In This Issue:Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies ........2 Living Up to the Family Name .....................5Making the Elite Eight in the State ...............6Outdoor Master Mason Degree Schedule .. 10 Making A Good Man Better ...................... 11Freemasonry – It’s All in the Family ........... 13

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 3May/June 2010

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

BEACONHistoric White House Stones

One of the most valuable artifacts in the Grand Lodge of Ohio Museum is currently on display in Alexandria, VA, in an historic exhibition in the George Washington Masonic National Memorial.

When the White House was undergoing a major renovation, beginning in 1949, President and Most Worshipful Brother Harry S. Truman noticed Masonic markings on stones in the original White House foundation.

At one point, only the White House facade and some of the original foundation stones remained. President Truman inspected the work often and during one tour he noticed a large number of stones engraved with mason’s marks, which were subsequently determined to have been made by Scottish stonemasons.

In 1952, he had one stone sent to each U.S. Grand Lodge and dozens to other Masonic organizations. Each stone has a small White House brass plaque affi xed to it and was accompa-nied by a letter – framed of recycled White House wood – to the Grand Master. Ohio has proudly displayed its stone and letter ever since.

Masonic Marked Stones Brought Together Again for Display After Nearly 60 Years

In the current exhibit, 45 of those stones have been brought together again, on loan.

After President and Brother George Washington approved the site and design for the White House in 1792, it was discovered that the young nation lacked the number of master stonemasons to bring the design to fruition. At least eight stonemasons from The Lodge of Journeymen Masons #8 of Edinburgh, Scotland were brought to America, and the White House walls rose to completion in 1798.

During construction, the stonemasons, being Freemasons, joined the local lodge, Federal Lodge #15 of the Grand Lodge of Maryland. Federal Lodge became the fi rst lodge when the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia was constituted in 1811.

In addition to bringing together the White House stones, the exhibit contains a Minute Book and Personal Mark Book from the Lodge of Journeyman Masons #8 in Scotland. They list the stonemasons who immigrated to the United

States in 1794 to help build the White House.

The exhibit opened in conjunction with the George Washington Memorial Association’s 100th Anniversary and will run through May 2011.

George Braatz, Past Grand Master of Ohio, examines display. Ohio’s stone is in the middle row, on the right. He is a member of the George Washington Memorial’s Board of Trustees.

The exhibit also includes Federal Lodge’s fi rst Account Book, listing the Scottish stonemasons and White House architect James Hoban as its fi rst Master. Additional materials include a letter from President Truman, historic photographs, and other items.

The George Washington Masonic Memorial

Alexandria, VAOpen April 1 – September 30

Monday - Saturday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.Sunday: Noon - 4 p.m.

Guided Tours Daily:10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.,

and 3 p.m.www.gwmemorial.org

Carrying Freemasonry Into the Next Generation By Terry W. Posey, Grand Master

2 May/June 2010

The Beacon is published bi-monthlyPlease 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.

Chad Simpson, Director of Program DevelopmentThe Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of OhioP.O. Box 629Worthington, OH 43085-0629614/885-5318csimpson@freemason.com

Brett Turner, Manager of Marketing and CommunicationsThe Ohio Masonic Home2655 W. National RoadSpringfi eld, OH 45504-3698937/525-3025bturner@ohiomasonichome.org

Most students entering college for the fi rst time last fall were born in 1991. They are 19 years of age, and we can admit them into the ranks of Freemasonry. Beloit College created a list that tells us about the lives of those 19 year olds.

Terry W. Posey, Grand Master

1. The Green Giant has always been Shrek, not the big guy picking vegetables.

2. They have never used a card catalog to fi nd a book.3. Margaret Thatcher has always been a former

prime minister. 4. Salsa has always outsold ketchup.5. They have been preparing for the arrival

of HDTV all their lives.6. Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream has

always been a fl avor choice.7. Babies have always had a Social Security Number.8. They have never had to “shake down” an oral

thermometer.9. There has always been a Cartoon Network.10. Women have always outnumbered men in college.11. There have always been fl at screen televisions.12. Everyone has always known what the evening news

was before the Evening News came on.13. There has always been a Planet Hollywood.14. Agent Starling has always feared the Silence of the

Lambs.15. There has always been blue Jell-O.16. They have grown up with bottled water.17. Pete Rose has never played baseball.18. The World Wide Web has been in existence since

before they were born.19. Gas stations have never fi xed fl ats, but most

serve cappuccino.20. IBM has never made typewriters.21. Caller ID has always been available on phones.22. Ice Tea has always been available in cans or bottles.

How do you fi nd a plumber? How do you fi nd a lawyer? A doctor? If I don’t know one, I look online. I look for recommendations from various web sites. Then I look at their website, and I determine whether they meet my needs.

I don’t know about you, but I have found that candidates these days know much more about Freemasonry than I did 33 years ago. Back then, all I knew was what a friend told me, and what I learned from a pamphlet.

Today, potential candidates have researched the history, meaning and ceremonies of Freemasonry. Those candidates are better prepared, better involved and time will tell as to whether they will become better Masons.

Those new candidates have a mission – a job. They have, as we do, a duty to carry Freemasonry into the next generation and to carry forward the time-honored lessons of the fraternity.

My friends, technology is there for the using, and Lodges need to use it to their full advantage by developing websites, using email and even online blogs.

This year, I began a blog to let Ohio Freemasons know what their Grand Master was doing on their behalf.

As I have said many times before: All Masonry is local. If Lodges care about their members – sick and well, their charities and their local events to the best of their ability and using the resources at hand, then when all things are said and done, it has been another good day for Freemasonry in Ohio.

Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies on June 25Ohio Freemasons will lead the opening ceremonies of the Special Olympics Summer Games on Friday, June 25. Brothers should gather at 6 p.m. at the Jesse Owens Sports Complex of The Ohio State University in Columbus.

