Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

To all of my Masonic Brethren and their families, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year.  I hope that all of your days are filled with the love of family and friends and that the New Year finds you in good health and happiness.  In the words of Tiny Tim, "God Bless us, every one!"

Sharing is Caring

2011 Caribou Kettle Campaign

Each year Caribou, Washburn, and Limestone Lodges team up together to ring the bell for the Salvation in Caribou.  In 2011 we continued that tradition with several brethren volunteering their time to make the event happen. 

December 10th was the first weekend for ringing the bell and although many brothers volunteered for shifts it was a bit of a challenge as Grand Lodge had a special communication in Bangor, where they voted 263 to 233 to move the Grand Lodge of Maine from Portland to Holden. With a  number of Grand Lodge officers being from District One it did deplete the pool a little for bell ringing.

December 10th and 17th also proved to be very different weeks for temperatures with the 10th reaching highs near 40 degrees and the 17th with lows at -2 degrees.  Fortunately for everyone neither week had much for winds to report.

I personally would like to thank all of the brethren who participated in ringing the bell, but particularly Greg Anderson who in addition to volunteering for a shift on each weekend also volunteered to pick up the kettles and drop them off again in Presque Isle.  I must also thank Mack Haines for taking two shifts it was very helpful.

I look forward to next year and the memories that I cherish from doing this.  Merry Christmas to all and Happy New Year!!!

 

Caribou Lodge Drapes it Charter for Vernon Blackstone

Vernon A Blackstone

Date of Death: 2011-12-15 Caribou- Vernon Augustus Blackstone,76, Caribou businessman and community leader, died December 15, 2011, after a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer. He was born on his family’s farm in Caribou December 10, 1935, the son of the late Earl Augustus and Alice May (Thomas) Blackstone. He was a 1953 graduate of Caribou High School, and in 1965, received a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture Business and Economics from the University of Maine at Orono. Subsequently, he also completed a number of courses related to financial and estate planning. He married K. Judith (Alcott) Blackstone, formerly of Winthrop, on September 1, 1961. Mr. Blackstone worked for ten years for the American Farm Bureau Federation in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut. In 1975, he purchased and built a home on the Caribou farm that once belonged to his grandfather Fred J. Blackstone, Sr. That same year he established Blackstone Associates, an insurance and financial planning firm. Mr. Blackstone was also a member of the US Army Reserves, and proceeded through the enlisted ranks to a direct commission as a First Lieutenant in the Civil Affairs Branch. Active in community affairs, Mr. Blackstone was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Caribou Utilities District from 1993-1998, and 2003, serving as a President and Treasurer; a member of the Capital Improvement Committee for the City of Caribou; and he was elected to the Marlborough (CT) Board of Education from 1971 to 1975, serving as chairperson for two years. He was a lifelong Republican and actively supported a number of candidates for local, state and national office. A longtime member who held a number of leadership positions in the United Methodist Church, Mr. Blackstone was also a 51 year Life Member of Caribou Masonic Lodge No. 170 AF&AM (Scottish Rites through and including the Shrine); and an active member of the Caribou Lions Club since 1975, serving as President from 1984-85 and as Master of Ceremonies for the Annual Sportsman’s Banquet for 12 years. Last summer, he was presented with the Melvin Jones Award, the highest recognition a Lions Club can bestow on a member. Mr. Blackstone was involved with the founding and promotion of Camp Adventure in its outreach to children living with diabetes, and was Northeast District President of the YMCA from 1977-1985. He served as President of the Aroostook County Life Underwriters Association, a board member of the Maine Association of Life Underwriter, and as national committee member of the National Association of Life Underwriters in 1979. As a business owner, Mr. Blackstone was active in “Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserves” (ESGR), and was awarded membership in Honorable Order of Saint Barbara by the 152nd Field Artillery Army, National Guard for outstanding services rendered to the ESGR program. While in high school, Mr. Blackstone served as President of the Future Farmers of America, elected a Chapter Farmer, and was awarded a Community Citation in 1953 by the Caribou Chamber of Commerce for service to the community by a young leader. Mr. Blackstone was recognized throughout Maine and Maritime Provinces as a breeder of outstanding Airedale terriers, and was active in Airedale Rescue, the Airedale Terrier Club of America, and the Sunshine Airedale Club of Florida. Surviving in addition to his wife Judith, of Caribou, are his sons the Rev. Dr. Thomas L. Blackstone and his wife Lynn of Augusta and Jon V. Blackstone and his wife Dawna of Shirley; his grandchildren Alexander T., Patrick J., and Laura A. Blackstone of Augusta, and Ian D. and Wyatt J. Blackstone of Shirley; his siblings Earlyne Blackstone of Saco, Barbara Anguish and her husband John of Brunswick, Joyce Churchill and her husband Robert of Fort Fairfield, Roger and his wife Catherine of Winthrop, and Dr. Phyllis Blackstone of Farmington; his brother-in-law Ladd G. Alcott of Mesquite, NV; his parents-in-law Gordon W. and Amelia D. Alcott of Winthrop; and his Airedale terrier Nicholas. He was predeceased by a sister Ruth M. Cumberland, a nephew Scott Blackstone. A celebration of Vernon Blackstone’s life will be held at the Bessie Gray Memorial United Methodist Church, Caribou December 28, 2011 at 1pm with Rev. Ron Chaffee, officiating. Following the service all are invited to visit with the family  for a time of continued fellowship and refreshments in the church dining area. A private interment will be held at a later date. Friends who wish to contribute in Mr. Blackstone’s honor may do so though the Shiners’ Hospitals for Children or another charity of one’s choice. “It is always a shock when a mighty oak begins to sway…” (A. Alcott) send a private condolence

