freemasons connecticut

ConnecticutFREEMASONS

2 CT Freemasons • April 2015

PierPont edwards -------------- 14

Masonicare chefs ----------------------- 15

the third degree ---------------------- 16

Poker run ---------------------------- 17

nutMeggers reunion --------------- 18

Bro. stePhen B. McPherson ------ 19

Live Long & ProsPer ------------------ 23

the vaLLey of new haven -------- 24

the vaLLey of hartford ---------- 25

york rite oPPortunities ----- 26

caLLed By grand architect ------ 28

widows interested? ---------------- 28

craft at refreshMent ------------- 32

craft at LaBor ---------------------- 33

Boosters ------------------------- 34 - 35

Connecticut Freemasons is the official publication of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut AF & AM. All original articles are subject to editing. All checks for pay-ments and donations should be made out to Grand Lodge Publications and mailed to the Grand Lodge office at PO Box 250, Wallingford, CT 06492.

Letters and advertisements may be sent to the Editor Frank Way at [email protected] or 860-659-7416. All submissions are required by the 15th of the month prior to the next issue. Please note: The Grand Lodge of Connecticut AF & AM does not endorse any of the products or services contained herein nor imply any warranty of the goods, services, or claims advertised. While every effort is made to

ensure the accuracy of all advertisements, Connecticut Freemasons will only be liable to reprint, at no charge, any correction due to typographical error

Connecticut Freemasons (USPS 025-514) is published monthly, except August

The Grand Lodge of Connecticut AF & AM, 69 Masonic Avenue, P.O. Box 250, Wallingford, CT 06492-0250. Periodicals Postage paid at Wallingford, CT and addi-tional mailing offices.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Connecticut Freemasons,

c/o The Grand Lodge of Connecticut AF & AM, P.O. Box 250,

Wallingford, CT 06492-0250.

Table of Contentstrains, cranes, & John deere--------- 3

grand Master’s finaL Message -------- 4

grand Lodge trestLeBoard -------- 4

grand chaPLain’s corner ------------ 5

grand Lodge youth award--------- 6

oPerative Masonry -------------------- 6

Ben issacson on giving Back-- 7

weLcoMe our new Brothers ------- 8

Brain BaLL ------------------------------ 8

grand historian’s corner ---------- 9

Masonic awareness ------------------ 10

state sentiMent on districting----- 11

Burns dinner -------------------------- 12

Brother ceLeBrates 101 -------- 12

grand Lodge archive ---------------- 13

Cover Photo: by Jean Paul Maheu

Volume - 10 Number - 9

Publisher THE GRAND LODGE

OF CONNECTICUT AF & AM

Publications Committee Theodore J. Nelson, Chairman

Francis G. Way, EditorMargaret Steeves, Masonicare

Jean P. Maheau, Marketing & DesignRev. Carl Anderson, Masonicare

Robert Dorr

Correspondent Michael L. Castroll

Design Eric Lopkin

Contributors John A. Amarilios

David R. Blythe, Sr.Michael Butteri

Marje Chick Derek T. D’AmbraRichard F. Denno

Charles B. Fowler, Jr. Ryan Hunt

Pat Kalinauskas Linda LaBarge

Gary A. Littlefield David P. Mason

Stephen B. McPherson Tom MumfordJamie PearsonJoseph PorcoSandy PotterAdam Raider

Howard SchwartzFr. Michael Skrocki

CT Freemasons • April 2015 3

by Francis G. Way

Everyone has a cross to bear. The expression, of course, comes from the Biblical account of Simon of Cyrene, who was compelled to bear the cross of Jesus Christ on the way to Calvary. In modern times, it seems people often create their own crosses. Every Mason knows a brother who is far too busy in far too many lodges and bodies to be of much use, simply because he is incapable of saying no. But sometimes, as with Simon, a person is compelled to carry a cross that is not of their own choosing.

Worshipful Brother Joseph Bonola of Anchor Lodge No. 112, Joe to those who know him, is a retired heavy equipment mechanic, crane technician and operator who has worked up and down the east coast and as far away as Trinidad and Puerto Rico. His occupation was perhaps particularly appropriate, as WB Joe is a Lewis – in operative masonry a device for lifting heavy stones, and in speculative masonry a term that refers to the son of Mason. WB Joe’s father was a Past Master of Walnut Hill Lodge. Sadly, WB Joe’s father passed to the Celestial Lodge when Joe was only 15, which prevented Joe from learning more about the fraternity from him.

Later in life, however, several of Joe’s good friends, including Jean Maheu, Guy Gibbs and Dave Bernsten, were Masons, and reminiscences of Joe’s father and discussion of the fraternity ensued. After many lunchtime meetings, WB Joe agreed to attend an Open House at Anchor Lodge, where he found another brother who had played a large role in his life, RWB Ray Moore, who was Joe’s high school music teacher. Ultimately, on June 27, 2005, WB Joe was raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. WB Joe was on the Masonic path.

WB Joe was a just and upright Mason, and fit in very well with his lodge brothers. RWB Jean Maheu explains just how quickly Joe became part of lodge life. “Anchor Lodge has had a tradition

of presenting each year’s Master with a mascot that resembled him in some way. The Master who raised Joe, WB John Reilly, strongly resembled Cartman from South Park, so he received a Cartman doll from the Craft. RWB John Spencer was the next Master, and one evening, with his top hat on, he grabbed a cane that was in the lodge room and all the brothers thought of the Planter’s Peanut man, Mr. Peanut. Well, shortly after, Joe showed up with a Mr. Peanut doll, to which he’d added a kilt, and he presented it to John. That was the point where we knew that Joe was definitely an Anchor Lodge brother.”

In 2007, Joe’s cross to bear was thrust upon him. On Valentines Day, 2007, WB Joe was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at the Yale Cancer Center. His indomitable spirit shines through when recalling that day, and he says, “I would have much rather gotten a card.”

His diagnosis and treatment did not prevent him from being elected and installed Worshipful Master of Anchor Lodge No. 112. As if the challenge of facing cancer were not enough, the week after installation, Joe was sent to Malta,

NY, to work on the largest privately funded jobsite in the US at the time. His responsibility was maintenance of equipment ranging from tools and generators to lifts and cranes.

Joe would work five or six days in Malta. If he had chemo treatment at Yale he would travel home on Monday morning to receive treatment, attend lodge on Monday evening, and then drive back to Malta to be on the jobsite the next morning at 6 a.m. While he was in Malta, he would often visit Rising Sun Lodge No. 102 in Sarasota Springs, NY.

On Tuesday morning, April 13, 2010, that routine all changed. At 9:15 a.m., while disassembling a crane, WB Joe was crushed between the 7 ½ ton counterweight and the track of the crane. He fractured his pelvis in 11 places, and the orthopedic surgeon said that he was nearly severed. WB Joe spent three weeks in Saratoga Springs Hospital before being transferred home for three months of physical therapy. He is quick to point out that Brother Peter Proto, his SW at Anchor Lodge, stepped in to “impeccably carry along the Master’s duties in my

Continued on page 29

On Trains, Cranes, And More Than One John Deere


My term as your Grand Master has passed quickly and I want you to know how proud I am to have had this

opportunity to serve you in this capacity. Indeed, it has been a period of great reward to me personally and to witness how we have forged forward together in a d d r e s s i n g some very c h a l l e n g i n g issues. The quality of the work of your District D e p u t i e s , Associate Grand M a r s h a l s , C o m m i t t e e C h a i r m e n and Grand

Lodge Officers is greatly appreciated. Many of them are extremely gifted and

their devotion to the Craft is unsurpassed.

Several years ago I began asking myself how we could improve two-way communication between our Grand Lodge and the Craft with the intention of strengthening such things as harmony, transparency, solidarity and compassion. I began to feel that the spirit of Freemasonry was diminishing in our Grand Jurisdiction – slowly slipping away and that something had to be done. I evolved to the opinion that the Grand Lodge was losing its grasp on the true sentiment of the Craft on numerous issues and that we were drifting further and further apart.

With the help of RWB Joe Porco and WB Anthony Raiani the GPS Program

was conceived and evolved into an instrument that would take two-way communication to a new level – and address my concerns. Its first test was impressive as the GPS was successful in measuring the sentiment of the Craft regarding the return to the Nine District Model. The results were presented to the Grand Lodge Officers on Monday, March 9, 2015, and they unanimously approved my decision to restore the Nine District Model to the Craft. The Nine District Model is unique as we have nine Grand Lodge Officers representing nine districts. Indeed, it has some issues, but I truly believe that we will work together and responsibly

Grand Master’s Final Message

Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master

Date Event Attire Public Dinner

Wednesday, April 1, 2015 Hiram Lodge No. 18 B N N Sandy Hook, CT

Thursday, April 2, 2015 Harmony Lodge No. 42 B N N Waterbury, CT

Sunday, April 12, 2015 Grand Lodge Banquet F Y Y Crowne Plaza, Cromwell, CT

Monday, April 13, 2015 Grand Lodge Session B N N Crowne Plaza, Cromwell, CT

Tuesday, April 14, 2015 Farewell Breakfast B Y Y

Grand Lodge Officers’ Trestleboard

Continued on page 5


Well, the snow really is going – and hopefully will be gone by the time all of you are reading this – and the days seem longer now that we’ve changed the clocks. Spring has finally come. Passover and Easter have been celebrated and now the semi-annual communication of the Grand Lodge, and the installation of a new Grand Master, is right around the corner. Spring has always been a sign of hope, renewal, and rebirth and so it should be for each of us as well.

One of the nine masonic

emblems is the beehive and we are instructed and encouraged to imitate the industry of the bee “never sitting down contented while our fellow creatures

around us are in want.” Indeed the Jewish sage who authored the Book of Sirach (Ecclesiasticus) reminds us that while “the bee is least among winged things, yet she reaps the choicest harvests” (11:3).

If we take that ever-industrious bee as our exemplar then we can take and must take full advantage of the opportunity that has come to each of us again in this due season. That task is the difficult but truly worthy one of renewing and improving ourselves. Let us

take seriously the idea that each of us is tasked with the most noble and glorious goal of making ourselves better. If we can but take the time and make the effort to strive

to make good men truly better then everything else falls into place – our lodges, our families, our workplaces and our houses of worship. This is the noble and g l o r i o u s p u r p o s e to which each of us aims. This is the secret of symbolically changing lead into gold. This is the path that all masons have set out on. Sadly, some may lose their way or fall by the wayside. But the true mason endures and struggles along that path to greatness.

Many of us will spend the springtime doing small fix-it jobs around our homes or fertilizing our lawns or preparing our gardens. Just as we repair and prepare the physical world around us for the summer and

ultimately for the harvest of the fall so let us repair and prepare ourselves. Let us throw off the lethargy of the

deep winter we’ve just endured and embrace

this spring as the season to renew and improve ourselves in masonry. Let us, like the bee, reap that choicest of harvests by restoring and

renewing ourselves. When the Worshipful

Master asks the Senior Warden what induced him

to become a Master Mason it is so that the blessings of our noble Craft might fill his own life and overflow to the benefit of those in need. One day each of us will face the time of our own harvesting and our departure to that house, not made by hands, eternal in the heavens. Let us do the work here and now so that we may face that ultimate day confidently as just and upright masons.

Grand Chaplain’s CornerAnd To Improve Myself in Masonry

the bee is the least among winged things, yet she reaps

the choicest harvests...

address them. Our new GPS Program will continue to share collective intelligence and will bring us closer together with effective and trustworthy communication, compassion, harmony and brotherly love.

