beacon_novdec09

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 6

In This Issue:Taking the Senior Focus to the Airwaves ......... 4

Fit to the Beat of a Different Drum .................. 5

Legends Golf Events Shine in 2009 ................. 9

Guideline for 2010 Grand Master’s Classes .... 8

Recognition for 35 & 40 Years Membership ... 10

BEACONNovember/December 2009

A JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO AND THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

Continued on page 8

Terry W. Posey, of Tipp City, was elected and installed as Grand Master at the 200th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Terry W. Posey Installed as Grand Master

As Ohio’s new Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Posey brings with him not only a wealth of leadership ability but also a diversity of Masonic experience, which is represented in his theme for the year, “Freemasonry – It’s all in the Family.”

He is currently a trial attorney in private practice with the firm of Posey and Caspar of Dayton.

The Grand Master married Cheryl Poskus on July 1, 2000. Cheryl is a native of South Dennis, Massachusetts and is a speech pathologist in private practice. They brought together as a family four children: Terry Posey Jr., Ryan C. Posey, Alita Giacone and Heather Giacone. Terry Jr. and Ryan are attorneys and members of John W. Durst Lodge #716. Alita is an assistant art director in New York City, and Heather is a biology and pre-med student at Purdue University in Indiana.

Most Worshipful Brother Posey was raised a Master Mason on May 13, 1978 at John W. Durst Lodge #716 in Dayton and served as its Worshipful Master from 1989-1990. He is a plural member of Millennium Lodge #779.

He served as District Education Officer (1999-2001) and District Deputy Grand Master of the Second Masonic District of Ohio (2001-2002).

Companion & Sir Knight Posey is a member of Victory Chapter

The Grand Master was born in Springfield, Ohio and graduated from Colonel White High School in Dayton, in 1968.

After high school, he had aspirations of becom-ing a pharmacist, but as the oldest of four siblings, he chose instead to become a Dayton police officer.

During his career as a police officer, Most Worshipful Brother Posey served as a patrol officer and detective in the Residential Burglary Unit, as well as Street Crimes and Vice Units. He was later promoted to Police Sergeant, a position he held until his retirement in 1987. He is the recipient of the Medal of Valor, the highest honor awarded a living police officer.

The Grand Master graduated magna cum laude from the University of Dayton

with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Criminal Justice. During his last three years as a police officer, he attended Capital University Law School in Columbus, earning a Juris Doctor cum laude in 1987.

Freemasonry – It’s all in the Family!By Terry W. Posey, Grand Master

2 November/December 2009

The Beacon ispublished bi-monthlyPlease report all changes of address to your lodge secretary, who, in turn, will notify the Grand Secretary, who maintains the database that produces The BEACON mailing labels.

Brett Turner, Manager of Marketing and CommunicationsThe Ohio Masonic Home2655 W. National RoadSpringfield, OH 45504-3698937/[email protected]

Chad Simpson,Director of Program DevelopmentThe Grand Lodge F.&A.M. of OhioP.O. Box 629Worthington, OH 43085-0629614/[email protected]

My Brethren, I have named this year as “Freemasonry – It’s all in the Family.” There is family involved in all we do.

We obligate ourselves never to let Freemasonry interfere with our duty to God, our family, our neighbors or ourselves.” But we have a family of Freemasonry, in which many of us are intertwined, between the Chapter, Council, Commandery, Scottish Rite, Eastern Star, Shrine, Grotto, and all other bodies of Freemasonry. We should invite our families into our Lodge rooms.

We should provide assistance to the children of our members. We should work with and support our Rainbow Girls, DeMolay and Job’s Daughters – not for the purpose of a minor league of Masonry – but for the purpose of showing them the right way to live and to act.

We also need to practice Freemasonry in our own family. We need to shine our light upon our sons and daughters and show them the benefits of our Masonic membership.

This year, we are pleased to have three dedicated Masons presiding over the respective York Rite bodies. The Grand High Priest Donald Losasso, the Grand Illustrious Master William Laughlin and the Grand Commander S. Thomas Ramsay and I have agreed to attend, along with the Eminent Prior of Ohio Priory Pat Lively and the Deputy of Ohio AASR, Neil Smalley, each other’s inspection. Assuming good weather and good health, we all hope to be at the following Lodges:• Science Lodge #50 – January 25

(Home Lodge of Right Worshipful Brother William Laughlin)

• John W. Durst Lodge #716 – January 29 (my Home Lodge)

• Lockbourne Lodge #232 – February 1 (Home Lodge of Worshipful Brother S. Thomas Ramsay)

• Orient Lodge #321 – February 4 (Home Lodge of Worshipful Brother Donald Losasso)

• Hubbard Lodge #220 – February 8 (Home Lodge of Worshipful Brother Pat Lively)

• Alpha Lodge #729 – March 2 (Home Lodge of Most Worshipful Brother Neil Smalley)The purpose of these visitations

is to support the local Lodges and educate the Brethren on the various bodies of our gentle Craft.

If you live near these various Lodges and wish to attend, please mark the dates on your calendar.

I have a number of programs this year, which will be listed in other parts of this edition of the Beacon. I humbly request your assistance and support of your Grand Lodge.

May God’s richest blessings continue to be with you, your family, Freemasonry and these great United States.

Terry W. Posey, Grand Master

2009-2010 Grand Master’s ProgramGrand Master Terry W. Posey has created an exciting program for the current Masonic year, which includes:

• For the first time since 2002, District Education Officers have been appointed by the Grand Master.

• Grand Master’s One Day Classes may be held through the coordinated effort of as few as three Lodges and as many as an entire District.

