Cabiri Picnic

Tonight the Past Potentates got together with the widows of the Past Potentates at Antioch Shrine for our annual picnic. Most of those who were physically able were in attendance. We had a nice dinner and a very short program so we could fellowship for a little before heading home.

AMD Picnic at OMH

Today was the AMD picnic for Herman Lawrence Council and we invited a couple other AMD Councils to participate with us at the Ohio Masonic Home Shelter. The turnout from our members was less than stellar and several from the other Councils were unable to make it at the last minute.  For those who did attend, we had some good food and fellowship before heading back home.

ROJ Picnic

Today our ROJ Court in the Jesters had a picnic held at the Antioch Shrine in Dayton. It was an indoor picnic (just in case the weather did not cooperate). We had a few come early but most didn't arrive until dinner time. Unfortunately, I had to leave as the food was being served as I had another commitment to attend to this evening.

PDDGHP Meeting

Tonight I headed down to the Shrine to attend the Circus kick-off meeting as we have done the parking every year for them and is our major money maker. Unfortunately with several activities going on around the Shrine temple I could find no parking and after 15-20 minutes of trying to find parking, I decided I better skip it and head to the PDDGHP meeting. We have now been actively meeting twice a year since around the time I started  in Grand Chapter line. As with most of our meetings, I lots of ideas from our PDDGHPs.

John Watkins in Hospital

Today I went to the hospital to see REC John Watkins PDDGHP from Trinity Chapter and while he will probably have a long recovery period is not doing better as they are treating him. They believe it to be a viral infection of the brain. John has been the drill captain for our drill team since the inception in 1972, KYCH of Miamisburg, multiple time PHP of Trinity Chapter and someone I have known even prior to becoming a Mason. 

Mess Hall Madness

Well generally it is usually some Masonic related item which I am writing about but not tonight. As you may know I am a volunteer for both Hospice and the USO at Wright Patterson Airforce base. Last night Robert Irvine from the TV Food Network hosted a USO event called Mess Hall Madness where chefs from various areas of the military competed against either other to determine who was the best chef. The Rockettes were also present and performed. In addition to Robert Irvine judging so also did one of the Rockettes and the Base Commander.  Afterwards, we feed around 500 people. What a great event to get to be a part of as we helped to serve the people and provide support for the event. Oh and getting to meet Robert Irvine was pretty cool as well.

That's me in the back on the left by the door

Ohio Grotto Association State Convention

This weekend I headed up to Toledo Friday morning for the State Grotto Convention. I expected lots of new and fun things and the outgoing president did not let me down. His attitude and prior actions prove that when people think something fun might happen they will be more willing to attend and stay longer. In 10 years of attending these meetings, this is the first time I have stayed overnight and for all activities. We had the Leprechaun Fun Degree on Friday and an outstanding Irish Band. We also had a special menu of corned beef and cabbage. Everything necessary for an Irish themed evening of fun. Saturday we celebrated his year long Baseball theme with a Baseball movie and stadium food. During the evening we had a well planned formal dinner and installation of new officers. Oh and I guess we also had a couple of business meeting. Congrats Josh Anderson on a great year and super fun weekend! 

Ormus Grotto

Tonight was our Grotto stated meeting. We had a small crowd and basically just went over the necessary business. We also discussed some items in conjunction with the OGA stated meeting which I will be attending this weekend. 

Greeters Picnic

Well our annual picnic for the shrine greeters  started out as normal. We played cards and bingo for a while, socialized and snacked and then held a short meeting. The normal introductions and communicating of activities happened and the week ate. Today again I waited until the end to take pictures but I made sure I had a fully charged phone. What I didn't plan was fr the excitement which occurred when one of our members had what appeared to be a stroke. We called out the ambulance squad and by the time everything settled down many had already left. I guess I need to go back to taking my pictures at the beginning.

Grand Family Meeting

Today at Delaware we held our meeting to train new DDGHPs and discuss plans for the upcoming year for the Grand Chapter of Ohio. The meeting stayed on track and we were able to cover all areas in the agenda by shortly after 3 pm. Unfortunately just as I started to take any pictures today my phone died. Guess maybe that old fashion camera does have a purpose.

Valley #80 Commandery Drill Practice

Tonight was drill practice and they went over and practiced many of the changes for this year, We are also breaking in a new drill captain so he was leading the commands this evening. While the whole team was not able to make it we did have enough to go through the sword manual and some of the marching lines.

York Rite Cooperation Meeting

Today was the Annual York Rite Ohio Masonic Home outing with the patients and the York Rite Cooperation meeting. It was head in the beautiful new shelter facility they have at the Home. There were representatives from all 4 York Rite Bodies and the Scottish Rite and Priory. We discussed a few items and went over some dates before heading home.

Dayton Dragons Scottish Rite Night

Tonight we went to the Dayton Dragons Scottish Rite Night with 10 of our family members, It was a fun night despite a late surge by the other team to win the game. Laura and here finance both came home from Tennessee to attend the game with us. The best part as they leave this weekend they are taking their two dogs home with them and while we love them, four dogs for three weeks (especially since they are all still puppies) is a chore.

Hospital Fund Drive Collection

While this week has been slow from a Masonic standpoint I've actually been as busy as ever getting things done around the house and working extra out at the USO and Hospice. Today, however, I helped out at our annual Hospital Fund Drive for the Shrine Hospital's. I wasn't to thrilled as I headed over to collect as it was pouring down rain, When I got to the location, the rain stopped and we had a good day collecting and even had someone give us $100 donation. Since it all goes to help the kids at the Hospitals for their care it is definitely worth any inconvenience I might have to collect.