A new fundraising program is being developed by the Grand Lodge Special Olympics Committee in partnership with Anthony Thomas Candy. More information will be available in September.

May/June 2010 3

By Worshipful Brother David Bannerman, Chief Executive Offi cer, The Ohio Masonic Home

Where We’ve Been, Where We Are Going

The Ohio Masonic Home was incorporated in 1890 as a separate corporation, not owned by any one Masonic organization. Five Masonic bodies (Grand Lodge, Grand Chapter, Grand Council, Grand Commandery and Scottish Rite) each appoint members as trustees to its board. We were formed to provide a home for worthy distressed Master Masons their wives, widows and orphans. Since our fi rst residents were admitted in 1897, we have been providing health care, personal care, housing and other services to older adults. We stopped serving children in 1956. We have been providing community-based services since 2002.

Congress passed and amended a major piece of health care legislation recently. The Ohio Masonic Home is affected by that legislation as an employer, as employees, as a provider, and as our residents and clients use it. Since health care is a big part of our business, I want to provide you with the best information, hopefully not clouded or biased so that you will see the effect that legislation has on us.

Presenting Grand Lodge Offi cers…

The legislation is thousands of pages long. It includes requirements, prohibitions, funding increases, funding cuts, new idea trials and study commissions, all intended to fi x some portion of the problems in health care. Some of those things will happen in 2010, others will not happen until 2014 or beyond. Some changes will be benefi ts, others will be burdens.

Here is one example of a change in 2010. There is relief for seniors who hit the Medicare Part D “doughnut hole.” Currently, some Medicare recipients receive drug

coverage, then have to pay for more of their costs and then their costs go back down. This year they will get a $250 rebate check. In future years the hole is gradually closed through discounts on generic drugs until it goes away in 2020. This helps our residents and clients and probably many of you.

Look for more information in this column or go to www.AAHSA.org and look for the health reform hub.

Steven E. Cokonougher of Westerville serves the Grand Lodge of Ohio as its Grand Marshal. He is a Past Master of Linden Lodge #637 as well as a Past District Education Offi cer and Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 14th Masonic District.

Additionally, he is a Knight of the York Cross of Honor and a Past Commander in Chief of Scioto Consistory of the Valley of Columbus, Scottish Rite. With a tenure of 35 years, he is currently a manager overseeing inventory loss prevention at Kroger Company.

Robert C. Rill, Jr. of Swanton is the Senior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Ohio and a Past Master of Northern Light Lodge #40. He is a Past District Deputy of the 11th Masonic District. He is currently serving the Valley of Toledo, Scottish Rite, as Thrice Potent Master of Mi-A-Mi Lodge of Perfection. Professionally, he is a fi eld supervisor for Jones & Henry Laboratories. Robert C. Rill, Jr.Steven E. Cokonougher

Ohio Masonic Home CEO Dave Bannerman visits residents prior to speaking at a Springfi eld Masonic

Community High 12 Club #483 meeting.

4 May/June 2010

The logo of the Ohio Widows Sons was adopted in 2004. It is packed with Masonic symbolism that serves to remind members of their calling as Freemasons.

The Widows Sons Masonic Riders is an international association of motorcyclists, whose membership is open to all Master Masons who enjoy the sport of motorcycling and have a desire to ride with their Masonic Brothers.

The association has four primary goals:1. Introduce the sport of

motorcycling to our Masonic Brothers

2. Raise Masonic awareness in the world of motorcycling

3. Contribute to charities and to the relief of our widows and orphans

4. Support the Masonic Lodge through regular attendance and assisting with or attending Lodge events

The Widows Sons was created in 2000 and is divided into Grand Chapters and local chapters, which currently exist in over half of the states, several Canadian provinces as well as the countries of the Netherlands, Finland, England, Scotland and Wales.

Though members of the Widows Sons wear standard “biker regalia,”

Widows Sons Masonic Riders

such as vests and patches, they associate with only the best aspects of motorcycling and represent the Masonic fraternity in a positive light at all times.

For more information contact Brian Knoll at 614/554-1320 or visit www.ohiowidowssons.com.

A family-friendly celebration of Grand Master Posey’s theme for the year will take place on October 6 at the Aladdin Shrine Center, Columbus.

Freemasonry – It’s All In The FamilyCentral Ohio Masons to Celebrate Grand Master’s Theme

Charles B. Douglas, a member of Amelia Lodge #590, has turned the back ends of his fl eet of semis into billboards for Ohio Freemasonry. His trucks travel all across the United States, and one of three different ads is displayed on each of them.

Pictured are Darvin Rudd, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 6th Masonic District and Charlie Douglas owner of CD-Express.

Ohio Freemasonry Hits the Highway

Two National Leaders From OhioOhio is known for providing leadership in national Masonic organizations.

At the Conference of Grand Masters earlier this year in Virginia, two of the leaders were photographed together. They are Jim S. Deyo, left, Past Grand Master of Ohio, currently serving as Grand Lieutenant Commander of the Scottish Rite, Northern Masonic Jurisdiction; and William H. Koon, II, Past Grand Commander, Knights Templar, of Ohio, currently serving as Grand Master of the Grand Encampment, Knights Templar, of the United States.

The evening will include a social hour, dinner and a performance by renowned comedian Randy Riggle.

For more information contact Aladdin Shrine at 800/475-3850 ext. 23.

May/June 2010 5

As a teen, Mary Bancroft Walters saw fi rsthand how the Springfi eld campus improved lives. Now as a 102-year-old senior, she’s on the receiving end of that care.

Mary’s father “Pop” Bancroft, was the assistant superintendent for 25 years when The Ohio Masonic Home’s Springfi eld campus also served as a children’s home. An assisted living building on the campus is named Bancroft Manor in the family’s honor.

