black river masonic lodge #786 3695 pearl avenue, lorain ... - june 2013.pdf · the grand lodge of...
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Lodge Web Site: blackrivermasons.com
Worshipful Master WB Patrick J. Spears 440-522-8041 [email protected]
Senior Warden WB Ronald F. Spears, Jr. 440-242-8923 [email protected]
Junior Warden WB Matthew P. Spears 440-552-3906 [email protected]
Treasurer Zachary Simonoff
Secretary WB Ronald D. Fisher 440-308-6025 [email protected]
Chaplain WB Stanley A. Lewandowski
Senior Deacon John A. Brandt
Junior Deacon WB Keith J. Holzhauer
Senior Steward Jack C. Hazlett
Junior Steward Matthew A. Ouellette
Marshal Daniel L. Chapman
Lodge Education Officer WB Ronald D. Fisher
Tyler Frank V. Sklarek
3-Year Trustees RWB Richard R. Rodeheaver Jack C. Hazlett John A. Brandt
Message from the Master of the Lodge
Brethren,
I hope that this newsletter finds all of you well!
Our Lodge has continued to be very busy since the last newsletter was issued. We have had our weekly Wednesday breakfasts, our monthly 3rd Thursday Lodge dinners, had a very successful annual steak fry, hosted our annual Service Awards and Past Masters Recognition Night and had a successful joint Blue Steel/Black River Mother’s Day Breakfast. I continue to be amazed and proud of what the Brethren have accomplished.
We have yet to start the few Lodge improvement projects that were in the making. Our Lodge operating expenses have been high this year and thus our treasury is low preventing us from moving forward on these projects. I hope we might consider these in the Fall.
I am pleased to report that we raised 12 new members at the Grand Master’s One-Day Class on May 11th. I believe this is the second largest number of new members raised by the Lodge in such a setting. I want to thank Dave Rakich, Anthony Rich, Ronald Spears, Keith Holzhauer, Scott Parisi, Frank Sklarek, Jack Hazlett, Zachary Simonoff, Ronald Fisher, Walter Feistner and Matthew Spears for serving as candidate mentors.
Attendance at our regular meetings continues to be sparse with 10-15 members. I hope that if you haven’t attended a meeting in a while, you will consider coming to a meeting when we return in September. Once we come back in September, we meet every 2nd and 4th Thursday opening at 7:00 PM.
We are planning a public service awards night for our law enforcement, fire protection, corrections and public security Brethren for the Fall of 2013. Read more about it further on in the newsletter.
Finally, I want to wish everybody a Happy Summer! Even though we are going into the “dark months” of July and August with no regularly scheduled meetings, there are two special meetings scheduled for July 18th for an EA Degree and for Masonic Course Awards presentations and also on July 29th for new masonic lecture returns. Both meetings open at 7:00 PM. I hope to see you at our upcoming special meetings and social events so that we may continue to thrive as a Lodge and that we may continue to be inspired by the Fraternal tenants of brotherly love, relief, and truth. And always remember our Grand Master’s theme: “Freemasonry - Together we can……” Fraternally,
WB Patrick J. Spears
Black River Masonic Lodge #786 3695 Pearl Avenue, Lorain, OH 44055
April - June 2013
Black River Lodge #786 Quarterly Events Calendar July – September 2013
Note: No stated meetings in July or August.
Wednesday, July 17th – 9:30 AM Fellow Craft Breakfast
Thursday, July 18th – Special meeting for conferring EA degree following the Lodge Fellowship Dinner. The dinner is open to members and guests ($10/person). Eat-In or Take-out. 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Reservations preferred and are accepted by telephone. Contact WB Ron Spears (440-242-8923), WB Patrick Spears (440-522-8041), Brother John Brandt (440-258-8811) or Brother Dave Rakich (440-934-1331) for reservations. Last minute walk-ins also accepted.
