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April/May 2009 Copyright 2009 NY NETNEWS, GLNY F & AM All rights reserved
Permission to reprint articles contained herein with credit to NY NETNEWS is granted.
Published electronically by The Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of the State of New York
Message from the Grand East In this Issue
Message from the Grand East Table of Contents From the Editor Navigating NETNEWS Grand Master's Message Easter/Passover MMRL 50th Anniversary Concert Totten Essay Historic Site in Danger Grand Lodge Calendar Masonic Hall Tours Information for Veterans Grand Lodge Committee Chairmen Brotherhood Fund Public Relations NY Masonic Safety Identification Program MSAT Masonic Care Community MUNY Robert R. Livingston Library Guest Speaker Youth Education Assistance Program York Rite - Royal Arch Masonic Medical Research Laboratory MMRL From Whose Bourne… Sickness & Distress Around The State Lodge Services - Grand Lodge Forms
Volume 3 Issue 11
To my Brothers in New York and their ladies, I want to take a few moments to salute our ladies...our Mothers… our wives... our cherished partners on our life's journey. Each of us no doubt have many fond recollections and many precious moments we have experienced along the way from childhood to maturity and we should never be too busy to take time out to remember Mom, and if you are lucky enough to still have her with you, to say "Thanks for the memories!" We should always be mindful to say thanks to all of those we love for the great joys they bring to our lives. They are at our side through "thick and thin" ... through good times and not so good times. My message is simple ... "LOVE is a many splendored thing" and we should not wait until Mother's Day, or a Birthday, or and Anniversary to say "Thanks!" and to show your love and appreciation to the ladies in your life. With a special thanks to all of you who have shared your concerns with Helen and me over these past few months, I am so happy to be able to wish you all a "Happy Mothers Day!" and best wishes for your continued well being. God Bless you. God Bless the men and women in our Armed Forces and our Veterans, and God Bless the United States of America. Fraternally, MW Edward G. Gilbert Grand Master
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April/May 2009
Contents Message from the Grand East
1
Contents
2 Masonic Care Community
From the Editor
3
Navigating NETNEWS
MSAT
17 17
4
MUNY IDC
18 18
GM Message Easter/Passover
5
Robert R. Livingstone Library
19
Camp Turk
6 Guest Speaker on Military History and Benefits
MMRL 50th Anniversary Concert 7
Totten Award Essay
10
Historic Site in Danger
11
Grand Lodge Calendar
12
Masonic Hall Tours
12
Veteran’s Information
12
Grand Lodge Committee Chairmen Brotherhood Fund Public Relations
19
Youth
20
Education Assistance Program
21
York Rite Royal Arch
22
Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL)
25
From Whose Bourne
27
13
Sickness & Distress
29
14
Around The State
29
15
In The News
39
Lodge Services – Grand Lodge Forms
39
NY Masonic Safety Identification Program 16
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April /May 2009
From the Editor Welcome to the new NETNEWS! For those of you who are new to this publication, we hope you enjoy what you see and come back. For everyone who has enjoyed these pages during the last two years, you will see some changes. With your help, there will be more. If you are planning an event, let us know and we can let others know who may not necessarily be in your area. During the last two years, we have received communications from Canada, Great Britian and Austrailia, to name a few. Some have been additional information while others have been requests to find a Brother from years ago. Below you will find all you need to know in order to submit articles or pictures and the timeframes for those submissions. Suggestions and opinions are welcome. In any case, we are gearing up for another exciting year of Freemasonry and we hope you are as excited as we are. Here are a couple of guidelines with regards to submitting information to NETNEWS. As before, NETNEWS will focus on: Messages from Grand Lodge Officers;
Messages from Grand Lodge Committees;
Local items / News by District;
News from around the state; and
Calendars & upcoming events by District. Input for NETNEWS comes from the Grand Lodge Officers, Committee Chairmen and Appendant Bodies. However, content will also be collected and/or generated by individual Lodges. Every month, you will be able to count on NETNEWS to provide you with important Masonic information you may not find elsewhere. Please remember a couple of important rules regarding submissions that are not identical to those of ESM. The two publications may be similar, but NETNEWS is a monthly publication and ESM is quarterly. ESM deadlines are on the first of the months due and NETNEWS is due on the 5th. • • •
ALL INPUT DUE BY THE 5TH OF THE MONTH -- Remember, since NETNEWS is published on the 15th of the month, events for the first fifteen days of a month must appear in the previous month’s issue. Written information should be in Microsoft Word, Text File, or Email Please include your name and contact information (address, email and/or phone number) with your submission. All submissions selected for publication will be reviewed and you will be contacted to confirm authenticity. Please understand that anything submitted without the proper permission or forms cannot be published.
•
Anything you submit must either be original or, if it has been published before, must be accompanied by written permission of the publication in which it appears as this is now copyrighted. If you wrote the article, please include a paragraph to that effect.
•
Photographs must be scanned at no more than 150 DPI and saved in JPG format. Photos must be accompanied by a release stating that you have been granted permission to publish the person’s likeness. If a child (under the age of 18) is in the photo, a “Child ID Photo Release Form” must accompany your submission. This form is available by going to the Forms Page on the ESM website: http://esmason.com/forms.html Please make sure to tell us who is in the photo! A separate release is required for each person in the photo.
•
Input and questions should be sent to:
[email protected] OR; Steven P. Koch 43 Robert Lane Wappingers Falls, N.Y. 12590
The NETNEWS team looks forward to serving you, our Brothers, with the latest information on a regular basis, every month of the year. C&F Steven P. Koch – NETNEWS Editor
Associate Editor – Bro. Mel Lipetz Initial Layout, Design & Consultant – Bro. Louis Gaal Page 3
April /May 2009
Navigating NETNEWS A Note About Navigating NETNEWS As you already know (since you are reading this), NETNEWS is produced in Portable Document Format (PDF). For those new at working with PDF files, here’s a quick hint to getting around the document quickly. While you have NETNEWS open on your computer, use your mouse to click on the page you are currently viewing.
tab located to the left of the
tab, a menu opens to the left of the page.
When you select the
This menu corresponds to the table of contents. At the top of this menu, the label changes to display
to
indicate that you are looking at the bookmarks tab. Click any topics in the tab and you will go to that page. For example, if you click, the page containing Navigating NETNEWS will be displayed.
Click on the tab to see miniature pictures of each page. The label at the top of . Think of this as a visual table of contents. the menu changes to display If you would prefer to see the text in a larger or smaller font, look in the menu at the top of the PDF Viewer. You will see a number followed by a percentage sign. If you want to make the text bigger, choose a higher percentage. If your viewer has and buttons on either side of the magnification size, use those to increase or decrease the magnification instead. Currently, the
and
tabs contain no information.
I hope this helps you to navigate quickly and easily to your preferred articles in NETNEWS. There is something for everyone, so please read it all! S&F Louis Gaal -- Masonic Computer Geek
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April /May 2009
Grand Master’s Easter/Passover Message My Brothers …
The calendar has already noted the start of Spring even if the temperature around the state has not yet quite caught up with the calendar. Nevertheless, the season of rebirth in Nature has arrived and the Judeo-Christian calendars will soon herald the First Night of the eight day Festival of Passover (April 8) and then Easter Sunday (April 12), This is a season of joyous family holidays and reunion when we pause to give thanks to our Creator for all of the wonders and for joy of life itself. It is especially meaningful to me this year, as I recoup my strength and give thanks to the Supreme Architect of the Universe, and to all of you who have offered your prayers and good wishes and kept me in your thoughts as I have gone through some retrofitting. This is also the season when we begin to plan for the year ahead in our beloved craft Masonry. Our Lodges and Grand Lodge will soon be electing and installing new officers for the coming year... and new designs will be laid out upon the Trestleboards. So, as we pause to give thanks to our Creator for our safe arrival at this season of Easter and Passover, on behalf of our First Lady of Masonry Helen and our family, on behalf of Deputy Grand Master RW Vincent Libone and his Lady Virginia, our Grand Line and our extended Masonic family, we wish you and yours a most joyous holiday season.
