soon as possible.

Grand Master’s (One-Day) Class Set for June 13 A Grand Master’s (one-day) Class will be held in each of Ohio’s 25 Masonic Districts on Saturday, June 13, Most Worshipful Brother Charles R. Murphy has announced. The Grand Master’s Class is a good way for a Lodge to finish up candidates who have been stalled in their progress through the degrees. It is also a good opportunity for relatives to be able to share the experience of a member of the family joining the

fraternity on one day, or for those potential candidates who have time-constraint problems that have kept them from joining in the past. Only the three Symbolic Lodge degrees will be conferred on that Saturday in order to allow each Lodge enough time to host a meal with their new members and their families. “By having a dinner after the degree work, our new

members will have a chance to enjoy two important aspects of our Fraternity, ritual and fellowship,” says Murphy. He has appointed Right Worshipful Brother Steven L. Smiseck, a Past District Deputy Grand Master in the 14th Masonic District, as the Grand Lodge chairman of the event. As part of his program this year, Most Worshipful Brother Murphy has sent a letter to Continued on page 3

Grand Master Issues Challenge to Ohio Masons to ‘Reach’ By Charles R. Murphy, Grand Master

Always, all ways, reach for

excellence. By now, most Brethren know that REACH is our mantra this year. Whatever you do, reach, and your effort inevitably will result in improvement. To this end, the REACH for Lodge Excellence award will be presented at the Grand Lodge Session in October. This will be awarded to only one Lodge in the State of Ohio, and will represent the Lodge that reaches above all others in the State for excellence in every one of its endeavors. Traditionally in Ohio, the advent of the New Year brings with it the beginning of Inspection Season in our Masonic Lodges. This affords us a tremendous opportunity to reach out to other Brethren and to other Lodges. During the winter season, we often encounter unpredictable weather conditions. By comparison, this affords us the ability to

The Beacon is published bi-monthly Please 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 labels. Brett Turner, Manager of Marketing and Communications The Ohio Masonic Home 2655 W. National Road Springfield, OH 45504-3698 937/525-3025 bturner@ohiomasonichome.org George Braatz, P.G.M., Grand Secretary at The Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of Ohio P.O. Box 629 Worthington, OH 43085-0629 614/885-5318 gbraatz@freemason.com

2

January/February 2009

appreciate the certainty of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth within our Lodges. While the weather outside may be cold, we have the unique opportunity to experience the warmth of our fraternal bonds of Freemasonry. To mark the official beginning of our third Century of Freemasonry here in Ohio, let us use this Inspection season to reach out to other Brethren and to other Lodges. Please join me in traveling to experience the Brotherhood and fraternal bonds that only Freemasonry can provide. You may need to don your parkas, mukluks and snowshoes to travel, but I assure you that once you arrive at the Masonic Lodge, the warmth and friendship you encounter will provide a worthwhile contrast. At first you may be doing this to help your Lodge in its quest for the REACH Award, but after you arrive, you’ll never regret the time you spent with your Brethren. Another way to reach for excellence is to make your upcoming Open House on March 21 the best Lodge event of the year. Involve the other Masonic Bodies in prepar-

ing for this event, and ask them to help in making it an unqualified success. This is a great way to reach out to the other Masonic bodies as well as to the public. When we put our best foot forward with each other, we will exhibit the best of our Fraternity to others. The bottom line is that whatever our endeavor, we need to continue to reach for excellence. Although the motivation initially might be the REACH Award, the real reward will be the resultant excellence which will far outpace the effort. Brethren, let’s use the occasion of the dawn of our third century to celebrate the one thing we can count on – the warmth of our Fraternity. When we celebrate Freemasonry and all it has to offer, we’ll exhibit the true reason Freemasonry takes good men and makes them better men. May the Supreme Architect of the Universe bless you and your families throughout this New Year, and continue to guide, counsel and provide for each and every one of you for many years to come.

Basket Sale Yields Extra Dollars For Charitable Foundation The sale of a special Grand Lodge Bicentennial basket from Longaberger® proved very beneficial to the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation. James Oughterson, a Past Master of Bloomingburg Lodge #449, organized the entire effort, and hundreds of the “TV Time” baskets with specially engraved wood lids were sold last year. Worshipful Brother Oughterson presented a check to the Charitable Foundation for $11,686.30, representing all the profits from the project.

The value of Freemasonry pays in many ways By Worshipful Brother Wm. David Bannerman, Chief Executive Officer, The Ohio Masonic Home

What is your membership worth?

Are you getting value for what you put into Freemasonry? Answers to those questions can be answered in several ways. From the perspective of The Ohio Masonic Home, we provide you with great value. When a candidate pays his initiation fees to join a lodge, the first $20 is donated to The Ohio Masonic Home Endowment Foundation. Those funds are invested for future needs. Every year, when you pay your lodge dues, $2.20 of those dues are paid as a per capita from the Grand Lodge portion to The Ohio Masonic Home. The per capita to us has remained the same for years. The Grand Chapter, Grand Council and Grand Commandery have also provided us with some funds each year from their membership dues. Together they amount to thousands of dollars to support our services. Added with the extra donations we solicit, and funds from wills and estates, they add up to over $3 million a year. We add to the donations through grants, government support through Medicaid and Medicare and resident and client fees. Together the combined total allows us to serve Masons and the genral public across Ohio. Masons

who need financial assistance when using our services are the beneficiaries of your generosity. You get a lot for your investment. Retirement Communities, Care Coordinators for your county, and chore and personal care services. The per capita does not cover everything, so you pay as you go. But your continued membership means we will be there for you and your wife or widow. What can you get for $2? A lot. Two cheeseburgers, or french fries and a drink, if you like fast food. Maybe two hot dogs at the local gas mart. So what does $2 in Masonry get? The best value in Ohio. More than cheeseburgers or fries and a drink. You get access to all of the services of The Ohio Masonic Home. You pay what you can, but if you need financial support to use our services, we see that you are served. Skilled nursing, assisted living, apartments, or homes in our retirement communities. Care coordinators to help you and your loved ones find and access the services they need in you own local area. Help through Masonic Helping Hands in Dayton, Cincinnati and Toledo with light housekeeping, a bath or running errands.

