BEACON May/June 2009

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 3

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

Statewide Open House Creates Excitement and Positive Publicity E

Toledo Masonic Helping Hands employee Joel McConnell looks over a photo with Stephanie and Karl Denniss, residents at Browning Masonic Community in Waterville he works with. Joel and Karl are both former Marines, helping the men form a bond.

Putting Heart into Masonic Helping Hands Joel McConnell’s heart is in Toledo Masonic Helping Hands. As

such, his companion hours at Browning Masonic Community feel like spending time with family. Joel works four days a week for the Masonic Senior Services organization with Stephanie Denniss and her husband, Karl. But he never thinks of it as work. “It’s been so rewarding, I’m very attached to Karl and Stephanie and enjoy getting to know everybody at Browning,” said Joel. Masonic Helping Hands is a paid hourly service that helps seniors and disabled adults stay independent in their own homes through non-medical personalized care services. There are offices covering the Toledo, Cincinnati and Dayton/Springfield areas. Working as a companion for seniors may not seem like an obvious career move for a former U.S. Marine and law enforcement officer, but family history says differently. Joel’s mom has been a nurse for 30 years, and he recalls going on home visits with her, stirring his interest in the field. Continued on page 6

“ xcitement” and “success” were two of the often repeated words as reports of the Statewide Masonic Open House were received. Many Lodges reported large crowds, substantial local publicity, and new interest in the Fraternity. The results were not universally positive, according to Grand Master Charles R. Murphy, but successful in an overwhelming majority of the locations. Here are a few comments from reports: • Our Lodge had around 436 come through for the breakfast, and well Carter Mattix, 3, tries out gavel in over 300 took a tour Warpole Lodge, of our facility. Upper Sandusky • We had 276 in total head count. • Our estimates are approximately 800 guests. We had several folks escorting our guests about the building. We had groups of 10 to Continued on page 8

In This Issue: Generations Come Together Through Art ..................................Page 5 I-CARE Set For Summer Season ....Page 7 Open House Photos. ................. Page 8-9 Masonic Model Works. ................Page 12

Fraternal Experiences Can Energize Freemasonry’s Future By Charles R. Murphy, Grand Master

Springtime is a special time of year.

It means that the bleak cold weather of the Winter months is behind us, and that the warm, sunny, Ohio Summer is on its way. It also signifies a period of rebirth, of growth, and of promise. This clear message from our Divine Creator is one we each should take to heart. While we go about our daily business, we should use the example nature provides us in every aspect of our daily lives. As Spring showers are a vital part of helping to nurture Spring growth, and as last season’s leftovers are prime fertilizer for future health, so should we use our life experiences for our intellectual and spiritual growth as we look toward the future. Similarly, we should look at our fraternal experiences, our friendships and our Masonic lessons as ways to energize us as we look toward the future of our beloved Fraternity. As we reach into our third century of Freemasonry here in Ohio, each of us needs to build on

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

May/June 2009

our various successes and continue to build our excitement and enthusiasm in the process. Whether you consider your Lodge’s Installation, Awards Night or Open House, every experience provides a foundation from which you can reach toward your next endeavor. When you take advantage of the opportunities Freemasonry and your Lodge have to offer, you will continue to grow – regardless of your age. There are a lot of activities happening in Freemasonry this time of year, and they can keep you busy. When you consider the Grand Master’s Class, the Ohio Masonic Home Day and the Special Olympics, all of which are occurring in June alone, it appears you could be quite busy as you enter the summer months. The easy thing to do would be to say you don’t have time for them, and elect not to participate. This certainly is an option, and it is your decision. When we consider the lessons of nature, however, the lessons that all our experiences and endeavors contribute to our growth and prosperity, it lends to the

argument that we should endeavor to participate in every Masonic event we can. Every event we attend contributes to our growth, our enthusiasm, and our Masonic health. As we reach for the stars this year, we continue to see the great things we can accomplish in the name of Freemasonry, and I think you’ll agree there’s no better place to build our foundations for the future. As a result, I’m asking you to consider supporting your next Lodge activity, and to participate in any way in which you are able. Remember – it is these events you’re experiencing now, which will build and nurture your life well into the future. May the Supreme Architect of the Universe bless you and your families throughout this beautiful season, and continue to guide, counsel and provide for each and every one of you for many years to come.

Deputy Grand Master Plans Meetings Around the State Terry W. Posey, Deputy Grand Master, has announced a schedule of an information program that he will present 13 times around the state in different regions, communicating to Lodge leaders some of his program ideas for 2010, if he is elected Grand Master in October. The Grand Lodge Committee on Masonic Education and Information, in conjunction with the Deputy Grand Master’s workshops, will present its Pillars Program of topical reports and information for Lodges. The schedule for the combined Deputy Grand Master and Education Committee presentations is on page 3.

