Kris Clepper Benefit

To help a worthy Brother with medical expenses, Leslie Ackerman will host a fund raising event on May 29th, at 7 pm at the 20th Century Theater on Oakley Square. Live music by Gen3 and a jazz band, food from Montgomery Inn, raffles, a silent auction for high-end jewelry, designer sunglasses, computers, electronics and hot air balloon rides are just part of the evening. All this is available for a $10 donation per person at the door. If you cannot attend but wish to donate go to www.krisclepperfund.com. For more information contact Leslie on her cell at (513)254-9009.

Kris Clepper Fundraiser - All Cincinnati Applebee's

I am asking for your support for W.B. Doug Clepper and his wife Kris whose treatment for cancer has resulted in an overwhelming amount of medical bills. My hope is that you will put this flyer on your website. In addition, I ask that you forward the flyer to your contacts throughout the district. The "Dining to Donate" program at Applebee's is a way for virtually anyone to raise funds. We just go out to eat and give the server the flyer I have attached. Applebee's will donate 10% back to the group. The benefit for Kris is Wednesday, June 23rd at ANY Applebee's in the Greater Cincinnati area. It is good for any time of day, for dine-in or take-out. I am asking that the Lodges put the flyer in their June newsletter so all of the members in the district will have a hard copy. The size doesn't matter so they can shrink it down to fit. I also request that they email it to everyone in their address book.

Please contact Jeremy Fogle (513)368-2942 for additional details.

Click here to download the flyer.

Kris Clepper Fundraiser - Hyde Park Friday's

Wednesday, May 19th, take your wife, family, and friends to TGIF’s in Hyde Park Plaza for lunch or dinner. Say you are there to "help out a Worthy Brother" and 20% of your food bill will be donated to help our brother and his family. A target time of 7:00 pm has been set for most to arrive for dinner but the offer stands all day.

A Message from the West

As summer approaches and our Lodge goes dark we start to plan for our next Masonic year. The officers are very interested in your ideas. What programs would you like to see at Oakley? If you were Master what would you do different? What do you like that we currently do? What can we do to get brothers more active in our lodge? I am asking for input on how to make your lodge better. In addition to that input, we will have a "Planning With The Past Masters Night" on 8/25/10 at 7:30 p.m. (Doug Clepper's deck). That night the officers will present an outline for the 2010-2011 Masonic year. All P.M.'s will receive a card in the mail with the details. Any brother may attend. I do ask that you rsvp me so I can plan accordingly.

Thank you for your support!

SW Jeremy Fogle (513)368-2942.

Lodge Clean-Up Day

We need some Brothers for work around the Lodge. On June 5th, at 9am, we will be meeting at the Lodge. A slate needs to be set on the roof, a serious cleaning of the kitchen is required, bulbs need to be changed and some outside cleanup as always. Many hands make work light. Please, come and work with your Brothers for the good of the Lodge.

Summer Picnic

WB Ken Baril and SW Jeremy Fogle are coordinating the Lodge Picnic on July 24th at Mound View Park in Newtown. We are having it in conjunction our Brothers from Gerard Lodge. We are having a roast pig, inflatable bouncy rooms for the kids and the facilities of Mound View. A charge of $5 per person will help defray the costs.

Table Lodge Report

The Table Lodge was a great success! It was attended by over 80 brothers. Among them were Most Worshipful Terry Posey, Past Grand Masters H. Ray Evans and Michael Himes were in attendance, as was Grand Orator Norman Mick. Other Grand Lodge officers, all our currently serving district Deputies and a host of dignitaries were there. Special Thanks to RWB Keith Clepper for putting together the program and to our officers and members for preparing and serving the meal and the cleanup. It was a night to be proud of for Oakley Lodge.

About the Craft

Brother Mike Hodges wife has passed away.

Brother Ralph Preston is recovering from a serious colon infection.

Let's Help Kris

Please join us for the "Let's Help Kris" Cancer Benefit. This event will be held at the old 20th Century movie theater in Cincinnati on Saturday May 29th from 7:00 P.M. to midnight, $10 per person at the door. All proceeds will help offset Kris Clepper's surmounting medical expenses from her continuing battle with cancer. See ya there! If you are not able to attend we will be taking donations at www.krisclepperfund.com.

Bro. Ned Thorp

More than 20 brothers went to Ned and Edna Thorpe’s home to award him his 60 year pin and a plaque for his service as Tyler. The show of love and support for our Brother was phenomenal.