Grand Master’s (One-Day) Class for June 13 every Ohio Mason with two Lodge petitions. These petitions can be used at any time. If they are used for the Grand Master’s class, they need to be turned into the Lodge by the first of April. In addition to the apron and Bible or holy book provided to

Ohio Masonic Home CEO Dave Bannerman accepts an award from Western Reserve Masonic Community President Jay Dettorre at the 2008 Masonic Executives Conference.

Can you get them somewhere else? Maybe, but not through an organization with fraternal bonds, with our values and our support. Your per capita plus all of the donations funds about 8% of our service costs. We collect fees from residents and clients and add investment income and support from our foundation. Your support gets exploded into $43 million. Keep paying your dues. Send a little more if you can. We provide great value for your support. That’s a bargain.

continued from page 1

each candidate by his Lodge, the Grand Lodge will also present each candidate with a special edition of S. Brent Morris’ book, A New Member’s Guide to Freemasonry. Each candidate will have his own mentor, who will assist him through the ceremonies that day. Mentors

will receive their ritual instructions at the Class, so no member should hesitate to serve as a mentor for his candidate. General information and local details for each district will be provided by the District Deputy Grand Masters.

January/February 2009

3

Travel Clubs Offer Adventure Travel Clubs sponsored by

Browning Masonic Community, Western Reserve Masonic Community and Springfield Masonic Community offer adventure, camaraderie and a chance to understand the sponsoring community better. These one-day bus trips around Ohio or to neighboring states, offered at various times throughout the year, open up a variety of opportunities. The Browning Travel Club recently took a longer trip from its home in Waterville to The National Museum of the United States Air Force at WrightPatterson Air Force Base near Dayton. Rainy weather didn’t dampen the enthusiasm to discover aviation history. The first stop was the WrightPatterson Club and Banquet Center, where the group enjoyed a tasty lunch with a festive holiday atmosphere. From there, the group got a brief tour of part of the base. This included the historic Huffman Prairie, where the Wright Brothers made their first flight experiments, the Arnold House, Air Force

Materiel Command Headquarters and other sights. The highlight of the day was the visit to The National Museum of The United States Air Force. The museum offers numerous activities. Attendees could see a movie on the giant IMAX screen, walk through aviation history to view early flight, World War II and Korean War planes and memorabilia, modern aircraft, retired Air Force One planes and modern aviation along with other exhibits. The trip allowed a number of the Travel Club visitors who were veterans to see the aircraft they used during their time of service. Previous Browning Travel Club trips have included Put-in Bay on Lake Erie and The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The travelers have also seen a number of theatre productions and seasonal points of interest. Trips allow the traveler to relax and get to know their fellow explorers. There is no fee to join the club. The price of each trip varies, but is designed to be affordable.

Trips like the one to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base allow travel club patrons to discover something from their past or something new.

4

January/February 2009

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located at Wright Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.

It’s perfect for people with a sense of adventure, a need to travel, and a desire to make new friends. If you don’t have a traveling companion for an excursion that interests you, don’t worry, people are friendly and you won’t wander alone on these trips. 2009 will feature a number of great destinations, such as a tour of the Indiana Amish Country, a visit to Akron’s wineries and Barberton Mum Festival, and the introduction of an overnight trip that will feature the Dickensian Christmas Village. Western Reserve’s Travel Club has taken off for monthly excursions to various places from Michigan casinos to Christmas trips. Western Reserve has also expanded to include a theater club, which takes in a diverse schedule that includes musicals, comedies and traditional shows such as The Nutcracker. Springfield Masonic Community is in the process of launching its travel club in 2009. For more information regarding Browning Masonic Community, call 1-866-878-4055 or visit www.ohiomasonichome.org.

Disabled adults may benefit from Helping Hands One of the great advantages of the

Masonic Helping Hands program is its versatility. Not only does it aid seniors with non-medical, in-home help such as companionship, light housekeeping, laundry, personal care and transportation, it offers aid for disabled adults. The Cincinnati Helping Hands office recently helped one woman recover in more ways than one after surgery. Janet Hibbard has endured a number of health issues over the last decade. Last March, she was diagnosed with cancer, was in need of a liver transplant, and needed help with convalescence if a donor match came up. She contacted Medicare, which gave her a list of agencies, but none were able to help with the non-medical, home care she needed. One agency referred Janet to Masonic Helping Hands. With all the runaround she’d gotten before, Janet wasn’t hopeful at first. The Cincinnati office Assistant Manager, Toni Mann, offered to help and found an anonymous donor through the Cancer Society willing to cover six weeks of her care. “I know that if I had not had the help of Masonic Helping Hands I would still be on a waiting list,” said Janet. A donor was found quickly and the Masonic Helping Hands Manager and Nurse were at the hospital the day of Janet’s surgery. Kathleen Plant was Janet’s Companion provided by Masonic Helping Hands and she picked Janet up and took her home from the hospital. “I am thankful for Kathleen’s help, I don’t know what I would have done without her,” said Janet. Kathleen helped Janet through some tough times, calming her fears

