Merry Christmas!

A Merry Christmas to all.
12/24/2013

Time to have...

... a little fun. Tonight is the annual Grand Lodge Officers Holiday party. This year held in Dearborn (yup I get to pick time and place). The officers of the Grand Lodge had a nice supper and gift exchange. Thank you to the men and women of the Grand Lodge for everything you do! 12/13/2013

Investment time

Lest we forget, there is a business side to the Grand Lodge. Tonight was the combined Investment committee and Finance committee meeting.It is an amazing opportunity the be at the head of the table for this group. This year the members of these committees are truly an all star team. We are making great progress.
12-11-2013

It is that time again...

... no not Holiday time, Installation time. We are between the St. Johns days and the Grand Master gets busy (busier?) Tonight was Wabon #305 in Mt. Pleasant Michigan. Congratulations to the newly installed Lodge Officers and  to the Mason of The Year.

Mason of the Year

Look who I found

I enjoy some traditions 

12-06-2013

It is magic

I am amazed every month. The Masonic Temple Association in Lincoln Park does such a great job of holding up the building. What a talented group of men. There is a dedication here that is beyond compare. 12-05-2013

that'll teach him

...to answer his phone. The Grand Chaplin eagerly agreed to accompany me on today's travels. We met at 11AM and off we went, first was a trip to Alma and the Masonic Pathways. While we were there we would blessed to be a part of the residents holiday party in the Doig Chapel. What a show! A group of five year old children kicked it off, what great singers. Their energy was phenomenal, they wore me out just watching them. I needed a nap. Taking the stage next was a Sweet Adeline group. Kudos to staff for planning a great event. The residents raved about the day (and food). Yes, while we were there I sneaked to the Grand Lodge office and got some work completed.

I need a nap just watching this group!

Next stop Attica Imlay Lodge. We were able to share supper with these brothers. We also attended the annual installation of officers. AND the best part was being able to present a service pin for 75 years. Yes 75 years, it doesn't get any better than that. We shared supper with the recipient, over supper I asked him what he did today. Drivers license renewal - He is going to be 98 on December 27th. What a guy!

75 years a Mason - 

12-02-2013

Roseville

12-02-2013 Dad B asked me to attend a DeMolay meeting in Roseville. What Dad B says goes so away I go to Roseville. A lesson in Government was is store for me and for the young men. They did a great job! I was able to speak to the Young men and advisors and answer all their questions. These young men are not shy. I was able to spend time in the private (you know, can I talk to you?) conversations too. I try to make sure everybody has a swing.

twas the night...

11-27-2013 before Thanksgiving and I called a Grand Lodge Board of Directors meeting. No one said a negative thing. AND we got a lot completed. I think it is important to meet as a Board consistently. My thanks to the members who accommodate my schedule.. I could report the Lansing Lexington has completed the change to Crowne Plaza -

Are you kidding...

11-23-2013
It has been six months almost to the day since this phase of the journey began. Today was a meeting of the arrangements committee for this Masonic years Annual Communication. We as a committee were making the finite plans for the week in May when the Baton gets passed to the next guy. The discussion focused on timing, meals, hotel arrangements and the details necessary to make the four days in May a great event and uneventful at the same time. As Brian said the committee job is such that my contribution will be "just arrive" they will handle the details. I believe him.

I wish I could...

11-20-2013
Tonight is the Memorial service and awards night at Trenton-Wyandotte Lodge #8. My part of the evening was to present service pins. The cool thing was one of the recipients was a long time friend and mentor. Jon was a line officer in Wyandotte #170 all those years ago when I came into the craft. He spent countless hours with me, teaching me the ritual (yup, the long way) protocol, floor work and so much more. Was he the only man who helped me? Of course not. He was the only one of those men who I got to pin a forty year pin on at this event.
You see Jon moved away ten years ago or so. He only came to get the pin because the Grand Master was presenting. I wonder what was going through his head? This men-tee who struggled so with the lectures, now Grand Master. We were close because we spent time together, a lot of time.
For my part I wish I could "can" the feelings I had this evening. Somehow explain to the craft and especially the young members, this is how it should work.