In this issue of the Connecticut Freemason you will find my article regarding the Grand Lodge Youth Award that recognizes boys

and girls who exhibit an Act of Heroism or perform an Outstanding Service to Humanity. Please be cognizant of any young person who might qualify and nominate him or her to be a recipient of this unique recognition.

Your Grand Master Elect and Deputy Grand Master Elect have been attending our Grand Lodge Officer meetings during my term.

I am most pleased with our transition – this is the way it should be. We are totally devoted to serving YOU – the Craft who elected us to SERVE.

Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for allowing me to serve as your Grand Master. It was a most noteworthy experience and has contributed immeasurably to the quality of my ‘Masonic Journey’.

May God bless our Grand Jurisdiction, our Lodges, our families and especially our Armed Forces who step forward – ready to sacrifice their lives to preserve our freedom and all who strive to promote Peace on Earth.

Fraternally,Thomas M. Maxwell IIMost Worshipful Grand

Master

Grand Master’s Final MessageContinued from page 4


by Thomas M. Maxwell II

The Grand Lodge Youth Award is a special recognition given to youths prior to their

18th birthday. The Award is intended for all youth in

Connecticut who have made a significant contribution to humanity or an act of

heroism.

NOMINATION PROCEDURE

Nominations must be

completed and submitted on-line. The submitted

Nomination Form will be received and reviewed by the

Grand Lodge Youth Award Committee for evaluation and recommendation. The Youth

Committee is available to assist in arranging the actual

presentation of the Award

AWARD PRESENTATION

Award to be presented by the Grand Master or his designee.

The place of presentation

should be at the convenience of everyone, but especially the recipient and the Grand Master.

The presentation may take place at a Grand Lodge Communication, at the Masonicare Health Center, a school awards program, a Scout’s Court of Honor, a formal place of worship or another appropriate venue. The recipient may be aware of the upcoming presentation or a ‘surprise’ can be arranged.

The presentation will include: a.) A brief reading of

the recipient’s personal résumé and telling why he/she has been chosen. b.) A reading of the ‘Letter of Congratulations’ from the Grand Master. c.) The pinning of the Youth Award on the recipient.

To nominate a recipient go to the Grand Lodge of CT website and on the top menu click ‘Grand Lodge’ – click ‘Awards’ - click ‘Grand Lodge Youth Award’ and you will find the above introduction and the nomination form.

Grand Lodge Youth Award

by Bro. Derek D’Ambra

At the March 19 Stated Communication of Union Lodge No. 5, the Brothers in attendance were treated to a night of Masonic education about operative masonry by Bro. Rich Gross, the Junior Deacon. Bro. Gross is the owner of R.J. Precision Marble

and Tile and is an operative Mason by trade.

The program began with a short lecture on the history and use of mortar and cement. According to Bro. Gross, the first use of mortar was at the Mehrgarh of Baluchistan in Pakistan around 6500 BCE. A major use of mortar was at the building of the pyramids in

Egypt by our ancient brethren who combined gypsum with clay to bind the stones together. In Greece, pozzo-lanic mortar was created by combining lime with volcanic ash, which allowed the mortar to harden underwater; thus, this type of mortar is known as hydraulic cement. Later, the Romans introduced mortar made with crushed terra cotta and introduced silicon dioxide and aluminum oxide into the mix. This mortar, though not as strong as pozzolanic mortar, was denser and resisted pene-tration by water.

Next, Bro. Gross spoke about the differences between mortar and cement. Cement is made by mixing mortar with Portland Cement and aggregate. This was first invented in 1794 by Joseph Aspdin in an effort to create a stronger mortar and was highly popular in the erection of structures even into the 1930s.

An interesting fact brought

up by Bro. Gross was the naming of the types of standard mortar in the United States. These types are dis-tinguished by five letters, M, S, N, O, and K. These letters are taken from the alternating letters of the words, “MaSoN wOrK.”

After the lecture, the Brothers were invited to build wall, starting by mixing mortar and laying a corner-stone. WM Adam Ellyson, WB Domenic Corbo, and Bros. Greg Garland, Derek D’Ambra, and Andrew Melillo assisted in the construction. During the construction, Bro. Gross educated the Brothers in the operative uses of our working tools, especially the trowel, plumb, level, and square. The completed wall was good work, true work, and square work.

The Brothers in attendance enjoyed the education, learned valuable skills, and learned the art of our ancient, oper-ative brethren.

An Evening of Operative Masonry

Bro. Rich Gross lays the cornerstone, ensuring that it is level.


by Adam Raider

Like a shrewd investor, a donor to a particular charity should ask some important questions -- questions like, “Are my gifts being utilized properly?” or “How much of my gift is actually benefiting the people I want to help?”

RWB Ben Isaacson says that, for him, there’s no guesswork involved in giving to the Masonicare Annual Appeal.

“When I get a call asking me to donate to another charity,” he says, “how do I know that $.85 on the dollar isn’t going to pay the person on the other end of the phone? But I know I can always go down to Masonicare Health Center and see how my gifts are being spent.”

For the record, The

Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut is proud to report that our cost to raise a dollar is about $.16, well below the national average of $.25 to $.35.

A product of West Hartford, CT who now lives in nearby Avon with his wife, Laurie, and a small pack of convivial canines, Ben gave up teaching first graders to help his brother and sister run the family’s Bloomfield-based tour company. Now semi-retired but planning a return to teaching, he spends his time volunteering and working at the community farm in Simsbury.

Ben also mentors a teenager who’s had a particularly rough upbringing. “He’s had people coming in and out of his life for years,” Ben says. “But I told him, ‘You’re stuck

with me. I’m not going anywhere.’”

Ben was already on the Board of Directors of Masonicare Health Center when he volunteered in 2014 to join The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut’s Board of Directors. He’s pleased to have found another way to help The Foundation.

“My family’s been very fortunate, and we believe in giving back,” he said. “It wasn’t just an unspoken thing -- it was spoken about numerous times.

Joining The Foundation board was an easy decision, in light of all the good things Masonicare is doing.”

What Masonicare is doing, thanks in large measure to the support of Annual Appeal donors like Ben, is improving the quality of life for residents and patients in need. Recent purchases made possible by gifts to the Annual Appeal include software and equipment used in LSVT LOUD (speech) therapy to treat speech disorders for Masonicare Home Health & Hospice patients with Parkinson’s disease, resident transportation, social work visits, and spiritual care services.

Grand Senior Deacon of

Right Worshipful Brother Ben Isaacson on Giving Back



We Welcome Our New Brothers to the Fraternity

Patrick W. Doll . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hiram Lodge No. 1Jared G. Vasquez . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hiram Lodge No. 1Judemayer W. Medena . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Frederick Franklin Lodge No. 14Joseph D. Foti Jr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Federal Lodge No. 17Leland J. Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fayette Lodge No. 69Havinder S. Somra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Liberty-Continental Lodge No. 76

Eric J. Hagadorn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Evening Star Lodge No. 101Eric S. Bruyere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corner Stone-Quinebaug Lodge No. 122Thomas J. Buckles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daytime Lodge No. 144Jose L. Colon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daytime Lodge No. 144James J. Mitchell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Daytime Lodge No. 144Jeffrey L. Davis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Unity Lodge No. 148

By Linda LaBarge

The Connecticut Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association held its first Annual “Brain Ball – Where Science Meets Compassion” at the Connecticut Science Center on Saturday, March 7. Masonicare was proud to be

the presenting sponsorKelly Papa, Masonicare’s

Corporate Director of Learning, welcomed attendees with this message from Masonicare: “The mission of Masonicare is to enhance quality of life through an exceptional continuum of person-centered care. At

Masonicare, we are com-mitted to compassionate care, constant learning and advo-cating for people affected by Alzheimer’s disease. It is one of my greatest joys to get to work alongside some of the most loving care partners I have ever met … care partners who believe in supporting

people affected by Alzheimer’s throughout their journey, by building relationships, lis-tening with their eyes and hearts and by valuing per-sonal life stories. Masonicare is proud to partner with the Alzheimer’s Association to continue to care, to learn and to advocate until there is an end of Alzheimer’s disease.”

The Brain Ball will become an annual event as a fund-raiser in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. At this year’s event, Dr. Stephen Strittmatter of Yale University School of Medicine, was awarded the Alzheimer’s Association’s Zenith Fellows Award to continue his cutting edge research into the cause of Alzheimer’s.

In attendance were members of Masonicare’s Leadership and Dementia Cultural Alignment Committee. As presenting sponsor, Masonicare high-lighted its relationship with the Alzheimer’s Association and our shared commitment to improve the lives of people affected by dementia. The funds raised through the event and its silent auction will be directed towards research and critical support services for individuals, families and care-givers who face the daily chal-lenges of this disease.

Masonicare sponsors Alzheimer’s Association’s 1st Annual “Brain Ball”

Bottom row, l to r: Grace Martha, Dementia Care Resource Coordinator at Ashlar Village, Moira Ethier, Director of Rehabilitation Services, Kelly Papa, Corporate Director of Learning and Brain Ball Committee member, Diane Roemmele, Executive Assistant to CEO.Top row, l to r: Dr. Ronald Schwartz, Medical Director, Susan Adams, VP Alliance Integration, Cathy Smock, Education Coordinator, Loretta Chaponis, Hospice RN, J.P. Venoit, COO, Bethany Scierka, Director Therapeutic Recreation and Elaine Laydon, RN Director Nurse Education. Not pictured: Steve McPherson, President/CEO, Elyse Dent, Administrator Masonicare at Newtown, Audrey Grove, Director Community Services, Kimberly Magalhaes, Director Masonicare at Home, Jane Tommaselli, RN, Nurse Manager Ramage 3, and Linda LaBarge, Memory Care Program Coordinator.


Seventy-five years ago, World War II had just begun and the blitzkrieg operation of the Germans and Hitler was going f a v o r a b l y for them. In A m e r i c a , B r o t h e r F r a n k l i n Roosevelt was President and he foresaw war clouds g a t h e r i n g . B r o t h e r R a y m o n d E. Baldwin was sitting at the head of government in Connecticut. The Grand Lodge met at Hartford during the first week of February and Thomas Desmond of St. Marks Lodge No. 36 was presiding. He was the father of James Desmond who went on to become Grand Master in 1978. The session saw the election and installation of William Hanmer of St. John’s Lodge No. 4 in Hartford. Some of the topics discussed were the Actual Past Masters degree, the reorganization of Masonic Districts (which continues to be a major discussion point), a consistent Masonic education program, a Past District Deputies jewel, recording the locations of all graves of Past Grand Masters and attendance at lodge meetings.

The Sword of Bunker Hill degree was founded by Frank G Taylor Sr., a native of Vermont who was living in Illinois. He returned to Vermont on vacation and had a portion of the order conferred on him. When he returned to Illinois, he conferred it upon some of his brethren and then wrote the ritual as it appears today. A charter was issued in October 1912 in Illinois

and subsequently the founder changed the requirement to receive the degree from

being a Royal Arch Mason to being a Master Mason and the order has chapters in many states including Connecticut. Its purpose is to promote the best interest of Masonry by encouraging regular attendance at meetings of Blue Lodges and to form a social

and fraternal organization to perpetuate the principles of American liberty. The ritual instills patriotism and loyalty and teaches the sacrifices of our Masonic forefathers when they created this great Republic. The charity is to provide scholarships for those who are entering the nursing profession.

