DeMolay International

Well we started out Wednesday going to Knoxville to drop our dogs off for our daughter to watch and then drive out to Kansas City, Missouri of Thursday for DeMolay International 100th anniversary celebration and Annual session. As an Active Member, this is where we meet and do the business each year of DeMolay at an International basis. As this session ended today we started the journey to Nashville for the Shrine Imperial Session where I will complete my 10th and final year as an Active member of the Colorado Corporation which is who makes decisions for the Hospitals at a National level. Unfortunately we had some car issues but someone must have been looking over us and we ended up right next to an auto shop which was able to fix the issue in about 4 hours. We were then able to head to our stopping point for today before finishing the trip to Nashville tomorrow. 

Manchester Chapter/Council stated

In West Union tonight both bodies met for their monthly Stated Meeting. They also had 5 companions for the Royal arch Degree. Several Chapters showed up to assist.  This is also the home Chapter of MEC Keith O’Dell who assisted with the Degree work as the Principal Sojourner. Overall, they had a very good showing to perform the Degree work and I didn’t have to assist since they even had sidelines.

Grand Chapter Planning

Tonight I had a group planning session to discuss some of the events in the upcoming year and to get pin set put together to sell next year for the Royal Arch Foundation. We also discussed DDFHP/DEO expectations and Inspections for next year. We also discussed our upcoming District Picnic in July for the York Rite in our area and to ensure all bases were covered on the food and drink for the event. It sure made putting the pin packages together much easier with lots of help.

Grand Kings Program 11th District

This very morning Dennie Fitzgerald, Greg Clatterbuck and myself headed to the Columbus area for the 11th District Grand King's Program. They had a nice turnout (most if not all Chapters were represented) and asked a few good questions. When we finished we headed back home so I could head back to Columbus to return this evening for the Grand High Priest Reception with Pam.

GHP Reception Columbus

We attend the 11th District GHP Reception in Columbus this evening for MEC Ross Black. They started out with a nice Mexican dinner and then moved into awards for the 11th District. They also held a couple of raffles for a couple of nice items to help raise some money for the District. After that MEC Black installed their District Officers and gave some nice remarks. Our Grand Scribe Dan Smith, who is from this District and our Grand Marshall were also in attendance. We then headed home and were able to get home at a reasonable hour.

Planning for 2020

Today we went with the Clatterbucks to the Akron area to try out a few wineries for our Northeast outing next year. The first one we went to seems to be the choice. It was close to major roads and easy to get there. It had good wines and food. It had sufficient parking and space we could use. Unfortunately, the second and third locations both had flaws which we couldn't overlook (the second no food and the third not enough parking). The one we chose has a great view and is spread out over a bit of an area so folks can explore a little.

Ormus Grotto Stated

Tonight was our monthly Stated Meeting for Ormus Grotto. We did our annual audit tonight and covered our finances in some detail. We also discussed several points which are of interest to all members. We finished fairly early and the rain slightly slowed down as we left.

Trinity Chapter Stated and Installation

We held the stated meeting and installation this evening for my Chapter. We had a few new officers but most remained in the same stations as they are working to get a little more experience before moving the officers up in the stations. EC Dennie Fitzgerald received his PHP apron but is going to serve another year. Since all stations were filled and we have some newer/younger officers I see positive things for the future.

Cabiri Dinner

Tonight started out with a dinner of our Past Potentates at the Old Bag of Nails restaurant. While I've never actually got to eat there before it was very good. We also covered some health concerns and financial questions and then some upcoming events. I had to leave a little early since tonight was also our monthly meeting for the Miami Township Charitable Foundation of which I'm a Trustee on the Board.

1/8 Kings Program and GHP Reception

We started out this afternoon at the Browning Masonic Community in Waterville for the Grand Kings Program. REC Greg and Kathy Clatterbuck along with Dennie Fitzgerald and Pam were traveling with me. Both Districts were represented. It was good to see REC Bill Kerr as he has had some health issues lately. Afterwards MEC Ross and Linda Black were honored by the Districts and several awards were handed out. MEC Wayne Dill and MEC Keith Green were also in attendance.

2nd District GHP Reception

I went to Spencerville this evening in the 2nd District for the Grand High Priest Reception in honor of MEC Ross Black. They started out with dinner followed by awards and recognition within the District and then honored MEC Black. He gave a few inspiring words before we headed back home  

7th District Meeting

The 7th District held their annual meeting in Upper Sandusky this evening at the East of Chicago Pizza. They elected new District officers and discussed several different pieces of business for the District. The meeting was well run and they covered each item very thoroughly. REC Ken Foy, Grand Master of the 3rd Veil, was also present and assisted with taking the minutes for the meeting.

