Ohio Grotto Association
36 Public Square Willoughby, Ohio 44094-7864
Telephone: (440) 946-2334

O.G.A. Grotto Newsletter
Of course grumpy's article will be
in the Secretary's Message

President of the Ohio Grotto Association:

Thomas M. Richards, Past Monarch of Caliph Grotto;

Prophets;
February Zone is over Anita was a good one. Anita and I would like to thank Aut Mori Grotto and Glen and Peggy McClain for the excellent Job they did.
Thanks to all the prophets that helped me unload my truck, and all the Ladies that help set up the hospitality room and all the food. Everyone had a good time, it made Anita and I feel good to see people playing cards, talking and having a good time.
Anita and I were at the Tartan Ball and will be at the Pennsylvania Grotto Association, which is being hoisted by Islam Grotto in April.
The Ohio Grotto Association has changed the voting for its members to "Any Prophet in good standing with his Grotto may now have a vote."
At the meeting in February we talked about raising the dues to the Association. A letter was sent to your Grotto about this. So at the May Zone we can talk more about it and we will call for a vote at the annual meeting in August.
May Zone will be at Caliph Grotto in Mentor, Ohio on May 2nd & 3rd, 2008. See you all there

Brother and Prophet
Thomas M. Richards, PM

Deputy President of the Ohio Grotto Association:

Lynn B. Miller, Past Monarch of Achbar Grotto;

My two cents worth;

Hello again!
Looking forward to the May Zone Conference! There will be a few interesting items to be discussed during the business meeting. As you might recall, during the February Conference, the body approved the right for all Grotto Prophets to vote at the OGA Business Meetings. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The Officers and Board of Governors have been discussing various ways to improve the OGA. Now the action begins. Work with us on this and we can make the association better and better.

My wife Wanda and I have been traveling over the realm, from Islam Grotto in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Ali Baba in North eastern Ohio to Amrou in central Ohio and to Ben Bey South in West Virginia to name a few. We hope to travel to many more Grottoes in the ensuring months. This is where the fun is. Meeting new people, seeing old friends, and enjoying the food and entertainment.

We like to think spring and summer is soon to come, but it is followed by the Supreme Council Session in Arkansas the 4th through the 7th of June, 2008, and then the Special Olympics in Columbus on the 27th & 28th of June, 2008. Let's get involved.

Lynn - deputy President, O.G.A.

First Vice President of the Ohio Grotto Association:

Larry Harrison, Past Monarch of Al Sirat Grotto;

Greetings Prophets;
There are a couple of issues I would like to talk about. First, as you know at the February Zone Conference we brought up raising the dues for the association. The OGA needs this to keep operating. Please search your heart and vote yes! Second, I brought this up in the last issue, but I think it worth repeating. We need the line officers in each Grotto to start working on your programs for the year you become Monarch, this will be a great help in getting the dates for your activities into the communicator and then the OGA President can set his calendar for your events. Last, but not least, the May Zone Conference is coming up fast and I would love t see this Zone to be the best ever. Lets make a date for May and have as many Grottoes as possible attend. We really have a great time, with lost of laughs and fellowship. Let's make this year a year to remember and attend the Zone. Don't forget to bring your Ladies also, sometimes I think the Ladies have more fun then us guys.

Sue and I are looking forward to May. See you there!
Fraternally Yours;
Larry Harrison, 1st Vice President

Second Vice President of the Ohio Grotto Association:

Max Pokorski, Past Monarch of Islam Grotto;

Prophets:
Now that winter is behind us and spring is whistling at our door step we have no excuse for not traveling and visiting our fellow Prophets within the realm.
Lady Nora and I visited six Grotto Installations, they were all well attended and we all had an enjoyable time.

Prophets if you missed the OGA Winter Zone Meeting, shame on you, Aut Mori Grotto, hosted an excellent fun and productive week end for both Prophets and their Ladies.

The OGA Spring Zone Meeting is scheduled for May 2nd, and 3rd, hosted by Caliph Grotto, schedule this week end to attend. Caliph Grotto always exceeds expectations for events they host, you'll have a fun filled week end, meet new friends and re-new some old friends.
Prophets, when you're at lodge and else where, talk up Grotto. Many Masons are not aware of the Grotto and its Humanitarian Foundation activities plus the fun fille events which usually include the Ladies

Lady Nora and I extend to you and yours a very blessed and happy Easter holiday
Best wishes for health and happiness,
Max

Sargeant at Arms of the Ohio Grotto Association:

Woodrow Sibley, Past Monarch of Ben Bey Grotto;

Greeting from West Virginia!!
Hats off to Aut Mori for a job well done a the February Zone. Everyone had a great time. Congratulation to Terry Myers of Achbar, Leroy Hutchinson of El Kadir, Dave Turnbloom of Yusef Khan, Wally Edenfield of Ali Baba, and my adopted brother Mike Trojan of Islam. We had a wonderful time at these events, whether they were installation or Monarch's Balls. Best wishes to Ben Bey's own Monarch Clayton "Tater" Griffin. And thanks to each of you who attended his installation and Monarch's Ball. I know that each of these Monarchs will lead their Grottoes into the future with wisdom and heart.

