Grandma Memorial Service

Today I did the memorial service for my grandmother on what would have been her 99th birthday. Several family members were in attendance along with a couple from the church. Grandma lives a long life and around February of this year stopped responding at all. Right before she passed she was in pain and still was able to communicate. While you hate to lose a loved one sometimes you know it is a better situation for them when they pass.

Grand Session Meeting

Today we attended a ZOOM conference with The Grand Council Recorder and the Great Wolf facility. We got a few outstanding questions answered and soon should get the final meal prices. Unfortunately at this time the seating arrangements for banquet dictated by the state has not changed. They are however hoping for a change prior to October. 

Ormus and Khana Shahar Grotto Ceremonial

Tonight we held what I believe was a historical event. Our two Grotto brought in 17 new members between our Grottos (with one coming also from Achbar). 11 (plus one brought in on dual membership for a total of 12 ) were from Ormus. This represents a 40 percent increase in our membership. The class was also named for the Grand Master and Grand High Priest (me) who are both members and Past Monarchs of Ormus Grotto. We had 41 present including our Grand Monarch and State OGA President. While we had to slightly alter some of the short form ceremonial to conform with social distancing, we stayed safe by requiring masks while inside as

well. 

  

5th District Kong’s Program & GHP Reception

Today we headed to Chillicothe for a couple of events in the 5 th District. After listening to REC Dan Smith’s program we had a nice dinner. We then passed out awards for the District and I said a few words. They also presented us with some gifts nnd made a donation to the Royal Arch Foundation. It was a nice event but I wish back home we could have gotten some of the rain we drove through on the way to and from Chillicothe.

Imperial Shrine Session

Today I am attending the Virtual Session of the Imperial Shrine as a member of the Colorado Corporation (or the Hospital Portion of the Shriners).  This is definitely unique and a first in the history of the Shrine. It seems to be working well. This is supposed to be my final session as a Colorado Corporation member. It appears they thought this out well to be able to handle a much reduced (only absolutely necessary business of elections and installations).

Ohio DeMolay Scholarship Foundation

Today I went to the board meeting where we were able to recommend several young men for the Ohio DeMolay Scholarship. It is often almost unbelievable the accomplishments (academic, athletics and volunteer service) these young men have achieved. It makes one see just how positive an influence the Order of DeMolay can be on a young man. It always make me proud when I hear these accomplishments and happy to have been associated with this great organization for nearly 45 years.

Warren Chapter/Bigelow Council Stated

Tonight my Grand Aide, Dennie Fitzgerald and I traveled to Newark Ohio where they held their elections and installation for each group. I installed the Chapter Officers and Randy Williams installed the Council officers. This is the home Chapter of REC Mark Bruns, Grand Master Second Veil. It was a great day for a drive and felt good to be out traveling farther than just in my area.

Sad Day

Today my passed away. She was 98 and would have made in to 99 in a couple of weeks .She was almost a 75 year member of Eastern Star. For the past three years she hasn’t really been able to communicate with anyone coherently and rarely opened her eyes but at least until February if this year would do something to recognize she knew you were there (usually squeezing your hand or  saying something incoherent). I think for her personally, her own passing was a blessing.

Happy July 4th

Well we had planned to be headed to my daughters in Knoxville today but that has been delayed as she thought it was best to wait since she was just returning from Florida. I had looked forward to the trip but she might be right on waiting a couple of weeks before visiting her. We are staying home and getting some items done which were needed and we had been putting off doing.

3rd District Officers Meeting

Tonight we held a meeting of the District Leadership team. We covered three major topics: our up coming Grand Kings School, District Picnic and Grand Chapter. Luckily everyone was quickly onboard for each discussion so the meeting didn’t last forever. I think we got everyone’s questions answered at this point but the ever change current situation means probably something we decided will have to be redone.