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