The Official Publication of the Audubon Park Lodge #272
November 2004
Volume 6, Number9
From the East ...
This is my first "column" as your Worshipful Master. I am humbled and honored
at the faith and trust you have put in me to lead this wonderful Lodge for
the coming year. I wish I felt worthy and ready - but I know with your support
and assistance WE will have a GREAT YEAR.
The Open Installation was a grand event and I want to thank all those who
helped to make it a success. It was a privilege to have PGM MWB Harold Tucker
as Installing Officer. Don't you agree it was special to have the young men
of Empire Chapter Order of DeMolay and the young ladies of Job's Daughters
Bethel #64 participate? When I see these young people involved with the Masonic
affiliated organizations I feel so proud and so convinced there is hope for
our future.
I want to especially thank the Ladies who helped with the reception. My wife
Nancy, Pat Smith, and Kathy Wilson did such a grand job of helping to make
the event special for us all.
You have shown your support for our elected and appointed officers. These
"good men" stood up and said they were willing to accept the mantle of their
new office. I know together we will be able to good - and perhaps even great
things this coming year. We ask that you support us as we move forward this
next year.
I have put together and published a calendar of events - if you didn't get
one at the Open Installation and want one - let me know and I'll get one to
you. I've published all the scheduled events and several tentative ones for
the entire year. It is subject to change but will allow all the Brethren the
opportunity to plan their personal schedules around Lodge activities.
One final comment - if you didn't get the chance to purchase an Audubon Park
Lodge golf shirt last year - please let me know. I'm compiling a list of those
who want one and will get the order placed as soon as all who want a shirt
have ordered one.
Brethren - thanks once again for the faith you have put in me and the other
officers. We sincerely hope we will be able to live up to your expectations.
We will be able to do it - with your help and support.
Chuck Young
Worshipful Master
From the West...
I would also like to thank Doc and Poppy, my fellow clowns from North Idaho
for their trip to make it special for our new Worshipful Master. Aren't those
rocket balloons a hoot? I'm not too sure I will be wearing my nose to all
the stated meetings, but you never know!
As the outgoing (outgone ?) Junior Warden I wish to thanks all that made it
to our Steak Feed, all 35 of you! Quite the turn-out; and no complaints on
how the steaks were cooked! Good luck in the new seat Brother Bill Queen,
and I hope you have as much help as I had while I was there.
Bill Wilson
Senior Warden
I want to thank everyone for attending the Installation of Officers last Wednesday
the 20th. Your presence enhanced the experience of the evening. I will try
to serve the Brethren this year with Dignity and Honor. I am looking forward
to seeing you throughout this coming year.
I thought it might be fun this year to have a "theme" at each of our potlucks.
Example, one month Mexican another Italian and another German etc. So we could
dig deep in our cookbooks and enjoy different dishes each month. I will be
sure and let all of you know in plenty of time so you can "dust off those
cookbooks"…ha ha. As we are having "Dean's Famous Tortilla Soup" for November's
potluck, possibly we could have some Mexican cornbread and some Mexican desserts.
I'm even going to have to use my imagination and cook book on this one! Hope
to see you ALL on November 17, 2004 at 6:30 for Mexican Night!! "Remember
to share your smiles as you never know who might need one"
Bill Queen
Junior Warden
In Other News...
From the Secretary's desk …
Thank you for your vote of confidence. I look forward to another year as secretary.
The 2005 membership cards have been mailed to the life members and a statement
of dues to our dues paying members. If you have not received either please
contact me. It is important to the financial stability of the Lodge that you
return your dues as soon as possible-they are due January 1. The dues this
next year have been reduced to $65.00. This reflects our increase in membership
and will only work if ALL the dues are remitted.
I continue to get mail to some brother returned because the Post office cannot
forward it or I have an incorrect address. Please, Brothers, if you move,
or change mailing address, or pass away-inform the lodge secretary. It is
important that we have an. accurate and up-to-date roster.
With best wishes for a New Year and kindest regards…
Floyd A. Morse
Secretary Audubon Park Lodge No. 272
Renovation Project
It has been a busy summer identifying what was needed for outside improvements
of our building, getting the bids for the work and working with our selected
contractors.
First, the concrete contactor replaced the sidewalk along NW Blvd., the sidewalk
in-front of the lodge (along with leveling the walk with the front steps)
and extending almost out to the curb, installed an apron along the front of
the building and pads near the building corners to direct water runoff away
from the foundation, and installed a patio across the back of the lodge.
