Volume 63 / Number 1 / SPRING 2014

Even though this will be my final message to you, let it be to your Lodges and Districts. You, my Brothers, are indeed known that I am not finished working for our Fraternity. special men. I thank the team of Grand Lodge Officers, I look forward to serving and working for our Lodges, District Deputy Grand Masters, Grand Lodge Staff Officers, Districts, Grand Lodge and our future leaders. I know that Assistant Grand Lecturers, Committee Chairmen, Trustees our Grand Lodge will be in great hands with the elevation of the Masonic Hall and Home, Directors of the Masonic of the Deputy Grand Master to the office of Grand Master. Medical Research Laboratory and Trustees of the Livingston RW William Thomas is one of the most prepared Brothers Library for your service for me and our Craft. to serve you and Freemasonry, as he has been involved with our committees, has been involved with the activities of the God bless our great Fraternity. God bless the men and Masonic Hall and Home, Livingston Library, and Masonic women who serve our Nation. I pray that each of you Medical Research Laboratory, has been involved in the continue to have good health and happiness. God bless you, financial planning for our future and the daily activities of my Brothers. our Craft. It has been my privilege to be a mentor and friend to our Deputy Grand Master. Fraternally,

I ask you to continue being good men. Continue to commit yourselves to our three great tenets: Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity. Continue to take pride in James E. Sullivan Freemasonry. We cannot reach our “perfect ashlar” unless we n continue to search for light. What did we come here to do? Grand Master Our answer was to learn to subdue our passions and improve ourselves in Masonry. Masonry gives us tools to improve ourselves as a man, a husband, a father and as a member of the human family. It continues to be our job (and it’s not easy) to become the man that the Supreme Architect of the Universe expects us to be.

My heartfelt thanks are given for our charitable endeavors during my term as Grand Master. Your response for our Brothers and your communities in the devastation of hurricanes, typhoons, floods, fires and storms made me proud of our Fraternity. Simple acts of kindness to Brothers after the loss of family and friends are the responsibility of each of us. Of course, we should rejoice with our members when happiness comes their way.

As my term is finishing I thank all of you for allowing me to serve you and the Craft as Grand Master. Thank you for the warm welcome you always give Gail and me on our visits

2 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 DGM MUSINGS

RW WILLIAM J. THOMAS Deputy Grand Master [email protected]

For over two centuries our York and Our York and Scottish Rites recognize it from the AASR or Royal Arch Grand Scottish Rite bodies have been the that they could not do their work Chapter websites. Details on how to medium for many Master Masons without the foundations found in submit it are part of the form. the Blue Lodge. In 2002, they jointly established the Re-Member The Blue We love to work in our York and Lodge program to encourage and Scottish Rites – but they would not recognize the work of Concordant exist without our continuing work in body members in their own Lodges. the Blue Lodge. We never forget our The award is jointly sponsored by: symbolic Lodge. We will always Re- • Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Member The Blue Lodge.n Masons of the State of New York • New York State Council of Delib- eration, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite • Grand Chapter Royal Arch Ma- sons of the State of New York to reflect on their understanding of • Grand Council Cryptic Masons of their relationship in their faith, to the State of New York their fellow man and themselves. They • Grand Commandery Knights enable Master Masons to add to their Templar of the State of New York Masonic knowledge and to learn the use of additional Working Tools. The recognition jewel is a two and one- half-inch medallion with individual The Blue Lodge has remained as the year awards suspended from it. It hangs foundation and mainstay for most of from a blue ribbon worn around the our Brothers, as it teaches the essential neck. It is presented to each member precepts of our Craft. If we consider of the Scottish or York Rite who is the the Blue Lodge Degrees akin to high first line signer (sponsoring Brother) school, college and graduate school on a petition of a man who has been Raised a Master Mason. The year awards are: • A bronze year bar for one or two Brothers who become Master Ma- sons in a calendar year. • A silver year bar for three or four Brothers who become Master Ma- sons in a calendar year. • A gold year bar for five or more Brothers who become Master Ma- sons in a calendar year.

To receive the award, ask your York degrees, then our Concordant Bodies or Scottish Rite Secretary for the would provide continuing education in “Certification of Raising to Master our profession. Mason” form. You may also download

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 3 Brethren:

This issue of the ESM has explored a few of the many facets of charity. I regularly open stamped envelopes asking for financial support to 2 institutions which help the needy, Here, James Sullivan deliver aid to disaster victims, feed delivers his farewell the hungry, support research, message to his brethren contribute to religious and as Grand Master. His educational institutions. The requests tenure has been a beacon are endless. The need is great. of light, of progress and brotherly love. There are other forms of charity, which Well done, are often overlooked, which do not Brother Sullivan! involve our wallets, and can be 16 more important for our sense of accomplishment. These forms ask us to give of ourselves, to volunteer a few hours a week to work in a soup kitchen, to give blood or body parts, to distribute food, collect clothing, visit shut-ins, shovel a walk, teach 21 English to immigrants, join local fire and ambulance corps. Brotherly Love and Relief are principal tenets of our great Fraternity. The list is endless and the need is great.

We look forward to the summer issue of the ESM, which will introduce our new Grand Line and publish the proceedings of the 2014 Grand Lodge Convention. Here too, we will learn the 40 goals and aspirations of our leadership. I have been most fortunate to have 12 worked with Grand Master James Sullivan as the Publisher of the Empire State Mason. One could ask for nothing more: a statesman; a listener; a gentleman; a Brother.

Sincerely, Harris Mandel, Chairman ESM Editorial Advisory Committee

Subscription $6.00 Domestic, $15.00 Foreign per year. Subscription free to all members of constituent Lodges of the Grand Lodge F. & A.M. State of New York. Copyright 29 ©2014 by the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund. All rights reserved. Reproduction by recognized Masonic organizations is permitted with credit. All others must obtain written permission. Published quarterly in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter months by The Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund, 71 West 23rd Street, NY, NY 10010-4149. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON (ISSN 0013-6794 Published at 71 West 23rd Street, NY, NY 10010-4149). Periodicals postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing offices. 46 23

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Also featured in this issue: Grand Secretary 6 13 Senior Grand Warden 11 Junior Grand Warden 12 Masonic Donor Awareness ...... 14 St. John’s Day Weekend Schedule 22 233rd Annual Communication Schedule and Reservations ...... 24-26 Youth Committee 31 Education Assistance Program ...... 32 Years of Service ...... 44 Awards Committee ...... 45 Dates to Remember 45 Publisher Page ...... 45 Grand Secretary’s Golf Classic ...... 47 Camp Turk ...... 48 From the Grand Secretary MW vincent libone PGM (212) 337-6644

January 9, 2014

Dear Brethren: In a genuine effort to promote a well-informed electorate and membership, and a consistent and uniform procedure, our Grand Master, MW James E. Sullivan has established the following policy and rules to be followed by prospective candidates for elected Grand Lodge Office: Each and every candidate made known to the Office of the Grand Secretary was given an opportunity to meet and to be interviewed by the Board of Past Grand Masters at the Masonic Care Community in Utica, NY on October 5, 2013. In an effort to provide for all of the members of the Craft, their respective Lodges, and the members of Grand Lodge ample time to review and be introduced to the selection of proposed candidates that the Board of Past Grand Masters has found qualified to be nominated at this Grand Lodge, the Grand Master directs that we publish these names, elected office sought, and a brief résumé for each known candidate: Grand Master: RW WILLIAM J. THOMAS LODGE ...... Shakespeare Lodge 750 (mother Lodge) Allied Lodge 1170 King Solomon – Beethoven Lodge 232 MASONIC DISTRICTS: . . 6th Manhattan & 9th Manhattan DATE RAISED: ...... March 7, 1996 LODGE: Master (2000) GRAND LODGE: District Deputy Grand Master (2004-2006) Grand Treasurer (2010-2012) Deputy Grand Master (2012-2014) GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES: Trustee, Livingston Masonic Library; Unity Committee; Masonic Brotherhood Foundation; Empire State Mason; Liaison, Metropolitan DDGMs & GLSOs 2010-2012) Advisory Committee and Concordant Bodies Committee

Deputy Grand Master: . . . RW JEFFREY M. WILLIAMSON LODGE: Western Star Lodge 1185 MASONIC DISTRICTS: . . 2nd Erie District DATE RAISED: ...... June 9, 1978 LODGE: Master (1984-1985) GRAND LODGE: District Deputy Grand Master (1998-2000) Senior Grand Warden (2012-2014) GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES: Leadership & Educational Services (1997-Present) Grand Master’s Educational Task Force (1998) Vice Chairman, Long – Range Planning (1998- 1999) Vice Chairman, Leadership Services (1997) Masonic Brotherhood Foundation, (2012-2014) Grand Master’s Advisory Committee (2012-2014) Empire State Mason Consultant, (2012-2014)

6 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Deputy Grand Master: . . . RW WILLIAM B. FINK, JR. LODGE: ...... St. George’s Lodge 6 Sisco Lodge 459 Beukendaal Lodge 915 MASONIC DISTRICTS: Rensselaer-Schenectady District DATE RAISED: April 22, 1976 LODGE: ...... Master, St. George’s Lodge 6, (1980 & 2000) Treasurer (1982-1992 & 2003-Present) Trustee (1996-Present 6 & 2003-Present 915) Master, Beukendaal Lodge 915 (2000) Trustee (2001-Present) GRAND LODGE: District Deputy Grand Master (2004-2006) ...... Junior Grand Warden (2012-2014) GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES: Masonic Brotherhood Foundation (2012-2014)

Deputy Grand Master: . . . RW DENNIS A. BREHENY LODGE: ...... Utica 47 Sauquoit 150 Nortrip 998 MASONIC DISTRICTS: 1st Oneida, Onondaga DATE RAISED: January 1980 LODGE: ...... Lodge: Carducci Lodge 924 Master (1985,86,87,89) Sauquoit Lodge 150 Master (2001, 2002, 2008) Infinity 00 Charter member 1990, 1993, Master (1990, 1992, 1995) GRAND LODGE: District Deputy Grand Master 1992-1994 Junior Grand Warden 2004-2006 Senior Grand Warden 2006-2008 Commander General, Masonic War Veterans 2013-Present GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES: Leadership & Educational Services (1997-Present) Grand Master’s Educational Task Force (1998) Vice Chairman, Long – Range Planning (1998- 1999) Vice Chairman, Leadership Services (1997) Masonic Brotherhood Foundation, (2012-2014) Grand Master’s Advisory Committee (2004-2008) Chairman, Masonic Military Outreach Committee (2013-2014) Deputy Grand Master: . . . RW HARVEY A. EYSMAN LODGE:. Morning Star, 524 ...... Skaneateles, 522 MASONIC DISTRICTS: Onondaga DATE RAISED: March 18, 1968 LODGE: ...... Skaneateles Lodge, 522, (affil. 2010) Chaplain, 2011; Master, Steppingstone Lodge 1141, (1972-1988, 1992-97) Trustee 1973-79, 1989-90; Trustee Bernard N. Kushner Relief Fund 1983-86; Secretary 1990-91, 1997-2008 GRAND LODGE: DDGM, 1977-78; Regional Deputy Proctor, 1985-94; Proctor 1994-2006; Grand Rep Netherlands, 2006-Present Proctor Emeritus 2008- Present GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES Constitutions 2010-Present; Committee on the Grand Master’s Address, Chairman 1988, 1989; Lodges and Buildings, 1991-99; Special Projects, Vice Chairman 1984-1987; Committee on continued on the Attendance 1982, 1983; Benevolence, 1979-81 next page THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 7 Senior Grand Warden: RW CHARLES PE TER UHLE LODGE: Wappingers 671 MASONIC DISTRICTS: . . Dutchess DATE RAISED: ...... February 10, 1987 LODGE: Master- six times. Trustee — present GRAND LODGE: . . . . . District Deputy Grand Master — 4-years, Junior Grand Warden, (2010-2012) Trustee - Chancellor R. Livingston Masonic Library, (2012- Present) Masonic War Veterans, State Director, Adjutant General, Treasurer General. GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES: Membership Development Committee, Brotherhood Fund Foundation, Committee on Long Range Planning, Committee on Lodges and Buildings, Empire State Mason Magazine- Consultant, Military Outreach Committee, Grand Masters Advisory Committee

Senior Grand Warden: RW JOHN W. KRUPP LODGE: Southerland Lodge 826 MASONIC DISTRICTS: . . Niagara-Orleans DATE RAISED: ...... June 12, 1978 LODGE: Master four times, Assistant Grand Lecturer, District Deputy Grand Master (2006-2008) GRAND LODGE: Deputy Grand Marshal (2010-2012) Grand Marshal (2012-2014) GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES: Grand Master’s Advisory Committee

Junior Grand Warden: RW RICHARD S. MORLEY LODGE: Delhi Lodge 439 MASONIC DISTRICTS: . . Delaware DATE RAISED: ...... February 16, 1995 LODGE: ...... Master (2001); Secretary (2004-2008, 2010-2013) Assistant Grand Lecturer (2010-Present) GRAND LODGE: District Deputy Grand Master (2008-2010)

Grand Treasurer: ...... RW LARRY N. BARNARD LODGE ...... Harry S Truman Lodge 1066 MASONIC DISTRICTS: . . 8th Manhattan DATE RAISED: ...... March 5, 1998 LODGE: Steward (1999-2000); Senior Warden (2000-2001); Master (2001-2002) GRAND LODGE: Assistant Grand Lecturer (2002-2006); Grand Director of Ceremonies (2006-2008); District Deputy Grand Master (2008-2010) GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES: Masonic University of New York (MUNY) (2009-Present)

8 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Grand Treasurer: ...... RW CARTER L. DORZBACHER LODGE: ...... Solomon’s Lodge 196 MASONIC DISTRICTS: . . First Westchester-Putnam DATE RAISED: ...... May 1973 LODGE: Master (1995-1997) Chairman, Widows and Shut-ins Fund (30 Years) Trustee (30 Years) GRAND LODGE: District Deputy Grand Master (1982-1983) GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES: Awards Committee – Chairman (2007-Present)

Grand Treasurer: ...... RW JOSEPH N. MANDEL LODGE: Harry S Truman Lodge 1066 MASONIC DISTRICTS: . . Eighth Manhattan DATE RAISED: ...... April 11, 1984 LODGE: Master (1990-1991) Chaplain (2006-2014) Trustee GRAND LODGE: District Deputy Grand Master (2004-2006) Assistant Grand Lecturer (2006-2008) GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES: Educational Assistance Program (2008-Present) Masonic Fellowship Committee (2009-2010)

Grand Treasurer: ...... RW WILLIAM E. MCCAULEY LODGE: Dongan Patent Lodge 1134 MASONIC DISTRICTS: . . Suffolk District DATE RAISED: ...... May 10, 1989 LODGE: Master (1994 and 2005) Secretary (1995-2000) Trustee (2011-Present) GRAND LODGE: District Deputy Grand Master (2000-2002) GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES: Lodges & Buildings Committee (2007-Present) Law Enforcement Committee (2007-Present)

Grand Treasurer: ...... RW WAYNE F. NORTHRUP LODGE: Genesis Lodge 201 MASONIC DISTRICTS: . . First Kings DATE RAISED: ...... May 28, 1987 LODGE: Master (1992-1994) Trustee GRAND LODGE: District Deputy Grand Master (1996-1998) Grand Steward (2004-2006) District Deputy Grand Master (2010-2012) President Metropolitan District Deputy Grand Master Association (2010-2012) Assistant Grand Lecturer (2012-2014) Lodges & Buildings Committee (2007-Present) Law Enforcement Committee (2007-Present) GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES: Education Committee; Convention Committee (1996-2011) Chairman, Convention Committee (1999-Present) continued on the next page 9 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Grand Secretary: MW VINCENT LIBONE LODGE: Garibaldi Lodge No. 542 MASONIC DISTRICTS: . . Tenth Manhattan District DATE RAISED ...... November 16, 1973 LODGE: Master 1980 Trustee 2010-Present GRAND LODGE: Deputy Grand Marshal 1995-1998 Grand Marshal 1998-2000 District Deputy Grand Master 1987-1988 Grand Treasurer 2004-2006 Grand Representative (New Jersey) 2007-Present Deputy Grand Master 2008-2010 Grand Master 2010-2012 Grand Secretary 2012-Present GRAND LODGE COMMITTEES: Grand Master 2010-2012 Ex-Officio of ALL Grand dgeLo Committees 2010 -2012 Brotherhood Foundation Member 2008-2012 Brotherhood Foundation Secretary 2012-Present Board of Grand Masters, Secretary 2012-Present Jurisprudence Committee, Secretary 2012- Present

Please be advised that in keeping with Section 501 of the Constitutions, the rule prohibiting any electioneering and/or circulars distributed for the purpose of the election of any Grand Lodge Office remains in effect, without explicit permission of the Grand Master.

