Currently there are over 200,000 American soldiers serving their country in dangerous places like Afghanistan and Iraq. These brave young men and women often risk their lives in difficult circumstances far from home, to provide us with a blanket of security in this ongoing “War on Terror.”
While these troops are the best equipped fighting force in the world, they often crave support of a different sort. Fighting for freedom, far from family, friends, and loved ones, they miss the simple creature comforts that we may take for granted. In particular, our homesick military personnel deeply appreciate thoughtfulness and encouragement from the home front! This is the type of support that touches their hearts.
In 2006, Oakley Lodge #668 (Cincinnati, OH) established a Troop Relief Program. Oakley Lodge has “adopted” a local Cincinnati unit serving in Iraq and also set up an additional relief distribution channel through a U.S. Army chaplain, to provide the creature comforts and support that our troops value.
Funded entirely by contributions, 100% of the funds donated are used to purchase and ship items such as: batteries, magazines, snack foods, hot and cold drink mixes, paperback books and toiletry items. At Christmas time, we also provided the troops with personal gift items such as flashlights, radios, CD’s, DVD’s, electric razors, pocket knives, etc. Oakley Lodge volunteers package and ship items to Iraq on a periodic basis (approximately every six weeks), so that there is a steady flow of support from home.
You can help honor the troops sacrifice and provide needed encouragement & appreciation, by providing a generous cash donation to the Troop Relief Fund. (If contributing by check, please make the check payable to: Oakley Lodge # 668 F.&A.M. - Troop Relief Fund.)
If you cannot afford to make a cash donation, we have found that our troops appreciate receiving short notes (and even hand drawn pictures from little children) thanking them for their great sacrifice and service to our county.
We will periodically place letters and photos from our troops on our web site, so you can see the heartfelt results of your generous donations.
Oakley Lodge would like to thank those business which have graciously supported the relief program by placing Donation Drop Centers in their places of business. Participating businesses include:
To make a donation, become a Donation Drop Center, or to request additional information, please contact Glenn VanValkenburgh 
or Dan Keith .
(Independence – Coordination, Assistance, Referral, Education)
The mission of I-CARE is to serve elders and adults with disabilities by helping them to remain independent, living in their homes, and to age successfully. In the efforts to serve seniors, I-CARE will also revitalize community, stressing the importance of friends and neighbors. The I-CARE Program empowers Masons to continuing serving the needs of elders in community.
I-CARE is a statewide program that enables Masons to serve elders and adults with disabilities in their communities. I-CARE Committee members work in partnership with the Ohio Masonic Home to help keep elders and adults with disabilities living independently in the community, getting the resources that they need from their fellow members. I-CARE members have varied backgrounds and diverse skill sets, all with the vision to empower elders in their communities.
I-CARE members work to develop and enhance support services available to seniors and deliver the necessary resources. They work with adult and youth community volunteers in efforts to develop I-CARE networks where elders are able to call upon their neighbors when assistance is needed. I-CARE members also encourage elders to develop successful aging habits on their own by creating community programs such as exercise or nutrition classes. Successful aging is defined as elders who are healthy, mobile, connected to their community; who have a sense of worth, and have physical and spiritual well-being. I-CARE members also provide friendly visits and companionship to elders in their communities.
Ohio Masons are Advancing Community by:
Click here to visit the Ohio Masonic Home's I-CARE page.
The Grand Lodge 2014 Committee has taken a new name to be used when promoting our events that might include the public. We are now known as "Spotlight Cincinnati." We are attempting to establish some events that can be publicized to the public in the hope of drawing financial support from outside the fraternity, through both sponsorships and public attendance.
Understanding that we each have different interests and desires, our plan is to offer a wide variety of programs and events. We hope that you can find one or more that appeal to you, your lady or family and that you will support our efforts by attending those events or by donating through the program.
Ray Clark, Gen. Chairman, (513) 252-5271
Doug Sunnenberg, Fin. Chairman, (513) 697-8620
The Pillars Society has been established as a means for individuals wishing to assist the 1st Masonic District in meeting the financial obligations required to host the Communication of the Grand Lodge of Ohio in 2014, by encouraging individuals to donate a nominal amount each year. Several levels of giving are available beyond the Entry, or Bronze Level ($50.00), at which a donor will receive a Pillars Medal. A Ruby dangle (up to five) can be earned for each incremental donation of $25. After donating to the five Ruby level, a Sapphire dangle (up to five) can be earned for each incremental donation of $50. After donating to the five Sapphire level, a Diamond dangle (up to five) can be earned for each incremental donation of $75. Of course, a person may choose to accelerate his donations to achieve the higher levels, as he can afford. With this approach we are making it possible for all brothers to show their support and join us in this endeavor.
The Society is not limited to Freemasons. Any individual can contribute and become a member of this Society. Please give some thought to becoming a contributor.
Please make checks payable to:
Grand Master 2014 Fund
PO Box 237
Loveland, OH 45140-0237
Click here to visit the FMDOA Spotlight Cincinnati page.
The Spotlight Cincinnati for the 2014 fund has several upcoming fund raisers. Click the name of the event to view fliers and entry forms.
April 10th: A Formal Clothing Sale will be held at the Norwood Masonic center. Slightly used Tuxes and gowns will be available for $20 - $30.
May 16th: A Cornhole Tournament will be held at Rozzi’s in Loveland, next to Madison Maderia Lodge. Contact Bro. Les Barlow at (513)623-3580 for details.
May 28th: A Spagetti Dinner will be held at the Norwood Masonic Center.
June 5th: Second Annual Car, Bike, and Truck Show. Contact Tom Krekeler (513)324-3574 or Don Helcher (513)741-2002 for details.
July 25th: Bowling Tournament. For more information, contact Kenny G. Simmons (513)505-8973.
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