• Lodges are asked to make a special effort to inform members of the Uniformed Services, i.e. policemen, firemen, EMT, and active and veteran members of the Armed Forces, as well as clergymen about the Masonic fraternity.

• A special Uniformed Services petition-brochure has been developed and a copy of the brochure is included in this edition of the Beacon.

• Thirty five and forty year service award pins have been commissioned. Lodges can order them from the Grand Secretary’s office and present them to their qualified members.

November/December 2009 3

By Worshipful Brother Wm. David Bannerman, Chief Executive Officer, The Ohio Masonic Home

The Symbol of Service to Others

The term “Ohio Masonic Home” is an old way to think about us. When we were incorporated 119 years ago, we intended to be a place where Masons and their families could go in times of distress. We laid our cornerstone in 1892, dedicated our building in 1895 and admitted our first resident in 1897. We have been serving the fraternity

every hour since then. Our “home” is now three homes, where over 700 people live. We also serve hundreds in other locations across the state. The way we use the word “Home” includes whatever place you call home.

The common symbol you think of for us is the original administration building or “Castle”. I still work

in one of the turrets, but it has been a long time since anyone lived there other than the ghosts. The castle was a great symbol for strength and stability in the 1890s when those in distress had few choices. “A little better than the poor house” was our plan, and the grandeur of our building said we would back our word with our resources.

Today, we don’t send our distressed to Springfield. We choose from several options and often choose to stay near friends and loved ones. We have the I-CARE coordinators, Masonic Helping Hands and Cornerstone Home Health and Hospice as well as the Browning, Western Reserve and Springfield campuses. We have Masons and non-Masons in all of our services. So what symbol best represents us? How do we express our service beyond the Castle? The Lost Symbol is found. It is that house not made with hands. It is the symbol of service to others.

After much speculation and extended expectation, the latest Dan Brown book, The Lost Symbol, is now available at bookstores. As in Brown’s two previous best sellers, The Da Vinci Code and Angels & Demons, Harvard Professor Robert Langdon is again the main character and is busy at work heroically trying to unravel a mystery buried in layers of symbolism.

However, unlike his previous books, which use the Catholic Church as

Dan Brown’s New Book, The Lost Symbol, Provides Many Details on Masonry

their stories’ backdrop, Brown places Freemasonry on center stage in The Lost Symbol, which has created quite a stir in some Masonic circles. However, Brown’s book shows a great deal of understanding and appreciation of Freemasonry.

In a recent letter addressed to the Supreme Council of the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, Brown explained why he chose to make Freemasonry a central theme in his new book: “In a world where

men do battle over whose definition of God is most accurate, I cannot adequately express the deep respect and admiration I feel toward an organization in which men of differing faiths are able to ‘break bread together; in a bond of brotherhood, friendship, and camaraderie.”

Ohio Masonic Home CEO Dave Bannerman spends a moment with former Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins pitching star Jim “Mudcat” Grant at the Jim Perry Legends Golf Classic at Greene Country Club in Fairborn on Sept. 14.

Taking the Senior Focus to the Airwaves

Today, more than ever, older adults are seeking answers to questions concerning their current and future care needs. It is with this “charge” that the team at Western Reserve Masonic Community is taking action. Jay Dettorre, President of Western Reserve Masonic Community located in Medina, appears regularly on “Good Company,” a popular morning show on WKYC in Cleveland, to discuss senior issues several times throughout the year.

Subjects have included the benefits of moving to a retirement community before winter and the importance of putting a plan in place for your retirement. Recently, Jay even brought Western Reserve villa residents Ray and Jan Bubsey to appear on the show alongside him to give the audience a firsthand view of life at Western Reserve and why they chose to move to a retirement community.

“Good Company” covers a variety of topics weekday mornings with celebrity interviews, focus on local arts programs, health topics and more. A segment for seniors seemed like a natural inclusion, and Jay was ready to take it on.


“Senior issues are very important and there needed to be a voice,” said Jay. “With ‘Good Company’, we have a great opportunity to reach a number of people.”

The focus on seniors has changed in recent years. And with members of the Baby Boom generation starting to reach senior age, it’s more important than ever to stay informed, and

that’s where Jay’s appearances act as a guide.

“By sharing our knowledge, we are doing our job,” said Jay. “When we receive feedback it has helped somebody, we know we’ve done our job well and it encourages us to do more.”

For more information on Western Reserve Masonic Community, call 866/433-1514.

The nursing homes at Springfield Masonic Community and Western Reserve Masonic Community earned deficiency-free surveys from the Ohio Department of Health in recent annual surveys.

A deficiency-free survey is the highest rating a nursing facility

Springfield Masonic, Western Reserve Nursing Homes Achieve Zero-Deficiency Ratings From State

can earn. A team of state surveyors inspects facilities for compliance with numerous state and federal regulations on-site during a 3-day period, to determine a rating.

Springfield Masonic Community president Marion Leeman and Western Reserve Masonic Community president Jay Dettorre said they were proud of the skilled and dedicated staffs caring for residents who make such high rankings possible.

Western Reserve Masonic Community independent Villa residents Ray and Jan Bubsey, left, joined campus president Jay Dettorre for one of his regular segments this past fall on the television program “Good Company” in Cleveland. At the right is one of the program’s hosts, Fred Griffith.

T H E O H I O M A S O N I C H O M E

HealthCare,Inc.M A S O N I C

Masonic Eastern Star Community, Inc.

Benevolent Endowment Foundation, Inc. T H E O H I O M A S O N I C H O M E

MASONIC COMMUNITY, INC.

