Worshipful Masters Message  June, 2008 

Brethren,
As we near the summer solstice and are reminded of our great patrons, the holy saints John, their willingness to stand up and be heard, has inspired me.

On Memorial Day, as I marched with seven of our brethren in the Westport parade, I reflected upon my year so far.

We have tried to balance the priority we have as a blue lodge to make new masons with the understandable wishes of our current brethren, to have short business meetings and extended social functions. This a difficult balancing act and often this year it seems as if we have lost some attendance because of the rigorous degree schedule.

By the time you read this our Junior Warden, Tony Foote, will have successfully completed not only his first EA degree as Master, but he will have also already completed his qualification for Master, the degree and his work having been observed by the district lecturer. We continue to work well together and work for each others' betterment within the Lodge and in our degree work. I am proud of what we have accomplished in this regard.

When I began this year, my motto, and the theme for the year was to "Make Masonry Relevant." As the pipeline of candidates grew I needed to be reminded of my obligation to initiate these good men in good time. However, as I marched down the parade route proudly holding the American flag, I began to wonder, as did the rest of the group, how relevant we are in our home town if only eight of our members were able to march in our hometown parade.

Our Lodge, which was chartered in 1824, has existed in Westport, even before Westport was incorporated. With everything else we do in the Lodge, it seems we have lost our sense of duty to our town. When we are reminded that our Obligations can contain nothing that conflict with our duties to God, our country, our neighbors, or ourselves, we need to remember that our duties to ourselves come after our duties to our neighbors.

When we return from going dim for the summer, Temple Lodge No. 65 of Westport is going to become much more active in our own community. In fact, I am going to require, during the rest of my year that new members of the lodge accompany the officers in the charity work we will be doing. We need to regain our sense of place and begin to give back to our hometown, Westport, CT.

Fraternally,
Wilson Dinielli
Worshipful Master 
  

Notes From The Secretary's Pad

Brethern,
Our year at Temple Lodge No. 65 is 60% over, thoughts now are on summer vacations and fun in the sun. As I stated in the last Trestleboard, have a relaxing summer knowing your lodge dues are paid. As of this date, there are still 30 brothers who have not paid their dues and they will be receiving a letter from me within 30 days. Avoid this added postage by paying your dues today. Please mail to my attention at 150 Lawrence Rd. - Trumbull, CT 06611

I wish ALL the Brothers a safe and happy summer.
Bob Simon
Secretary

Message From the West Gate

Brothers,
Each year we march in the Westport Memorial Day Parade and in keeping with our tradition, we once again marched on Monday. I announced e found the banner, well we lost it again. Undaunted, we nevertheless marched on. It takes about 1 to 1.5 hours to complete our march, most of the time standing around waiting to march, but I always felt it is a great way of reaching out to our community and letting them know who we are. I must say though, we certainly would look a lot better and draw more attention if we had a few more Brothers to march. This is not a tough assignment and everyone should make an effort to attend next year.

This year we sponsored the Boy Scout pretzel sale. The Boys Scouts set up shop in front of the Lodge and used our kitchen to bake the pretzels. Apparently they did very well and were most appreciative of our assistance. Several fathers even came up to thank us and inquire about the lodge. One good deed will hopefully generate another.

After the parade, Bro. Underhill and Mrs. Underhill prepared and served Hot dogs, Coleslaw, potato salad, and cake.

Thank you Bro. George and to all that showed up to help out and march. To those who were unable to come, I ask you
reconsider and at least try next year.
Fraternally,
Bro. Rich Ruggiano
Senior Warden

Message from the South Gate

Brothers,

As the summer creeps in and we move towards the period where we go dim, I am pleased to report that or stewards Frank Caolo and Anthony Guinta have done a magnificent job of looking after our appetites, and with the wonder fulmeals cooked by Mrs. Cuseo, we have all eaten well.

It is with sadness that we will be losing Mrs. Cuseo as our chef. Cooking for fourty to sixty hungry Masons is proving to be an arduous job and she will be retiring from the kitchen. We wish her all the best and I would like to let her know that any time she would like to visit our social functions, she will be very welcome.

By the time this is printed, I will have done my first Entered apprentice degree, sitting in the East. I would like to thank all the brothers that have helped and supported me. In September, Bro. Rich will be sitting as Worshipful Master for a Fellow Craft degree, so let's all give him the same support and encouragement.

The Cinquo de Mayo Evening was a Great Success
The evening officially started at 7:00 pm. and went on to about 10:30 pm as it usually does on a stated communication evening.

The excellent Mexican food ordered by our stewards was delivered at approximately 6:16 pm and arranged on heating trays.

The Lodge was opened at 8:00 pm with Bro. Rich Ruggiano sitting in the East. Lively business was concluded by 8:15 pm and the lodge closed at approximately 8:25 pm. The officers and brothers who attended lodge then returned to the guests in the dining room.

After the lodge meeting, Bro. Charles Falzone gave a very informative lecture and PowerPoint presentation about the history of Tequila, accompanied by a tasting.

Most brothers and guests started to arrive about 6.30 - 7. 30 pm and some arrived after 8 pm. We catered for 40 people and there were about 40+ who attended. There was more than enough food for everyone.

It was a very successful and enjoyable evening, - many thanks to Bro. Frank Caolo and Bro. Anthony Giunta who once again created a magnificent meal and atmosphere.