Health Care Reform is a Call, e-Mail Away By Worshipful Brother Wm. David Bannerman, Chief Executive Officer, The Ohio Masonic Home

Thanks. We have had an

contact to get a feel for how many of Congress. Tell them you want constituents think the same way. long term care to be included overwhelming response to our If 10 or 15 of you contact a given in the discussions about health request that you call or contact our Congressional office, you could care. Tell them you want a system I-CARE program. We appreciate have a significant impact. built on the principles of choice, your asking about our services and Call 202/224-3121 and ask to responsibility and fairness, not wanting to know more about how be connected to your member on self impoverishment leading you can create a committee. An to reliance on the limited choices hour of training and government can offer. Above all, background checks for tell them a new system needs to your volunteers and you be affordable. You can find more can have a committee. information about this at www. Now we need you to thelongtermcaresolution.org. make a different call. The American As our country engages Association of Homes and in a discussion about Services for the Aging health care reform, we (AAHSA) can provide all need to ensure that long the details a Congressman term care is part of that or Senator could need. conversation. Congress They should contact Doug responds to personal Pace at 202/502-9454. communication like If small groups will call letters, phone calls, together, big things can Twitter and texting. happen. Help us serve our For each of you who older brothers. is willing to contact a Congressional office, Ohio Masonic Home CEO Dave Bannerman receives a certificate they multiply your from Clarence DeVore at the Springfield Masonic Community High 12 Club meeting at which he spoke earlier this year.

Deputy Grand Master Rollout Program/PILLARS Schedule Tuesday, June 23 2nd & 3rd Districts 7:00 pm Dayton Masonic Center 525 West Riverview Avenue, Dayton, OH 45405 Saturday, June 27 20th & 21st Districts 9:00 am Western Reserve Masonic Community 4931 Nettleton Rd., Medina, OH 44256 Saturday, June 27 22nd & 25th Districts 1:00 pm Chagrin Falls Masonic Facility 11 W. Washington St., Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 Tuesday, July 7 1st & 6th Districts 7:00 pm Charles A. Brigham Masonic Center 11665 Lebanon Rd., Loveland, OH 45140 Friday, July 10 23rd & 24th Districts 7:00 pm Steubenville Masonic Temple 227 N. 4th Street, Steubenville, OH 43952 Saturday, July 11 17th & 18th Districts 9:00 am Belpre Masonic Lodge #609 1411 Putnam Howe Dr., Belpre, OH 45714

Tuesday, July 14 8th & 9th Districts 7:00 pm Fayette Lodge #107 118 East Market St., Washington C.H., OH 43160 Tuesday, July 21 7th District 7:00 pm Orient Lodge #321 108 North Street, Waverly, OH 45690 Friday, July 24 12th & 13th Districts 7:00 pm Delta Lodge #207 107 N. Market Street, McArthur, OH 45651 Saturday, July 25 14th & 19th Districts 9:00 am Heath Masonic Temple 875 Irving Wick Dr. W., Heath, OH 43056 Wednesday, August 5 11th & 16th Districts 7:00 pm Bellevue Masonic Temple 1108 Castalia St., Bellevue, OH 44811 Tuesday, August 11 4th & 5th Districts 7:00 pm Defiance Masonic Temple 125 Clinton Street, Defiance, OH 43512 Wednesday, August 12 10th & 15th Districts 7:00 pm Latham Lodge #154 202 N. Main Street, Kenton, OH 43326 May/June 2009

3

Talents Going To a Good Cause

Marge Huprich, left, holds a basket of quilted stuffed animals and Bette Allion shows a queen-size quilt in progress.

Using your talent, doing

something you enjoy and sharing with others seems like a winning combination. A group of resident quilters at Browning Masonic Community in Waterville are doing all this with their creations. Independent living residents Bette Allion and Marge Huprich are part of a small group of quilters, crafters and seamstresses who meet Friday afternoons. They make hand-sewn toy animals that go to “Heroes in Action,” a Toledo-based volunteer organization that collects donations and ships packages to military personnel serving overseas. The thought was that soldiers in places like Iraq and Afghanistan could distribute the toys to children as a sign of good will. The connection with Heroes in Action was through the efforts of another group member, Ginnie Whitten. The quilting group is fairly new. Bette and Marge encourage other residents to join them. It was the hobby Bette wanted to pursue upon retiring 20 years ago. Her late husband, Bill, was a 32° Mason and the pair lived in Florida for many years. She moved to Browning in 2005 to be close to her daughter.

4

May/June 2009

“It’s interesting, there are so many patterns to work with,” said Bette of her quilting passion. Marge has lived at Browning for three years, also moving there to be near her daughter. Also like Bette, she had a husband named Bill, who was a 50-year member of William McKinley Lodge #131 in Canton, and she is a 50-year Eastern Star member. “I love quilting, but we’d love to have more people join us,” said Marge. The toy animals, which are in the shapes of dogs, elephants and

other creatures, take from an hour to an hour-and-a-half to create with about four or five women helping. They’ve created about 100 so far to go overseas, but some are kept at the front desk and given to visiting grandchildren at Browning. They are also working on a queen-size quilt. This project may take up to a year with everything that has to be cut out and sewn together. Bette and Marge also do mending and sewing for fellow residents who need it. Knitting and crocheting are also popular activities at Browning. Some of those caps and scarves that are created are given to needy people in the area. Some of the quilting creations and many other items created at Browning Masonic Community are available for purchase. Many of the items created by the group will be available for purchase at the annual Browning Masonic Community Car show on Saturday, July 25. Proceeds collected go for resident projects on campus. For information on Browning Masonic Community, call 866/878-4055; or go to www.ohiomasonichome.org.

New Friendship Lodge Building Dedicated The Grand Lodge of Ohio formally dedicated the new building of Friendship Lodge #89 in Barnesville, Ohio, on April 18. All Grand Lodge Officers were present. The roomy, one-floor structure was constructed to a great extent by members of the Lodge. In the picture, Grand Master Charles R. Murphy and Worshipful Master John C. Tallman, stand by the Lodge Altar, which is situated on a symbolic, black and white checkered square.

