Tuesday, October 15, 2013

No meeting October 15th

There will not be a meeting tonight, October 15 due to several key officers being unable to attend and therefore not sufficient numbers.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Summer Break is Here...

Greetings, Brethren,

This past Tuesday was our last meeting until September. Let me fill you in on what we did.

We had hot dogs and beans before the meeting, and those of us that were there for dinner enjoyed the food and conversation.

The Business of the Evening was minimal. The biggest item is that we are going to be setting up at Beekman's Community Day. I feel this is a great opportunity to get our faces out there and let the area know who and what Freemasons are. I had hoped to set up our Child ID program, but New York Life will be there doing a similar thing. Still, our sponsorship will get us an ad on the banner, to be left up over the summer, as well as regular mention by the emcee throughout the day, plus demonstrate we are willing to help support community events.

W.: Gene Garnes gave a presentation, speaking about his long career in broadcasting. He began in radio, working with Don Imus, Howard Stern, and many others on NBC Radio before moving over to TV. He currently works on the NBC Nightly News broadcast.

We wrapped up the evening with our District Deputy Grand Master, R.: W.: John Montross, presenting a check to W.: Garnes. W.: Garnes has had some health issues and the Brethren around the Dutchess District have been very generous in raising monies to help him defray his medical expenses. It was quite a joy to see the look on W.: Garnes' face when he received the check.

After we closed, we went downstairs for some strawberries and whipped cream on golden sponge cakes. YUM!

Lastly, Brethren, Grand Lodge is working to bring some of the meaning and beauty of our Ritual back into the forefront of our Craft. I was recently invited to be a part of the team that will be addressing the Fellow Craft degree (the Entered Apprentice portion was recently completed). I look forward to this, as I find the Ritual to be a beautiful and special process of learning and meditation unlike anything else. It truly is what makes Masonry unique among Fraternities. I'll keep the Lodge posted on the team's doings, where I can.

Be well, Brethren, and have a great summer!

Fraternally,
W.: Jeffrey Blaisdell, Master

Saturday, June 15, 2013

W.: Gene Garnes: A Local Broadcasting Legend

Greetings, Brethren,

Our next meeting, on June 18, is our last one before summer break. Come dressed casually, shorts and tee shirts are welcome.

W.: Gene Garnes, our Secretary, will be giving a presentation. He will be talking about his long career in radio and TV broadcasting, relating some humorous tales about celebrities he has encountered over the years. He currently works for NBC and runs a small Classic Rock radio station out of his home, which is broadcast over the internet. Come on out and hear what he has to say. I am sure you will find it enjoyable and interesting. We don't often have the opportunity like this to learn more about a Brother and his vocations.

There are also a few small points of business to address. I would like to get a booth at Beekman's Community Day this July, to show support for the community and to let the world know we are here. It's odd that what can be one of mankind's brightest Lights- Masonry- is often so hard to see. Let's work to correct that.

We'll be grilling up some hot dogs, with chips and soda, starting around 6:30. Come join us!

Fraternally,
Bro. Jeffrey Blaisdell, Master
Harlem Valley #827

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Upcoming Installation of Officers

On Tuesday, June 4, beginning at 7:00 PM, Harlem Valley Lodge #827 F&AM will be having an Open Installation of its officers for the upcoming year. This is an important event for me, as it is the first time I have been elected as Worshipful Master. I hope to see many friends and Brethren there.

As Master, I have a big task ahead of me. Attendance has been low, and there have been many times we could not hold a meeting. I sincerely hope that by reaching out to the members, by keeping you appraised of what is planned and what we are doing, you will be encouraged to come out. I also hope members of other Lodges will come as well.

Join me, Brethren, in helping to spread Light as only Masonry can!