May the Great Architect watch over us all … especially our men and women in our Armed Forces. May God Bless them and keep them safe from harm. May God Bless you and all of those you cherish. May God continue to Bless our great fraternity, and our beloved United States of America. May we all enjoy peace, Shalom, now and forever more! With my most sincere fraternal regards and best wishes, M W Edward G. Gilbert Grand Master Grand Lodge F. & A.M. State of New York
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April /May 2009
Camp Turk
Bro. David F. Stoy
[email protected]
What are your plans this summer? It’s NOT too late to register! Boys Session:
Girls Session:
July 5th thru July 25th
July 26th thru August 15th Ages: 9 to 16 years of age
Costs: $1000.00 three-week session (Financial Aid Available – deadline to apply for aid is May 1st) Contact Information: Camp Turk PO Box 132 Boonville, NY 13309 Telephone: 315-392-2081 Fax: 315-942-3555 Email:
[email protected] Website: nymasons.us
THERE IS STILL TIME TO SEND A YOUNGSTER TO SUMMER CAMP CAMP TURK OFFERS THE BEST DAYS OF SUMMER FUN Without a doubt many families are experiencing financial hardships this year, and as a result the summer plans for many children will be changed or even canceled. However, because of the generosity of our Brother Masons throughout the State and the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home, financial assistance and camperships are available now for 2009 at our Masonic Youth Camp ... CAMP TURK. However .... applications for financial assistance must be received by May 1st. Contact : Molly Denslow, Assistant Administrator There is no reason to deny any child the opportunity of a lifetime to spend three weeks in the pristine beauty of an Adirondack wilderness vacation at our beautiful Camp Turk. Camp Turk offers virtually every summer sports activity with a heavy emphasis on water sports on our 70 plus acre glacial lake and field sports on our inviting meadows. Wholesome food, adult supervision, fun and games and good friends will all make for a memorable summer ... and this is all within reach of deserving boys and girls ages 9 - 16. But it is all up to you to set this in motion today. Do it! Some deserving youngster will have you to thank for the rest of his/her life. For further information visit our Grand Lodge Website: www.nymasons.org Page 6
April /May 2009
MMRL 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
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April /May 2009
MMRL 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Masonic Medical Research Laboratory 50th Anniversary Benefit Sponsorship and AdvertisingForm Featuring Gordon Lightfoot Stanley Center for the Arts • Utica, NY June 25, 2009 at 8pm We are pleased to offer the following sponsorship levels. All media releases will contain sponsors. $10,000 level – Corporate Host •Complimentary Orchestra Pit Seating for 10 •Romano Room Post-Show Reception – 10 tickets •Choice of inside front, inside back (while available) or full page placement in front half of program •Special recognition in all media and performance night
$5,000 level – Major Sponsor •Complimentary Orchestra Pit Seating for 6 •Romano Room Post-Show Reception – 6 tickets •Special recognition in all media and performance night •Complimentary full page in program
$2,500 level – Benefactor •Complimentary Orchestra Pit Seating for 4 •Romano Room Post-Show Reception – 4 tickets •Complimentary half page in program
$1,000 level – Sponsor •Complimentary Orchestra Pit Seating for 2 •Romano Room Post-Show Reception – 2 tickets •Complimentary quarter page in program
Organization: _____________________________________________________________________________ Contact: __________________________________________________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________________________________________________ City: ____________________________ State: ___________________ Zip: ___________________________ Tel: _____________________________ Fax: ____________________ E-mail: ________________________
Please make your tax deductible gift* payable to: Masonic Medical Research Laboratory 2150 Bleecker Street ● Utica, NY 13501-1787
Enclosed is our donation of $________________ for the above indicated sponsorship level. *tax deductible portion excludes services rendered Camera ready black & white ad copy is enclosed Camera ready black & white ad copy must be submitted by May 1 Full page size: 7.5″ x 4.25″ Half page size: 3.75″ x 4.25″
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April /May 2009
MMRL 50TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT Souvenir Program Ad Information Enclosed is our donation of $500 for a half page ad. Enclosed is our donation of $250 for a quarter page ad. Camera ready black & white ad copy is enclosed Camera ready black & white ad copy will be submitted by May 1 Half page size: 3.75″ x 4.25″ Quarter page size: 1.875″ x 4.25″ Enclosed is our donation of $100 for a Friend of the Laboratory listing. For further information, contact: Ronald P. Kamp Bernadette A. Sunderlin Director of Development Assistant Director of Administration 315-735-2217, ext. 127 315-735-2217, ext. 128
[email protected] [email protected]
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April /May 2009
Totten Award Winner Below is the Totten Award winning essay for 2009, written by Andrew C. Beeman, son of Bro. Gregory W. Beemanof Oriental-Faxten Lodge No. 224. Congratulations.
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April /May 2009
Historic Site in Danger Fishkill Encampment and Supply Depot, Fishkill, New York My Brothers, It has come to our attention that there is yet another historic site that is in danger of disappearing. Thanks to RW William Maurer, who forwarded this information, we are sharing it with our Brethren with the hope that we can share ideas on how to save this historic site from the bulldozer’s plow. From: Alison MacAvery [mailto:
[email protected]] Sent: Friday, April 24, 2009 12:02 PM To:
[email protected] Subject: Historical Site - Fishkill Encampment and Supply Depot, Fishkill, New York Dear Mr. Maurer: The purpose of my letter is to bring to your attention a matter of great historical urgency: the protection of the Fishkill Encampment and Supply Depot. Named over three decades ago as "the last of the important Revolutionary War sites yet to be properly explored," the Fishkill Supply Depot remains so today: a one-of-a-kind site of national importance that has never gotten its due. Fishkill, New York, contains a key strategic center of the American Revolution, established and visited repeatedly by George Washington. Hallowed history happened here - hundreds of the original soldiers who fought to found the nation died and were buried here in unknown graves. The Fishkill Encampment and Supply Depot was larger and operated longer than the better known Valley Forge. The founding of the United States, and its significance in American history cannot be overemphasized. Reflecting the site's importance, the Fishkill Encampment and Supply Depot was placed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1974. As a wartime supply depot and encampment there were barracks that housed several thousand military units, blacksmith shops, a hospital, a print shop, a paymaster’s office and a prison. See the the attached New York Times piece on the endangered Fishkill Encampment and Supply Depot from last Sunday's paper: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/19/nyregion/19towns.html Recent archaeological reports now filed with New York State indicate that hundreds of graves belonging to Revolutionary War soldiers are present on a ten-acre portion of this historic site, threatened to be impacted by commercial development. This Fishkill Supply Depot property truly defines sacred American land. Here, we have soldiers buried by soldiers, in a remarkable facility that sustained the war effort through very lean years. I hope you understand the urgent situation at hand and would be willing to assist in effort to save our history. Any guidance and expertise you can provide on preserving this site would be appreciated. My contact information is below. Most sincerely, Alison E. MacAvery Dutchess County Legislator - District 16 Proudly Serving Beacon - East Fishkill - Fishkill Office: 845-639-8732 Home: 845-831-5202 Fax: 845-838-2219
For more information or to share ideas, please contact any of the individuals named above, or NETNEWS at
[email protected]. You can also find more information at the following website. http://www.fishkill-historical-focus.org/
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April /May 2009
Grand Lodge Calendar Saturday May 16
Oatka Lodge Cornerstone
Rochester
Sunday May 17
Masonic Breakfast
Buffalo
Tuesday May 26
GM, Man of the Year
NYC
Saturday May 30
Grand High Priest Reception
Albany
Idaho Night
NYC
Thurs June 25-Sun June 29
St. John’s Weekend
Utica
Saturday July 11
Camp Turk Weekend
Camp Turk
Fri July 17-Sat July 18
NE Conference of Grand Masters
Philadelphia
Fri July 24-Sun July 26
Scottish Rite – Council of Deliberation
Syracuse
DeMolay Convention
Albany
Fri Aug 14-Sun Aug 16
Grand Council Convention
Albany
Sat Aug 22-Wed Aug 26
Supreme Council
Boston
Monday June 1
Saturday August 1
Bro. John Andrades Jr.