Western Reserve

Browning Masonic Community, Inc.

Waterville, Ohio

Established 1981

S P R I N G F I E L D M A S O N I C C O M M U N I T Y

Both communities have earned the deficiency-free rating multiple times in past years. Springfield Masonic Community also recently earned a 5-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Ratings System of Nursing Homes.


Fit to the Beat of a Different Drum

Shrine/Masons Day with the Cincinnati RedsMark your calendars now for the 72nd annual Shrine/Masons Family Day with the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, Aug. 1, 2010.

You can catch the Reds as they take on the Atlanta Braves and enjoy a special ticket discount for Shriners and Masons.

Join your Brothers at Great American Ball Park for this special day, which will include plenty of fun for everyone and a great Sunday afternoon outing with your fellow Shriners and Masons. All are welcome. Look for more information in the next Beacon issue in February.

Springfi eld Masonic Community residents are getting the beat through a unique new program. Drum Circle combines physical activity, music, memorization and more with entertainment.

The program is aimed at Spring-fi eld’s skilled nursing residents and is taught by Russ Welker.

Russ has several years of musical experience, having played drums in various bands over the years. He was seeking new challenges and became an activities assistant at a local retirement community.

Russ’s supervisor asked him to create a program using music to help with cognitive function for skilled nursing residents. Gaining ideas from other drum activities, Russ added his own touches for a unique program mixing music, activities and entertainment.

“Anybody can listen to an entertainer, but a lot of times, especially with skilled nursing residents, they get bored,” said Russ. “When you put residents in the action, you combine entertainment, music, exercise and cognitive work and don’t lose attention.”

Russ works to make the program fast-paced and fun. He mixes up the tempo by doing tribal drum sounds, or recognizable popular music numbers with familiar drum beats like Wipeout.

As a result, some residents who don’t normally participate are getting involved. Frank Smith was one such resident who can be found pounding away at a drum and fl ashing a smile.

Eileen Hoover came straight from a beauty shop appointment

to play at a recent session. She wasn’t sure what it was but ended up playing along and enjoying it despite never having played an instrument before.

“I’m going to get some of my friends to come with me next time,” said Eileen, who said it also helps work up an appetite before dinner.

“A lot of people will hear us, roll in and say ‘I’m just here to listen,’” said Russ. “Minutes later they will have a drumstick in their hands.”

Russ fi nds himself getting into it too. “It’s a heck of a workout,” he said, somewhat winded and with sweat beads forming on his forehead. He fi nds himself benefi tting from it. “I was down before I got here and now I feel great.”

He may have the condition of an Olympic athlete if Springfi eld Ma-sonic Community activities leaders have their way. They plan to offer the Drum Circle program to campus assisted living and dementia and Alzheimer’s residents as well.

Instruments for Drum Circle were made possible by gifts made through the Benevolent Endowment Foundation.

“We’re always looking for unique activities that will appeal to broad range of residents,” said Kris Zeigler of the Springfi eld Masonic Community Activities department.

For more information on Springfi eld Masonic Community, call 888/290-2664.

Russ Welker teaches Springfi eld Masonic Community skilled nursing resident Ruth Ross the beat as fellow resident Don Trostle follows along during a Drum Circle session.


Setting Up Shop in a Place They Call Home

Browning Masonic Community residents “meant business” when it came to opening a campus gift shop.

“Trifles and Treasures” is opening just in time for the holiday season in the main building of the Waterville campus. But it won’t be put into storage with the trees and tinsel once the season ends; this will be a year-round place for residents, staff and visitors to use and enjoy.

Things really got rolling in October. A former office was painted and converted into the new store. A 4 by 6 foot showcase was the first big item donated.

Items for sale at “Trifles and Treasures” will be donated, such as crafts the residents have created. Virgil said they’ve already received $25 for items in just the first two days. The committee will determine what additional items the store will carry.

The vision is to eventually handle items as diverse as toiletries, snacks and jewelry. This could prove convenient for residents who may not be able to get to a store to buy a toothbrush or similar necessity. It will also be a nice place to pick up a gift.

“I hope it will be a good place to get people out, especially at night,” said Virgil.

Those coming to lodge or one of the many programs at Browning such as the Browning Brunch Bunch, Lunch and Learn or No Limits series may also enjoy the store.

The store will be open Mondays, Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays, from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. but hours may expand during other campus activities.

For information on Browning Masonic Community, call 866/878-4055; or go to www.ohiomasonichome.org.

Ohio Mason Heads National OrganizationWilliam C. Wappner, a Past Master of Mansfield Lodge #35, has been elected the president of the National Funeral Directors Association.

The action took place on October 28 at the organization’s national convention in Boston.

Worshipful Brother Wappner has been a Mason for 19 years and served as Master in 2001-02. He is a fourth generation funeral director and owner of Wappner Funeral Home in Mansfield.

New Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary InstalledAt the 200th Annual Session of the Grand Lodge, Ronald L. Connelly was elected Grand Treasurer and C. Michael Watson, Grand Secretary.

Right Worshipful Brother Connelly is a Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Second Masonic District, and currently serves as Treasurer for the Valley of Dayton, Scottish Rite, and the Ohio Council of Deliberation. He is the General Manager/Chief Financial Officer of Dayton Manufacturing.

Most Worshipful Brother Watson, who served as Grand Master of Ohio Masons in 1998, had most recently served as Fraternal Correspondent for the Grand Lodge of Ohio. He was employed by Hewlett Packard.