I would like to commend Khana Shahar for showing the OGA Prophets and Officers what good fellow ship is all about. This small Grotto, of 86 members, has not forgotten what good fellowship is about. It's about traveling, meeting people, having fun, and this group of guys does it all. We should all follow the example they have set.

At the May Zone we have two proposals on the floor. I encourage each and every Prophet to attend and see what it is all about.. Due to the change of the By-laws in February, we now have a "one man, one vote" policy that give every Prophet a say in any changes that take place in the OGA. Your voice does count. Show up and speak up.

The Ant and the Grasshopper:
In a field one summer's day a Grasshopper was hopping about, chirping and singing to its hearts content. And Ant passed by, bearing along with a great toil and ear of corn he was taking to the nest. "Why not come and chat with me," said the Grasshopper," instead of toiling and moiling in that way? "I am helping th lay up food for the winter," said the Ant, " and recommend you to do the same.' "Why bother about winter?" said the Grasshopper; we have got plenty of food at present." But the Ant went on his way and continued its toil. When the winter came the Grasshopper had no food and found itself dying of hunger, while it saw the ants distributing every day corn and grain from the stores. Then the Grasshopper knew: It is best to prepare for the days of necessity. Let's work together, OK.

Special thanks to my wife Sherri for her support in my work and travels, and for being my social butterfly whenever possible.
Woody Sibley, Jr.

Sentinel for the Ohio Grotto Association:

Michael Tomascin, Monarch of Islam Grotto;

Greetings;
First I want to thank our President Thomas Richards, Lady Anita, and Aut Mori Grotto for a great February Zone conference. Tammy and I had such a great time. I cannot wait until the May Zone Conference.

In my last article I wrote about what the OGA does for the Grottoes. At the February Zone Conference, Pierre Shawver, Grand Chief Justice made the following speech which he has given me permission to reproduce in my article.

Prophets, the Association meetings are to bring the Grottoes in the area together for fun and fellowship. It's a gathering of Grottoes to meet new friends and see our old friends. It is where we can bring our Ladies, Sweethearts, and families to have fun and not worry about problems with non Masons. This is what the Grotto is all about. Like it or not the Grotto is a party group. We also have a business side. That Stated Association meeting is where the elected officers of each Grotto in the Grotto Association should air problems and see what can be done about them. The President of the Association should call a 15 minute recess at his meeting.

The Supreme Council District Deputies present should meet and discuss common problems in their assigned Grottoes. The Association President should meet with the present Monarchs, the Deputy President with the Chief Justices, and the 1st Vice President with the Masters of Ceremonies. The Master of Ceremonies and the Chief Justices should have tentative schedules made up for their year as Monarch and present them to the Association Officer. This way planning can be made to attend their functions. The President of the Association should give assignments to his officers for visitations. Just remember, the Association can't make by-laws that affect a Grotto, only the Grotto can do that with the approval of the J&L Committee.

So come out and socialize and have fun. This is what a Grotto Zone Conference is all about.
Hope to see everyone at the several Grotto functions. Be safe until our paths cross again.

Chaplain for the Ohio Grotto Association:

Darrell E. Reed, Past Monarch of Caliph Grotto;

Greetings Prophets;
I hope this season finds each of you and your families in good health. I'd like to thank those who attended the February Zone Conference. It was an enjoyable day and evening. I appreciate the courtesy extended to me as your Chaplain. I look forward to continuing our fellowship at the May Zone Conference in Mentor, Ohio.
As this newsletter gets published in the Easter season, I hope that each of you has an opportunity to reflect on the freedoms we have here in the USA. We have the opportunity to practice the religions of our own choice. We can meet freely in sympathy and goodfellowship. Our Dental program helps children with special needs throughout the US and Canada. The virtues presented by Jesus as he entered Jerusalem leading to the cross still live within the USA.

I pray that each of you has a safe, healthy and prosperous spring season. I also pray for the safety of those who are serving our country in harm's, way for without their efforts we would not enjoy our freedom. Through our own actions we have the opportunity to improve our Fraternity as we represent it to the world around us. Growing freemasonry and each of our Grottos will improve this great country. Each of us can make a difference and we do.

May the blessing of God be upon you. May sympathy and Goodfellowship prevail in all your actions. May the spirit of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth fill you. May our enchanted realm give you peace and respite from the trials and tribulations of daily life. May your families be in good health. In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen
Darrell Reed, PM, OGA Chaplain

Ohio Grotto First Lady:

Anita Richards;

Hello Ladies:
The February Zone was very enjoyable, Aut Mori Grotto Hosted, and we had a great time, with lots of good food. Hospitality room had a fine table, we all enjoyed it and had loads of fun. Thank you to everyone who brought food for the hospitality room and for all the help I got.

Caliph Grotto is hosting the May Zone and August Convention. We hope you all come and enjoy it.
Ladies luncheon THEME
"IT'S A SMALL WORLD"
Dress is casual or as you wish. The hospitality room will be at the Comfort Inn Motel on Route 306. It will be a dessert night, of course other things will be on the table, also. Anyone wishing to contribute, it will be greatly appreciated. Ladies please try to sell tickets for the afghan, and turn the tickets in as soon as you sell them, or in August before Friday the 12th.
In Friendship
Anita

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Updated March 19, 2008