Masonic Hall Tours
As interests are increasing in knowing more about FREEMASONRY the Masonic Hall Tours are experiencing many more visitors each year. Many visitors have been duly noted to say that our meeting rooms "Speak for themselves." We welcome our world wide members of the craft, their families and friends. We have been eager to increase conducting tours for the guests and families of our immediate brethren within our Grand Lodge of New York. We ask the Masters of the lodges if they would stimulate interest in group tours of the Masonic Hall Tours, located at 71 W 23rd Street, NY, NY, 10010 4149, for more information Telephone 1-212-337-6602.
Veteran’s Information The Soldiers Project Free, Confidential Psychological Counseling for Soldiers and Their Families This is a program providing free counseling to soldiers and their families. I'm not able to participate in it, due to licensing and a lack of available volunteering time. But if there are Masons who are also trained psychologists, psychotherapists and social workers (not exclusively in NYS, either), this might be a very useful place to apply their skills and experience on a volunteer basis.
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April /May 2009
Committee Chairmen COMMITTEE
CHAIRMAN
TELEPHONE NO.
EMAIL ADDRESS
Advisory
Griffith Jones III
(716) 833-8612
[email protected]
Awards *
Carter Dorzbacher
(914) 769-4374
[email protected]
Brotherhood Fund *
Robert D. Stack
(516) 569-1951
Camp Turk
David F. Stoy
(607) 988-2545
Charters *
John E. de Meurers Sr
(315) 783-9832
F.A.S.N.Y. C.H.I.P
Joseph M. Keeler
(718)833-0900
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Community Service
Kenneth E. Wagner
(718)359-0279
Constitutions *
John Leventhal
(212) 600-1420
Correspondence & Relations
Gary Henningsen
(609)409-1204
Credentials of Members & Returns of Lodges
Edmund Kolb Jr.
(201)385-2315
Custodians of the Work *
Richard Friedman
(585) 425-1981
Distinguished Achievement Award
Gary Henningsen
(609)409-1204
Endowments *
Ivan S. Obolensky
(212) 861-4240
Finance *
Alan J. Berk
(212) 861-3012
Fraternal Correspondence
Gary Henningsen
(609)409-1204
George Washington National Memorial
Ronald Sablosky
(212)246-3345
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
George Washington Tappan
C.F.' Bill' Maurer
(201) 391-1631
[email protected]
Grand Historian
James H. Rice
(585)554-6032
Grand Lodge Convention
Kurt Ott
(845) 735-4557
GL Educational Asst. Program
H. Stephen Lieb
(914) 723-4476
Law Enforcement *
Martin A. Danoff
(212) 682-4500
Leadership & Education Services *
Marino Cesarini
(516) 741-6989
Library & Museums
Edward G. Gilbert
(716)822-2051
Lodges and Buildings *
Fred C. Fredrickson
(518) 512-3105
Long-Range Planning *
M. Donald Darrohn III
Masonic Benevolence Committee *
Wesley Powell
(585)225-1782
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
Masonic Blood Donor Program
Sheldon D. Stachel
(718) 998-8569
Masonic Brotherhood Foundation
Gary Henningsen
(609)409-1204
Masonic Family Fellowship
Roy Puckhaber
(631) 754-8467
Masonic Hall Tours
John Andrades Jr.
(212)686-3996
Masonic Home Activity
Leonard E. Coon
(631) 691-7367
Masonic Jurisprudence *
Bruce Widger
(315) 673-9142
Masonic Student Assistance Training (MSAT)
Tim McMullin
(607)748-6284
Masonic University of NY (MUNY)
Stephen King
(518)489-1341
Membership Development
Bruce Chilton
Military OutReach Necrology *
David Crawford & Thomas M. Paglia Herbert M. Groce, Jr.
(585) 478-4631 (585) 482-0400 & (585)227-2046 (973) 361-8816
NETNEWS
Steven P. Koch
(845) 298-2502
NY Masonic Safety Id Program (Child ID)
Donald H. Elliott
(607)692-3134
Pay of Members & Representatives
Tommy Lam
(718)259-5511
Proctor
Steven Rubin
(212) 643-5402
Public Relations
Ronald J. Steiner
(845)354-4192
Publications Committee *
Ronald N. Bower
(716) 434-4946
Related Organizations
Vincent Libone
(718) 229-2841
Restorations *
Manuel Abad
(631) 331-3256
Surviving Spouse & Loved Ones
William C. Jones
(315)986-9150
Technology
Stu Card
(315) 845-6249
Unity *
Daniel M. Semel
(212) 628-5613
Youth
Cary S. Cohn
(516) 781-1157
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
* Standing Committee
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April /May 2009
Brotherhood Fund
Bro. Robert D. Stack
[email protected]
Dear Brethren, There is a little less than three months to go in our current Brotherhood Fund Campaign. To all of you that have contributed so far, Thank You. If you have not dooonted yet, please contact your Lodge Chairman. Below is the list of the top ten Districts in total dollars donated and percentage of District membership as of March 11, 2009. Remember, special gifts of appreciation for donations of $100 and $500. For $100 or more you will receive a one of a kind, beautifully framed, hand stitched commemorative tapestry of the Grand Lodge Seal of NY with Square and Compasses.For $500 or more to the Masonic Benevolence Endowment Fund you will receive a New York Masonic Pocket Watch, Chain, and Knife. Your initials will be engraved on the back of the pocket watch.