They succeeded Past Grand Master Thomas H. Galyen as Grand Treasurer and Past Grand Master George O. Braatz as Grand Secretary, who have both retired.

Ronald L. Connelly, Grand Treasurer

C. Michael Watson, Grand Secretary

Browning Masonic Community resident Virgil Winfrey stands in front of a recently acquired showcase containing items to be sold in a new store the residents have created on the campus. Virgil was one of a committee of residents who came up with the plan for the store.

The idea was proposed at a resident council meeting last summer and a committee of six Browning residents was formed. Retired pastor Virgil Winfrey was one of the residents who took charge of the project. The experience of putting together a similar store at a previous retirement center was the catalyst.

Chuck Lucas handled the busi-ness end, traveling to Springfield Masonic Community to see its gift shop and to meet with staff member Grace Brown, who runs the shop.


Three visitations in Florida have been announced by Grand Master Terry W. Posey, to share news about Ohio Masonry with members and their ladies who live or vacation there. Several Grand Lodge Officers will also be attending.

The Ohio Masonic Home has again agreed to share the cost of the luncheon this year, thus reducing the per person cost to $6 at each location.

All reservations will be co-ordinated through the Home. To make a reservation, write to: Grand Master’s Florida Luncheon, OMH Foundation, Five Masonic Drive, Springfield,

Annual Florida Visits Set by Grand MasterSchedule• Monday, January 18, Sarasota,

luncheon at noon at Peridia Golf and Country Club, 4950 Peridia Boulevard, Bradenton, 34203. Our host will be Right Worshipful Brother Ken Gavins, 941/925-4586.

• Tuesday, January 19, Ft. Myers, luncheon at noon at Araba Shrine Center, 2010 Hanson Street, Ft. Myers, 33901-7222. Our host will be Right Worshipful Brother Richard Scobie, 239/995-6872.

• Wednesday, January 20, Tavares, luncheon at noon at Lake County Shrine Club, 424 North Duncan Road (Route 19), Tavares, 32778-3157. Our host will be Worshipful Brother Alan Blevins, 352/753-0716.

OH 45504-3658, or call toll free at 1-800-248-2664.

Be sure to include your check, made payable to the OMH Foundation ($6 per person) and indicate the location and date (see list below) of the luncheon you will attend. The deadline for all reservations is the close of business on Tuesday, January 12.

A special opportunity is available for the Grand Master to present 50 and 60 year service pins to brethren who have achieved those milestones.

Representatives of the Home and its Foundation will be on hand to update attendees on happenings at all three campuses back home and answer questions.

Gary L. Nicholson is a District Deputy Grand Master from the 2nd Masonic District and a semi-retired doctor, who has chosen to practice the Masonic tenet of relief by traveling with a team of doctors and nurses to Nicaragua working with “The Ministry of Love in Action,” directed by Noemi and Bob Caiazzo.

On August 1, the team took a six hour flight from Cleveland to Nicaragua. They treated approxi-mately 300 patients a day for four

Cincinnati’s Robert CosterNamed Secretary of the YearRobert H. Coster, Secretary of Kilwinning Lodge #155 in Cincinnati, was named Secretary of the Year for 2009, it was announced at Grand Lodge. Right Worshipful Brother Coster is a Past District Deputy Grand Master in the 1st Masonic District, Past President and current Secretary of the State Secretaries Association, and a 33rd Degree Scottish Rite Mason.

According to George O. Braatz, who as Grand Secretary made the presentation, Right Worshipful Brother Coster for years has worked with the Grand Lodge Office at developing and promoting new membership management programs, including our current system. “He is well respected by the brethren in his Lodge, in his District, as well as across Ohio.”

Gary Nicholson Practices Masonic Tenet of Relief in Nicaragua

days in the capital city of Managua, where the patients came from poor urban areas of the city. The team also treated rural patients at com-munity clinics located in the mountain rain forest.

This was Gary’s fourth trip to Nicaragua. He and all members of the team pay their own expenses, and the supplies are donated.

Gary Nicholson and Noemi Caiazzo with one of their young patients.

Grand Master Terry W. Posey has appointed Right Worshipful Brothers Steven A. Argast, Carlos R. Pratt, and Walter G. Barner, Jr. as Grand Aides.

Though new to the Grand Lodge, the position of Grand Aide is used in other governing bodies within the family of Ohio Freemasonry. The position provides an additional opportunity to recognize and encourage service to Freemasonry.

Right Worshipful Brother Argast is a Past Grand Tyler (1998) and Past

RAM; Silver Trowel Council #144, R&SM; and Reed Commandery #6, Knights Templar. He was invested with the rank and dignity of Knight Commander of the Temple by the Grand Encampment Knights Templar.

Noble Posey has been a member of Antioch Shrine since 1982.

Brother Terry and Sister Cheryl are members of Dayton-Victory Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star.

He is also a member of Holy Grail Conclave Red Cross of Constantine, Miami Valley College of the Sovereign York Rite College and a Charter member VII Grade, Ohio

College MSRICF. He is a member and officer of Irish Council, Knight Masons of the USA and a member and past presiding officer of Thomas Smith Webb Council Allied Masonic Degrees. He received the DeMolay Honorary Legion of Honor in 2005.

Illustrious Posey has also been active in the Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton and served as Sovereign Prince of Miami Council Princes of Jerusalem. He was coroneted a Sovereign Grand Inspector General on September 23, 1997 at Grand Rapids, Michigan.

On October 19, 2002, Most Worshipful Brother William P.

