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January 2015
A Social Media Code of Conduct
Big Bucks from Brainard
The following concepts and guidelines are presented purely to stimulate thought and coversation. They have not been accepted or endorsed by The Grand Lodge of Ohio. Social media is drawing the attention from Freemasonry. Across the continent, Freemasons have been increasing, substantially, their use of social media, which has become a prime topic for conversation and discussion at Masonic conferences and symposiums. What guidelines should be utilized by Masonic groups? When should Grand Lodges get involved in such practices by local Lodges and Masonic members? Should a Mason’s use of social media be different from that of an individual citizen? A “Social Media Code of Conduct for Freemasons” has been the topic of discussion in many jurisdictions in North America. One such conference was the Rocky Mountain Masonic Conference which included the Grand Lodges of Colorado, Montana, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada and New Mexico. The following is the “code” that was approved by the Rocky Mountain Conference. • Freemasons should conduct Social Media activities in a way that reflects membership of the Craft, acting in a way that presents a positive image of the fraternity; avoiding private piques and quarrels; being cautious in behavior; courteous to our brethren and to promote the general good
and to preserve the reputation of the fraternity. • Postings should not bring discredit to Freemasonry nor should they fit the definition of Un-Masonic Conduct as defined by the member jurisdiction, Conduct contrary to the accepted and customary rule of right and duty between Freemasons, or to society in general, is improper. • Freemasons need to be aware that postings are a permanent record; and therefore an individual’s conduct may influence the world with a positive or negative image about the individual and also about Freemasonry. Postings and actions on the various Social Media outlets should reflect the highest standards of morality that Freemasons practice within the Lodge. • Lodge notices, and information contained within Lodge notices beyond the time and place of meetings, should not be discussed. There should never be discussion related to petitions, applications, background checks or investigation of an applicant. There should never be a discussion regarding balloting on an applicant. • It is improper to identify any Freemason as a member of the Craft
Although Although it’s it’s difficult difficult today today to to see see beyond beyond the the sorrow, sorrow, May looking back in memory help comfort you May looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow. tomorrow. Rest Rest in in peace, peace, Brethren…. Brethren….
unless he has provided his consent or has already identified himself as such. It is improper to post of images, video, recordings, etc. of other Masons without their consent. Posts must comply with Grand Constitutions, rules, regulations, and edicts of the Jurisdiction. • Postings that are anonymous or posted by fictitious should be avoided rather than encouraged. Participation in discussions with those who most often are looking for discussions outside of what is Masonically acceptable should also be avoided. • To ensure our fraternity represents itself to the high standards we believe in we must regulate our actions by individual restraint and through Brother-To-Brother intervention. As a Freemason, advise a Brother if what he has posted is improper within the framework of our Grand Constitutions, laws, rules, regulation, edicts and the general regulations of Freemasonry. • Contact and communication with other Grand Lodges or their subordinate or concordant Lodges must be conducted through the Office of the Grand Secretary. • Freemasonry in North America is governed by independent legislative bodies known as Grand Lodges who exercise absolute Masonic authority within a State or Province. Only Grand Lodges can make authoritative statements, and these apply only to their members.
Richard H Bitter Harold D Patterson Charles L Peyton Jr. Lawrence L Spiess Harold A Tubbs, MSA The The A.A.S.R. A.A.S.R. Valley Valley of of Toledo Toledo has has made made aa contribution contribution in in their their name name to to the the Children’s Children’s Dyslexia Dyslexia Center. Center.
Nick Lance of Brainard Lodge presents BCS Schools Treasurer Tim Coffman and Principal Cheryl Schell with a check for $650 from the Lodge, to be used to benefit needy students at the Oak Harbor High School , where Lance teaches.
Secretary’s Report Cast members also need to make a lunch reservation. NO LUNCHES WILL BE SOLD AT THE DOOR. Petitions will be accepted and we will show the New 4th Degree on DVD to any candidates.
Scholarship Awards
The 2015 scholarship award is officially open. There will be several scholarships awarded again this year. Remember that there are two ways to receive an award. The Supreme Council offers the Abbott Scholarship for eligible students who are children of members of the Scottish Rite. Our scholarships are awarded to the children, grandchildren and stepchildren of our members. You need only apply once. There is an application on line at www.toledoaasr.com. The number
Continued from p 24 of awards are to be determined. REMEMBER, applications must be in our office NO LATER THAN 4:30PM, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1, 2015. No fooling.
Credit Where Due...