Sincerely and fraternally,

Vincent Libone, P.G.M. Grand Secretary n

Seeking organ donors and stories RW Jamshed R. Ghadiali Grand Sword Bearer “My experience is that organ donation is not on your radar unless it becomes personal. But it can get personal very fast – ask my family and friends. “ Howard Romanoff, February 2013

This observation is very true and is the reason for the donated liver who was running the NYC Marathon and lack of Registered Organ Donors on the Registry. RW seeing his young children grow up. I met a young lady of Thomas Barbour has personal experience, while in my 23 who received a heart at 13 and has led a productive life case the only incidence is of my dear mother donating for the last ten years. her eyes. The question I am faced with is, “How can we April is National Donate Life Month, so let’s all do our increase awareness for the need of organ donors?” part—especially in a state like New York, which has lower Brother Tom gives the statistics in his article and the than the national average in registration. Call me with advantages of receiving an organ and leading a productive your personal experiences and let’s change the views and life in society are well known. I met a recipient of a attitudes of our Brothers, family and neighbors. n

10 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Charity and Brotherly Love

RW Jeffrey M. Williamson, am really excited about springtime. It’s a time of fresh new I Senior Grand Warden beginnings and a season that gives us the opportunity for renewed spirit and rebirth. The spring season is also a great time to step back, pause and take stock and reflect upon our build wheelchair ramps at Brothers’ homes. In addition, they individual growth and development as Freemasons. seasonally distribute holiday turkeys and adopt needy families During our apprenticeship we were introduced to the during Christmas time. As a District, they organize charitable symbol of Jacob’s ladder, which extends from Earth to Heaven. relief efforts such as food banks, blood donations, and Masonic The principal rungs of this ladder consist of three virtues, Safety ID programs. And our Grand Lodge takes charge of the namely Faith, Hope and Charity. This symbol urges us to have practical application of statewide programs such as hurricane Faith in God, Hope of an immortal afterlife and Charity to and flood relief, Masonic Hall & Home and Masonic Medical all mankind. It also points out that the greatest of these is Research Laboratory, to name a few. Charity, for Faith may be lost in sight, Hope ends in fruition, To all of you, from the individual Brother to the Grand Lodge but Charity extends beyond the grave through the boundless of the State of New York, we offer sincerest congratulations realms of eternity. and appreciation for all you do on behalf of our great Masonic This certainly is a salient symbol and a great lesson for us Fraternity. all, but what exactly is this third virtue we call Charity? It God bless each of you for growing and developing into certainly is not a scheme to pass the hat or an orchestrated good and faithful brethren, the true exemplification of upright effort to extract some valuable coins from your wallet. No, men and Masons, brethren who demonstrate the teachings of more than that it is another name for unconditional brotherly brotherly love at home, at work, at church and in everyday love. Brotherly love is a spiritual element, something that lies lives. May this new 2014 spring season encourage each of us deep within the heart of every true Mason. It is the habit of to continue to plant the seeds of charity and brotherly love. giving our life to others. When we give our life away, we possess Let me be a little kinder; more of it, and the more we give the more (Masonic wages) we Let me be a little blinder receive. Mother Teresa once said: “It’s not how much we give To the faults of those about me; but how much love we put into giving.” Let me praise a little more; When a Brother is true, he instinctively desires to relieve the Let me be, when I am weary; distressed and to compassionate the miseries and misfortunes Just a little bit more cheery; of others. We are also taught that this is a distinguishing Let me serve a little better characteristic of a Mason. Those that I am striving for; Our present edition of the Empire State Mason illustrates the vast expanse of Masonic charity and relief that manifests itself Let me be a little braver throughout our wonderful New York jurisdiction. Sometimes When temptation bids me waver; it is simply overwhelming to take stock and reflect on the Let me strive a little harder enormity of your generous demonstration of brotherly love. To be all that I should be; Each day brethren across this jurisdiction dispense a Let me be a little meeker thousand acts of untold kindness to friends, Lodge members With a brother who is weaker; and neighbors. As a group, Lodges visit the sick and shut-ins, Let me think more of my neighbor, help the Surviving Spouses of our departed brethren, and And a little less of me. n A Restoration to be proud of The Whitestone Temple looks awesome. The renovation of the temple under the leadership of the temple chairman, Peter Unfried, is almost complete. Bro. Peter should be commended for all the hard work and many nights he has devoted to organizing and coordinating the temple renovation. His dedication and hard work has paid off, as can be seen by the beauty of all the rooms in the temple and all the new furnishings. We extend gratitude to his lovely wife Inge for her advice and input in the decorating and for putting up with Peter’s absence from home while the renovations were under way. n RW Werner H. Kniesel, PGT and Trustee of the Masonic Hall and Home THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 11 When Cain makes this statement, he is responding to God’s be something that was of little consequence to me but to him question on the whereabouts of Able. Cain knows very well was life changing. It was simply my luck that what I did was where Able is since he has killed him and he is trying to talk for the good. It could have had just the opposite effect, and I his way out of it by asking “How should I know? Am I my would never have been the wiser. Yet, in an offhand moment brother’s master?” It did not work out well for Cain, as God I could have destroyed a friendship that took years to develop. also knows where Able is and what Cain has done. So the question we So it is true for each of us. That major should ask ourselves is what about our schism in your Lodge could be the relation to our Masonic Brothers? Are result of an offhand remark. That is we their keeper? why there is so much emphasis in our Ritual about the importance of our Not in the way Cain uses the word, relations with our Brothers, and our but “keeper” can mean other things duty to our Lodges. These relations as well, such as defender or protector. are fragile, like a delicate sculpture on In those senses we are. But aren’t we which the artist has spent years. In one much more? Our obligations place careless move he can destroy all his many demands on us to treat our efforts into a pile of shards. Brothers in certain ways. Of the five points of fellowship, four of the points On Christmas Eve Kathy and I went deal specifically with our relations to out to dinner at a chain restaurant, our Brothers. Also, the message of the as we usually do. It is nothing very Trowel teaches us another important fancy but we like the place. While we point about our relationship to each were waiting for our table, another other. couple moved to a different seat so that there was a place for the two of Yet there is dissention, factionalism, us to sit. When they moved, he forgot piques and grudges, and other frictions his “clicker” that would tell him when between us and those we have sworn their table was ready, so I walked over to love, honor, and respect. Why is and handed it to him with some sort it so difficult for us to live with our of remark that he would need it if he Brothers as we have sworn to do? Part ever wanted to get a table. I thought of it is just simple human nature, but that was all there was to it. haven’t we also sworn to subdue our passions? Have we not agreed to walk Then, just as our main course was uprightly before God and our fellow being served, he walked over to our man? table, handed me a note, and told us that they had picked up our dinner All too often we seem to be like Cain, check. He then proceeded to leave, seeking excuses for our behavior giving us no time to ask any questions. rather than taking action to improve All I know is their first names: Sue and ourselves in Masonry. Each time we John. They do this every year and ask stray from the path we should be the recipients to do it for someone in following in our relations with our the future. Brothers it causes ripples in the sea. It might be a very slight deviation, They can rest assured that Kathy and I a slip of the tongue, or overlooking will do that many times over, for is not something because we were too busy, RW William B. Fink Jr. that the way we would want to act? but it has its consequences. Junior Grand Warden Their small gesture will pyramid over the years as more and more couples are In chaos theory there is something called “The Butterfly surprised and adopt the policy themselves, as we are doing. Effect.” I am not referring to the four movies by that title, but to the term first coined by Edward Lorenz to describe how the What would happen if we each adopted a similar policy flapping of a butterfly’s wings could influence the formation towards our Brother Masons? If each of us made the effort to of a hurricane weeks later. It applies to our actions in general, do something special for a Brother just once a month and ask and specifically with respect to our Brothers. him to pass it on, what an impact it would have! I know for one thing that there would be a lot more peace and harmony A very minor action, something that we cannot even recall, can within our Craft and society in general. set in motion events of major consequence. I have a dear friend and Brother who has told me several times that something I We must remember that we are our Brother’s Brother and need did or said made a major difference in his life and that he can to act as such. I realize that is just another way of saying the never repay me for my actions. I have no idea what I did or Golden Rule, but, again, is not that the way Masons should said that so influenced him and he refuses to tell me. It had to act? n 12 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Last fall I read a wonderful new So, are the honorific names and titles book: The Mason’s Words: The History in Freemasonry doing what they were and Evolution of the American Masonic intended to do today? I’m not so sure. Ritual by Worshipful Brother Robert But instead of jumping on the “casual” G. Davis from Oklahoma. It’s very bandwagon, I believe that those of thoroughly researched and the author us who have had titles bestowed on adds a great deal of wisdom (he’s a Past us – and I mean everyone from the Master of three different Lodges and Most Worshipful Grand Master in the Secretary of a very active Scottish the Grand East to the Brother on the Rite Valley) plus personal observations sidelines – needs to strive to earn that from his years of Masonic travel. I wish honor every single day, living by high every Mason would read it … right standards and giving selfless service to after you heed the Worshipful Master’s the Craft, our families and friends, and admonition in the First Degree to read our communities. God’s Word. That brings us to the second point Worshipful Brother Davis made Brother Davis wisely made: You and I, an eye-opening (at least for me) as Masons, have been called to raise our observation near the end of his book: sights and our expectations of ourselves As Masons, it is essential that we and others. And you and I, as men understand why we have so many of faith, have been called by God to honorific names and titles in our raise our sights and our expectations of different Masonic Degrees and Orders. ourselves and others. Honorific names give us symbolic power New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio, to endow our actions with dignity, glory, at his January 1st swearing-in, told his and integrity. Freemasons are to be men audience that he was going to “attack of great dignity because dignity is the the ‘inequality crisis’ – the divide alchemical dew, which falls down upon between the haves and have-nots.” the head of individuals of social honor. There are two ways to do that: raise When we understand this symbolism those in poverty (financial, moral, correctly, then we must recognize that physical, etc.) to higher standards, or honor becomes the demand, which a sink those who are living at a higher positively privileged status group raises for standard to the lowest common the deportment of its denominator. Modern society seems to own members. want to drag us down. Masonry – and That, of course, is our faith communities – are dedicated a huge challenge to lifting us up. in 2014. Especially When the children of Israel were in the last fifty chosen by God as a holy nation, He years, our society raised them to a higher standard by has purposely giving them His Law (the Torah). and energetically devalued the idea Others might commit adultery or of status. We’ve gone from “church charge exorbitant interest or mistreat clothes” to wearing t-shirts and jeans foreigners or envy their neighbors’ in worship. When I grew up, everyone property, but God’s chosen people but his wife addressed our pastor by his cannot. In a similar vein, at the title and elderly folks were addressed as beginning of Jesus’ ministry he quotes Mr. or Mrs. or Miss. Now it’s normal Leviticus 19:18 – “Love your neighbor for most folks (even some children) as yourself.” But just before he died RW David J. Williamson to call everyone (including their on the cross he called his followers to a Grand Chaplain Emeritus own parents!) by his first name. The higher standard: “Love one another as coat and tie that was once obligatory I have loved you.” (John 15:12) in virtually every office (even in offices without air conditioning in As Masons and as men of faith let the summer) has been replaced by us strive to raise our sights and our business casual. I recently saw a photo standards. We’re not in competition from a Lodge website (not in New with others – we’re out to become York) showing four recently Passed better men today than we were Fellowcrafts proudly wearing their yesterday. That must be the goal of all white lambskin aprons – with t-shirts, our labors in life and that’s the purpose shorts, and sneakers. Ugh. of our beloved Craft. So mote it be! n

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 13 RW Thomas A. Barbour, Chairman Masonic Donor Awareness Program April: National Donate Life month

By the Numbers: 21,659 Major organ transplants performed in the United States in 2013. However, 4,893 patients died while waiting for organs to become available. 1,249 Major organ transplants performed in New York State in 2013. But 384 died waiting for organs. 121,248 Patients on national waiting lists at the end of 2013. 10,413 Patients on the New York waiting lists. 45 Percent of eligible US adult population registered as organ donors. 20 Percent of eligible New York population registered organ donors.

