HST communications 179

FROM THE EAST,

One of my favorite television programs is "Dancing With The Stars." I find it exciting to watch the competitors as they vie for each judge's vote and the votes of the millions of viewers at home. Each week the competition gets tougher, the work more intricate, and the performances no less than phenomenal. Just watching the growth of each individual contestant as he or she works with his/her mentor, and the growth of the entire group, is something to behold.

The same principles apply to Freemasonry, as well. Our own Masonic Compact clearly states: "...the rich tradition of Freemasonry and its framework of Ritual are important platforms for growth and learning...." When the ritual becomes second nature, you actually become the ritual (as the dancer becomes the dance), and the energy of the Lodge rises to a higher level.

When a candidate first experiences our ritual, if the energy is high enough, it will have a marked effect on him for his entire life. Unfortunately, the reverse is also true: Poor Performance = Low Energy. We have only this one chance to impress a candidate with the beauty and meaning of the ceremonies and, at the same time, to impress upon him just how seriously we believe in him and his growth in the Craft. At the most recent Grand Lodge Convention, the R.'.W Richard C. Freeman, Chairman of the Custodians of the Work Committee, delivered the following admonition: "We, as a craft, must never promote or condone poorly done ritual." Masonic ritual is composed of beautiful and meaningful words and phrases. However, if these are delivered in a monosyllabic tone with little feeling or expression, the significance of the ritual can be diminished or misunderstood. It is so easy to ruin the ritual when one is not fully prepared, and the affect on the candidate will be long-lasting.

When my martial art students used to ask for the secret of a flawless performance in competition, I told them that there are three: the first is Practice Daily; the second is Practice Daily; and the third is Practice Daily.

The real secret to flawless performance was and remains endless repetition. Whether you devote 15 minutes to practice and rehearse early in the morning or as you travel to work by train or car or, for some, during lunch or, for others, a quiet 15 minutes in the evening before retiring, the point is whatever time of day you find appropriate, you must dedicate that time schedule for memorization and further light in Masonry.

FROM THE EAST (CONT.)

If self-disciplined this practice will become habit-forming, and you will be rewarded with progress and proficiency.It is also important to work with a teacher or mentor so the he can offer critical insight and help you to fine-tune your understanding, expression and overall performance. One of my former teachers used to post a sign in his dojo (training hall) that went something like this: "When I miss one class - I know. When I miss two classes - the students know. When I miss three classes - everyone knows."

Michelangelo was once quoted as saying that the problem with mankind is not that they set their goals too high but, rather, that they set their goals too low and achieve them.

Let us so refine our rituals and the play that is called life, so that when we pass over into that grand Temple "not made with the hands," above the echoes of thunderous applause for our performances, we may also hear the words from He who sits as the Judge Supreme: "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter into the joy of the Lord."

May the blessings from the Grand Architect of the Universe rest upon all our brothers and their loved ones.

Cordially and fraternally,
Jonathan Patrick

From the Past Secretary's Desk:

After 10 years as your secretary, I felt it was time that I stepped down and let a new Secretary step in. I have been working with Ted Jacobsen, and I'm sure that you will find him a capable and talented secretary. I want to thank the Lodge it gave me for the opportunity to act as it's secretary all this time and wish Ted the best of luck in his new position.

Just a word to help make his job easier. Please all those who have not paid your dues yet, and there still are quite a few, DO SO NOW.

Again, thank you for the opportunity you gave me to serve as your secretary, and I look forward to be able to join with my brothers as a "side liner."

Wow the summer is near. I wanted to remind you about the Lodge Picnic on August 09. Our Picnic is for your families and ours to meet and enjoy a day together!

For those of you who have not attended in the past, the site of the Picnic is at Kolping on Hudson. There is a large area with easy access to the facilities, food, libations etc. that are covered with a tent, affording vistas of the Hudson, and cool breezes and shade.

To our returning Brothers and guest, what more can I say! You are the reason this event has been so successful. If you have a special desert that you would like to bring along, we will save room. This is a Lodge event, our event, and you should feel free to contribute to the ongoing success of this Picnic.

Contact chairman Bro Frank for your ideas, contributions and duties.