Wednesday, July 24th - 9:30 AM Fellow Craft Breakfast
Monday, July 29th, - 7:00 PM Special Meeting for Lecture Returns
Wednesday, July 31st - 9:30 AM Fellow Craft Breakfast
Wednesday, August 7th - 9:30 AM Fellow Craft Breakfast
Wednesday, August 14th - 9:30 AM Fellow Craft Breakfast
Thursday, August 15th - Lodge Fellowship Dinner ($10/person). Open to members and guests. Eat-In or Take-out. 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. Reservations preferred and are accepted by telephone. Contact WB Ron Spears (440-242-8923), WB Patrick Spears (440-522-8041), Brother John Brandt (440-258-8811) or Brother Dave Rakich (440-934-1331) for reservations. Last minute walk-ins also accepted.
Wednesday, August 21st - 9:30 AM Fellow Craft Breakfast
Wednesday, August 28th - 9:30 AM Fellow Craft Breakfast
Note: Regularly scheduled meetings resume in September
Wednesday, September 4th - 9:30 AM Fellow Craft Breakfast
Wednesday, September 11th - 9:30 AM Fellow Craft Breakfast
Thursday, September 12th – 7:00 PM Regular Scheduled Meeting
Wednesday, September 18th - 9:30 AM Fellow Craft Breakfast
Wednesday, September 25th - 9:30 AM Fellow Craft Breakfast
Thursday, September 26th – 7:00 PM Regular Scheduled Meeting
Queen City OES/Lorain Council Special Events Calendar Spaghetti Dinners on:
Monday, July15th, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Monday, August 12th, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Monday, September 16th, 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Masonic Education Corner
Masonic Myths- Part 1 (Excerpted from the Northern Light) Masonic myths and outright falsehood are continually spread concerning Freemasonry. This is an attempt to set and keep the history of the Craft straight.
Throughout the centuries Freemasonry has taught its valuable lessons through allegory and symbols. The man from Galilee used parables extensively and well. Many historians and better speakers constantly employ anecdotes to illustrate the points they want to make. These methods emphasize the search for truth in an interesting and factual manner.
Myths on the other hand, can be innocent or dangerous. They can be outright lies or the perpetuation of distortions handed down through the generations. Many of these were invented by Masonic writers and speakers to enhance the image of Freemasonry. Some of these corruptions have caused the Craft problems with creditable historians because they were outrageous lies.
Freemasonry, actually, requires no exaggeration to magnify its greatness. The simple truth is all that is required to tell its story. This is the reason for this column; to attempt to destroy the myths that have been prevalent, often for centuries, by telling the truth. Let's begin with the period of the War for American Independence.
--- Myth: Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry were Freemasons. Fact: Neither Thomas Jefferson or Patrick Henry were members of the Craft.
Fact: An exhaustive search of Masonic records in Virginia, and elsewhere, offers no iota of evidence to make them Freemasons. Jefferson participated in the cornerstone laying of his University at Charlottesville, which was done Masonically. He praised Freemasonry and his own words proved he had never been a member of the Craft.
---Myth: All of George Washington's generals during the War for American Independence were Masons.
Fact: Thirty-three of the general serving under Washington were members of the Craft, a long way from "all." The late James R. Case and Ronald E. Heaton made comprehensive studies of the Revolutionary period and debunked many of the claims considered here.
--Myth: Washington insisted that the Marquis de Lafayette be made a Mason before he would promote him to general, and the same claim has been made about the Baron von Steuben.
Fact: Both Lafayette and von Steuben were Freemasons before they arrived to help fight the British. This was true of Lafayette even though he wasn't 21 years of age when he arrived in America. It's highly likely that Washington never did know they were Masons. The stories of both of these men are highly interesting, but space prohibits the telling of them here.
Masonic Education Corner (Continued) - Masonic Myths- Part 1
--Myth: The governors of the thirteen original colonies when Washington was inaugurated President of the United States were Freemasons.
Fact: From Lexington until the inauguration thirty different men served as governors. Of these ten were Freemasons. That's one-third! Wouldn't it be wonderful for the country if we could claim the same percentage today?
--Myth: The Boston Tea Party was organized in St. Andrew's Lodge in Boston and its member participated in tossing the tea into Boston Harbor.
Fact: So well has the secrecy surrounding the Boston Tea Party been kept that _ tion can it be called a "T" or any other letter.