One concern was that the availability of the automobile made it easier for men to seek other forms of “entertainment” to fill their leisure time. With the Depression still on-going, some lodges were making valiant attempts to meet their outstanding per capita tax. There 34,535 members on the books with a net loss of 755. There were 128 lodges and the per-capita assessment was $2.50 with $2 of the amount going to support the Masonic Charity Foundation.

A story in the 1892 proceedings of the Grand Lodge produces a summary of charges brought against St. John’s Lodge No. 6 by Old Well Lodge No. 108 and makes for interesting reading. It seems that in June of 1890, St John’s caused one of its members, an aged and infirm brother, to be placed in what was then called

the poor house because “it was the best place for him.” There is not a lot of information offered but the Brothers from Old Well believed that placement there was contrary to the teachings of Masonry and that a Brother should not be an inmate of an institution under public charge and looked upon as a pauper. The

Old Well Brothers removed him from public charge and

provided for his care for a year, sending the bill to St. John’s. In the spirit of old Yankee steadfastness, the Brothers from St. John’s refused to pay telling Old Well they should not have meddled in private affairs. The situation got worse and the Grand Master summoned those involved on June 29, 1891. Hugh Stirling,

Grand Master, said that the Brother would not be returned to the poor house and ordered that he be committed to Bridgeport Hospital at the expense of St. John’s. After two months the Brother was discharged as a pauper and placed in public charity.

The Grand Master ordered that St. John’s pay Old Well

Grand Historian’s Corner


One concern was that the availability of

the automobile made it easier for men to seek other forms of

“entertainment” to fill their leisure time.


by Tom Mumford

The idea “To Be One, Ask One” assumes one knows a Mason. That idea became reality on February 22 as nearly 5,000 attendees at the Hartford Wolf Pack game at the XL Center became very aware of Freemasonry. Brethren and families from twenty-eight Lodges packed the arena for the inaugural Connecticut Freemason Family Day.

Walking into the concourse,

attendees immediately noticed a table manned by individuals from Masonicare and the Grand Master, MWB Thomas M. Maxwell II. Down the con-course to the right, the brothers of Warren Lodge No. 51 had a table promoting their Lodge, the prize for selling the most tickets. In the seats attendees sat by brethren and their fam-ilies and friends. On the ice 20 brothers representing the top ticket selling lodges formed a human tunnel through which the Hartford Wolf Pack

skated, ‘high fiving’ as they went. The Commandery Color Guard presented the Colors for the National Anthem. And, throughout the game, Masonic Trivia was prominently dis-played on the XL Center’s brand new HD Video Board.

In all, 28 Lodges partici-pated in the event, from all parts of the state. It should also be noted in this 25th anni-versary year of the recognition of Prince Hall, that one of the top ticket selling Lodges was a Prince Hall Lodge, Oriental

Lodge No. 6 from New Haven.A special thanks goes out

to Grand Master Thomas M. Maxwell II for supporting this event. Also, noteworthy con-tributions were made by RWB Theodore J. Nelson, Grand Junior Warden, WB Eric J. Charette, and SK William A. G. Mackey, Right Eminent Grand Commander of Knights Templar in Connecticut. Hiram Lodge No. 18 donated 66 tickets to Hartford-area schools through the efforts of RWB Joseph Porco, Finally,

Twenty-Eight Lodges Raise Masonic Awareness at Hockey Game

MWB Maxwell thanking XL Center’s Sales Director, Ilkka Kortesluoma, for his help in this successful event.

The Commandery Color Guard, under the command of REGC Wiliam Mackey, with MWB Thomas Maxwell, II, present the Colors



By Joseph Porco

When the Grand Master’s Plan for Solidarity (GPS) was announced in January, a degree of skepticism was expressed as to whether a sig-nificant percentage of Lodges would voluntarily partic-ipate and generate a large enough sample to be statis-tically measured. However, the first polling of the sen-timent of the craft through the GPS. Program has proven to be an astonishing success, exceeding the expectations of its developers: MWB Thomas M. Maxwell II, RWB Joseph J. Porco and WB Anthony J. Raiani.

The call for renewed sol-idarity, two-way communi-cation and improved trans-parency by the Grand Master in his acceptance speech has been answered with the implementation of the GPS Program. It has always been the belief of MWB Maxwell that all brothers deserve the dignity of knowing that indi-vidual and shared labor matter and are valued and that it is essential that the collective voice of the craft be heard. The immediate acceptance of the GPS program by the Craft shows that the brethren

overwhelmingly concur. With the implementation of GPS, there is now a proven mech-anism to expediently measure collective intelligence, including grievances, pro-posals and sentiments on any subject matter. Collaboration, focus and harmony is now possible.

When the Grand Master requested a response regarding districting, 78% of all Lodges responded within 28 days. With the help of the District Deputies, Worshipful Masters and Secretaries, the brethren were informed of the straight forward and purposeful process. Lodges submitted their sentiment which was recorded and effi-ciently processed by the GPS Committee. It is encouraging that the voice of the Craft can now be heard and that Grand Line officers will be able to quickly obtain sentiment on important matters as part of decision making.

This is the first program which effectively taps into col-lective intelligence and mea-sures collective sentiment of the Craft. It does so in a manner that will enable the Grand Master and his Grand Lodge officers to review the

data in a Grand Lodge Officer’s meeting, thus empowering them to make informed decisions. This is critically important because research shows that organizations are better enabled by processes that take a deep look at their present functioning and mem-bership sentiment. Such orga-nizations are better able to maintain harmony.

As for the perceived chal-lenge of gathering and pro-cessing the data, the system was carefully designed with multiple layers of oversight and redundancy. Inherent within the program is its ability to be enhanced by the same processes which it delivers. Suggestions have already been implemented by

the GPS co-chairmen during the rollout of the program.

Once testing phase was complete, MWB Maxwell successfully used the GPS program to gauge the sen-timent regarding districting, a sensitive subject which has caused a degree of con-sternation and disharmony. The current statistics show a strong majority of Lodges presently desire a return to the nine district model. The statistics reflect that 84% of all submissions received and 66% of the Lodges represented desire a return to the nine district model. Brothers may log into the GPS landing page and review how each Lodge expressed their preference.

Statewide Sentiment on DistrictingSuccessfully Processed Through the G.P.S. Program



On a cold and frosty evening at the end of January more than 60 guests crossed the threshold of St Peter’s Lodge No. 21 to enjoy the festivities of a Burns Supper.

Organized and conducted by Worshipful Brother Richard McDonnell and his wife Jeanette who cooked, cleaned and sang;

their son Jonathan addressed the haggis which was paraded and piped in by Pat Maguire. MWB Charles W Yohe gave the Immortal Memory while MWB Thomas M. Maxwell II recited “My Heart’s in the Highlands.”

Jeanette rallied everyone to sing “The

Star o’ Rabbie Burns” before the finale of “Auld Lang Syne.”

Everyone enjoyed the evening and the

event raised $1,000 for the local Loaves and Fishes charity.

Burns Supper at St Peter’s Lodge No. 21

Their son Jonathan addressed the haggis.

by Michael Butteri

Right Worshipful Brother Ralph Holstrom just celebrated his 101st birthday. Several brothers stopped by the Middlewoods apartments in Newington to cheer on Brother Ralph. Worshipful Masters Keath Romano of Unity Lodge No. 148 and Mike Butteri of Frederick-Franklin Lodge No. 14 joined forces to celebrate this rare milestone.

Brother Ralph was presented with a lodge shirt from Unity Lodge No. 148, as well as a shirt from the New Britain Fire Department. Brother Ralph retired from NBFD in 1968 as a Captain.

Past District Deputies Chet Russell and Mark Parasiliti reminiscenced with Past District Deputy Ralph on the history of New Britain and Plainville Masonry. Brother Jeffery Davis, a Fire Lieutenant in New Britain, conversed with Ralph about the New Britain Fire department and the many changes that have taken place since his retirement.

RWB Ralph is a true inspiration and role model to us all. His Masonic journey started around 1918 as a DeMolay member, and has continued through today as a Master Mason with over 72 years of service.

Brother Celebrates A 101st Birthday


by David P. Mason

You may have heard of the Grand Lodge Archives Committee, but have you ever wondered what it does?

Archive /är-kīv / noun 1) A collection of

historical documents or records providing information about a place, institution, or group of people. 2) The place where historical documents or records are kept.

verb 1) Place or store (something) in an archive.

The Archives Committee is a standing committee of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, serving the will and pleasure of the Most Worshipful Grand Master. According to one part of its charge, the Committee “supervises, administers and preserves the archival materials of the Grand Lodge”. This refers to the preservation of proceedings, edicts and so on produced by the Grand Lodge. Additionally, the Committee concerns itself in several areas that are vital to preserving Masonic history, membership records, jurisprudence, ritual, symbolism and education.

In these capacities, the Committee’s activities work hand-in-hand with the Masonic Education and Legal Affairs Committees. The Archive Committee is also interacts with the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and other local museums, and the Connecticut Historical Society.

One of the principal concerns of the Archives Committee is oversight of the Luke A. Lockwood Memorial Library and Museum, which is located at the Grand Lodge office. The Library and Museum houses a large (and growing) collection of Masonic books - many of which would be impossible to replace - and historic Masonic memorabilia. The Library and Museum also houses bound copies of the Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, and Lodge Monthly Returns. Thus, the Lockwood Library and Museum is an essential center for the preservation of Connecticut Masonic history. The educational materials at the Library and Museum are available to the public as well as Freemasons (within the library lending policy) for genealogical, philosophical, historic and educational pursuits.

As the collection at the

Library and Museum grew in size, complexity and scope, it became essential to implement a system to catalog and protect this collection. This duty falls to the librarian, with help and support from the Archives Committee. Many of the items in the Library and Museum are donations, and as the number and variety of donations grew it became necessary to develop a comprehensive Donation Guideline for the Library. Developing this official Guideline is one of the major jobs that the Committee has tackled.

Masonic books form one of the biggest type of donations that come to the Library and Museum. When a donation of books is received, they are assessed by the Committee. The Committee has thus been able to identify duplicate titles,

and to offer these duplicates for sale at events like Grand Master’s Day, and the Annual Communication. These sales, conducted by volunteers of the Archives Committee, return books to the hands of Connecticut Masons, and have raised over $1,000. These funds have been used by the Committee to repair and rebind valuable volumes in the Lockwood collection, preserving them for many years to come. The Committee is also actively investigating equipment which would allow us to digitize documents, making these documents more secure and allow for easier to sharing and access for research purposes. The Committee envisions that this capability will ultimately be offered for all Connecticut lodges to use.

Grand Lodge Archives Committee



by Michael CastrollJohn Alphonse Deer was born

October 17, 1948, in Bridgeport, CT to Josephine Galemba and John (Al) Alphonse Deer. His father, Al was a firefighter in the City of Bridgeport. When John was only ten years old his father died suddenly. His Mom was left to provide for the household on a very small pension from the Fire department. His mother involved him in Scouting, with the hopes it would teach him self-reliance and other qualities that his father was not there to provide. Little did she know that her son would go on to provide the same opportunity to hundreds of boys throughout his adult scouting career.

John attended St. Ann’s Grammar School and Bassick High School. While still active in scouting, John also worked part time in the Park City Hospital Store room. John received a plea for help from a scout master, who was leading a troop in the P. T. Barnum housing project. The boys from the housing project were mostly disadvantaged, and many from single family homes. John taught these boys how to

make mess kits from tin cans, and tents from construction plastic. John purchased used uniforms for the boys at thrift stores.

