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Calendar

February 15th, 7:30 PM – Stated Meeting, FC degree

February 19th 9:00 AM – Special Meeting, MM degree by Brethren from the Grand Lodge of New Jersey

February 22nd 7:00 PM – Special Meeting, Annual Inspection in the Entered Apprentice Degree

Respectfully,
Joel L Cox
Worshipful Master
(H) 330-499-0378
(C) 330-806-1952
joellcox@gmail.com

As my year as Master of William H. Hoover Lodge comes to an end, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Lodge Line Officers for an excellent year of support of me and of service to the brothers of Hoover Lodge. A Master is only as good as those officers he works with, and believe me, you made me look much better than I really am. I appreciate all you have given to Freemasonry throughout this last year. I have learned much from you.

And not only the Line Officers, but I also appreciate all the brethren that came to Lodge at one time or another throughout this last year. You consisted of brethren that have not been to Lodge in many years, brethren of other Lodges that came to support us, and visiting brethren from out-of-state Lodges and/or Grand Lodges (i.e. Ohio, New Jersey, Michigan, etc.). Thank you for the time you took out of your busy schedules to visit and have fellowship with us. We look forward to seeing you again in the very near future.

And I would be amiss if I did not ask for all the masonic brethren of Hoover Lodge to make a diligent effort tocome to Lodge and support the in-coming Master and his Line Officers. It would be nice if Freemasonry could be the exception to the 20/80 rule and set a new standard of 100/100. I know that may be impossible, but no one ever said that the impossible cannot be a goal. What about you? What goal will you set for this next year? Just remember, keep the main stuff the main stuff. We can always use your support, no matter how little or insignificant you may think it is.

And of course, the easiest way to support us is to make sure your dues are up-to-date. As you are aware, almost all Lodges are struggling financially (much like the population in general) and the Lodge Trustees are doing all they can to make wise decisions in investing the funds available. So, if you can afford to give a donation in conjunction with your dues, it would be greatly appreciated.

And last but not least, as your information changes (i.e. mailing and/or email addresses, phone numbers, work info, etc.), feel free to inform me and I will pass the information along. We like to keep our records current and the only way we can do that is to be kept informed by the brethren.

You have been kind to me this year, and I appreciate all the wise council that has been whispered in my ear. I do not plan to fade away, but to serve in whatever capacity I can. I hope your decision will be the same. Until I see you again (or maybe for the first time), stay safe and healthy. Remember, it's a big world out there and someone is always watching what you do. May they find you industrious and displaying fidelity and integrity along the way. And may 'God Bless America' and those who serve to protect and preserve her freedoms! May you always be remembered.

November 2010

Tues., Nov. 2 – 7:30 PM Stated Meeting / Annual Election of Officers

Tues., Nov. 16 – 7:30 PM Stated Meeting - FC Degree Conferral

Tues., Nov. 23 – 7:30 PM Open Installation of Officers w/ refreshments to follow

December 2010

Sat., Dec. 4 – 6:00 PM Christmas Party for Lodge #770, OES Legacy #596, & JD Bethel #31 Families

Tues., Dec. 7 – 7:30 PM Stated Meeting

Tues., Dec. 21 – 7:30 PM Stated Meeting

Sat., Dec. 25 – 6:00 AM Christmas Day Breakfast at Canton Temple

As this year starts to wind down, as we enter the Fall season, we notice a change in the weather, a change in the color of leaves on a tree, a change in the sports we watch, and in some situations – a change in the elected officials that are to represent us. Another year gone. Another year older. And opefully, another year of experience earned, lessons learned, and wisdom gained. So, what's my point?

A man my age (58) was preparing to work in a public setting. He spread out his 'tools of the trade' – laptop computer, backup hard drive, cellphone, iPod, and other gadgets of today's technology. A young man seated in his vicinity commented that it was inspirational for him to see someone of his (my) age so enthusiastically embracing modern technology. The young man meant it as a compliment, but the man suddenly felt about 120 years old. What did

Psalm 71 sheds some light onto the matter. After all, it is for folks 'my age' and beyond. It reminds us of the value of a life well lived and of the worth of lessons learned: Lessons are not just for our benefit but also for us to pass along to the next generation. Much like whispering good counsel in the ear of a brother.
So, maybe being

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and 2 cups of coffee.  A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large, empty mayonnaise jar and started to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full.

The students responded with an unanimous 'yes.'  The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions. Things that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else – the small stuff. If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. Take care of the golf balls first – the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented. The professor smiled. 'I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

This was shared with me from someone who loves me and understands the stress I encounter at various times.

The message is true. And so, I am sharing it with you, my fellow 'golf balls'. Consider this counsel to be from me –just whispering in your ear.