The major obstacle to deserving people Lodge 196, has lived and worked in over British company that would allow him getting lifesaving organ transplants is twenty countries outside of his native to work all over the world. He traveled the limited availability of organs for England, and he speaks seven languages. the globe for the next eighteen years, transplant, for a number of factors, He has climbed mountains, become beating all of the odds. but a major reason is the number of a deep-sea diver, and was ordained a Unfortunately, while on a trip through registered donors. The purpose of the Buddhist Monk. He survived bitter the jungles of Thailand in 1992, he was Organ & Tissue Donor Awareness cold conditions living with Eskimos bitten on the leg by a fly and developed Program is to increase public awareness and experienced the heat of the tropics a terrible debilitating infection. The of the need for people to register as living in Southeast Asia. Today, Brother infection caused crippling arthritis, donors. We will be doing all we can to Robert lives in Westchester County swelling and pain, which totally make the registration drive this April a with his lovely American wife. compromised his immune system. resounding success by helping the state’s Bob’s education, experiences and It took more than two years, but Bob four Organ Procurement Organizations talents make him a very well rounded recovered from this and did quite well in their registration drives. and unique person, but when you speak for the next four years. However, he still Our volunteers have stories – our own to him you will find that he is also very had his heart disease and after about stories and others – of selfless love and humble and down to earth. He has lived four years of great health he suffered humanity, the power of prayer and faith, a life that most of us could only dream several heart attacks. In 1998 Bob had gratitude, inspiration. And we have about. a defibrillator implanted in his chest to facts and answers to questions about the At the age of 15 Bob joined the help regulate his heartbeat. Although transplant process, which we are happy British Army where he served for twelve he was healthy in every other way, to share with nearby Lodges and other years. Just before leaving the army in the damage caused by his congenital groups to help explain how transplanted 1970 he learned that he had congenital heart disease was starting to catch up organs have changed lives and families. heart disease. After three years of with him. After about five years it was For this issue of ESM we have the various treatments, open-heart surgery apparent that he needed a new heart. inspirational story of a Brother who for was required to replace two valves in his He finally received a new heart on more than thirty years would not allow heart. He was 30 years old. His doctors March 25, 2003. His surgery was congenital heart disease to prevent him told him he had about five years to live performed by Dr. Mehmet Oz and was living a remarkable life in the face of – if he stayed close to the hospital and filmed and shown around the world seemingly overwhelming obstacles. developed a sedentary lifestyle. It was on the Discovery Channel’s Second Then, when his diseased heart was not not in Bob’s nature to be sedentary; he Opinion, to an estimated 176 million going to last much longer, a donor heart would not give up without a fight. viewers. Thanks to a New York organ gave him a new lease on life Contrary to his doctor’s donor, Brother Bob Mawson is still able Brother Robert Mawson, of Solomon’s recommendation, Bob took a job with a to lead a full and active life. n

14 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Brotherhood Fund—either the Disaster Fund or his Allocations. Your generous gifts have helped these people. Your contributions to the Masonic Benevolence Committee help Brother Masons in your Lodge with financial difficulties, payment of rent, needed eyeglasses, etc. After speaking to the Master of the Lodge and District Deputy, help can be received. RW Bruce Testut, There is a place for you, in the years to come, where you can Masonic Brotherhood Fund be taken care of if needed. You can be helped in all facets of health care. The Golden Years may require some help to “Help” is a four-letter word that takes up a whole column get through, but at the Masonic Care Community (MCC) in the dictionary. This simple utterance in any language is in Utica you have a staff of professionals who are there to accompanied by pictures of terror, anguish, sorrow, tears, and be with you and care for you. The MCC is an important calls up many emotions of the human being. charity of the Masonic Brotherhood Fund and deserves your We have heard this request many times in the last few years, attention. including recent months when certain parts of the world The Military Outreach of the Masonic Brotherhood Fund were subject to the ire of Mother Nature. Closer to home, has always been an active category, especially now, with so the word “help” was heard loud and clear, as near as mid- and many veterans coming out of the Middle East conflict. These upper New York State. I am sure all is not near normal yet. brave men and women are being remembered with items of In all cases the Masonic family has responded to the MSA’s need and other personal items. This committee, as well as the call to help the Philippine Islands, Japan and the tornado- War Vets Posts, supplies transportation to and from home to ravaged states of middle America. Long Island, New York veterans’ hospitals. City and New Jersey were not spared the terrible devastation When the envelope comes to you from your chairman, brought to people and property. The dollars sent to help please help. Give us a chance to help wipe away the tears of these people, the Grand Master has taken from the Masonic helplessness and light up your heart with a smile. n

New York DeMolay held their Annual Convention in Utica in August 2013. Hundreds of DeMolays, Advisors, new candidates and members of all concordant bodies converged for a weekend of fun, entertainment and education. The convention marked the moment in time when State Master Councilor David Celentano stepped down and Brother Thomas J. R. Perry was elected and installed as the State Master Councilor. While this was the pinnacle of the weekend, we saw many other highlights. The New York State Troopers brought a special “roll-over vehicle” which demonstrated the pitfalls of not wearing a seatbelt. They also brought along a K-9 demonstration and showed how they protect the innocent. It was an afternoon of questions and answers, which opened many eyes, young and old. MW and Dad James E. Sullivan participated in Saturday night’s installation as he presented the Letters Temporary to RW and Dad Bruce L. Van Buren from Elias Light Chapter in Oneonta. NY (l-r) Brother Ron Wood, 1st member of Elias Light Chapter, the DeMolay continues to move in a positive direction MW and Dad James E. Sullivan, RW and Dad Bruce L. Van Buren and all support is appreciated. n THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 15 Grand Lecturer’s Conventions - Spring 2014, as of this printing:

Feb. 24 First Nassau Feb. 26 Multi-District, First Manhattan Mariner’s Brethen, Lodge FC Degree

Q: During any of the three Degrees, We should be grateful to the Great March 4 First Kings after the Scripture lesson, the Chaplain Architect of the Universe, at all times, March 5 Tenth Manhattan is to return to the East. Some Lodge for the grand plan of renewal that March 6 First Westchester-Putnam rooms are so small he has trouble comes with the change of seasons, March 11 Sixth Manhattan getting past the Marshal, Senior enabling our planet to bring life anew. March 12 Queens Deacon, and the rest of We as Masons should also at this time March 13 Second Manhattan the procession. Is it improper for him renew ourselves and our spirits, and ask March 14 Fourth Manhattan to pass between the altar and the lesser ourselves the question, “What came March 16 Quest light on his return? you here to do?” Hopefully we came March 18 Richmond to work at improving ourselves by our March 19 Bronx A: Yes- If the Chaplain does not engagement in this Craft. March 20 Second Kings have space to return to the East, he March 22 Suffolk should wait at the altar until the work The Custodians of the Work have March 25 Eighth Manhattan is completed at the Junior Warden’s spent numerous hours toward a March 26 Second Westchester- Station and the procession moves past renaissance of the Ritual that we Putnam him; then he can return should use to build the foundation March 27 Third Kings to the East. upon which our daily lives are lived. March 31 Ninth Manhattan As nature brings forth new from that Q: When an Entered Apprentice visits which has laid dormant, let us strive to April 2 Fifth Manhattan a Lodge to observe the conferral of the bring new enlightenment to the world. April 3 Second Nassau First Degree, when the Degree is over That world, we by our membership April 14 Green Ulster he must leave. Does he exit through the owe a debt to improve. The emphasis April 15 Columbia Outer or Inner door? is not only in our personal growth, but April 16 Dutchess also with those who live within our April 17 Orange-Rockland n A: Before the Master raises the Lodge circle of influence. back to the proper Degree he should announce that all those below that of My Brothers, the journey I have made Master Mason will retire at this time. throughout this Grand Jurisdiction They would give the proper salutes and has left me with a renewed joy and exit through the Outer door. Only the appreciation of our Ritual. Through candidates for the Degrees use the Inner this interaction I’ve gained greater door (and those officers ordered by the knowledge of the divine principles Master). hidden in our symbolic Ritual. I hope that in some way you and I have grown in our work.

Q: Do the Deacons, Masters of Credit: Laura Gallant/Landov Photo Ceremony and Stewards carry the staves Sandra and I would like to thank by the right hand or left hand? the entire membership of this great A: When carried, the staves are always Fraternity who have helped and in the left hand. They should be placed supported our travels. We would on the left side of the Deacons, Masters like to express a heartfelt thanks of Ceremony and Stewards when not in and we wish for all a safe and use. healthy spring.

RW Robert W. Strang, Jr. Grand Lecturer

16 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Great achievement for historic club

1920 in the Old Terrace Masons not affiliated with the NYPD. Garden in New York Along with regular meetings, the PSC City. Approximately also hosts annual events, such as its 200 Brothers were fishing trip and a Ladies Night/Dinner in attendance and Dance, which raise money for Camp consequently elected Turk scholarships. a full set of officers The club also conducts the Masonic and finalized the club’s Safety ID program for the NYPD staff, name. The enthusiasm recruits and their guests during Family grew so quickly that Day at the Police Academy. Although within a short period the Degree Team is no longer active, the Police Square Club Degree Team (May 26, 1950) of time the club roster goal is to one day revive it to its once- boasted an estimated 600 legendary status. On June 25, 2013 the Police members. Then in November of 1923 Meetings are held on the fourth Square Club of the City of New York the Supreme Court issued a certificate Tuesday of the month and Master celebrated a grand milestone: its 1000th of incorporation and the Police Square Masons who are current or retired, regular meeting. Members gathered Club, Inc. of the City of New York uniformed or civilian members of at the Advance Masonic Temple in would be destined to become one of the NYPD are encouraged to apply. Queens to celebrate the occasion with the foremost organizations in Masonry For more information, please visit the a night of fellowship and fun. President in the United States. The prominence website at www.nypdpolicesquareclub. Brother Richard Araya conducted the of the club spread far and wide as its org. As it celebrates its 93rd anniversary meeting and issued special certificates renowned Degree Team was called upon this year, the Police Square Club to those present. After the close of the to perform at numerous events. continues to promote Freemasonry in meeting the Brothers proceeded to Today the Police Square Club, or daily life, to further Masonic education enjoy a barbecue dinner, cigars and a PSC, has roughly 175 members and is with guest speakers and lectures on champagne toast. It was a memorable comprised of active and retired police the Craft, and most importantly, to and festive evening. officers, civilian employees within the strengthen the brotherhood within this The first meeting of the Police New York Police Department and fine Fraternity. n Square Club took place on March 15, associate members who are Master

Police Square Club – 1,000th Regular Meeting (June 25, 2013) THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 17 Charity RW M. DONALD DARROHN III President Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home

One hundred and fifty years ago, by a special Act of the New York State Legislature, the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund were incorporated. The path to their creation is most interesting. “The history of our charity work began on the day Grand Lodge was organized.” “…to give relief to worthy, distressed Master Masons, to their widows, orphans, or other deserving dependents, was one of the very reasons Grand Lodge came into existence.” This is from the November issue of the 1933 The Masonic Outlook, the official publication of the Grand Lodge of New York. Charity, also recognized as relief, was initially administered by the Grand Master and Grand Lodge Officers; then a Committee on Charity served until it was merged into a Grand Steward’s Lodge. Their greatest difficulty was finding adequate funds. Benefits, galas and direct appeals were made in attempts to raise money. It was in 1818 that Grand Lodge began to tax the Lodges and members as a way to support those in need. Years passed and discussions led to several realizations: (a) that the Craft needed a headquarters and a permanent place to meet; (b) some kind of Home and School for the care of indigent members was needed; and (c) some system should be in place to provide adequate funds for the Charity. Most Masons are familiar with the story of Grand Tiler Greenfield Pote placing a dollar on an altar or desk to start the project – that was in 1842. The following year a petition was presented to Grand Lodge by 100 Brothers, along with $300 for “the erection of a hall in the City of New York “ and “the founding of an asylum for worthy, decayed Masons.” It was The center window over the altar in our beautiful twenty-one years later that the State Legislature established Tompkins Memorial Chapel is Charity. Saint Paul the corporate body that would become the Trustees of the said, “and now abideth faith, hope, charity, these Masonic Hall and Home. three, but the greatest of these is charity.” Masonic Hall became an accomplished fact when in 1875 Grand Lodge met in the five-story building at 23rd Street and has only recently begun to help meet the needs of the Home. 6th Avenue. (Interestingly, that original building cost more • Grand Lodge in the early 1900s additionally assessed the than the nineteen-story building that replaced it – but that’s membership in order to support the Charity by imposing a another story.) The Home was opened in Utica in 1893. The $.50 assessment per member per year. cost of charity continued to grow with the expansion of the • That assessment went up to $1, eventually to $3.25 each year Fraternity. The original Masonic Hall was razed in the early per member. 1900s and replaced by a nineteen-story commercial building. • That amount was reduced to $.50 in 1998 as the assets of the A new nineteen-story Masonic Hall had been constructed Trustees grew and the commercial operations of Masonic adjacent and behind on 24th Street. The State Legislature Hall improved. altered the establishing legislation to allow the revenue from We, the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home, maintain the new buildings to support the Home. Thus the Charity was the real estate of the Fraternity and those activities that able to anticipate adequate funds to support the Home. support, nurture, and educate Brother Masons, their wives, Some background statistics: widows, children and the community. As Masons we can all • Our Brothers of the early 1900s contributed $10 at initiation be proud of the accomplishments and the lives that have been for an endowment in support of their brethren, widows and touched, transformed and fulfilled by our Charity. Every day orphans at Utica. at the Masonic Care Community their focus is on providing • The initiation fee was increased to $23.50 in 1928 and at warm, compassionate, sustaining care—something that was some later date reduced to $20, where it remains to this day. known as Charity. n • The income from the commercial activities of Masonic Hall

18 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Bro Rob Raffle, Executive Director Masonic Care Community of New York

Our Residents and Staff Live Charity Every Day

This issue of the Empire State Mason is dedicated to charity. care for have what they need, and if that means going into We at the Masonic Care Community believe charity begins their own pockets to pay for something, then that is what at home. The seniors who live here are active in a number they do. We have a lot of animal lovers working here. Our of Central New York non-profit activities. Our staff are housekeeping team donates old blankets, towels and sheets involved in giving of their time, talent and treasure to a to the area humane societies and animal shelters. These items host of organizations and the Care Community, itself, offers would have been thrown out, but instead are helping these its campus to numerous local charities, to help them raise organizations care for thousands of abandoned and abused funds for their worthy causes. Here are few examples of how animals. I could go on and on. This short paragraph does not charity is alive and well on the campus of the Masonic Care even begin to recognize the giving spirit of the staff of the Community. Masonic Care Community. Our seniors participate in numerous activities. In February The campus itself plays host to a number of non-profit they raise thousands of dollars in the Senior Walk for Heart, organizations. The Multiple Sclerosis Society will hold its which is held in our Health Pavilion. The size of this building annual walk in May. This summer the Boilermaker walk will allows seniors from MCC as well as individuals from fifteen bring thousands to enjoy our beautiful 400-acre campus. In other local healthcare centers to actively participate in this September, along with our own Mighty Run, we will host fundraising effort. Residents of Acacia Village hold their the National Kidney Foundation Walk, the Juvenile Diabetes “Souper Bowl” each year, providing our dietary staff an Walk and the Crohn’s Colitis Walk. In October, the Making opportunity to show off their talents and compete for the Strides for Breast Cancer Walk welcomes more than 4,000 best soup. The event raises money for our Child Care Center people to our campus, and at the end of the month we will by charging $5 per person. Everyone attending gets to try host the “Boolermaker” kids run. The Wonderland of Lights, four different soups and vote for their favorite. Our Health sponsored by the Resource Center for Independent Living, Pavilion Resident Council holds bake sales, garage sales and will be on campus from Thanksgiving through Christmas. basket raffles throughout the year to donate to our children’s In 2013 more than $500,000 were raised for charity through holiday party, Halloween, the local humane society and other events held on the campus of the Masonic Care Community. charities. Basket raffles are held to benefit our MCC families These are events that we welcome every year. That is a pretty in need. For example, thousands of dollars were raised to help impressive record. local families who was displaced by the flooding that occurred Last but not least, the Masonic Care Community Campus in the Mohawk Valley in June and July of 2013. gives back to the Fraternity. Each year the campus hosts St. Our staff are also active. They belong to organizations such John’s Day events. All Masons are invited to attend a free as the Boy and Girl Scouts, YWCA, Feed our Vets, various picnic at Acacia Village to kick off the weekend. There will be humane societies and animal rescue organizations found in plenty of food and fellowship, as well as entertainment outside Central New York to name a few. They work together when (weather permitting) by the Steve Falvo Mini-Big Band. We a co-worker is in need. In 2013, funds were raised to help welcome all our Brothers to join us at 6:00 pm, Friday, June several families who were facing tragedy. Those funds helped 20th. pay for healthcare expenses, home repairs in the floods, and Your support of the Masonic Care Community goes much general support for individuals in need. Every holiday season, further than the campus. It extends to the wonderful staff, numerous staff donate to make sure all our Masonic Care who give of themselves in a variety of ways. It allows us to offer Community Staff have a wholesome holiday meal. On our our facilities to support a host of non-profit organizations by households, the staff purchase many decorations for our providing a secure campus for their events. And most of all, residents to enjoy, and because of the generosity of those who it maintains the place where for the last 121 years our seniors work here, no resident goes without a present during the can live their lives. n holiday season. Our employees make sure the seniors they