In high school, John had many academic interests. He was passionate about science and his hobbies included chemistry and electronics. He was an active member of the “Chess Club, Science Club, and he was a member of the audio-visual squad. John graduated high school in 1966. His aptitude in science and electronics earned him the Alumni Scholarship to Bridgeport Engineering Institute.

Going to college nights to become an electrical engineer along with his volunteer work, he had a day job in a factory making mattress bags and then became an electrical prototype wireman for the Fermont Generator Company, in Bridgeport.

Then John’s draft notice arrived. The army, recognizing John’s aptitude in electronics, sent him their Air Defense Electronics School, at Fort Bliss, TX. He graduated at the top of

his class, and remained there until his service obligations were fulfilled. John was not sent overseas, but instead, he trained our soldiers with the skills and knowledge to maintain air defense systems in Viet Nam.

John could not stay away from Scouting, and was recruited as a scout master for a troop on the army base .The dads of many of the boys were in Viet Nam, and the boys needed a male influence in their lives. John found himself being a father figure for many of the boys.

When John’s service commitment was up, he took a cross country trip, where spent time camping in the Grand Canyon, seeing Disneyland, and visiting with friends before returning home.

Upon his return, John found employment with the aid from an old buddy, who was trying to hold together a scout troop in the Stratford Housing Project. John became Scout Master and his old buddy Tom joined him as Assistant Scout Master.

In 1974, John learned that veterans from the Viet Nam Era could attend CT State Colleges full time for free tuition. He quit his job, and applied to Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport, where he earned an Associates in Science cum laude in 1975. In 1975, he transferred to Southern Connecticut State College, where he earned his Bachelor of Sciences Degree in Earth Sciences. John completed his Master’s Degree in Environmental Education in 1979.

In 1977, John joined the Masonic fraternity. His old buddy, Tom Csengery, was joining St. Johns’ Lodge No. 6, in Norwalk, where Tom’s father was to be master. John and Tom were initiated of that year, and progressed up the chairs

together.John was raised to the Sublime

Degree of Master Mason in June of 1977. His first twelve years in Masonry were dedicated to his Mother Lodge, St. Johns’ Lodge No. 6, in Norwalk.

A brother asked John what his plans were after graduation. Learning of John’s experience as an electrical prototype, he was offered a job in the Electronics Model Shop at Norden Systems, in Norwalk, a division of United Technologies.

While in the Model Shop at Norden, a need arose for a full-time audio-visual coordinator. John was instructed to report to the Vice President of Public Relations the next morning with a photographic portfolio and his resume, as a job description was being created for him. John’s responsibilities increased. He was traveling all over the country with film and video crews producing marketing and employee motivational films.

It was in 1980, as Junior Warden, that John did not feel he could do justice to the job of Senior Warden with all of his traveling, so he took the job of Lodge Organist. Six years later, when his travel commitments decreased, he was elected to rejoin the line as Junior Warden. He progressed to the Oriental Chair, in 1988.

While working in Public Relations, John provided support for charitable and community projects. He created TV video spots for the Greater Norwalk United Way. He worked for the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, and served on the Grand Lodge Communications Committee providing footage for a film about Our Fraternity.

At home, John’s Mom’s health was deteriorating. John had concerns for her safety, being

WB John Alphonse Deer Awarded Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze



by Sandy Potter

Three Masonicare chefs received top honors at the Connecticut Assisted Living Association’s annual conference and Chef’s Challenge on March 5 at the Crown Plaza Conference Center in Cromwell.

This year, in celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Connecticut Assisted Living Association, chefs from assisted living communities around the state competed in true “Iron Chef” fashion to show off their facility culinary skills. The competition was broken down into Beef, Poultry and Seafood Entrée Categories. Chefs were given 15 minutes to prepare, and then 45 minutes to cook and plate 5 servings. The chefs and their dishes were judged on taste, presentation, creativity, preparation, cleanliness and

organization, complication of meal, and timing.

Congratulations to our Masonicare chefs for their efforts and creative culinary skills:

Chef Jules Martin, Masonicare at Ashlar Village First place, Beef Entrée Grilled Skirt Steak with a Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce and Sweet Potato Succotash

Chef Carol Koty, Masonicare at Newtown- Lockwood Lodge

First Place, Poultry Entrée Classic Thai Pho Chicken

Soup

Sous Chef Jeffrey Camputaro, Masonicare Health Center

Third Place, Beef Entrée Filet of Beef with Southwest Sweet Potato Hash, Poached Egg and Chipotle Hollandaise

Masonicare Chefs Take Home Top Honors at Chef’s Challenge

Chef Jules MartinChef Carol Koty

Sous Chef Jeffrey Camputaro


MWB Maxwell has also posted his commentary to the Craft on the GPS landing page. Each Lodge that expressed its preference will also receive a response letter from the Grand Master.

The first use GPS system resulted in providing the Grand Lodge with clear under-standing of the voice of craft.

Now that the effectiveness of the GPS program has been demonstrated, Lodges can confidently use the system to express their opinion regarding any grievance, pro-posal or any subject matter they feel is worthy of the Grand Master’s attention.

In support of the program and endorsement for its con-tinued utilization, MWB Charles Yohe commented, “I

think the GPS is an exciting new tool that can be used to enhance communication between the Grand Master and Grand Lodge members. I am grateful to MWB Maxwell for encouraging the devel-opment of this tool and I hope Lodges will utilize it during the coming year to improve the lines of communication.”

In closing, I wish to thank everyone for their hard work, support and participation with the launching of the GPS program. If a brother has something of value to

say, he should bring it before his Lodge to collectively determine if a GPS should be submitted. The GPS form and a FAQ is available on the GPS page. For those who cannot attend lodge or do not have internet access, hard copies of the member sentiment form are available that can be filled out and submitted ot the Lodge secretary.

There are great ideas per-colating among the Craft; let them come forth and let your voice be heard!

Continued from page 11

Districting

home alone and blind. In 1986, John had a special house built to accommodate his Mom’s needs.

John was also very active as a volunteer in the community. He joined the Naugatuck Volunteer Fire Company. He is still active today, is a Past Deputy Chief. He also became a Commissioner on the Local Emergency Planning Commission.

In 1990, U.T.C. embarked upon a corporate-wide effort to become a world class leader in safety, and John was selected to fill the new position of Environmental Health & Safety Instructor at Norden. In 1993, at a U.T.C. Professional Conference, John met Brother Jim Mellen of Aspetuck

Lodge #142. John enjoyed the company of the brethren of the lodge so much, that he affiliated, and has been active ever since.

In 1996, with the change in needs of America’s defense system, Norden’s size diminished and John was laid off. He was quickly picked up by another division of U.T.C., Hamilton Standard. John was the senior occupational safety and health engineer for their Worldwide Customer Support Operations. John found his promotion rewarding, but the daily commute to East Windsor from Naugatuck was difficult.

In 1998, U.T.C. transferred John to Pratt & Whitney, in Middletown. He was promoted

PierpontContinued from page 14


The Third Degree by Jamie Pearson


by Ryan Hunt

Growing up in Madison, I always looked up to my older brother Erin. We were born thirteen months apart and to this day I have no clue what my parents were thinking when they installed bunk beds into our room. Erin, being the older brother, got the top bunk and I settled for the bottom. Being so close in age we were able to play the same sports and have similar interests and still be two completely different people. Times were not always easy as we often fought over the last meatball, who was the better athlete, or who was smarter. I will have to say that my brother was much smarter than I, even though I would never admit it to his face. We both found careers that we loved and we enjoyed each others success. He was one of the greatest chefs to walk the planet. We both started our families and everything seemed to be working out for the best.

I settled in the small city of Greensboro, North Carolina, working for an electrical dis-tributor and having the time of my life. One of my customers happened to be a Mason. I asked him one day about his ring and he told me that all I had to do was ask and a new world would be opened to me. At the time I thought he was kidding.

However, my professional career was taking off and I received an opportunity to move back home. Masonry was put on hold as I focused on my work life. In 2004, I made the commitment to learn about the secrets of Masonry and in October of that year I became a Master Mason. It was a proud moment.

In June of 2014 I lost my

brother to suicide. I’ll never forget the phone call that I received from my father at 11:30 pm on a Sunday night informing me. My wife and children, who I love more than anything, were and have been so supportive. They did their very best to fill the void that was left. I was lost and I didn’t know where to turn. I was sitting in my basement trying

to find something to lean on or someone to turn to for help.

I reached out to Brother Roger Cole from Madison Lodge No. 87. He sent me information on a lodge in Newington. I was in a pit of despair and I needed to put roots down in my community. I found out when Sequin-Level Lodge No. 140 was meeting. It was told that if I were to

affiliate with this lodge there were certain standards that I would have to adhere to. I was lacking the proper knowledge necessary to even earn my dues card. But I love a good challenge. I had an older brother setting a high bar for me my entire life and now I had a lodge of brothers doing the same. Brothers Scott Dean

Erin go Bragh Poker Run




2015 Nutmegger Reunions

Naples

New Port Richey

Ocala

Sarasota

Vero Beach


From the desk of Bro. Stephen B. McPherson

President & CEO of Masonicare

Spring is here! Temperatures above 40 degrees - instead of below zero - are one indication. Another is our annual “rite of spring” Nutmegger Reunions in Florida. Held March 2-6, we covered 1600 miles starting in Vero Beach and moving on to Naples, Sarasota, Ocala and New Port Richey.

These gatherings allow us to reconnect with friends of Masonicare and the Grand Lodge, meet new friends, give an update on Masonicare’s goings-on back in Connecticut and answer questions. They also afford the Grand Master an opportunity to do the same and to recognize milestones in a Mason’s lifelong journey with the craft. Four fifty-year pins were awarded during this year’s Nutmeggers.

Congratulations to RWB Arthur Bishel from Wooster Lodge No. 10, Bro. Paul G. Chipko from Liberty-Continental Lodge No. 76, Bro. Arthur J. Preece, Jr. from Meridian Lodge No. 77 and WB William Schuck from Trumbull Lodge No. 22. Several brothers with more than sixty years of service also joined us.

In addition to the Grand Master and his lady, Nancy, RWB Rev. Carl Anderson, WB Howard Orr and I rounded out the Connecticut delegation. Our message focused on the dedication of Masonicare’s workforce and how they handled the too-numerous-to-count snowstorms we had this winter. As much as we may talk about our buildings, it is our employees who make the difference. Putting the needs of our patients and residents first is their hallmark. As one

attendee so aptly phrased it, “Patients don’t care about what we know until they know how much we care.” I’m pleased to say that many in attendance recounted stories of the “above and beyond care” their loved ones received over the years in Wallingford, Newtown or from our home care staff.

We also shared a trailer from the new Glen Campbell documentary, “I’ll Be Me,” which is about the singer’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis. The journey for Alzheimer’s patients and their loved ones needs to be voiced more publicly. This powerful film will truly help in that effort.

As in years past, these reunions reinforce the good work done each and every day by our 2500+ employees. We appreciate the support we receive from those who may be 1200 miles away but remain very close to our hearts

and Masonicareto theirs.

