The Official Publication of the Audubon Park Lodge #272

 

December 2005
Volume 7, Number 11

From the East ...

Brothers, it is that time of the year to count our blessings and realize how fortunate we really are. As we sit and enjoy the company of our loved ones in a warm, friendly atmosphere, we should remember the ones that are unable to. Twenty four hours a day, here and abroad the servicemen and women that stand and protect our country need to be remembered. We should remember their loved ones that sit and wait for their safe return, hoping that the next knock on the door isn't bad news of their loved ones. We can all be happy for one of our Brothers whose son, returned from a theater of conflict, is here to celebrate Christmas with his family!

There are those that aren't as fortunate as we are, families that are broken up, those that are homeless, and those that are unable to afford even the basics of life or the luxury of a small gift for their children. We all can do a small bit in making this a bit nicer time of the year for the children of these families. On the 21st of December we will be having our Family Night Pot Luck dinner at the Lodge. For those of you that can, please bring a new, unwrapped, toy with you. I will personally deliver these toys to the Marine Corps Toys for Tots office for distribution to those less fortunate. If you have never seen a more joyful place than this, you should drop by and watch the Marines preparing literally thousands of bags of toys for the kids! The center is 2 blocks East of Division, on the south side of Francis. It is in the old Joann's fabric store, and they are busy all the way up to December 24th!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Happy Holidays to you and yours...

Bill Wilson
Worshipful Master

 

From the West...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the West. As we enter into this Season with a "Huge To Do List" lets remember the "Reason for this Season" We should celebrate His birth and continue to follow that Star in the East as they did many, many years ago. Hopefully through Masonry we can contribute something to our Community this Christmas Season through one form or another. May it be thru help given to a shut-in, food given to the Food Bank or monies donated to help others have a better Christmas. So, as we hustle and bustle through this Christmas Season with our "List of To Do's" lets take the time to remember others that are not as fortunate as ourselves and also take the time to "Remember" what we are Celebrating and to enjoy each other's company in this Holiday of Birth and Renewal. Merry Christmas to each of you and looking forward to 2006!

"Remember to share your smiles as you never know who might need one".

Bill Queen
Senior Warden

From the South...

Everyone attending the November Family Potluck really had a treat. Dean Whittier treated us all to his famous Taco Soup. Everyone really enjoyed it. Thank you Dean, and thanks to Floyd Morse for assisting Dean and for setting up the dining room. A special thanks goes to Chuck Young and Nancy for helping Irene and I with the clean up after the potluck.

Floyd shared some interesting and funny stories with us from his trip to Italy. I know he enjoys reliving those moments so please ask him about them. Floyd said everyone on the trip had a great time.

This month we will share our fellowship and gifts the third Wednesday at 6:30. This will truly be a potluck, so bring whatever you wish. We will not have a theme. Remember, this will be our opportunity to bring a gift for a child. Brother Bill Wilson will provide a barrel for Toys-for-Tots. Please bring a new unwrapped gift for a child and a gift for the gift exchange among us. Keep the gifts for our exchange inexpensive - $10 should be the maximum spent.

I hope you all enjoy the holidays, and Irene and I are looking forward to seeing you Wednesday, December 21, at 6:30PM.

Allan Jones
Junior Warden

In Other News...

From the Secretary's Desk ...

NOTE Dues Notice: A few Lodge Members received notices, indicating dues owed, for past years or year 2005. An automated system for generating dues mailings was keyed incorrectly. The Br's who contacted me were notified of the error. Unless notified otherwise, if you owe dues, it would be for 06. Life Membership cards have been mailed. Please accept our sincere apology if you were inadvertently informed. The 2006 Membership Cards are being processed as dues are received

NOTE Dues Notice: A few Lodge Members received notices, indicating dues owed, for past years or year 2005. An automated system for generating dues mailings was keyed incorrectly. The Br's who contacted me were notified of the error. Unless notified otherwise, if you owe dues, it would be for 06. Life Membership cards have been mailed. Please accept our sincere apology if you were inadvertently informed. The 2006 Membership Cards are being processed as dues are received..