Generations Come Together Through Art Ashley Carter took her senior

project and turned it into a project about seniors. The Wittenberg University arts major in photography faced a thesis to complete her studies. She considered a project on her student peers, but found most had the same story and hadn’t really lived yet. Ashley sought people with life experience and diverse backgrounds. Senior citizens seemed like the perfect subject. She had driven past the Springfield Masonic Community campus and its trademark castle building for three years and it all came together. Ashley’s dad, Ron Carter, her uncle and grandfather are Indiana Masons. Although she didn’t know much about the fraternity, she recognized the symbols of Masonry throughout the years so it was a natural pairing. Ashley contacted activities director Paula Burgstaller with her project proposal. Paula was excited and knew the residents would be as well. With a few suggestions from Paula, Ashley’s plan was to capture a diverse group of residents in several ways. Ashley selected male and female residents from independent

Wittenberg University photography student Ashley Carter sets up a shot with Springfield Masonic Community resident Dorothy Sorenson for her senior project profiling several campus residents.

living, assisted living and skilled nursing. Some shots reflect former careers, such as schoolteacher or U.S. Air Force officer. Others captured a hobby such as music or quilting, while others focused on interests such as Masonry. “There are so many things these people have done, it made the assignment more exciting,” said Ashley. Getting to the Springfield campus also made a nice getaway for Ashley. “A lot of students stay

Pierce Publishes New Book Related to Ohio Masonry Dale Pierce, Lodge Education Officer of New Philadelphia Lodge #177 has published a new Masonicrelated book, Shadow Of The Square & Compass.

well as museums and libraries with fraternal materials in the archives.

The book is a guide to the landmarks of Freemasonry in Ohio including listings for many Masonic buildings in the state, along with their respective histories. Presidential gravesites for Brothers Harding, Garfield and McKinley are noted, as

The burial locations and biographies of many of Ohio’s greatest Grand Masters are included, plus interesting comments about the uncanny annual Muskrat Dinner in Bolivar, the Railroader Night in Strasburg and

on our campus, in a bubble. We’re about community service and this is what it’s about. And it was really fun getting to know these folks. They’ve lived some really interesting lives.” Ashley’s project was displayed in an exhibit on the Wittenberg campus in April. An exhibit of Ashley’s photos will be on display at Ohio Masonic Home Day on June 14 on the Springfield campus, and in the Burkhart Auditorium on June 16.

the annual Strawberry Shortcake Night in Dover. Moses Cleaveland (the proper spelling of his name), Cy Young, Clark Gable and many more famed Masons come to life within the text, as do many of the previously unsung heroes of the fraternal order. The book may be purchased online at www.lulu.com/content/4965694 for $18.58, plus mailing, in book form or may be downloaded at only $2.50 as an e-book. It is 270 pages. May/June 2009

5

George Isaac Receives 65-Year Award in Bryan George Isaac, business leader

years. He is past chairman and president of the Isaac Corporation, a dealer/processor of scrap iron and metals, and he is chairman of two property investments firms engaged in industrial, commercial, and shopping center development. He has been very active in the Bryan Chamber of Commerce; Wesley United Methodist Church in Bryan; the Toledo Symphony; WGTE Public Broadcasting Foundation; and the Bryan Senior Center. In 2000, he established the George Isaac Research Center at the Medical College of Ohio. The George Isaac Minimally Invasive Surgery Center now is part of the University of Toledo’s College of Medicine (formerly From left, Bryan Lodge Secretary Kenneth L. Crouch, the Medical College of Brother Isaac, and Right Worshipful Brothers William Ohio). He also has enL. Metz and Cecil W. Rasey, both District Deputy dowed a chair for cancer Grand Masters in the 5th Masonic District, took part research at the college. in the 65-year award presentation.

Brother Isaac has received Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters Degrees from the Medical College (1999) and from Defiance College (1996), and an Honorary Doctor of Technical Letters, from Northwest State Community College (1997). Other awards include “Master Entrepreneur of the Year” for Northwest Ohio in 1992; Greater Toledo Association of Arab Americans Honoree in 1998; and Outstanding Philanthropist by Northwest Ohio National Society of Fund Raising Executives in 1999. “It is amazing to me,” said Grand Master Charles R. Murphy, “that this first generation American, starting from scratch, has built substantial business enterprises, while never forgetting to give back to his community. And, through more than 65 years, has governed his life by principles he learned in his Masonic Lodge.” Brother Isaac is also a 33rd Degree Member of the Valley of Toledo, Scottish Rite.

Putting Heart into Masonic Helping Hands

Joel, who spent time in Bosnia in his service days, has honored other veterans in the Toledo area by helping them get their names on the World War II Memorial in Washington D.C. Joel now spends several of his off hours at Browning, bringing in his son and dogs to visit. And he sees fellow Helping Hands companions growing closer to those they care for. “I didn’t expect this,” said Joel. “I can’t say enough about this program and the people we serve.” Karl said he feels secure being taken care of by members of two great organizations, the Masons and the Marines. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from either fraternity.”