When she needed to recover from an illness recently, Mary chose a place she’d trust.

“I knew I wanted to come here because it was the best place,” she said. “It doesn’t surprise me the same type of care is going on now. They’ve treated me as if I were home.”

It was 1923 when the Bancrofts moved into Hillman House, a large house used to lodge the campus’ boys, down the hill from the main campus, on what is now Route 40 and close to where the current entrance is. The entrance at the time extended out farther.

On her fi rst day here, Mom and Pop had to go into town, leaving Mary and her brother John to get to know the children. A group of boys invited them to play cowboys and Indians and the two newcomers found themselves tied to a tree as part of the fun.

Although already 15 at the time, Mary said she enjoyed playing with the kids. Being 15 then was more like being age 10 now, Mary explained.

One of the earliest memories she had of the campus was the construction of the Rickly building, which was the campus hospital, and where she is now recovering.

Despite having to share her parents’ attention with several other youngsters, Mary said she and John never felt jealous or a lack of attention from their parents.

Living Up to the Family Name

“We were all together, they became Pop’s kids too,” she said. “My parents were good people. The boys could come in at any time, the door was always open. It was like one big clubhouse.”

The children living on the campus were not orphans, but kids whose parents could not support them. If a situation improved, the children could move back in with their parents or stay until the children turned age 18 and fi nished school. Orphans did not have parents and could be adopted, whereas The Home’s children could not.

Former children’s Home resident Guy Miller recalls seeing Mary when she would drop by to visit her parents with her own kids.

“Mary has a lot of Mom and Pop’s traits, like being a caring person,” said Guy.

The Ohio Masonic Home also had its nursing home at the time, but Mary said she rarely saw any of

to become involved in sports like baseball or tennis. Or learning trades and crafts they could apply later in life.

“I don’t think there was a boy who lived there who turned out bad,” said Mary.

The alumni of The Ohio Masonic Home’s children’s home meet every two years and will do so again the weekend of July 9-10.

In the second part of this story in the next issue: Mary Bancroft Walters becomes a noted local artist and overcomes personal tragedies to make it to age 100 and beyond

For more information on Springfi eld Masonic Community, call 888/290-2664 or visit us at www.springfi eldmasoniccommunity.org.

Mary Bancroft Walters looks at a portrait she painted of her parents, ‘Mom’ and ‘Pop’ Bancroft. ‘Pop’ was the administrator of the children’s home on the Springfi eld campus for 25 years. Holding the photo is Cynthia Whitacre Cameron, one of the last children to live on the campus and a member of The Ohio Masonic Home Alumni Association, which is planning a reunion this summer. Mary is donating the painting to the Springfi eld campus.

the adult residents unless she visited her father’s offi ce in Bushnell Hall, except on Saturday nights.

Every Saturday in what is now the Burkhart Auditorium would be movie night. The children and adults would gather together to enjoy fi lms of all kinds. Mary doesn’t remember any particular fi lms, but that most were silent pictures.

She also recalls the many opportunities the children had,

6 May/June 2010

Making the Elite Eight in the State

Residents at Browning Masonic Community let state offi cials know it’s one of the best resident care facilities in Ohio according to a recent survey.

The Waterville-based facility ranked eighth out of 547 state-wide assisted living facilities in The Ohio Department of Aging 2009 Residential Care Facility Resident

Satisfaction Survey.The survey ranks

residential care facilities, or assisted living, based on face-to-face interviews with residents regarding their perceptions of

the facilities in which they live. Browning had a 98.08 percent rating out a possible 100 against a state average of 92.07.

“This is a refl ection of the skilled staff and the standards we set,” said Dave Subleski, Browning Masonic

Community president. “We are grateful for such fi ne residents who think this much of us.”

Browning resident Don Glanzman got a knock on his door one day. It was the Department of Aging surveyors asking him to answer questions.

“I was glad to tell them this is a wonderful place I’m very happy at,” said Don. “From the minute I came in the front door here, everyone would say to me ‘Hello Don.’ That was very impressive.”

The survey results are available at www.ltcohio.org/consumer/index.asp.

For information on Browning Masonic Community, call 866/878-4055; or go to www.browningmasoniccommunity.org.

S

rflitrth

8thIN THE STATE

Medicare can seem like a maze, not just to the average person, but to employees of senior living campuses and home health care providers as well.

Handled the wrong way, it could lead to headaches.

Mary Lough-Pencil, Director of Cornerstone Home Health and Hospice, knows her way around the Medicare maze and is glad to share her knowledge with fellow employees, which she did in a briefi ng this spring.

Mary was trained by the Medicare program.

By educating others on the ever-changing Medicare system, it leaves Ohio Masonic Home employees better prepared when those who need its services seek help.

A Guide Through the Maze of Medicare

Medicare’s roots go way back to the Truman administration. It was signed into law in the mid 1960s, with hospice being added to Medicare benefi ts in 1982. Changes continue to be added to the program, leaving families in

need of knowledgeable guides as to their options.

And that’s where having this knowledge establishes an organization’s creditability. It’s the little things that can make the difference for families.

“We are in a time when ignorance is not bliss anymore,” said Mary, who began learning all about Medicare while working as Nursing Director at The Ohio Masonic Home’s Springfi eld campus.

Cornerstone Director Mary Lough-Pencil

Resident Don Glanzman enjoys the chance to work in the campus store and compete in Wii bowling at Browning Masonic Community.

May/June 2010 7

Roses are in full bloom year-round at Medina’s Western Reserve Masonic Community from now on.

Hanging in the Western Reserve Room meeting area are Rose Fantasy #3 and #4, two paintings of colorful fl oral arrangements created and donated by garden villa resident Virginia Tiell Woide.