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
District Livingston Saratoga-Warren 2nd St. Lawrence Essex Fulton-Montgomery Chautauqua Sullivan Albany Dutchess Delaware
Percentage 47.12 28.40 27.95 27.55 26.55 26.21 23.05 22.79 21.92 21.85
Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
District 7th Manhattan 4th Manhattan 5th Manhattan 1st Erie Albany Suffolk Queens Orange-Rockland Monroe 2nd Nassau
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
Total $ 44,229.34 27,235.00 25,150.00 24,563.63 21,179.30 19,522.87 17,982.00 17,894.79 17,577.83 16,847.68
Fraternally, Robert D. Stack, PGT State Chairman
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April /May 2009
Bro. Ronald J. Steiner
[email protected]
Public Relations I FOUND THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH … AGAIN …
It really seems hard to believe, but in a few short weeks I will mark my 55th Masonic Birthday. While it seems like only a few short years have passed since that awesome evening when I was raised, I have lost too many good friends and Brothers along this journey … and the face looking back at me in the mirror each morning reminds me that time really is marching on. Nevertheless my Brothers, last night I rediscovered the “fountain of youth,” and I invite you to join me in partaking of this intoxicating stimulant. Last night I knelt beside a Brother who represented no less a personage than our ancient operative Grand Master Hiram Abif. I had the honor of relating to him the short explanation of what had transpired in the ritual in our Third Degree leading up to this dramatic moment when I would attempt to “raise” him to the sublime degree of Master Mason. I still thrill to this moment as I clasped his hand and conveyed the words so indelibly inscribed in the heart and conscience of every man who ever became a Master Mason. But more than this … I found myself in a Lodge room of about thirty Brothers … most of whom were less than forty years old and many of whom were Masons less than ten years … and they were held spellbound and in awe of our magnificent ritualistic prose and the young, enthusiastic Brothers participating in the work. I often wonder how the conductor of a symphonic orchestra must feel with sixty or more talented musicians responding to his every nuance and gesture to bring forth the incredible sounds that we perceive as great music. Or the thrill a choreographer must feel as he or she melds the body movement of a company of dancers in the intricate undulating response to the rhythm of great ballet music. Much as the Director of the talented performers of “A Chorus Line” thrilled audiences on Broadway year after record breaking year and was himself thrilled by the matchless performance of his cast … so too was our Master last night justly proud of the performance of his line of officers who rendered our ritual with such grace and dignity and enthusiasm … and I too was again reinvigorated by the Masonry practiced by my Brothers. There is not question that I continue to find new energy in being among the inquisitive minds of my younger Brethren. I am constantly being challenged by their questions in search of further light in Masonry. I hope you are having this same experience. Young or old, there is still much to learn and much to do, and much to accomplish in our Lodges. I hope you will join me in rediscovering our fountain of youth. Fraternally, Ron Steiner @@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@
The Grand Lodge Public Relations Committee is saddened to learn that one of our cherished members, RW Theodore "Ted" Pierce, Jr. has been admitted to Arnot Hospital in Corning, NY with a hematoma on the left side of his brain. Ted has been the long time editor of the Southern Tier Masonic News, a past Chairman of the Masonic News Network, and is one of the senior members in length of service on our Grand Lodge Public Relations Committee. Please keep Brother Ted in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy and complete return to good health. Fraternally, Ron Steiner
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April /May 2009
NY Masonic Safety Identification Program
Bro. Donald Elliott
[email protected]
MORE KIDS ARE SAFER!!!!
Schoharie Valley Masonic Lodge No.491 just completed another successful Safety ID Program for Kindergarten Registration. This is the second year that the Lodge has been invited to provide this valuable service to their young people and it has now been expanded to a plan to ID the entire Schoharie Elementary School in the coming months. Over two days a possible 66 children were scheduled to attend Kindergarten Registration and 42 had ID's made. It would appear that 1/3 of the children did not receive ID's however we found that the majority of them had an ID done at opening day of Little League or at one of the recent community events, so what appeared a missed opportunity was actually due to an increasing measure of success in the community. Yes! That is a good thing!
Grand Steward RW Jeremi Sherman coordinated the event but due to a recent hip replacement surgery DDGM RW Richard Sherman supervised the program. Brothers of Schoharie Valley Lodge who participated in the program: Lodge Master W Jerry Wright, RW Eugene Dietz, Bro. Johnathan Wilsey, RW Richard Sherman and the DDGM's daughter Jennifer Bell. Jennifer was a tremendous help brining typing skills and her very friendly and assuring demeanor with the children and their parents. It is a comfort to have a mom sitting behind one of the machines. Her assistance allowed us to have both machines running and thus no line of children who are already tired of being shuttled from place to place for the past 2 hours. Schoharie Valley Lodge thanks Otsego-Schoharie District ID Chairman RW Peter Lindemann for helping to coordinate the details and Cobleskill Lodge No.394 for the generosity of the use of their ID machines. Our Cobleskill Brothers are always dependable with their assistance. Sincerely and Fraternally; RW Richard A. Sherman District Deputy Grand Master Otsego-Schoharie Masonic District
*****************************************************************************************************
DUTCHESS DISTRICT HOLDS INITIAL SAFETY ID PROGRAM IN SCHOOL
The Dutchess District was allowed to conduct a Safety Identification Program in a Public School for the first time from April 29 to May 1, 2009. Myers Corners Elementry School was selected by the Wappingers Central School District (WCSD) Board of Education for the trial. “We hope this is the first of many programs in our schools,” said Dutchess DDGM Steven Koch. The WCSD is the largest school district in Dutchess County with over 12,000 children. Over 100 children were IDed over the three day period. The PTA and school administration were all enthusiastic about the event and hope for even larger numbers next year – or maybe in the fall.
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April /May 2009
MSAT
Bro. Tim McMullin
[email protected]
Student Assistance Training for New York Schools Funded by The Masonic Fraternity in New York (MSAT, pronounced 'EM-sat') Gangs, Alcohol, Tobacco, and other Drugs, Bullying, Depression, and even suicide. These problems plague our youth and the educational system. MSAT helps schools get young people back on track. From October 2001 to January 2009, 35 workshops have been offered to 2120 educators. To date 407 school-based Student Assistance Teams have been trained. These teams worked on plans for specific youth, and returned to their schools better prepared to work together to help those young people get back on track. The New York Masonic fraternity provides the financial support, relieving the schools of almost all costs to attend a great workshop. For this school year 2008-2009, there will be workshops offered on the campus of the Masonic Care Community in Utica, NY. The costs of lodging and meals are paid by the Masonic Fraternity. The next Utica workshop will be held March 31-April 2, '09. Another Utica workshop is scheduled for October 2009. There are also regional workshops scheduled, and the next will be held in Jamestown, NY, April 2830, 2009. Participants commute from home daily. Regional workshop dates for this summer are: July 7-9 - Oxford NY, July 14-16 - Orleans Niagara Teacher Center, July 21-23- Harpursville NY and Aug 25-27 - Saratoga Springs NY. Call for details and to register. To learn more about MSAT, call 1-888-694-0511 or e-mail
[email protected], or visit www.nymasons.org/cms/msat
Masonic Care Community
Bro. Ira B. Cooperman
[email protected]
REMEMBRANCE & THE WALL OF HONOR As Masons, we are reminded to remember the past -- those who have helped to build our Fraternity and all that is part of it. One way to do this is to make a contribution to a worthy Masonic cause in memory or in honor of someone or some event. The new “Wall of Honor” at the Masonic Care Community gives you such an opportunity. Located in the hallway of the new Health Pavilion building, between its glass-enclosed Lobby and the large-scale Atrium, the Wall of Honor measures approximately 27 feet in length by 4 feet in height. It is an attractive way to recognize donations made to any part of the Masonic Care Community campus, as well as an appropriate manner of acknowledging the good works of others. The Wall of Honor was designed and manufactured specifically for the Masonic Care Community and includes sections for Bequests & Legacies, and Major Gifts. The main section contains five different size plaques for donations starting at $1,000. For more information about how you or your Lodge can link your name with the that of our “home” (the Masonic Care Community), regarding a plaque in memory or in honor of someone, please call Brother Ira Cooperman at the Masonic Care Community, (315) 798-4703, or toll-free at (800) 593-3353. There is no obligation for inquiring about the possibility of making a tax-deductible contribution. Or if you wish, you may send donations directly to the Masonic Care Community, 2150 Bleecker St., Utica, NY 13501-1788. Thank you for your consideration. Page 17
April /May 2009
MUNY
Bro. Stephen S. King
[email protected]
Masonic University of New York Every Worshipful Master looks for educational programs that will enhance the Lodge experience of the Brothers. Indeed, providing opportunities for Masonic education is one of the most important responsibilities of any Master. The Compleat Master: A Primer for the East is a compilation of educational materials that addresses this responsibility. It contains lessons on all the Degrees, on our Symbolism, on early Masonic constitutional documents, on etiquette, the working tools, famous Masons and on many other items of interest to anyone committed to Freemasonry. All of these can be adapted for educational presentations in a Lodge setting. In addition to being a great resource for Masters, it’s a superb compendium of general Masonic information for any Brother. The Compleat Master was distributed to every Lodge in the jurisdiction several years ago, so there may well be a copy readily available to anyone interested in taking advantage of this educational tool. Any Brother—or any Lodge—interested in getting more copies can contact me at
[email protected]. The cost is $15, which includes shipping. And don’t forget the other great educational resources available through MUNY: We’ve just completed the first strictly Internet offering of the Leadership Development Course (LDC-8), and we are still offering the Individual Development Course which can be administered in a variety of ways to suit the needs of the Brothers in each District. Please request more information on these course offerings through the e-mail address noted above.