during an anxiety attack, getting her to relax and sleep following surgery. She also helped maintain Janet’s household by cleaning and making sure there was plenty of

food in the house. Kathleen helped plan a daily schedule, kept Janet on the diet suggested for recovery, and attended to her other convalescent needs. She escorted Janet to her doctor follow-up visits and also helped by staying confident and positive in her recovery. Although Janet still has some health issues and needs more treatment in the future, she’s gained confidence because someone was there for her. “Kathleen and Helping Hands have helped me feel more confident and positive about my healing and getting my life back. I am beginning to think about doing things I have not done in a long time. If not for this help, I would have been back in the emergency room in the first three weeks after my surgery. “I am grateful for this help and getting a second chance to live my life.” Masonic Helping Hands also has offices serving the greater Toledo and Dayton/Springfield areas.

Billboard Program Launched in Ohio The Grand Lodge has invested in a public relations program including six large billboards around the state, helping to promote the fraternity and direct persons to the Grand Lodge website. The advertising is located on major traffic routes near metropolitan areas in the state to receive the most public exposure. Those areas are Cincinnati, Dayton, Canton/ Akron, Cleveland, Columbus, and Toledo. The program is similar to successful billboard promotion projects conducted in other Grand Lodge Jurisdictions around the country.

For more information on Masonic Helping Hands, contact Natalie McDonald at 937/207-5039 or go to www.ohiomasonichome.org. January/February 2009

5

Masonic Charity at its Best During the 2008 Holiday Season

The following letter was received just before Christmas by the Grand Master:

Lodge #58. Sir, event at Medina ” ch ea Most Worshipful “R tic as nt fa e conclusion of a ’t know what. A u tonight after th istmas, but I didn hr C I am writing to yo r g fo e dg Lo r ng in ou told about a youn ed to do somethi edina Temple.” It nt “M o wa I to tw o s d se ag ha es th an dr on m dge ad This wo About a m d a letter at the lo an abusive man. ive m ce fro re I th r ed wi te rc er la vo ht di ys couple da d been recently 18-year old daug mmunity who ha . She also has an 13 n, so early retirement to a d an woman in our co , dfather, who took daughter, 14 an a gr to r, d he an th r wi he g ot in I was looking for r grandm children liv s the opportunity hter lives with he wa ug is da th is at Th th . r lsy ea cl Pa Cerebral ad, it became she needs. As I re provide the care . ed, this ic family together ent manager. Inde tm ar ap r he d bring our Mason an u her last ployer and would give yo n by visiting her em ns tio ai pl ua m sit co ’s r an ve m wo 50/hour she ne I investigated this t after she got a $. talked to told me I bu , ne ps yo m er sta ev d od an fo ine s a car, she ceiving woman was genu d that while she ha d that she was re ne ne ar ar le le I so it. al I . ed ps ed ne lly, I learned od stam five dollars if you of new tires. Fina her to lose her fo ed ne ed us in ca is r se ca ea r cr he in gas. In addition, d Eastern Stars. raise at work, the e can’t afford the , both Masons an sh ily e m us fa ca ic be on s, as lk M r often wa rs within ou ported my plan ral family membe h was tonight. I re ic wh , er that she has seve nn di k uc made my report a pot-l t donation. I then .” I set a date for rs ch fi e ea th “R d to ive ed ce re ed Jim Himelright where I That was all I ne to the Stars, WB igh Twelve Club, ng H rti e po d rv re se le Re hi rn W te . to help , and she receive to our local Wes ron, Scottish Rite o was also ready Ak wh , of d er y pt an lle l, ha Va ie C e an ar th t for son, D to our Eastern St o “adopted” the the food basket lis wh on , er ily pt m fa ha in C is rt th ay t po ol y re also offered to pu d to both our DeM Finally I made m Sunday. I reporte li and Elizabeth. st Ka s pa h the Lodge er is ic ht th wh ug et to sk da , e ba 50 her nearly $2 “adopted” th of o ft gi wh y ne bl hi m ns se su As a to our Rainbow ing. We collected t was overwhelm or is family ’s rent. pp th su r r fo ei n Th tio e. na do Lodg 00 $5 a it rticipate and nce to make all to eager to pa re we added the differe ey Th . re itu Furn for groceries. My ployer, Maibach’s a $100 gift card d em te t ’s na an do m ey wo th is th n, m the letter abou additio Next, I visited . After I showed hi for our dinner. In re Ti us w ay ne ed a in ew t jo at s pu G ee ’ll th oy and we ns Nor several empl whose family ow have her call me d st r en fo “Ju fri , ke d id bi ol sa X d an BM an to d s ted his ol siness card na next stop was bu do s hi he , of an e Se on ) e olay nded m orth Lodge who my son (and DeM this woman, he ha other from Wadsw br t, after talking to a ex et N m I r.” e ca er r he wh manager of our Cycles set of tires on l stop was to the d bike to Century na fi ol y s M hi st. ok co to I . no an bike at es for the family. the young m nated movie pass ners refurbish this do ow d e th an g up vin ed ha pp helped me by r community ste er was served, we ter. Once again ou . By the time dinn us local movie thea io ct fe in e Rainbow e m co had truly be ll as gifts from th ” we ay as Aw rs It sta ng d ivi an d “G lodge fantastic The “Reaching” an and sisters of the . Our dinner was rs fts gi he ot in br 00 m ,0 fro $2 er rt e gifts we had raised ov . And the best pa had received mor lebrate this charity was said and done ce l the al to til r s te un ilie Af e m . er fa ay th d ol and DeM y they were members an wh 50 ea id an th no e d or ha m o ther from the family wh and brought toge to keep it a secret le ab re we we was that e tonight re made. petition our lodg to ed ov presentations we m s wa bers -year-old , and Kali, the 14 tended family mem ay ex ol e eM th D of e ng ni on io t, gh is petit rendition of As one final thou t with a fabulous r-old son, Daniel, gh ea ni -y e 13 th e d Th de . ity en ar al, we final word at because of our ch w. To seal the de from getting the r bo he in Ra ep n ke io s tit es pe illn to her daughter is going th, who didn’t let !” -year-old Elizabe 18 open sleigh…HEY by e d rs le ho lls eBe on a in Jingle “… d te ng as she shou the end of the so spiration. ank you for the in th l, fu ip sh or W t Mos M Douglas Shuler, W 58 # e Medina Lodg