--Myth: All, or almost all, Signers of the Articles of Confederation, Signers of the Declaration of Independence, and Signers of the Constitution were Freemasons.
Fact: Ten of the signers of the Articles, nine signers of the Declaration, and thirteen signers of the Constitution -- and only this number -- were, or would become, Freemasons. Even so, this is an excellent percentage of the participants. It should be noted that Edmund Randolph, governor and Grand Master of Virginia, although an important participant in the Constitutional Convention, didn't sign the document. He did, however, fight for its ratification. It should also be noted that four Presidents of the Continental Congresses were Freemasons: Peyton Randolph of Virginia, John Hancock of Massachusetts, Henry Laurens of South Carolina, and Arthur St. Clair of Pennsylvania. (For further study see Masonic Membership of the Founding Fathers, The Masonic Service Association, 8120 Fenton St., Silver Spring, MD 20910,)
--Myth: There are many aprons owned or worn by George Washington floating around.
Fact: The only documented apron owned by Washington was one presented by the firm of Watson and Cassoul. It had been made by nuns at Nantes. It was the only apron listed in Washington's inventory that was released after his death.
--Myth: Washington was Grand Master in Virginia.
Fact: Washington never was a Grand Master. At the instigation of American Union Lodge he was suggested for the office of Grand Master of a National Grand Lodge -- a non-existent body. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and some others agreed, but too many others disagreed with the concept of a National Grand Lodge. Washington was appointed Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22 in Virginia by Grand Master Edmund Randolph when that Pennsylvania Lodge requested a charter from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The following year he was elected Master, but there is no record of his installation into this office, nor is there any record of him presiding over this Lodge. To keep the record straight, there is much evidence of his respect, and perhaps even love for Freemasonry. Proof? He was buried with Masonic rites!
Masonic Education Corner (Continued) - Masonic Myths- Part 1
--Myth: George Washington was Grand Master of Masons in Virginia.
Fact: Washington never was a Grand Master. American Union Lodge, on December 15, 1779, proposed Washington become General Grand Master of the United States! This proposal speaks volumes for the character of the Commander-in-Chief. The Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania agreed five days later! Too many others were frightened by the concept of a National Grand Lodge. It is highly doubtful that Washington would have accepted such an office. Washington was appointed Master of Alexandria Lodge No. 22 in Virginia by Grand Master Edmund Randolph when that Pennsylvania Lodge (No. 39) requested a charter from the Grand Lodge of Virginia. The new charter was dated April 28, 1788. In December of the same year he was elected Master, but there is no record of his installation into this office, nor is there any record of him actually presiding over this or any Lodge.
--Myth. Washington acted as Grand Master when the cornerstone of the Federal Capitol was laid on September 18,1793.
Fact. It was the Grand Lodge of Maryland that was called on to lay the cornerstone. Alexandria Lodge, of which Washington was a Past Master, held a place of honor. It was Joseph Clark, the Junior Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, who acted as Grand Master, pro tem. Clark placed the President between himself and the Master of Alexandria Lodge. The newspaper article reporting the event mentioned Clark as the Grand Master, pro tem. on several occasions. So did the Maryland historian in 1885. Washington didn't act as Grand Master, but without question he was the most honored and influential Freemason participating in the event.
--Myth. George Washington never was interested in Freemasonry. He rarely, if ever, attended Lodge meetings.
Fact. To keep the record straight, there is much evidence of his respect and even love for Freemasonry. True, he seldom attended Masonic meetings. This is understandable when it is realized that from the day he was made a Master Mason until shortly before his death he worked for his country. Did he love and respect the Craft. The ultimate proof -- he was buried with Masonic rites! And this even before the Congress knew of his death. (For further study of George Washington and a complete account of his Masonic activities see George Washington: Master Mason, Macoy Publishing and Masonic Supply Co., Richmond, VA.)
--Myth: There are many aprons owned or worn by George Washington floating around.
Fact: The only documented apron owned by Washington was one presented by the firm of Watson and Cassoul. It had been made by nuns at Nantes. It was the only apron listed in Washington's inventory that was released after his death. The "Lafayette" apron, purportedly made by the wife of the Marquis, may be a fact as many authorities claim (and I was one who did so claim in G. Washington).