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 19 She Loved the Turtles

By Kathy Contino-Turner Director of Communications and Marketing Masonic Care Community

turtles in the Winter Garden who were part of her life at the Masonic Care Community. She asked that in her memory a fund be established to care for her four-legged friends. As a result of her kindness, plans are currently underway to create a turtle habitat in the Winter Garden pond that will allow all our residents and visitors to enjoy watching these amazing Roslyn Levine was the daughter of a New York State Mason creatures. and said her dad was always proud of that affiliation. Her son-in-law was a member of Utica Lodge 47, active as a Charity can come in many forms. For Roslyn Levine, it was the turtles. The next time you visit, make point to stop in and Shriner Ziyara Zanie, and a member of the Scottish Rite. n Her daughter is a member of Eastern Star, was Past Matron say hello to Roslyn’s turtles. of the Utica Chapter 452, and is presently Matron of Valley Stars. Her great-granddaughter attended the Masonic Care Community Child Care Center. With such a connection to the Fraternity, Roslyn decided to move into Acacia Village to be closer to family. After several years at Acacia Village, Roslyn became a resident of the Health Pavilion at the Masonic Care Community and that is how she met the turtles. The Winter Garden of the Health Pavilion is a lovely spot to grab dinner or a light snack. You can visit with friends, or as Roslyn loved to do, watch the turtles in the Winter Garden Pond. Roslyn’s daughter Rona Lucas tells us the turtles didn’t do much, they just stared back at Roslyn. But everyday, Roslyn had to visit the pond and check on her pals. She enjoyed their company for close to two years. Roslyn left us to join her husband, her father and her son-in-law late last spring. But she also left a legacy to the No Smoking at the Masonic Care Community

The Masonic Care Community has facility. This law will affect all hospitals, Every week, thousands of people get been tobacco free for many years. health care centers and nursing homes information on the Masonic Care Smoking or use of tobacco products is throughout the state. The law supports Community through our Facebook prohibited on our 400-acre campus, our efforts to prohibit smoking and page. It provides immediate access to including all buildings, parking areas the use of any tobacco product on the activities on campus, allowing people all and outdoor spaces. This measure was Utica Campus. This includes smoking over the world to see the best in action. enacted as part of our on-going efforts in vehicles that are on this campus. We invite you to “Like” our page and to protect the health of our residents, We welcome your visits to campus, “Share” it with everyone you know. We staff and visitors. but remind everyone that our ban on also invite you to “Like” and “Share” the In July of 2013, the New York State smoking is now a State Law. There are Camp Turk Page. legislature overwhelmingly approved those of you who for whatever reason Facebook gives us the ability to and the Governor signed into law have chosen to ignore our mandate. communicate and share in real time— an amendment to New York State’s It saddens us to think we have to you don’t have to wait to see what is smoking law, which prohibits smoking continually address this issue with our going on. Keep up on all the happenings anywhere on the grounds of a general Brothers and their ladies when they are at the Utica Campus, Round Lake and hospital or residential health care facility visiting the Masonic Care Community. the Camp Turk Program. We will be (New York Public Health Law Section We ask that you respect this healthcare sharing photos of our events as well 1399-0, Subdivision 2). It also prohibits community, its staff and those who call as keeping you updated on future it home. n n smoking within fifteen feet of the activities. property line of a hospital or health care 20 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 By Kathy Contino-Turner Director of Communications and Marketing for the Masonic Care Community

When the Masonic Care Community opened as the Masonic acre property purchased in the early 1930s specifically for the Home in May of 1893, children were also welcomed to live kids. Tom Yacovella, the President of the Masonic Home Kids on the campus. These were the children of Masons. Some Alumni Association told me that the city kids—referring to the had one parent who was unable to care for them and others children with whom they attended school in Utica—thought had lost both mother and father. Children the Home kids were rich because they lived on came, with siblings or alone. They were the large gated property, had an indoor separated by age and sex. The basic needs swimming pool and spent their summers of food, clothing and shelter were met. at Round Lake. They were educated. The Masonic Home A new book has recently been published Kids didn’t have the traditional family by Kenneth Pettit (Kenny), a Masonic setting but these kids had each other. Home Kid. At the age of four he came They have remained close throughout to Utica with his two older brothers, their lives, gathering every two years for following the death of their mother and a Labor Day weekend at Round Lake father. The book, called Wiley Hall, is Camp. They bring their families and an honest recollection in the life of this relive their memories. boy who lived at the Home from July For the first six years of its existence of 1944 until the mid 1950s. There the Masonic Home had one building, is a good deal of history included the large castle-like structure that and many of the kids who grew up housed everything and everyone, here with Kenny return to attend the including the children. As the Round Lake Labor Day gatherings. need grew, so grew the structures Wiley Hall is a collection of stories on campus. The Booth Memorial that recount Pettit’s life experiences Children’s building was first in 1898, at the Masonic Home in Utica as followed by the Knights Templar in well as summers at Round Lake. It’s 1916 for the girls and a two-story enlightening, sad, funny and thought brick structure for young children provoking as it highlights the in 1923 across from Tompkins attitudes and conditions of the time. Chapel. The Scottish Rite Building This book allows the reader to share across from the Knights Templar some of the Home Kids’ experiences originally housed the older boys in from the 1940s and ‘50s. 1924 and Wiley Hall in 1928 was constructed as the boys’ The Masonic Fraternity of New York has such a noted dormitory. history of charity but caring for these 969 children has to Children of Masons benefitted from the charity of be one of the major milestones. Thanks to this organization, their father’s Lodge Brothers from 1893 to 1982. Life was many of the Masonic Home Kids went on to take their place regimented, especially during the school year. They attended in society as doctors, teachers, artists, and authors. Many public school in Utica, but were not idle when the school served our country in both World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and day ended. The Home mandated that each child learn to some made the ultimate sacrifice. There are others today: their play a musical instrument, participate in choir, and actively children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who have participate in sports. The kids looked forward to summer benefitted from the fact the Masonic Home existed. It’s part vacation, because they spent it at Round Lake Camp, a 1600- of the legacy that defines us to this very day. n

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 21 Friday, June 20th Saturday, June 21st Sunday, June 22nd 7:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. 9:00 A.M. District Deputy Training Coffee in front of Administration Worship Service in Tompkins Chapel Main Venue – Administration Building with Chaplain Ken Wagner, Chaplain Building, Auditorium, Fellowship Hall, Stenrick Adams. other campus locations as assigned. 9:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Crafters on the lawn. Masonic 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. organizations are invited to set up small Breakfast in the Winter Garden Ladies Tea in Wiley Hall – includes all 10 x 10 tents to offer information to Masonic ladies from Acacia Village, their Brothers, sell items, or promote 1:00 P.M. Wiley Hall and the Health Pavilion. Lodge activities. Masonic Scholarship Awards in the (Attended by the Grand Line ladies, Administration Building Auditorium n and the wives of the Trustees of the 10:00 A.M. Masonic Hall and Home). Grand Master, Grand Line, Trustees of the Hall and Home greet Brother 5:00 P.M. Masons who live on the Masonic Care Friday Night Service followed by Community Campus in the Atrium of the Oneg Shabat in the Auditorium the Health Pavilion. of the Administration Building to accommodate all who would like to 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. attend. Entertainment on the Great Lawn

6:00 P.M. –10:00 P.M. 11:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. Friday Night picnic at Acacia Village. Refreshments, food, DeMolay ice All Masons and their families who are cream attending the weekend’s activities are invited. 6:00 P.M.- 9:00 P.M. music by 1:00 P.M. the Steve Falvo Easy Money Big Band Masonic War Veterans Flag Ceremony (outside weather permitting). Remarks in front of the Soldiers and Sailors to the gathering 7:00 P.M. The Lights building. of Honor at dusk to 9:00 P.M. This event is a celebration of the 150th 2:00 P.M. Anniversary of the Trustees as well as Procession to the Daniel D. Tompkins the 20th Anniversary of Acacia Village. Memorial Chapel

2:30 P.M. Investiture Service at Daniel D. Tompkins Memorial Chapel

3:30 P.M. Photos of District Deputies, Staff Officers and Assistant Grand Lecturers in front of Administration Building.

22 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 RW Ronald J. Steiner, Chairman Grand Lodge Communications

Every reader—certainly every as Masons are serving the community, communicate your enthusiasm, others Brother—should recognize that Relief the nation and indeed, all humanity. will pick up on the clarion call. and Charity are synonymous. From It has often been said that the A Brother shared this poem last year. the time we took our obligation as best charity is that which is given The message is very appropriate to this an Entered Apprentice we have been anonymously. I submit that as Brothers thesis. taught that Brotherly Love, Relief we have an obligation to speak up Take Time.... and Truth are the cornerstones of our and talk about charity and relief and beloved Craft. Our ESM theme or Take time to think~ how we Masons practice this cardinal It is the source of power. topic this issue is Charity. It is widely virtue. We should have pride in what known that Freemasons in the United Take time to read~ we do; you should have pride in your It is the foundation of wisdom. States contribute more than $2 million practice of charity. This pride will be a day to charity and, based upon what Take time to play~ contagious and will result in ever- It is the secret of staying young. we as Masons in the Empire State greater accomplishments. collectively contribute financially and Take time to be quiet! support with hands-on volunteerism, Charity and relief is more than just It is the chance to seek God. the sum is probably much greater. reaching into your pocket or writing Take time to be aware~ a check. Sometimes your personal It is the chance to help others. Elsewhere in this issue of the Empire contribution of time and talent can be Take time to love and be loved~ State Mason you will find many worth more than a financial gift. And, It is God’s greatest gift. outstanding examples of community more often than not, in order to get the Take time to laugh~ outreach charity projects practiced by hands-on support for a given charitable It is the music of the soul. individual Brothers and collectively project we have to publicize that event Take time to be friendly~ by Lodges and District organizations and tell about what we Masons are It is the road to happiness. and foundations. And we should be doing, so we can enlist participation Take time to dream~ ever mindful and proud of the most and support. It is what the future is made of. notable accomplishments provided Take time to pray~ So, don’t be bashful about the 24/7 year ‘round at our Masonic Care It is the greatest power on earth. relief and charity you practice. Every Community (MCC) in Utica, the And take time for charity ... it is the dollar counts whether you contribute world-renowned Cardiac Research key to heaven. it personally or someone else does. Institute at our own Masonic Medical ~Anonymous~ Research Laboratory (MMRL), and Every hour contributed to a worthy so very many of our New York Grand cause counts. As individuals, we have I want to leave you with this reminder Lodge working committees. Not learned that we can make a difference. from our “Masonic Compact”: the least of these are the Masonic Collectively we certainly do make “... I know that charity is the Brotherhood Fund (MBF); libraries a difference, a very great difference, distinguishing human virtue, and that and museums (Chancellor Robert R and all to the good. I encourage you personal community service is the Livingston Masonic Library and the to share your ideas about how we can best demonstration of one’s commitment George Washington Masonic Historic best fulfill our obligation to provide to humanity; I acknowledge that words Site at Tappan are prime examples); Brotherly love, relief and truth And without deeds are meaningless, and I Masonic Safety ID program (Child that starts with you and your Lodge. vow to work with my Lodge to provide IDs); Masonic Model Student Assistance There are a lot of great projects service to the community, and to promote Program (MMSAP), in helping identify described here that are proven winners. charity, friendship, morality, harmony, kids at risk; scholarships and youth Without a doubt, they could all integrity and love....” programs; summer camping at Camp be doing more, serving more and I think the message is clear. Let’s do Turk; food banks; veterans and military certainly doing better financially. it. And let’s communicate what we are outreach programs (MSA); and on and More hands, more participants, doing so others will be inspired and on. These endeavors not only serve greater achievement—it is that simple. motivated to join us. n Masons and their families, but also we Enthusiasm is contagious and if you

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 23 GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 71 West 23rd Street, 17th Floor ∙ New York, NY 10010-4149 233rd Annual Communication – 2014 MEMBERS’ PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

MONDAY, MAY 5, 2014 TUESDAY, MAY 6, 2014

6:00 am to 9:00 am 6:00 am to 9:00 am

(TILED) 9:00 am (TILED) 9:00 am

11:00 am

12:00 pm 11:00 am 1:30 pm

1:00 pm

(TILED) 2:00 pm

6:30 pm

Women’s Organizations, Youth Groups and Totton Essay Contest Winner will be recognized on Sunday Evening, May 4th at the V.I.P. Dinner by Invitation only.

FACTS

GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 71 West 23rd Street, 17th Floor ∙ New York, NY 10010-4149 233rd Annual Communication – 2014 Member Subscription Form 100A + 100B/13 (Note: Seating at Sessions is LIMITED to Grand Lodge Officers, Grand Lodge Committee Members, and Lodge Masters, or their Lawfully Elected Proxies)

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Monday, May 5, 2014 and Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Breakfast at the LaGuardia Plaza Hotel® - 6:00 am to 9:00 am $20.00 PER PERSON, PER BREAKFAST Will you be able to attend? ......  Yes  No If yes, will your companion accompany you ......  Yes  No

A separate check made payable to The Grand Lodge, F. & A.M., State of New York must accompany this form, if you plan on attending either or both Breakfasts at the Hotel.

Number of Tickets Desired . . . .______at $20.00 each, Total Amount of Check $______Monday, May 5, 2014

Grand Master’s Reception and Dinner- 6:30 pm Russo’s on the Bay Formal Attire $95.00 PER TICKET (including gratuity)

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List additional names for tickets on a separate sheet attached. A separate check made payable to The Masonic Brotherhood Fund must accompany this form, if you plan on attending the Grand Master’s Dinner. Send this form with your payment to:

Grand Lodge Convention Committee c/o Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of the State of New York (Address listed above) Cell-Phone (917) 648-9859 Email: [email protected] Return this form with all payments no later than April 15, 2014 GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 71 West 23rd Street, 17th Floor New York, NY 10010-4149 233RD ANNUAL COMMUNICATION - 2014 H O T E L RESERVATIONS ($155.00 Per Night, Plus Applicable Taxes) LaGuardia Plaza Hotel®

$155.00 Single Double Double Queen King Per Night, You prefer a.... Room with a...... size bed. All rooms are Plus Applicable Yes No Yes No Add a cot?...... or adjacent room..... Taxes non-smoking

Month Day Year You will be staying for nights beginning on the following date: CANCELLATIONS: Call Convention Committee until April 15, 2014 at (917) 648-9859. Or e-mail at [email protected] DO NOT CALL HOTEL or we will lose the room YOU understand that these requested reservations will be made in YOUR name and YOU will be responsible for paying the bill directly to the hotel upon checking out. Full Name

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This form will be used for all hotel reservations. Please submit one form for each room reservation. A check must accompany form for all breakfasts, luncheons, and dinners being attended by you and your lady. Make your check payable to Grand Lodge F. & A.M., State of New York for all meals being attended with the exception of the Grand Master’s Dinner on Monday, May 5th.