and philanthropist in Northwestern Ohio, has been presented his 65-year Masonic membership award in Bryan Lodge #215. Brother Isaac, a native of Bryan, whose parents emigrated from Syria to America through Ellis Island at the turn of the century, has been a business leader in Northwestern Ohio for many

continued from page 1 Although he didn’t know much about the Masonic fraternity, Joel found out quickly. “My dad was ecstatic when he found out that’s who I would be working for,” said Joel, who learned several family members are involved in Masonry. Stephanie and Karl, garden villa home residents at Browning, were the first Toledo-area people to sign up for the Helping Hands services, realizing they needed some extra help. When Karl, who served as a Marine from 1942-1947 in the Pacific Theater, found out Joel

6

May/June 2009

was a fellow Corps member, their bond was forged. “Joel takes care of us with dignity,” said Karl, who held the rank of major. “He’s a sergeant and sergeants get things done.” Karl earned military medals and honors during his service, several of which were lost over the years. On one visit, Karl recognized amedal he earned. An avid military memorabilia collector, Joel honored Karl with one from his collection. “He was touched, he just sat and stared at it,” Joel said. Now, Karl loves showing his award to residents, visitors and staff at Browning.

I-CARE Set For Summer Season As lodges prepare to recess for

summer, support programs such as Masonic Senior Services’ I-CARE will continue to be available to

help senior Masons, their wives or widows and Eastern Star members. It’s been an active year so far for the program. In March, I-CARE coordinators made 36 presentations to lodges throughout Ohio. In addition, there are 359 individuals currently being serviced by the program. There are seven service coordinators throughout the state who are Licensed Social Workers and have a thorough knowledge of senior services in their respective areas. The coordinator refers clients to what’s available in their area. There is no charge for service coordination. Coordinators do not provide direct service, but can assist clients and families in trying to locate services to maintain a selfreliant lifestyle, such as obtaining home-delivered meals, arranging transportation, home health care or items such as living wills or power of attorney for health. Some lodges have volunteer committees to assist the coordinator by providing those services which may be difficult to secure such as yard work, heavy lifting, brief trips to the store or a doctors’ appointment. Recent activities ranged from phone calls to widows, to visits, transportation to doctors appointments or direct work around a person’s home. The rough fall and winter storms have resulted in some committees helping clean

up debris and cut down trees affected. In the last nine months, 406 people have received assistance from committee volunteers in some form, amounting to 1,036 hours of service. A client’s file is closed only when an individual passes away or requests to stop receiving help information. I-CARE is a resource the Fraternity can depend on. For more information on the program or for the nearest coordinator, call 888/286-0010. For more information on the I-CARE program, go to www.ohiomasonichome.org.

Vendors Wanted For Fall Renaissance Fair Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina is seeking vendors for its fourth annual Renaissance Fair Saturday, Oct. 10 and Sunday, Oct. 11. This free event draws around 5,000 people over the two days. Potential vendors’ wares should be appropriate for a family audience. Food vendors are not needed. Western Reserve staff will consider vendor requests and send a contract to those who are approved. For more information, contact Roberta Gifford at 330/721-3000 or 866/433-1514.

Freemasons, K of C Team Up to Fight Muscular Dystrophy Freemasons of the 1st Masonic District and the Knights of Columbus from the Cincinnati region, teamed up for the 18th annual charity bowla-thon to raise funds to help fight muscular dystrophy. This year’s bowla-thon was held on April 19 at Brentwood Bowl and raised more than $1,500 for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The event was renamed this year to the John C. Langford Memorial MDA Bowl-A-Thon in honor of one of the founding members, Worshipful Brother John C. Langford, Past Master of McMakin Lodge #120, who passed away late last year. Approximately 25 teams, made up of Freemasons, Knights of Columbus, their families and friends, bowled the afternoon away for this great cause. May/June 2009

7

Statewide Open House Creates Excitement and Positive Publicity

Open Hous continued from page 1

•

• •

•

30 from time to time. We did not complete tours until 5:30 p.m. This was one of those days when I was proud to be a Mason. It was a day when our Lodge extended its hand to the families of the community, and it was good to see the Lodge hall at capacity and full of good conversation and laughter. The breakfast seemed to be enjoyed by all. We had 150 visitors, including the Mayor of Canton. We had 76 people attend our open house, including a reporter from our local paper who was very impressed with the lodge and honored us with a front page top headline including pictures of the lodge and interviews with lodge officers. The open house for our Lodge was a great success. A new count has us up to 12 petitions from the event!

Temperance Lodge #73

8

May/June 2009

• We had 3 Brothers that requested affiliation from other Lodges out of state, 2 Brothers who had been suspended came in with their families and turned in their dues, 2 individuals requested to join and turned in petitions with fees payment, and we sent out 5 additional petitions. • We had a father and son both fill out petitions and they even paid their fees – boy were we happy! • We have 2,300 people living in our town, 203 members in our Lodge, and 100 people joined us for our open house and pancake breakfast. Fifteen petitions were requested, and five have been filled out and returned with the fees.

Other Benefits

According to Grand Master Murphy, there were other benefits. “One brother reported that the inside and the outside of the Lodge had never looked better in recent memory because of all the preparations they made. The Lodge now makes a great impression on everyone in the community who happens by. “Furthermore, he indicated that the Brethren got to know each other a lot better, because they worked together to make the event a success.” Coolville Lodge #337

Amesville Lodge #278

Below: Brother Scott Morris, left, accepts Proclamation from City of Euclid for Masonic Brotherhood Day, from Mayor William Cervenik and Councilwoman Kandace Jones

se

Savannah Lodge #466

Brother James Hieb, left, with Mayor of Amherst David A. Taylor, and Worshipful Master James Tournas at Stonington Lodge #503

Preparations

Preparations for the Open Houses, gleaned from the reports, included: • With 3 other Lodges in the county, placed a half page ad in the local newspaper. • Signs at local merchants, and churches, as well as at the bank next door. • Sent e-mails to members and local dignitaries. • Bought air time on the 2 local radio stations, and provided the Grand Master’s Public Service announcement. • We mailed out the entire list provided by Grand Lodge along with others.