Anything is Possible if we work together

Brethren,

I received an email from Br. Gerry Drake that told a story of one man's determination to get a big job done.  I thought you would enjoy it as well.   Thanks Gerry!!

  News report from Bruno , NE In 1981, Herman Ostry and his wife,   Donna, bought a farm a half mile outside of Bruno , Nebraska , a small community sixty miles west of Omaha .. The property had a creek and came with a barn built in the 1920's. The barn floor was always wet   and muddy. When the creek flooded in   1988, the barn ended up with 29 inches of water covering the floor. That   was the last straw.. Ostry needed to move it to higher ground.

He   contacted a building moving company and was discouraged by the bid. One   night around the table, Ostry commented that if they had enough people   they could pick the barn up and move it to higher ground.. Everyone   laughed.

A few days later, Ostry’s son Mike showed his father some calculations. He   had counted the individual boards and timbers in the barn and estimated   that the barn weighed approximately 16,640 pounds. He also estimated that a steel grid needed to move the barn would add another 3,150   pounds, bringing the total weight to just under 10 tons. He figured it would take around 350 people with each person lifting 56 lbs. to move   the barn.

The   town of Bruno , Nebraska was planning its centennial celebration > in late   July of 1988. Herman and Mike presented their barn moving idea to the   committee. The
committee decided to make it part of their   celebration.

So, on July 30, 1988, shortly before 11 a.m., a quick test lift was successfully made. Then, as local television cameras and   4,000 people from eleven states watched, 350 people
moved the barn 115 feet south  and 6 feet higher up a gentle slope and set it on its  new foundation.

The reason most people think that something cannot be done is because they know that they can’t do it by themselves. But impossible things can be done if we join together in the task. Working together, we can not only move barns, but change the world.

A Famouse Mason on this date

November 18, 1928 

On this date Brother Walt Disney Creator of Mickey Mouse and founder of Disneyland and Walt Disney World had his character Mickey Mouses screen debut in "Steamboat Willie," It was the world's first fully-synchronized sound cartoon, which premiered at the Colony Theatre in New York.