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To: Grand Lodge Convention Committee c/o Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons (Address listed above)

Return this form no later than April 15, 2014. GLFORM 100A/13 RW Martin A. Danoff Chairman Law Enforcement Committee [email protected] As with your physical health, you contract to specify their expected can avoid problems by periodically rights and responsibilities, and may checking your legal health. There is enter agreements similar to the ones is when buying or selling a home, a no better time to take inventory of observed by married couples. If you business, forming a partnership or a your legal status than January 2014. are contemplating a divorce, consult corporation. You may need a review if a divorce expert to you have an accident, have problems determine child in the workplace, are contemplating custody, financial bankruptcy, or for tax planning and support and to make litigation. a fair division of the property of the It is important to see your lawyer or marriage. Your lawyer legal specialist early before a problem can also seek protection occurs, or if there is already a problem, if your spouse threatens before it becomes more aggravated to assault or harass you, and costly. An annual checkup of your take your children in legal health can be just as important as Important areas to consider include violation of custody your physical and dental examinations. wills and trusts, estate planning, or visitation rights or hide property Legal checkups remind you of your insurance coverage, contracts, obtained during the marriage. rights and duties, detect problems, and retirement planning, updating can result in your taking action before your power of attorney, health Good legal health usually includes trouble starts. Good legal health will proxy, business interests and burial having an estate plan with a valid will. protect your family, your home, your instructions. You should review your Without a will, your property may estate, your vehicles, your valuables, legal papers at least once a year to see not be distributed as you desire. Also, your business interests and your if the relevant plans and documents some family members may inherit investments. It can also provide peace reflect your current needs. your property against your wishes. of mind. Trusts are another estate planning An annual legal checkup may uncover tool. A trust is a document that allows So make a New Year’s Resolution for problems that can be corrected before you to transfer property to loved 2014 that in 2014 you will see your they cause trouble. For example, if you ones using a trustee to carry out your lawyer or legal specialist and have a inherit a large amount of money from instructions. Trusts created in a will are legal checkup. This will ensure that you a relative, you may want to reevaluate called testamentary trusts. Trusts can and your family will be legally safe in your will and estate plan. Or, if interest also be created by a trust document 2014. rates drop, you may want to refinance called a living trust. The trust can your 8% mortgage loan for a new be revocable or irrevocable. Living This article is not intended to be nor is it rate of 4%. Your lawyer can perform trusts can be a useful estate-planning a source of legal advice. This article does your legal checkup and knows how to tool for everyone, not just the rich or not create an attorney-client relationship diagnose legal problems and prescribe famous. A living trust can help you and it is purely a resource of information cures. During your legal checkup, avoid probate and keep your affairs for Masons and their families. n you can review your family situation, private. Review your estate planning finances, real estate ownership, documents whenever important life employment agreements, investments changes take place: when you marry, and business interest. If legal action is have a child, move, lose a loved one, necessary, your lawyer can recommend buy a house or business. Be sure your additional services such as changing estate plan keeps pace with the value your will, preparing a new durable of your property and changes in the power of attorney, or preparing a lease tax laws. Revisions can be made with a for rental property. new document or an amendment to an existing one, but you should never try If you are contemplating marriage, to make changes by writing or crossing whether it is your first or fifth out anything on your old will or trust. marriage, you should have a prenuptial agreement. Unmarried couples Other areas for legal checkup and living together sometimes use a where you can avoid common pitfalls

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 27 RW James H. Rice, Grand Historian

the Lodge. It is dated March 11, 1867 funds we have on hand, and the liberal and is addressed to Milo Lodge No. contributions of some of our members, 108. (It is a printed circular with open we have been enabled to purchase a lot spaces to enter a Lodge and number.) (the building upon which was burnt during the war) in the business and It states: most central part of the town. “The undersigned have been appointed a Committee to solicit aid from the “Having thus made a candid statement various Masonic Lodges of our common of our situation, we most earnestly and country. fraternally appeal to you for help. From your abundance extend some relief to your “Brothers! - Hiram Lodge, No. 21, Brothers in need! The expansive charity, appeals to the great Masonic heart taught by our excellent tenets, forbids for help. Our Lodge is located in us to fear that we shall be turned away Winchester, VA., in the beautiful empty from your doors. That blessed ‘Valley of the Shenandoah.’ During Book, which we are taught is to be the the late unhappy war our town was in rule and guide of our faith and practice, occupancy of one or the other of the contains the noble precept: ‘Give to contending armies. In its immediate him that asketh of thee, and from him vicinity several great battles were fought, that would borrow of thee, turn not and its streets was the scene of many a thou away.’” bloody contest during the protracted struggle. The almost constant presence The circular is signed by the Committee During the Civil War the Shenandoah of large armies in and around the town and has the following endorsement Valley of Virginia saw many battles, resulted in great destruction to our dated March 15, 1866 from the Louisa beginning with General Stonewall churches, public buildings, and private Court House: Jackson’s Valley Campaign from March property. Our beloved Order shared in “It affords me much real gratification to to June of 1862, where his 16,000 common with our people. Our Hall add my official sanction to the within troops outfought 64,000 Union troops, was occupied and destroyed, furniture appeal; and to the truths therein set to General Phil Sheridan’s Valley broken up and carried off, nothing left forth, and well established by history, to Campaign from August 1864 to March but the bare walls. All went down in the give my endorsement.” 1865. common wreck! Could your eyes have Signed by Edward H. Lane, beheld the desolation in our midst, your Grand Master, In the spring of 1864 Sheridan enacted hearts would have bled for us, and your Grand Lodge of Virginia General Grant’s “hard war” policy in the hands would have been spontaneously Shenandoah Valley, where all supplies of stretched out in sympathy and relief: I found this circular amongst papers potential use to the Confederacy were I was reviewing from the safe at the confiscated or destroyed if the Federal ‘True Charity makes others wants Lodge while searching for other material troops could not remove them. In this their own’ relating to the Masonic College in process many buildings, businesses Havana, New York. I was successful in and organizations had not only “We are impoverished, but have lost finding those papers and will relate that their contents but also the buildings none of our love for our ancient story in a future article for The Empire themselves destroyed. General David Institution. Who can tell what is to be State Mason. I continue to search the Hunter’s Union troops conducted a the mission of Masonry? May it not be minutes of the Lodge to see if any destructive raid in May and June of reserved for us under the guidance of contribution was made to this or other 1864 through the valley. the Great I AM, to build up the wounds southern Lodges to help them renew still bleeding, and rebuild the walls that Masonry in their communities. It is now May, 1867 and in the minute have been rudely thrown down? So book of Milo Lodge 108 for that date Mote It Be!” I can’t wait to see what else I may find is the entry: “A communication from that the officers of the Milo Lodge have Hiram Lodge 21, Winchester, VA. This communication goes on to state put away in the safe over these many requesting aid to build a Hall was the condition of the old Lodge and the years. What a treasure trove! n received and placed on file.” I found this desire of the Brothers to build a new communication in the old, large safe at one. And further states: “With what

28 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 The Deposit Lodge 396 hosted a breakfast with Santa on Sunday, December 1. Along with the breakfast, the Delaware District’s Masonic Safety ID Program was presented. A large sign out front of the (l-r) Brother Dale VanPelt and Master Herb Buckley. Lodge announced the well-attended event. n

The Delaware District’s AGL Richard Morley and his wife (pictured on the right) utilized Deposit High school student volunteers to man the bank of computers for the Child Safety ID program. The parents of the young children were most appreciative of the free Masonic program.

Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus (Brother Dave Emerson and wife) listened to an unbelievable wish list from all the children attending, before heading back to the North Pole.

History Buffs Abound in Iroquois Lodge 715

Iroquois Lodge 715 has begun to hold a series of talks, presentations and displays following completion of their monthly meeting. As part of the series, Brother J. R. LaForest (second from left in photo), shows members of Iroquois Lodge 715 the long-lost 1806 minutes from Essex Lodge 152, the first Lodge in Essex County, New York. A description of the finding of these lost records was first reported in the October 1926 issue of The New York Masonic Outlook (a predecessor to The Empire State Mason magazine). The article also listed Lodge 152 members active in local battles during the War of 1812. Interestingly, 80% of the sixty-five Brothers from the original Essex Lodge were active militia officers and members. Brother LaForest’s PowerPoint talk also discussed thirty War of 1812 officers who held Masonic membership.

(l-r) Brother Carl Goepper SFL; Brother J. R. LaForest, Another presentation in the series was a PowerPoint talk by holding cover of Lodge 152’s 1806 minutes; W Dean historian and Brother LaForest concerning the little-known Caveny; Brother Richard Rockefeller; Brother Tommy relationship of the three ruffians to primitive religious figures Gillilland; Brother William Wardell; RW Gerald Boprey; (i.e., Baal). Two talks by RW Dean Caveney described the and Brother William Kissam. genealogy of Hiram Abiff and discussed the role of Masonic Seated - RW Charles Krotz and W. Edward Collins Ritual upon everyday life. n

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 29 4th Manhattan makes history By RW Paul D. Reitz. The date of June 29 marked a unique event in New York Masonry. W Alexander Dionisio was installed as Master of Park Lodge 516 in the same ceremony where his father, W Alberto A. Dionisio, was installed Master of Gramercy Lodge 537. Both Lodges are in the Fourth (l-r) RW Carlito R. Gallardo, DDGM of the Fourth Manhattan District; Manhattan District; both men are serving as Worshipful W Alfonso Iriberri, DSA the Installing Master; RW Kurt Ott, Grand Master for the first time. None of those present could Treasurer and the keynote speaker; W Alexander Dionisio; W Alberto A. recollect this ever happening in New York. n Dionisio; and W Farlie Salvador, the Installing Chaplain.

My name is RW William Greene. I am Native American, Tuscarora and Mohawk. I was asked if it was possible to form a Native American Interested in Joining Degree Team in New York State. So, I am asking you if there are any Native American Master Masons who are willing to join in starting a Native American Degree Team—possibly named the “Iroquois Indian Degree Team.” Degree Team? You must be a resident of New York State and a member of one of its Lodges. If you are interested, please contact me at: bg122045@ roadrunner.com 716/778-8028. n

Fraternal Lodge 155 presents 60-year award RW Gerald Dominy was recently presented a sixty-year certificate and pin. RW Dominy has faithfully served Masonry and his Lodge, including a term as District Deputy Grand Master. He also served as Secretary of his Lodge for over thirty years. n (l-r) RW Richard Ward, District Deputy Grand Master; RW Thomas Prenoveau, Grand Sword Bearer; RW Gerald Dominy and W Clark Forster, Master of Fraternal Lodge Active at 70 years Bainbridge Afton Lodge 167 held a special service awards dinner to honor two Brothers who have been active members for the past seventy years. Brother Robert Feiske was Raised on March 17, 1943. He has served as our Lodge representative to Boy Scout Troop 52 for many years. His dedication to the Lodge and service as Tiler was rewarded with the DSA designation in 2001. W Frank Doolittle was Raised on June 16, 1943. He served as Master in 1954 and 1967. His dedication to the Lodge and willingness to serve as needed were rewarded with the DSA designation in 1997. Present to honor these Brothers were family members, District Grand Lodge Officers and many friends and Brothers. The two (l-r) RW David Glassman, Grand Steward; Brother Robert Brothers are still serving as active officers and set a fine example Feiske; W Frank Doolittle and RW Robert N. Rogers, District for all Brothers to follow. n Deputy Grand Master for the Broome-Chenango District

30 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Lebanon and 15% unemployment Once again, with the assistance of the in a country of only 4.5 million in nine Lodges and the two Chapters, the population, we need the Christmas District Grand Lodge of Syria-Lebanon spirit more than ever before. As Masons distributed to very needy families 100 we need the strength, encouragement boxes of food ration, each weighing and joy that it brings. We need more of about sixty-five pounds. On Christmas the spirit of Brotherhood of men under Eve these families had food on their the Fatherhood of God, in every walk table. of life. It was very touching to see how Christmas gives us the opportunity brethren from the Lodges assisted in the of doing some good deeds, some act distribution of these food rations. In of service for humanity in general, and less than forty-eight hours all the boxes our community in particular. We may were distributed. contribute to another’s happiness or I will end this article with a poem (the gladden the heart of one who may be author is unknown). It summarizes all discouraged, the widow, the orphan, the the above. sick or the friendless. Vainly we offer each ample oblation Filled with the above spirit, the Vainly with gifts would His favor District Grand Lodge of Syria-Lebanon, secure with the financial assistance of the nine Richer by far is the heart’s adoration; Lodges and the two Chapters, acted Dearer to God are the prayers of the positively on December 12, 2013. Our poor. District Grand Master, RW Michel Timonian, donated in the name of the District Grand Lodge of Syria- MW Leon Zeitounalian December is the season of the year Lebanon, and in the name of our Grand Honorary PGM (Grand Lodge of Armenia) when our hearts are full of gratitude for Master MW James Sullivan, a check for District Grand Secretary of the the many blessings we have received. US$ 6,000.00 (six thousand) to the District Grand Lodge of Syria-Lebanon With 1.5 million Syrian refugees in Children’s Cancer Center of Lebanon. n

Masons are men who build community through Brotherhood families and the greater community at large. Our decline in that is based on a principled lifestyle. A Mason’s life is deeply membership over the past fifty years is merely a symptom of the rooted in a system of values. Masonry cannot be kept inside loss of Masonry’s relevance to our lives and our communities. the individual; it is a philosophy of fraternity that must be Our focus on the past has blinded us to the present. shared in action through numerous experiences, which are Neither a public relations agency nor an advertising Lodge-based, personal, and professional. Freemasonry’s campaign will substitute for the personal journey that you significance to our culture is timeless and offers a major can choose to take when you join the Craft. Each of us has stabilizing influence within our communities. We need to a responsibility to steward our respected Fraternity into the attract fellow journeymen who are seeking enrichment in future. Have you the same determination that we admire body, mind and spirit through participation in a brotherhood and celebrate in our heritage? When was the last time you committed to good works and personal growth. At the core handed out a petition? Make the commitment now for the of our Fraternity’s identity, which makes us different from all future good of the Lodge and the Fraternity. Go out into the other service organizations out there in the world today, are local community and show that Masons care, both through our Masonic rituals and values. time spent working with local children and supporting local Masonic values are what this country was built upon. endeavors dealing with the welfare of your community. In this Masonic values guide Masons both in the Lodge and through way, all will benefit. everyday life. As trustees of Masonry’s rich and valuable heritage, members must continually invigorate their approach to Masonic participation, making it an experience that is Cary S. Cohn rewarding, enriching, and relevant to its members, their Chairman of Youth Committee n

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 31 EDUCATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

RW Michael Shipman • Chairman Tel: (516) 304-5882 E-mail: [email protected]

Applications for Frequently Asked Questions 2014 Program due April 1 Q: Where can I obtain an application? The 2014 Education Assistance Program is in full swing A: Applications may be obtained from any Lodge Secretary and applications are being completed and returned daily to or from any DDGM in the State of New York or by the committee. Students seeking assistance for the 2014-2015 downloading from: www.nymasons.org or www.esmason. school year should contact the Secretary of their father’s/ com or email request to: [email protected] grandfather’s Lodge for an application (make sure to get a 2014 application) if they have not already done so. After completion, Q: What supporting documentation is needed to show the application should be mailed to the committee no later than April 1, 2014. At this time, all applications received will financial need? be sent to an independent firm for rating. Those selected to A: A copy of the most recently filed 1040/1040EZ forms receive assistance for the fall of 2014 will be notified by June 1. (pages 1&2) of student and parents must be included. Presentations are expected to be made across the state in June, July and August. Q: Is the signature of the Master and Secretary of my Awards are given to students who are pursuing an father’s/grandfather’s Lodge necessary? undergraduate/graduate degree, going to a trade school or for A: Yes. Before the committee will consider any application those returning to school for retraining. To be eligible, the these signatures and the seal of the Lodge must be student must: 3 obtained. Be a child/grandchild/widow of a New York State Master Mason 3 Show academic or vocational achievement; Q: I have applied to three different colleges and have not minimum cumulative G.P.A. 2.75 (80) decided which one to attend. Does this disqualify my 3 Demonstrate financial need– (not optional) application? 3 Submit a typed answer to an essay question A: No. However, before a check can be sent to a recipient 3 Be a full time student in an accredited institution of we must have proof that the student is attending a higher learning qualifying school full time. To date over 11,000 students have been given assistance totaling over $10 million. Q: How many times may I apply for assistance? The Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home are thanked A: Students may receive educational assistance a maximum for their continued funding and support of this outstanding of four times. program. n

32 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 33 Utica Mason Moves to Acacia Village

Acacia photo taken by Ryan Williamson By Linda Rae Avolio, Retirement Counselor at Acacia Village

RW Tony Poccia is a welcome addition to Acacia Village. He plans to Tony is a Trustee with the Utica Lodge 47. Before moving in, continue to downsize Tony would come here, often volunteering to give someone a and sell a few more ride to a nearby Lodge meeting or to the grocery store. Now of the antiques that he’s moved in he continues to help his neighbors, plus he from his apartment, finds that he has more time than ever to pursue his interests. admitting that he Tony loves antiques and is an antique dealer at The Depot spends much of in Bouckville, New York, home of the Madison-Bouckville his time in his den, Antiques Show, the largest outdoor antiques show in New sitting in his favorite comfy chair, watching his flat screen TV. York State. Tony works at The Depot at least two to three Tony is a great cook and to the delight of his neighbor across days a week and says it’s so nice to not have to worry about the hall, is always preparing something that smells as good as getting home late and having chores like lawn mowing to do it tastes. At this time, he’s opted to cook his evening meal in anymore. When he’s not busy buying and selling antiques, his apartment and receive a reduction on his monthly rent. Tony spends time working out at a local fitness center. He says We offer a lot of flexibility with meal plans in order to appeal he enjoys going to the Fitness Mill to work out, but even more to those who enjoy cooking, entertaining or dining out. For so for the camaraderie. Tony, who is currently on a no-meals plan, he’s welcome to come to dinner anytime or to amend his lease to benefit from Tony loves his new apartment at Acacia Village. At first more meals here, if he chooses to at a later date. Tony thought he might miss his house, but once he sold it, he said he’s relieved to be free from the burden of upkeep To learn more about the dining options here at Acacia and household maintenance. He chose a one-bedroom with a Village, please call us anytime at 800-593-3353. Ask for Linda Rae Avolio or Cindy Copperwheat. We invite you to come den apartment and with his impeccable taste in antiques, it is n decorated beautifully. He takes the time to dust his collectibles, and visit and sample our cuisine anytime. but likes that our staff comes in to do some additional cleaning every other week.

