November, 2014

The election of officers was held at the November meeting and the new Worshipful Master is Chris Hunt.  Congratulations to Chris.  There was also a petition for the degrees and an affiliation petition turned in.  The lodge is continuing to grow.  Bro. Gene Bell is working diligently on putting together another Christmas party. It will be December 13 at 6:30 PM.  Rumor has it that Santa will again make an appearance.  The lodge will be conferring the Entered Apprentice degree on one candidate on December 4 at 7:00 PM.  Our new Master will have a closed installation of officers at our stated meeting in December.  A couple of brothers have installed railing on the new ramp at the front door of the lodge, which will make it easier to get into the lodge.  The lodge is supporting the "Sweat for a Vet - They Sweat for us" program, which will supply sweat pants for veterans in the Veteran's home in Georgetown.  I mentioned in last month's post that Grand Lodge voted to allow games of chance in the lodge.  The Grand Master has issued an edict to delay this until the middle of January so Grand Lodge can determine the ramifications on the lodges.  We'll see what happens.  And remember, if you have not paid your dues yet, do so soon.  December 31 is the deadline to have them paid and not be suspended.  Thanks. 

October, 2014

Our meeting was held on the 18th.  We received a new petition and, if all goes well, we'll be starting up some more degree work.  This works out pretty good since our inspection will be in March in the Master Mason degree.  We had another pancake breakfast at Stonelick lake and made a little money, though how much still has to be determined.  The Worshipful Master reported on the Grand Lodge session and the biggest news is that the brethren voted to allow gambling and games of chance per the Ohio revised code.  Since then the Grand Master has issued an edict that prevents a lodge from doing anything until the Grand Lodge has studied the ramifications.  The edict expires the first of January.  He also reported that the new District Deputy Grand Master for our district will be Rodney Kirker from Georgetown lodge.  Bob Welch from Milford and Jim Cranfill from J.B. Covert are the new District Education Officers.  Also, remember that your dues of $55 are due by our stated meeting in November which this year is on the 15th.  You can pay them at the meeting if you like.
WBro. Chris Hunt announced that Batavia Chapter RAM is selling hockey tickets for the Cincinnati Cyclones game on November 21.  They are $13 each and $5 from each ticket goes to the Chapter as a fundraiser.  Our lodge bought 4 tickets to be donated to someone who cannot otherwise afford to attend.  If you are interested in purchasing some tickets let me know at edenton332@yahoo.com or call the secretary.
The Thanksgiving raising will be at Amelia lodge starting at 6:00 AM.  The lodge Christmas party will be on December 13 starting at 6:00 PM.  That's it for now.  I hope to see you at the next meeting.  Remember, it will be the election of officers. 

September, 2014

We finally had good weather for an outdoor raising.  We couldn't have asked for a better day.  We opened at 10:00 AM and the candidate gave his FC proficiency back.  Then we put him through the Master Mason degree.  Before the lecture, however, we stopped for lunch of fried crappie, mac and cheese and baked beans.  The lodge went back to labor and we finished the degree and had our regular business meeting.  Some highlights were that we are going to have another pancake breakfast at Stonelick Lake from 8 - 10 AM on September 27.The Worshipful Master also said we will be having a Christmas party again this year.  And, our inspection has been set for March 27, 2015, in the Master Mason degree.  The Lodge Education Officer presented Bro. Gene Bell certificates of achievement for completing the Grand Lodge courses on the officer's manual and the code.  All in all it was a good morning, with a total attendance of 25.  I hope to see you at the next meeting.  Remember, when you receive your dues notice please send it back with your check right away.  Dues of $55 are due by the stated meeting in November.

August, 2014

We had a Fellowcraft degree at 6:30 PM prior to our stated meeting.  All went well and we should have a candidate for our outdoor raising on September 20 at 10:00 AM.  Note that this will also be our stated meeting for September.  A notice will be sent to the membership.  We also had a new petition presented.  The lodge is definitely growing.  Our pancake breakfasts at Stonelick Lake went well.  We were able to donate one half the proceeds to the Friends of Stonelick to help them maintain the park grounds.  The Worshipful Master also said there will be another Christmas party at the lodge.  A date will be set later.  It is with sadness that we report that Past Grand Master Robert Hinshaw passed away recently.  That's it for now.  I hope to see you in September.

Note: The map to the outdoor raising site is incorrect.  The location is the first house on the right from Lake Dr., the last house on the left from Newtonsville.  A sign will be posted.

July, 2014

The July meeting did not see a lot of business.  We did have exams returned by our newest Master Mason and Entered Apprentice.  Bro. Bell also gave his as well, wanting to have the experience even though he went through the one day class.  The trustees contracted to have the sidewalk replaced at the lodge and we now have a nice ramp up to the front door.  We also decided to have pancake breakfasts on July 26 and August 2 at the campgrounds at Stonelick lake.  They will run from 8 to 10 AM.  We are also going to have a Fellowcraft degree at 6:30 PM prior to our next stated meeting.  Also, we are planning to have our annual outdoor raising (weather permitting) at 10:00 AM for our stated meeting September 20.

June, 2014

At the June meeting, in addition to the regular business, it was reported by the trustees that they had contracted with a fire extinguisher company to replace and take care of our fire extinguishers to help us meet the requirements of our insurance.  They also reported that they had decided that instead of trying to repair the sidewalk out front they will make a ramp up to the front door.  This will also help with our insurance.
The awards, widows and family night was a success again this year.  There were between 40 and 50 people that attended.  There was plenty of food and some awards were presented.  Although our 50 year plus members could not be there we did present Bro's. Doug Schmees and Mike Howard 25 year pins.  The secretary was also awarded the second John McCollum service award, which is quite an honor.  Thanks to Bro. Gene Bell for the pictures below.

Lots of good food

Our District Deputies with the Master

The Master presenting the John McCollum award to RWB George West

There were a couple of announcements made as well.  On July 26 and August 2 the lodge will have  pancake breakfasts at the campground at Stonelick Lake starting at 8:00 AM.  The first is during the campground's annual Christmas in July event and the second is during the antique machinery show at the beach.  The Sixth District is also having an Andy Back Fund benefit concert at Amelia Lodge on July 26 from noon 8:30 PM.  Tickets are $15 each or 2 for $25.  The secretary has tickets and will have them at the next meeting.  On August 24 the Sixth District is having a benefit car show at Amelia lodge.
I hope to see you at lodge.

May, 2014

We voted on a couple of Brethren for plural membership and they were elected.  The rest of the May meeting was devoted to regular business.  The upcoming awards, widows and family night was discussed.  Please remember to bring a covered dish and meet at the lodge at 4:00 PM.  We also reviewed the requirements for the Grand Master's award this year and we are going to try to get it again.  Some announcements included a car show to be held at Amelia Lodge on June 15 and the Andy Back fund concert at Amelia Lodge on July 26 from noon to 8:30.  Several groups will be performing all kinds of music.  Cost is $15 a person or $25 a couple.  This includes a meal ticket.  Bring your lawn chairs.