Skip Vanderhorst Mother-in-law Viewing

Tonight Pam and I went to the funeral home for Skip's mother-in-law who was one of Pam's late mother's best friends in high school and I think was also in her wedding. She had lived a long life and outlived all her friends. As Skip said, she was starting to have some significant issues on a more regular basis which was getting her frustrated. While it is always sad when someone passes at times you have to wonder if it actual was more of what the person passing wanted given their current condition.

Trinity Chapter Installation

Tonight Kent Crager was installed as our High Priest at Trinity Chapter. Kent has some big shoes to fill as the past two High Priests have made sure we won the traveling awards in the District. We had a great turnout with almost 20 in attendance and in addition several of the ladies were there for the installation. EC Dave Thomas was congratulated for the excellent job he did this past year as High Priest and presented with his Past High Priest apron. PDDGHP REC John Watkins served as the installing officer. I didn't think I was going to make it as I felt terrible during the afternoon but felt much better by the time for the installation.

Ohio Masonic Home Day

Today was the annual Ohio Masonic Home Day and this year the York Rite Bodies were all asked to participate in the parade. It was definitely hot and we were excited that we were able to ride instead of walking in the parade. If you haven't been to the OMH in the last year, make it a point to visit. The new layout and buildings look fantastic. The new shelter house is first class and I'm looking forward to attending meetings in this building. We had the normal food booths and kids area but this year it appeared everyone was enjoying the new atmosphere the home changes made for the activity. Overall, it appeared there were more folks attending than in the past as they had to park folks in an additional area this year. I came home today proud of the improvements made to my (our) Masonic Home in Springfield.

Grand High Priest Reception 1/8 District

Tonight we were at the joint Grand High Priest Reception in the 1st and 8th districts held at the Browning Masonic Home. The evening started out with dinner and it was one of the first times Pam has been out of the house for an extended period of time since her jaw reconstruction surgery and by the time we got there she was very sore again (and still can't eat but a few very soft foods). It was good to see REC Keith Green out from his knee surgery though he said he was still very sore. MEC Wayne Dill came back from Tennessee to give out the Dill awards and the DDGHP's of each district gave out their district awards. MEC Dill also made a nice note of the extra effort our GHP has made over the years to support our Charity, Adopt America, and thanked him for his thoughtful acknowledgement this year of our military veterans with the special pin and grand honors. We heard a nice presentation on the new homes being built at the Browning and our Grand High Priest, Robert Blankenhorn Jr. made some heart felt comments and had a special presentation for MEC Dill. (note on the cake the spelling of MEC name)

Adoniram Council Installation

Tonight was our annual installation of officers for Council in Miamisburg and we had 20 in attendance. MIC Bobby Campbell installed the officers and Greg Fannin was installed IM and Ken Turner is the outgoing IM. We have no PIM in the progressing line as well as the appointed officers are also not Past Illustrious Masters. It was very warm at the meeting so they kept things moving along.

Busy and Hectic Week

While I only have made it to one Masonic meeting this week it has been no less stressful. Since Pam could hardly even talk up until yesterday and was still having balance issues even through today from her surgery last week, I've been working at home and today we suffered a power outage. We have also been working every evening to get the last minute things ready for the first day of mom's estate sale tomorrow when we need to be there to help around 6:30 AM ... probably lasting into the evening. We also have been helping Laura get her plans together as she moves to Knoxville within the next month or so to transfer to the University of Tennessee in the fall. We had to take the new trailer in to get a couple issues we found on our Memorial Day outing to get fixed and finally are starting to get some of the financial information from mom's settled so we can take it to our financial planner. It has also really started setting in this week that the dog passed away over Memorial Day weekend. And to add to the fun, work has been very busy this week. I just have to keep focused as hopefully the second day of mom's sale, which is being held next Friday, will be the start of a little less chaos though I doubt it!

Unity Chapter #16 installation

Today was the first daytime meeting of Unity Chapter at the Dayton Masonic Center and while most of the year it was tough to get out 10 members to meet, today we had 14 and almost every office was filled. It was a positive start for what many are calling a new beginning for Unity chapter. Prior to the meeting and installation of officers, they shared a lunch with another Masonic associated group meeting in the temple. The good part was some of those Masons in the other group were unaware of Unity changing to meet during the day and said maybe at the next meeting they might stay for the Unity chapter meeting. In addition, they held a memorial service for the departed members over the past year. 

Portage Chapter #202 Dedication

Well today we were back in Akron at Portage Chapter and this time were dedicating a new building for them to meet within. The Chapter voted to change their meeting location and so we needed to dedicate a room for Chapter work. As this is MEC Dale Ray's home chapter, he was also present. Most of the Grand officers were present and after the dedication folks went downstairs for some light refreshments and a few went out together for dinner. Since I had a couple of items I needed to get done at home, I headed out to get back home as soon as possible afterward.

11th District Grand High Priest Reception

Tonight was the reception in Columbus for our Grand High Priest Robert Blankenhorn. Grand Royal Arch Captain Dan Smith and PGHP Don Lossaso were also present. I like it as the reception is held at the MCL Cafeteria and the food is good and you can choose exactly what you want. Also they have a separate room for us so it can be closed off for the activity.  Afterwards they presented the GHP with a gift and passed out district awards.

OCD

Tonight was the Ohio Council of Deliberation or the state meeting for the Scottish Rite. I attended to see the persons from the Valley of Dayton who were receiving their Red Hats. These are presented for outstanding service to Scottish Rite. In Dayton, we had Dan Frye and Bill Garlow receiving them. Dan is in the choir and with the aging choir members, he has taken on the role of soloist for them. Bill has helped as the editor for their newsletter for years. Both are very deserving as their respective work consumes many hours every month.