AASR Valley of Bloomington, IL - 32 Masons Cathedral News Volume LXXXVI: 4 February, 2 014 What's Inside 1 2 3 4 5 7 8 Spring 201 4 Reunion Scholarships Feast of the Paschal Lamb Do You Know Movies? Guys of the Rite Commander-In-Chief Comments Community Concerns By-Law Amendments Camping Club Newsbriefs Christmas Dinner Reunion Schedule Please join us at the 2 014 Spring Reunion, M arch 8th, where we will recognize Barry Weer for his contributions to the Valley and to congratulate him on becoming the M ost Worshipful Grand Master A.F. & A.M., Grand Lodge of Illinois. Valley of Bloomington Most Wise M aster: 1981-1982 Valley of Bloomington Commander-in-Chief: 2 007-2009 Valley of Bloomington Secretary Valley of Bloomington Treasurer Currently serving as Most Worshipful Grand M aster in the State of Illinois Roger Aukerman, Commander-in-Chief Our Spring Reunion, M arch 8th, 2 014 will be a one day event. Coffee and rolls will be available beginning at 7:00 am, prior to the 4th Degree presentation. Lunch will be serve at 11:30 am and will consist of Fried Chicken, Vegetarian Lasagna, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Rolls, Salad, Coffee, Tea, Lemonade and Dessert. The cost is $10 per member. Reservations need to be made at the office by mail, email, phone, or in person, prior to M arch 5th. Our Reunion Reception will be held at the Ozark H ouse, 704 S M cgregor in Bloomington, immediately following the Reunion. Ladies and guests are welcome. We will be having an assortment of free appetizers and a cash bar. We need to provide the Ozark H ouse with a head count for food preparation, so please include your number when making resevations for lunch. I f you have any questions, call Bob at the office, 309-82 8-6077. N ame # Fried Chicken # Lasagna Total # M eals M eals Attending Grand Lodge and Scottish Rite Scholarships: The current application forms are on our Valley s web site. Consider sharing with a relative. H ealthcare scholarships do not require M asonic affiliation. Share with a friend, neighbor, or coworker if you know of anyone pursuing a career in healthcare. Roger Aukerman, Scholarship Chairman
The time is now to apply for the 2 014-15 academic year scholarships. Our Valley administrates around 50 scholarships each year. The cutoff date for receiving applications is April 1, 2 014. Our Valley s website includes scholarships application forms for Grand Lodge ( requires a relative that is an Illinois Master Mason), Illinois Scottish Rite (requires a relative that is an I llinois Scottish Rite member) and for those pursuing a career in healthcare ( no M asonic The Cathedral N ews is published every two months, in the even-numbered months ( February, April, J une, August, October, and December). All content should be provided to me for each edition by the 2 0th day of each oddnumbered month. Send me any articles, dates, quotes, or any other content you would like to see included in the Cathedral News. Also let me know of any suggestions you may have for future Cathedral N ews. In addition, feel free to send The 2 014 Feast of the Pascal Lamb service will commemorate our recently departed brethren. I t will take place April 6th, 2 014, at 2: 00pm, in the Gold Room at Bloomington Lodge #43. The message will be delivered by Jeff Ready, II. Tom Grogg will preside as the M ost Pa g e 2 relative requirements, open to the public). H ealthcare is the category with the most scholarships awarded. Pass the word on about this scholarship to friends, neighbors, and coworkers. This is an excellent opportunity to start up a conversation about our brotherhood. Eligibility requirements and applications are located at www. valleyofbloomington. org. Roger Aukerman, Scholarship Chairman any information regarding Blue Lodges or other appended bodies, to help brethren feel connected to M asonic happenings throughout our Valley. We want to provide whatever is most useful to you. The greater the variety of information we provide in the Cathedral N ews, the more our Brethren will feel connected to what is happening in the Valley of Bloomington. Dorian J ames, editor deeeejerz@gmail. com Wise M aster of the M ount Calvary Chapter of Rose Croix. All are welcome, including family and friends. The message is, It Is Finished. Rose Croix and the York Right Commander will present the service. Tom Grogg Most Wise Master Valley of Bloomington Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Scottish Rite Office (309) 828-6077 Commander-in-Chief Roger Aukerman, MSA, 33 Thrice Potent Master Patrick Schlehuber Sovereign Prince Michael Hiter Most Wise Master Thomas Grogg Executive Secretary Robert Erwin