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April /May 2009
Robert R. Livingston Library
Bro. Thomas Savini
[email protected]
Author Thomas M. Truxes Discusses his book “Defying Empire” At the Livingston Library
Author Thomas M. Truxes presented a lively discussion of Colonial New York City merchants who engaged in forbidden trade with the enemy before and during the Seven Year’s War. Our own Provincial Grand Master George Harison is among the early architects of the Colonial New York, and Mr. Truxes brings him and 18th century New York to life with his book. “Defying Empire” is a scholarly history with a fine narrative flair, and his discussion in the Livingston Library on March 17 kept the two dozen visitors on the edge of their seats. He revealed the important role the City played in hastening the Colonies’ march toward revolution.
The mission of The Chancellor Robert R Livingston Masonic Library of Grand Lodge is to collect, preserve, interpret, and make available for education and research, to both members of the Fraternity and others, such materials as relate to the history, philosophy, culture, and organization of Freemasonry, in its social and historical contexts, with a special emphasis on Freemasonry in New York State. The Livingston Masonic Library is a non-profit institution chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. As one of the world's foremost repositories of Masonic books, artifacts, and ephemera, the Livingston Masonic Library maintains a vast collection of materials which are available to visitors and researchers. Library Trustees Bill Thomas and Pierre de Ravel d’Esclapon flank Library Director Tom Savini and author Thomas M. Truxes
Explore the online artifacts and book catalog at http://www.nymasoniclibrary.org/ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Brother Presents History of US Military and Vet’s Benefits Doug Carroll presented an exciting history of the US Military and its veterans’ benefits – from the Revolutionary War to the development of the current GI Bill. He made his remarks to the Long Island Chapter of the National Sojourners on March 22. Nobody in the audience was aware of the great difficulties and turmoil that preceded the GI Bill, and of all the benefits which are available to military veterans. He invited all the Chapter’s members and wives to participate in the Hospital Visitation Program, which provides services to permanent residents of local veterans hospitals. Don Harrison (L) thanks Doug Carroll (R), following his presentation.
Brother Carroll is a Past Master of Alsinai Lodge 695, and is the deputy representative for the Masonic Service Association. He also runs the MSA’s hospital visitation program in Northport, Long Island.
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April /May 2009
Youth
Bro. Cary Cohn
[email protected]
We congratulate the following Lodges for going into their communities to recognize good work done by others. These following Lodges show through concrete action that Masons care! We encourage all Lodges to share their talent, time, concern and the resources of their Lodge buildings, to provide service to other worthy organizations and institutions in their individual communities.
Eagle Boy Scout Recognitions Fish House No. 298, Fulton Montgomery District, will bestow the Eagle recognition on one worthy scout, Twin Rivers Council, Northville, N.Y. 3/18/09 Humanities No. 1123, 8th Manhattan District, will honor on Scout from T55, Westchester Putnam Council 388. Hendrick Hudson No. 875, Dutchess District, will be honoring three young men from two different scout troops, Troop 42, Hudson valley Council 374, and Troop 122, twin Rivers Council 364 in Red Hook NY, and Germantown N.Y. Warwick No. 544, Orange Rockland District, Troop 44, will be honoring one scout in Florida N.Y. Westbrook No. 333, Chemung-Schuyler-Tioga District, will bestow the Eagle recognition in Nichols N.Y. Baden Powell Council 368, on one worthy scout from Troop 36 4/26/09 Trinity No. 12, 9th Manhattan District, will be honoring a scout from Troop 205, Suffolk Council 404 in East Islip 3/21/09
General Douglas MacArthur Award For Exemplary Service To Youth Dundee No. 123, Ontario-Seneca-Yates District, will be honoring James Keohler for his work with the students of his area as a member of the Dundee Central Board of Education, as well as being a Boy Scout Asst Scoutmaster and is currently serving as the Scoutmaster in the Dundee N.Y. community for over 12 years. 5/9/09 Anchor-Astoria No. 729, Queens District will be bestowing the Douglas MacArthur Award to Robert A. Downward, 3/10/09. Mr. Downward has been a long time volunteer baseball coach, involved in the Cal Ripkin Baseball League in Whitestone Queens N.Y.
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April /May 2009
Education Assistance Program
Bro. H. Stephen Lieb
[email protected]
The public announcement for the recipients of the 2009 Education Assistance Program will take place at the following locations: Sunday, July 12, 2009 Sunday, July 12, 2009 Sunday, July 26, 2009 Damascus Shrine Temple Ismailia Shrine Temple Masonic Home Campus 979 Bay Rd. 1600 Southwestern Blvd 2150 Bleeker Street. Webster, NY. Buffalo, NY Utica, NY At 1 P.M. At 5 P.M. At 5 P.M. Sunday, August 2, 2009 Sunday, July 26, 2009 Saturday, August 8, 2009 Masonic Community Center Centerville Lodge Grand Lodge Building 394 Princetown Rd 648 Centerville Place 71 West 23rd. Street Schenectady, NY N. Syracuse, NY New York, NY At 1 P.M. At 1 P.M. . At 1 P.M. All brethren are cordially invited to attend the 2009 Education Assistance Program Presentations at the above locations and dates. Our Grand Master, M∴W∴Edward G. Gilbert, will be present at these presentations and will continue the tradition of congratulating the students and families. The programs will start promptly at 1:00, or 5:00 PM. Assisting the Grand Master will be the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home who have funded the program for the children, grandchildren and widows of our fraternity. Light refreshments will be served Special thanks to the Lodge Secretaries who assisted the Candidates with their applications. This will be the fourteenth year for this outstanding program. Your Grand Lodge and Trustees have assisted almost 8,000 students, with grants totaling over 7 million dollars, in their pursuit of higher learning. All brethren and their families are welcome to be part of these special events. Help us congratulate the children, grandchildren, and widows of the members in our Fraternity. Make reservations with your District Deputy if you would like to attend.
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April /May 2009
York Rite – Royal Arch Ancient Temple Chapter No. 5 RAM to host a reception for ME Alan C. Lewis
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April /May 2009
York Rite – Royal Arch
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April /May 2009
York Rite – Royal Arch ROYAL ARCH INITIATES 19 NEW MARK MASTER MASONS On April 14, 2009, Poughkeepsie Chapter No. 172 RAM initiated 19 new Mark Master Masons in the largest initiation in many years. RE Kenneth Fischer, Grand Scribe, sat in the East for the Degree. Fifteen of the new initiates have joined Poughkeepsie Chapter, with the other five affiliating with Highland Chapter No. 52.
The new Mark Master Mason class and officers who conferred the Degree.