Sincerely and fraternally,

2015 Nutmegger Reunions


The activities of the Archives Committee do not stop at the Grand Lodge; we are a resource for every lodge in Connecticut. An important role of the Archive Committee is summed up in the last line of the Charge; that it offers “assistance to… Lodges to preserve and protect their history”. Simply put, Masons everywhere have a LOT of valuable and interesting ‘stuff’. The Archive Committee is a resource for your lodge to

help you to deal with storing and conserving your valuable archival materials, so that they will remain a resource for the future. To this end, we are planning a seminar this year featuring a professional museum conservator that will advise and instruct us to properly care for archival materials. This seminar will be open to all interested parties, watch for announcements of this seminar, or contact our Chairman, Justin

A. Duffy, for more information. Br. Justin can be reached at 860-202-9502.

N.B. – The Luke A. Lockwood Library and Museum encourages donations. Financial donations are put to good use in the work of preserving our Masonic heritage. Donations of books, artifacts and memorabilia are cataloged and preserved.

Lodge ArchivesContinued from page 13

to senior safety engineer for the Jet Engine Experimental and Production Assembly and Test Facilities. In 2001, he accepted an early retirement from United Technologies. His retirement afforded him plenty of quality time to spend daily with his mother until she died.

True to John’s generous nature, he answered the call to action when the Twin Towers fell. John prepared materials for shipment and in the morning he, and his fellow volunteers

would drive the delivery trucks to New York. He led a team of volunteers assisting the NYPD in recovering body parts and airplane parts from the rubble. John and his team were awarded 9/11 commendation medals.

In 2004, John was hired as a consultant for a two year period by Boehringer Ingleheim Pharmaceutical Corporation to manage several safety products that were out of compliance. Having completing his contract, he was hired by the U. S.

Department of Government Affairs. There, he was in charge of Emergency Preparedness Management in Life Safety for the Veterans’ Administration CT Healthcare system. John left his position with the V. A. for health reasons, and now focuses on managing his safety consulting business.

John takes a very active role in his lodge. Besides serving as their organist, he has served as a Trustee, a Director of the Building Corporation. When

the lodge secretary announced he would not continue in 2010, John stepped up to the plate and volunteered, and also serves as the secretary for Building Corporation.

For all that he has given to his family, his nation, his community, to Scouting, and to CT Freemasonry, W.B. John Alphonse Deer was recently honored by receiving the Pierpont Edwards Medal in Bronze For Distinguished Masonic Service.

PierpontContinued from page 16


the Grand Lodge of Connecticut, Ben is a Past Master of Village Lodge No. 29 in Collinsville and a Past District Deputy.

“Both of my grandfathers were Masons,” he said. “One of them was really old-school and never said anything about it. I didn’t know he was a Mason until I was in high school and happened to see some Masonic books in his bookcase. My other grandfather was more open about it. He told me, ‘I know I’m not supposed to say this, but you’d make a good Mason.’ I was curious and inquired at my local lodge. I think I was drawn to Masonry by the brotherhood, the history and the chance to be a better person.”

Bro. Ben’s commitment to Freemasonry has played no small role in his advocacy for Masonicare and support of The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut. In addition to his Annual Appeal giving and service on various boards, Ben served as a Walk Captain at the 2014 Masonicare Quality of Life Walk and was the event’s second-highest fundraiser.

“I’ve had an awareness of Masonicare for about as long as I’ve been a Mason,” he said. “But when I was District Deputy, I decided to visit Masonicare Health Center. I met with residents and staff and nobody had a bad thing to say about the place. I heard only gushing, effusive praise. That was pretty impressive,

because my mother was in an assisted living facility toward the end of her life and it was not a pleasant experience for her or for our family. The staff there weren’t very attentive or professional. But you look at Masonicare, and the residents are so happy because they’re treated with dignity. It’s so refreshing.”

Your gifts to The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut will help create “Masonicare Experiences” for others. To find out how you can support The Foundation or to make a gift, please call 203-679-5555 or 800-562-3952. You can also donate online at www.masonicare.org/mcf.


Isaacson

and Lee Martin explained that they wouldn’t give me my dues card until I was proficient in all three lectures. They didn’t care that I had held a dues card for almost ten years at that point. It was a point of pride and I’m so glad that they remained steadfast. I found what I was looking for all these years. The working tools mean more to me than ever. I am rough ashlar and I’ve a got a lot of work to smooth some of these edges. The lodge, and the Widows Sons have helped

me deal with my grief.Suicide touches many

people and most don’t want to ever speak of it. That has to end today. We as a com-munity need to do something about this. I need your help my brothers.

On August 15, 2015, The Widows Sons will be holding a poker run and all pro-ceeds will go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I’ve set a personal goal of raising $25,000 for this cause and cannot reach it without your help. Over the next few months I will be

visiting lodges and attending blue lodge council meetings to raise awareness. If you would like to hold a spaghetti dinner, a bucket drive or anything else to support this cause it would be greatly appreciated. If we all work together we will be able to easily surpass this goal. If we can save save even one life our efforts will be worth it. As the event gets closer I

will list all five lodge stops for the run and tell you what you can do to donate, how to learn more about the event, and how to get involved. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness in the Masonic community. A special thank you to all that have supported me thus far, there is a lot more work to do but we are off to a

Erin go Bragh

$192.35 for the care and maintenance of the Brother. Feuding continued as St. John’s refused to pay, the Grand Lodge attempted to reprimand St. John’s and St. John’s voted to withdraw from the Grand Lodge. Once the charter was arrested by the District Deputy, the lodge and the Worshipful Master apologized and the charter was restored. Details of the events can be found in the proceedings of 1892 and 1893. Grand Master Hugh Stirling was indeed just and honest as he

attempted to handle the case with dignity and sense of Brotherhood that is always expected from the Grand Master.

Hiram Bingham joined Hiram Lodge No. 1 in 1914 when he was a resident of New Haven. He was born to missionary parents in Hawaii in 1875. He was a Yale man, graduating in 1898 and was on the faculty of Harvard, Princeton, Johns Hopkins and Yale. He also discovered the ancient city of “Machu Picchu” in Peru. He was Lieutenant Governor in 1922 and

was elected Governor in 1924. Between the election and the inauguration, he was chosen in a special election to fill a vacancy in the US Senate. His inauguration and resignation came within hours of each other as he assumed the US Senate seat the next day. He served nine years in the US Senate. He did serve as Junior Deacon in Hiram Lodge before he went off to war. There is almost no documentation on his stint as Governor since he probably literally did nothing as Governor.

Continued from page 9Grand Historian

Continued from page 17Suicide touches many people and most don’t

want to ever speak of it. That has to end today.



By John A. Amarilios

With the recent passing of Leonard Nimoy, the actor who portrayed the inimitable Mr. Spock in the Star Trek TV series and movies, one must wonder if the creator of the series, Gene Roddenberry had any con-nection to Freemasonry. I have not been able to find any credible evidence that either Nimoy or Roddenberry were Masons, however the tenor of the stories and the behavior of this protagonist in the series gives one pause.

There is something that bears conscious digestion by all who contemplate the Spock character and Star Trek. In many ways the character of Mr. Spock truly reflects the ideals of the Brother who has transformed himself into a Perfect Ashlar. He is

the ultimate Master who has learned to disassociate himself with the superfluities of life and to control and keep in check the passions of life which preoccupy, control and pain lesser developed mortals.

Early on in our Masonic travels we encounter the question of “what are you here to do?” The subduing of pas-sions is the key to unlocking a world of freedom for the indi-vidual. Once they are subdued, the Master is no longer subject to the sway of external influ-ences and manipulations. He proceeds with logic and seeks to improve his situation, be it emotional, financial or otherwise. Unchecked pas-sions create damage, unin-tended troubles and impose upon humanity wide realms of immense pain and unhap-piness. The Master having rec-ognized this, and having done

the internal work to overcome this frailty, very Spock like, recognizes the dubious and dangerous nature of this element if left uncontrolled.

Passion is an ethereal fire which needs to be managed with great care. In the hands of the weak willed or inexperi-

enced, it leads to devastating daily events such as crimes of passion, rioting, substance abuse and a bevy of other destructive behaviors that spread misery and unhap-piness amongst us.

On the other hand, passion held in check and in control leads to sacrifice and devotion

to causes – with real and tan-gible benefits to oneself and humanity. When the love of one’s fellow man or family operates in this manner, the energy of this subtle fire leads to constructive outcomes. A parent’s sacrifice leads to a better life for its offspring. A

soldier’s will-ingness to sac-rifice all, leads to a free society from which wide swaths of humanity benefit enor-

mously. Br. Benjamin Franklin best put it this way: “If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.”

Which brings us back to Mr. Spock. Even that para-mount exemplar of logical, passionless thought once said to Kirk in The Wrath of Khan, as he undertook the ultimate

Live Long And Prosper

“If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins.”



by Michael Castroll

Ever since we began this Spring Reunion began Mother Nature has had her way with us. After several cancellations of degrees we could not help but beat the calendar. Spring has finally sprung! April is here, and we are all glad for it.

Last month we saw the trials and tribulations of the Israelites, released from their captivity in Babylonia, and finally allowed to return to rebuild the Temple in Jerusalem. We also cele-breated the Feast of the Paschal Lamb, which is a festive board where the participants engage in a dialogue centered on the lives of those Scottish Rite Brothers, who have gone to their final reward. It is a fitting prelude for the Holy Season, which will be celebrated by all Jews and Christians throughout the world in the beginning of April. It is said, that the Last Supper was a

First Seder. We wish all of our Christian Brothers a very Happy Easter season, and to our Jewish Brothers, we wish a very Happy Passover. To all of them, and their families, we wish the very best all year through.

Just two days after the end of Passover, the Valley returns to labors. On Monday, April 13, the Grand Lodge Annual Session will be convened at 9 a.m. by MW & Illustrious Brother Thomas M. Maxwell. At the close of the session, MW & Illustrious Brother Charles W. Yohe will be installed as his successor in the Grand East. But, the day is not over for the Valley of New Haven.

Following a meeting of the Executive Committee and dinner, New Haven Chapter Rose Croix convenes to confer the 18°, Knight of Rose Croix. April 13 is also the birthday of President Thomas Jefferson. He was born on that date in 1743, and most Masonic his-torians agree that he was not

a Freemason. My Masonic Bible lists President Jefferson as having membership in Charlottesville Lodge #90, in Charlottesville, VA. He is also listed in the newspaper accounts detailing the funeral of Brother George Washington as being dressed in Masonic attire. Either way, there is no doubt of his proficiency as an Operative Mason.

On Saturday, April 18, in Stratford, the Valley of Bridgeport and Lafayette Consistory provide further light as two more degrees are presented. This time, it is the Master of the Temple, or 9°, which will be followed by the 29°, as the spring class all become Knights of St. Andrew.

On Saturday, April 25, the Valley of Hartford and Connecticut Consistory play host, as the Spring Reunion continues. The spring class will become Masters of Achievement when they witness the 25° and after lunch, the 32°will be conferred, with

all becoming Sublime Princes of the Royal Secret.

Alpha and Omega are the keys which open and close the activities in the month of April. The Valley of Waterbury acts as host for their Feast of the Paschal Lamb on Wednesday, April 1, and they close the month’s activities as Corinthian Chapter Rose Croix provide the 18° for their class, and all others, who are thirsty for the new law.

Again, may I extend my per-sonal best wishes for a Happy Easter and a Happy Passover season to all of you, and your families. May the light of the season glow in your hearts.

A lot is happening in the Valley of New Haven.

See you in the Valley…

Notes From The Valley Of New Haven

sacrifice, “Do not grieve – the needs of the many out-weigh the needs of the few.”

This is the ultimate passion – love and sacrifice motivated and directed by one’s love for humanity and one which is richly illustrated and figures prominently in the lessons

inculcated by the Scottish Rite.

I hope you will join me at Consistory Day on April 25 at the Valley of Hartford when all Scottish Rite can-didates will have the benefit of observing the 32nd degree. There still is time to start on the path this season!

