Behind the scenes

Today was a behind the scenes coordination effort where we had to coordinate the hand off of Grand Chapter jewels. I went over to Washington Court House to get one for an official picture for next year. I also had to make arrangements for a final meeting for the October GHP Reception. I’m not really sure how a person working handles all the follow up needed in preparation for the many events during the year as GHP.

Herman Lawrence AMD

Tonight we held our summer AMD meeting. We had a very interesting program on Air Traffic Control by REC Greg Clatterbuck who worked for 40 years in this field both in the Air Force and Civilian area. It definitely is more complex than most would expect and the most interesting part was how much is not controlled by technology but rather human knowledge. Much of that is due to the fact that every situation is different. He is going to give us a second talk at a later date on the radar  room operations.

PDDGHP Meeting

We held our bi-annual PDDGHP meeting tonight and had our election of officers. We also determined that since last year. we have lost 4 to death in the past year. We also learned MEC Shell had a pacemaker put in this morning. We discussed several of the unique things we will be having over the next year.

3rd DIstrict Get Together

Since the District Officers and those who will be serving with me next year will probably be asked to do lots of different tasks, we had a get together with all of them yesterday along with their spouses.  We went over a few things that will be happening but mainly just socialized. It was nice to take a break before the storm.

Marietta KYCH

Today I headed out an hour early to go to the KYCH meting in Marietta. I decided to take the shortest and quickest way by going over 70 to 77 and down to Marietta. Usually I go down 35 even though it is longer and takes more time. Big mistake! Been setting in almost stopped traffic for almost 2 hrs and now saying I wouldn’t make it to Marietta until over an hour late. So guess I won’t make the meeting after all. And the worst, guessing it will take another hr before I can turn around to head home.

Ormus Grotto

Tonight was our monthly Grotto meeting and I spent a while today preparing for the meeting. Most of the usual attendees were present. We discussed our recent state meeting and upcoming events. We also talked about some joint event with the Grotto in Springfield.

Few Days Off

i took a few days off going to Masonic events (but Chapter Chapter prep never takes a day off) to go on a camping trip and get a couple pieces of non-Masonic business done. back on the trail again tomorrow.

Wendell Kemper Passing

A Past Grand Historian and Grand Guard along with PDDGHP in 3rd District and a good friend who I travelled with, Wendell Kemper, had his viewing tonight and tomorrow will be the funeral. While I had planned to head to Grand Chapter of Michigan today and tomorrow, this was much more important. We also served several years in multiple organizations together as officers. A good man who would have done anything for his kids.

PDDGM Picnic

Pam and I went to our 2nd District PDDGM Picnic today and what do you know I got some Chapter business done. I saw two people I needed to contact for helping in Grand Chapter in the upcoming year. We had a good time and ate well.

Grand Family Meeting

Well the first Grand Family Meeting for Grand Chapter for me to lead is over. I think it went well and we were able to finish a little ahead of schedule. We discussed and answered questions about changes for next year and covered many important details. We also discussed the changes at the upcoming one day Grand Chapter session. 

Ohio Grotto Association Meeting

After spending much of the week following up on miscellaneous Grand Chapter items, today I headed up by Warren Ohio for the Ohio Grotto Association Meeting. We had a good representation for the member Grottos but total number were still down. We did have nominations for all of the State Offices. Past Grand Monarch Bernie Mitchell gave us several inspiring words and it was noted that despite serious health concerns and issues he is still going strong for the Grotto at 90+ years of age. We also had the Grand Monarch and several grand line officers present.

Dayton Directory Meeting

Well supposed to have a dinner tonight to discuss next steps in the Dayton Directory but apparently most forgot about it. I did hold some interesting discussions with Randy Clark but will have to follow up again with the Secretaries.

Springfield Corn Picnic

In Springfield, our senior living Past Potentate sponsor a picnic which for many years was held at his home. His health is such that is no longer possible so he worked with Springfield to make it happen. The corn was fresh, the food good and the fellowship excellent. We also had some musical entertainment during the afternoon.

State Secretaries Meeting

In Marysville today they held the York Rite Secretaries Meeting. Each of the Grand Secretaries discusses the information they needed and there were some good discussions about changes which could be made to their lives and jobs easier. They also gave me time to discuss Grand Chapter plans for next year and we also heard from the Ohio Masonic Home Rep. After a successful meeting, we headed out by noon.