RE Jay Koseff presents the Keystone lecture for the new initiates and the Companions.
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April /May 2009
Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL)
Bro. Ronald Kamp
[email protected]
Please click on this link to watch a short movie about the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory. http://www.impactmovie.com/mmrl
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April /May 2009
Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL)
Bro. Ronald Kamp
[email protected]
Will you have enough retirement income? Watching your budget and taking fiscally prudent means to ensure that you can ride out theses turbulent times is something all of us must face. It is not just retirees that are faced with the perils of economic uncertainty. Countless baby boomers are beginning to think about retirement and the appropriate steps necessary for ensuring long-term financial security and that of their family. Everyone is beginning to realize that guaranteed sources of income such as social security, pensions, savings and investments may not be enough and are seeking a higher rate of return. Others may desire more tax-free income during retirement. If you fit into either scenario, a Deferred Charitable Gift Annuity or Charitable Gift Annuity to the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory may help you increase your retirement income by providing you with a fixed guaranteed rate of return for the rest of your life and that of a love one. In addition you will be entitled to certain tax benefits. Single annuitant rates are currently paying between 5.7% and 10.5%. Including charitable giving as part of a well-rounded financial and estate plan, may provide you very attractive options that you did not know were available. For more information and a free personal annuity illustration, please contact the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory’s Development Office at development@mmrl. edu or call toll free 1888-888-MMRL.
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April /May 2009
From Whose Bourne… It is my sad duty to inform you that the following members of our Masonic Family have gone to that undiscovered country… Brother Brian Bettinger, 39, passed away Saturday. A Masonic Service was held. Condolences may be sent to: Richard & Dianne Freeman 1574 Vrolyk Road Eaton, NY 13334 Lauretta Julia Harris, mother of RW David B. Harris District Deputy Grand Master Albany District passed away on March 17, 2009. Lauretta was the wife of the late Right Worshipful Donald B. Harris Past District Deputy Grand Master of the Albany District 1977-1978and member of Castleton Chapter 668 (now Van Rensselaer Star) Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron twice. She was Past District Deputy Grand Matron of the Albany- Rensselaer-Schenectady District, the 1958 Grand Officers Association and Eda Chapter OES, Kinderhook. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested contributions be made to the OES Educational Assistance Fund, 71 W 23rd St, NY, NY 10010, or Capital District Masonic Charities, 8 Holly Lane, Castleton, NY 12033, or the Reformed Church of Schodack at Muitzeskill, Schodack Landing NY 12156. Mr. Donato Quinones, the father of RW Joe Quinones, DDGM 5th Manhattan District, has past away. W Anthony Delle Donne, Past Master of Beacon Light Lodge No. 701, passed away after a short bout with cancer. A Masonic Funeral Service was held. RW Arthur J. Sacktig passed away to that house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. A Masonic Funeral Service was held. He was a member of Anglo Saxon Lodge No. 137, and a past Master of Stewart Manor and/or St. Albans Lodge No. 56. He was also an active Shriner. Francis J Eberle, father of Bro. Richard Eberlie, passed away on March 23, 2009. It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of District Deputy Grand Master of the Oswego District, RW Bernard Bialecki's Mother. Services are not local but we wish Bro. Bernie safe travels, and our thoughts and prayers will be with him and his family. RW Bro. Bialecki has asked that rather than sending flowers, donations can be made to the Brotherhood Fund.
W Charles 'Charlie Bud' Armitstead Jr., of Caroga Lake, entered into Eternal Rest on Monday, March 23, 2009, at his home after a courageous battle with cancer over the past two years. He was a past Master of the Cherry Valley Lodge No. 334 F&AM. Charlie is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia; daughters, Alicia and Christy; granddaughters, Grace and Kaylyn. He is also survived by his mother, Edna Armitstead; brothers, William (Sarah) and Thomas (Patricia); sisters, Carol (Bruce) VanEvera and Ellen (James) Johnson; many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins; and by many friends. A Masonic Funeral Service was held. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mountain Valley Hospice 108 Steele Ave., Gloversville, NY 12078.
W Charles Rogers, a member of Alcyone Lodge No.695, Northport, NY has laid down his working tools of life . He passed to eternal rest on Weds. March 25, 2009. WRogers was a Past Master of Spartan Lodge No. 956 in Baldwin, N.Y. Masonic Funeral Services was held. W Brother Fiorenzio Corbo, a Past Master of Garibaldi Lodge No. 542, was called from Labor on February 17, 2009.
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April /May 2009
From Whose Bourne… RW Brother Sebastian J. Parazzo laid down the working tools of life on March 30th. Bro. Parazzo was a member for 34 years of America Lodge No. 284, having served Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Master of the Second Kings District in 1989-1990. Bro. Herman Menn, has passed away at age 103, in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. He was a Master Mason for 69 years and an active correspondent with Cornerstone Lodge No.178. He was an officer with Chemical and Chase Banks and also served as a Grand Chancellor in the Knights of Pythias. RW Hugo Friedlaender has laid down his working tools and passed on to that house not made with hands. Bro. Hugo was a past Master and past Treasurer of The Lodge of Antiquity No.11, as well as a past Staff Officer for the First Manhattan District, when our Lodge was still a part of them. Services were in Florida. Brother Lawrence V. Ermler, a member of Valley Stream Lodge No. 1143, was called from Labor on February 17, 2009. W Brother Charles W. Wagner, a dual member of Daytime Lodge No. 144, Connecticut Constitutions, and our Kisco Lodge No. 708, was called from Labor on February 6, 2009. Brother Arthur E. Soderlind, a 63-Year Member of Margaretville Lodge No. 389, was called from Labor on March 28, 2009.
Brother Craig Vogel, 69, died on April 3, 2009. Bro Vogel was a member of Hendrick Hudson Lodge No.875. Memorial donations may be made in Craig's memory to the St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 371 Wurtemburg Rd, Rhinebeck, NY 12572 or the Hospice Foundation, Inc., 374 Violet Ave., Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Claire Quenzer mother of W Fred Quenzer a member of Hendrick Hudson No.875 departed on Mar. 23, 2009. Donations in Claire's memory can be made to the Humane Society. Judy Coons a past matron of OES chapter 813 (Red Hook) mother in law of VW Harold Coons (member Hendrick Hudson No.875). Marion A. McCoy, mother of RW Kurt McCoy of Schoharie Valley Lodge No.491 has passed away. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mrs. McCoy to Catskill Area Hospice, 327 W. Main St. Suite No.3, Cobleskill, NY 12043. It is our sad duty to report the passing of William Magill, father in law of Bro. David Joseph Weber of Ridgewood Lodge No.710 of the 2nd Kings District. Any condolence cards may be sent to: Mr. & Mrs. David Weber 60-35 61st Street Maspeth, NY 11378 W MORTON BARON, passed away peacefully in Florida on Thursday evening, April 9, 2009, just short of his 91st birthday. Worshipful Morton Baron was a Life Member of Athelstane and he was also a very active member of the Masonic Fraternity in the community.In 1967 he was elected Master of Athelstane Lodge No 839 F & AM. In those days our Lodge met in Spring Valley above Red's Restaurant, then owned by Worshipful Brother Gene Levy ... who later entered politics and went on to become a long time NY State Senator. Morty was especially proud of Masonic Camp Seven which the Masons of the Seventh Manhattan District operated for some 60 years and served 600 underprivileged little girls each summer on an 80 acre campgrounds off Spook Rock Road in Tallman. A Masonic Memorial Service was held. It is my sad duty to announce the passing of Mary B. Cook, the grandmother of VW Roy Bilby of the Otsego-Schoharie District, on April 5, 2009.