Live Long and Prosper


From the desk of David R. Blythe, Sr., 33°, Valley Secretary

It’s finally happening -- the snow is melting, the clocks have been advanced an hour, the snow birds are returning home, and the Valley of Hartford’s year-long degree schedule is coming to a close. And it all goes out with a bang when Lafayette and Connecticut Consistories join Nathan Hale Consistory at the Valley of Hartford for an “All Connecticut Consistory Day” on Saturday, April 25. Registration and lunch ticket pick-up begins at 7:30 a.m. At 9 a.m., the Valley of Norwich will direct the presentation of the 25th degree “Master of Achievement.” The portrayal of the 32nd degree, “Sublime Prince of the Royal Secret”, under the supervision of the Valley of Hartford, immediately follows. A prime rib luncheon is schedule at 12

p.m. Reservations for lunch (paid in advance) are required because of the large anticipated turnout. Reservation deadline is Tuesday, April 21. The reservation form can be found in the April issue of the View of the Valley or at the Valley of Hartford website: www.valleyofhartford.org. We welcome the 2014-2015 Candidate Class, named in memory of Bro. Amos Pilsbury, the first Thrice Potent Master of the Charter Oak Lodge of Perfection, chartered in July, 1864 and celebrating its 150th year.

The Valley of Hartford also congratulates following brethren who have achieved a milestone in their Scottish Rite Masonic career: Brothers Alphonsus D. Croxall, 60 years; Albert A. Kandarian, 50 years; Robert N. Martinelli, 65 years; Robert D. Murdock, 50 years; Earl F. Radda, 50 years; Robert E. Seaburg, 50 years; William E. Steckel, 60 years; George J. Strimaitis, 60

Years; and Kirk D. Tavtigian, 50 years.

The Valley will hold its Annual Meeting and Election of Officers on Thursday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m. On May 14, the Annual Workers Night appreciation banquet will be held at the Wethersfield Country Club, with installation of newly elected officers at that time.

The Valley’s Family Life programs continue with a bus trip on May 16, to tour the Concord-Lexington historical area, followed by a luncheon at the 1719 Colonial Inn. After lunch we will visit the Scottish Rite Museum of National History. The flier and reservation form can be found in the View of the Valley or on www.valleyofHartford.org. The reservation deadline is April 13 or until the bus is full. After that date, please contact the travel agency to see if any additional spaces are available. Price is $60 per person and is open only

to members of the Valley of Hartford, their spouse/companion, and children and/or grandchildren.

If you would like to be put on our advance email notification list for Family Life events please supply us with your current email address.

To those brethren who are not members of the Scottish Rite, we have informational DVD’s available upon request. We also have members willing to travel to your Blue Lodge and put on a Scottish Rite program. The Master or his representative should contact a member of our Membership Committee: Ill. Brothers Ric W. Manner, 330, [email protected]; Ill. Brother Jeff A. Flynn, 330, [email protected]; Bro. Frank Dlugoleski, M.S.A, at [email protected].

Our next class will begin in the fall of 2015.

News From The Valley of Hartford, A.A.S.R.

the tireless work by Global Spectrum’s Ilkka Kortesluoma who coordinated everything with the Wolf Pack staff,

ensuring the day went off without a hitch.

In typical Masonic fashion,

charitable contributions were made to the Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut to support their excellent work.

Masonic Awareness was definitely heightened – not just in Hartford, but in the four corners of Connecticut! It was an excellent beginning and may be just the cornerstone upon which Freemasonry in Connecticut can build.


Masonic Awareness

Lodges partici-pated in the event,

from all parts of the state.


Connecticut York Rite OpportunitiesInformation to be included in York Rite Opportunities must be submitted by the 10th of the preceding month to the Grand Secretary/Recorder, Charles B. Fowler, 525 Stillwater, Windsor CT 06095-3842 or [email protected]. NOTE: All dates and visitations are subject to change without notice.

APRIL 201503 MP Good Friday. New Haven 02 KT, New Haven. Order of Temple, Lunch, 12 noon.

03 ME MP Good Friday, Trinity 03 KT, Danbury. Order of the Temple03-05 RE Grand Encampment Easter Services in Arlington VA

05 MP EASTER Sunday. KT Services at Masonicare. 8 am. Breakfast07 RE Washington 01 KT08 ME Pythagoras 17 RA, East Hartford08 RE Cyrene 08 KT, Middletown09 RE Grand Court of CT, Order of Amaranth09 MP Rittenhouse 11 RA & Washington 06 SM, Darien11 MP York Rite College 1711 ME AMD/SRICF, East Hartford. 9:30 am

12-14 ME MP RE Grand Lodge AF&AM of CT15 ME Washington 30 RA, Suffield.

17-19 ME MP RE Grand Commandery KT of CT. Sheraton, Rocky Hill. 9 am23 MP Trinity 03 KT, Darien

24-26 ME MP RE Grand York Rite of ME, Bar Harbor27-28 MP Grand Council SM of Pennsylvania

29 MP KYCH, Stratford

NOTE >> >> >> When dinner precedes a meeting, reservations are usually req’d.

ME indicates attendance by the ME Grand High Priest

MP indicates attendance by the MP Grand Master

RE indicates attendance by the RE Grand Commander

COMING UP:

05-02 RA Anointed High Priests, East Hartford, 9:30 am, Lunch.05.08-10 Grand York Rite of NH05-14 Ascension Day, Hillside Cemetery, Torrington, 6 pm. Then dinner at Kaaban’s Shrine Club05-29 SM Council of Anointed Kings, Stratford. Din 6:30 pm06-04 Apostles Tabernacle, HRAKTP06-05 Grand Chapter/Council Banquet, Sheraton 4-Points, Meriden. Social 6 p06-06 Grand Council R&SM of CT. 8:30 am06-06 Grand Chapter RAM of CT. 1:00 pm

PLANS SET FOR GRAND COMMANDERY ANNUAL CONCLAVE


As in past years, the Sheraton Hartford South hotel, located in Rocky Hill, will be the site of the Annual Conclave of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Connecticut on 17-19 April. The format is much the same as in the past except that there is no Friday evening buffet, and on Saturday, the ladies will join the men for lunch. Information and reservation forms are available at www.yorkrite.com/ct. Hotel reservation cutoff is 26 March. Meal res-ervations to William Miller by 10 April. REGC William A. G. Mackey will preside over the business, and Lady Kari will host the ladies. Don’t forget to support the ladies craft room as they raise money for the Eye Foundation.

FROM MPGM McCOLLUM

Companions, this is a very busy time in Masonry as there are several Grand Sessions throughout the Northeast as well as here in Connecticut. In addition we are coming up on the Annual Assemblies of our Constituent Councils.

Remember as you conduct your Annual Assemblies and elect your officers for the coming year that no Thrice Illustrious Master may serve more than two consecutive terms in office without dispensation and I will not be granting any dispensations for this. Govern your-selves accordingly.

I continue to look for Companions who are interested in serving as Grand Representatives for our sister jurisdic-tions. If you are interested contact me or one of the Grand Council officers and let them know. This is a great way to serve without an overwhelming amount of work but if done properly with tremendous rewards.

FROM REGC MACKEY

As my term of office draws to

a close, it would be remiss of me not to recognize and express my appreciation to those Sir Knights who have been out-standingly supportive in the course of the past Templar year. My sincere thanks go to Sir Knight Vincent Cowie for his con-stant advice, genial support, and warm encouragement. Sir Knight Charles O’Neill has been tireless in his efforts to put together the Connecticut Supplement for publication each month in the Knight Templar Magazine. Sir Knight Clyde Kayser and Sir Knight Michael Seamon have performed outstanding duty in making themselves readily available to help with a wide variety of Grand Commandery assignments.

A special word of thanks goes to Sir Knight William L. Miller II, without whom I would never have had the oppor-tunity to embark on this endeavor of leading the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Connecticut. Finally, and most importantly, my heartfelt thanks go to my Lady Kari who has been a bulwark never failing. She has been at my side to help guide me along the hills and dales of my journey as your Grand Commander. Her many contributions to the success of this Templar year have made it truly a team effort.

In closing, my thanks go to the Sir Knights of Washington Commandery No. 1 for their willing support in helping to run the 188th Annual Grand Conclave. My thanks go to all who have served as Grand Commandery officers during the past year. My best wishes go to the incoming corps of Grand Commandery officers for a successful year. May God bless you all and speed each of you safely on your journey.

FROM INCOMING REGC STEVENS

Do you have a favorite shirt? Favorite dinner out? Favorite dinner in?

Favorite TV show? Quick - What’s your favorite thing about Commandery?

For this coming year I sincerely hope that we all ask ourselves; what’s new and exciting? Thinking about defining who we are, what we’re about and why we enjoy belonging to this fine organization should receive conscious thought from each of us. After all, an organization is defined by those who belong to and are active in it. Let’s make ourselves shine!

NEW CHAPTER RITUALS AVAILABLE

The supply of the Pocket Study Guides having been exhausted, the Grand Chapter Committee on Ritual decided that rather than have another printing of the study guide, it would make sense to print the entire Standard Work in pocket size. These new books include all the notes, figures, and changes adopted since the large size books were adopted in 2002. The existing supply of the 8.5 x 11 three ring binders containing the Standard Work will be destroyed, though holders of these books may wish to keep them for their large size diagrams and ease of copying. The new rituals are the same cost, $10 each, as before, and may be ordered by Chapter Secretaries from the Grand Secretary. Individual Companions may be able to purchase a copy directly from the Grand Secretary as well.

YORK RITE WEBSITESGrand Chapter RAM of CT:

http://yorkrite.org/gcramct/Grand Council R&SM of CT:

http://yorkrite.org/gcrsmct/ Grand Commandery KT of CT:

www.knightstemplar.org/gckt/ctCommon to all three YR bodies:

www.yorkr


Are Your Widows Interested in the CT Freemasons Newspaper?We have heard from more

than a few brothers that there are widows in their lodges who miss receiving the CT Freemasons newspaper. When a brother passes to the Celestial Lodge Above, his subscription to the paper ends.

However, we hear of many Masons whose wives will grab the paper first, and then brothers have to wait to read the issue until after their wives have read it. Many wives are involved

in the life of the lodge, if not always actively, then at least as someone who loves to know what is going on in the fraternity. Sadly, that ends when the brother passes and the subscription ceases.

We would like to make sub-scriptions of the newspaper available to any widow who wishes to receive it. However, mailing laws require that we must have a request on file from the widow otherwise it is considered unsolicited mailing. With a request on

file, we can add their name and address to the mailing list, and the widow will receive the paper.

We are asking all lodges to poll their widows to see if any of them might like to receive the paper. If there are widows who wish to receive the paper, please send their name and address to Marje Chick in the Grand Lodge office. This request by the lodge on behalf of the widow will fulfill the mail law requirements.

We are also asking that the

lodge make a donation of $15 per year for each widow who wishes to receive the paper, to help the CT Freemasons paper defray the costs of the subscription.

Please do this as soon as possible in your lodge. While there might not be many widows who are interested, if we can make even one widow happier by doing this, then we will have fulfilled part of our Master Mason’s requirement to care for our widows.

