Viewing for Jim Thorpe

Today was the viewing for a friend from the Shrine. He was an appointed officer for me during my year as Potentate in 2012. He also served several years on the fund raising board for the Lexington hospital.

Miami Valley York Rite College

Tonight we had a meeting to discuss new candidates and practice for our initiation next month. We had  several candidates proposed and a successful practice . I’m looking forward to next month when we do it for real.

Chapter/Shrine Meeting

Since I got in Grand Chapter line we have been doing the parking at the Shrine Circus for our district/GHP fund. This year we weren’t sure what may happen as we knew the Shrine was going to do something different. Lucky for us they still want us to do the parking though this year there will be some big changes. I have to wait to announce more until we get details next week.

Chapter District Planning

Tonight we held another planning meeting for the District to discuss the upcoming Grand Chapter and the events for the next couple of years. We also discussed the upcoming Inspection season and the updates needed to the information for those Inspections. Hopefully everyone is being well informed within the leadership structure of the District.

Reconsecration Bellevue Chapter

Today was the 150 year reconsecration for Bellevue Chapter. The Grand officers did the ceremony and they had a fairly good crowd present. I tried to get one picture of the ceremony but didn't do too good of a job so I just got a picture of those taking picture.

Harold Daniels Funeral

Today was the viewing/funeral for Harold Daniels who is a Past District Deputy from our 3rd Capitular District. Harold hasn't been able to attend for quite some time due to health concerns but the photos they had made us all remember whenever Harold was around there was never a dull moment.

Grand Chapter Planning

Well another planning session happened today between my General Chairman and myself along with our wives. We got more items decided and had a good time doing it. Sunday we go over some more of the plans with the District officers.

Grotto Inspection

Tonight was the Inspection for Ormus Grotto. As the Secretary, I had several items that I had to get together for the Inspection. We seemed to do okay and everything was available which was requested.

Hi 12 Stated

Today was the stated meeting for our Hi 12 Club in Dayton. We had a very informative speaker and it was nice to see several of the folks after the summer break.

Weekend Off

Welll I was supposed to be in Florida with my daughter's fiance at a Softball Tournament this past weekeend but when those plans changed I decided to take Pam for a weekend out. I had alreadty cleared my schedule and while I had plenty to fill it back up Masonically, I decided since the next couple of years are going to be focused on Masonic activities this weekend off might be nice. Back at it again tomorrow.

Minerva Lodge #98 Stated

Tonight was the first stated meeting for my Lodge of the Fall and we had one candidate to return his FC degree and one to receive his EA degree. We had 35 in attendance and I was very proud of how well the work was done in returning the FC degree by the new Fellowcraft. The work in the EA degree was also very good.

Greeters Meeting

Today I went to the Greeters stated meeting in conjunction with a meal for the Seniors. Since combining the two activities the Seniors have added about 10 to their list of folks eating and we have added several who are attending at the Greeters meetings. Our biggest issue in the Greeters is most of our members are much older and it is touch for them to get out as much due to health concerns.

Masonic Work

Over the past couple of days I've been working to get the Grotto books ready for Inspection next week and more importantly doing preparations for the next couple of years in Grand Chapter. Between planning dates, getting paperwork ready, planning out schedules and lining up helpers for various tasks, it is more like a full time job. I'm not complaining just pointing out there is allot of behind the scenes work that goes on by all Grand Officers.

Antioch Shrine Sportsman Raffle

Today was the first annual Sportsman Raffle and by all indications they did fairly well today. It was a good day to be inside as it rained all day. They had plenty of help for the event and as far as I could tell it was well planned and executed. It was definitely an all hands on deck type event and they seemed to have sufficient help.

33rd Dinner

Each year our Valley holds a 33rd dinner where we discuss what is going on with Supreme Council, future sessions and who the new 33rd are going to be. This evening it was held at the Engineers Club in Dayton and the two new 33rd from Dayton are Tom )TR) Routsong and Scott Lipps. Tom and I served in the Lodge of Perfection line until he had to step aside but he continue to be active with ritual work and in his community. His father, already a 33rd, got to be the one to call and give him the news, Scott is a Past Master/High Priest from my Lodge & Chapter and Past Potentate where I served in both lines with him. He is also in the Ohio House of Representatives.