THE GRAND LODGE OF MAINE

As you may be aware, the Grand Lodge of Maine has been working to relocate their administrative offices out of its current location in Portland.  A great resource has been posted online at www.mainemason.org   Please feel free to review the entire six page outline for more details.

However, here is a synopsis of some of the points made.

"There are several important reasons why a move away from the current building is being
discussed for the Grand Lodge Administrative Offices:"

•  Membership in Maine Masonry has been dwindling for many years.
•  RENT - The building at 415 Congress Street is NOT OWNED by Grand Lodge.
•  Sadly, this hundred-year old building has seen few major renovations during the past century.
• The plumbing or heating will eventually need to be brought ‘up to code’ standards of today.
• The Portland Temple Associates are in a weak cash position because of;
• 2006 - 2007 embezzlement
• the down economy
• Freemasonry’s numbers decrease resulting in fewer sources of new revenue.

The Grand Master – in his role as Chairman of the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation – appointed a Site Selection Committee consisting of both MMCF Trustees and other Masons from around the state to examine all of the various proposals and ideas relative to moving the Grand Lodge Administrative Offices and to make a recommendation as to how to proceed.

Merrill Bank Building in Holdon, ME

This committee weened the potential locations to five and included the Masonic Temple in Bath, a former credit union building in Pittsfield and a former Merrill Bank building in Holden and current building in Portland for comparison.  The committee ultimately proposed to the Maine Masonic Charitable Foundation that a building in Holden at the corner of Route 1A and Route 46 – be purchased for the purpose of housing the Library and Museum and to allow the rental of space by Grand Lodge for their Administrative Offices.

The assessed value of the building was $649,000. The asking price was $379,000 and the ultimate sales price was negotiated at $300,000.  There were many reasons for selecting this particular building in this particular location.

• It is a reasonably new building, 19 years old. 
• It has just under 3,000 sq. ft. at ground level
• another 3,000 sq. ft. dry and accessible basement for records storage, meeting rooms, etc. 
• the 800 sq.ft. drive-thru area is part of the footprint and could be used for future expansion.
• It is propane heated and has built-in air conditioning. 
• A fire department hydrant is on the property. 
• It is in a VERY visible location, right along the route to Bar Harbor.
• It will result in a savings to Grand Lodge in the first year of $12,500.
• NO increase in per-capita tax as a result of this action is anticipated.  
• Within a 30 minute drive there are about 15% more Maine Masons than the Portland location.

 The full update, again on www.mainemason.org, provides more details and some great Q&A for your consideration.

One of Aroostook's Heroes!!

I don't know if Mr. Dahlgren was a Mason or not but when you read his story you will understand why his story is here.  This story should be taught in our schools and we should all be proud that this man walked amongst us.

Edward C. Dahlgren

WWII Medal of Honor Winner

Rank and organization: Second Lieutenant (then Sergeant), U.S. Army, Company E, 142d Infantry, 36th Infantry Division.

Place and date: Oberhoffen, France, 11 February 1945.

Entered service at: [Caribou], Maine.

Born: Perham, Maine. G.O. No.: 77, 10 September 1945.