Mayberry Sr. appointed then Right Worshipful Brother Posey as Junior Grand Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Ohio. He was subsequently appointed Senior Grand Deacon, Grand Marshal and Grand Orator. He was then elected Junior Grand Warden, Senior Grand Warden, and Deputy Grand Master.

Most Worshipful Brother Posey’s diversity of involvement in the Masonic fraternity and his dedication to his family make it quite clear why he chose as his theme, “Freemasonry – It’s all in the Family.”

Grand Master Appoints Grand Aides District Deputy Grand Master

from the 2nd Masonic District. He is known as a tireless worker in the quarries of Freemasonry and is currently the Executive Director of the Dayton Masonic Center.

Right Worshipful Brother Pratt, also a Past District Deputy Grand Master from the 2nd District, is a Past Sovereign Prince of the Scottish Rite Valley of Cincinnati and currently the Secretary-Treasurer of the 2nd Masonic District Officers Association.

Right Worshipful Brother Barner is a current DDGM and an officer in the Scottish Rite Valley of Dayton. He is an energetic worker, handling many events for the District and the Grand Master.

Guidelines for 2010 Grand Master’s Classes


Terry W. Posey Installed Grand Master continued from page 1

Grand Master Terry W. Posey has established a new style of Grand Master’s Class this year with a number of important guidelines to insure that it will be a worthwhile experience.

A minimum of three Lodges up to an entire District may request a dispensation to hold a Grand Master’s Class between January 1, 2010 and September 30, 2010. The purpose of allowing a minimum of three Lodges to hold a Grand Master’s Class is to make the class more of a local event.

A special emphasis is being placed on encouraging members of the uniformed services, such as military, police, fire, or EMT, as well as members of the clergy to participate as candidates.

Lodges should be aware that the Scottish Rite offers a Clergyman Membership Program that will cover the initiation fees for a member of the clergy petitioning a Lodge. Forms for this program are available from District Deputy Grand Masters.

The Grand Master is urging Lodges to consider allowing members of the uniformed services to receive the degrees for the minimum amount required by section 24.04 of the Grand Lodge Code to receive the degrees, which is $40.

Lodges will be permitted to participate in only one Grand Masters Class in 2010. Each Lodge participating must have a candidate and must have at least one Brother participating in the degree work.

Steven A. Argast, Walter G. Barner, Jr. & Carlos R. Pratt – Grand Aides.

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Legends Golf Events Shine in 2009

There are countless charity golf events each year. The Jim Perry Legends Golf Classic is among the most unique.

Presented by The Ohio Masonic Home’s Benevolent Endowment Foundation for the past seven years and played in two locations – Medina and Fairborn – Legends events make for an unforgettable experience by matching golfers with retired sport celebrities for 18 holes to raise money for Ohio Masonic Home causes. And that’s just the beginning of the fun.

Jim Perry, who won 215 games in his major league career, including the 1970 Cy Young Award, is the tournament’s namesake. He gathers other retired professional baseball, football and basketball players and other sports figures, known as the Legends, to play golf, have fun and help a worthy cause.

You don’t have to be a competitive golfer to join in. Many come for the experience playing alongside a former Cy Young Award winner, Olympic gold-medal recipient, world champion or someone they watched growing up. The venue for the day includes lunch on the course, followed by dinner and participation in silent and live auctions and an awards ceremony. Participants receive unique gifts and memories to last a lifetime.

Medina and Western Reserve Masonic Community hosted the Legends for the second time at Blue Herron Country Club on July 27. Several members of the Valley of Cleveland helped organize and run the event along with Foundation and Western Reserve staff.

Many of the Legends returned a few weeks later when the event returned for the seventh time to the Springfield area and the fourth time at Greene Country Club on Sept. 14.

The 2008 event was canceled following the windstorm caused by Hurricane Ike. But 2009 was back and better than ever with a full range of Legends.

The latter event marked the final tournament for several key members of

the Foundation staff who worked on all the previous Legends tournaments. Ken Hershberger, Ron Molen, Linda Gast and Marcia Miller were key in putting the events together and making them successful. The four retired from the Foundation staff in late 2009.

The Jim Perry Legends Golf Classic will return in 2010. The Medina event will be at a new venue, Fox Meadow Country Club, on Monday, July 26. The Fairborn event will be back at Greene Country Club on Monday, September 13. For more information, call 1-888-248-2664 or go to www.jimperrylegends.com.

“Big” George Wilson, center, a former NBA player and member of the 1964 USA Olympic gold medal-winning basketball team, is one of many sports celebrities who participate in the Jim Perry Legends events.


World War II Hero Receives Rufus Putnam Award

Arthur Jibilian was presented the Rufus Putnam Distinguished Service Award at the Grand Lodge Annual Communication in October.

The award is the highest honor presented annually by the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Brother Jibilian, a member of Brainard Lodge #336 in Green Springs, was born in Cleveland in 1923 and raised in Toledo.

When he was 19 in 1943, he was drafted into the U.S. Navy. He was trained as a “Radio man.” While in boot camp, an officer from the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) arrived, looking for recruits. Even after learning of the extreme dangers of possible assignments, Jibilian volunteered.

In March, 1944, Jibilian and two others parachuted behind enemy lines into Yugoslavia to rescue stranded airmen, whose planes had been shot down.

The Germans were relentless in searching for the airmen and the team trying to rescue them. Serbian peasants concealed the airmen and aided the rescuers. The mission lasted almost two months, and about a dozen airmen were successfully evacuated by the effort. Jibilian was awarded the Silver Star for his participation.