Virginia and her late husband, Robert E. Woide, made the world more colorful with their paintings for years. Now Virginia is discovering new opportunities.

“I’ve had a good life and fulfi lled dreams,” she said. “Now there are so many things to do here.”

The Woides’ art has been a fi xture in the Cleveland area for many years, expanding internationally as well. Virginia specialized in painting fl owers in watercolors and Robert, landscapes. Their work is compatible and they usually exhibited together.

“I love color. That is why I chose fl owers. Painting with watercolor is magical”, said Virginia.

It was that way from the beginning when the pair met as students at Kent State University. They studied art education, later establishing careers in Cleveland City Schools.

Their infl uence has guided other young artists through their work as educators. Virginia was a teacher and Robert was the Director of Fine Arts which included visual art, music, dance and theater. They later became art education professors at Case Western University.

A Floral-Colored Artistic Life

Several summer vacations were spent in Europe with fellow artists. Virginia said she was pleased that their sons could make the trips as well, and enjoyed seeing them learn new languages and cultures.

The Woides sold numerous paintings over the years, once right off the easel. They put on dozens of exhibitions.

Virginia recently marked her 10th year as a garden villa resident at Western Reserve Masonic Community. She and Robert moved there because of the space the garden villa home afforded.

Although painting will always be dear to her, Virginia is excited to discover new things such as music. She is a member of the campus’ Chimers, W.R.M.C. Recorders and enjoys the SeniorNet computer classes.

“There are so many things to do here and residents who have expertise in many areas,” she said. “One of Virginia’s newest challenges was being commissioned to do a drawing of the campus’ main building. That drawing can

now be seen on note cards sold by the resident council as a fundraiser.

Virginia was inspired by her dad’s drawings as a youngster to become an artist. Now she’s proving it’s never too late to expand your skills.

“Drawing is something you just do. All you need is a sketch pad, a good pen and draw what you see.”

For more information on Western Reserve Masonic Community, call 866/433-1514 or visit our web site at www.wrmcohio.org.

Western Reserve Masonic Community resident Virginia Tiell Woide with Rose Fantasy #3 and #4, paintings she did and donated to the Western Reserve Room.

The Annual In-Gathering of the Ohio members of the Allied Masonic Degrees will be held on Saturday, August 21 at the Grand Lodge Building in Worthington. The day’s activities will include a reception in honor of C. Michael Watson, Sovereign Grand Master of the Grand Council of the United States.

This meeting is open to all members of the Allied Masonic Degrees and will feature noted Masonic historian and author S. Brent Morris. For more information contact Michael Cecil at mccecil@aol.com or 419/886-2181.

Ohio AMD In-Gathering to Honor C. Michael Watson

8 May/June 2010

All Aboard!Toy trains and model railroads were a fi xture for many youngsters growing up in the 20th century. Now many of those trains and tracks have been stowed away in attics, garages and basements.

At Springfi eld Masonic Community and Browning Masonic Community, the hobby has never gone away due to the efforts of several train enthusiasts.

One could even say their efforts are gaining steam.

This Stop: Springfi eld Masonic Community

The golden age of model train collecting had passed by the time Springfi eld Masonic Community’s depot began in the 1970s, when a resident named L. W. Royer formed

The Ohio Masonic Home Railroad Club. Most of the equipment was

donated by Masons or their estates and the fi rst train

room was located in the lower level of Bushnell Hall, known widely as the castle.

The collection was moved to the Rickly Building at a later date

to accommodate bigger displays and more models. The collection grew, but a construction project forced the train room to be dismantled and moved to a storage facility.

In 2001, interested residents, led by Jim Zeigler, talked to campus administrators about reviving the train room. The concern was that the collection would rust and deteriorate in storage. A new display area was found in the lower level of Rickly, where it remains today.

Jim’s dad worked on the railroad, and said eight hours a day on it was enough. As a result, Jim never had a toy train or any real interest in them until his skills were needed to repair one of the models prior to their storage.

He’s been the head engineer ever since in Springfi eld. Jim isn’t sure of how many pieces of equipment he has. There are fi ve tables of tracks spread through two rooms, with several trains lining shelves on the walls.

The oldest model train in the collection is from 1914 and was donated by a Springfi eld resident. The oldest actual piece is a 1904 map of Ohio railroad stops, which

was donated by a resident.

One of Jim’s favorite gadgets is a small video camera mounted on the front of a model. As the train travels the tracks, live video

can be seen on a monitor.

for Model Train Fun

May/June 2010 9

The walls are lined with pictures as well as models of classic cars. An interactive feature is a collection of VHS and DVD videos on various trains residents can check out.

His latest acquisition is a collection of hundreds of photos donated by a railroad offi ce that was downsizing its offi ce space. Jim said he plans to share the collection with Browning Masonic Community and Western Reserve Masonic Community.

Jim estimated 500 people visited the Springfi eld train room in 2009 and hopes to exceed that in 2010. The train room is open 1:30-4 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and by appointment.

The Springfi eld Masonic Com-munity train room will also be open beginning at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 6 during Ohio Masonic Home Day.

This Stop: Browning Masonic Community

Chuck Lucas got his fi rst model train in 1950 and never really had a chance to properly use it. He kept it with him his entire life, bundled away as his career took him from Michigan to California, hoping to display it one day.

Today, he’s got one of the biggest model train rooms in the Northwest Ohio area at Browning Masonic Community.

The train room was started by the efforts of several residents who donated their trains and volunteered. Current resident Dorothy Woods’ late husband, Curly, was a retired rail-road worker and was instrumental in creating the area and paving the way for what is there now.

“I love it, it gives me a chance to get away without really going any-

where,” said Chuck, an independent living resident and the Browning trainmaster.

Chuck’s fascination with trains started early. He recalls as a youngster knowing what time it was by the blowing whistle of a passing train.