Citation: He led the 3d Platoon to the rescue of a similar unit which had been surrounded in an enemy counterattack at Oberhoffen, France. As he advanced along a street, he observed several Germans crossing a field about 100 yards away. Running into a barn, he took up a position in a window and swept the hostile troops with submachine gun fire, killing 6, wounding others, and completely disorganizing the group. His platoon then moved forward through intermittent sniper fire and made contact with the besieged Americans. When the 2 platoons had been reorganized, Sgt. Dahlgren continued to advance along the street until he drew fire from an enemy-held house. In the face of machine pistol and rifle fire, he ran toward the building, hurled a grenade through the door, and blasted his way inside with his gun. This aggressive attack so rattled the Germans that all 8 men who held the strongpoint immediately surrendered. As Sgt. Dahlgren started toward the next house, hostile machinegun fire drove him to cover. He secured rifle grenades, stepped to an exposed position, and calmly launched his missiles from a difficult angle until he had destroyed the machinegun and killed its 2 operators. He moved to the rear of the house and suddenly came under the fire of a machinegun emplaced in a barn. Throwing a grenade into the structure, he rushed the position, firing his weapon as he ran; within, he overwhelmed 5 Germans. After reorganizing his unit he advanced to clear hostile riflemen from the building where he had destroyed the machinegun. He entered the house by a window and trapped the Germans in the cellar, where he tossed grenades into their midst, wounding several and forcing 10 more to surrender. While reconnoitering another street with a comrade, he heard German voices in a house. An attack with rifle grenades drove the hostile troops to the cellar. Sgt. Dahlgren entered the building, kicked open the cellar door, and, firing several bursts down the stairway, called for the trapped enemy to surrender. Sixteen soldiers filed out with their hands in the air. The bold leadership and magnificent courage displayed by Sgt. Dahlgren in his heroic attacks were in a large measure responsible for repulsing an enemy counterattack and saving an American platoon from great danger.

THANK YOU - Veterans Day

 Brethren,
It goes without saying that we owe a debt of gratitude to all of our Veterans who served to maintain our freedoms.  On this Veterans Day please remember them in your thoughts and prayers and thank them if you can.  Here is a video tribute to our brave men and women in Uniform.


I know many of you served and it was one of our veteran brethren who inspired me with an email to put up this post.  I thank you for your service on behalf of your lodge and Masonic Brothers.


There will be a Veterans Day Ceremony held at the Caribou Veterans Cemetery starting at 11:00 am and lasting for about an hour.  All are welcome and I encourage you to bring your kids and grand kids and try to instill in them the important sacrifices that these fallen heroes have made.  I will close with a link to the Caribou Masonic Lodge Facebook page where you can view a video that Ivan Shaw sent me.  This is video shot on Hawaii on VJ day and is absolutely wonderful, I hope you enjoy.  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caribou-Masonic-Lodge-170-AF-AM/154897857928542

#1 District Meeting - Be a Winner!!

On Saturday October 22, 2011 Caribou lodge served as the host lodge for the District #1 Annual Meeting.  The evening opened at 6:00pm with a potluck supper, followed by the meeting at 7:00pm.  As usual the cooks of

The Dining hall filled up rather Quickly

district one put on quite the spread with each of the eight lodges providing some unique and new flavors along with many of our potluck favorites.

In planning the event RW Neil Haines was confident that we would see attendence near eighty people.  This however posed a bit of a challenge for our lodge logistically as our dining room can only seat about forty people comfortably.  Therefore on Friday night a few of the brothers and their families got together and did some preparation.  This included setting up enough tables and chairs to seat an additional 54 individuals in the lodge hall.  With all of the preparations in place and additional food at the ready, our District Deputy appeared to

Overflow dining in the Lodge hall

have everything under control.  Now the big question was how many would show up.

The evening was very successful with eighty-two people in attendance.   There was plenty of good food and even more laughs and fellowship.  Seven of the eight lodges in District #1 were represented at the event, although all eight lodges did contribute to the effort, which was much appreciated.

Caribou lodge was very pleased to receive our Most Worshipful Grand Master Louis Greenier along with his Suite of officers back into his home lodge for the evenings events.  Some of the members of the Suite traveled from as far away as Lubec and south of Portland.

