Herman Lawrence AMD

Tonight was our AMD meeting in Middletown and we actually had someone giving a paper again. For a long time, we hardly hard any papers but lately we have had them. I'm glad to see us getting back to the purpose of the organization. We also took care of getting several persons who are no longer able to attend moved to the appropriate class of membership so they are not subject to being removed and making room for some possible new members.

McArthur Chapter #102 Inspection

Tonight was Inspection in the Royal Arch Degree for McArthur Chapter and they had 7 candidates who were exalted this evening (they were supposed to have 9 but 2 had to work at the last minute). Despite the larger class size, they moved right along and we were done fairly early. Also REC Dan Smith, Grand Scribe, and REC Rod Carr, Grand Captain of the Host, were also both in attendance. They had a nice attendance for a smaller Chapter on the far west side of the District.

Warren Chapter #6 Inspection

Tonight was the Inspection in the Royal Arch Degree for the Chapter in Newark Ohio. They did a good job it was just a shame that at the last minute their candidate was called into work, Nut never fear they had a professional candidate last night (I call him a professional candidate since when he came in it seemed as if he was the candidate at every Inspection in their District. Despite the poor weather conditions I didn't gave much trouble until I got almost back to Springfield and a wind gust hit the windshield wiper and pulled the blade off the driver's side. Luckily, I wasn't to far from an exit where I was able to replace it.

After A Few Days Off

I took a few days off to visit the daughter in Knoxville for Thanksgiving but plan to be back at it tomorrow.

Hi 12 Club Meeting

Today we had a smaller than normal size group but after eating lunch we had a nice program on the leaders in Dayton over centuries who were buried at Woodland Cemetery. This is a well known cemetery where the Wright Brothers among many prominent area folks are buried. We also discussed our upcoming Christmas Party and the next couple of meetings.

Grand Commander's Reception

Despite feeling a little less than 100% for the past couple of days, this evening I made it out for the Grand Commander's Reception in Fairborn at the Holiday Inn. The meal was very good and the entire event was well planned. The Right Eminent Grand Commander and his wife Bonita have long been good friends as we are in many organizations together. They had a nice turnout and if you look close you will see our own MEC Ross Black coming through the lines in one of these pictures.

Weather Related Casualty

Since I got your attention, no person was hurt in the family but the ice last nice broke off several major limbs and crushed the greenhouse we put up last year. While I was supposed to go to Shelby Chapter Inspection, I looked at the weather report and it appears they are calling for ice around that area (as well as not the best weather in between) until around 7PM . I decided I better not take any chances (after pushing my luck last night) and will go to one of their stated meetings (probably around April when the weather should be better).

Chagrin Falls #152 Inspection

Well tonight I went to Inspection near Cleveland in the Past Master Degree. They had 5 candidates from their Chapter and did a great job on the ritual work (the DDGHP also said so it must be true). REC Bob Nilsen, GM2V, was also in attendance. It was good that the meeting moved right along so I could get back on the highway towards home. I got all the way to I675 and then it was a slow go from there with ice everywhere and several major accidents. Luckily, I made it home safely.

Shrine Greeters Meeting

I went to the Shrine Greeters meeting today as they were not sure if they would have enough to meet so I decided I had better attend. We ended up with a very good attendance and talked about some plans to keep the attendance up. It was also nice to get an update since I haven't been able to make many meetings lately and not sure how much I will be able to attend int he near future.

Berea Chapter Awards and Stated Meeting

Tonight I went to the stated meeting and awards night for Berea Chapter. The Secretary was receiving his 50 year pin. Both DDGHPa were present for the District along with REC Robert Nilsen GM1V and their own member MWB Tom Galyen.  Unfortunately, the new 50 year member's wife took ill and she was not able to be present.  They had some light refreshments and we were able to fellowship for a little but I was able to get back on the road fairly early.

Grand Family Meeting & Grand High Priest Reception

Today was a busy day in the Akron area at the Tadmor Shrine as we held the Grand Family Meeting and the Grand High Priest/ Eminent Prior Reception. At the Grand Family Meeting we go over the various committee reports and hear from the various DDGHPs about how their District is doing. Then there was a joint Reception for MEC Ross Black and MEC Robert Thomas (Eminent Prior KYCH). Even though it was a long day, it was very well run and we were able to get back on the road for home at a reasonable hour. And luckily we only had a small amount of snow on this very cold day.

  

Palmyra Chapter 75 year pin

Today we presented, with the help of the Grand High Priest, a 75 year pin to the first High Priest for Palmyra Chapter #235. There was a good turnout from the Chapter also in attendance. We had a nice talk with him and at 97 years old, he seems like he might be around for an 80 year pin when he is eligible.

DeMolay Chevalier Observance

Tonight was the Chevalier Observance in the 3rd DeMolay District. Our guest speaker for the evening was Robert Lainge, Past International Master Councilor, from Ohio. He gave a nice talk on "what can we do to help DeMolay" after a nice meal in Dayton at the Amber Rose restaurant.We then spent some time socializing before heading home.

Grand Chapter Work

Tonight was one of those nights you stay home to get caught up on Chapter paperwork. The closer you get to the top the more paperwork it seems like you get to fill out and documents to create. Not complaining just stating the facts. I thought it was going to be an early night but as you can tell by the time of this note.... not so much.

Friendship Chapter #245 Inspection

Tonight was a close Inspection in my District in West Carrollton in the Mark Master Degree, The candidate for the evening was the Financial Officer at the Ohio Masonic Home Steve Petitjean. This is the home Chapter of MEC Steve Duncan and MEC Don Lossaso and MEC Kernit Zimmerman were also present for the evening. MIC Bobbie Campbell and RIC Mike Smith were also in attendance as this is their home Chapter as well. It was also the first Inspection for our new DDGHP Mac Polston. They did a nice job on the work and had some really good refreshments afterwards.

Shrine Imperial Program

Today was our program at the Shrine to discuss the Imperial session next year in Nashvillle Tennessee. I think it is going to be a fun location for the Imperial ad is the first time at this location. It will, however, not be a cheap location to attend as the nightly room rate is significantly higher than normal. I think we are going to only go for a couple days instead of the normal amount of time due to this fact.

Jesters Ladies Night Program

Well last night I ended up getting home very late and Pam put here foot down and said that I needed to sleep in today. I think she was right since I didn't get to sleep until around 4 am. Tonight however was our annual Ladies Appreciation Night for the Royal Order of Jesters. It was a really night evening with great appetizers then a meal and a special dessert followed by a very good band. 

Mt. Olive Chapter Inspection

Tonight I attended the Mark Master Inspection for Mt. Olive Chapter in Euclid near Cleveland. Their Secretary is the Deputy Grand Commander for Ohio, Robert Hager. It rained all the way up and all the way back.