Let us not forget the large swimming pool, horse shoes, kids games, a large grass covered are for the kids and grandchildren to play.

Our children's entertainment committee has been working hard to ensure an eventful day for the kids.

Arrangements have been made for a child ID program.

The facilities present have all the necessary amenities and parking

Kolping

Harry S Truman Lodge No. 1066

Twelfth Annual Family Picnic
Kolping-on-Hudson Montrose, NY

Saturday, August 9, 2008
11 am-6 pm--RAIN OR SHINE
INDOOR and OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT
FOR GROWNUPS & KIDS
GAMES, HORSESHOES & PRIZES
BBQ COOKING AND REFRESHMENTS
SWIMMING IN LARGE POOL
ALL MEMBERS AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE WELCOME
REMEMBER-BRING A FRIEND
Cost: only $40 per family
KOLPING-ON-HUDSON-914-737-9547
Kolping on Hudson
95 Montrose Pt. Rd.
Montrose, NY 10548
Phone: 914-736-0117

Directions:
Bronx River Parkway North-- straight onto Sprain Brook Parkway--which leads onto the Taconic State Parkway:
Saw Mill River Parkway North--To Taconic State Parkway:

From Taconic:

Get off at second exit on Taconic Parkway [ sign reads 9A-100 North] - which leads you directly onto 9A North. Continue on Route 9A North which will lead to Route 9 and continue until you see sign--Montrose/Buchanan Exit at Montrose Buchanan. Make a left at the Stop sign. Bear right onto Route 9A North. Go about 2--miles (Past- Golf range on right) to a main traffic light LOOK FOR (firehouse on right), make a left onto Kings Ferry Road. On Kings Ferry Road, bear left at fork by traffic light onto Montrose Point Road, past Church And cemetery and enter Dead End street--Kolping-on-Hudson entrance will be on right about 100 Yards--into Dead End street--follow BALLOONS to driveway, river, main house and parking.

Tappan Zee Bridge--take Route 9 North to Montrose Buchanan exit and follow directions above. Bear Mountain Bridge--make right onto Route 6 and 202--follow to Route 9 South--exit Welcher exit. Go straight-4 lights (firehouse on left), make right onto Kings Ferry Road.

For further information or questions, please contact the Picnic Chairman:

Bro. Frank Melita @ 718-279-1918

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	Worshipful Master Jonathan S. Patrick calls all Brethren to Respect and Answer the
Trestle Board Awaiting Investigation: Mr. Ian Brumgnach, Mr. Roman Babadzhanov Mr. Shane R. O'Connor, Mr. Aaron Tenenbaum Awaiting the Degree of Entered Apprentice: Mr. Francis J. Balducci, Mr. Ian T. Brumgnach Mr. Justin C. Favaloro, Mr. Ronald R. Perrone Jr. Awaiting the Degree of Fellowcraft: Br. Harry Almodovar, Br. David Bogart, , Br. Russel P. Castro Br. Joseph J. Mancini, Br. Albert L. Vitarelli Awaiting the Degree of Master Mason: Br. Joseph A. Ascolesi Br. David M. Gordon, Br. Matthew Scholz, Br. Bruno L. Soto	THE 179^th STATED COMMUNICATION Harry S Truman Lodge No. 1066 Grand Lodge of New York of Free and Accepted Masons American Room, 19^th floor, Masonic Temple 71 West 23^rd Street, Mailbox 5, New York, NY 10010 Thursday the 5th of June 6008 A.L. For the transaction of such business that may regularly and constitutionally be brought before it. *BUDGET MEETING* The meeting will culminate with a short talk given by the Worshipful Master on: MYTHOLOGY, MARTIAL ARTS AND MASONRY Officers will be expected at 6:00 pm for work and instruction. There will be a Pre-Meeting dinner in the American Room.
	Master W.'.Jonathan S. Patrick 11 Lindsey Lake Road N. Brandford, CT 06471 (Cell) 203-889-7939 E-mail:drjonapatrick@comcast.net	Secretary Bro. Theodore H. Jacobsen 118 East 91st Street New York, NY 10128 (Home) 212-289-3121 E-mail:thjnycusa@aol.com