After receiving the Grand Master and his Suite, those in attendance were led in an opening prayer and the

Wor. Bob Ellinwood and RW Neal Haines

Pledge of Allegiance and then the gavel was turned over to DDGM Neal Haines who provided a wonderful program for all.  Neal started off by explaining much of what the district has been involved in, over the last year.  Including a new lodge hall being dedicated in Fort Kent and a major renovation to Monument Lodge in Houlton.  He discussed the Chips programs, Books for Bikes, Masters & Wardens, the Mentoring Program, and the breakfasts at the Veterans Home in Caribou.  He then in turn brought up brethren from each of these programs to provide a more detailed outline of the activities within the district.   This was highlighted by a representative of the Veterans Home that provided the group with an overview of the facility and the activities that they provide for the residents.  It was surprising to me that the Caribou Veterans Home has a waiting list of over ninety people on it waiting to get in. The floor was then given to Worshipful Bob Hancock who gave an often touching and yet comical tribute to first our Grand Master and then our District Deputy Grand Master.  He concluded his time by recitation of a wonderful poem which he dedicated to RW Haines.

The Gavel was then passed to M.W. Greenier who spoke about the Grand Lodge of Maine and the importance of the support we receive from our wives to do the good works that we do.  He then invited his wife to the East who gave a nice talk explaining the significance of the "Little Blue Slipper" pins that many of the wives were wearing.  The Grand Master then had several of his suite come up and provide information about some of the activities going on at the State level.  One of the most interesting bits of information that was provided was that Grand Lodge is in negotiations to purchase a building in Holdon, ME to serve as the New home form the Grand Lodge of Maine.  The final speaker for the evening was RW Richard Rhoda who provided an interesting history of the District #1 Lodge that was almost but never formed on Loring AFB back in the 1950s.  MW Greenier then closed Caribou Lodge in Piece and Harmony around 8:30pm.

Here are a few more pictures from the evening for you to enjoy.

Freemasonry & Mixed Martial Arts - Aprons, Black belts, and Secret Handshakes

I know that this entry is going to make many of you (John) shake your heads in disbelief but give it a chance I think it will make sense.  In my travels online I came across a picture of a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fight that was televised on HDNet this summer.  I admit to being a fan of MMA, especially on
late nights when I have the TV to myself.  If you look at the trunks of the fighter of the left, specifically at his left leg you will see the Square and Compass.

This was very intriguing to me, and immediately brought me to think about how the Masons need publicity like this.  Something sexy like the MMA will promote the organization and entice new members to join.  With excitement I did a quick Google search for; "Masonry, Mixed Martial Arts" and I came up with the following article.

Freemasonry & The Martial Arts - Michael Schiavello   You can click on this link and read the entire article, if you wish.

As I began to read it, my mind was swirling with thoughts of MMA fellowship nights that might be appealing to younger men.  But as I read it, I came to realize that the author was not suggesting MMA as a means of promoting Masonry.  Instead he pointed out that the similarities between Martial Arts and Masonry were numerous and he took both very seriously. He compared the Lodge Hall to a Dojo, our Apron to a Black belt, and our working tools to weapons.  But when I read "As any martial artist will tell you, martial arts is not merely about kicking and punching, just as Masonry is not about secret handshakes and passwords" I began to think more about the big picture and what Masonry meant to me.  Why did I join Masonry and more importantly why did the author join.  Fortunately he tells us; "as to why I wanted to become a Mason. This is what I answered: I once read a quote that Freemasonry makes good men better. I like to think that I am a good man but if there is a way to make me a better man, and that way is Freemasonry, then I want to be a part of it.”  

The author concludes the article with, "Just as martial arts is not just about kicks and punches (though they do play a major part), so Freemasonry is not about secret handshakes, signs and words (though they also play a part). Both martial arts and Freemasonry’s biggest similarity is, in my opinion, that both are designed to build character, develop the “Budo” spirit of martial arts and the “perfect ashlar” that is the Freemason’s aim, and make us all round better human beings."

So how do we get that word out to perspective members and successfully explain to them what we do and entice them to join?  I guess by striving to become better ourselves and offering the same to those worthy candidates who want to become a better men.


But just maybe... a Mixed Martial Arts demonstration by our DDGM at Saturday's  District Meeting wouldn't hurt either Neal.  "BE A WINNER!!!"