Springfield Masonic Temple

Solon Lodge #757

North Bend Lodge #346

Shanes Lodge #377

Paramuthia Lodge #25

Farmersville Lodge #482

May/June 2009

9

100 and Counting Up Helen Stephenson takes pride in the roses she raises outside the main building at Medina’s Western Reserve Masonic Community each year. Mrs. Stephenson turned 100 years old in April.

You’d think over her 100 years,

Western Reserve Masonic Community resident Helen Stephenson would have seen and done it all already. Quite the contrary. For one, there are probably few if any seniors her age maintaining an independent lifestyle on their retirement campus. And there is still much left for her to accomplish. “All my friends told me I’d live to be 100,” she said, smiling. “I’ve done it because I was active and stayed busy.” Helen learned early on what it would take to keep going. “I’ve eaten every vegetable that’s been put in front of me,” she said. Eating almonds each day is another aspect she credits for her health.

Helen is proud she needs but a walker to get around the campus, saying if she had a motorized scooter it would only slow her down in other ways. She has so much to do, Helen doesn’t have that much time to think about her age. In the warmer weather, she’s maintaining her prized rose garden just outside Western Reserve’s main building. Helen has placed second or earned honorable mention eight times in the regional AOPHA Art Show and Writing Contest. This year she claims to have a first prizeworthy story. “It’s going to be the best one I’ve ever written,” she said. A healthy lifestyle has rewarded Helen with a great memory, full of

remembrances of many of the big events of the past century. She recalls riding in a rowboat with her dad after the 1913 flood ravaged her hometown of Zanesville. She recalls scrubbing floors, babysitting and doing odd jobs to earn money to support the American effort in World War I. Helen became a teacher in the late 1920s and her fondest memory is of a bow-tie wearing second grader whose dad was the town plumber and a little girl whose dad was the town dentist. The boy’s name was John Glenn and the girl was his future wife, Annie. Helen retired from teaching and became a full-time mom in the early 1940s. She and husband Harold moved to the Medina area where they would live a comfortable life. Harold became a 32° Mason and Helen joined Eastern Star. She said the family is proud of its Masonic involvement and that Western Reserve is now taking care of her. “I have so much to be thankful for and so much more to live for. What is age but a number? If you don’t use what you’ve got, you’ll lose it.” For more information on Western Reserve Masonic Community, call 866/433-1514.

Bicentennial Prints are Still Available Prints of the painting, “From Whence We Came,” commissioned for the Bicentennial, are still available for order from the Grand Lodge Office, 800-292-6092. Unsigned prints are still available for $100 and signed prints for $200. Matting and framing services are available upon request. The prints are professionally produced on high quality paper, measuring 36” x 24.” The painting depicts the March 1, 1789 meeting at the Bunch of Grapes Tavern that led to the formation of the Ohio Company of Associates, four of whose leaders were Freemasons. The Ohio Company established the town of Marietta, the first American settlement in what would become the state of Ohio.

10

May/June 2009

Veterans May Salute Flag, Whether Or Not in Uniform

Veterans and active-duty military not in uniform can now render the military-style hand salute during the playing of the national anthem, raising, lowering or passing of the nation’s flag. “The military salute is a unique gesture of respect that marks those who have served in our nation’s armed forces,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Dr. James B. Peake. “This provision allows the application of that honor in all events involving our nation’s flag.” The new provision improves upon a little known change in the federal law last year that authorized veterans to render the military-style hand salute, only during the raising, lowering, and passing of the flag, not during the national anthem.

Prom Dress Event Springfield Masonic Community helped several area students realize their prom dreams at its second annual Prom Extravaganza on March 21. The campus marketing staff collected nearly 600 gently used and new dresses to give free of charge, with close to 200 girls stopping in. Several individuals, businesses, local high schools, and a college sorority contributed dresses and other items. The girls could select a dress, and get their hair, nails and makeup done by volunteers from local salons. Springfield Masonic Community residents got to see the girls model their dresses during the event.

2 Ohio Lodges Assist Victims Who Lost Homes in Fires

Perseverance Lodge #329 in Sandusky and Mt. Moriah Lodge #37 in Beverly both reached out to help members of their community whose homes were destroyed by fire. Mary Beth Wade-Jones and her children were presented a check from Perseverance Lodge and another from the Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation to help get the family back on its feet. They lost their mobile home to fire. Mary Beth’s father and grandfather were both Masons in Georgia. Mt. Moriah Lodge sponsored a soup supper to raise funds to help Chris Connell and a spaghetti dinner for Andy and Sabra Strauss, who both had lost homes to fire. During a special check presentation in the Lodge, (as pictured) Worshipful Master John Duck presents the checks to Mr. and Mrs. Strauss and to Mr. Connell. May/June 2009