Great Strides -

11-19-2013
Tonight is the meeting of the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation. I am really proud of this group of men. The Board has matured as a Board and began to gel this year. The combined effort of the members and the Executive Director  have made great strides towards being more business like and carrying on the Charitable mission. There are some great projects coming out of this group, stay tuned.

Could take some getting used to ...

11/14 Tonight's trip is to the jewel of Michigan Masonry. Masonic Pathways hosted a Grand Master's reception. The Grand living room was full of residents enjoying desserts and chatting. I was blessed to renew old friendships and make some new ones. I am thankful these residents made time in their day to visit with me. This was a great night!

Sunday?

11/10 - WTH? Well anyway if this is Sunday, this must be Brighton. I am at DAD Training to become certified to teach this class. This is right up my alley, love to teach.

The Clown

11/09 - Second event today was a tribute dinner for Bob Haffner. The Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation honored Bob for his service to Masonry. It was fun to hear the stories presented by Bob's friends and family. For my part I have known Bob through the Valley of Detroit for a long time and he was always a gentleman and Great Mason.

LOH -

11/09 - Today begins (Masonic) with a trip to the Downtown Masonic Temple to take part in the Legion of Honor Investiture. The Legion of Honor is the highest award that DeMolay International can give to an adult. I was able to convince the State Executive Officer that I should be a part of the ceremony. I was blessed to be the Marshal for the ceremony where our friend William LeVeque was honored.

MTA--Yeah!

11/07 - The monthly meeting of the Lincoln Park Masonic Temple Association. This is one of the most dedicated groups I serve with. It boarders on miracle that they can hold up the old barn. Kuddos guys!

Elections -

11/05 Election night in Lincoln Park Ionic #539. The night begins with the finance committee meeting followed by the meeting in the Lodge room. We were successful in electing a full line of moving officers. I look forward to a very productive year from the Lodge.

Six steps...

11/04 I was able to attend one of Bob Conley's mentoring classes. This one happened to be in one of my home Lodges. Trenton-Wyandotte #8 hosted the event and had a great attendance.  Several Lodges were represented and I am sure they will benefit from my mentors information.

Thank you Joy!

11/02 Today's second event was a dinner to celebrate the retirement of my dear friend Joy Graves. Joy and I have a lot of history. She was the Director of the Children's Learning Center in Detroit. The Learning Center provides help for Children with Dyslexia free of charge. Joy has been with our Center for over fourteen years and boy do we have history. I was the Chairperson of the Board for several years in the early years and actually asked Joy to join our project. There was the trips to Pennsylvania for conferences there was the build out of the space at 500 Temple, then in Dearborn and finally at 907 Monroe. There was the trip Ric Testasecca and I made to Lexington to bring back desks and other office equipment for the Center. The countless trips to Scottish Rite clubs asking for help. AND Barbie, never forget Barbie.

The kids...

11/02 Honoring Day- Over the years the Masonic youth groups have held days to honor the Grand Master of Masons in Michigan. It has morphed into a single day event with all three groups performing their choice. They can do a degree if they choose or do a presentation. Throw in lunch and it is a great day!
Thank you so very much!

  

Quick fire...

11/01 - Tonight was the night for a Festive Board with any proceeds to go to the George Washington Masonic Memorial   http://gwmemorial.org/ . Whether the event raised any money or not the event raised awareness among our craft. It was truly a first class event hosted by our own PGM Walt Wheeler.

It's time to light the lights...

10/26 It is magic. Reunion day in the Valley of Detroit is magic. We get to see Brothers we only see twice a year, the comradeship is simply amazing. AND we get to dress up and put on wigs and makeup without judgement. It is a good day. By the way the actors knocked it out of the park. It was the very best day.

Sorry boss...

10/24 Dress for the 32nd degree, we stunk up the place. The Director was so angry he couldn't put a whole sentence together. He was one angry man. I hope this comes together and soon.

GLO - BOD

10/23 - The Board meets at the Lansing Lexington err Crown Plaza to conduct the business of Grand Lodge. The Leadership team this year is the very best. The hard work is made much easier by these guys.