Second, the painting contractor painted everything outside that had been previously
painted. We changed the color of the entrances from white and brown to all
white and painted the handrail at the steps white so it was more visible.
Third, a contractor is replacing the windows with vinyl wrapped windows and
wrapping the soffit with aluminum. Our lodge should be easy to maintain in
the future with maintenance free windows and soffit.
The contractors have substantially completed the work, and plan to finish
by November 5, with no unforeseen problems causing delays. Thanks to Brother
Bill Wilson for installing new light fixtures at the entrance.
Brother Allan Jones
Audubon Park Masonic Foundation
Audubon Park Masonic Foundation, investment experience, reflected the general
trends of the financial markets: beginning and ending the period of April
thru Oct. with a balance of a little over $100,000.00. We have not conducted
fund raising events since March and thus have not received additional contributions
over the summer break. We will continue fund raising with our semi-annual
letter, several ball room dances and our annual Corned Beef Dinner in March
2005.
Yes we are very thankful and fortunate to have $100,000 asset base at this
time. And yet our long term goal is $250,000.00 and is greatly needed to meet
the future needs of our Temple Building. Elsewhere please find the action
our officers have taken to do needed repairs, maintenance and improvements.
And, more needs to be done!
You will be receiving the semi-annual voluntary donation and or pledge form
and if you are so inclined to contribute, please consider doing so. The letter
is self explanatory as to the purpose of this letter and or options.
APMF is issuing a "Challenge" to all of you to match or beat a brothers challenge.
A brother is willing to donate his shares of Avista Common Stock, if one or
more brother(s) will donate their Stock, or Bond issues (having value). APMF
is willing to hold, for the long term, issues in its brokerage account. And,
generally the transfer can be made without cost. Please contact Eric Berman
for more information.
BUCKAROO BALL DANCE AND DESSERT: November 13,
2004 (Sat Eve) 7 to 9 pm. Sponsored by W.B. Eric Berman and Lady Anne. The
"theme" is "Country Western" and there will be C & W music as part of the
theme. However the Dance and music will be variety. A number of C & W songs
lend themselves very well to Foxtrot, Waltz, Polka, Swing, Cha-Cha, and etc.
The purpose is to give our Lodge members and community members an activity
to enjoy. Dessert will be "ole fashion pie and ice cream." The net proceeds
will benefit our permanent fund.
Please consider joining us for a "fun filled" evening or consider making a
donation in lieu of. Please email, call or write for information to: W.B.
Eric E. Berman. eeberman@hotmail.com or 509-328-2910 or POB 18678 Spokane
WA 99228.
Fraternally Yours: W.B. Eric E. Berman, Sec.-Treas. APMF.
Famous Masons' Corner
Richard Byrd (1888-1957) Rear Admiral. Polar explorer and pioneer aviator.
Flew over the North Pole in 1926. Member of Federal Lodge No. 1, Wash., D.C.,
1921. He and his pilot, Brent Balchen, q.v. dropped Masonic flags on the two
Poles. In the Antarctic expedition of 1933-35, sixty of the eighty-two members
were Freemasons and on Feb. 5, 1935 established First Antarctic Lodge No.
777 of New Zealand constitution.
Masonic Quiz
Q: What symbolizes the "Rough Ashlar"?
A: The member as yet unpracticed in the arts which he is expected to pursue.
Q: What two Saint John's Days are celebrated by Freemasons?
A: See the December Pillars issue for the answer.
Calendar of Events
November 2004
11/2 Bethel #64 Job's Daughters Meeting 6:00 p.m.
11/10 November Stated Meeting - Honoring Veterans - 7:00 p.m.
11/11 Ivanhoe Chapter #80 - Order of Eastern Star - 7:30 p.m.
11/13 Buckaroo Ball - 7:00 - 11:00 p.m. 11/16 Bethel # 64 Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
11/17 Family Night - " Dean's Famous Tortilla Soup" - 6:30 p.m.
11/23 Temple Board Meeting - 6:00 p.m.
December 2004
12/7 Bethel #64 Job's Daughters Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
12/8 December Stated Meeting - 7:00 p.m.
Officers 2004-2005
Worshipful Master WB Chuck Young
Senior Warden B Bill Wilson
Junior Warden B Bill Queen
Treasure VWB Douglas Tucker
Secretary WB Floyd Morse
Chaplain WB David Ferguson
Marshal B Robert McVicker
Senior Deacon B Allan Jones
Junior Deacon B Barry Rettkowski
Tyler B Rob Queen