While on the first mission, Jibilian and his team learned of many other airmen in the area. A new mission, named Halyard, was planned to rescue more airmen. Again, a three-man team, with Brother Jibilian as radio man, parachuted behind enemy lines. The planned 10-day mission actually lasted about 6 months, as Jibilian and his associates, under adverse and dangerous situations, organized wave after wave of evacuation groups, and, when the effort finally ended, they had successfully

Recognition for 35 and 40 YearsOf Membership Now AvailableTo further recognize long-term service and support in Freemasonry, the Grand Lodge has created new lapel pins to recognize brethren for 35 and 40 years of membership.

In the past, there was no recognition between the 25 and 50-year levels of membership.

The new pins – just like other existing awards for length of service – are available only from local Masonic Lodges. Lodge Secretaries must order the pins from the Grand Lodge.

rescued 513 American airmen and several British, French, and Italians.

Because of the secret nature of the mission, Jibilian’s heroic exploits were not revealed until many years later. A book, The Forgotten 500, by Gregory A. Freeman, was published a few years ago and tells the story in detail. This year, our hero has been nominated for a Congressional Medal of Honor for his service.

Arthur Jibilian became a Master Mason in June, 1952, in Fort Industry Lodge #630 in Toledo, and subsequently affiliated with Brainard Lodge. He now lives in Fremont. At 86 years old, he has been a Master Mason for 54 years.

According to Grand Master Murphy, “Brother Arthur Jibilian at a youthful 19 years old displayed high levels of bravery and service to his country. He was a genuine World War II hero. He practiced the Masonic virtues of brotherly love, relief, and truth, even before he was a Mason and is, indeed, a deserving recipient of the highest and most honorable award of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.”

Arthur Jibilian receives Top Award from Grand Master Charles R. Murphy.


“Communicate, communicate, communicate” is the message the I-CARE program requested of at-tendees at the state District Depu-ties training event at Springfield Masonic Community recently.

The presentation informed the deputies of the program’s eagerness to get the word out as to how it can help senior Masons, their wives, widows, Eastern Star members and members of affiliated bodies. Seven I-CARE coordinators cover all 25 Masonic Districts in Ohio.

I-CARE has assisted over 1,400 people since its official inception in 2005, with at least one client in each district receiving help. The median age of clients upon first request is 81, the downside of which is most of those folks were already at some sort of crisis point.

The Masonic fraternity is unique in that it has a support organization

A beautiful, handcrafted altar was used for the first time at the 200th Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in Toledo in October.

Robert D. Crabbs, Secretary of Shelby Lodge #350 and a Past Grand High Priest of the Grand Chapter, RAM, of Ohio, put more than a year of work into designing and building the altar. Another Past Grand High Priest, Wayne Dill, assisted in some of the details.

The altar drew the attention of many brethren attending the Grand Lodge session as they examined the piece of artwork closely before and after

the sessions.

The altar has been retired and will be on display in the Grand Lodge museum in Worthington.

Special Altar Designed for 200th Annual Communication

Bicentennial Banner in IsraelOne of Ohio’s Bicentennial banners, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 2008, has made it halfway around the world. Right Worshipful Brother Nadim Mansour, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Israel, hung the banner in East of Acre Lodge #36 in Acre, Israel. Right Worshipful Brother Mansour received the banner during a visit to Ohio this past year.

Communication Can Lead To Help Through I-CARE Program

investing its resources in bringing a piece of itself directly into home communities in the form of I-CARE. No other organization in the senior care industry in Ohio does that.

The I-CARE program was recognized in 2008 by AOPHA, The Advocate of Not-for-Profit Services for Older Ohioans, with its Social Commitment Award.

One purpose for addressing the district deputies was to offer the chance to meet with lodges and districts that may have new personnel in place. Just as lodges and districts have evolved, so has the I-CARE program, and it encouraged new members and old to investigate its possibilities.

One of the hardest things for I-CARE coordinators is indentifying seniors who may need their help, and that’s where the lodges can assist through communication.

While I-CARE can help in individual ways, volunteer committees formed within lodges supplement the program. Committee members can help in additional ways based on an individual’s need.

There are currently 32 committees throughout the state. An I-CARE committee can only be established after an official training meeting and annual training.

An I-CARE client can request regular visits from their coordinator on an ongoing basis or just for determined period of time.

Working with I-CARE is easy, rewarding and fulfills Masonic obligations in many ways. For more information on how you can get involved and start helping your senior brethren, call 866/286-0010.

Please remember The Ohio Masonic Home in your will.


1790s-Style Table Lodge Held at The Fair at New BostonThe 14th annual Table Lodge at The Fair at New Boston was hosted by Clark Lodge #101. Several of the Brothers attended in period costume. The Fair at New Boston is a reenactment of a late 18th century trade fair and is held on Labor Day weekend at George Rogers Clark Park near Springfield, Ohio.

16th Annual Outdoor Raising Held in 16th DistrictOn September 26, the 16th Masonic District passed a special milestone when they held their sixteenth annual Outdoor Raising. Most Worshipful Brother Charles R. Murphy attended as Grand Master and was accompanied by the Grand Tyler, Right Worshipful Brother Timothy Joliff.

National Lodge Full of Bologna in BarbertonThe Officers and members of National Lodge #568, their ladies, members of Barberton DeMolay Chapter and Grand Orator James F. Easterling Jr. held their annual “Famous Fried Bologna Sandwich” fundraiser at the Barberton Mum Fest on September 26 and 27. This is the third year for the bologna sale. The Lodge sold 340 lbs of bologna and raised over $6,800.


