| Masters Message September 2009 |
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Brethren, As we return to labor from our dim summer (which I hope was anything but dim!), I find it hard to believe that we have but six regular meetings left this year. We have a lot to do in those six meeting, most of it fun, but a bit of business as well. First, is that I am going to propose that we increase the dues for 2010 and beyond to $125 per year from the current $75. I would like to raise it more, and if a brother would like to propose that at the first meeting in September please feel free to bring it to the floor. I know we all are getting tired of the $10 donation we ask for at every dinner. The dues we currently pay provide about $20 per member for the entire year after accounting for Grand Lodge assessments, etc…… While even just a few years ago, we were netting about $40 per member, we are now in the position that we are relying upon the lodge endowment to provide for the majority of our entertainment and dining costs, even after collections etc. The additional $50.00 I am suggesting per year will make a small dent is the budget, and will put off at least for a month or two having Brother and Trustee Steve Bowen call the Master and say, "Slow down, you are going to run out of money!" As for our meetings, we have more than 6 Brothers to make Master Masons before year end. Brother Rich will be performing the Fellow Craft degree for some of these brothers the second meeting in September. We also have Pin Night where our treasurer and PM George Underhill will be receiving his 50-year pin. Let's not forget that we also have our much-loved Scotch night, and finally our annual meeting in December. At the September 10th stated communication, I would like to see as many Brothers attend as possible. We need to assign Brothers to the Christmas/Holiday party Committee, and we need to put together the group who will assist the Stewards for the Scotch night. Additionally, I am going to ask for two Brothers to volunteer to act as additional Junior Stewards for each meeting so we can take some pressure off Brother Giunta, who we overworked at the end of the first half of the year. I look forward to seeing all of you again. We have plenty of work ahead of us, but even more good fellowship ahead. All it is going to take is Brothers coming together. Fraternally, Wilson Dinielli Worshipful Master |
