Every year at the Christmas time several of the District and Grand Officers from our District get together to fellowship and relax. Tonight was the night we chose this year and despite a last minute conflict for some with another Masonic meeting, we had a nice turnout at Marion's Pizza by the Dayton Mall. 
Tonight was joint installation for these two Grotto's held in Springfield and Installed by Past Monarch Marty Trent. The new Monarch for Ormus is Keith Newton, Grand Marshal Grand Lodge of Ohio who indicated he "liked the aspect of working with and helping kids and families as a reason for joining and becoming involved". Bruce Seaburn State President for the Ohio Grotto Association was present in addition to Tom Schlipp District Deputy. The new Monarch for Khana Shahar indicate he wanted to work with Ormus to have some joint fun activities during the year. 
While there has been little to no change for Pam's mother on her condition, today I took a little time out of our around the clock vigil with her mother to attend a 70 year plaque presentation. The Grand High Priest presented to a Past High Priest (also Past Master) of Mt. Moriah chapter in the 3rd District a 70 year plaque. In talking with him at the time he served he was the youngest in the state serving and the youngest in the Chapter's history. He seemed in good health even despite a recent car accident. It was a nice event at Bethany Village where he is living with the current High Priest of Mt. Moriah chapter also being present in addition to several other Grand Chapter officers.
Today was the viewing for a Past High Priest and Past Master of my Lodge. Lloyd though had something a little different than most he was blind and despite this did all his own floorwork and was a superior ritualist. In addition, he was the Worshipful Master who asked me to start in line back in 1985. Most probably never knew he was blind as he never missed a beat on the floorwork and conducted the candidates as Senior Deacon like he was not blind. He also marched one year with us in Commandery and actually did the sword manual. Unfortunately around 15 years ago he started int he early stages of Alzheimer's and progressed very quickly to the point where he didn't recognize people. He had to move into a nursing home and has lived there since that time. Everyone who ever met him loved him and his quick wit and great humor was something I will never forget....but the one thing that I will always remember was he never missed a funeral. I asked him why he went out of his way and he said "it is the last thing you will ever get to do for that brother and I never want to regret not doing what I could for him". It has always stuck with me and is something I try to do whenever possible myself. So long friend.
Tonight I travelled to Coshocton Ohio for the annual Inspection in the Mark Master Degree. The 14th District, which this Chapter is located, is part of my region for this year. Two Past Grand High Priests, who are now both from this District, were present: MEC Alan Hart and MEC John Gartrell. This is not my first time here and if my plans stay true, I will also be here for Lodge, Council and Commandery Inspections during this Inspection season. The room here is uniquely shaped as it is wider than it is long.
Tonight was a close trip over to Farmersville for inspection in the Mark Master Degree at the home chapter of MEC George Shell. MEC Steve Duncan was also in attendance. This Chapter has many distinguished members including Rec Bob Oldfather PDDGHP, REC Fred Gallo PDDGHP, and EC Mac Polston DEO. EC Earl Gorsuch a 70 year member and Steve Goad Commander-in-Chief Valley Dayton are also members of this Chapter in all they had s great turnout with around 50+ in attendance. It was nice to be back in my District tonight near my home. Oh and especially nice my Chapter come out with a dozen members and again won the traveling alter cloth.
Since I stayed overnight last night, my first stop today was by the lighthouse my pin is designed for this year. I also determined that I really am used to having every moment of my life pre-planned (luckily by me) since today I was a little bored since I was "waiting around" for the inspection to start. The inspection this evening was at Rock Creek which is the home chapter of the DDGHP Doug Dolan so he had a PDDGHP do the Inspection. We had visitors from the 16th and 19th District and again had a good attendance in addition to good ritual work. It was a long drive back which was made even longer since a headlight went out and I got pulled over twice to "let me know". I actually even stopped and picked up the replacement lights but the installation takes pulling the whole light so I decided to wait until I got home since it was after midnight.