25th District Hosts Outdoor Raising With Prince HallOn September 19, the 25th District held its annual Outdoor Raising. The Master Mason Degree was conferred by the Officers and Brethren of King Solomon Lodge #87, Prince Hall Affiliated, on one of their candidates. The raising was attended by nearly two hundred Masons, including Most Worshipful Brothers Gregory S. Snead, PGM of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Ohio, and Steven J. Krekus, PGM of the Grand Lodge of Ohio.

Masonic Helping Hands has add-ed several new services. The newest offers help right at your fingertips.

Masonic Helping Hands is now offering CarePlus, an in-home medical alert system to have a convenient link to help in any situation, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week A medication monitoring unit can also aid and monitor medication compliance.

With Masonic Helping Hands CarePlus, there is no equipment to purchase and no long-term agreement necessary. This new service can be offered anywhere in the United States.

The system helps users keep their independence and gives families peace of mind knowing

Help is at Your Fingertips

their loved ones have a monitoring system.

The CarePlus system is one of many ways Masonic Helping Hands is helping create better lives for those who want to remain independent in their homes. Helping Hands services are available to people in the Dayton/Springfield, Greater Cincinnati and Greater Toledo areas.

A new phone number, 877/564-0210, will use an automated system to guide callers to the right office to match their location. Masonic Helping Hands offers non-medical in-home assistance to seniors and disabled adults to help keep them independent in their own homes.

Masonic Helping Hands also expanded its mission to help new moms with a respite program. Knowing the little things are taken care of allows mom and baby to bond quicker and relieves some of the pressure.

The service is not babysitting, child care or a nanny program. It is for home assistance only. Clients must be at least 18 years or older. New clients can receive a free assessment and their first hour of service free, based on a minimum of three hours service.

Call 877/564-0210 to get started or for more information.


Paws…and More…for PathwaysBy Right Worshipful Brother Timothy B. Strawn, CAE, President, The OMH Benevolent Endowment Foundation

FOUNDATIONS FOR THE FUTURE

Thousands, maybe tens of thousands, of Beacon readers have personally experienced the devastation of Alzheimer’s in a family member, loved one or friend. This insidious disease is now the 6th leading cause of death in our country and 5th leading cause in those 65 years of age and older. One in eight people aged 65 and over has Alzheimer’s. Direct and indirect costs for Alzheimer’s care per year are: $91 billion in Medicare costs; $21 billion in state and federal Medicaid costs and $36.5 billion in indirect costs to business for employees who are caregivers for people living with dementia.

Since 2000, many families have found Pathways Center for Alzheimer’s Care on the Springfield Masonic Community campus to be a refuge and a comforting place for their loved one afflicted with Alzheimer’s. Among those families is that of our new Grand Master, Most Worshipful Brother Terry Posey. His mom, Jean, was an early resident of Pathways and, ultimately, passed away there.

MWB Posey and Lady Cheryl experienced first-hand not only the beautifully appointed, comfortable surroundings but more especially the level of concern and compassion with which our staff cared for his mother and others at Pathways. In reflecting on that experience, MWB Posey said, “Entrusting the care of a loved one, especially one with Alzheimer’s, to any facility is frequently a heart-wrenching experience. But the staff at Pathways was so dedicated to mom, and the other residents, and to making their days as enjoyable

and comfortable as possible. That commitment was demonstrated in so many ways, big and small. Bringing mom to Pathways brought us such peace of mind, true relief from our previous concerns about her safety and ability to care for herself.”

Thus, when considering their designated charity for this year, the Poseys’ choice was easy: Pathways! Paws…and More…for Pathways incorporates Cheryl’s primary interest – a pet therapy program at Pathways – as well as therapeutic motion and gardens. “Just as they are for us in our lives, pets can be such sources of joy and companionship for Alzheimer’s residents”, said Cheryl. Therapeutic motion helps calm restlessness which frequently besets Alzheimer’s residents. Gardens, and the ability to participate in gardening in raised flower beds or just enjoying the color and fragrance of flowers, help Alzheimer’s residents remain connected to the out of doors which can be beneficial to their physical, social, psychological and spiritual health.

With the forecast that by 2025, more than 12 million Americans will have Alzheimer’s, and by 2050, a million new cases will be added each year. Alzheimer’s is going to become only a much more significant source of debilitation for its victims and emotional havoc for their family members. Any effort we make to create a more comforting, home-like

environment for our Alzheimer’s-afflicted residents should begin as soon as possible. Won’t you join in supporting Paws…and More…for Pathways so we can add these enhancements this year?

For more information about this program or to make a gift to it, contact the Foundation toll free at 888/248-2664 or write to us at: Five Masonic Drive, Springfield, 45504-3658.

The Pathways Center is a state-of-the-art facility for residents who have Alzheimer’s or dementia.


Thank You For Your GenerosityWe offer our grateful appreciation to the estates, individuals, groups, or other Masonic bodies who have supported The Ohio Masonic Home with gifts given between August 1 and September 30, 2009.

$10,000 + Frank, WalterKlein, IsadoreParsons, MarionWeintz, Erna A.

$5,000 - $9,999 Fitzpatrick, Robert R., Sr.

$2,500 - $4,999 Oberle, Betty H.

$1,000 - $2,499 Breece, GeorgeDavis, Orlando W.Grand Chapter of Ohio, OESHosler, Bessie V.Ingham, Richard B.Mason Lodge #678, F&AMMuntz, Inez M.New England Lodge #4, F&AMValley of Cincinnati, AASR

$500 - $999 Bruce, Mary E.Elyria Lodge #787, F&AMGreenville Lodge #143, F&AMGuernsey Lodge #66, F&AMKelly, FloydLuther B. Turner Lodge #732,

F&AMMillennium Lodge #779, F&AMNicholson, Gary, M.D. & ShirleySharonville Lodge #204, F&AMSunrise Lodge #783, F&AM

$100 - $499 1990 Grand Family OESAbel, John F.Ballantyne, S. DouglasBane, John R., Jr.