Dress Rehearsal week -

10/22 Dress for the 18th degree. It really doesn't get much better. There were some technical challenges in the booth. The cast did well, looking forward to a great show.

Lunch time - -

Twice every year the Knights of Rose Croix break bread together. Today was that day. Our tradition is to meet the Saturday before every Reunion in the Valley of Detroit at Miller's Bar in Dearborn. This provides a great opportunity to walk down memory lane and tell lies. All the stuff men do when they are left to their own devices. Today was no different -

I will be darned...

Thursday night, this must be Alma. The Executive Director of the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation hosted a social event/get together. The senior staff from all three corporations were in attendance. The Grand Lodge of Michigan. Michigan Masons   The Pathways staff (formerly the Masonic Home) Pathways and the Charitable Foundation Foundation were all represented and I dare say all had a good time.
I must admit I was not a fan of this event. I promised Walt Wheeler I would come and behave. It was a great event! Walt did a great job!

18..

Tuesday - another rehearsal. I think these guys will get it. They may, just may push the director over the edge.

West is Best...

Monday night finds the Grand Chaplin and me in Grand Rapids. We are meeting with the men who run the Grand Rapids Temple. We are there on behalf of the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation. We are collecting number relevant to the Museum and Library - the boring stuff, rent, square footage, triple nets (the stuff I love). We had a great visit. If you have not please make time to get to the Museum and Library and visit. Check it out on FaceBook   Museum Library Facebook  

32nd degree

Thursday night finds us at another rehearsal, this one for the 32nd Degree. The Pinnacle of Scottish Rite reunions. The start studded cast is coming together really well. Should be a good show. Rehearsal are simply the most fun one can have. The fellowship is phenomenal and the laughing or the laughing. Good day to be a Scottish Rite Mason.

Makins!

Left the Foundation retreat and went across the State to Flint to attend the State Master Councilor reception. This event was fantastic! It is a great way to recognize the young man who is the State head of DeMolay. All the youth groups are in great shape with great leaders. I feel great about them.
AND no I did not Boogie ...

Always happy...

To get a chance to learn something. This weekend was the annual Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation retreat. While obscene traffic kept me from the Friday dinner, Saturday was a fantastic day. The morning we learned a lot about non-profits, the giving side and the board side. The make-up of a non-profit board is vastly different from our current model, yikes! I was pleased to have some myths dispelled on the giving side.I look for this board to re-tool and do great things.

Masonic Temple Association...

Once a month on the first Thursday after the first Tuesday, confused, yeah me too. I am always hayen to get it right. ANYWAY on that night the Masonic Temple Association in Lincoln Park meets to chart the course for maintaining the building. Thursday was the night. Good stuff, there are some great projects behind and more great projects on the way.

Rose Croix...

Second rehearsal under our belt. The director is getting easier to get along with (: We must be doing better.This cast is a great group of men. This cast is a big part of the Rose Croix family. I am eager for the lights to go up

Toasters everywhere...

Saturday begins with the reception for the Grand Marshal . Mark Manning had a great reception at a lovely place. His committee knocked it out of the park. It was a great time and great fellowship.We welcome Mark and Linda Manning to the Grand Family.

Mike will get even

I wonder? 

 Presents for the Grand Marshal. What could be in these packages?

Great crowd 

They line up to honor Mark

Wireless - 

love these guys...

Friday night - CC Reeves Installation for DeMolay. These young men had a full house to watch the new corps of officers be installed in Lincoln Park. It simply doesn't get any better than this. The right thing to do.
The Youth Groups in Michigan are the best of the best.

The Boss is here!

The Guys (and a couple of old guys)

Mr Smith is amused.

Justin Long being installed as MC

GWA Robyn Miller of Michigan Rainbow

When B talks, we listen

nothing to say here - 

Grumpy!

Cross of Honor - Investure

Great remarks from the GWA

uh huh

The SMC does his thing

Installed and now remarks

Grumpy and T receive Hall of Fame