Browning has devoted a large part of its lower level to all things train. You’ll fi nd 34 large cars, 45 HO trains and 30 O gauge cars.

One of the earliest pieces is from the Lionel Corporation, famous for making toy trains and model railroads, a set of switches from 1912.

The collection also contains a large selection of train books, pictures, conductor outfi ts, lamps, railroad ties and other memorabilia. Part of the fun is not knowing what you may fi nd. For Chuck, that’s just a start.

“I’d like to fi ll that whole basement some day,” said Chuck.

One of his goals is to update current models and tracks with current technology. With a palm control, three to four trains could operate on one track.

The Browning train room is available for viewing by appointment. Call 419/878-4055. Tours will be available during the Browning Masonic Community Cruise-in event on Saturday, July 24.

The Springfi eld and Browning train rooms may accept donations of model trains, equipment or other memorabilia. For more information, contact Jim Zeigler in Springfi eld at 937/322-1355 or Chuck Lucas at cwljal67@roadrunner.com.

10 May/June 2010

Masonic Helping Hands specializes in keeping seniors and disabled adults independent in their homes with direct non-medical services in three Ohio areas. Masonic Helping Hands can also reach out to aid people anywhere in the country through the CarePlus medical alert system.

CarePlus is a system that offers clients and their families peace of mind with service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

There are two CarePlus systems: a personal emergency response system that calls for help if someone is in need of immediate attention and a medication monitoring device that aids medication compliance.

Personal Emergency Response System

This system consists of a small monitoring device, about the size of a telephone answering machine, and a pendant worn around the neck, the smallest of its size in the industry. If a user needs help, they simply press the button and a local care center staffer will check in to see how they can help.

• June 5• June 11• June 12• June 19

• June 26 • July 3 • July 10 • Aug. 7 • Aug. 14 • Aug. 21 • Sept. 11 • Sept. 18

• Sept. 25

20th District15th District3rd District9th District2nd District11th District13th District17th District19th District12th District1st & 6th Districts23rd District6th & 7th Districts21st District25th District

16th District

Health On The Plus Side

Medication Monitoring UnitThe medication monitoring

system helps regulate a client’s medicinal needs by setting a schedule. Medications are loaded into the unit, set a clock for when they need taken and program the alert to remind the client when to take their medicine.

An alert will sound to remind its time for the medicine to be taken and ends when consumed. If not taken, the 24-hour care center will respond. Many hospital admissions are the result of people not taking their medication as prescribed.

Set up is easy and the system is simple to use.

Other benefi ts of Care Plus:• No long term agreements • No equipment to purchase • Friendly local staff • 5-Diamond Certifi ed

Monitoring Center • Industry Leading

Response Times • Smallest alert help button

in the industry Masonic Helping Hands helps

keep seniors and disabled adults independent in their homes through non-medical services such as light

housekeeping, companionship, driving and other means. These services are available in the greater Dayton/Springfi eld, Cincinnati and Toledo areas.

To get the CarePlus Medical System or for more information, call 877/564-0210 or go to www.masonichelpinghands.org.

Outdoor Master Mason Degree ScheduleOne of the great traditions of Ohio Freemasonry is the conferring of an outdoor Master Mason degree during the summer or early fall. The weather is beautiful (usually), the friendships lasting and the food delicious. Generally, the attire for an outdoor Master Mason degrees is causal, and it is always a good idea to bring your dues card, an apron and a lawn chair.

Please communicate with the designated contact person to make arrangements to attend any of these degree conferrals.

9 a.m. contact Robert Odon 440/235-91467 p.m. contact Kevin Centers 937/597-842410 a.m. contact Terry Chamberlain 937/622-2413 1 p.m. contact Dan Shirk 937/631-05074 p.m. contact Walt Barner 937/898-65876:30 a.m. contact Russ MacKinnon 419/474-770610 a.m. contact Phil Grounds 614/499-02446 a.m. contact John Russell 740/373-80107 a.m. contact Gary Sites 740/745-279611:30 a.m. contact Glenn Earl 304/416-28629 a.m. contact Douglas Ryan 513/200-894410 a.m. contact Gene Hilligas 740/501-582210 a.m. contact Randy Campbell 937/444-33601 p.m. contact Jim Easterling 330/608-8891 7 a.m. contact Terry Swauger 330/638-63738:30 a.m. contact David Hawk 419/986-5835

May/June 2010 11

Brother Brad Birkhimer had an early jump on what it means to be a Mason before he was raised in July 2009. His example inspired fellow lodge members at Ohio Lodge #199 in Bladensburg to form one of the state’s newest I-CARE committees last November.

The basis came from Brad’s friendship with Brother Bill Hagans, a long-time member of Ohio #199. The men met at church and formed a close bond.

Bill is a World War II veteran and former POW. His stories appealed to the history buff in Brother Birkhimer. In addition to their friendship, Brad was inspired to help Bill out in other ways.

Brad spends fi ve to six hours a week doing tasks for Bill ranging from clearing ice from his roof and spouting in winter to getting his tractor ready to mow in the spring.

“Some day that will be me needing the help,” said Brad. “All you have to do is get back to basics.”

One thing Bill really wanted was to continue going to lodge meetings and Brad was glad to drive him. This was a benefi t to all parties: it enabled Bill to stay in touch with his lodge; it kept lodge brethren

Making A Good Man Better, Keeping A Good Man Active

in touch with one of their older members; and it got Brad curious about the organization.

Brad knew little of Freemasonry and sat outside the lodge room while Bill attended meetings. After three meetings and getting to know the members, Brad was inspired to petition to Ohio #199.

Soon after he was raised, the lodge members considered forming an I-CARE committee.

The 19th District is a strong area for I-CARE work according to Central Ohio Coordinator Mary Jane Bates, with committees in Center Star #11, Heath #771, and Licking #291 having recently formed as well.