Treasurer Barry Weer, 33 Board of Trustees 1st Lt. Commander Andrew Bender, 33 2nd Lt. Commander John Dorner, 33 Deputy Master Dorian James High Priest Gerald Gooding Sr. Warden Eddie Lane Trustee Jeffery Fox Trustee Jerald Starks Trustee Barry Carney Trustee Danny Leifell, 33 Committees Audit Winford McElroy, 33 Membership Al Abbott Lodge Liaison Mike Tutter Director of Work Dennis Garrigus Asst DirectorofWork Billy Burden, 33 History John Dorner, 33 Legal Andrew Bender, 33, Danny Leifel, 33 Permanent Fund RogerAukerman,MSA,33 Finance Barry Weer, 33 Planning Larry Raglan Properties C. Walden Crouch, 33 SRRA Barry Carney, MSA CommunityConcerns Gregory Clark, 33 Scholarships RogerAukerman,MSA,33 Webmasters Patrick Schlehuber, Barry Carney, MSA, Tom Grogg, John Dorner, 33 Newsletter Dorian James Cathedral News
Match the movie quotes on the left to the movies on the right. Answers at bottom of page. 1 - "Nobody puts Baby in a corner." 2 - "Frankly my dear, I don t give a damn." 3 - "Rosebud." 4 - "No wire hangers, ever! " 5 - "For one dollar I will guess your weight, your height, or your sex" 6 - "We met at Starbucks. Not at the same Starbucks but we saw each other at different Starbucks across the street from each other." a - Mommy Dearest b - Best in Show c - Dirty Dancing d - The Jerk e - Citizen Kane f - Gone with the Wind Provided by Brother M ovie Quotes For years of participating in Scottish Rite degrees and in the Passion Play, I seemed to have bad luck with scenery dropping on my head. I f I ever made a reunion or Play season without a smack on the head, I counted it a miracle ( and also very rare). I t took me several years to determine that at least some of my problem came from the control panel headed for many years by my friend Ron Lowrey, a legend among stage hands in the Valley of Bloomington. Under his direction, I am certain I was singled out for special treatment. I n fact, my sore head not withstanding, the men who work behind the stage ( or above the stage) are the unsung heroes of both our reunions and the Play. They work longer and harder than any of us wandering around on stage, hoping that the lines we make up on stage somehow tell the story we are trying to tell. Still, a few years ago one of my problems ( the sore head ) seems to have been addressed. The last few years I rarely have more than a glancing blow. I am relieved. Like other observations about life I have made, figuring out the reason my head is safer took some time. I finally figured out that my good fortune has to do with Kevin Clower being in the wings. Even though I have a special reason to thank him, all will agree he is a worthy successor to Ron and Bill Tanner. But how did he get so good at his job? Kevin has worked at Country Financial for 36 years, which means he and I started there about the same time. For 2 7 years, I did not connect Kevin with M asonry or with his father, J ohn, who was himself one of the finest actors in the history of the Passion Play and on the Scottish Rite stage. Kevin is a life long resident of Bloomington/N ormal and graduated from N ormal Community H igh School. H e and Sharon have three children and six grandchildren, one of whom they are helping to rear. Yet even being stage manager for the Scottish Rite and the Passion Play, and being a family man helping rear a grandchild, he does much more. Kevin found after doing the job a while, that he really likes stage management. Thus, he was a natural to get certified by the City to handle the job and, oh, by the way, acquiring a second job. The City of Bloomington put him on the payroll to work shows at the BCPA ( the former Scottish Rite Temple) and at the Coliseum. Kevin joined the I nternational Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees Union, and now works stage crew at I SU, Western I llinois University, Peoria, Springfield, St Louis, and Chicago. I t is obvious Country has a more permissive leave policy than when I worked there. From my perspective, whatever Kevin does professionally, I believe we have much to be thankful for his work with us. Like all good leaders, this stage manager works just as hard, or harder, than those he supervises. A side benefit of his work is that I have fewer headaches. Dan Leifel Key to the movies: 1-c, 2-f, 3-e, 4-a, 5-d, 6-b LXXXVI : 4 Febru a ry, 2 014 Pa g e 3