11

Masonic Model Training Averts Ohio School Crisis The attendees of the Masonic

Model Student Assistance Program training know that the program they are learning is effective. One team in attendance at the January workshop in Mansfield was able to put the information to use immediately. Attending the workshop was a team from a school in NW Ohio. On the afternoon of the first day, participants discuss the warning signs of depression and suicide, and how to safely intervene with the student that is displaying those red flags. As soon as that topic was over, one of the school team member’s

cell phone rang. It was a frantic, panicked call from the principal and one of the counselors. One of the school’s students had mentioned to a fellow student that he was going to kill himself at the end of the school day – about an hour away. The team was moved into a private room in Mansfield, so they could discuss the situation on speakerphone. The student had been showing signs of depression since the beginning of the school year, but as the team was not previously trained to notice the warning signs,

the severe depression went unnoticed. The team was able to intervene with the student from more than 100 miles away by coaching members of the staff in how to handle the situation and save the student’s life. The student is alive and well, and getting the help that he needs to overcome his depression – alive today because that team was at the MMSAP training.

Health Care Improvement Goal of Brother Donald Hoffman With health care reforms

being on the front burner of the nation’s political agenda, an Ohio businessman and Mason is quietly but forcefully bringing health care improvements to a 20-county area around Cincinnati. Donald E. Hoffman, who has been a member of North Bend Lodge #346 in Cleves for 48 years, serves as president and CEO of the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati, whose mission is “to improve the health of the people of the Cincinnati region.” The Health Foundation has completed 11 years of operation as a major funding source for health improvements in the Cincinnati area, including the investment of more than $100 million into this work. Brother Hoffman also serves as president and CEO of InterAct for change, a charity, which works “to inspire, lead and support active philanthropy.”

12

May/June 2009

He is a 33rd Degree Mason in the Valley of Cincinnati and serves on the Valley’s investment advisory committee. He is a founding director and past chairman of the board of the Health Policy Institute of Ohio; past chair of the Business Advisory Committee of Xavier University’s College of Business; member of the Business Advisory Committee of Miami University; and former chair of the Cincinnati Better Business Bureau. A native of Cincinnati, Brother Hoffman received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University and a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati, both in Business Administration. He spent the first 35 years of his career in the telephone industry, initially with Cincinnati Bell Telephone and subsequently with AT&T in New York. In 1978, he returned to Cincinnati and was promoted to president of Cincinnati

Brother Donald Hoffman Bell Enterprises, a position he held until 1988, when he returned to Cincinnati Bell as senior vice president of administration. He retired in 1995, and then began his efforts in health care. Brother Hoffman’s community work is also significant, including playing major roles for the Greater Cincinnati Arts and Education Center, the Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services Foundation, the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, the Cincinnatus Association, the Rotary Club of Cincinnati Foundation, the Cincinnati Opera Association, and the Cincinnati Institute of Fine Arts. Brother Hoffman and his wife, Donna, have two married children and five grandchildren.

What to do when Medicare says, “No.” What do you do when Medicare won’t pay for something that they’ve covered in the past? If you think Medicare should have paid for or did not pay enough for, an item or service you received, you can appeal. And you’ll be happy to know that most people win, so it’s definitely worth your time. Here’s what you should know. According to the Medicare Rights Center, 80% of Medicare Part A appeals and 92% of Part B appeals turn out in favor of the person appealing. The main reason for the high success rate is because many denials are a result of simple billing code errors made in the doctor’s office. But it’s also important to keep in mind that Medicare will only cover goods and services that are deemed “medically necessary.”

How to Appeal If you have Original Medicare (Part A or Part B) start with your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) that you received in the mail. This statement should list all of the services, supplies and equipment billed to Medicare for your medical

treatment. This notice should also tell you why any specific claim was denied. Circle the items you’re disputing and the reason why. Then write “Please Review” on the bottom of your MSN, sign the back, and provide your number and send it by certified mail or with delivery confirmation to the address on the form. You’ll also want to include any information (like a letter of support) from the doctor or hospital about why the disputed service was medically necessary. And be sure to make photocopies and records of all communications, whether written or oral, with Medicare concerning your denial, as a backup. You have 120 days from the date on the MSN to submit an appeal. If you’re unhappy with the response you get back from Medicare, you can appeal to the next level which is a Qualified Independent Contractor, and if you are still unhappy, you can take it to an Administrative Law Judge. The final internal step is the Medicare Appeals Court, but after that, denials still can be challenged in the Federal District Court.

Private Appeals If you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage (Medicare’s private plans, like an HMO or PPO), the appeals process is slightly different. One difference is that you have only 60 days from the date on the denial notice to file an appeal. Your health plan will give you the steps you need to take to appeal a denied claim, with the first step going directly to the plan for reconsideration. If it doesn’t decide in your favor, you can have it reviewed by an independent organization that works for Medicare, not for the plan.

Appealing Part D If you’re in a Medicare (Part D) prescription drug plan and you find out that your plan won’t pay for a drug you think should be covered, you have options here, too. Your first step is for you or your doctor to call or write your drug plan and request a written explanation (called a “coverage determination”) of why they won’t cover your particular medicine. It’s best to do it in writing with your doctor’s statement explaining the medical necessity of your prescription. If you aren’t satisfied with their answer, you can appeal directly to the plan. If that fails, you can request a reconsideration from an independent review entity. Check your plan’s membership materials or contact your plan for details on how to appeal, or see www.medicare.gov/publications/ pubs/pdf/11112.pdf.