6

January/February 2009

A Soothing Experience for the Senses Given the uncertainty Alzheimer’s

disease and dementia bring, having options at every turn helps. Springfield Masonic Community’s Pathways Center for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Related Care added a new area in 2008 to help its patients during times of need. The Sensory Room combines sights, sounds, touch and even scents aimed at giving residents a relaxing experience Pathways clinical manager Dawn Suchland heard about the benefits of sensory rooms from educational trainings and industry magazines. An unused room was soon turned into Pathways’ Sensory Room. The Sensory Room features several things to aid a resident who may become anxious. They can sit on soft chairs and couches and experience various colorful lights, soothing music, pleasing aromas, all under the supervision of a staff member. There are even objects residents can hold in their hands. “Each individual resident has one

piece that calms them down, they all respond differently,” said Dawn. The results have been good, and now there are plans for adding new features to the room. Funds raised from the annual Jim Perry Legends Golf Classic benefit Pathways, and Sensory Room improvements are one of the areas staff hopes to upgrade. They are looking at purchasing an antigravity chair, designed to comfort and relax a person; multicolored curtains; a weighted blanket that helps a person feel secure; other lights and sound equipment. There are four villages in Pathways and Dawn said there are plans to add another Sensory Room so that neighboring villages can share the two rooms. “This is just the beginning,” said Dawn. “This is based on what the residents need.” For more information on Springfield Masonic Community, call 937/525-3007 or 1-888/290-2664 or go to www.ohiomasonichome.org. Myrtle Gose, a 53-year Eastern Star member and a resident at the Pathways Center for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Related Care at Springfield Masonic Community, experiences the comforts of the Sensory Room with help from nurse Fanta Avery.

Wellness Program Draws Healthy Interest One of Western Reserve Masonic

Community in Medina’s biggest success stories of 2008 has been its Resident Wellness Program. Introduced in March, it has helped expand residents’ interest in health issues and awareness of how to live a healthier lifestyle. Resident Wellness Coordinator Renee’ Ashby responded with the program when the residents expressed an interest in such issues. The program was designed to assist Western Reserve residents by answering their health questions, offering referrals for resources in the Medina area, quarterly educational seminars and informational newsletters. This would include on-going services for residents such as lab and blood work to be done right in their apartment or villa home. And Renee’ being on sight to answer questions or do assessments was another plus. Educational session topics have included Depression in the Elderly, physical wellness, immunizations, getting through the holidays and maintaining brain health. The successful reception has encouraged Renee’ to open the programs include speakers and health experts from the community and to the general public. Western Reserve Masonic Community has long been involved in the Medina community with events such as the Medina Art League Show, the local SeniorNet program, its annual Renaissance Faire and other activities. The wellness program seemed like a natural addition. For more information regarding Western Reserve Masonic Community, call 1-866-433-1514 or visit www. ohiomasonichome.org. January/February 2009

7

75, 80-Year Awards Presented To Long-time Ohio Masons During the last two months of 2008, numerous senior awards were

presented by the Grand Master and his proxies to long-time Ohio Masons. In fact, during that period, four 80-year awards were given out to brethren, who, of course, were all more than 100 years in age. These brethren received a beautiful clock, engraved with their name and the fact that they are 80-year members, plus a certificate. Several 75-year awards were also presented. These recipients this year received a special plaque, certificate, and lapel pin. A picture album of some of these presentations appears on these pages.

Bernard B. Blattner, center, displays the certificate he received for his 80 years of membership in Lima Lodge #205. Helping in the presentation are, from left, Gary E. Igo, Sr., Master of Lima Lodge; Robert C. Rill, Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge; Gary L. McElfresh, Grand Chaplain; Charles R. Murphy, Grand Master, and Timothy L. Jolliff, Grand Tyler. Brother Blattner is 101 years old.

8

January/February 2009

Raymond T. Noss, 101, cradles his engraved clock and enjoys the applause he is receiving, led by Grand Master Charles R. Murphy, right. His wife is at the left. Brother Noss is an 80-year member of Fairfield Lodge #261.

Vernon L. Diefenbacher receives his engraved clock, representing 80 years of membership, from Grand Master Charles R. Murphy. At 101, he is an 80-year member of Hugh L. Bates Lodge #686, in Hamilton.

Marion T. Brant is congratulated by Grand Master Charles R. Murphy for 80 years of membership in Lebanon Lodge #26. He is 101 years old.

