Tuesday, December 22, 2015





OK, it is finally Winter

No, it doesn’t feel like winter yet, but that’s OK.  It will soon enough.  As much as we all like images of that fluffy white stuff falling softly to earth on Christmas Eve, the rest of that package deal can get uncomfortable.  We are more than happy waiting to use words like drifting, blizzard, ice-covered, and wind chill in our daily conversation.

Thanks to all who assisted with our recent degree work, our participation in La Rue’s Christmas in the Village, and other such pursuits.  No matter the activity, more hands make the work easier for all. 

Our last meeting featured our DDGM, RWB Willard Fissel, conducting his first Pre-Inspection Visit, assisted and coached by RWB Fred Somerlot.  Preceded by a lasagna dinner, it was quite an evening. 

Even though we are in the middle of our holiday break, we are knee-deep in the “Masonic” season.  We’ve already had the 15th District Annual Meeting, Grand Lodge Annual Communication, our election and installation of officers, and are now looking Inspection square in the face.  To say this is a busy time hardly does it justice, and we kind of like it that way.

Two local activities shape our calendar for the short term: 
-  At the 15th District Annual Meeting our Inspection date and degree were established:  Saturday, January 16, 2016 at 10am, in the FC degree.  Yes, you read that correctly, it will be in the morning.  Coffee, juice, and doughnuts will be available prior to the meeting.  Those wishing a more substantial breakfast are being redirected to Coonie’s.  They have catered our last couple Inspections and offer full breakfast service on Saturdays.  With the District holding most of its functions at 9am, we felt 10am was a good compromise to complete Inspection without taking over an entire evening.

-  We initiated two (2) EA candidates at our first meeting in December, and have a third EA candidate scheduled for January 20th.  To the best of our recollection, the last time we initiated two candidates at the same meeting was May 18, 1977.  That father-son duo also took their FC degrees the same night, September 7, 1977.  Depending on how this unfolds, we might try duplicating this feat in the near future.


Below are dates significant to our Lodge, community, and District.  We suggest marking your calendars accordingly.


December 25, 2015            Christmas.  The reason for the season goes deeper than presents, trees, and candy canes.

December 31, 2015            New Year’s Eve.  This is an excellent opportunity to select, appoint, or otherwise pick a Designated Driver BEFORE the celebration begins.

January 1, 2016                  New Year’s Day.  This is a chance for that fresh slate we all talk about, crafting the new (and better) you, and a better community you are part of.  And possibly watch some football.  (Go Bucks!)

January 2, 2016                  This is the day most of us decide whether sticking to those resolutions is going to happen.  Or not.

January 6, 2016                  Regular Meeting, featuring an FC practice. 

January 9, 2016                  15th District Annual Work Day at Palestine #158, starting at 9am.

January 11, 2016                College Football Championship Game.

January 16, 2016                Inspection in the FC degree.  Coffee, juice, and doughnuts available prior, with Lodge opening at 10am.

January 18, 2016                Martin Luther King Day               

January 20, 2016                Regular meeting, featuring an EA Initiation. 

February 14, 2016              Valentine’s Day.  Consider this your reminder to make arrangements to show that special someone in your life how much they mean to you.

February 15, 2016              President’s Day. 

March 20, 2016                    Palm Sunday
                                                First day of Spring

March 27, 2016                    Easter

April 8, 2016                         15th District Grand Master’s Reception at 7pm.  Place to be determined.



That’s all we know for now.  Stay warm, and we’ll

See you in Lodge!


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