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April /May 2009
From Whose Bourne… I am sad to report the passing of Norma N. Moore who is the sister of RW Richard Sherman and aunt of RW Jeremi Sherman of the Otsego-Schoharie District. Brother William D. Devenpeck, a 62 year member of our Otsego Lodge No. 138, passed away on March 24, 2009. A Masonic Funeral Service was held.
It is my sad duty to inform you that Muriel Borello, mother of RW Frank and Sandy Borello, and the wife of the late RW Frank Borello, Sr. was called home last night by the Supreme Architect.
It is with profound sorrow that Herder Lodge No. 698, Ninth Manhattan District, announces the passing of Brother Herbert W. Demuth, who was called to Eternal Rest on Saturday, April 11th, 2009. Brother Demuth (a Mason for 64 years) passed away peacefully at the Dumont Masonic Home in New Rochelle, N.Y., at age 92. A Masonic Funeral Service was held.
Sickness & Distress
Maryann Rosson, the wife of RW Mike Rosson 1st Vice President of the Robert R Livingston Masonic Library, underwent cancer surgery at Sloan Kettering Hospital on Wednesday March 18th, please keep her and the family in your prayers. RW HARRY SKY will be in Good Samaritan Hospital a few more days while the docs make him as good as new (or at least as good for an octogenarian). Harry looks good and sounds good on the phone ... he is well rested and pain free .... and he is eating. RW GENE ERICKSON, Grand Representative of the York Grand Lodge of Mexico, is doing well after his heart valve replacement. He sounds great.
Around The State
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Greetings my Brothers My goal this year as the Commander of the Grand Post is to insure a flag presentation to as many open Lodge functions and D.D.G.M. Official visits as possible. I am looking for your help and assistance to spread the word out to all the Lodges to seek out all the War Veteran Masons to join their District Post and if a District does not have a Post, the District Deputy should contact me, the Commander of the Grand Post or the Adjutant Gen and we will Charter a new Post for your District. The only requirement is that the Charter members should be a member in good standing with a Lodge in the State of NY and be a War Veteran. I am looking forward to working with you in this very important undertaking. With your help we can have a Post in every district, spreading patriotism, respect for the men and women serving our country and spreading good will to all of our Lodges and Communities across the State. A Post in your District will act as a strong right arm to the District Deputies in all Districts, Presenting our flag will bring honor and dignity to the office of the District Deputy Grand Master in all official visits, Patriotic Celebrations and other Lodge Ceremonies. May God bless our Troops for our freedom, God bless our Fraternity, God bless the Veterans and may God bless Our United States of America. With fraternal regards. Eustace G. Kiriakos - Commander General
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The Assistant Grand Lecturers of the 4th Manhattan District are looking for Hiramic Drama Team Costumes for their Degree Team. If your Lodge or Drama Team has an extra set of Costumes or Costumes that are no longer being used, please contact: V:.W:. Arthur L. Paolillo,
[email protected] , (631) 561-8181. I can arrange pick up anywhere in NY or Surrounding Area.
Rising Sun Lodge #103 200th Anniversary Celebration Saratoga Springs, NY September 12, 2009 Rededication Ceremony 2PM Rising Sun Lodge #103 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Dinner and Dancing Cocktail Hour at 5PM Dinner at 6PM Saratoga/Wilton Elks Club Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs NY $40 per person Please mail the form below with a check made out to Rising Sun Lodge to Paul Levin, 9 Mennen Road, Schuylerville NY 12871 (518.507.6433 home phone) Please return no later than July 31, 2009. Your check or cash is your reservation. Name: Phone Number: Email: Dinner Choice
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GRAND LECTURER'S CONVENTION IN O-R DRAWS RECORD TURNOUT What may well be an all time record turnout of Brothers to a Grand Lecturer's Convention in New York State, and certainly in the Orange-Rockland District, packed Hoffman Lodge in Middletown, NY on a raw, rainy night March 26th last. The official count by Grand Lecturer RW Charles E. Toombs was 140 Brothers representing all twelve Lodges of the District. Four Lodges earned a Grand Lodge HOWARD POTTS AWARD for exemplary attendance of elected and appointed officers at the GL Convention. Wallkill Lodge No 627 of Walden, with forty Brothers present, also received the District GL Convention "Lodge Highest Attendance Gavel", presented by the O-R District Deputy Grand Master Robert Morlang Jr. The work of the evening ... the ritual opening and closing of Lodge was exemplified in an outstanding manner by volunteer members of the Orange Rockland District Masonic Association (ORDMA) and coordinated by the three O-R District Assistant Grand Lecturers, VW’s Scott A. Klein, John W. Cola and Robert W. Adams. The evening began with a sumptuous buffet dinner prepared by the Brothers of the host Lodge, Hoffman Lodge No 412 of Middletown, and closed with good fellowship with abundant coffee, ice cream and brownie dessert. The following Lodges were announced as qualifying for presentation of a Potts Award at Grand Lodge in May: Hoffman No. 412, Hudson River No. 309, Wallkill No. 627 and West Point No. 877. Here is the attendance breakdown as recorded by the timekeeper counting the knockdowns at the bell: Athelstane Lodge No. 839:12; Cornerstone Lodge No. 711: 8; Goshen Lodge No. 365: 5; Hoffman Lodge No. 412: 14; Hudson River Lodge No. 309: 13; Jerusalem Temple Lodge No. 721: 8; Naurashank Lodge No. 589: 8; Port Jervis Lodge No. 328: 7; Stony Point Wawayanda Lodge No. 313: 8; Wallkill Lodge No. 627: 40; Warwick No. 544: 9; West Point Lodge No. 877: 14. Masonry is indeed alive and well in the Orange-Rockland District. Ron Steiner RW RONALD J. STEINER N.Y. GRAND LODGE PUBLIC RELATIONS
[email protected] (845) 354 - 4192
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April /May 2009
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Oneida County Masonic Association Holds 14th Annual Surviving Spouses Recognition Luncheon
On April 25th, 2009, the 14th Annual Oneida County Masonic Association Surviving Spouses (formerly Widows') Recognition Luncheon was held at Dibble's Inn, Vernon, NY. Approximately 100 Ladies and Masons attended the event. Mr. Ronald Kamp, MMRL, Director of Development and Communications addressed the audience speaking to them about the word being done at the Research Lab and how they and their husbands have had a hand in how the Lab has grown. The OCMA is comprised of present and past Grand Lodge Officers. RW & Rev. Robert C. Wollaber, Grand Chaplain gave the invocation and benediction. Mr. Ira Cooperman, master of ceremonies, introduced the head table and visiting dignitaries, gave recognition to the attending surviving spouses. ThanksW Steve Park, secretary North Woods 849
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April /May 2009
Around The State 7th Annual openhousenewyork Weekend Support New York City's largest celebration of architecture and design, during the 7th Annual openhousenewyork Weekend, October 10 & 11, 2009. OHNY is looking for qualified individuals to lead tours or workshops at sites and programs. If you are an expert of a historical site or design style in New York City or a teaching artist, we want to hear from you! Site selection for the Annual Weekend has begun, and we encourage you to recommend a space, place or an interior of architectural, design or historical interest that the public can visit for free during OHNY Weekend. Sites throughout all five boroughs are welcomed and encouraged! If you have information regarding a site, tour, lecture or workshop for 2009, please contact OHNY with details at
[email protected].