34 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 By Kathy Contino-Turner Legacies Director of Communications and Marketing and for the Masonic Care Community Bequests

The Masonic Care Community, felt it would be inappropriate for eight- formerly the Masonic Home, has a year-old Iris to live with them, so she long history anchored in the Fraternity’s was sent to a cousin’s in New Jersey. She ideals of charity and benevolence. So missed her brothers so much that she many people have been cared for here, was soon returned to their care. For the so many people have said thank you rest of Iris’s life she would take care of by leaving a legacy or bequest to help her brothers. continue the work. One such story Iris Cantore married late in life and involved two little boys, who at the ages had no children. Her brother Donn of 8 and 4 had lost their father. Their remained single while Basil was married mother Adelina was unable to care for for a short time to a woman he met them alone. It was fortunate for them in France during World War II. That that their late father was a Mason. They marriage ended in divorce. Their came to the Masonic Home on May 15, younger brother Joe died of Multiple 1911 and remained until their mother Sclerosis in 1941. Iris dedicated her remarried eight years later. life to the wellbeing of her brothers Two boys from 1911 The boys, Dominick and Basil and upon her death, wanted a portion Basil and Dominick Auguroso are seen in this photo that was taken shortly before Auguroso, left the Masonic Home of her estate to go to the Masonic they came to live at the Masonic Home in in 1919 to live with their mother, Care Community because her brothers Utica, following the death of their father. stepfather Vincenzo, their stepbrother cherished the memories of the time they Joe and stepsister Iris. Sadly, Vincenzo spent here. A plaque in honor of Iris and died in 1930 and their mother Adelina her brothers Donn and Basil can now died a year later. Even though Donn be seen on the Wall of Honor in our recognition of Iris Catore, in memory of and Basil were now in their 20s, most health pavilion. The plaque reads “In her brothers Donn Auguroso and Basil Auguroso whose memories of their time at the Masonic Children’s Home were never forgotten.” Our special thanks go to Nancy Savidge, who lived next door to Iris and made sure her wishes were carried out. Nancy also donated photos of Donn and Basil, taken when they lived at the Masonic Home, as well as family photos which will be preserved as part of the ongoing effort to archive our campus history. It’s been 102 years since Donn and Basil Auguroso came to live at the Masonic Home but thanks to their sister’s generous gift, they will be Iris Presentation remembered. Legacies and bequests are Iris Cantore Abbatiello and her brothers Basil and Dominick Auguroso are now a wonderful way to support the mission prominently displayed on the Wall of Remembrance, located in the main entry of the of the Masonic Care Community Masonic Care Community Health Pavilion. Pictured here from left to right are MCC and ensure we will be here to create Executive Director Rob Raffle, Health Pavilion Administrator Tara Zagoda, Nancy and memories for years to come. Any gift is Michael Savidge and their son Shawn. As Iris left no immediate family, her close friend Nancy made sure Iris’s wishes were carried out and a substantial donation from her estate welcomed, and respectfully put to use to made to the Masonic Care Community. care for the individuals who today call the Masonic Care Community home. n

To include the Masonic Care Community in your will: “I give, devise, and bequeath to the Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund, located at 2150 Bleecker Street, Utica, New York 13501, the sum of ($______) or (____% of the remainder of my estate) to be used for the purpose of their incorporation (or for a specific purpose as indicated).” n

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 35 and anticipated media coverage failed to closely with the New York Department materialize: no newspaper, TV or radio of Criminal Justice to develop the on hand for this event. MSID System currently being used. The following day, at the Erie County RW Clarence was presented with a Fair MSID location, the local public certificate expounding his contribution TV station, YNN News, conducted a to our program (to be displayed at the planned interview with RW William MSID site at the Fair); he also received F. Bierma, Jr., 1st Erie District MSID a brass replica to take home. The Chairman, regarding our program. RW New York State Fair is always held the Bill gave an excellent interview and last week in August and in his honor explained MSID and its importance to August 31st has been proclaimed RW the rapid recovery of a missing person. Clarence Eckhoff, Jr. Day for the MSID The interview was interrupted several program. Grand Master MW James E. During 2013 the MSID program held times when the TV crew experienced Sullivan presented RW Clarence with two significant events. On August technical difficulties. At the conclusion a certificate from the Grand Lodge 13 at the Erie County Fair the MSID of the interview RW Bill was assured in appreciation for his hard work and program celebrated the 425,000th that despite the interruptions everything dedication (see ESM Winter 2013). ID conducted since the inception of seemed good to go. That evening we all As of the end of November the MSID the program in 1991. Present from tuned in to YNN News, hoping to see program has completed slightly over the Grand Lodge were Grand Master our program get some publicity, again 440,000 IDs. The MSID Executive MW James E. Sullivan, Deputy without success. Later RW Bierma Committee is making plans for a Grand Master RW William J. Thomas contacted YNN News and was informed ceremony to celebrate the 450,000th ID, and Deputy Grand Marshal RW that the technical difficulties were more which should occur in early summer. George Emmons. MW James Sullivan extensive than first thought and they Extra emphasis will be placed on presented Jackson Korn a certificate as were unable to broadcast the interview. getting proper media coverage for this the 425,000th ID participant. Also, RW Lesson learned: For the 450,000th and important milestone. n th Brian Singer, from Millennium Lodge 500,000 celebrations we will make It has been brought to my attention 1179, presented a certificate to Jackson better preparations, including getting that a portion of the early MSID (Child Korn entitling him and his family to a local politicians involved, making press ID) program history, as recited in the free meal at Millennium Lodge’s stand releases available sooner and making our winter edition of The Empire State at the Erie County Fair. own video of the ceremony for media Mason, needs correction. Additional This was a significant milestone for release if necessary. information follows: our program and was mentioned by our On August 31 at the MSID location RW Kenneth Wagner conceived the Grand Master in his annual address at at the New York State Fair, MSID original idea for the Child ID program. St. John’s weekend in Utica. The MSID honored RW Clarence Eckhoff, Jr., The first State Chairman was RW Executive Committee worked with the MSID Executive Committee Member William Bontemps, who was appointed Communications Committee planning Emeritus, for his dedication and hard by Grand Master MW Richard Thomas work with the in 1991. RW William Bontemps MSID program. improved the Child ID process and RW Clarence has developed a training program. In 1992 always been a Grand Master MW Sheldon Blank strong supporter appointed RW Warren Voegelin as and promoter. He chairman. RW Voegelin continued is a role model the training program and personally who has provided conducted training sessions throughout motivation and the state. He was also instrumental inspiration to in initiating the program in the everyone associated northwestern region of the state as well with our program. as the New York State Fair. He also RW Clarence was introduced the program to the Grand appointed Child Lodges of Florida and North Carolina I d e n t i f i c a t i o n and conducted training in both states. Program State In 1998 Grand Master MW Stewart C. Chairman in McCloud appointed RW Jack Hughes Presentation of Millennium Lodge Certificate 2000 and during chairman, and he continued the good (l-r) MW James E. Sullivan, RW William J. Thomas his tenure he work of his predecessors. In 2000 Grand and RW Brian Singer was responsible Master MW Carl J. Smith appointed for many of our RW Clarence J. Eckhoff chairman, and this event to get press releases along program’s innovations, due to his we know the history from there. n with media coverage. However, much consistent work to improve the program. RW Paul K. Gibbon to our disappointment, the hoped for During his years as chairman he worked Chairman 36 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 An Active, Rewarding Living with Life at Acacia Village Masonic Values By Linda Rae Avolio, By Cindy Cooperwheat, Retirement Counselor Acacia Village Retirement Counselor at Acacia Village Acacia Village welcomed new resident Mrs. Miriam Kourik in December 2013. Miriam, or Honey, as she is called, is very proud to belong to several Masonic groups. She and her late husband Howard Kourik were very active in the Masonic Fraternity and even lived in Paradise Park Masonic Community in Santa Cruz, CA until his passing in May 1983. Miriam is a current member of the Eastern Star Redwoods Janet Hamlett, on the far right enjoys a cup of coffee in the Acacia Village Café with Carolyn Welsh (center) Chapter 273, Order of the Amaranth Candlelight 136 and and Sally Sommers (left). The Order of the White Shrine Lebanon Shrine 93, all in California. She was also a past member of Daughters of the It was a labor of love for Janet Hamlett when she decided to Nile. She has gone through the chairs and held top offices make the move to a gorgeous two-bedroom apartment facing in each of the affiliations. She served as Royal Matron of the courtyard and fountain at Acacia Village on Labor Day Amaranth three times. weekend of last year. Her brother, Ron Frank of Wildwood Why did Miriam choose independent living at Acacia Village Lodge 0477, 1st St. Lawrence, helped her with the big move. for her home? She was looking for the companionship of good She says that she felt at home right away because she had been Masonic friends and neighbors who share the same traditional on our campus as a guest and volunteer on a daily basis for values. While she and Howard lived in Paradise Park they over six years while her husband Frank was being cared for in frequently played canasta with their Masonic neighbors. the Masonic Care Community Health Pavilion. Frank passed Miriam hopes to find other canasta players at Acacia Village. away in January of 2013 and Janet continues to visit his fellow The Masonic campus cherishes our rich history and our neighbors in the Albany household. She has known most of lush 400-acre campus. The original buildings, with a bit of the residents so long that they feel like family, so she’s glad she updating, as well as the addition of some new buildings allow went back immediately after her husband died. She says it’s us to keep up with the changing needs of our residents, yet been very therapeutic for her. keep that historical feeling from our original campus of a Janet’s life here at Acacia Village is very rewarding. She century and a half ago. volunteers weekly in the Wellness Center at the Health Pavilion If you have never been to our beautiful campus, we invite you encouraging residents there to complete their workouts to check out our virtual tour on our newly updated Masonic and stretching exercises. She also helps with transportation Community Care website at www.masonichomeny.org. But between the various households and the Wellness Center. She as we always say, you really need to see Acacia Village to truly has also volunteered on various luncheon trips. understand why we are an outstanding choice. Call anytime Janet says that people ask her all the time if she misses her at 800-593-3353. Ask for Cindy Copperwheat or Linda Rae house, and as much as she thought she might, she’s quick Avolio and schedule your own personal visit. n to say, “No, I really don’t! I don’t have to worry about who’s going to mow the grass, or plow the snow. I’m not responsible a pleasure to come to dinner because Randy, the Dining Room anymore if there is a leak or a problem with my refrigerator or Supervisor, always finds such congenial folks for me to dine anything like that.” Janet says she feels more secure here than with.” Janet is on a meal plan where she has chosen to eat here she did at her house. She loves the privacy of her apartment; ten times a month. She says it’s like going out to dinner a few however, she says it’s nice to know that you’re not alone. times a week and that works out perfectly for her. She is also At Christmas time Janet was part of a group here at Acacia enjoying reading books from the library, taking walks around Village who participated in The Granny’s Mittens project. It campus, and chair yoga. was wonderful to provide hats, mittens and scarves to children If at some time in the future you should decide to move at nearby Columbus Elementary School. It was also fun to get to Acacia Village, you’ll find that you can be as active as you together with her new neighbors just to chat and knit for an choose to be. If you are looking for volunteer opportunities, hour or so once a week and get to know one another. we certainly welcome that. For more information see our Janet says she loves socializing with the folks that live here website at www.acaciavillageny.com or call 1-800-593-3353 and the staff because everyone is so friendly. She says, “It’s such and ask for Linda Rae Avolio or Cindy Copperwheat. n THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 37 Veterans’ Memorial Path at MCC

The Soldiers and Sailors building on the Campus of the Masonic Care Community will be the home of a special Veterans’ Memorial in the near future. The project, as is visible in this artist’s rendering, will salute all branches of the service by displaying their flags along the perimeter. A large American Flag will fly from the Soldiers and Sailors building, as it did when this structure was built in 1922. Between the flags and the fountain containing the statue of Lt. Orville Parker Johnson, there will be bricks containing the names of Masons who answered their nation’s call. Special benches will also be installed to accommodate visitors. The cost of this project will be covered by donations.

So how can you get involved? You can purchase a brick. There are two sizes, a 4 x 8 for $75 or an 8 x 16 for $250. You can also make donations to sponsor a flag pole, bench or another part of the construction. Checks should be made payable to the Masonic War Veterans Memorial Promenade, and sent to:

Masonic War Veterans Dennis Turton, Adjutant 222 Main St. Attica, NY 14011

Contact Commander General Dennis Breheney for more information! Look for the Masonic War Veterans display on the Great Lawn during the 2014 St. John’s Day event on Saturday, June 21. n

38 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Tappan dedicates Sullivan spruce

On a beautiful early autumn day in October, surrounded by The Grand Master’s schedule that day began with a Sunday family, friends, Brother Masons and their ladies, MW James morning worship service at the nearby Tappan Reformed E. Sullivan, the Grand Master of Masons in the State of New Church. The original historic church at this location was York, was honored by the dedication of a hearty Blue Spruce. the site of the trial of Major John Andre. General George The special ceremonies took place at the George Washington Washington convened the trial after Andre’s capture, following Headquarters, National Historic site in Tappan, New York his acquisition of the plans for West Point from the traitor – the DeWint House. The occasion was the annual Grand General Benedict Arnold. There was a representative turnout Master’s Day at the famed Washington Headquarters and of Brothers and ladies and guests at the worship service. arboretum. The site has been owned by the Masons of New Following worship, the Grand Master, the Grand Line and York since 1932 and is now under the care of the Trustees of their ladies participated with close to eighty others at a Dutch the Masonic Hall and Home, with the assistance of a special treat luncheon at the nearby Old ’76 House Restaurant. The Grand Lodge Committee. luncheon was a sell-out. The Grand Master’s Day ceremonies at the DeWint House began promptly at 1:00 p.m., with more than 100 guests in attendance. A special patriot program this year honored our military past and present and featured an entertainment by a popular male chorus singing a selection of rousing patriotic songs. The DeWint House and grounds were then opened for guided tours and light refreshments were served. Grand Master’s Day at Tappan this year was a memorable day, a wonderful tribute to our Grand Master, and all had a great time. n

RW Harold Jones, Resident Superintendent at the George Washington Masonic Historic Site in Tappan, reads the description of the beautiful specimen tree and the dedication plaque as Grand Master Sullivan and Lady Gail look on.

