GREETINGS FROM THE EAST…

Well, here we go with another year. I hope everyone had a happy Christmas and New Year! What a December!

January has been quite eventful as well. On January 9^th, I was installed as Master of Shiloh Lodge. The following were installed as well.

Larry Broermann – Senior Warden

Jeremy Gerot – Junior Warden

Christopher Younker – Senior Deacon

Joe Hodges – Junior Deacon

Jacob Barna – Senior Steward

Brian Garrison – Junior Steward

James Gathmann – Treasurer

Ken Walker – Secretary

Russ Mason - Tyler

I would like to thank MW Charles Amidon, MW Ivan Vritiska, W Paul Rutherford, and W Kevin Orr for serving as my Installation team. Also, Job’s Daughters Bethel 69 for helping with the greeting table, and handling chairs during the Installation.

A big thank you to Debbie Winslow and Isobel Taylor for running the reception after Installation.

For the new year, there are several events planned that deserve special attention. Sweetheart’s Dinner will be held February 9^th, 6:00 PM at Upstream West, 171^st and Center. Please RSVP as soon as you can. Either call me, or send me an email.

I am planning on holding two fund raisers this year, one in the spring and one in the fall. The spring one will be for the benefit of the Scottish Rite Foundation. The fall one will benefit the Omaha Home for Boys maintenance campaign.

The breakfasts at Village Inn will continue, 1^st Saturday of the month, 8:00 AM, 90^th and Maple.

We will have degree work happening this month. I expect to vote on at least 2 petitions at the business meeting. Everyone should be carrying a petition with them, just in case. I am currently working with a guy at work, who found our website, and wanted to talk. It is possible. Members are out there. Keep trying.

Sincerely,

Matthew Vandergriff

Worshipful Master

Menu for Sweetheart’s Dinner. Please include your choice when RSVP.

Twelve ounce Omaha Steaks New York Strip with Café de Paris Butter $28.25++

Pecan Encrusted Rainbow Trout with Honey-Bourbon Glaze $19.95++

Grilled Chicken Penne Pasta with Red Pepper Cream, Mushrooms, Peppers and Fresh Rosemary $19.25++

Sautéed Chicken Breast with Oven Roasted Shrimp, Tomato Essence, Feta Cheese and Basil $20.50++

Dessert - Raspberry Chocolate Layer Cake $5.50++

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

February 2010

Date Time

3 Builders Club 8:30 am

3 Business Meeting 7:30 pm

4-6 Annual Communication Grand Island

9 Sweetheart Dinner 6:00 pm

Upstream Brewery West

10 EA Degree 7:00 pm

12 Membership Dinner 6:00 pm

SRMC

17 Builders Club 8:30 am

17 FC Degree 7:00 pm

24 MM Degree 7:00 pm

Dinner 6:00 pm

March 2010

Date Time

3 Builders Club 8:30 am

3 Business Meeting 7:30 pm

11 EA School - Mizpah 7:00 pm

13 M&W at Scottish Rite 10:30 am

16 FC School - Papillion 7:00 pm

17 Builders Club 8:30 am

24 MM School - Shiloh 7:00 pm

Brotherly Acts

Stony Point

On the night of July 15, 1779, Americans under General Anthony Wayne successfully stormed Stony Point, on the Hudson River. The British military lodge’s papers and equipment fell into the hands of the American General and Freemason, Samuel H. Parsons, who had them returned to the British Commander at New York, with the following letter:

West Jersey Highlands, July 23, 1779

Bretheren: When the ambition of monarchs or jarring interest of contending States, call forth their subjects to war, as Masons we are disarmed of that resentment which stimulates to undistinguished desolation; and however our political sentiments may impel us in the public dispute, we are still Bretheren, and (our professional duty apart) ought to promote the happiness and advance the weal of each other. Accept therefore, at the hands of a Brother, the Constitution of the Lodge Unity, No. 18, to be held in the 17^th British Regiment, which your late misfortunes have put in my power to restore to you.

“Freemasons for Dummies” Christopher Hodapp