Lodge 644 - Akron, OH
Dennis and Barbara Bowsher are familiar faces at Lodge 644 activities and it was a pleasant surprise to see Dennis featured in our local newspaper, The Akron Beacon Journal. He was caught saluting an F-105 Thunderchief airplane on display at the MAPS Museum and explained how he was proud of the pilots who flew them. This aircraft was a major factor in the Vietnam conflict. Dennis served two tours of duty in Thailand during the war and serviced planes similar to the one on display. He made it a point to say approximately 25% of the pilots did not return from their missions and considered them "real heroes."
Also featured in the Beckley, WV newspaper was Steve Keblesh, son of George and Irene Keblesh of Akron. Steve has always loved the outdoors so it isn't surprising to learn that he and his wife Donna now own and operate Summersville Lake Retreat, a camping facility in Mt. Nebo, WV.
While clearing land to build more cabins, Steve saw a beautiful view of Summersville Lake and considered constructing an observation deck. He learned of a wind tower that had rolled down a hill during a transportation mishap. Being resourceful, Steve obtained the damaged tower to use as a lighthouse/observation tower. It will rise 100 feet with a spiral staircase inside and an observation deck below the light deck. Thus, something which was destined for scrap will now offer a panoramic view of Summersville Lake. The project could be completed by late spring of next year. We commend Steve and his associates for their ingenuity.
The June issue of the GCU Magazine published this year's scholarship recipients and we are pleased that Lodge 644 member Brian Vinson not only earned a scholarship but was the Scholarship Awardee with a 4.0 GPA. His brother, Michael, who was last year's Best Essay Winner along with a scholarship, also earned an Academic Performance Scholarship this year. Brian and Michael are the sons of Jim and Eleanor Vinson of Memphis, TN and we congratulate them on their academic achievements. We encourage all eligible GCU members to apply for a scholarship since it is one of the many fraternal benefits offered by the GCU.
Lodge 644 hosted the District 3 third quarterly meeting in July at St. Michael Parish Center. National Director Michael Karaffa answered numerous questions concerning the future of the districts and even received a few questions which will need further clarification. It was a successful meeting and we now look forward to our annual meeting in October.
Planned Lodge Activities for 2010
November -Good Samaritan Food Center Hunger Drive
November 14 -Fourth Quarter Meeting
December -Shut-in program and Salvation Army Kettle Ringing Bells