March Message - 2014
Post date: Mar 19, 2014 11:40:07 PM
In these days of our troubled world when some nations and individuals alike are threatening the very
existence of one another, it is timely and appropriate that we should all reflect on one of the basic precepts
of Freemasonry - the Brotherhood of Man. “Service to others without expectation of reward,” is embodied
as one of the great teachings of Freemasonry. As Masons, we are taught that we cannot live solely for
ourselves, and we are obligated to give thought for the welfare and well-being of others. It is not enough
to do well by one’s self; to be successful in one’s job or profession; to be a good father and husband; to
lead a good faith life. That’s all very well and good, but you must do something more. You must give some
time to your fellow man. Even if it’s only a little thing, do something for those who have need of your help,
something for which you get no pay but the PRIVILEGE of doing it. It is the act done of one’s own free will
and accord that brings the greatest pleasure to the doer.
As Masons, we should always seek to do some good, somewhere, for every may has to find in his own way
to make his own self more noble and to realize his own true worth.
Brethren, these words were penned more than 50 years ago by W.: B.: Robert Korn in our June 1960
McKinley Temple Topics. As I reflect upon his words, I can’t help but to think about the terrific group of
men we have in the Lodge today. Each and every meeting I’m seeing what W.: B.: Korn described in his
Master’s Message...brethren giving of their time to help one another...to serve the Lodge. It is a great
encouragement to me and I want each and every one of you to know that I truly appreciate your efforts.
We may not be the biggest Lodge in the state or have the largest coffers, but we make up for it in Brotherly
Love and a genuine zeal for the Fraternity. Brethren, I urge you to keep up the good work and we will
undoubtedly have a year to remember!
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Ryan Mayrand, P.: M.:
Worshipful Master
Fundraising Committee Report
We are currently working on the selling of “scrips.” For those of you who are not familiar with scrips,
it is a popular fundraising program used by many schools and non-profits. The way it works is that the
Lodge purchases a quantity of gift cards to re-sell. The gift cards range from gas stations to grocery stores,
restaurants to sporting goods stores. There’s no mark-up (the Lodge buys a $25 gift card for $25, sells it
for $25, and the person redeeming it gets $25 of merchandise), but the Lodge receives a percentage of
the sale. Once we get the program set up, you can buy gift cards for things you’re already planning to
spend money on (gas, groceries, etc.) and by doing so, support the Lodge! We’re very excited about this
program.
The Fundraising Committee has also set some dates that we would like all of you to add to your calendars:
• We will only be holding one Fish Fry this year - targeted for the season of Lent. We’ll announce the
date once plans have been finalized with W.: B.: Chris Engel.
• We’re going to try something a little new this year and have two Spaghetti Dinner fundraisers - one on
Friday, October 3rd and another on Friday, November 14th.
• Right on the heels of the November Spaghetti Dinner is the return of the Winter Bazaar (November
15th).
• Our next Fundraising Committee meeting will take place on March 3rd at the Buffalo Wild Wings
restaurant, on Bluemound Rd. at 7:00pm. All are welcome.
Fraternally,
Jim Stone
Fundraising Committee Chairman
Social Committee Report
The 2014 Social Committee started the year off with a successful first event, brunch at Maxim’s on January
19th. We had a respectable turnout of just under than 20 people. Immediately after, our attention turned
to our next event, the wine, cheese, chocolate, and game night. This even required quite a bit more
planning from the committee. I would like to give special thanks to brother Andrew Meyers who took the
lead on getting most of the supplies. We are looking forward to our next event in March, the dinner theater
at the Majestic on 3/9/2014. Contact Zach Fleischmann for details.
At our last committee meeting, the Worshipful Master made it clear that one of our biggest tasks for the
year will be to plan the re-dedication Ceremony. We compiled quite a long list of tasks that need to be
completed before the event but given the commitment already demonstrated by the members of the Social
Committee, we should have no problem pulling together a worthy centennial celebration.
Fraternally,
Zachary Fleischmann
Social Committee Chairman