Harry A. Hope, center, a member of Paramuthia Lodge #25 in Athens, receives his 75-year recognition from Michael Wootton, Worshipful Master, left, and Past Grand Master Douglas O. Brenneman. Worshipful Brother Hope is 96 years old and the oldest living Past Master of Paramuthia Lodge.

David McAfee received his 75-year Award from the Grand Lodge in his home in Logan. At age 99, he is a Past Master of the former Zaleski Lodge #472, which merged with Delta Lodge #207.

Judge Joe M. Moorhead receives his 75-year pin from his nephew, Brother Reed Moorhead. Judge Moorhead, a distinguished attorney for more than 60 years in Findlay, served as Hancock County Common Pleas Judge for 23 years and as a Probate Judge for three years. In 2005, he was given the Community Service Award by Grand Master James M. Williamson. He is 100 years old and a member of Findlay Lodge #227.

Worshipful Brother John T. Reid, right, is presented his 75-year award by Right Worshipful Brother Robert C. Hager, District Deputy Grand Master, as Right Worshipful Brother Bradford A. Goebel, Senior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge, observes. The recipient is a member of Collinwood Lodge #582 and is 99 years old.

Rex C. Seanor, seated, received his 75-year award at the age of 100, on behalf of Caldwell Lodge #330 from a delegation of Masons. From left, are James F. Easterling, Jr., Grand Orator of the Grand Lodge; R. Wesley Webber, Jr., Dewey Jenkins, James R. Yocum, and W. Larry Sears, all District Deputy Grand Masters (DDGM) in the 21st Masonic District; Worshipful Master Joe Rivera; and William E. Turner, DDGM.

Worshipful Brother Charles (Al) Perry, who served as Master of Gerard Lodge in 1935, has been presented his 75-year member award. The presentation included, from left, Gerard Lodge Worshipful Master-elect Todd Dupuis, Don Perry, of Melrose Lodge, Worshipful Brother Perry, Sharon Perry, 50-year award recipient John Carpenter, and Worshipful Master Charles Short.

January/February 2009

9

New Masonic Lodge Room Dedicated in Gibsonburg

A smiling group of Grand Lodge Officers, Gibsonburg Lodge members, and representatives from the 11th Masonic District gathered on December 13 in the new Lodge facilities of Gibsonburg Lodge #575 for a dedication ceremony, conducted by Grand Master Charles R. Murphy. Much of the remodeling and painting of the new facility was done by Lodge members.

Fourth-Generation Member Installed Worshipful Master Benjamin Croson, wearing his Worshipful Master’s apron and jewel, is a fourth generation member of Mechanicsburg #113. His father, Randy Croson, right, and his grandfather, William Runyan, second from left, also served as Worshipful Master of the Lodge. At left is Worshipful Brother Alfred T. Johnson, who over the years installed all three of these family members as Master of the Lodge.

Unusual Raisings in Harry S. Johnson Lodge On November 20, in Harry S. Johnson Lodge #641, two Master Mason Degrees were planned by Worshipful Master Steve Croucher. As the first degree came near its conclusion, Worshipful Brother Croucher stepped aside and permitted Worshipful Brother Henry Long, who served as Master in 1965, to step in and raise his son, Richard Long. Then during the second Master Mason Degree of the evening, the Worshipful Master again stepped aside and this time allowed the new Master Mason Richard Long to step in and assist in the raising of his son, Matthew Long. In the picture, the two new Master Masons – Richard, left, and Matthew, right – flank Past Master Henry Long to make three generations in the Lodge.

10

January/February 2009

Santa’s Reindeer Attract Crowd To Dunkirk Lodge’s Event Dunkirk Lodge held its first-ever Christmas event, called “Winterfest,” on December 10, which attracted a crowd of more than 400 persons. The lodge had Santa Claus and his Elf, plus two live reindeer make their appearance. Even though their names weren’t Comet and Cupid, but Roxie and Velvet, they were the highlight of the evening. The crowd started slow for the outdoor event, with temperatures

about 20 degrees, but soon more than 400 people arrived. Santa talked with all the kids and passed out some 275 bags of candy. The Lodge provided hot dogs, chili, desserts, and lots of hot drinks for the people. Dunkirk Lodge asked visitors to bring canned goods to donate for the community food pantry and they collected 676 cans. The great turn out accomplished the Lodge’s goals – raising food for the pantry, seeing the excitement on all the kids faces to see Santa and his Reindeer, and making this, what Lodge members called, “the biggest event to happen in the Village of Dunkirk for years.”

Two Past Masters helped Dunkirk’s successful program – Worshipful Brother Max Pauley as Santa and Worshipful Brother Earl Rice as Santa’s elf.

Dunkirk has 55 members. During the event, four men come forward and asked how they could be a part of the Masonic Lodge, and eventually turned in petitions.

Humboldt Lodge Secretary Named to Hall of Fame Paul E. Norris was recognized as Secretary of the Year at Grand Lodge in October and became the seventh member of the Ohio Lodge Secretary Hall of Fame. Worshipful Brother Norris was secretary of Humboldt Lodge #476 for 12 years and then decided to retire. Since retirement,

he has been called back to service as Secretary twice due to emergencies, and continues in that role today. He received a plaque from Grand Secretary George O. Braatz and his name appears on the Hall of Fame plaque in the Grand Lodge Office.

PGM Neil M. Smalley Honored for 50 Years Past Grand Master Neil M. Smalley was recognized on Nov. 25 for his 50 years as a Master Mason in Alpha Lodge #729. From left, are Worshipful Master Arnold Grubb, Most Worshipful Brother Smalley, Grand Master Charles R. Murphy, Willis Wallbaum, who also received his 50-year award, and Steven D. Behme, District Deputy Grand Master in the Second Masonic District.

