Ohio Council of Deliberation, Friday, 6.3.11

Friday night started the Ohio Council of Deliberation in Independence which is approximately 30 northeast of Medina.  For those who don't know, O.C.D. is essentially the Grand Session for Scottish Rite Masons in Ohio.    This year it was held at the Holiday Inn in Independence.  The meeting goes from noon on Friday to noon on Saturday.   Friday consists of a Ladies program,  a breakout session of the men and a dinner.    Saturday there is a men's breakfast and the business part of the session.

This year the Ladies program was a fashion show by Coldwater Creek.  According to Julia the luncheon and the fashion show were both very nice and enjoyable.

The men's program was centered around the internet's social networking, in particular Facebook.   There was a very informative talk about how to setup a Facebook page and the best ways to use it.   When asked how many of the Brothers had a Facebook page about half responded.   After to talk each Valley worked around it could do to use Facebook and how they would implement a page.   Several of the Valleys already have a page.   The Valley of Akron just recently started its own page.

The highlight of Friday is the banquet.  Here those that were chosen last year to receive the Meritorious Service Award are given their red hat and jewel.   Last year the Valley of Akron honored Don Seeker and David Swartz with this honor.   Friday night they received their hat and jewel in most impressive ceremony.  Just for heck of it here is the banquet menu.   A very nice salad, chicken breast, roasted potatoes, veggies and apple tart or cheese cake.   Not a bad meal.   Here I want to comment about the server that we had at our table.   Of all the banquets I have been to over the past years, the young lady serving our table was the best I have ever had.   Not only did she do a great job serving the meals, but she was absolutely the most pleasant server I have ever had at a banquet.   We did make sure we thanked her after the meal.

Unfortunately I could not attend the Saturday session.   Julia and I had to attend the funeral of Most Excellent Companion Robert M. Huntzinger in Middletown.  I want to thank Right Excellent Companion Robert Thomas, Grand Captain of the Host for speaking on my behalf at the Saturday morning session.

At this morning session the new Meritorious Service Awardees for each Valley are announced.  Each Valley receives two.  There are 3 that I want to announce.  From the Valley of Akron:  EC David A. Wiley a Past High Priest of Medina County Chapter #243, my Chapter, and REC George R. Nockengost, a Past High Priest of Portage Chapter and my Grand Marshall.  From the Valley of Cleveland; EC Kenneth Crouse, a Past High Priest of Medina County Chapter #243, still my Chapter.    All three of these Companions are members of the 17th Capitular District, my District.  These well deserving Companions will receive their red hats and jewels in Akron on June 1, 2012.   CONGRATULATIONS COMPANIONS!

The Valley of Akron did have a hospitality suite, and even though the other Valley may disagree, I think Ill. Brother Mike Bailey should be thanked for having the best of the hospitality suites.   Thanks Mike!

All in all a good Ohio Council of Deliberation.

I do apologize for no pictures but stayed tuned as I have some coming and will post them as soon as I get them.

"til the next time.