Masonic Times Article – September 2001

Masonic Times Article – September 2001 Issue

Greetings Brethren,

There are a number of topics, upcoming activities and programs that I would like to address in this communication.

As you know our food stand at the Canal Days Festival, which is held on the first weekend in June, is one of our principal fundraising events. This year we formed a Canal Days committee to make the arrangements for the event. The committee consisted of Brother Brian Bills, Brother Easton "Kel" Kelsey and Brother Greg Ludwig. The committee did a terrific job, lots of Brothers came out to help, and we did very well financially. On top of that it was a lot of fun! I think our chant "Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Sausae…eeege , Brew Fries, Ice-Cold Water, Funnel Cakes (next door)" may actually become legendary! Although this year, we did get some serious competition from the funnel-cake ladies, who put together an impressive jingle. We will just have to wait and see what next year brings.

On a more serious note, it is my sad duty to report the death of our dear Brother, R.W. Gerald "Chick" Becker. Brother Chick was called to join the Great Architect of the Universe on June 20, 2001. A Masonic Service was held for Brother Chick on Saturday, June 23, 2001. R.W. Mike Dox conducted the service. Over thirty Brothers were in attendance to pay their respect to this extraordinary man and Mason. We will miss him.

Our Lodge Trustees have been busy this summer. Our Lodge building is in serious need of repair. They have received quotes for external wall repairs totaling $37,000, and for internal repairs (theater ceiling, drop ceiling in the Lodge and dining rooms, and dining room floor) totaling an additional $37,000. The Trustee committee met with Fairport Village officials in July to investigate the possibilities for grant and low-interest loan programs that may be available to us. Their findings and recommendations will be discussed at our first regularly scheduled Lodge meeting on September 10, 2001.

Our September 10^th meeting will also be the Official Visit from our DDGM William Lindsay. In addition, our Senior Warden, Brother Kermit Moyer, will lead a discussion on the Masonic Child ID program and how we might implement the program in the Fairport/Perinton community.

Our meeting on September 24, 2001 will feature a public presentation and demonstration by Professor David Williams, Director of the Center of Visual Sciences, University of Rochester. In his presentation, entitled: "Optical Illusions and the Mysteries of the Human Visual System," Professor Williams will demonstrate a number of fascinating visual effects and artifacts, while he seeks to unravel the mysteries of human vision. He is an excellent speaker; this will be a great program for "students of all ages"! Please be sure to invite your family and friends. We will also be advertising the event widely in the community through announcements in newspapers and on Cable Channel 12, and by direct mailings to the science teachers in the Fairport/Perinton school district. On September 24, we will open lodge at 7:00 PM, conduct a brief meeting at 7:30 PM, and begin the public presentation at 8:00 PM. Hope to see you there!

I will conclude with a few reminders. We are in the process of updating the e-mail distribution list for the Lodge. If you have not yet done so, please send an e-mail to our Secretary, Brother George Bracht [e-mail address: geobracht@juno.com] so that he can include your address in the Lodge data base. We are also beginning to design a web site for Fairport Lodge. Brother RJ Gillens has graciously volunteered to assist in getting the site up and running. Let me know if you have any suggestions for the site. Finally, as always, if you have any questions, suggestions or comments, or know of a Brother in need of our aid or sympathy, please let me know [phone: 223-2828; e-mail: morrisGM@corning.com]. See you in Lodge!