The dedication plaque

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 39 MW Leon Zeitounalian, Honorary PGM (Grand Lodge of Armenia) District Grand Secretary District Grand Lodge of Syria-Lebanon

names of the six District Grand Line Officers of District Grand Lodge of Syria-Lebanon for the year 2013-2014.

After being dormant for several years, in 2008 the Charter The brethren of Three Pillars Lodge No. 1912 had a dream. of Three Pillars Lodge 1912 was returned to a new group On October 26, 2013 this dream became a reality when the of brethren. At that time they were only fourteen members. cornerstone of their temple was laid by our District Grand Today they are forty-one. In the last five years they have been Master, RW Michel Timonian, representing our Grand meeting in El Berdownie Lodge 1907 Temple, in Zahle. The Master MW James E. Sullivan, in the presence of Deputy brethren of El Berdownie Lodge opened their arms and doors District Grand Master RW Albert Kehdi and the District to receive their brethren and gave them all the assistance they Grand Line Officers. need to go forward.

In the District Grand Lodge’s fifty-five-year history, this is For the last five years, to realize their dream, the brethren the first time that the laying of the cornerstone of a new of Three Pillars Lodge have been working like a beehive, temple has been performed. I want to thank our Deputy sometimes under difficult circumstances. On October 26, Grand Master, RW Bill Thomas, for providing us the ritual 2013, with the assistance of the Great Architect of the for laying the cornerstone. Our District Grand Master used Universe and the wise guidance of an ambitious Past Master this ritual to lay the cornerstone. and the current Deputy District Grand Master, RW Albert Kehdi, they accomplished this dream. The brethren present at the ceremony were very interested in the ritual. This is the first time that any of us have witnessed In one of his letters our Past Grand Secretary, MW Gary the spreading of the cement by our District Grand Master, Henningsen, wrote that the District Grand Lodge of Syria- followed by District Grand Line Officers each using his tool Lebanon is a “Jewel” in all the Districts of the Grand Lodge to check the corners of the stone, leveling it and finally using of New York. This new temple, 5,000 miles away from New the plumb. York, is nothing but proof to his point. It is also home away from home for all our brethren in this Grand Lodge of ours In May 2013 we informed our Grand Master MW James E. in New York. Sullivan of the good news and showed him the blueprints of the future Lodge. We promised him that during the laying of I take this opportunity to congratulate all the brethren of the cornerstone of Three Pillars Lodge 1912 we would also Three Pillars Lodge No. 1912 for their dedication and their deposit his pin, which we did. new temple. I also want to thank the members of District Grand Lodge and all sister Lodges in the District, who The Worshipful Master of the Three Pillars Lodge, Wor. Bro. participated with their donations to assist the brethren of Ibrahim Riachy, had prepared a metal canister, which will Three Pillars Lodge in realizing their dream. be deposited in the Northeast Corner. Our District Grand Master placed in this canister the cemented cornerstone, My brethren, we are indeed Builders; those who think that Square and Compasses, our Grand Master’s pin, the working only Operative Masons are capable of building temples of tools of a Master Mason, corn, wine and oil. He also stone are wrong. We the Speculative Masons are also capable deposited the names of the six elected officers of the Grand of building temples made of stone occupied by brethren with Lodge of New York for the year 2013-2014 and the list of hearts representing King Solomon’s Temple. n

40 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Northfield Lodge 426 in Pittsford, New York hosted the presentation of the Hallick receives Scouter award Scouter Award to one of its long time members, Frederick Hallick. Brother Hallick has been a member of the Craft for over sixty years. The Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award is bestowed upon members of the Craft who have demonstrated longstanding service to youth who participate in the Boy Scouts of America. The recipient exemplifies the values of both Scouting and Masonry through his active involvement in a Scout unit, district, or council, and has served to strengthen the relationship between Scouting and Freemasonry. Brother Frederick Hallick was honored by his Brothers at Northfield, as well as (l-r) Brothers Jim Waldorf, Frederick Hallick and Richard J. Ulrich. some former recipients of the Scouter All three have received the Daniel Carter Beard Masonic Scouter Award. Award. n Grand Line helps Avoca with 100th

On September 28, 2013 Avoca Lodge 673 celebrated 100 years in the Avoca Masonic Temple. Avoca was honored to have MW James E. Sullivan and his Grand Line conduct the ceremony. It was witnessed by a number of Masons and members of the community. Masons of Avoca received their charter in 1868 and held Lodge in a number of locations until they were able to complete the present temple in 1913. Avoca 673 is located in Steuben District near the Finger Lakes region of the state. n Row 2 (l-r) RW Earl Philpot, RW John Krupp, RW Clayton Ruggles, RW William Fink Jr, RW Jeffrey Williamson, RW Nicholas Paolicelli, RW Joseph Passaretti, RW Charles Roberts, RW Phillip Hurwitz Row 1 (l-r) RW Kenneth Parsels, MW James E. Sullivan, W Robert Burdin, RW Kevin Kowalcyk

RW Kenneth Parsels, MW James E. Sullivan, W Robert Burdin, RW Kevin Kowalcyk

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 41 transformation thanks to advances in or Hyla, it all changed on Easter Sunday F molecular genetics. DNA is the seed for a few years ago. Hyla was 29 and seven future scientific advances that will allow months pregnant with her second child. science and medicine the opportunity to She and her 17-month-old daughter re-engineer the human body. Genetics Tatiana were in the kitchen and watched and gene therapy, as well as tissue and her husband Erik slide down the kitchen organ bioengineering, will lead the way to counter and lie motionless on the floor. One minute he was laughing and talking about their future. A half-hour later, Hyla Doctors were at a loss to diagnose what was a widow. problem had suddenly revealed itself in Erik, a victim of undetected Brugada an otherwise healthy and athletic person. Syndrome, did not have to die. Tatiana As his family doctor worked tirelessly to did not have to watch it happen. And save his life, Brian was already benefiting Hyla did not have to give birth two from research done at CRI/MMRL. He months later holding only a photo of her was diagnosed with Brugada Syndrome deceased husband. and fitted with an implanted cardioverter defibrillator at age 18. He no longer played sports, but he was grateful to be alive as a beneficiary of the Institute’s research and development. A few years later, while in law school and enjoying a lifestyle almost free from worry about his disease, Brian met the Institute’s development and communications director at a CRI presentation. He was amazed to learn of the CRI/MMRL’s status as the nation’s leading center for the study of Brugada improving our quality of life and saving Syndrome. Almost immediately he found lives. The ability to repair gene mutations himself on the phone with the Institute’s and clone organs such as the heart will Director of Research, Dr. Charles revolutionize the world of medicine in Antzelevitch. “That conversation resulted the years ahead. Our scientists are at the in me becoming a part of the solution to beginning of a long and winding road my condition,” Brian said. With the CRI of discovery. We need your continued opening its doors to him, Brian submitted support more than ever to bring the DNA for testing and received updates on promise of scientific research to fruition, the results. Already a beneficiary of the to enable physicians to treat disease at its Today, thanks to work done at the Institute’s research and advancement of root cause rather than empirically. This Cardiac Research Institute (CRI) at the life-saving technologies, such as those new era of scientific discovery will yield Masonic Medical Research Laboratory embodied in his ICD, he looks forward far-reaching discoveries that will shape (MMRL), Hyla’s daughters most certainly to the Institute’s development of further the destiny of humanity. don’t have to suffer their father’s fate. diagnostic and therapeutic strategies that Be a partner in our heart research and Using molecular genetics and molecular will enhance medical therapy for him and invest in the future health of generations biology, CRI/MMRL scientists were all future generations. to come. n able to test family blood samples for the Science and medicine are intangible gene defect. With that confirmed, proper until they are needed. For Hyla, the precautions were taken to minimize the diagnosis and treatment were too late girls’ risk for cardiac events. for her husband. However, answers and When an illness presents itself in a treatments were available for her children. young person, the impact is felt through Brian, too, was fortunate that diagnosis the family. Such was Brian’s experience. and treatment were available to save his As he was carried off the lacrosse field, life, more than once. in the grips of a mysterious cardiac arrest Every aspect of disease is undergoing at age 17, panic consumed his family. 42 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Alexandria honors years of membership

On Tuesday, November 19 members of Alexandria Lodge 297 were honored with recognition and awards for their years of affiliation in the Masonic Fraternity. Brethren with more than thirty years of membership include Brother Clarence F. Giles Jr., sixty years; RW Kevin Leeson, thirty-five years; and W Richard Brandt, thirty-five years. n

(l-r) RW Kevin Leeson, WM Daniel Lort and Brother Clarence F. Giles Jr.

Wantagh Morton adopts family

Pictured with the family are members of Wantagh Morton Lodge on Thanksgiving Day while delivering dinner. Standing from left to right: Brothers Dominic Mandarino, Phil Troise, John Abels, Steven Haubeil, Todd Faude, Rich Delasant, and W Dutch Heuser. To help make the holidays bright, Wantagh Morton Lodge 63 adopted a local family for the holiday season. The Lodge members provided Thanksgiving dinner as well as gifts and decorations for Christmas to a family in need. The family’s home suffered damage from super storm Sandy and they encountered several obstructions while attempting to rebuild. W Norbert “Dutch” Heuser, current Master, became aware of the family’s hardship and brought it to the attention of the Lodge. The Brothers of Wantagh Morton Lodge overwhelmingly agreed to assist the family and prepared Thanksgiving dinner. They also obtained Christmas gifts for the members of the family. After learning of Wantagh Morton’s involvement, several other Lodges of the First Nassau District contributed to this worthy cause. n

