Conferral of the Fellowcraft Degree
To those Brothers Justly Entitled to Receive the Same.

From The East:
Dear Brethren:

Last meeting was our Annual Budget Meeting. Last years budget was on target and our Treasurer, R.'.W.'.Michael Hyman has assured me that we won't have to sell the Junior Warden to another Lodge this year.

In advance of this meetings degree work, I would like to thank all the Brothers and Officers who will come out to support our new Fellowcrafts. Your selfless contributions to the growth of this craft are truly amazing and continue to be the pride of this Lodge.

E-mail addresses: The response to my request for e-mail addresses and phone numbers was disappointing. Our e-mail list stands at 60 Brothers. Of those 60, 21 Brothers requested electronic communications only. There are 290 Brothers in this Lodge. If your one of the 230 who have not responded yet, please do me the courtesy and send this information along.

Degree Brothers: The Officers and Brothers that invest many hours of their time in ritual do so not only to make new Masons but to make new friends. It would be a shame to waste this great opportunity that you, yourself had sought. Unless the Lodge is having a degree that you cannot see, it is your solemn obligation to attend as many meetings as possible. There is nothing more discourteous to the craft than an Entered Apprentice we do not see until his Fellowcraft degree, or the Fellowcraft that does not appear until his Master Mason degree. As Spike Lee once said, "Do the right thing".

Picnic: On August 12th, we will hold our 10th annual picnic in Montrose, NY. The Picnic committee is hard at work to make sure that this event will be as successful as ever. There will be a flyer sent to you in July with the directions. The cost per family is $30.00. Please contact me or our Secretary and let us know that you will attend.

As we retire to our summer recess, I wish all my Brothers fair weather and good times with their families as you go on holiday. If you have some memorable pictures of your travels, please send them along so we can share them on our web site.

May God continue to protect you and your families and grant you his countenance and guidance. May He also protect the men and women of our armed services and return them home soon.

I look forward to seeing you at the picnic.

With warm regards,
Brother Michael F. Estrada

Secretary's Message:

This will be the last meeting before our summer break, but that does not mean the Lodge is going on vacation. On the contrary, plans are being finalized for our annual "Summer Picnic" at Kolping on Hudson. This is a time when the whole family comes out and enjoys a day of fun and games in a beautiful location on the Hudson River, with a swimming pool, food, games, food, drinks, food, and special entertainment for the kids. At the cost of $30.00 per FAMILY where can you find a better bargain? If you have not made a reservation yet, do so soon so the committee has an idea how many would be coming. Each year the picnic gets bigger and better and the Master & Officers look forward to seeing everyone there again this year. The date is August 12, 2006. RAIN or SHINE. Come on down and enjoy a day of fun with your family and the families of the members of the Lodge.

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE. The Lodge is trying to save on postage by sending the meeting notice by e-mail, yet I still receive at least 1/2 dozen letters each month for incorrect addresses. If you move, please let the Secretary know, in writing or by e-mail, so that we do not have this problem. If your mail is being forwarded by the post office, then I do not have your correct address.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
June 22-25 Annual Utica Weekend
July 28 Meet the Grand Lodge and their Ladies
Saturday, August 12 Harry S Truman Picnic/Montrose, NY
Thursday, September 21 DD and Staff Officer Presentation and delegation to Humanitas Lodge

District Deputy Visits

Oct. 19 Harry S Truman Lodge
Nov. 16 Humanitas Lodge
Nov.20 James W Husted Fiat Lux Lodge
Nov. 28 Lux Æterna Lodge
Dec. 13 Brotherhood Lodge

SAD TIDINGS:

Bro. Jonathan Patrick is suffering from the medication he was taking to get well. We are hoping his new course of treatment gets him better soon.

Glad Tidings:

W.'.Abe Fictenbaum will be a 3 time grand father very shortly.

Bro. Robert Callahans' son Adin turned 1.

Bro. John Gaffe was married June 3, 2006.

Congratulations Brothers.

Last Night I knelt where Hiram knelt
And took an obligation
Today I'm closer to my God
And I'm a Master Mason
Tho' heretofore my fellow men
Seemed each one like the other,
Today I search each one apart;
I'm looking for my Brother
And, as I feel his friendly grip,
It fills my heart with pride;
I know that while I'm on the square,

That he is on my side
His footsteps on my errand go
If I should such require;
His prayers will plead in my behalf
If I should so desire.
My words are safe within his breast
As though within my own;
His hand forever at my back
To help me safely Home.
Good counsel whispers in my ear
An warns of any danger;

By square and compass Brother now!
Who once would call me stranger.
I might have lived a moral life
And risen to distinctions
Without my Brother's helping hand
And fellowship of Masons
But God, who knows how hard it is
To resist life's temptations
Knows why I knelt where Hiram knelt
And took that obligation.