Savvy Tips For more information visit www.medicare.gov and click on “Medicare Appeals.” You can also get help through your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) which provides free Medicare counseling to beneficiaries and their families. They can help you understand the billing process and even file your appeal for you. To locate your local SHIP, go to www.shiptalk.org or call Medicare at 800/633-4227. Some other great resources that can help if you have a question or complaint are your Quality Improvement Organization (to find your area office see www.medqic.org - click on “QIO Listings”) and the Medicare Rights Center which offers a consumer hotline at 800/333-4114.

May/June 2009

13

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Preventing a Meltdown By Right Worshipful Brother Timothy B. Strawn, CAE, President, The OMH Benevolent Endowment Foundation

I’m sure you’ve heard about it

happening as I have. Someone “hits” on a good investment or works for a company which issues stock to employees, the stock has a quick “run up”, appreciating in value very rapidly, which takes the initial investment, usually small to moderate, to a substantial size. (Several examples: Lucent, WorldCom, Enron and, closer to home, Fifth Third Bank.) That single stock then becomes a significant percentage of the individual’s total holdings. Hoping it may continue to grow (and not wanting to cash out and pay large capital gains), the individual holds on to the stock – then the unthinkable happens: its value starts to drop…and then free falls to next to nothing. An asset

which was once the cornerstone of the individual’s holding and his/ her future is reduced to pennies on the dollar. One way such a nightmare may be prevented or at least minimized is by placing that single asset, and possibly others, in a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT). The asset can be placed in the trust, then sold to acquire a diversified portfolio, with no capital gains paid by the individual because the stock is sold after being placed in the trust. The reliance on one stock is then spread to a number of stocks or other investments across a range of asset classes to provide balance in the once one-stockheavy portfolio. The investor can choose to take either a guaranteed rate of return or take a return

based on the performance of the market for the rest of his/her life or the rest of their joint lives. The charitable organization named as the remainder beneficiary, which makes it a charitable remainder trust and enables the several tax benefits, receives a distribution from the trust following the investor’s or the investor and another person’s death. The individual is benefited by the protection of diversification and a steady stream of income for life. The charity is benefited by the gift following the donor’s death. If you’d like more information on Charitable Remainder Trusts, call the Foundation at: 888/248-2664 or write to: Five Masonic Drive, Springfield, OH 45504-3658.

Special Olympics Summer Games The Opening Ceremonies for the Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games will be held on Friday, June 26 at Ohio State University’s Jesse Owens Stadium in Columbus. Grand Master Charles R. Murphy and the Grand Lodge officers will lead the procession of Masons to begin the Parade of Athletes. The Grand Lodge is again supporting the Summer Special Olympic Games financially, with members and Lodges being asked to make contributions, as well as giving time by attending the opening ceremonies. Brother Jim Sasak, of Lake Shore Lodge #307, is making a special bicycle tour of Ohio’s border counties to raise awareness for Freemasonry’s support of Special

14

May/June 2009

Olympics. For updates on his special odyssey visit freemason.com starting in June. Members of the Widow’s Sons, a group of dedicated Ohio Masons who are motorcycle riders, will hold a special road rally in July to help raise funds for Special Olympics. Lodges around the state are holding fund raisers and collecting money. Please contact your local Lodge to see how you can participate. Anyone wishing to make a donation to support the Special Olympics Summer Games may do so by writing a check to: Grand Lodge Charitable Foundation. Write “Special Olympics” in the memo section of the check. Send checks to P.O. Box 629, Worthington, Ohio 43085.

Deputy Grand Master Terry Posey stops by to greet attendees of the annual Widows Dinner at Springfield Masonic Community on April 13. The event is for female residents who have lost their spouses, and honors newly widowed spouses with a special pin to commemorate the occasion and their late spouse’s memory.

State Senator Presented Community Service Award Each year, the Grand Master presents a Community Service Award plaque to someone in each of Ohio’s 25 Masonic Districts. The purpose is to demonstrate that Freemasonry values volunteerism and community service. In March, at the Grand Master’s Reception in the 4th Masonic District in Celina, Grand Master Charles R. Murphy presented the award to State Senator Keith Faber, who is the Majority Leader in the Ohio Senate. Mr. Faber’s law partner in Celina is George E. Moore, who is currently serving as Master of Celina Lodge #241 and who helped in the presentation.

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 February 1 and March 31, 2009. $10,000 + Bendel, Alice May Brister, Charles E. Denniss, Karl & Stephanie Frank, Walter Hinkle, Bette J. Klein, Isadore James Milton Turner Family Trust $5,000 - $9,999 Sterrett, Kenneth R. Welch, William D. $2,500 - $4,999 Oberle, Betty H. Sheeler, Howard M. $1,000 - $2,499 Christopher, Nora Davis, Orlando W. Hosler, Bessie V. Meridian Sun Lodge #69, F&AM Montgomery Lodge #94, F&AM Niles-McKinley Lodge #794, F&AM Third Protestant Memorial Church Endowment Fund $500 - $999 Boggs Lodge #292, F&AM Canton Lodge #60, F&AM Coventry-Akron Lodge #83, F&AM Ely Lodge #424, F&AM Galion Lodge #414, F&AM Greenville Lodge #143, F&AM Grove City Lodge #689, F&AM Highland Lodge #38, F&AM Kelly, Floyd Magnolia Lodge #20, F&AM Medina Lodge #58, F&AM Millennium Lodge #779, F&AM New Carlisle Lodge #100, F&AM Nova Caesarea Harmony Lodge #2, F&AM Sackett, Floris A. Shay, William E. & Betty Shrive, Harold George St. Johns Lodge #13, F&AM Stow Lodge #768, F&AM