Wow tonight was definitely better weather than the last time I was in Painesville when we had a blizzard! The inspection was in the Past Master Degree but the little extras (including music) they added to the degree made this a night in which I was really glad I was in attendance. They also had a good attendance for the evening and kept everything moving so we still got done early. I was staying overnight to attend the inspection tomorrow so I was able to get back to the hotel early as well. I did, however, make a stop at the Spudnuts for a donut since it is one of the only places I know which makes donuts with potatoes.
Today started out before 6 AM as I headed up to the Council Inspection for Wooster Council in the 8th Arch. They did something a little different at this Council and were Inspected in both degrees. RIC Ed Herrick GPCW, RIC Richard Amlung DGM, Dave Snyder PGC and RIC Bill Straton were all present in addition to the Arch Inspector. They did a nice job on both degrees and what was somewhat interesting is the candidate is an active member in Commandery who just decided to come back and take the Council Degrees. It was a nice drive up to Wooster and even better on the way back as I listened to Ohio State beat Michigan.
Tonight was the Chapter Inspection for Rabboni in my District in Fairborn in the Past Master Degree. MEC PGHP George Shell was present along with REC Bill Jones 6th District Deputy Grand High Priest. Several of the Companions from Xenia came over to help them out with the work which was nice to see this Chapter and Xenia working together. There was a nice turnout overall from the District for the Inspection and the count was up from Monday night .... a trend we are hoping to keep going.
Tonight was the Chapter Inspection for New Lisbon in the 19th District (by Youngstown) in the Mark Master degree. For a smaller Chapter in the middle of no where it was good to see a large number of Past High Priests present. To me this indicates they are not just recycling the same High Priest. Tonight also marked another point in my own personal countdown to visit every Chapter in the state as this was one I had not been to but with this visit I am now down to single digits as I have 9 more left and I will have been to every Chapter in the state at some time (and around a dozen who have closed over the years as well). This is also my region for the year so I was glad to be here despite the poor weather conditions.
Tonight was the first inspection in the 3rd District for the year...and to start off the season we had 5 inches of snow...hopefully this is not a sign of what is to come this year. And despite the snow, we had 40 in attendance and 2 candidates for the Mark Master Degree. This is the home Chapter of MEC Steve Duncan along with RIC Mike Smith Grand Sentinel Grand Council and MIPGM Bobby Campbell Grand Recorder Grand Council. The degree was a great performance for the beginning of the year. I am also proud to say that Trinity Chapter had 10 present (my home Chapter). 
Today was the Grand Family Meeting for Grand Chapter and we discussed many items to help improve and move Grand Chapter forward. We started early in the morning and went into the afternoon. Later on in the evening we had the Grand Commandery and Grand Chapter Joint Statewide Reception. It was a good turnout with around the same number of persons that the individual reception usually have for each one. While I'm not sure I personally liked the idea, it probably was something good to try. If you don't try new things you will never know if it was a good idea or something you think might not be the direction you would like to see things head in the future.
Tonight was the Council Inspection for SS Jewel in the 5th Arch in Marysville Ohio. Despite a very small membership they did a nice job and are one of the most active Councils in their Arch. They also have many distinguished members. Also in attendance this evening from Grand Chapter was Past Grand High Priest Garis Pugh. The Grand Council was very well represented since in addition to their Inspector Grover Manning also present was Bill Jones Grand Chaplain, Ed Herrick Grand Principal Conductor of the Work and Grand Illustrious Master Lynn Alexander along with Past Grand Illustrious Master Rusty Eagle. An interesting note was one of their candidates last name was Shaw and they also have a KYCH from their temple with the last name of Shaw. I also had to mention that this is not my first time at this Council but the last time was when I was Illustrious Master in 1988 when Jerry Belt was also Illustrious Master of this Council and tonight he presided again over the Degree.
