“Based on the Masonic Information Center’s (MIC) commitment to improving Masonic public awareness, MIC sponsors the Mark Twain Masonic Awareness Award to recognize lodges that have demonstrated exemplary work in constructing a positive Masonic identity within the lodge and for the local community.” They have recognized such Lodges since 2006. For more information regarding the Twain Award, check out www.msana.com

 

    In 2010, 2011, & 2012 Benevolent Lodge No. 7 of Milford, qualified for this distinguished recognition by being very busy in the community. The Senior Warden, Bro. Michael D. Sroka spearheaded the effort by keep track of the events and their details, submitting the registration forms, then following up with all material to be submitted for consideration. Our Master, Wor, Scot T. Armstrong and several brothers from the Lodge attended the last two Annual Communications and received the award on behalf of the Lodge. This past May, the Executive Secretary, MW George O. Braatz, PGM Ohio, of the Masonic Service Association made the presentation.

 

    The Lodge commitment to the community includes, sponsoring the Keyes Art Show in June, participating in the Annual Pumpkin Festival in October. Both of these events are held downtown Milford. Among other involvements with these events the brethren provided overnight security saving the town from hiring professional security details. The Lodge and Temple Association provided an easement to the Conservation Commission for a walking trail long the river. The Recreation Department has called on the Lodge and our Rainbow and DeMolay to assist at the Easter Egg Hunt and on the 4th of July during a family day celebration. We’ve provided water stations at the Annual Interfaith CROP walk and a road race this past September. During the summer, the town holds outdoor concerts at a park near our Temple. The Temple bathrooms are open to the public during these events. We regularly permit the public to use our parking lot during any major events in town.

 

    The VFW sponsors the annual Labor Day Parade but were very tight on funds this past year. The Lodge stepped up and sponsored three Shrine Units, saving the Post nearly two thousand dollars in expenses. We plan to dos o again this year and also put a float in the parade as we’ve done for several years. Every month the Lodge hosts a charity breakfast donating the proceeds to local charities. The Temple is also the home of a Boy Scout Troop