(TO BE CONTINUED NEXT NEWSLETTER)
This article is excerpted from the Northern Light. Black River Lodge assumes no responsibility for the content or accuracy thereof. Additionally, this article may not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Black River Lodge or the Grand Lodge of Ohio and is provided solely for the reading pleasure of the Brethren and to provide alternate viewpoints for consideration and discussion.
Black River Lodge Achieves 22nd Masonic District Platinum Award
Each year the 22nd Masonic District awards Lodges for their attendance at the District inspections. Black River Lodge received the 2013 Platinum Level Award for attendance at all 29 inspections. Congratulations to the Brethren of the Lodge and thank you to those who traveled during the inspection season.
*************************************************************************************** Annual Service Awards and Past Master’s Recognition Night
The Lodge hosted its annual service awards and past master’s recognition night on May 9, 2013. The evening began with a short business meeting during which the service award recipients and past masters were introduced. After the meeting, the Brethren joined their guests for dinner and presentation of the awards. Our DDGM, RWB Robert D. Stands and DEO, WB Donald C. Morgan assisted WB Patrick J. Spears with the award presentation. Service award recipients received their Grand Lodge Award Pin and the past masters received a specially produced and engraved rosewood pen and case. A great night was had by all!
The following lists the award recipients and past masters that were able to be present:
Award Recipients In-Attendance WB Harold C. Maynard – 50 years WB Robert A. Harold – 50 years WB Edward A. Browning – 35 years WB Thomas D. Meadows – 35 years RWB Richard R. Rodeheaver – 25 years Brother Daniel L. Hayden – 25 years
Past Masters In-Attendance WB Paul S. Beatty WB Edward A. Browning WB Alfred L. Dorries WB Ivan F. Durst WB Ronald D. Fisher WB Walter A. Frey, Jr. WB Robert A. Harold WB Keith J. Holzhauer WB Jerry W. Hunt WB Harold E. Maynard, Sr. WB Donald C. Morgan WB Stanley A. Lewandowski WB Milan J. Sebo WB Matthew P. Spears WB Patrick J. Spears WB Robert E. Vandergrift RWB Richard R. Rodeheaver WB Ronald F. Spears, Jr.
The following award recipients and past masters were unable to join us but were mailed their award and/or recognition:
Award Recipients Unable To Attend Brother William E. Householder – 25 years WB Clarence E. Simpson, Jr. – 25 years WB James M. Smith – 40 years Brother David M. Mumford – 40 years Brother George A. Dovala – 50 years Brother Herbert B. Fox – 50 years Brother David L. Miller – 50 years Brother Robert E. Dawson – 60 years Brother Albert A. Durisek – 60 years Brother Carl G. Nielsen, Sr. – 60 years Brother John J. Krasnobrucky – 65 years Brother George J. Pavolko – 65 Years Brother Orval G. Butler – 70 years
Past Masters Unable To Attend WB Howard E. Beal WB Harold E. Casselman WB Roger A. Childs WB Jack D. Daniels WB Sean S. Davis WB Allan R. Harris WB David A. Kastl WB John M. Levak WB Sterling A. Miller WB Jerry P. Norton WB Donald L. Reaser WB Clarence E. Simpson, Jr. WB James M. Smith WB Sidney M. Sultzbaugh WB David L. Costilow WB Calvin L. Yeager, Jr. WB Michael Chemorov, Jr.
Notify the Lodge if Your Contact Information Changes Please notify the Lodge Secretary, WB Ronald D. Fisher, if your contact information changes. The Secretary can be reached at (440-308-6025) or by email at: [email protected]. ***************************************************************************************
ANNOUNCING: Monthly Fellowship Dinners Continue
The Lodge continues an old tradition of hosting monthly fellowship dinners on the third Thursday of each month (5-7 PM). We will continue these dinners during the dark months of July and August. Join us for the fellowship! Reservations are preferred (so we have enough food) and can be made through WB Patrick Spears (440-522-8041), WB Ron Spears (440-242-8923), Brother Dave Rakich (440-934-1331) or Brother John Brandt (440-258-8811). Last minute walk-ins are also accepted. ***************************************************************************************
Celestial Lodge The following Lodge Brethren received their summons to the Celestial Lodge above:
Brother Ralph M. Bound, Sr.