Draping the Charter

A. Atwood "Bud" Anderson 

  |   Visit Guest Book

CARIBOU and CLEARWATER, Fla. - A. Atwood "Bud" Anderson, 93, died Sept. 12, 2011, in Clearwater, Fla. He was born Oct. 13, 1917, in Caribou, son of Arthur and Alma Anderson. Upon graduating from Caribou High School, he became a postal carrier. Bud enlisted in theArmy in 1943. He served in Army postal units in France and England during World War II. In England, he met and married Evelyn "Joan" Holder of Chippenham on Victory in Europe Day, May 7, 1945. While living in Caribou, Bud cleared the land at Madawaska Lake on which he and Joan built a summer camp. Bud became Caribou postmaster in 1954 after serving more than a decade as a clerk. He was a longtime member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church and a third degree Mason. He was a member and president of Lions Club. He was also a Shriner and a member of Caribou Country Club. Upon Bud's retirement, he and Joan wintered in Florida and summered at Madawaska Lake. Survivors include two sisters, Josephine Hills of Ocean Park and Carol Hills of Massachusetts; several nieces and nephews. A celebration of Bud and Joan's lives will be held 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 18, at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Caribou. Contributions in Bud's memory may be made to St. Luke's Episcopal Church, Caribou; or Church of the Good Shepherd Discretionary Fund, 639 Edgewater Drive, Dundee, FL 33838.

Bud Anderson was raised in Caribou lodge in November 1947.

Members recognized for Decades of Service

Caribou lodge has been fortunate of late to be able to recognize members of the lodge for their years of service.  At our October Stated meeting we once again were able to show appreciation to three of our outstanding members.  

Wor. Wendell Spooner and Wor. James Bell

Celebrating Forty years of membership in Caribou lodge Wor. James Bell was recognized by Wor. Wendell Spooner who also presented him with his 40 year pin.  Spooner the top signer on Bells application and the Master who raised him, went on to share the stories of Jim as he first joined the Brotherhood.  Then Jim spoke about the Masons and his efforts with the Boy Scouts of America.  Jim believes that the two organizations share many of the same values and that Masonry should look to become more aware of Boy Scouts as a possible feeder organization.

The floor was then turned over to the Most Worshipful Grand Master Louis Greenier who presented Dale Dee and Gary Richards with their Fifty year Veterans Medals. 

DDGM Haines, Dale Dee, Gary Richards, and MW Greenier

Both men were very pleased to receive their medals and gave brief comments to the lodge about their experiences in Masonry and Caribou lodge.  Photos were taken Br. Ivan Shaw and the lodge returned to its routine business. 

Festive events like this are great to celebrate but they also get me thinking.  In each case, these three men care enough about the Fraternity to maintain their membership but have become less active than they once were.  Caribou lodge currently has 111 members, and this theme is a fairly common occurrence.  Now I expect that this is being experienced amongst many lodges but how do we fix it?  I understand that members become less active for a number of very good reasons, but it would be good to understand if their is anything the lodge could do to entice them to return to a more active role.  If you have any suggestions please let me know with an email at cariboulodge@gmail.com .  In the mean time I want to thank all of the members of Caribou lodge for your years of effort and hope that we can see you soon at one of our stated meetings.

Thoughts about the Fraternity from the 19th Century

“A real Freemason is distinguished from the rest of Mankind by the uniform unrestricted rectitude of his conduct. Other men are honest in fear of punishment which the law might inflict; they are religious in expectation of being rewarded, or in dread of the devil in the next world. A Freemason would be just if there were no laws, human or divine except those written in his heart by the finger of his Creator. In every climate, under every system of religion, he is the same. He kneels before the Universal Throne of God in gratitude for the blessing he has received and humble solicitation for his future protection. He venerates the good men of all religions. He gives no offense, because he does not choose to be offended. He contracts no debts which he is certain he cannot discharge, because he is honest upon principle.”