Although a new member, Brother Birkhimer stood up when forming a committee was discussed, having already been practicing its principles.

“The bottom line is as Masons we’re here to help,” said Brother Roy Wortman, Ohio #199 I-CARE committee chairman. “The idea was we would refi ne and improve what we were already doing by adding more formal structure within the I-CARE program. Mary Jane Bates has really done

a conscientious job as coordinator, and is there for us and for our members when needed.”

One of the committee’s fi rst actions was to look up all members age 60 or older and contact them to see who could use some help. The committee helped a lodge member recondition his driveway on a recent Saturday.

“I’ve been in many organizations but never have I been in one like this,” said Brother Birkhimer. “I am proud to be a Mason.”

Mary Jane said all of the I-CARE committees are working hard at keeping their senior members and their wives and widows taken care of.

On Saturday, June 19th, the Lynchburg Masonic Lodge will sponsor its 6th Annual Carol Walton Memorial Ride with the Masons. The charity motorcycle ride will benefi t the Lynchburg Lodge Masonic Foundation Fund.

The Fund provides an annual scholarship to a graduate of the local high school, supports Ohio

Lynchburg Lodge to Hold Annual Charity Motorcycle Ride

Special Olympics, and assists members of the community in need.

The ride will begin at the Ponderosa Steak House in Hillsboro, Ohio, with registration at 10:30 a.m. A donation of $15/solo and $20/couples will be collected at registration which will include a buffet meal. The ride will depart promptly at noon.

For more information, go to our web site at www.lynchburg178.webs.com.

Brother Brad Birkhimer, left, was inspired to join Ohio Lodge #199 after forming a friendship with Brother Bill Hagans. Their bond was an inspiration for lodge members to form an I-CARE committee.

12 May/June 2010

On April 11, Toledo Ft. Industry Lodge #144 held its 4th Annual Clay Shoot. Forty individuals, including Masons, prospective members, and Junior Grand Deacon Robert Rill, Jr., participated, and raised $720 for Ohio Special Olympics.

4th Annual Toledo Ft. Industry Lodge Clay Shoot

Golden Rule Lodge Celebrates Building CentennialOn Saturday, March 20, the Grand Lodge Offi cers rededicated the home of Golden Rule Lodge #562 in Willard and laid a new cornerstone for the building, where the Lodge has been located since 1910.

Pictured are the fi rst graduates of John Maxwell’s 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership participants, sponsored by New England Lodge #4. The course met twice a month, starting on November 4, 2009 and concluding on April 21, 2010.

The instructor was Michael Clevenger, Past Master of New England Lodge. The course will be offered again from August through January. For more information contact Michael Clevenger, 614/885-5494 or mike@masonicleader.com.

New England Lodge Graduates First Leadership Class

Springfi eld Masonic Community staff, state High 12 offi cers and Grand Lodge

offi cers helped conduct the annual Masonic Widows Dinner for female

residents who have lost their spouses. Left, Grace Brown pins a corsage on

Edna Korns. Right, Grand Master Terry W. Posey presents newly widowed spouses

Arlene Counts, Regina Stephenson and Phyllis French their special pins.

Springfi eld Masonic Community President Jerry Guess watches from the back.

Widows Dinner

May/June 2010 13

By David L. Dresser, PGM

An interesting and historic event took place early in the term of our current Grand Master Terry W. Posey at Far Hills Lodge in Centerville, Ohio. This was an extremely special evening for me, as I was able to raise my two grandsons, Michael A. Miller and Jonathan D. Miller with the assistance of many distinguished Masons and Brethren from around the state and the Second District.

Under Dispensation from our Grand Master, we were permitted to confer the Master Mason degree upon both of the boys “side by side”, at the same time, from beginning to end. We used two teams of offi cers, where appropriate, using one speaking part with one going through the motions in several cases so that both candidates received the same experience. There were no short-cuts, and the work was exemplifi ed as it is written. Historic, because as far as we know, this was the fi rst time that this has ever been done. At least with proper authorization.

Several of the Brethren listed, including my son Jim, who lives

Freemasonry – It’s All In The FamilyA Special Evening for A Grandfather and His Two Grandsons – Now Brethren All

in Texas, were also present, and assisted me in the initiation of these two Brothers as Entered Apprentices.

I will list many of those who were present and hope that I don’t leave anyone out. If I have, I apologize in advance. Grand Master, Terry W. Posey, Past Grand Masters Douglas O. Brenneman; William P. Mayberry; Neil M. Smalley; James M. Willianson; The Grand Treasurer Ronald L Connelly; The Junior Grand Deacon Douglas N. Kaylor; The Grand Chaplain Nathan N. Pelfrey; The Grand Tyler Clifford P. Koss; current and Past District Deputies Grand Masters, Gary L. Nicholson; Edward C. Liefke, Jr. (now deceased); Richard L. Coy; Warren E. Gregory; J. Rodger Capplinger; William P. Mayberry, Jr; Howard Laudermilk; Larry Atcheson; and a personal friend of the family, Jerry Ward.

Also present were my son, Brother James D. Dresser; son-in-law Brother John Millstead (a new member of Far Hills Lodge); The Worshipful Master, Jack Harless,

Wardens and Brethren of Far Hills Lodge #784, including W.B. Tom Routsong; The Worshipful Master, Larry Hall, Wardens and Brethren of Vandalia Lodge #742 (my Lodge); Members of the Antioch Temple Shrine Past Masters Unit, and a variety of Brethren from the Second Masonic District.

We were honored by the presence of 84-year-old Brother Edward Crider, a member of Quarry Lodge #382, who resides at Western Reserve Masonic Community. His son brought him to Centerville for the occasion. Edward is the grandfather of Jonathan’s wife.