Please keep their family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. May we someday be reunited as Brethren! ***************************************************************************************
Provide Your Email Address for Lodge Correspondence
If you have an email address and are able to receive correspondence electronically, please ensure you provide your email address to WB Ron Spears (email to [email protected]). We currently send out Lodge correspondence to 145 of the Brethren by email thus helping to offset mailing costs. ***************************************************************************************
ANNOUNCING: Queen City OES/Lorain Council Spaghetti Dinners Every third Monday of the month from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, Queen City OES and Lorain Council co-host a spaghetti dinner at the Lodge. The cost is $7/plate and the public is welcomed. Brethren please support our appendant organizations and join in the fellowship! ***************************************************************************************
Lodge Web Site Visit the Lodge web site at www.blackrivermasons.com. The web site has a newer look for 2013 and has great information. If you have any suggestions for the web site please contact the Lodge web master, WB Patrick Spears at [email protected]. ***************************************************************************************
Lorain County Fair The Lorain County Fair is scheduled for August 19-25, 2013 and the District will once again have a public relations booth at the fair. Black River has been assigned Saturday, August 24th to staff the booth. Volunteers are needed and if you are interested, please contact WB Patrick J. Spears (440-522-8041). ***************************************************************************************
Lodge Hall Available for Rent Year-Round Seating Capacity for 80 with Full Commercial Kitchen - Great Venue for All Parties and Meetings
$200/5 Hours Non-Members and $150/5 Hours for Masons Contact WB Ronald D. Fisher (440-308-6025/ 440-988-9048) for Availability and Reservations
Grand Master’s One-Day Class The District hosted a Grand Master’s One-Day Class on Saturday, May 11, 2013 at the Cleveland Masonic Temple. Black River raised twelve (12) new MM’s at the class with the assistance of several of the Brethren who served as candidate mentors. The following new MM’s were raised:
Brother Theodore Eddy Brother Glenn Loughrie Brother Jason Eisele Brother Dalibor Nanut Brother Marcus Freeman Brother Sean Palacious Brother Charles Schaffer Brother James Drozdowski Brother Ronald Reber Brother Robert Gargasz Brother Gregory Hudson Brother Christopher Wohlever
Thank you to the following Brethren who served as candidate mentors: Brother David Rakich Brother Anthony Rich WB Ronald Spears WB Keith Holzhauer Brother Scott Parisi Brother Frank Sklarek WB Matthew Spears WB Ronald Fisher Brother Jack Hazlett Brother Zachary Simonoff Brother Walter Feistner **************************************************************************************
Planning Public Service Recognition Night The Lodge is in the process of planning a “Public Service” recognition night for the Fall of 2013. The evening would recognize those Brethren who previously or currently serve in law enforcement, corrections, fire protection, emergency response and/or public security. As currently envisioned, the evening would start with a dinner followed by quest speakers and award presentations. Based on our best information, we have assembled a list of those members who we currently know either have been or are currently in public service (see below). Please review and let us know if our information is incorrect or you know of Brethren we have missed. Please contact David Rakich with corrections to the list (440-934-1331).