— The Farmer's Almanac, 1823

Lost Widows Pin

Sometime In August I received a phone call from Wor. Jim Bell who informed me that one of the widows of Caribou lodge had lost her pin and was hoping to get a replacement.  So on September 21st I met Jim and we went to the home of Harry and Louise Kearney where I had the great pleasure to sit down with a wonderful lady for a nice conversation.

Mrs. Kearney is moving to the Portland area to be closer to her children and is going through the difficult process of packing up her and Harry's home and lives.

She was very interested in the activities of the lodge and Eastern Star and was pleased to hear about our activities with the CHIPS program and some of the older members that she fondly remembered.

When I presented her with a replacement pin she was moved by emotion and was most grateful to the lodge for the gesture. 

I wanted to share this with you because there are lots of people who dedicated many years to our organization that are still in  our community but we don't often think of them.  We have a Ladies night or a Widows night but that is often where it ends.  I can tell you that the experience I had in giving Mrs. Kearney that pin was without a doubt the best feeling that my brief time in Masonry has provided me.

I hope that you are someday afforded a similar experience.

Congratulations Maine's Teacher of the Year!!

The Margeson Family

Brethren,  I hope you take a moment to congratulate Alana Margeson on becoming Teacher of the year.  If you are not aware Alana is the wife of Caribou Lodge member Br. Erich Margeson. 

She is a 12 year educator at Caribou High School and mother of four wonderful boys.  I know Alana from community, church and the fact that our children attend school together.

In my opinion the recognition given this award is wonderful but only partially speaks to the character and ability of this wonderful lady.


According to the Bangor Daily News, "Alana will go to Texas in January to meet the other teachers of the year and to Washington, D.C., in May to meet President Barack Obama. She also will attend Space Camp in Alabama in July, and will make a video two months later to document why she loves teaching so much. She then will go on to compete in the selection process for the 2012 National Teacher of the Year. The winner of that honor will be announced in April 2012 at the White House."

Here is a link to the full story:  http://bangordailynews.com/2011/09/15/news/aroostook/caribou-educator-named-maine%E2%80%99s-2012-teacher-of-the-year/

Again, I hope you take a moment to congratulate the Margesons and be proud that Maine's Teacher of the Year supports her Mason.

An interesting week in Masonry

Brethren, I thought that I would share with you some of my travels this past week or so.

I started by on September 1^st with Caribou lodges Stated meeting.  

 

  We were pleased to recognize some of our brothers for their years of service, Oscar Erickson with his 55 year service Star, Wor. Dale Dee and Br. Gary Richards with their 50 year veterans medal, and pictured Peter Doebener II with his 25 year service pin.  The highlight of the evening was that Wor. Peter Doebener was able to present his son Peter Doebener II with that award.

  

 On September 7^th I found myself in Washington County for work and was able to attend Washington Lodge No. 37 in Lubec Maine.  I was pleased that the master asked if I would sit in the West for them and happily agreed.  Then just before we opened he threw me the curve ball by informing me we were going to do it in EA.  Something I was not completely prepared for but we did manage. J   Another point of interest from that meeting was the reading of an application submitted by one of the local Catholic Priests.  I think that this is great and reinforces that an active lodge attracts good men.  But if raised will they call him “Father Brother”, or “Brother Father?” just a bit of attempted humor.

Finally on September 10th  I attended International night hosted by Trinity lodge in Presque Isle.  International night brings the lodges of District one in Maine and District four in New Brunswick together for a meeting.  Once again I was asked to sit in the West as a replacement and was again very pleased to do so.  Maybe more so when we stayed in the more familiar MM opening.  As part of the program District 1 members put on a Rusty Nail Degree which was very good the brothers did a wonderful job.  They were followed by a degree team from New Brunswick who raised a candidate for the Masonic Lodge in Grand Falls.  That was for me the highlight of the evening.  They were both skilled in their work and flawless in their execution.  I was truly impressed.

They say you get out of Masonry what you put into it, and this week I think the returns were far more than the investment.  

David Spooner, WM