January/February 2009

11

Grand Lodge Officers Visit Masonic Home Locations at Thanksgiving

Grand Lodge Officers attended

Thanksgiving dinner celebrations at all three campuses of the Ohio Masonic Home in November. Grand Master Charles R. Murphy and his wife, Zoellen, talk with residents at the Browning Home in Waterville. Deputy Grand Master Terry W. Posey helps slice the turkey for residents at the Springfield campus.

Thanksgiving Breakfast Greets Grand Master Imagine more than 150 Masons gathering in a small Northwestern Ohio town at 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving to watch the Master Mason Degree and have a pancake and sausage breakfast. This activity has been happening in Hicksville Lodge #478 for 61 years. The numbers may differ – some years exceeding 200 attendees. Sometimes, a Grand Master has attended. This year, 154 brethren welcomed Most Worshipful Brother Charles R. Murphy, Grand Master to the

12

January/February 2009

annual event. The register showed 35 Lodges were represented and Masons came from four states, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Maine. The Lodge room was packed for the degree work and the dining room was crowded for breakfast. By 9 a.m., everyone was heading home for their traditional Thanksgiving feasts.

How to Relieve Stress One question not asked enough

by people under stress is how to relieve stress. Unfortunately, people who are under stress tend to take it as a matter of course and simply accept it as some sort of natural occurrence. People feeling the effects of stress don’t always take the time to notice that they are under stress and need relief. Are you having trouble concentrating? Are you struggling with a project that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere? Are you dealing with people who simply will not listen to sense? Are you frustrated with the way things are going? If so, you have stress. Relieving stress begins with recognizing the warning signs. The first thing to do is learn how to walk away. That’s right, get up, go someplace else, and just cool off. It is vital to take a few deep breaths away from the action. The work will still be there when you get back, but being there beyond your breaking point will not get it done. An overabundance of things to do will not be helped by a clouded mind, so give your mind a break. Then, once your head is clear again, you can head back and bang out the projects with the greatest of ease. Or at least more ease.

Good nutrition and plenty of exercise can help reduce or keep stress out of your life.

Another method is to simply concentrate on nothing. Practice an exercise in meditation. Sit down, close your eyes and think about absolutely nothing. Take a deep breath in and then push that breath out. Feel every motion of the air and notice how it feels as it exits. Imagine your tension flowing out with the air, evaporating into the endless space of the atmosphere, diluting into a complete dilution of oxygen. Think about nothing but breathing and notice every moment

Tuscarawas County Tradition Continues In a several-year-old tradition, the families from all the Lodges in Tuscarawas County united for their annual joint Christmas part at Tuscarawas Lodge in Dover on December 10. It was an evening of food and festivities. Brother Gary Piatt, of Bolivar, made an appearance as Santa Claus. New Philadelphia Lodge #177 also rang the bell for the Salvation Army at a couple locations that week.

of the experience. Then, after about 3 or 4 breaths – or as many as it takes – open your eyes. You should feel as refreshed as though you just took a quick, refreshing nap. If you don’t, repeat the exercise until your mind is clear and you are able to concentrate on your work again. These activities are very effective for a short period of time, but you will also need a method for relieving stress in the long run. After all, it is taxing to notice that you are under stress and it takes a great deal of will to make that leap and push away all those feelings. In the long term, the best method to choose is to do what you always say you are going to do: eat right, exercise, and get enough sleep at night. If you eat right, you will feel better during the day, if you exercise, you will feel better during the day and sleep better at night, and if you sleep enough, you will actually clear away all that fogginess that can lead to stress. So do your body and your mind a favor by taking care of those little things that you keep telling yourself you will do tomorrow. Article source: ArticleWorld.net Free Articles

2009 Calendar Events The following are dates for 2009 signature events for Ohio Masonic Home campuses. Dates may be subject to change.

Saturday, March 21 – Statewide Open House for All Masonic Buildings Saturday, June 13 – Grand Master’s (One-Day) Class Sunday, June 14 – Ohio Masonic Home Day at Springfield Masonic Community Saturday, July 25 – Browning Masonic Community Cruise-in at Browning Masonic Community Monday, July 27 – Legends Golf Classic in Medina Monday, September 14 – Legends Golf Classic in Fairborn Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11 – Fourth Annual Renaissance Faire at Western Reserve Masonic Community January/February 2009

13

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Charitable Giving and Guaranteed Income By Right Worshipful Brother Timothy B. Strawn, CAE, President, The OMH Benevolent Endowment Foundation

We’ve all heard and, by now,

personally learned of the impact the economy’s recent troubles have had on our own assets. Many have observed there’s really been no asset class to “escape” to this time…not bonds, not real estate, not commodities. Thus, we’ve all taken a hit. As frequently happens, even with the most knowledgeable financial planners, the benefits of charitable giving have been overlooked. For example, even in this difficult time a Charitable Gift Annuity (CGA) can provide a guaranteed income for life with a portion of that income stream tax free for a period of time and a nice income tax deduction in the year the gift is created. CGA’s can be written for one person or two. For example, John (78 years of age) and Ann (75 years of age) decide that they want to create a CGA for the benefit of The Home. Because this is their first such gift, they’ll use just $10,000 to test the program but they understand