Chris Bernhardt – LC Corrections Stuart Canfield- LC Sherriff Harold Casselman- Ret. LPD Jeff Casselman – LPD Jack Daniel – Retired LPD John Dougherty – LPD Justin Fisher – Metro Police Jack Fleming – LPD Mike Gidich – LPD Marcus Freeman – LC Corrections Zara Hudson – LC Sherriff Keith Holzhauer – LC Corrections Andy Kurply – Retired LPD Dan Marsico – Elyria PD Henry Marsico – Ret. Oberlin PD William McArthur – Ret. Elyria PD Christopher Midkaff – OHP Gerald Mielcarek – Former LPD Tom Nimon – LPD Mike Nunez - Ret. LPD Matt Ouellette – CC Correction David Rakich – Ret. LPD Eric Rakich – FC Sherriff Aaron Reaser – South Amherst PD Richard Resendez – LC Sherriff Frank Sklarek – LPD Eugene Smith – LC Sherriff Matthew Spears – LC Sherriff Phillip Stammitti – LC Sherriff Patrick Spears – Fairview Park PD Tee Taylor – LC Sherriff Zachery Rousseau – LC Sherriff Joe Bell – Ret. LC Sherriff James Drozdowski – LC Sherriff Gregory Hudson – LC Sherriff Charles Schaffer – LC Corrections Christopher Wohlever – LC Sherriff Tom Sultzer – Lorain FD Todd Yourkiewicz – Pub. Security As we continue to finalize the details of this event for the Fall of 2013, we will be sending out more information to the Brethren. The evening will be open to Brethren and their guests. Stay tuned for more information.
ANNOUNCING: Weekly - Wednesday Morning Fellowship Breakfast
The weekly, Wednesday morning fellowship breakfasts hosted by the Lodge’s Fellow Craft Club will continue during the dark months of July and August. It seems that each month attendance levels increase. The menu varies each week with breakfast served around 9:45 AM (donations only). The breakfast is open to everyone (men and women) and guests are always welcome. Come join us in the fellowship! ***************************************************************************************
District Awards Black River Lodge was also awarded two additional awards from the District Officers. The Lodge received 3rd place for its Lodge web page which is maintained by WB Patrick Spears. Additionally, the Lodge was recognized for attending all six (6) of the District education seminars. Congratulations to the Brethren of the Lodge and thank you to those who attended the education seminars. ***************************************************************************************
WB Patrick Spears addresses the attendees at the Service Award
and PM’s Recognition Night
WB Harold C. Maynard and WB Robert A. Harold receive their 50-year awards from RWB Robert Stands and WB Donald Morgan
WB Edward A. Browning and WB Thomas D. Meadows receive their 35-year awards from RWB Robert Stands and WB Donald Morgan
RWB Richard R. Rodeheaver and Daniel L. Hayden receive their 25-year awards from RWB Robert Stands
WB David A. Bischoff receives his honorary membership certificate
The Black River #786 May 2013 Grand Master’s One-Day Class
Attendees
Happy Birthday Brethren!!
July -September
Please contact the Lodge if we have entered an incorrect birth date, omitted your name or there is a miss-spelling of your name.
Zachery Simonoff July 1 Jozsef Szilagyi July 4 Christopher Wohlever July 4 Lee Belardo July 7 Dalibor Nanut July 7 George Llewellyn July 8 Travis Allen July 8 Stanley Lewandowski July 9 Gerard Barnes July 9 Lewis Kalo III July 11 Michael Harvan July 12 Kenneth Cassell July 13 Robert Vieta July 13 Joseph Arendt July 18 Brian Scherrer July 20 Jack Elliott July 21 Robert Wurm July 21 James Enderle July 23 Harry Ayers July 24 Keith Holzhauer July 26 Jayson Casselman July 26 Thomas Boyer July 27 Glenn Loughrie July 27 Lawrence Brown July 31 Herbert Fox August 1 Raymond Arena August 1 Aubrey Hester August 2 Aaron Reaser August 2 James Farmer August 4 William Grapes August 5 Thomas Sultzer August 5 Robert Northheim August 7 David Miller August 7 Frank Janick August 8 Luke Broome August 10 William Parker August 11 Archibald McMillan August 11 Sotiros Calogeridis August 12 Erik Summer August 12 Alfred Dorries August 13
James Wieglos August 14 Raymond Strohacker August 14 Charles Childres August 15 Richard Aros August 15 Ben Fligner August 20 Roger Childs August 23 Jack Hazlett August 23 RJ Budway August 23 Robert Baus August 26 Milford Farley August 29 Richard Resendez August 30 Earl Joscelyn September 1 John Levak September 1 Donald Morgan September 5 James Smith September 5 Mark Sabo September 5 Jack Fleming September 5 Geoffrey Smith September 7 Paul Ruminski September 8 John Phares September 8 Dennis Shawver September 10 Todd Yourkiewicz September 10 Gregory Hudson September 12 Joseph Bell September 13 Cory Shawver September 14 Robert Honaker September 15 David Mumford September 15 Dirk Parrick September 15 Duane Buckholtz September 16 James Kucbel September 16 William Householder September 20 Robert Vandergrift September 26 William McArthur September 26 Stephen Canfield September 26 Jerry Norton September 27 James Maschari September 28 Carl Nau September 29 Ronald Reber September 29 James Riley September 30
Autism – A National Epidemic
(Portions extracted from autismspeaks.org)
Webster’s Dictionary defines epidemic as "excessively prevalent --- affecting a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community or region at the same time." With the new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention numbers now showing that 1 in 88 children in the United States are being diagnosed with autism – nearly a doubling of the prevalence since the CDC began tracking these numbers – autism can now officially be declared an epidemic in the United States. Behind these statistics are real families, real individuals struggling each and every day. Some with autism are struggling to find satisfying jobs where they can productively use their talents and abilities. Others with autism have extremely complicated medical and social challenges.