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 43 Years of Service Awards 0284 Victor G. Husar 0175 Conrad D. King 50 years 0934 Morton J. Nussbaum 0486 Lawrence Nadler 0303 Fred L. Star 0223 Michael Kainski 0013 Elwood Hacker 0948 Phillip Brothman 0506 George E. Bibbins 0306 Arthur J. Higby 0252 James H. Kinley 0019 Marvin Schaffer 0948 Harold R. Macoff 0522 Joseph W. Spalding 0328 Jerome S. Cohen 0342 Augustus N. Faig, Jr. 0022 Mark B. Hoffman 0948 Warren I. Simon 0558 Theron A. Burdick 0328 Merritt C. Mead Sr 0347 Robert Crowther 0033 Robert Kane 0958 Daniel S. Cohen 0568 Ralph Antonio Yannuzzi 0358 Donald Ralph Manweiler 0406 Earl Buchanan 0041 John W. Parson 0958 Seymour D. Greene 0581 Richard W. Ford 0358 Ernest B. Tasseff 0445 Hugh D. Greenberg 0049 Frederick D. Fisher 0975 Anthony Cerlini 0588 Dave Siegel 0384 George Clayton Peters Jr 0470 Leland B. Taylor 0051 Harold A. Fish Jr 0975 George G. Crawley 0622 John Richard Fuller 0386 Richard W. Clark 0471 Thomas J. Port Jr 0065 Lynn E. Brotzman 0977 Gary W. Hirschman 0637 Laurance R. Macduffie 0386 Dr. DeVillo Sloan Jr 0491 David Bassler 0065 Charles D. Welles 0977 Howard S. Schrader 0647 Martin H. Fleischer 0394 Harold J. Loder 0491 Bernard H. Wildove 0066 Ronald D. Biller 1041 John F. Heller 0712 Harold Dinner 0417 Luther H. Dyer Jr 0496 Leslie C. Graves 0066 Roger H. Joerger 1057 Charles W. Dunn 0712 Stewart Schwadron 0435 Maurice E. Ardell 0501 Richard K. Heckathorn 0082 Frederick L. Pope 1057 Robert R. Mcmillan 0718 Robert Burton Mericle 0439 Walter B. Gladstone 0527 Norman W. Taylor 0087 Richard G. Haswell 1111 Charles F. Adelmann 0737 Carl Lester Jenkins Jr 0439 Robert J. Graham 0548 William E. Harrison 0111 Garcia E. Morrow Ltc 1122 Gerald Stollman 0739 Howard J. Besthoff 0458 Delo A. Calvin 0551 Albert L. Rusk 0126 John H. Baldwin 1123 Mahesh Chandra Sharma 0740 C Bernard Fleckenstein 0471 James F. Copps Ii 0586 William J. Bollander 0132 Charles R. Smith 1127 Robert F. Haselton 0784 Benjamin Frank Minteer 0481 Elmer C. Dering 0586 William F. Miller 0134 Thomas Edward Knapp 1127 Frederick Woodrow Koch 0793 Robert R. Thomas 0516 John N. Kranenburg 0586 Richard E. Schneller 0138 Roland Mistler 1174 John W. Thurlow Jr 0801 Thomas F. Prince 0522 Paul C. Fritsch 0588 Paul Finkelstein 0155 Paul E. Dumas 1178 Arthur Cooney 0806 Albert W. Flower III 0548 George Henry Decker 0588 Irwin Gilbert 0155 Ronald T. Hebb 1178 James N. Wiley 0819 Isidore Rothman 0552 Gerald H. Leonard 0682 Gerald Hussong 0163 Sydney M. Blyth 1185 Edward G. Gilbert 0839 Irving Schucker 0553 Peter C. Virtell 0684 Paul F. Windle Jr 0168 Thomas F. Taylor 1185 Roy S. Loomis 0842 Alton G. Tower 0561 Robert C. Curtis 0819 Emanuel F. Pine 0175 Brian Bartle 1186 Donald E. Schnirel 0863 Bernard Koenig 0588 William M. Kisbany 0842 Richard B. Ambrose 0201 James Richard Baker 1186 Rodney E. Stellrecht 0879 Darwin B. Horst 0634 Ira Litt 0890 Harry L. Schick 0223 Clarence V. Daily 0902 Herbert S. Herling 0634 Bernard M. Schneider 0965 Richard Haag 55 years 0902 Irwin Herling 0224 James D. Fotos 0005 Howard Robert Gmelch 0647 John N. Mcskimming 0970 Alton L. Frisbie 0916 Theodore E. Leeson 0224 Grant E. Johnson 0006 Duane Gordon Lighthall 0648 Robert H. Krauss 0981 Carl L. Hagan 0934 Steven Snyder 0250 Garabed Haytaian 0006 Willard Henry Maxwell 0651 Alexander S. Parks 1041 Kenneth Richard Blum 0934 Albert Stein 0301 Raymond W. Ogden Ii 0013 George A. Mahserjian 0653 Arthur N. Lemay 1041 Marcel Seidler 0956 Harold Anderson Bergdoll 0301 Richard E. Stouffer 0014 Alexander G. Jeoney 0681 Merritt E. Hartz 1111 Velton C. Walker 0956 Donald R. Combes 0309 Richard V. Depuy 0014 Richard C. Loesch 0684 John I. Davis 1116 Leon Farhi 0998 James Richard Wagner 0343 Myron E. Rowe 0044 Todd W. Moore 0695 Anthony H. Olivari Jr 1174 Robert L. Johnson 1034 William L. Klueber 0343 Paul Trataros 0047 Joseph R. Varnak 0701 Eric T. Hansen 1175 Richard E. Sullivan 1041 Samuel D. Greenberg 0364 Thomas Hibbard Lynch 0060 Lawrence G Dilworth 0710 John W. Muhlithaler 1175 Robert C. Wiesner 1057 Edward W. Middendorf Sr 0368 Stratton Kane 0082 Stanley R. Rolen 0750 Richard Turan 1179 Gilbert C. Ringleben 1111 Donald W. Johnson 0368 Douglas R. Koberger 0084 Donald E. Parry 0759 John F. Horn 1185 Russell W. Brown 1129 Rousso Kanaris 0373 Maxime Epper 0085 Harris A. Sanders 0759 Walter Lindemuth 1138 William John Bagdy 70 years 0385 Roger L. Donahue 0087 Kenneth W. Duryea 0785 Harold L. Fox 1138 John Lloyd 0087 J Burgess Deheus 0389 Bernard C. Davis 0087 Raymond J. Elliot Jr 0791 Richard S. Sturdevant 1143 Solon Chalmers 0223 Franklyn E. Hubbard 0392 Gordon A. Jimerson 0087 Otto M. Shaut 0814 Laurin R. Blasier 1154 George A. Thiel 0264 Edward W. Corr 0392 Harry E. Standhart Jr 0087 Leland H. Turner 0819 Arthur S. Robinson 1181 Joseph B. Richardson 0285 Thomas W. Cantwell 0411 Eugene Whitney 0095 Robert M. Ashendorf 0820 Lawrence W. DeVoe 1185 Robert G. Bonner 0295 Elmer A. Lepard 0419 Arthur F. Reinhardt 0095 Dale B. Shelley 0820 Frank M. Orminski 1185 Glenn A. Gibson 0347 William E. Abbe 0425 Fernand A. Paillex Jr 0108 Robert C. Crane 0839 Jack Sheldon Schreiber 0425 Jack J. Toney 0392 Edward F. Fairman 0132 Eric C. Warren 60 years 0842 Gerald R. Hanny 0487 Charles H. Redmond 0433 John R. Elwood 0001 Harry C VanKirk 0145 R Kenneth Bruner 0849 Robert C. Brussel 0494 Raymond N. Thomsen 0433 Robert J. Mabie 0003 Stephen Bogden 0145 Jerome A. Lundgren 0859 Floyd C. Sorenson 0615 Alfred A. Sadler 0468 Floyd H. Falk 0006 John E. Peek 0153 Thomas W. Hill 0890 Bernard M. Brownstein 1068 Saul Halfond 0479 Walter Lee Gay 0008 Byam K. Stevens 0153 George R. Morrow 0922 Sheldon S. Leventhal 1071 James S. Bachman 0479 James Mccafferty 0168 Richard E. Gilkinson 0013 Merle H. Doud 1034 Thomas Ventrudo 0482 Ronald A. Smith 0178 Harold W. Tauscher 0014 Kenneth W. Abele 1037 Ezra Berkowitz 71 years 0484 Morton S. Ginsberg 0178 David Weiner 0019 Gerald S. Berman 1057 Clifford Lobel 0167 Robert W. Felske 0508 Walter R. Smith 0195 Basil Wm Michael 0019 Emanuel Hatjygeorge 1057 Kenneth R. Ruppel 0204 Jesse Diamond 0517 Hamilton F. Wood 0201 Kenneth Roy Molzen 0040 Raymond H. Slater Jr 1057 Albert Vogel 0298 Harold Madison 0529 Richard Carter 0203 George Asch 0040 Clark Bruce Workman 1066 Jay William Seligman 0336 Donald B. Ross 0532 Rubin J. Katz 0219 Joseph T. Howson Jr 0046 George Leier Jr 1116 Albert A. Goynias 0716 Paul E. Luce 0549 David R. Hawley 0221 Floyd L. Stoker 0063 Theodore Loos Jr 1118 Leonard Nadel 0854 Albert Anzalone 0563 Alvin C. Turner 0223 Arnold E. Younglove 0083 Robert B. Martin Jr 1143 Frank E. Galati 1180 William Windle Jr 0580 Robert W. Freedman 0224 Charles Davis Robinson 0085 Lawrence A. Propp 1180 Richard D. Jeffery 0588 Norman Cheney 72 years 0224 Harry E. Turner 0103 Donald G. Corp 1185 John E. Dase Jr 0358 Chester Buck 0588 Seymour Levine 0246 Morton Weinstein 0108 Mark C. Malcolm 1185 Wayne F. Nolan 0412 Donald G. Blades 0588 Joel S. Rudich 0284 Arthur Gerber 0112 Warren A. Thompson 1185 Irving E. Schroeder 0520 Albert G. Schoeberlein 0588 Elliott Sutton 0284 Harvey Ross 0120 Peter A B Gardiner 1186 James A. Soldwisch 0524 Gwynn K. Morey 0588 Robert I. Toussie 0305 G.R. Russell Craig 0121 Halsey A. Vanorman 1186 Irving S. Vogel 0589 Edward H. Russell 0375 Richard E. Hull 0134 Arleigh D. Rice 65 years 73 years 0599 Stanley Edward Person 0383 Leon J. Calviero 0138 David L. Lord Sr 0772 L Allen Masterson 0602 Philip N. Goff 0145 Clayton D. Anderson 0006 W George Fountain 0772 Robert M. Vetter 0403 Richard Kolligian 0011 Gerard Nicholson 0627 Jeffrey A. Sohns 0404 Robert P. Bennett 0150 Harold L. Yager 0634 Fredric B. Solomon 0012 George A. Varrelmann 74 years 0404 Howard Charles Wood 0154 Guy J. Parry 0107 Elliot Helfand 0634 Leon B. Weinstein 0013 Fred C. Baumback 0419 Philip Antonio 0155 Raymond L. Dominy 0159 Ira R. Horton 0664 John M. Cooper 0033 Raymond R. Smith 0419 Richard Allen Wiedemann 0159 Gerald Verbridge 0808 Herbert V. Friedman 0682 Philip A. Cox 0161 Louis S. Kimmel 0103 Nelson T. Williams 0432 Gerald G. Groves 0132 Roy William Cotton 0682 Charles W. Duryea 0438 Carl W. Summers 0193 Norman E. Whitaker 76 years 0682 Keith R. Shoemaker 0200 Nelson C. Gulvin 0136 George D. Jerrett 0799 Charles R. Williams 0458 Robert Bellizzi 0137 George R. Johanson 0692 Charles H. Moseley 0462 John David Mccarthy 0200 Lewis Robert Lash 78 years 0695 Joe Turpin Douglas 0203 Cyrus S. Mager 0145 George W. Conner 0471 Alfred A. Debard 0155 Rodney L. Wright 0521 Anthony Raffa Jr 0711 Theodore E. Jones Jr 0477 Richard L. Meldrim 0224 William W. Abraham 0715 Wayne R. Bailey 0224 Victor T. Bennett 0163 Arthur C. Kasperski 80 years 0479 William Enssle Jr 0164 Irwin E. Brown 0842 David Frederick Schenback 0479 Dayle Owen Martin 0224 Armand R. Burghard 0073 William M. Dale 0877 William Lawrence Golden 0264 Dalton C. Langley 0168 James R. Dale 0479 William Wade Peterson 0168 Coral J. Ferguson 84 years 0934 Andrew L. Fier 0482 Robert W. Klem 0284 Herbert W. Bancke 0487 Floyd Byman 44 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014 Presentation of Dedicated Service Award & Community Service Awards for “The 24-Inch Gauge” RW CARTER L. DORZBACKER Chairman Awards Committee My Brothers: It is my privilege to present the Craft two articles for the Certificate of Appreciation for Excellence in Service to the 24 -Inch Gauge Lodge resource handbook. The first article is Community. It also contains award requirements, applications, “The Dedicated Service Award.” The information contained presentation program recommendations and public relations within will help you to understand the Dedicated Service materials and suggestions. Award, its history, forms, letters, presentation and more. It My Brothers, your Lodges are looking for ways to recognize will also help you to choose the Brother in your Lodge who outstanding people in your community as well as Brothers. meets the criteria for the award. These materials will help you to accomplish this. The articles The second article is “Community Service Awards.” The will be sent to those who have purchased the 24-Inch Gauge. information contained within will help you to understand I would like to thank our Grand Master for accepting the DeWitt Clinton Award for non-Masons or non-Masonic these articles for the 24-Inch Gauge. We expect they will help organizations only; the Jacob Morton Award for Masons, our Craft to become more active in our communities and Masonic Lodges or Districts only; and the Grand Lodge understand the criteria for the awards. n

The Empire State Mason The Empire State Mason Advisory Sub-Committee is an official publication of the RW Harris Mandel, Chairman Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Asylum Fund. RW Richard Bateman RW Stephen King W Scott Bisogni RW Ronald J. Steiner Bro. Uri Davidov RW Thomas M. Savini The Grand Line RW Richard Friedman RW William J. Thomas MW James E. Sullivan RW Keith Heinrich Kathy Contino-Turner Grand Master – Editor in Chief RW Griffith Jones III RW Stephen Zabriskie

RW William J. Thomas Joan C. Bower ...... Managing Editor Deputy Grand Master Kathy Contino-Turner MCC Editor Loraine Dibley Desktop Publisher RW Jeffrey M. Williamson Senior Grand Warden Harris Mandel Graphic Design Dick Remley Print Production RW William B. Fink, Jr. Stephen Zabriskie ...... Article Editor Junior Grand Warden POSTMASTER: Please send address changes to: RW Kurt Ott Grand Treasurer The Empire State Mason Circulation Department MW Vincent Libone 71 West 23rd Street Grand Secretary New York, NY 10010-4149 Periodicals Class Publication No. 56874 DATES TO REMEMBER 1-(800) 362-7664 Website at www.nymasons.org March 2014 1 New York Islanders Hockey game for Submission guidelines for Masonic Care Community 6 150th Anniversary Webster Lodge 538 9 Metropolitan Breakfast publication in the ESM 14 Delaware Brotherhood Night 21-22 Quest FILE PREPARATION TRANSMITTING: 25 150th Anniversary Buckendahl Lodge 915 • Your name and phone number as To: [email protected] 29 Grand Master’s DeMolay Class the beginning of the file. Subject: ESM Submission • Save copy as .txt, .rtf or .doc Via Mail April 2014 • Save photographs as .jpg, .tif, or Send photographs and CD-Rom 12 100th Anniversary Great Kills Lodge 912 .bmp format. Graphics save as .eps. discs (formatted as to the left) via 26 200th Anniversary Hornellsville Lodge 44 (Do not transmit photos and copy United States Postal Service or other 30 George Washington Reenactment in the same file. Transmit photos as delivery service to: individual attachments. Mrs. Joan C. Bower May 2014 37 Oliver Street 4-6 Annual Communication of Grand Lodge SUMMER Deadline: April 1 Lockport, NY 14094-4615

THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 45 Copernicus Lodge Supports America’s Vet Dogs

Copernicus Lodge 545 and the Ninth mobility disabilities, and many other individual contributions received from Manhattan District worked together tasks. the Ninth Manhattan District, as well from January 2013 until June 2013 to On June 22 Copernicus held their many private donations. make a tangible difference in the life annual Honor Night in Whitestone On October 16 a delegation from of one of our United States disabled Masonic Hall. The honorees of the Copernicus Lodge was invited to the veterans. Our goal was to support the evening were RW Werner Graba for his VetDogs training facility to meet the America’s VetDogs Program. This 501 sixty-one years of dedicated service to incoming class of veterans arriving to (c) (3) organization was established our Craft and W Gus Sengenberger for begin training with their new canine as an affiliate of the Guide Dog his Distinguished Service Award. The partners. While there we visited the Foundation of Long Island to provide Copernicus Sister Circle was honored VetDogs canine breeding facility as well second-sight dogs and service dogs for their continuing loyalty to our as the puppy nursery. It was through specifically to disabled veterans. The Lodge and for their $5000 donation to the nursery window we met Mason, aforementioned organizations receive VetDogs in honor of the Copernicus a twelve-week-old Golden Retriever/ no support from our government and Lodge 150th Anniversary. The last to be Labrador puppy, who has been named rely solely on private donations. These honored was not a Mason but a soldier in honor of Freemasonry. Every time highly skilled dogs are trained for guide who lost his sight from a combat injury our dog Mason guides his owner safely dog service as well as service dogs for in Iraq. Mr. John Brennan was escorted on his journey and enables a disabled our disabled veterans who are physically to the East with his dog Bosco at his American veteran to return to a compromised due to their injuries. The side. A check was presented to VetDogs productive life, Freemasons everywhere help given by these specialized animals in the amount of $26,900 on behalf can stand a little taller. n can be seizure recognition, balance for of the many Lodges, associations, and

(l-r) RW Kurt Ott, Ms Jaime McGrade, RW Werner Graba, Mr. John Brennan and Bosco, W Jerry Messina, RW George Dautermann, W Frank Gloss

46 THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE Brotherly Love, Charity and Integrity SPRING 2014

THE GRAND SECRETARY’S GOLF CLASSIC SPONSORED BY: GRAND LODGE FELLOWSHIP COMMITTEE

Date: Wednesday May 7, 2014 SPONSORSHIPS PURPLE PACKAGE : $800 • 4 Golfers in Outing & Sign on Outing will be held at Course s Spook Rock Golf Course BANQUET SPONSOR : $1500 Prize in Suffern, NY. • Logo at Buffet Dinner This outing will be CART SPONSOR : $1000 held to help support • Logo on all Golf Carts A Hole in One Prize of a The Masonic Care Community HOLE SPONSOR : $125 2014 Harley Davidson Motorcyle Sign on Tee Box & other Masonic, • Longest Drive Men & Women PUTTING GREEN SPONSOR : $350 as well as the • Sign on Putting Green 4 Closest to the Pin New York Islanders DRIVING RANGE SPONSOR : $750 Most Accurate Drive Men & Women Children Foundation. • Sign at Driving Range All Golfers & Non-Golfers Low GROSS Team & Low NET Team CIGAR SPONSOR : $1500 welcome. • Sign at Registration Range Low GROSS Single & Low NET Single

Low Score Mason Come and enjoy the day, be with friends, make new friends. Please fill out the brochure and

Low Score Woman send back on or before April 30, 2014 to secure your place for this fun-filled afternoon of golf. Delicious buffet dinner with full open bar after golf and door prizes.

TICKETS: SCHEDULE • $175 PER GOLFER OR $700 PER FOURSOME Time Event OR • $70 PER PERSON FOR JUST DINNER 11:30 AM-1:00 PM Sign in and BBQ OPEN BAR, BUFFET AND PRIZES 1:00 PM Shot Gun Start Contact Person: Walter J. Wasnieski 3rd 516-507-4502 6:00 PM– 9:00 PM Cocktail hour & buffet dinner & awards Make Payment out to: Second Kings Charities Fund Inc. Mail To: Directions to Golf Course 1732 Lehigh Road Wantagh, NY 11793 From NYC: Grand Lodge Fellowship Committee: Take Palisades Parkway to I-87/I-287 via Exit 9W Chairman RW Joseph Mandel, PDDGM Continue on I-87/I-287 to Exit 14B (Airmont Road) Vice Chairman RW Charles Catapano, PDDGM Turn Right onto N. Airmont Road Turn Left onto Spook Rock Road and proceed to golf course. THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE SPRING 2014 47 Do you know what to do with the kids this summer?

How about 1, 2 or 3 weeks of fun and adventure on a private lake in the Adirondack Park!

NEW THIS YEAR All campers must register online!

One week camp as low as $500.00 per week! Boy’s Camp Girl’s Camp Financial Aid Available Begins on Begins on For more information call (315) 392-2081 July 6th July 27th or Visit us on the web! www.CampTurk.org