We offer our condolences to the families and friends of these brothers

who have been called by the Grand Architect of the Universe

Raymond T. Blythe .............................................. Morning Star Lodge No. 47Carl F. Borzage ............................................... Wyllys-St. John’s Lodge No. 4Chester L. Bush .......................................................... Wooster Lodge No. 79Richard P. Cero .....................................................Washington Lodge No. 81Leon J. Chorches .........................................................Wolcott Lodge No. 60Parker B. Creep Jr ...............................................Widow’s Son Lodge No. 66Robert R. Froleiks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Old Well - St. John’s Lodge

No. 6Howard S. Gallup ..................................................Washington Lodge No. 70John H. Goodrich Jr ................................................. Corinthian Lodge No. 63Peter G. Haidet ......................................................Manchester Lodge No. 73James R. Hilton ........................................................... Putnam Lodge No. 46

Allan R. Howe ...............................................................Fayette Lodge No. 69Samuel J. Janet ....................................................Ansantawae Lodge No. 89Robert W. Klementz .......................................................... Hiram Lodge No. 1Willard B. Lovejoy ........................................................... Ionic Lodge No. 110Robert H. Newell ................................................King Solomons Lodge No. 7William R. Palmberg ....................................................Hartford Evergreen 88Henry R. Penkava ...................................................Annawon Lodge No. 115Allen S. Reed ................................................................Federal Lodge No. 17Elton D. Rhodes ...........................................................Estuary Lodge No. 43Edward S. Shia ........................................................ Corinthian Lodge No. 63Warren W. Thompson .................................................Wolcott Lodge No. 146Eugene Wohl ................................................America-St. John’s Lodge No. 8


Name Or Lodge ________________________________________________

Address ______________________________________________________

Town _________________________________________________________

State __________________ Zip __________________________________

Masonic Family Booster $60 listing for 11 issues

Individual Booster $25 Listing for 11 issues

Grand Booster More Than $25

Be A Booster!

Makes Checks Payable to: Grand Lodge Publications • P.O. Box 250 • Wallingford CT 06492

absence.” WB Joe later served a second term as Master of Anchor Lodge, during which, he notes, “I managed to stay pretty much in one piece.”

In retirement WB Joe is very busy. He stays as active as possible, which keeps his mind off his cancer. His treatments sometimes wear him down, but in spite of that he attends lodge often, and he has a “honey-do” list that has him on a first name basis with the employees at Home Depot and Lowes.

His other main activity is as a volunteer with Friends of the Valley Railroad. The FVRR maintains the track of the Essex Steam Train, from Middletown to Old Saybrook, as well as restoring railroad cars, engines and other railroad equipment. Joe says “At times

the track work seems to be a daunting task, but it is rewarding to say the least.” Last year, from April through December, Joe and his fellow volunteers replaced over 300 railroad ties, all by hand. In the course of his work with FVRR, Joe has sparked interest in Masonry in several men, one of whom joined Anchor Lodge.

Joe is also restoring a 1942 Fairmont Speeder, a powered railroad vehicle that was used for track inspections during WW II. A tiny vehicle, five feet square, it looks like an ice cube traveling down the track. Joe’s other love is John Deere tractors, owning several, and having just handed one over to his 12 year old nephew, to start him off right. Joe is hoping to drive his large tractor off to distant horizons when he is called to that ‘undiscovered country from whose bourne no traveler returns.”

WB Joe Bonola is still fighting his cancer. His weekly chemotherapy treatments have been accompanied by two stem cell transplants and

experimental drug trails. The aim is to be able to reach a point where less frequent maintenance treatments are possible, but after eight years Joe indicates that doesn’t yet seem to be on the near horizon.

In spite of all that he remains undaunted. The smiling brother who graces the cover of Connecticut Freemasons this month says “until you give me the thumbs down and shut the lid, get the heck out of my way, I have a lot of things I still want to do yet. The constant support of my brothers and family have all kept me going through these dark times.”

Everyone has a cross to bear. When looking at the story of Worshipful Brother Joe Bonola, it becomes clear that it is not the cross that defines the man, it is how he carries it that shows his true worth. WB Joe carries his on the level, with dignity, aplomb, and more than a bit of good humor. And of course, with that smile.


Trains, Cranes and John Deere


REQUEST FOR APPLICATION FOR BOARD SERVICE

Requests for a Nomination Application can be completed by returning the attached request. Once completed, the form can be sent to J. Arthur Carbonaro, Chairman of the Masonicare Nominating Committee, via U.S. Postal Service to the address listed below; by Facsimile to 203-679-5001; or you may send the information electronically to [email protected]. A Nomination Application will be sent to all applicants for completion. The Nomination Application may be returned via U.S. Postal Service, Facsimile, or electronically. Please indicate your preference.

J. Arthur Carbonaro, ChairmanMasonicare Nominating CommitteeMasonicare22 Masonic Avenue, P.O. Box 70Wallingford, CT 06492

Name:_________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address:__________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________

DayPhoneNumber: ___________________________________

Evening PhoneNumber:_________________________________

FaxNumber: ___________________________________

EmailAddress:_________________________________

I would prefer the application to be sent to me via: __________________________________________________

March 1, 2015

To Prospective Board Members:

By this notice, the Board of Trustees of Masonicare hereby issues a Call for Nominations of candidates for election to the Board of Trustees of Masonicare. In addition, Masonicare requests nominations for candidates for its appointment to the boards of its af-filiates: Masonicare at Ashlar Village, Masonicare at Home, Masonicare at Newtown, Masonicare Health Center, Masonicare Home Health & Hospice, Masonic Management Services, and The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut. Nominees need not specify in which board they are interested in order to be considered for service. Interested individuals can request a Nomination Application by completing and returning the attached questionnaire.

Applications should be submitted and post-marked to me no later than May 15, 2015. Appli-cants will be contacted to schedule interviews.

Nominees should have qualifications in business, corporate leadership, finance, law or medicine, which qualify them for board service. Candidates should be aware that board members assume fiduciary duties with respect to their service, and that violation of these duties can entail personal liability. Service on our boards requires a considerable time commitment, varying with the needs of each corporation. While Masonicare’s board is comprised of those who are specifically members of the Masonic fraternity or related appendant bodies, affiliate board member-ship may also contain qualified members of the local community.

MASONICARE is the Parent Corporation of our system, and all nominees must be members in good standing of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Con-necticut, with the exception of three who shall be members in good standing, and appointed one each

from The Grand Chapter of Connecticut, Order of the Eastern Star; the Order of the Amaranth, State of Connecticut; and Prince Hall Grand Lodge, F. & A.M. of Connecticut. The Board of Trustees is composed of no less than twelve but no more than fifteen mem-bers. Three seats must be filled annually by members in good standing of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Connecticut, through the nomination and election process. The term of service on this board is three years, commencing in November 2015.

The term of service for each of the following affiliates of Masonicare is one year, commencing in November 2015.

MASONICARE AT ASHLAR VILLAGE has a board of at least seven, but no more than fourteen, mem-bers and governs Masonicare at Ashlar Village, our continuing care retirement community and assisted living facility, Pond Ridge.

MASONICARE AT HOME is a provider of personal care and companion services, mobile health tech-nology and continuing care retirement services to Connecticut residents in their homes. A board of at least three, but no more than nine, governs Masoni-care at Home.

MASONICARE AT NEWTOWN, our skilled nursing facility in Fairfield County, complete with rehabilita-tion services and Lockwood Lodge, an assisted living facility, is governed by a board of at least twelve, but no more than sixteen, members.

MASONICARE HEALTH CENTER provides a full continuum of services including skilled nursing, re-habilitation, acute hospital unit, psychiatric services, independent living as well as various outpatient services. The board is composed of at least twelve, but no more than sixteen, members.

MASONICARE HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE, our home healthcare provider is the largest provider of

home health care services in the State. Masonicare Home Health & Hospice is governed by a board com-posed of at least seven, but no more than fourteen, members.

MASONIC MANAGEMENT SERVICES provides management services and consultation to healthcare providers in various areas of operation, and includes management of independent medical practices and psychiatric services to long-term care facilities. A board of at least three, but no more than six, mem-bers governs Masonic Management Services.

THE MASONIC CHARITY FOUNDATION OF CONNECTICUT safeguards and nurtures the system’s assets, including the Endowment Fund, and houses our planned giving and development efforts. A board of at least seven, but no more than fourteen, members governs the Foundation.

The board seats which are not filled through this nomination process will be filled through the appoint-ment of cross-directors from the parent corporation board, through the appointment of the corporation’s Senior Administrator to the board, through the ap-pointment of residents to the board, and/or through the appointment of an officer of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M. of Connecticut, to the board. Please feel free to address any questions you may have regarding this process to Stephen B. McPherson, President and CEO, 203-679-5000.

Thank you for your assistance and participation.

Sincerely and fraternally,

J. Arthur Carbonaro, Chairman Nominating Committee

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS FOR BOARD SERVICE


Guidelines for Submission to CT Freemason Newspaperby Frank Way

The CT Freemason news-paper is one of the primary sources of communication of information relating to Masonic events, news, lodge business, Grand Lodge business, and Masonic to all Masons in the state of Connecticut. As such we solicit articles from our membership for printing.

The following important guidelines will facilitate easier editing and layout of the paper for timely printing and mailing:

1. Please submit all articles and photos to [email protected]. (Please note that this has changed from the earlier issues).

2. Articles and should be submitted in Word .doc format, single spaced.

3. Articles and photos should be submitted as attachments to the email. There need not be a separate email for article and photo. Do not write the article as the body of an email.

4. The email subject should be indicative of what the article is about – “Here’s an article for submission” is not acceptable subject line. “Installation of Officers, Hospitality 128” is an example of a subject line that relates to the article.

5. Photos should be jpg or tif format, in the highest resolution possible. Today’s smart phones will take a great picture but be sure that your mailer does not resize the photo when emailing it.

6. Multiple photos per article are certainly acceptable. If we cannot use all of them, it is nice to have a choice of what photo to use.

7. If there are explicit cap-tions for photos please be spe-cific as to what caption goes with what photo.

8. Articles should be pref-erably written in the third person as a news report. While first person articles are acceptable at times (e.g., op-ed

type articles), and several of the regular columns are in first person, the third person point of view is preferred.

9. While the format of the paper is still under-going some change, use the rule of thumb that between 750 and 850 words is one page. While 100-200

word articles, especially with photos, are certainly acceptable, chances are the readers want more details, and some personal insights from some of the people in the article. Don’t be afraid to submit something long – it can always be edited down for length much more

easily than bulked up.10. If there are questions,

do not hesitate to contact me at my regular email address ([email protected]) or the [email protected] address. I will monitor both of them.


