In the News
Akron’s Phoenix Lodge #112 awarded -- The 2008 Ohio Prince Hall Lodge of the Year
submitted by: Bro. Daron L. Wright At the 2008 Ohio Prince Hall Grand Lodge Communication, held in Toledo, Ohio, on August 2-5, 2008, the Most Worshipful Grand Master, Rev. James H. Willis Sr., honored Phoenix Lodge #112 of Akron, as the 2008 Lodge of the Year, with Worshipful Master Otis Beecher received the award on behalf of the Lodge. This illustrious honor is given annually to the top Prince Hall Lodge in the State of Ohio, and Phoenix Lodge received this award, largely in part, for the community service work performed by the Lodge in the past year.  Phoenix Lodge sponsors many community service projects throughout the year, some of which are:  I.)  The Book Bag Project: A project where book bags were provided to third graders at Stewart, Erie Island and Smith Elementary Schools;  II.) The Easter Egg Donation: Eggs were donated to local community groups and churches for their Easter egg hunts;  III.) The Habitat for Humanity Project: Members of the Lodge assisted Habitat for Humanity in the construction of new homes for sponsored families; IV.) The 100 Book Challenge: Phoenix Lodge recognized the outstanding readers for each grade level at Stewart, Erie Island and Smith Elementary Schools;  V.) The Masonic Family Outing: This outing is open to the public and all are welcome to come celebrate with Phoenix Lodge, and is co-sponsored with its’ brother lodge, Mt. Calvary Lodge #76. This event is held on August 23, 2008, at the Goodyear Metro Park, from noon until 5:00 p.m. VI.) Phoenix Lodge was also instrumental in piloting a Masonic-affiliated program, entitled the “I-CARE Program” (Independence through Coordination, Assistance, Referral and Education) program, which is sponsored by the Ohio Masonic Home of the Ohio Grand Lodge and is designed to provide assistance to any Master Mason, his widow or Eastern Star member.	Phoenix Lodge is the first Prince Hall Lodge in Ohio to develop and operate a working I-CARE Committee, and has been recognized as one of the most active I-CARE committees in the state of Ohio.  Phoenix Lodge #112 would like to thank everyone who have either donated, supported or attended its’ Masonic Lodge functions and projects throughout the year, and realizes without the support of the community, it would be impossible to continually assist others.  If you are interested in donating or supporting Phoenix Lodge #112, please contact Worshipful Master Otis Beecher, 1295 Curtis St., Akron, Ohio 44301.
Phoenix Lodge No. 112 Proudly Introduces The I-CARE Program to Ohio Prince Hall Masons and Families
The Phoenix Lodge No. 112, Prince Hall Free & Accepted Masons, located in Akron, OH recently held the first I-CARE Service Coordinator Training Session for Prince Hall Affiliate Lodges in the State of Ohio. The I-CARE (Independence through Coordination, Assistance, Referral, and Education) program through The Ohio Masonic Senior Services serves Masons, their wives, widows, and Eastern Star members by identifying and coordinating community-based services that assist them in remaining in their own home and maintaining their independence.    A Masonic Senior Services I-Care coordinator can meet with a client in their own home, and there is no charge for the services. A donation can be made to The Ohio Masonic Senior Services if desired to help fund this program. Service coordinators can help arrange in home services such as homemaking to assist with cleaning and shopping, personal care to help with a bath, Meals on Wheels, medical  transportation, and getting medical equipment. Service coordinators can also help with other aging issues such as Medicare and Medicaid.   As the inaugural Prince Hall I-CARE Lodge in the State of Ohio, Phoenix Lodge is proud to set the benchmark and applauds Bro. Pete Bucey, whom coordinated the Phoenix Lodge I-CARE program, and serves as the committee chairperson.   For more information on the program, please contact 330.730.7718 or 800.901.1431	Photo: Bro Redgi Price  Members from Phoenix Lodge No. 112 and the I-CARE Coordinating Team
MASONS FROM AKRON’S PRINCE HALL MASONIC TEMPLE ATTEND NAACP BREAKFAST submitted by: Bro. Shawn L. Strode
Prince Hall Masons from both Lodges in Akron, Mount Calvary No. 76 and Phoenix No. 112, were on hand to honor Sandra K. Stubbs-Pitts at the first annual NAACP State M.A.D. Making a Difference Breakfast. The breakfast was held at Tangiers Restaurant Saturday, March 29, 2008.    The theme was “Building Stronger Families”, The breakfast occurred simultaneously throughout the entire State of Ohio, featuring students who demonstrated family unity through an oratorical and poster contest. Cities involved included Dayton, Steubenville, Sandusky, Dover, South Eastern, East Liverpool, Oxford and Elyria.     The proceeds from the breakfast will be used at the local level to create meaningful activities that will successfully enhance family lifestyle.    NAACP President Ophelia Averitt took the opportunity to invite all the politicians in office or seeking office to please stand, give their name and titles. *** The Guest Speaker was Akron Public Schools Superintendent, Dr. Sylvester Small pictured here with two award recipients.    Award recipients were judged on their essays or posters submitted with the theme “Building Stronger Families”.     Several students delivered their speeches to the captive audience, and others had their posters on display.       A scholarship honoring Sandra K. Stubs-Pitts will be established at the State level.	Photo By: Eric Kidd, Sr. <Pictured from L-R> , Otis Beecher; Phoenix Lodge No. 112, Carl Cole with NAACP President, Ms. Ophelia Averitt, Richard E. Miller; Mount Calvary Lodge No. 76, Eric Kidd, Sr., Shawn L. Strode, Judge Eve Belfance and Judge Carla Moore (not pictured) Mike Sykes                                      Photos By: Eric Kidd, Sr. <Pictured from L-R> Eric Kidd, Sr., Mike Sykes, Richard E. Miller (No. 76), Malcolm Costa; President/C.E.O. Akron Summit Community Action, Inc., Senator Tom Sawyer, Judge Linda Teodosio, Carl Cole; NAACP Board Member, Judge Eve Belfance, Judge Carla Moore, Shawn L. Strode and Otis Beecher (No. 112). ***

 

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