A very special thank you to our Grand Master for his assistance and participation; to Richard L. Coy, who arranged the entire evening, including a very fi ne array of food for dinner and snacks, and James R. Elliott, the Senior Past Master of Vandalia Lodge (and a dear friend) for lining up many of the Brethren who participated. This was truly an old fashioned Masonic event with good ritual and outstanding brotherhood.

14 May/June 2010

Make This A Masonic SummerBy Right Worshipful Brother Timothy B. Strawn, CAE, President, The OMH Benevolent Endowment Foundation

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Now that spring is here, we’re all busy with spring cleaning, mulching, mowing, planting and making our plans for summer vacations and trips. We hope that as you’re planning you’ll include a visit to one of our campuses and their special events this summer/early fall.

Each of our three campuses welcome your visit at any time, of course. But, just as mom taught you, be sure to call ahead fi rst to secure a tour or “conversation” appointment. Certainly you don’t need an appointment to just come to a campus and drive around, but because you’ll fi nd the campus so nice and inviting, you’ll probably want to stop and ask questions, and it’s easier to make an appointment to do so even before you arrive. Call our marketing offi ce in Springfi eld (Springfi eld Masonic Community), 888/290-2664; Waterville (Browning Masonic Community), 866/878-4055; or Medina (Western Reserve Masonic Community), 866/433-1514 to plan your visit and tour today!

Or plan to visit one of the campuses during its special,

“signature” event. In Springfi eld, Ohio Masonic Home Day is Sunday, June 6th. A number of lodges, individuals and families have made attending this event an annual tradition. In Waterville, Browning’s Annual Car Show is Saturday, July 24th, and is growing in popularity in the area. In Medina, Western Reserve’s Renaissance Family Faire, Saturday/Sunday, September 25/26 features food and activities of long ago. At each event, you’re invited to tour the campus and learn more about our services and programs as well as enjoy great activities and great food.

And, if your vacation plans include golf, why not spend a day with us in Medina on July 26th or Springfi eld September 13th and play a round with sports and entertainment celebrities. Our Jim Perry Legends Golf Classic brings former professional baseball, football, basketball stars to golf with our friends while raising money for our Alzheimer’s programs at those respective campuses.

Come play golf with and meet former Cleveland Indians including American League Cy Young

Northern Light Lodge Makes A Difference in Their CommunityNorthern Light Masonic Lodge #40, Maumee, held its12th Annual Pan-cake Breakfast and Silent Auction to benefi t the Kidney Foundation of Northwest Ohio on Saturday, March 20. The cooks started the day at 3:30 a.m. to begin preparing food for a 7:00 a.m. opening.

Grand Master Terry W. Posey was greeted at 7:30 a.m. and introduced

to radio personality Harvey J. Steele of WKKO K100 with a live broadcast, during which he thanked Northern Light Lodge for their ongoing support of the Kidney Foundation.

The breakfast was a great success serving over 550 people and raising $8,500. This event has raised $87,000 over the past

12 years and all of funds have remained in northwest Ohio to directly impact the lives of those living with kidney disease. The event would not be possible without the help of the local Rainbow girls and the DeMolay boys in the dining room. The community’s support for the event through their donations of pancake mix, sausages, eggs, juice, milk, water, syrup and toppings as well as plates, napkins and the printing of tickets and fl yers was remarkable.

Award-winning pitcher Jim Perry, catcher Hal Naragon and pitcher Jim “Mudcat” Grant; National League Cy Young Award-winner Vern Law; Cleveland Browns quarterback Milt Plum and linebacker Jim Houston; NBA players Cazzie Russell of the New York Knicks and “Big George” Wilson of the Cincinnati Royals; and former boxing referee and Blazing Saddles actor Bubba Gilliam.

We promise you not only a great game of golf at Fox Meadow Country Club in Medina or Greene Country Club in Fairborn, near Springfi eld, but stories, laughs and memories you’ll never forget. (Or, if you’re not a golfer, just come to the dinner following golf and meet these great guys as they come off the course.) To play in or sponsor either of these events or to order dinner tickets, call the Foundation offi ce at 888/248-2664.

We hope your spring/summer is full of fun and enjoyment, and, hopefully, a trip to one or more of our campuses and/or special events. We know you’ll be glad you included us in your plans! See you soon!

May/June 2010 15

Thank You For Your GenerosityWe 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, 2010 and March 31, 2010.

$10,000 + Brister, Charles E.Frank, WalterKettlewell, Kenneth

$5,000 - $9,999 Davidson, Hannah G.Huser, Donald C. & B. JaneMoss, George K.

$2,500 - $4,999 Oberle, Betty H.Sheeler, Howard M.

$1,000 - $2,499 11th Masonic District Association16th Masonic District AssociationArters, George D. & B.J.Beaver Valley Lodge #753, F&AMBlendon Lodge #339, F&AMDavis, Orlando W.Hosler, Bessie V.Oaks, PaulSine, Anna LauraThird Protestant Memorial Church

Endowment Fund

$500 - $999 5th Masonic District Association7th Masonic District Association8th Masonic District Association12th Masonic District Association13th Masonic District AssociationCanton Lodge #60, F&AMFielding Lodge #192, F&AMGrove City Lodge #689, F&AMHighland Lodge #38, F&AMKelly, FloydMontgomery Lodge #94, F&AMMoriah Lodge #105, F&AMNew Carlisle Lodge #100, F&AMPast Monarch’s Association of

Medinah Grotto

Shrive, Harold GeorgeStow Lodge #768, F&AMValley of Dayton, AASRYellow Springs Lodge #421, F&AM