Lodge Clean-up Day

We need some Brothers to do some work around the lodge. A slate needs to be set on the roof, a serious cleaning of the kitchen is required, ceiling light bulbs need to be changed and some outside cleanup as always is needed. Please, come and work with your Brothers for the good of the Lodge. Clean-up will start at 9am on Saturday, June 5th.

About the Craft

Bro. John Evans has been elected and installed as Tyler.

Bro. Drew Whewell and Bro. Samuel Benzinger stood and passed their exams in the MM.

Brother Benzinger has accepted appointment and been installed as Junior Steward.

WB David Howe was presented his plaque as Outstanding Past Master for service to our Lodge and to Masonry.

Nick Sykes now resides in New Jersey and reports, despite a plethora of nagging medical problems, he’s still kicking.

Bro. Chris Ray’s Grandfather has had a stroke. Your prayers for our ailing Brothers and families are always appreciated.

WB John Rehorst an his wife had a baby boy, John Rehorst, IV.

Troop Relief Update

A donation of $255 was made to the Troop fund by a customer of WB J. Douglas Clepper.

FMDOA Meeting

The First Masonic District Officer Association (FMDOA) will be having a meeting at Oakley Lodge on Monday, March 15th. Since we are hosting the event, please try to attend and host the officers of the other Lodges in the district.

Awards Night

Oakley Lodge's Annual Awards Night will be on March 17th. Among the awards to Brothers, citizens and servicemen, recognition will be given to long standing members for their years of service to Masonry.

60 Years: Bro. Kenneth W. Butler, WB Donald P. Frueauff, and Bro. Ned H. Thorp

50 Years: Bro. William F. Funke, Bro. Kenneth McDaniel, and Bro. George W. Smith

40 Years: Bro. Glynn A. Johnson, Bro. David L. Smith, Bro. Walter W. Williams, and Bro. Robert H. Biddle

35 Years: Bro. WB Kenneth E. Kincaid, Bro. Robert D Sharp, and Bro. John R. Teller lll

In addition to recognizing the years of service by Mason’s, we will give a Community Builders Award to Pauline Murrie for service to our troops and Cora Stenson for helping child burn victims and their families. Please make time to come. Show your appreciation for the work of these worthy Brothers and good citizens.

MM Degree Rehearsal

In preparation for the three upcoming MM degrees, there will be a rehearsal on March 22nd. All Fellowcraft Team members and interested Brothers should attend.

Troop Relief

Awards Night, in addition to a plaque, the Lodge will give $500 to Pauline Murray to aid in her mission of sending care packages to our overseas troops.

A Troop Support collection box was placed at Brother Paul Lunsford’s new Pizza Restaurant. Good luck Paul.

I-CARE

The members of the I-CARE Committee met for retraining with a Regional Coordinator, Diane Shoeber. We have members available to help a brother or his lady should they need help around the house, transportation, access to government or charitable services. Contact Committee Chair, Bro. Steve Miller , should you need help.

About the Craft

WB Doug Clepper’s wife, Kris, recently had a hip replaced and is dealing with a treatable cancer.

Bro. Ned Thorp’s knees will not permit him to continue as Tyler. His years of service, at the door and as Ship’s Captain, are greatly appreciated. Contact WM Thom Dumford if you would like to fill Ned’s shoes.

RWB Ron Zemites is updating our Lodge history.

Table Lodge

Oakley Lodge will host a Table Lodge on May 5th, 2010. This is sure to be an exciting event as the key note will be delivered by Most Worshipful Master Terry Posey, Grand Master, Grand Lodge of the State of Ohio. We expect attendance by many dignitaries, including current and past Grand Lodge Officers. A Table Lodge is based on ancient ritual and is a rare and unique experience. It includes a four course meal, refreshments and toasts. Do not miss it!

During the ceremony, we will be taking a collection for a worthy distressed brother of Oakley Lodge to help with medical expenses. If you’re not able to attend, but would like to send a donation, please make your check payable to "Oakley Lodge Benevolent Relief Fund."

Seats are limited and reservations are required for this event. Walk-ins cannot be seated. Do not delay if you want to attend. RSVP to the Lodge Secretary, WB Dave Howe (513)868-1670. Reservations should be received by April 16th. Any remaining seats will be opened to the First District on April 19th.

Spotlight Cincinnati

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.

More events are scheduled. Check the Spotlight Cincinnati page or the FMDOA website for further details.

Past Master's Society Banquet

The Past Master's Society is having its Spring Banquet at Raffels on March 27th. The cost is $30 per person. Contact RWB Edward McIntyre (513)519-4000 for reservations.

Grand Master's Reception

The Grand Master’s Reception will be held on May 1st. Contact the Lodge Secretary, WB Dave Howe , for reservations.