there’s no maximum limit on the amount they could use. In exchange for their $10,000 cash gift, they receive: • An income tax deduction of $3,994 in the year they make the gift* • An annuity of $570 (usually provided in quarterly payments of $142.50) guaranteed for the rest of both their lives (payment does not change when only one remains) • A portion ($392.73) of those annuity payments is tax free for 14 years with smaller amounts tax free for two more years; the remainder ($177.27) is taxed at their regular income tax rate; after the tax free portion expires, the entire amount ($570) is taxed at the regular income tax rate. And, if the gift is made with appreciated stock, much of the capital gains tax may be bypassed. *If the donor has met his/her charitable deduction limit in the year of the gift, the deduction or a

portion of it may be carried over for up to five additional years. While a CGA is a combination of a gift and an annuity and not an investment, it obviously has some nice benefits. Compared to a taxable investment, this CGA has an effective equivalent rate of 9.1%. Several of our senior friends have been so pleased with the way in which their CGA’s have worked out, they’ve come back to establish additional ones. By doing so, they can ladder their payments just as some folks do with bonds. In a time when many financial arrangements are in volatility and assets aren’t yielding much usable income, the CGA offers an opportunity for steady, guaranteed income as well as the knowledge and satisfaction of helping an organization which is important to you! For more information on how a Charitable Gift Annuity can be beneficial to you, contact the Foundation office toll free at 888/248-2664! We think you’ll be glad you did!

13th District Masons Donate For Children’s Services A total of $1,000 was presented by Jennifer, Ryan and Michael Satterfield to Rick Glass, director, and Betty Beall, of the Perry County Children Services for its Christmas Fund to make the season joyful for many children. A “roast” had been held to honor Right Worshipful Brother Satterfield when he completed his term as District Deputy Grand Master in the 13th Masonic District this fall. In conjunction with the roast, a collection was made for the Children’s Services project at the request of Right Worshipful Brother Satterfield, who himself was adopted at the age of three by a Mason and his wife, Ray and Louise Satterfield.

14

January/February 2009

Thank You For Your Generosity

We offer our grateful appreciation to the estates, individuals, groups, or other Masonic bodies who have supported The Ohio Masonic Home with gifts given between October 1 and November 30, 2008. $10,000 + Falk, Flora E. Grosser, Walter Charles Woodford, Fonda B. $5,000 - $9,999 Grand Chapter of Ohio, RAM Laine, Sylvia McGlone, Thomas D. Moss, George K. Seifert, Dorothy T. & Myron T. Valley of Dayton, AASR $2,500 - $4,999 Oberle, Betty H. Schulze, Vivian H. Sine, Anna Laura York Lodge #563, F&AM $1,000 - $2,499 Arters, George D. & B.J. Chambers, Dwight D. & Rosanna Davis, Orlando W. Golden Gate Lodge #245, F&AM Groveport Lodge #240, F&AM Heights-Lion Heart Lodge #633, F&AM Kendig, Dorothy J. Mayberry, William P., Sr. & Delores New England Lodge #4, F&AM Old Erie Lodge #3, F&AM Rubicon Lodge #237, F&AM $500 - $999 24th Masonic District Association Albin, Paul F. & Carol Bethel Lodge #61, F&AM Calvary Lodge #700, F&AM Far Hills Lodge #784, F&AM Fielding Lodge #192, F&AM Huber Heights Lodge #777, F&AM Kelly, Floyd Luther B. Turner Lodge #732, F&AM National Lodge #568, F&AM North Bend Lodge #346, F&AM Norwood Winton Carthage Lodge #576, F&AM Pilgrim Lodge #691, F&AM Sebring Lodge #626, F&AM Summit Lodge #213, F&AM Tiffin Lodge #77, F&AM Washington Lodge #17, F&AM Williams, Frank R. Wirick, Larry D. $100 - $499 10th Masonic District Association 14th Masonic District Association Aladdin Temple Past Masters Unit Altman, Harry P. Andrews, Jeffery P. Arcanum Lodge #295, F&AM Armstrong, Eugene A. Augusta Lodge #504, F&AM

Barger, Jerry A. Bass, Robert L. Batavia Lodge #104, F&AM Bell, Bernard Lee & Margaret Benjamin Franklin Lodge #719, F&AM Bluffton Lodge #432, F&AM Bosse, David A. Brede, Luther & Nancy Bridgeport Lodge #181, F&AM Brown, Gordon P. Butlerville Lodge #135, F&AM Carmany, Harry J. Caudill, Dan, Jr. Charity Lodge #530, F&AM College Hill-Harry S. Johnson Lodge #641, F&AM Collinwood Lodge #582, F&AM Coolville Lodge #337, F&AM Corning Lodge #584, F&AM Creps, Michael R. Crusader Lodge #720, F&AM Cubbison, Robert W. & Jean Cypress Lodge #604, F&AM Davids, Howard W. Delta Lodge #207, F&AM Deyo, Jim S. & Margie Dover Lodge #489, F&AM E.T. Carson Lodge #598, F&AM Easterling, James F., Jr. & Jill Emery Lodge #258, F&AM Englewood Lodge #743, F&AM Erie Lodge #239, F&AM Evergreen Lodge #222, F&AM Forest City Lodge #388, F&AM Gehrmann, Charles A. Gerard Lodge #428, F&AM Germantown Lodge #257, F&AM Geyser, Richard L. Grand Chapter of Ohio, RAM Officers and Ladies Green, David D. Groves, Larry E. & Margaret; Groves, Mr. & Mrs. William; Groves, Richard H.S. Kissell Lodge #674, F&AM Haines, Carl F. & Alice Harkins, Daniel C. Harmony Lodge #8, F&AM Hart’s Grove Lodge #397, F&AM Hatch, Leonard P. & Maxine Henritze, Pam R. Hicksville Lodge #478, F&AM Hillyer, Hudson Hobson, Charles H. Holcomb, J. Robert & Antoinette Hoover, Douglas E. Hovan, Richard G. Huff, Forrest W. Inboden, Marc B. Irish Council #67, Knight Masons USA Jerusalem Lodge #19, F&AM Juilliard Lodge #460, F&AM Karth, Charles E. & Marjorie Kopacka, Jeffrey N. Kreigh, Robert