Santa was wrapping gifts when he came across an item built in the elfs workshop for Katie. He paused for a minute and thought about the young lady that was to receive it. With his hand on his chin, he had an idea. You could say it was a way to add something more than the usual to/from information. Or perhaps, it was a touch of humor. Whatever the reason, he took his cardboard box the gift was placed in, grabbed a marker, and wrote I nspected by Elf #5. Think about it. I f a package of underwear is important enough to have a slip of paper stating who inspected it, surely something coming out of Santa s shop would also have the high standards of a quality inspection. When the gift was unwrapped, her eyes lit up in enjoyment. N ot only was the gift appreciated, but having been inspected by Elf #5 meant, for sure, it really did come from Santa. Both mom and dad were standing nearby when she received this gift. N ot coming from a wish list, they had no advance knowledge. I t really was a gift from Santa. Or, as Katie says, from the REAL Santa. H er father, Andy Bender, shared Inspected by Elf #5 that " Katie felt extremely special that night, and kept talking about the gift Santa gave her for days. It will be a lasting memory for her, and a magical gift that I am sure she will remember, while the thoughts of other gifts will certainly fade. Santa wanted to create a lasting memory of joy and surprise. That s what Santa does. Santa also made a personal visit to the Bickford H ouse in Bloomington. Being inquisitive, he asked residents about their Christmas memories. A common theme was receiving just one gift, but it was usually a very special gift. One lady recalled the doll that was so special that she handled it with the care of a museum piece. One gentleman shared the disappointment of never getting the red wagon that he asked for multiple years. Another person shared that she went snooping and found a new pair of ice skates hidden in her parents' closet. While the ice skates brought much enjoyment, she remembers Christmas morning being a let down with the one gift to unwrap and she already knew what it was. Listening to these individuals provided a refresher in how powerful Christmas memories can be. While Christmas 2 013 is now past, it is still worth reflection. What will we individually remember about this event? Going forward, as we interact, think about the memories we create, not for ourselves, but for others. N ow for my challenge: in the next month, do something unplanned to create a positive memory for someone else. Life is exciting; be a contributor. Roger Aukerman Pa g e 4 Cathedral News
This year the Community Concerns Committee distributed $2, 880 raised during the 2 013 calendar year. Again, just like last year, a big thank you goes out to the Brethren in the Valley of Bloomington for making this happen. This endeavor was funded by Scottish Rite M asons celebrating a birthday in the month the stated meeting is held. I nstead of getting a gift, they give a gift to be auctioned off to those present. As in past years a big thank you goes out to Gordon Ropp for serving as our auctioneer. I n addition, a number of our brethren give additional charitable contributions when paying their annual dues. So this combined effort resulted in what was distributed this year. N eeds seem high, no matter where you live and work. This year the Board of Trustees approved distributing the money raised to the organizations noted below. Each person receiving a check on behalf of the entity named asked me to share how much your gift was appreciated, and wanted me to thank the Scottish Rite M asons of the Valley of Bloomington for their generous support. Because of your generosity, 2 013 was a little more enjoyable for many who would not otherwise have had food to eat, received needed nursing help, and in some cases this helped provide coats, shoes, and gloves for children who did not have appropriate clothing to wear this time of year! All entities this year are selffunded and get no outside financial support. Donations received during 2 013 resulted in a check for $72 0. 00 being cut and presented to the following agencies: 1) M arseilles N ursing Services Recommended by Steve N icholson and Bill Kiper. The presentation was made to N ancy Seaborn, N ursing Service President, on Dec. 16, 2 013, at M arseilles Lodge with several lodge officers and observers present. This program provides assistance for clients who need help with activities of daily living and hands-on personal care services. I n addition, they offer H ome H ealth Aides and Certified N ursing Assistants as a quality in-home care alternative to an assisted living facility, nursing home or cost-prohibitive private nurses. 2) First Baptist Church of Pontiac Food Pantry Recommended by Victor Wooldridge and Pontiac Lodge #2 94. The check was presented to Pastor J im Wolfe at the church on Dec. 18, 2 013, with about 18 M asons present. Approximately 1, 400 families have been served so far through this food pantry. 3) DeWitt County Angel Tree Recommended by Mike Hiter and Larry Raglan. The check was presented to Sue Calvert, Director of Angel Tree, in DeWitt Lodge on December 26, 2013, with about 20 M asons present. This is a year round effort which has given clothing to approximately 500 children. 4) The last check, at the recommendation of N orm LXXXVI : 4 Febru a ry, 2 014 Pa g e 5
