Ormus Grotto Happy Hour Online

Tonight we held a fun evening where we met with Grotto members from Ormus and from around the state. We did talk about some of the upcoming planning activities of each Grotto attending but it was more of a way to socialize. Our furthest away joining was Kendall Lawson who joined us on his way home from Gatlinburg Tennessee.

Ohio Grotto Meeting Online

Tonight I attended a meeting where we discussed Hospitality Rooms at the next couple of Conventions. We discussed health code rules and potential differences for the one which will actually be held in Kentucky. While we still have a few questions, we got enough settled tonight so we can finish discussions in August when hopefully everything will be more clear. 

Steubenville York RIte Meeting Online

Tonight I attended the online ZOOM meeting for the Chapter, Council and Commandery in Steubenville. They were well prepared to hold their elections in all three groups tonight (pretty much their entire business for the evening). They had done a pre-meeting list of those who would serve in each of the positions. With only a couple of changes due to some discussions they had about positions for individual officers, they elected a full slate in each group. It’s good to be able to see members from around the state even if it is not able to be in person.

New Lisbon Chapter Meeting Online

Tonight I  attended A Zoom meeting for New Lisbon Chapter. Their DDGHP was present along with GM1V Zel Bush and head of our Jurisprudence Keevin Berman. It was sort of a bittersweet meeting as they finalized their vote to consolidate with Salem Chapter. They started the process In February and then everything came to a halt until they were able to get enough present tonight to vote. The good part is several of their member were already working with Salem Chapter. 

Shrine Leadership Meeting Online

Well after four days of working every day outside mulching, trimming, mowing and cutting things down and cleaning them up, I attended the Shrine Leadership Meeting where we discussed the post-shutdown activities and which parades have been canceled. We also learned that a Past High Priest and KYCH from Unity Chapter, Mike Fryman, was found deceased when the police went to do a wellness check on him. He was also one of the Directors of the York Rite stage crew in Dayton. Definitely a big surprise. 

Updated Edicts

Today I put out some “Updated/New” Edicts which should be on the website soon to help with the 6/1 opening of Chapters. Please note if you are still holding online meetings or Installations they are included.  One item is if you Chapter still needs to hold meetings/ Installations online please copy me on your notices to your Chapters. I will in turn send them the the webmaster to add online activities so they can be added to the website calendar. Also if your officers are all repeating from last year they do not need to be installed again. Hopefully we are getting back to a little more normal situation. Please remember to still use social distancing and refrain from our normal handshaking as we still aren’t out of the woods yet. Looking forward to seeing more of you soon. 

Grand Chapter Officer Meeting Online

Tonight the Grand Chapter Officers met to discuss some changes which may need to be made to accommodate Grand Chapter (given the current situation). We also discussed coming out of the post closure period and what might need to be done to help keep our members safe while they met. It was a good meeting with lots of discussion. Probably by Friday I will be updating the Edicts I have put out along with some new information to cover our ever changing conditions.

Trinity Chapter #44 Stated Online

Tonight I attended my own Chapter meeting online. There are some positives to using this method but the negatives far outweigh the positives. I’ll be glad when things open back up so we can meet again as a free country should be able to do. We had about 11 in attendance including Grand Lodge Orator Paul Weglage, Past Grand High Priest Steve Duncan and Grand Illustrious Master Grover Manning.

Canton York Rite Online

Tonight, after my own Chapter finished. I jumped on to the Canton York Rite (Chapter/ Council/ Commandery Meeting). All three of the Grand Presiding officers of those bodies were there at the end of the meetings. It's good to see that folks around Ohio are taking advantage of the opportunity to meet virtually at this point.

Willoughby Chapter #231 Stated Online

Tonight I attended a Zoom meeting for Willoughby Chapter and we held the election of officers for next year. It was good to visually see several who I’ve only been able to hear over the phone in the past couple of months including our Grand Secretary MEC Bob Thomas. I heard REC George Tegner actually called a member today so he must be doing somewhat better but he indicated the recovery would take over a year.