Kuss, Richard L. Lakewood Lodge #601, F&AM Leesburg Lodge #78, F&AM Liberty Center Lodge #518, F&AM Lincoln Lodge #693, F&AM Mason Lodge #678, F&AM Mechanicsburg Lodge #113, F&AM Meridian Sun Lodge #69, F&AM Moscow Lodge #122, F&AM Mowry, David Dee & Kathy Mullett, Barbara J. Mystic Tie Lodge #194, F&AM New Holland Lodge #392, F&AM New Home Lodge #338, F&AM Ogle, Donald & Michele Orion Lodge #353, F&AM Paramuthia Lodge #25, F&AM Parkside Lodge #736, F&AM Pugh, John R. Reeve, Leonard R. & Olive Roark, Oscar C. & Judith; Adair, Charles, Judy, Julie, Phil; Roark Chandler Sackett, Floris A. Salineville Lodge #348, F&AM Sampson, Katherine B. Schafer, Albert C. & Beatrice Scio Lodge #587, F&AM Scott, Michael Shank, Harold & Josephine Shelby Lodge #350, F&AM Sorbin, Michael D. Southward, John C. Sprague, Richard Lee Stephenson, Virginia M. Steubenville Lodge #45, F&AM Strawn, Timothy B. & Lois Strongsville Lodge #728, F&AM Tapogna, Richard H., M.D. Teschner, Arvin The Order of the Red Cross of Constantine Trinker, Howard W. & Dorothy Van Hoozen, Barry & Hallie Verbsky, Arriton L. Waltz, Jeffrey P. Webb, Scott Weibley, James E. Western Hills - Cheviot Lodge #140, F&AM Western Star Lodge #21, F&AM Weyer Lodge #541, F&AM White, John Whitehall Lodge #761, F&AM Wilkes, Avon & Carol William McKinley Lodge #431, F&AM Williams, Robert Williamson, James M. & Sherry Wolf, Beulah Wood County Lodge #112, F&AM Wyoming Lodge #186, F&AM Zuspan, Fredrick Paul

January/February 2009

15

Pride in the Past, an Eye on the Future Brother Michael Puskarich, 33rd degree

Michael Puskarich saw The Ohio

Masonic Home into the 21st Century as a member of the Board of Trustees from 2000 to 2005. After a three-year break to spend time with his family, he’s re-energized and excited about helping the organization’s future growth. Seeing the success of programs such as Masonic Senior Services and the I-CARE program which were in their Brother Michael infancy when Puskarich he left, and new ones such as Masonic Helping Hands, are motivators for Michael. Michael recalls seeing Springfield campus projects such as the renovation of The Apartments at Cunningham Place, the addition to Rickly Commons and the building of Iredell Gardens as well as the purchase of Western Reserve in Medina. And that has him looking down the road as to weighing decisions and making adjustments that will benefit all campuses. Having the business experience of being able to take a number of

issues, digest them, disseminate them and work with a number of people to put them in place in a team setting translates well into his work with the Board. After working for many years at his family’s mine and coal business, Michael took some time off and in 2008 partnered in a similar business with Bro. Dennis Hendershot. HLC Resources is involved in construction as well as a “Green Approach” to recycling coal from former underground mine locations. “I have never believed that Board Members should be involved in the day to day activities of The Home or any other organization but should be the ones responsible for selecting the vision and direction and then turning it over to a skilled and dedicated staff. We should always keep the Masonic virtues and team approach in mind.” Getting the organization through the tough times, making smart decisions with the endowment, creating new monies and being financially responsible are things Michael praises the current Board for doing. “It’s been an honor to serve the Masons of Ohio in this capacity,” said Michael.

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

January/February 2009 • VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1

In This Issue:

Statewide Masonic Open House........Page 1 Travel Clubs Offer Adventure ............Page 4 Disabled Adults May Benefit From Helping Hands .........................Page 5 Charity at its Best ..............................Page 6 Service Award Photo Album...........Page 8-9

Michael’s dad was a Mason, but one of Michael’s biggest regrets is that he didn’t join the fraternity while his dad was alive. Michael encouraged his brother, Matt, to join and said he’s extremely proud to have his brother as a Brother. Michael rose to become the Master of Harrison Lodge #219, Past District Deputy Grand Master and serves as the District Adviser for the 23rd Masonic District. Besides being coronated a 33rd degree, he is also very involved in the York Rite currently serving as Eminent Commander of Steubenville Commandery #11. “Masonry is a wonderful ride,” he said. “The brothers and people who I’ve met along the way makes the fraternity.” When non-Masons or new Masons ask about what Masonry is to him, Michael taps his heart and tells them that’s where the true meaning of Masonry resides. Although his work and Masonry consume a lot of his time, Michael values his family foremost. He said he appreciates his wife, Judy’s support of his efforts, as well as his son Michael, age 13, and daughter Jenna, who is a junior at the University of Akron.

2655 W. National Road Springfield, Ohio 45504-3698 Web site: www.ohiomasonichome.org Web site: www.freemason.com