M adison and Ken Pfeifer, was divided in half. One check was given to J oann Waisath representing the M VK Food Pantry, and the second check was presented to J eanne M adison for the M VK Christmas Basket Project. Both entities serve the M azon, Verona, and Kinsman area. The presentations were made at M azon Lodge on Dec. 10, 2013, in the presence of about 35 M asons from that area. Food has been distributed to 56 families in that area. Thank you all for your unselfish generosity and support! Sincerely and Fraternally, Greg Clark, Chairman Community Concerns Committee Pa g e 6 Cathedral News
At its M arch 4, 2 014, meeting, the members of the Valley of Bloomington shall vote on proposed By-law amendments which, if adopted, shall result in a number of changes, including the number and term of the elected officers of the Valley. A copy of the proposed resolutions can be found at http://www. valleyofbloomington. org/main/attac hments/article/45/clean%2 0Valley%2 0Resoluti on%2 0re%2 0Bylaw%2 0Amendment. doc. Copies of the Valley of Bloomington s current Bylaws and the proposed resolutions may also be obtained by contacting the Valley Secretary. Copies will also be made available at the March 4, 2 014, meeting, prior to the vote on the proposed By-law amendments. The Camping club will have a Chili Dinner on April 4th at 6: 00 PM at the N ormal M asonic Lodge. All are welcome, just bring a salad or dessert to share. This is the kickoff event of the camping season. We are all looking forward to warmer weather and the opportunity to camp with our friends in the Camping Club. Our calendar has been set for the summer, and is online on the Scottish Rite web-site. We will have several weekends of camping and potluck breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. We would like to invite all to come out to the Scottish Rite Recreation Area this coming summer for some camping, fellowship, and enjoyment of the outdoors. Our camping rates and Lodge rental rates are also on the Scottish Rite Website, or you can contact Barry Carney at SRRA@barrycar. com or ( 309) 838-8866 with any questions or to make reservations at the SRRA. I f you haven' t yet, provide your email address to the office, at execsec@aasrbloomington. org, to be sure you' re receiving our email communications. Don' t miss out! Eternal Reward With sympathy and sorrow, we share in the loss of these, our Brothers. Joe L Stith Jr, Kankakee, IL Jerry W Lyon, Paxton, IL Clark R Waldmier, Minier, IL Woodrow W Elmore, Sidell, IL John B Boozell, Bloomington, IL William B Sime Jr, Sparks, NV William Alan Barker, Bloomington, IL Eugene David Martin, Bloomington, IL Robert J Thompson, Atlanta, IL Valley Newsbriefs 11 /21 /201 3 1 2/1 9/201 3 1 2/1 9/201 3 1 2/1 8/201 2 01 /03/201 4 01 /1 3/201 4 01 /29/201 4 01 /23/201 4 01 /1 5/201 4 Mar Apr 4 8 1 4 Upcoming Events Trustees Mtg - 6pm, Stated Mtg - 7pm (Chapter presiding) Spring Reunion - 9am - 5pm Reunion Reception at the Ozark House SRRA Chili Dinner - 6pm, Normal Lodge Trustees Mtg - 6pm, Stated Mtg - 7pm (Consistory presiding) Scottish Rite Vision We will strive to be a fraternity that fulfills our Masonic obligation to care for our members. LXXXVI : 4 Febru a ry, 2 014 Pa g e 7
Bloomington Consistory Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite PO Box 3695 Bloomington, IL 61 702-3695 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED We're on the Web www.aasrbloomington.org Vol. LXXXVI:4 February, 201 4 Non-Profit Organization US Postage Paid Bloomington, IL Permit No. 37 The Bloomington #43 & Wade Barney #512 Family Christmas Dinner was a huge success, serving 107 people on December 15th. Santa' s elves prepared three 2 2 lb turkeys, 40 lbs of potatoes, 35 lbs of green beans, 150 brown and serve rolls, and 4 large cheesecakes. Santa himself even stopped by to chat with the children. M any thanks go to those who made it possible, including Lance Lowery, Jesse Slater, Zach Magon, Charlie Casperson, John Baize, Tom Lendy, Calvin Ross, several helpers from the Rainbow Girls, and others. Time Degree ------- ---------- 9:00 a.m. 4th 9:35 a.m. 8th 10:30 a.m. 10th 11:30 a.m. 16th (In dining room during lunch) 1:00 p.m. 17th 2:00 p.m. 30th 3:15 p.m. 32nd