Blankenship, Steven L.Cain, EarlCarson, Terry M.Chester Lodge #238, F&AMCincinnati Police Masonic ClubConnelly, Ronald L. & Elaine M.Creps, Michael R.Dieckhoner, Craig R.Essig, Gregory H.Fort Amanda Lodge #706, F&AMFouch, Edward L. & CarolGarrett Wykoff Lodge #585, F&AMGrove City Lodge #689, F&AMHarbrecht, Joseph W.Harmon, John F.Harmony Lodge #8, F&AMHarrisonville Lodge #411, F&AMHiatt, Roy DillardHolcomb, J. Robert & AntoinetteHoover, Douglas E.Hoyer, William C.Irish Council #67, Knight Masons

USAJames, Richard C., Jr. & Marjorie S.Johnson, Owen E., M.D. & JoyceKarth, Charles E. & Marjorie J.Knepper, Arlo A.Kress, George O., Jr.Krites, Glen M.Lewandowski, ThomasLockbourne Lodge #232, F&AMLosasso, Donald L. & ThedaLyndhurst Masonic Senior Citizens

ClubMarathon Lodge #203, F&AMMc Inerney, Steven P.Mercer Lodge #121, F&AMMichael L. Finnell Lodge #711,

F&AMMowry, David Dee & KathyNevada Lodge #343, F&AM

New Carlisle Chapter #57, RAMNew Holland Lodge #392, F&AMOhio State White Shrine AssociationPeters, Mark N. & BettyPortland Lodge #366, F&AMPuskarich, Michael T. & JudyRannebarger, Jeff L.Roark Family, GarlandRothhaar, Marvin E.Royer, Ronald H.Rummel, W. DavidSackett, Floris A.Sardinia Lodge #254, F&AMSchmitt, Betty J.Schurdell, Melvin C.Selman, Mark & JanSprague, Richard LeeSpringfield Masonic Community

Pastoral CareStonebraker, Carl E. & NancySummit Lodge #213, F&AMSunsbury Lodge #362, F&AMThomas, Richard D.Toledo Ft. Industry Lodge #144, F&AMTrinity Lodge #710, F&AMValley of Dayton, AASRVictory Lodge #649, F&AMVillage Lodge #274, F&AMWaltz, Jeffrey P.Warren, Richard D.Weber, H. J.Weitz, John H.West Milton Lodge #577, F&AMWhitacre, Jo AnnWoods, Herschell R., Jr. & Betty G.Xanthakos, Dimitrios N., M.D., F.A.C.S

& UrsulaYeatman-Mt. Washington Lodge

#162, F&AM

Special Olympics Fund-Raising Receives Healthy StartA substantial launching for the 2010 Special Olympics fund-raising effort was provided at the Grand Lodge Session in October by several Lodges, who have been regular, generous contributors to the program.

Nearly $43,000 was received at Grand Lodge to apply to the 2010 program.

Paxton T. Mendelssohn, Worshipful Master of Eastern Star Lodge #55, presented a check for $30,000 to give next year’s effort a tremendous boost.

Milford Lodge #54 and the Gatekeepers Chapter of the Widow’s Son Masonic Riders Association collected a total

of $7,851 from a motorcycle/scavenger hunt. Rubicon Lodge #237 gave $5,075 and Star Lodge #187 donated $1,000.

The recession and volatile economy of the last year have people paying attention to their investments and financial matters like never before.

Brother Michael Creps knows his position as a financial advisor takes on additional meaning during such times. And he’s responding the way he always has, with his clients’ best interests in mind.

“Part of being a good financial counselor is understanding your clients,” he said. “Everybody would like the best return possible. But anytime you’re dealing with the market you have a certain amount of risk. You need to steer people to the right amount of risk for

2655 W. National RoadSpringfield, Ohio 45504-3698Web site: www.ohiomasonichome.orgWeb site: www.freemason.com

Counseling Through Good Times and BadBrother Michael Creps

BEACONA JOINT PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND LODGE OF OHIO AND THE OHIO MASONIC HOME

them and not allow too much, maintaining a balance.”

Michael has taken this approach as well in his 10 years on The Ohio Masonic Home Benevolent Endowment Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Although the current financial situation is the most severe in years, Michael said the past decade has offered valuable lessons. After the prosperous 1990s, the country faced a couple of tough years earlier this decade, followed by recoveries until 2008, which brought the most

challenging year yet. Michael was raised a Mason in

1993 and is a member of Phoenix Lodge #123. “Becoming a Mason was a good way to interact with

members of the community with high standards, people you would want to be associated with.”

His first work with investment counseling in the fraternity was at the request of Grand Master James Olmstead to help Scottish Rite with its investments decisions.

Helping the Benevolent Endowment Foundation means The Ohio Masonic Home can support others, a primary mission of the Masonic fraternity.

“The Ohio Masonic Home is a very strong group who care about providing high quality care and services to high quality people. It’s a pleasure to be associated with something like that.”

He is the father of two children, Justin and Rachel, who are students at Ohio State University.

Brother Michael Creps

Happy Anniversary to Cornerstone Home Health and

Hospice, which celebrates a year of helping others as part of

Masonic Senior Services.

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