You are all doing a great job of getting those dues into the office. One thing that you should keep in mind is that those of you who tell your bank to release a check to our office.... make sure you have the correct office address. I am getting checks that are addressed to the Indian Woods Circle or even the Heatherdowns Complex. Stay warm this month and as always, take care brethren and I wish a speedy recovery for our shut ins. Mike
VALLEY OF TOLEDO UPCOMING EVENTS
1/31/15
Six Valley Reunion
6:00AM
Canton Temple
Canton
2/21/15
President Day Reunion
10:00AM
Fayette Opera House
Fayette
3/24/15
Henry County Assn
6:30PM
Napoleon Presbyterian
Napoleon
3/27/15
Wood County
6:00PM
Sam B's
Bowling Green
5/2/15
Allen County
6:00PM
Lima Temple
Lima
5/12/15
Election/Installation Scholarships
6:00PM
Elks Club
Maumee
Mid Winter Reunion
6 Valley Reunion Reservation Canton Masonic Temple January 31, 2015 Degrees: 6th, 17th, 19th, 25th, 28th and 31st
Fayette Opera House 105 E. Main St. • Fayette Ohio Saturday, February 21, 2015
Please make _______ reservations for the Bus Trip ($20 per person includes lunch) Name(s): _________________________________________ ___________________________________________
Please make _______ reservations for the $10 Buffet Lunch Name(s): _________________________________________
___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Enclosed is: _______
___________________________________________
Enclosed is: _______ Submit to: A.A.S.R. - Valley of Toledo • 302 W. Sophia St., Unit C Maumee, OH 43537 Call Office w/credit card: 419-893-2942 Deadline: February 13
Submit to: A.A.S.R. - Valley of Toledo 302 W. Sophia St., Unit C Maumee, OH 43537
Call Office w/credit card: 419-893-2942 Deadline: When sold out
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January 2015
Secretary’s Report The annual Holiday Gathering at the Zoo was quite successful again this year. The weather held off enough to enjoy the evening. Everyone had a great time. 6-Valley Reunion The Valley of Canton is hosting a 6 Valley reunion on January 31, 2015. I have o chartered Mike Shobe, 33 a bus to take up to 50 members and candidates to Canton. We would be leaving very early (6:00a.m.). $20 will get you a comfortable ride and lunch! Sign up on line (www.toledoaasr.com), use the form in this Bulletin or call the office. First come, first served. Anyone driving separate can purchase a lunch ticket from this office for $10. Midwinter Reunion Our own Mid Winter Reunion will be held on February 21, 2015 at the beautiful and historical Fayette Opera House. Honoring the Presidents day, we will portray the George Washington’s 20th degree, the Ben Franklin’s 25th degree, along with the play The Last Full Measure which features Abraham Lincoln. A hot lunch buffet will be served for only $10. Please get your lunch reservation into the office by either filling out the form on the web (www. toledoaasr.com), filling out the form in this Bulletin or calling the office. Continued on page 22
What could make a trip with the family to the Toledo Zoo for the “Lights before Christmas” even more special? How about unlimited pizza, salad, breadsticks, coffee and hot chocolate…and a lot of good friends to enjoy it with!
And a Big Day for the Ladies, too!
The Holiday Season means time for the Scottish Rite Ladies Auxiliary Christmas Auction, featuring auctioneer extraordinaire Mike Shobe.
THIRTY SECOND DEGREE FREEMASONRY • ANCIENT ACCEPTED SCOTTISH RITE VALLEY OF TOLEDO Mi-A-Mi Lodge of Perfection Charter Granted September 22, 1880
Northern Light Council Charter Granted September 21, 1881
Ft. Industry Chapter of Rose Croix
Toledo Consistory S.P.R.S
Jeremy Z. Sharninghouse, 33º Most Wise Master
Robert G. Sickelbaugh, 33º Commander-In-Chief
Michael A. Lake - Senior Warden Joseph C. Radocy - Junior Warden Norman L. Kurtz - Treasurer David L. Hawk - Orator Ronald T. Drebert – Master of Ceremonies Charles R. Murphy – Hospitaler Isaac D. Demarest – Captain of the Guard
Kevin R. Weisman – 1st Lt. Cdr Wade E. Young – 2nd Lt. Cdr John J. Zettler – Orator Jeffrey D. Young – Chancellor John K. Cavendish – MC Tim Larimore – Engineer & Senechal Norman L. Kurtz – Treasurer Michael E. Shobe, 33º - Exec. Sect
Michael E. Shobe 33o, Secretary Mike@ToledoAASR.com
302 W. Sophia St. Unit C • Maumee, OH 43537 419-893-2942 • FAX 419-893-2962 www.ToledoAASR.com
Trent T. Dominique Thrice Potent Master
William H. Garrett Sovereign Prince
Eric L. Crow – Deputy Master William G. Windnagel – Senior Warden Roger E. Rosebrough – Junior Warden Michael E. Shobe, 33º - Exec. Secretary Gary L. Smith – Orator Charles R. Murphy, 33º - Hospitaler Steven B. Cooley – Master of Ceremonies Douglas W. Eis – Captain of the Guard Richard L. Davis MSA – Tyler
John J. Stone – High Priest Kim W. Sautter - Senior Warden Norman L. Kurtz, - Treasurer Michael E. Shobe, 33º - Exec. Secretary Robert R. Rettig – Junior Warden Charles R. Murphy, 33º - Hospitaler Jay E. Harris – Master of Ceremonies P. Scott Rupert – Master of Entrances Richard L. Davis MSA – Tyler
Board of Trustees Larry D. Ellison 33º – Chairman Timothy L. Jolliff, 33º – Vice Chairman David L. Roper, 33º – At Large Norman L. Kurtz, Treasurer Gary L. McElfresh, 33º, Deputy Rep. Michael E. Shobe, 33º, Exec. Secretary Trent T. Dominique William H. Garrett Jeremy Z. Sharninghouse, 33º Robert G. Sicklebaugh, 33º