Today and tomorrow is the Scottish Rite Reunion for the Valley of Dayton (I won't be able to make it tomorrow due to the Grand Family Meeting and Joint Reception). Today I was helping to direct the 12th Degree. Unfortunately we had several cast changes from the original starting point this summer but luckily it all came together today for the final performance. We had several new persons in the performance, all of which did a nice job and hopefully will become new regulars on the ritual performance teams. In addition to having a nice class of 35+, we actually had a good crowd for a Friday afternoon performance. After the performance I stayed around for a while but had to get back home to send out a report for that 4 letter word: WORK. (Everyone tells me how they enjoy retirement so much better .... maybe someday I will get to try that but for now if I want to do what I'm doing....I'll have to keep working.)
While we had a short recognition tonight to honor our veterans, tonight was set aside for the Royal Arch Widows Degree. It was very successful with 15 ladies receiving the degree which made enough that those with difficulty walking could sit and watch. We probably had around 50 in attendance overall. We had dinner before and refreshments afterwards and all the ladies stayed around afterwards to talk. The best part was many of the ladies were ones I hadn't seen or met in the past. While this is a fun degree, the guys stuck fairly close to the book and added a couple items which were specific to Trinity Chapter. It was also good that it wasn't just the old timers in attendance but many newer members as well. 
Today was the Chapter 150 year Rededication for EnSaWocCa Chapter in Defiance in the 1st District. For a smaller District, they had a nice turnout on the sidelines and I think all the officers were present. It was a nice ceremony and was obvious that they had promoted it around the District. Often the attendance at these events is slim. Afterwards, we had refreshments and headed home. 
Tonight at Ralph H. McMillan Chapter was one special evening. It started out with a great Chevalier Observance Day Dinner and then went into awards night and installation of 7th District Officers. Wendy Crawford received the Cross of Honor and three DeMolay's received the Chevalier degree. The Executive Officer Martin Woodworth was present along with the new 7th District Governor Randy Clark. They had a very nice crowd as the room was packed and at least 5 Past State Master Councilors were present: Randy Clark, Mark Howard, Tom Norris, Derrick Stargell, Marc Chong (hopefully I didn't miss any). If I had to guess I would say around 50 Chevaliers were present. 
Tonight was the awards presentation for our 50 year members but unfortunately only one could attend. PHP Kenny Lipps was present and able to receive his 50 year award. For many years he was very active in Trinity Chapter until another ongoing conflict with the meeting nights cause him to be less active. It was also nice that a few members of the Shrine were present (and especially the band) which is the conflict with band practices which have kept him from regular attendance. His son, Scott Lipps, who is also a PHP of our Chapter is currently the Potentate of Antioch Shrine and former mayor of Franklin presented him his pin.
KYCH Annual Meeting was held in Gallipolis which meant getting up before the sunrise and taking off to get there. (Okay so the sun really never even came out all day but it was really early) They have a very nice facility and despite it being one of the farther locations away from the majority of the KYCH population, the turnout was very good. They have a number of new KYCH's created and the new officers were elected with Robert McNutt being elected Prior. Randy Williams moved up to fill the vacant chair cause by the death of Mark Richards. Claude Siebel from our temple was one of the candidates.
Today at Miamisburg our District Chaplain held the 3rd District Reaffirmation Sunday service. While several Chapters hold their own service, we have held a District service for those to attend who might not hold one in their own Chapter. The Mayor of Miamisburg, Dick Church, who is a member of Trinity Chapter was the guest speaker. After the service we held a collection for Adopt America and collected $120 and then headed to the dining room for refreshments.
The past couple of days have been the Grand Lodge session held in Sharonville, Ohio. The turnout seemed fairly good as many had to stand for part of the meeting as it appeared the number of chairs might not have been sufficient. (Sounds like a good problem to have to resolve!) We heard from all the Masonic bodies and the Masonic youth organizations. There was a fairly decent amount of business covered and today a new group of Grand Officers were installed with MWB Steve Cokonougher installed as the new Grand Master. I was also happy to see that Kent Crager from our Lodge was appointed as a DEO for the 2nd Masonic District. There were also a very good representation of vendors including several new ones I had not seen before.