August 2003 Newsletter 
Words from the East......
Our June 23rd meeting was fairly well attended. We opened
and transacted the business of the lodge. Brother Monty Smothers confirmed for
us that August 23rd is the firmed up date for the reunion to be held at
Clemmons State Park near Clayton. It was reported that a verbal 30+ from the
Eastern Star have expressed interest. So it appears that attendance
should be good.
Worshipful Brother Delmas Williams presented an excellent Masonic
education program on how to confer Masonic rites at the funeral of a deceased
brother. Again, thank you Worshipful Brother Delmas.
Six of our members attended St. John's Day at the Home
for Children in Oxford on June 28th and appeared to enjoy the parade, the
food, the entertainment, and all the events of the day. In addition to yours
truly. Brothers Jim Talaska, Ken Hartman, Steve Dieckhaus, Bob Riley, Gerald
Tripp, and Randy Williams. .
The July 3rd fundraiser at the Town's Independence Day Celebration
was a lot of work but it paid off with $500.00 profit made for the charities.
We were able to add to our actual "take" by selling some of the left
over products the next day, thanks to Hoke Mitchiner who purchased them
and I rounded up the amount to make it an even $500.00. Many, many thanks to Ken Hartman, Jim
Talaska, Greg Ray, Monty Smothers, Bob Riley ,Worshipful Brothers Jim Setzer
and Ricky Marcom. Also, a special thank you to Brother Dave Milodonis of Cary
198 who helped with the 'tater preparation and set up of the tent. [He was in
the area and dropped by]. Most of these brethren had their "supportive
other halves" with them and we thank them, also. According to my figures,
we have thus far raised $475 form the Valentine Dinner,$2300from the golf
tournament, $100 from "Kan sales" and $500 from the most recent
fundraiser for a half year total of $3375 for the charities. I am proud of this
effort and it "ain't over yet" Simply put. Ya'll done good". A
letter is going out soon to our out of town members to give them a chance to
participate in a letter fundraiser, since most of them aren't here
for our fundraisers, and we all look forward to the auction in September.
On another note, I have set October 18th as the night for our Past
Masters Dinner. As stated last month, invitations will go out and RSVP's will
be expected. I am trying to arrange for a guest speaker. The meeting on July 14
was a good meeting. The lodge was opened and business transacted following
a good meal. Worshipful Brother Jimmy Stevens presented a great Masonic
education program on the meaning of the Ecclesiastes scripture. Reports were
given on the July 3rd fundraiser, St. John's Day, the District picnic, and
Brother Ken Hartman was presented a "Master's Award" for work on the
most recent fundraiser. I ask all brothers to check on Brothers Bill Pickett and
Harry Pitts when you have time, to offer a word of encouragement. A heartfelt
"Thank you" again to Worshipful Brothers Jim Setzer, Ricky Marcom,
and Roy Harris for maintaining the grass cutting equipment and the
weekly cutting of the grounds. Allow me to say one more time how blessed we are
in 701 to still have such a strong commitment from our past masters. They are
there in regular attendance, they are there for support to the current master,
and they are there to "fill chairs" when they are asked to do so.
They provide an excellent example to follow. I am proud to be your master.
Thank you for letting me serve. FRATERNALLY,RONNIE
If you have any news, important or otherwise, please contact:
Ronnie Williams 772-5783 rswalderman@msn.com
Ken Hartman 773-0054 KenH54@chilitech.com
Next Newsletter Deadline -
August 15, 2003