$100 - $499 10th Masonic District Association14th Masonic District Association15th Masonic District Association2009 - 2010 Grand Lodge FamilyAnderson, William E.Arcanum Lodge #295, F&AMAvon-Miami Lodge #542, F&AMBaker, Dale L. & PaulineBerk, Louis F.Brown, Helen N.Brown, Robert L., M.D. & Linda L.Byesville Lodge #654, F&AMCenter Star Lodge #11, F&AMCharles T. Raymer-Covenant Lodge

#683, F&AMClarington Lodge #597, F&AMClarksville Lodge #323, F&AMClifton-Gaston Allen Lodge #664,

F&AMCubbison, Robert W. & JeanDieckhoner, Craig R.Doric Lodge #172, F&AMDresden Lodge #103, F&AMDuhamel, Jay W.Farmersville Lodge #482, F&AMFelicity Lodge #102, F&AMFerris, David S.Fisher, Earl E., Jr.Flat Rock Lodge #580, F&AMGable, Howard E.Galbraith, Jeffery A.Garrettsville Lodge #246, F&AMGist, RonaldGlaser, John E. & Patricia A.H.S. Kissell Lodge #674, F&AMHarding-Concordia Lodge #345,

F&AM

Heights-Lion Heart Lodge #633, F&AM

Holcomb, J. Robert & AntoinetteHyde Park Lodge #589, F&AMJohnson, Owen E., M.D. & JoyceKarth, Charles E. & Marjorie J.Latham Lodge #154, F&AMLattanner, C. Rolland & Joy G.Logan Elm Lodge #624, F&AMLosasso, Donald L. & ThedaLynchburg Lodge #178, F&AMMarion Lodge #70, F&AMMason Lodge #678, F&AMMatthews, James A.Miller, William R.Mt. Olivet Lodge #226, F&AMMulligan, Edwin F.New Harmony Lodge #435, F&AMNew Straitsville Lodge #484, F&AMNichols, Junior A., U.S.A.F., Ret. &

Ursaline J.Ohio State Secretaries Association,

F&AMOliver H. Perry Lodge #341, F&AMOola Khan GrottoPomeroy-Racine Lodge #164, F&AMPuskarich, Michael T. & JudyRicketts, Ronald L.Sabina Lodge #324, F&AMSnyder, Donald L. & JoannSolon Lodge #757, F&AMSteubenville Lodge #45, F&AMSwisher, V. WarrenTaubler, CharlesWaltz, Jeffrey P.Wauseon Lodge #349, F&AMWhitacre, Jo AnnWilles, Alvin J. & Karen J.Williamson, James M. & SherryWilloughby Lodge #302, F&AMXenia Lodge #49, F&AM

A donation of $1,000 was presented to Perry County Children’s Services by Michael R. Satterfi eld, Past District Deputy Grand Master of the 13th Masonic District, on behalf of his family, the

It’s All In The Family in Perry CountyDonation to Help Children’s Services

Fairfi eld Baptist Church, Thurston, Ohio, and Thornville Lodge #521.

Perry County Children’s Services provides an article of clothing and a toy to approximately 200 less

fortunate children in the Perry County area.

A total of $2,000 has been donated to Perry County Children’s Services to date through this particular fundraiser. Various Masons and Masonic Lodges in the Perry County area have worked as well to donate additional money to help these young people.

Worshipful Brother Jeffrey P. Waltz was intrigued by Masonry long before his raising. Now he’s become one of its most vocal advocates as the newest member of The Ohio Masonic Home’s Board of Trustees.

Working as an executive for Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati, Brother Waltz noticed several gifts and bequests being made to The Ohio Masonic Home by his trust clients. Though he had never heard of The Home, Jeff was interested why so many people were donating a portion of their assets – wealthy and poor, Masons and non-Masons, and women.

“Each donor had a story of how The Ohio Masonic Home touched their life,” said Jeff.

Jeff was raised in 1994 at Mariemont Lodge #707, later serving as Worshipful Master and became the fi rst Worshipful Master of Caliburn Lodge #785, chartered in 2002. He is also a member of Syrian Shrine and Royal Arch Masons among other Masonic activities.

Last summer, Brother Waltz received the 33°, along with Benevolent Endowment Foundation president Right Worshipful Brother Tim Strawn.

Due to his background in philanthropy through trusts and estates, Jeff was asked to join the foundation board in 2008, working

2655 W. National RoadSpringfi eld, Ohio 45504-3698www.ohiomasonichome.orgwww.freemason.com

Getting The Message OutWorshipful Brother Jeffrey P. Waltz, 33°

with a joint Masonic Home and foundation investment committee. This sparked his interest in the parent board.

He was appointed to the parent board earlier this year. It was a challenging time in the health care arena even before the recent government health care package was passed. Jeff said it will be something for the board members to guide.

“We need to position ourselves to be able to respond quickly to the needs of our residents and their families. Our services need to expand beyond the traditional brick and mortar of campuses and provide those services required by an ever aging population.

“One of our selling points should be that though care institutions come and go, it should be a comfort to those in need that The Ohio Masonic Home has been in existence since 1895.”

Getting the word out to Masons and non-Masons about the many

organizations and forms of help available through The Ohio Masonic Home need to be spread across the generations according to Jeff.

Board members bring a variety of professional experience. Jeff’s credentials include over 25 years in the banking industry, several years experience on banking committees and knowledge of IRS and tax laws.

Several members of Brother Waltz’s family were active Masons in the Cincinnati area. He’s always amazed to see the names of his grandfather and great uncles on brass donor plaques in Founder’s Hall in the Cincinnati Masonic Center.

Jeff is a lifelong resident of Cincinnati and father of two daughters. He is a graduate of Miami University in Oxford and earned his MBA from Xavier University. He enjoys softball and golf and helps caddy at local LPGA developmental tour events.

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

BEACON

Jeff Waltz

Come to Browning Masonic Community’s Annual Car Show and Family Fun Fest Saturday, July 249 a.m. - 4 p.m.