ROJ Dinner outing

Tonight several of us got together for  Shrine ROJ dinner at Company 7 in Englewood, which is a BBQ place. All present thought the food was good and we told a few jokes and even got the waitress to tell a joke. I think all present had a good time.

York Rite Co-Operation/ OMH Day

Today we started out at the Ohio Masonic Home for the York Rite Cooperation Meeting. Our main focus today was the creation of a statewide calendar which could be used by all groups and filtered to individual needs. My only wish was that the system would be ready for this next year as it should make travels much easier. Afterwards we headed over to the vendor booths and had lunch and looked through the various craft booths.

Masonic Campers

Today we had a picnic and meeting for our Masonic Campers Club. We decided to make a couple donations after which we determined it was longer feasible for us to stay in business and voted to disband. Since our club was the first Club started by our founder in 1966 it was especially said to be closing club #1. 

King’s Program District 2/7

Today in Findlay we held the next King’s Program. We also discussed some of the potential 2//7 merge.  I did get some positive comment as the various aspects of the program for next year and a few additional suggestions. After leaving for Findlay at 6:30 this morning, I then headed to the Grand Officers meeting in Columbus

.

Grand Officers Meeting

We had our First of quarterly get together to discuss many issues facing individual Chapters along with the Grand Chapter. We also agreed to continue these meetings and create a plan for the long term to effectively have a plan for Grand Chapter which the current presiding officer will take charge of implementing as their year arrives. Hopefully this will allow a coherent way of doing things instead of recreating things every year. 

Long Day including RCC Meeting

Well I left Jefferson City Missouri this morning at 4:30 (as they are on Central time) so I could drive back to Dayton in time to get changed and head to Columbus for Charlemagne Red Cross of Constantine dinner meeting at 6 PM.  Luckily no major roads that I had to travel on were closed due to flooding and we were able to get back in time to unpack the car and get dressed in Tux and formal wear to head off for dinner. Tomorrow is another long day starting out at 6:30 AM so I can get to Findlay for a 2/7 District Grand King's Program and then back home so I can go to Columbus for the rest of the day at an all afternoon/evening Grand Officer planning session.

Grand Chapter Missouri Day 2

Today was the actual session. They have a non-member opening portion first and then hold their Tiled meeting. One of the first items is to elect new officers. Today, Pam and I realized we were at this venue for an activity for Laura about 10 years ago. I also got to say a few words on behalf of our Grand High Priest, MEC Ross R. Black. They were very nice and during the physical opening invited everyone to participate. During the evening was their banquet.

 

Grand Chapter Missouri -Day 1

Well made it to the hotel here in Jefferson City Missouri but not without drama. Some of the streets leading to the hotel had been flooded out. When we got to the hotel, their parking lot was under water so we had to park off site and get shuttles back to the hotel. And wouldn’t you know it tonight they are having a severe thunderstorm and more water. Tomorrow is the physical session and we leave very early Friday so I can get back for a Masonic meeting in Columbus Ohio.

1. 
    

Off To Knoxville

Well I had to make a quick turnaround trip to Knoxville starting yesterday and back tonight to take care of something there and to take her back home. It was nothing serious and it is all good now but a long haul for a couple days trip.

Kings Program Rollout

In Mansfield with members from the 7, 9 and 10 Districts, I continued The Grand Kings rollout Programs. I left early this morning so we could get up for the program at 10am. MEC Crabbs and Blankenhorn were both present. REC Clatterbuck made sure I kept on time as we have to leave from here to get to Toledo for OCD at around 1 pm.

OCD Meeting

After finishing in Mansfield we headed over to Perrysburg by Toledo for the Annual Ohio Council of Deliberation for Scottish Rite. We were able to get there just in time for the start and introductions as I was representing MEC Ross Black for Grand Chapter. After being introduced I gave a short greeting from Grand Chapter. Then the severe weather warning interrupted the proceedings temporarily. One of the highlights of the session was MEC Terry Posey received the Medal of Honor. We had a tent outside for the evening events of dinner and the presentation of Red Hats but after the the dinner which included lightning and heavy rain, they had to move the Red Hat presentations inside as the tent was starting to flood.