Valley of Dayton, AASR Wilmington Lodge #52, F&AM $100 - $499 Adams, Sally M.; Westfall Dick & Barbara Adams, Vernon Ailes, Robert R. Alturas Lodge #537, F&AM Arnold, Dan C. Ashlar Lodge #639, F&AM Badgley, Russell Baker, Dale L. & Pauline Bartley, John E. Bellefontaine Lodge #209, F&AM Black, Ross R., II & Linda Boller, Paul Brainard Lodge #336, F&AM Calvin, Delo A. Camp, Ferdinand W., Jr. Carroll F. Clapp Lodge #655, F&AM Carson, Terry M. Chagrin Falls Chapter #152, RAM Chandler Lodge #138, F&AM Cleveland Lodge #781, F&AM Clifton-Gaston Allen Lodge #664, F&AM Clime, John R. & Mary Coke, Michael Rou & Mary Ann Covenant Presbyterian Church Creps, Michael R. Crouch, Timothy E. & Martha Cuyahoga Falls Lodge #735, F&AM De Vries, Edythe H. Dieckhoner, Craig R. District 18 Line Officers, OES Fidler, James G. & Elaine Firelands Shrine Club Fouch, Edward L. & Carol Gabler, Robert E. Glass, Jimmie W. Harpley, Raymond & M. Lucile Hebron Lodge #116, F&AM Heights-Lion Heart Lodge #633, F&AM Heppe, Creda Holcomb, J. Robert & Antoinette Hoyer, William C. Hurley, Richard L.

J. B. Covert Lodge #437, F&AM Jamestown Lodge #352, F&AM Jenkinson, Edwin O. & Phyllis Johnson, Owen E., M.D. & Joyce Karth, Charles E. & Marjorie Kasen, Keith & Claudia Kolde, Roger F. Logan Elm Lodge #624, F&AM Losasso, Donald L. & Theda Lute, Lawrence A. Lynchburg Lodge #178, F&AM Madison Lodge #221, F&AM Manchester Lodge #317, F&AM McBane, David C. & Jennifer Middleport Lodge #363, F&AM Mowry, David Dee & Kathy Mulligan, Edwin F. New Lisbon Lodge #65, F&AM Ohio State Secretaries Association, F&AM Oliver H. Perry Lodge #341, F&AM Payak, John & Terri Phillips, Harold T. & Anna Porter, Charles & Doris; Carolyn, Phil, Janet, Donna & Families Posey, Terry W. & Cheryl Puskarich, Michael T. & Judy Quaker City Lodge #500, F&AM Reid, John T. Reynolds & Reynolds Employee Foundation Richards, Gary & Amy; Richards, Justin; Richards, Mallory Riddle Lodge #315, F&AM Roby Lodge #534, F&AM Sager Lodge #513, F&AM Scala, Michael G. Scenters, James W., Jr. & Barbara Schiff, John J., Jr. Seneca Lodge #790, F&AM Sherwood Lodge #620, F&AM Smith, Byron E. & Margaret Springfield Masonic Community Pastoral Care Stokes Lodge #305, F&AM Strauss, Philip Warren, Stephen P. Wilkinson, Edward A., Jr. & Sondra Wise, Forrest York Lodge Dog House Fund

May/June 2009

15

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

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

Serving Without Walls Dr. Ross R. Black II

Dr. Ross Black II sees the

expanding role of meeting seniors’ needs going beyond the traditional facilities as one of the key issues facing The Ohio Masonic Home Board of Trustees. Board members bring various backgrounds and experience to help guide The Ohio Masonic Home’s various facilities and services. As a family physician with many years of experience, Dr. Black has noticed the trend in home-based care becoming more popular and is particularly interested in the expansion of Masonic Senior Services programs such as I-CARE and Masonic Helping Hands, through which more people, Masonic and nonMasonic, may be helped. “We need to focus on meeting the needs of the aging population as we continue to move away from facility-oriented activity,” he said. “It’s putting together a service without walls in the same manner, taking away from the home

environment. Doing this involves close communication.” Dr. Black has experience as a member of several medical and family physician boards at national, state and local levels. He also serves on the Browning Masonic Community Board. It also helps from a fraternal standpoint. “We need more learning and education for all members and philanthropic efforts in the fraternity. There are many opportunities available. We need to use our expertise to make these sorts of things happen.” Brother Black is from an active Masonic family. His dad was a 33° Mason, who served as Most Illustrious Grand Master of the Grand Council, Royal and Select Masons and was District Deputy Grand Master in the 22nd District. His mom was Worthy Grand Matron of the Grand Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star, and his brother is a 33° Mason in the

Valley of Cleveland where he serves as Chairman of the Board Dr. Ross R. Black II of Trustees of the Valley. He is twice Past Master of his lodge and recipient of the Earl C. Gifford Award, given by the Grand Chapter, Royal Arch Masons for outstanding and dedicated leadership in Capitular Masonry. When not involved in Masonic activities or work, Dr. Black enjoys music. He and wife Linda participate in bell choir, brass choir and chapel choir in their local church. The Blacks also like spending time with their five grandchildren, who are located nearby in Cleveland and in Michigan.

Come to Browning Masonic Community’s Annual Car Show and Family Fun Fest Saturday, July 25, 2009 9 am - 4 pm