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.