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ RW Brother Francis DUMAURIER, a member of our L'Union Francaise Lodge No. 17, is featured on a film clip from the Jimmy Fallon Show shooting hoops with Andre Iguodala of the Philadelphia 76ers last Monday evening. To see the film clip go to the web site below: Click here: Late Night with Jimmy Fallon - Obama GM Rejection Reenactment (3/30/09) - Video - NBC.com
or cut and paste to your browser: http://www.latenightwithjimmyfallon.com/video/clips/obama-gm-rejection-reenactment-33009/1076761/
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RW Joe Disanto, a brother and fisherman sent this photo of the Red Snapper he caught while on vacation in Mexico. The fish is 32 inches long and weighs 35 pounds. Nice fish Joe. Dear Brother
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April /May 2009
Around The State James W. Husted-Fiat Lux Lodge No.1068 Save the date Dear Brethren The Master, Wardens and Brethren of James W. Husted-Fiat Lux Lodge No.1068 will celebrate our 72st annual Idaho Brotherhood Night on Monday June 1, 2009. Idaho Brotherhood Night is open to Masons, family and friends. The guest will be MW Richard E. Kaiser, Deputy Grand Master of Masons in the Grand Lodge of Idaho A.F.&A.M. And RW Vincent Libone, Deputy Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, F.&A.M. And MW Edward G. Gilbert, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York, F.&A.M. The occasion will take place at 8 PM, in the Renaissance room on the 6th floor of the Masonic Temple. Sincerely and fraternally RW Melvin J. Silverman Chairman of Idaho committee, and Grand Rep of Idaho
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SUFFOLK DISTRICT TO HOLD ANNUAL GOLF TOUNAMENT Brethren, Suffolk District is holding its Annual Golf Tournament on Tues, June 30th at Rock Hill Country Club, Manorville, NY. Shot Gun Start at 1 PM. Day consists of lunch, round of golf with cart, buffet dinner immediately following golf. Prizes and awards will be presented. Donation: $135, $60 for dinner only. Profits go to Suffolk District's Benevolent Fund and Veteran's at Stony Brook VA Home. Contact W Jeff Santorello, for further details (foursomes, T Signs, Sponsorships, etc.) at
[email protected]. Fraternally, Bob Brovetto DDGM, Suffolk Masonic District Page 34
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Around The State
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April /May 2009
Around The State BLOOD DRIVE DONOR COMMITTEE EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT
GRAND LODGE OF FREE & ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK MW Edward Gilbert, Grand Master
RW Sheldon D. Stachel, Chairman, Masonic Blood Donor Program Committee
Masonic Blood Donor Program Committee Blood Drive Announcement Masonic Hall, 28 Lincoln Avenue, Rockville Centre Monday, June 27, 2009 (3:00 — 8:30 PM) Bring Valid Photo ID
Also, the Blood Donor Recognition Application Form is now available online. Download it from the Committee’s webpage. Forms are due by May 31, 2009.
———————————————————————————————————————————————— ———————————————— NOTE: if you have never donated blood and/or have questions about your eligibility you are strongly encouraged to contact the New York Blood Center at 1-800-688-0900 (Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM) or visit www.nybloodcenter.org in advance of the blood drive. Contact: W Patrick A. Kelsey, Vice-Chairman, State Masonic Blood Donor Program Committee www.nymasonicblooddonorprogram.com 718-689-0620 /
[email protected]
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April /May 2009
Around The State THE “LOYAL EIGHTH” MASONIC DISTRICT ASSOCIATION OF MANHATTAN CORDIALLY INVITES YOU AND YOUR GUESTS TO OUR 8TH ANNUAL FAMILY FISHING DAY We invite your family join ‘our family’ For a full day of FISHING ON
Sunday July 12th, 2009 ABOARD THE
“The Dolphin” 65 foot custom built Charter Boat
540 Guy Lombardo Avenue, Freeport, New York 11520 516-378-4838 www.dolphinfishingfleet.com The boat sets sail at 8:30 am Sharp Rain or Shine Join us for Coffee and bagels at 7:30 am // 3:30 PM. Return to dock
All fares include lunch (hero), hot and cold drinks, snacks, rods, reels and bait (don’t eat it)
The Dolphin 65 foot custom built Charter Boat 540 Guy Lombardo Avenue, Freeport, New York 11520 516-378-4838 www.dolphinfishingfleet.com
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
From Long Island Expressway, Northern State, Southern State, Sunrise Highway, and all parallel roads, take Meadowbrook Parkway South (Exit - 22 S) Jones Beach.to Exit 9W. This is the Freeport/Merrick Road Exit. Travel West approximately 1 mile and make a left onto Guy Lombardo Avenue. Pass through 6 traffic lights. The parking lot is located on the right side approximately 500 feet past the 6th traffic light.
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Around The State
REGISTRATION FORM (Please
Complete & Print Clearly)
Name: Lodge:
No.
Phone #:
Phone # II:
Name of Adult:
M/F
Name of Adult:
M/F
Name of Child:
Age:
M/F
Name of Child:
Age:
M/F
Amount of Payment Enclosed: $
Please Make Checks Payable To: “Eighth Masonic District Association” Anglers (16 and older):$65.00
________________________
Anglers (under 16)$35.00
Send checks ASAP to: W.: FRANK PANZARINO P.O 544 FREEPORT, NEW YORK, 11520 Questions please call; Brother AL BRUNETTI 516-652-1513 OR EMAIL
[email protected]
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April /May 2009
In The NEWS For you who were at the event this coming Tuesday, you will be glad to know that Bud Spout has planted our flag on the Pole. Here is a link to the news on his web site Iceaxetv.com http://expeditions.iceaxe.tv/category/expeditions/true-north/ it is titled ‘Elisha Kent Kane Historical Society Plants Flag at North Pole in Honor of 100 Years of Exploration. If you click ‘read more’ it will show our new flag sent and even have an audio report from Doug at the pole. The EKK Historical Society, Kane Lodge and Celestial Lodge are all mentioned. Very great honor! Very cool indeed.
KANE LODGE No. 454, NYC 100th Anniversary of the Men who traveled to the North Pole. Erika Koop has downloaded unto the following web site 186 marvelous photos which have reduced in size, and chosen from the many hundred she took. There are a number of exceptional photos of the occasion and the folks present. You can download them and order prints of any ones you choose. This way they are accessible to all. Here is the site: http://koopphotos.smugmug.com/gallery/7916538_Z3rH3#513507957_Q6dP6
Erika, who happens to work with the photographer chronicleling the work at the World Trade Center four our offices did a superb job and I highly recommend her if you need a photographer. As you can tell she certainly has an eye for photography. Please let us know if you enjoy these photos.
Lodge Services
The sources listed below are available through Lodge Services
Medal for Fifty Years of Service to the Craft 24 Inch Gauge Compleat Master
$15.00 $45.00 $12.50
LDC-8 Course - includes course, pin & certificate Lodge System of Masonic Education LSOME (five part book) Lodge System of Masonic Education LSOME (four part book) The Craft and Its Symbols by Allen E. Roberts Masonic Memorial Service incl. Officiant's Guide Masonic Graveside Service incl. Officiant's Guide Masonic Development Course (MDC)
$25.00 3 for $10.00 or $4.00 each 4 for $10.00 or $3.00 each 3 for $20.00 or $7.50 each $4.00 $2.00 $20.00
Both for $9.00 Both for $5.00
The forms listed below are available from the Youth Committee or through your District Deputy Grand Master.
Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award Douglas MacArthur Award for Exemplary Service to Youth Eagle Scout Nomination Form Frank M. Totten Essay Contest 2009 Girl Scout Gold Award Certificate Application Service to Youth Nomination Form Page 39
April /May 2009