While you may or may not know of a family affected by autism, based on these statistics one cannot deny the necessity of supporting the fight to eradicate this disease and to support those affected by it. Our own RWB Robert Behner, whose family is affected by this disease, has taken up this cause and is an active supporter of Autism Speaks, a world’s leading autism science and advocacy organizations dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Donations to help find a cure can be sent to:
AUTISM SPEAKS c/o Robert A. Behner 621 Sunnyside Road
Vermilion, OH 44089 440-967-7298
Visit autismspeaks.org for additional information. *****************************************************************************
From the Brethren and Officers of Black River Lodge #786 The content of this newsletter is not to be reproduced or copied without the express written consent of Black River Lodge and is provided for the sole reading enjoyment of the recipients. Black River Lodge assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies of the content herein. Additionally, this newsletter does not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of Black River Lodge, its Officers and members or the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
Newsletter Distribution
The first quarter edition of the year is sent by US Mail to all members. The subsequent 2nd, 3rd and 4th quarter editions will be emailed to those members who have provided an email address and mailed to those without email.
BLACK RIVER MEMBERS
Zachary B. Simonoff Co. A Legal Professional Association
Zachary B. Simonoff Attorney at Law
600 Broadway Tel: 440-989-2752 Lorain, Ohio 44052 Fax: 440-282-2046 [email protected] www.simonofflaw.com
Richard S. Ramsey CO., LLC
A Professional Law Office
Richard S. Ramsey Attorney and Counselor at Law
238 Church Street, Amherst, Ohio 44001
Tel: 440-988-3300 www.attorneyramsey.com Fax: 440-988-9521 [email protected]
Phone: 440-204-2250 Fax: 440-204-2257
Lorain Law Director’s Office City Hall, 7th Floor 200 West Erie Avenue Lorain, Ohio 44052
9896 Murray Ridge Road – Elyria, OH 44035
Lorain: 440-244-0373 Elyria: 440-323-1212 Oberlin: 440-775-1351 Fax: 440-329-3792 Wellington: 440-647-2351
Tel: 440-930-2600 Fax: 440-930-2602
Kreig J. Brusnahan & Associates 158-A Lear Road E-mail: [email protected] Avon Lake, Ohio 44012
Kreig J. Brusnahan Attorney at Law
Kenneth N. Ortner 36855 American Way, Suite C
Avon, Ohio 44011
Tel: 440-934-5677 Fax: 440-934-2289
Administration Building
226 Middle Avenue, 4th Floor Elyria, Ohio 44035-5641
Phone: 440-329-5301 www.loraincounty.us Fax: 440-323-3357 E-mail: [email protected]
Ted Kalo Lorain County Commissioner
Chapter 7 Bankruptcy Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
Tel: 440-989-8700 4463 Oberlin Avenue Fax: 440-282-2046 Lorain, Ohio 44053 E-mail: [email protected]
R.J. Budway ATTORNEY AT LAW
R.J. Budway & Associates, LLC “We Are a Debt Relief Agency”
Daniel F. Gibbons,Esq. Deery & Gibbons