W.Br. Eric E. Berman

Temple Board Report

Our November Stated meeting honored Veterans and was a busy night. Officers not present during the Oct 28th meeting were installed by Worshipful Master Wilson. Allan Jones was installed as the Junior Warden and WB Floyd Morse as the treasure. MW Harold Tucker and Shirley were recognized for their 60th wedding anniversary. A memorial service was held for Fredrick Page. Reports were made for proficiency, sickness and health, the foundation, and building association. Honoring the veterans, Worshipful Master presented "Flanders Fields", SW Bill Queen presented a piece on the history of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and JW Allan Jones presented the history of Armistice Day. November 13, Audubon Park lodge hosted the corner stone installation at the Spokane Veterans Medical Center by the Grand Lodge Team. The ceremony was well attended by lodge member, hospital staff and the public. Attend the next Stated meeting so you don't miss out on the happenings at Lodge.

Just a reminder: to learn more about what is happening in our Lodge visit our webpage at www.audubonpark272.com. The current schedule of activities is posted there.

 

WB Chuck Young

Happening at the Lodge

The October Stated meeting was a very busy night with many reports and announcements. A report on degree work was presented, Brother Cliff Miller being raised to the 3rd degree and Mel Frank received his 1st degree. A reminder was presented about the corner stone ceremony at the VA Medical Center on Nov. 13. The day begins with a luncheon at 11:30, the cost is $7.50. The Grand Lodge will open lodge at noon at Audubon Park lodge. The corner stone ceremony is scheduled to begin at the VA center at 1:30 PM.

The election of officers for the upcoming year was conducted. WB Jerry Treffry presented information about York Rites and that they meet on the 4th Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM in the down town temple. Worshipful Master Chuck Young closed the meeting by thanking everyone for their support.


Audubon Park Masonic Foundation.

Entertainment Books: $30.00. We have sold 10 books and have requested five more. If you need one for yourself or for a Birthday, Anniversary or Holiday Gift (which can be used for a year) please call me to order one.

In all my business and personal travels I have never found a more compassionate, caring and giving individuals then our own members of Audubon Park Lodge. For many years individuals and business persons have given, as they could, of their time, talent and assets. And from the many of us who do care, I want to say: "Thank You." Our Lodge, Temple Building and Foundation are better because of you. "All of us have made a difference."

Wishing each and every one of you: "A Happy Holidays and a Wonderful New Year"

Fraternally Yours: WB Eric E. Berman, Sec-Treas. APMF
Email: eeberman@hotmail.com.

Special Notice - Masonic Generosity

Tom's Turkey Drive for the Second Harvest Food Bank on November 18 - 19 was a success. Districts 27, 33 and Empire Chapter Order of Demolay made an on-air contribution of $1553.00. I received an additional $50.00 on Saturday and that was delivered to the Food Bank. The Lodges and Chapter that were involved should feel very good about what they accomplished. To those that chose not to participate, please reconsider and lend a helping had to the less fortunate. We as Masons have an obligation to our entire community. If not us, then who? The Director of the Food Bank, Tom Sherry and the KREM TV staff had nothing but good things to say about the Masons and the Masonic youth.

Remember our Vision Statement: Freemasons of Washington will be recognized as a relevant and respected fraternity, committed to attracting and retaining all men of high quality who strive for self improvement and the opportunity to make a positive difference in their community.

Thank You,

V.W.B. Dean Heinemann

Deputy of Grand Master for District #27

Famous Masons' Corner
Samuel Gompers (1850-1924) First president of the American Federation of Labor. Member of Dawson Lodge No. 16 D.C., 1904. In 1924 a lodge was named for him Samuel Gompers Lodge No.45, D.C. He said "In my Masonic life I have visited lodges in many countries and I have learned that Freemasonry, in many of those countries, is the principal means whereby freedom of conscience, of thought, expression is preserved."

 

Officers 2004-2005

Worshipful Master     WB Bill Wilson

Senior Warden           B Bill Queen

Junior Warden           B Allan Jones

Treasure                    WB Floyd Morse

Secretary                   WB Eric Berman

Chaplain                    WB Chuck Young

Marshal                      B Robert McVicker

Senior Deacon            B Barry Rettkowski

Junior Deacon            B Rob Queen

Senior Steward -------

Junior Steward -------

Tyler                           B Bob Shives
Grand Junior Warden   RWB Douglas Tucker

 

HOME