300 Fourth Street Elyria, Ohio 44035
Phone: (440) 323-9500 Fax: (440) 284-1705 [email protected]
600 Broadway Office: 440-245-2274 Lorain, OH 44052 Fax:: 440-244-0811
[email protected] www.janthonyrich.com
Kenneth N. Ortner ATTORNEY AT LAW
Anthony Rich Attorney at Law J
PATRICK D. RILEY LAW DIRECTOR
Phil R. Stammitti Lorain County Sheriff
BLACK RIVER MEMBERS
NIELSEN JEWELERS Founded 1694 Established U.S.A. 1872 Nine Generations in the Jewelry Business
753 Broadway Lorain,Ohio 44052
Telephone: 440-244-4255
TED’S FLOORS Carpet – Vinyl
Ceramic – Hardwood – Laminate
Ted Kalo 1125 N. Ridge Road East 440-233-4700 Lorain, Ohio 44055 FAX: 440-233-4704
Matthew P. Spears Residential Resale Representative
Northern Ohio Team Leader ADT Security Services
9100 Market Place Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147
Walter A. Frey Funeral Home
700 W. Erie Avenue Lorain, Ohio 44052
506 Broadway Lorain, Ohio
440-244-5685 866-883-1319
Phone: 440-244-5288 Toll Free: 1-888-867-0693
Schwartz – Spence
Boyer & Cool Home for Funerals
1124 Fifth Street – Lorain, OH 44052 www.boyer-cool.com
THOMAS H. BOYER ROBERT G. COOL, JR. DIRECTOR DIRECTOR
Tel: 440-258-8811 Email: [email protected]
John Brandt General Contractor
Roofing, Siding, Windows, Carpentry, Flooring, Plumbing, Inside & Outside
“No job is too big”
Walter A. Frey, Jr. 440-244-2144
1854 Broadway Lorain, Ohio 44052 440-244-5173
Caterer Meat Shop Full Grocery
Linda Shull, Owner
440-288-LITE (5483) Cell: 440-308-5696
Tel: 440-546-5627 Fax: 440-838-5595 www.adt.com
10% Off First Time Visitors
Kensington Square Shopping Center 28751 Center Ridge Road
Westlake, OH 44145 Dadi Nanut: (Tel.) 440-670-0464 [email protected]
FRIENDS AND SUPPORTERS OF THE LODGE
SCOTT CACO, LUTCF 400 N. Leavitt Road, #58
Amherst, Ohio 44001 Tel: 440-988-5500
Fax: 440-988-5501
Joe Firment Chevrolet, Inc.
“New and Pre-Owned Vehicles”
37995 Chester Road Avon, Ohio 44011 Sales: 888-614-0395 www.firment.com Service: 888-675-5937
“You Will Be Glad You Went To Joe Firment”
www.SQPcenter.com
PRINT CENTER 721 Broadway, Lorain, Ohio 44052
Debbie McCartney [email protected]
Tel: 440-244-0330 Fax: 440-245-2721
Hall for Rent Black River Masonic Lodge
Available to Members & Non-Members
Contact WB Ronald D. Fisher (440-308-6025 or 440-988-9048)
DOVIN AND REBER JONES FUNERAL & CREMATION CENTER
1110 Cooper Foster Park Road Amherst, Ohio 44001
440-985-2100
www.dovinreberjones.com
M&M Mower Sales and Service 4050 Colorado Avenue (Route 611)
Sheffield Village, Ohio 44054
Briggs and Stratton Stand-By Generators
440-949-5900 www.mmmower.com
State Farm Providing Insurance & Financial Services
Chip Wentz 445 Avon Belden Road Avon Lake, Ohio 44012-2235 Tel: 440-933-2720 Fax: 440-933-3172 [email protected]
Tina Marini Dovan Pamela Reber Jones
AUTISM SPEAKS 1 in 88 U.S. children are diagnosed with Autism
Donations to find a cure can be sent to: AUTISM SPEAKS
c/o Robert A. Behner 621 Sunnyside Road Vermilion, OH 44089
440-967-7298