Wednesday, April 1, Ansantawae No. 89 Milford, 7 p.m., Mason Night at Orange Ale House, Or-ange, CT

Wednesday, April 1, Jeptha No. 95 Clinton, 4 p.m., Soup Kitchen at Clinton Methodist Church

Thursday, April 2, Somerset-St. James No. 34, Preston, 9 a.m., 8th District Breakfast, Groton Town-house

Thursday, April 2, Putnam No. 46, South Woodstock, 7:30 p.m., Thursday Night Meeting

Thursday, April 2, Oxoboxo No. 116, Montville, 9 a.m., 8th District Breakfast, Groton Town-house

Thursday, April 2, Bay View No. 120, Niantic, 9 a.m., 8th District Breakfast, Groton Town-house

Saturday, April 4, Union No. 5, Stamford, 9 a.m., Easter Breakfast

Saturday, April 4, King Solomon No. 7, Woodbury, 10 a.m., All Hands Work Day

Saturday, April 4, Ansantawae No. 89, Milford, 10 a.m., Easter Egg Hunt, Hassenmyer Farm, Milford

Sunday, April 5, Corinthian No. 103, North Haven, 8 a.m., Fellowship Breakfast

Monday, April 6, Wyllys-St. John’s No. 4, Newington, 6:30 p.m., Table Lodge

Wednesday, April 8, Union No. 5, Stamford, 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Night & Seder Din-ner7:30


Friday, April 10, King Hiram No. 12, Shelton, 6:30 p.m., Chili Night (Masons & male friends only)

Friday, April 10, Temple No. 16, Cheshire, 6 p.m., Annual Lodge Game Dinner


Saturday, April 11, Washington No. 19, Monroe, 9 a.m., Lodge Cleanup

Saturday, April 11, Composite No. 28, Suffield, 10 a.m., Lodge Cleaning Day

Saturday, April 11, Putnam No. 46, South Woodstock, 4:30 p.m., Annual Southern Barbeque Dinner

Sunday, April 12, Grand Lodge of CT, Cromwell, 6 p.m., Grand Lodge Banquet

Sunday, April 12, Compass No 9, Wallingford, 8 a.m, Breakfast

Sunday, April 12, Widow’s Son No. 66, Branford, 9 a.m., Monthly Breakfast

Tuesday, April 14, Ionic No. 110, North Windham, 6:30 p.m., Masonic Brother Awards


Thursday, April 16, Quinta Essentia No. 500, New Haven, 6:30 p.m., Fellowship Dinner7:30

Friday, April 17, Corinthian No. 103, North Haven, 7 p.,., Corinthian Card Night


Sunday, April 19, Washington No. 19, Monroe, 8 a.m., Country Breakfast

Sunday, April 19, Friendship No. 33, Southington, 7:30 a.m., Pancake Breakfast

Sunday, April 19, Ansantawae No. 89, Milford, 8 a.m., York Rite Breakfast

Tuesday, April 21, Unity No. 148, New Britain, 6:30 p.m., Lodge Maintenance

Thursday, April 23 Putnam No. 46, South Woodstock, 7:30 p.m., Thursday Night Meeting


Saturday, April 25, Washington No. 19, Monroe, 5 p.m., Family Game Night

Saturday, April 25, Washington No. 70, Windsor, 10 a.m., Shad Derby BBQ & Open House

Saturday, April 25, Meridian No. 77, Meriden, Daffodil Festival (all day event)

Tuesday, April 28, Frederick-Franklin No 14, Plainville, 7:30 p.m., Awards Night and Lodge of Sorrow

Craft At Refreshment


Entered Apprentice Degrees

Wednesday, April 1, Cosmopolitan No. 125, New Haven, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 7, Union No. 40, Danbury, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, April 13, Washington No. 19, Monroe, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 15, King Solomon No. 7, Woodbury, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, April 16, Harmon No. 42, Waterbury, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, April 17, Ansantawae No. 89, Milford, 7:45 p.m.

Tuesday, April 21, Wolcott No. 146, Wolcott, 7:30 p.m. (Degree at Frederick-Franklin No. 14, Plainville)

Thursday, April 23, Bay View No. 120, Niantic, 7:00 p.m.

Fellowcraft Degrees

Wednesday, April 1, St. Paul’s No. 11, Litchfield, Potluck Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Degree 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 1, Columbia No. 25, South Glastonbury, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 1, Somerset-St. James No. 34, Preston, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 7, Harmony No. 67, New Canaan, Dinner, 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, April 7, Unity No. 148, New Britain, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 8, Ivanhoe No. 107, Darien, Dinner, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 16, Fidelity-St. John’s No. 3, Fairfield, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, April 20, St. John’s No. 2, Middletown, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 21, King Hiram No. 12, Shelton, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 21, Union No. 40, Danbury, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 21, Seneca No. 55, Torrington, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 21, Coastal No. 57, Stonington, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22, Ark No. 39, Danbury, Dinner, 6:30 p.m

Thursday, April 23, Housatonic No. 61, North Canaan, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, April 27, Washington No. 70, Windsor, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, April 28, Composite No. 28, Suffield, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Master Mason Degrees

Wednesday, April 1, King Solomon No. 7, Woodbury, Formal Collation, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 4, Putnam No. 46, South Woodstock, Dinner, 4:30 p.m.

Monday, April 6, Jerusalem No. 49, Ridgefield, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, April 6, Oxoboxo No. 116, Montville, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, April 20, Wyllys-St. John’s No. 4, Newington, Dinner, 6:15 p.m.

Monday, April 20, Compass No. 9, Wallingford, Dinner, 6:00 p.m.

Monday, April 20, Federal No. 17, Watertown, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, April 22, Ionic No. 110, North Windham, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, April 23, Hiram No. 1, New Haven, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, April 27, Anchor No. 112, East Hampton, Dinner, 6:30 p.m.

Craft At LaborTo have your lodge events appear in the newspaper, please update your lodge website calendars prior to the 15th of the pre-

vious month. If your lodge needs assistance accessing the website please have the Master or Secretary contact Grand Lodge.

NOTE: All times are supplied by the lodges. The CT Freemason Newspaper is not responsible for errors. When traveling, please contact the Secretary of the lodge to verify all times and events.


BoostersGrand BoostersThank you for contributing more than $25

Robert W AdamsSteven C AldiRichard A ArndtMichael D BakerDouglas T BarrettPaul F BlakeJohn F Blersch Sr.Gustaf R BodinRichard W BogartWilliam A Brinley Jr.Grant L BrownHoward E BrownLowell H CantorWilliam J CharamutDavid CheneyGeorge R ChurchillI. William ClarkRev. Robert P. CornellLester A Culver Jr.Harold S CurtisLeonard F D’AmicoChristiana C Dean

Donald W DeanKenneth M. DellhimeShane DufresnePaul K EdmanClyde D. EidsonLawrence S ElsnerRalph K EvansMartin C EvensenJames J FahyLeonard W FinegoldAubrey V. FisherMichael G FittingFrank A ForzanoRobert J FurceRudolph GaydosDavid A, GessertDonald C GossDonald H HasbrouckDavid J HerbertWilliam G HillmanDavid P HockingEric H HoyMaitland E Hudson Cleveland P Huggins IIIRyan G. Hunt

Benjamin A IsaacsonClifford T KearneyAnthony F KeeganRobert F KirschnerAlan N KnoflaRonald Lapierre Jr.Frank H. LescoMelvin J LevyJames E L’hernaultAlvin J MacBrienAlton L MaclachlandRobert C MacLellanRobert MacQuarrieJesse L MaghanScott A MantzWilliam R McDonaldJames T McWainLyman J McWainDwight C MertensGeorge D MooreRaymond E MooreJames A NankinJohn A NovackAdrian E. OffingerA. Harry W. Olsen Jr

Howard W Orr JrLee J PageLewis W PennellDagobert F PfeifferRobert F Polito JrCarleton L QuintBradford H RossGail N SmithJohn B SterryGeorge A StickelsJohn A Sturges JrGerald F ThompsonWarren W ThompsonArthur F ThorsenArthur R. TinszDavid C Toomey JrDavid B UrbanJoseph P VollrathAndrew G Weimann IIThomas H WellsCharlie YoheGeorge ZackAnderson H Ziedler Jr

Individual BoostersThank you for contributing $25

Mario L AccorneroBernard H AllenHarmon L AndrewsRobert C AndrewsLawrence H AnvikTimothy R ArmstrongGary W ArseneauRaymond T BarkerJohn BasherRichard BaumanDonald G BerryLewis BitherJudd S BlazeRichard R BrabnerRichard R BrancifortCarl H BrownAllen BulmerRobert B BurdenJohn Butterworth JrLowell H CantorArthur H CarlstromJames V CesarioD.M Chase

Ron Christiansen Raymond H Christopher JrWilliam F ClarkMiles E. Cochran JrGary E CohenRobert A ColbournAlan B CollingeRay N Cooley JrHarmon E CoreyGeorge W CoulstonAl D CroxallThomas V DelmastroWilliam G DemetriadesRichard S DiNardoRaymond J DolyakLouis Vander EykHenry O FelieIvan N FinkleWilliam H FlaggRaymond P FricanoMark E FurberKarl W GarmsAustin P GeerCharles M GilmanFrank J Godwin JrSandie Greene

William L GreeneMoussa GueyeThomas M GutnerRobert W HarrimanF. Matthew Heinrich JrDonald N HentzTheodore R HespelerE. Clifford HillNewton HolbrookHerbert W Hope JrStanley T HouseLouis O House IVJoseph J HowardLaurence W HowePeter J HuntRoger JacksonEdward JevarjianLemuel G Johnson JrCharles P KeatingJohn R KincadeAlfred R KirschnerRoger KnickerbockerAlan N KnoflaSandra D KnottsGeorge M KrauseEugene E Lagasse

James H LandrySimon R LaPlaceNils S LarsonGeorge M LeamanWilliam E. LehrKenneth W LewisGary A LittlefieldJames A LocicieroJohn P LukensAlvin J MacBrienAlton L MaclachlanDonald MaehlenbrockJohn P MandlyKevin H MatsilCharles C MaxsonEdna McCrawStephen B McPhersonKevin McWainCarl J MossbergFred W Nanamaker JrJerry G OlsonSandra E OstenEdward ParadiseRobert C PeckJames L PerkinsAnton Petras


Masonic Family Boosters

Acacia No 85 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . GreenwichAmerica-St. John’s No 8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . StratfordAnchor No 112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . East HamptonAndrews Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Annawon No 115 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . West HavenAshlar No 332 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WallingfordBrown Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Chase Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Center No 97 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MeridenCoastal No 57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . StoningtonColumbia No 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . South GlastonburyCompass No 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WallingfordConnecticut Masonic Scouters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Connecticut York Rite College . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cosmopolitan No 125 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New HavenDaytime Lodge No 144 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . StratfordDelmastro Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Estuary No 43 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Old SaybrookEvening Star No 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UnionvilleFederal No 17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . WatertownFisher Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Friendship Tuscan No 145. . . . . . . . . . . . . . ManchesterHartford Evergreen No 88 . . . . . . . . . . . South WindsorHospitality No 128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WethersfieldGaribaldi Masonic Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . StratfordGrand Chapter Royal Arch Masons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Grand Commandery Knights Templar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Granite No 119 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HaddamHarmony No 67 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New CanaanHartford Evergreen No 88 . . . . . . . . . . . South WindsorHejaz Grotto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New HavenHiram No 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sandy HookHospitality No 128 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WethersfieldIonic No 110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Windham

Ivanhoe No 107 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DarienKing Solomon’s Lodge No 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WoodburyKnofla Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Lapierre Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Maclellan Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Madison No 87 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MadisonManchester No 73 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ManchesterMasonic Club of New London . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Meridian No 77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MeridenMontgomery No 13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LakevilleMP Grand Council R&SM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .National Camping Travelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Petras Family. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Putnam No 46 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .South WoodstockRedway Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sequin-Level No 140 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NewingtonSomerset-St James No 34 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .PrestonSphinx Omar Shrine Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NewingtonSt Luke’s No 48 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . KentSt Paul’s No 11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .LitchfieldTemple No 65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WestportTravelers Woods of New England . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Turkey Day Trot 5k . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Union No 40 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . DanburyUriel No 24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .MerrowValley No 36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . SimsburyValley of Hartford, AASR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . NewingtonValley of New Haven, AASR . . . . . . . . . . . . New HavenVillage No 29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CollinsvilleWarren No 51 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PortlandWashington No 81 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . CromwellWidow’s Son No 66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . BranfordWooster No 10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colchester

John E PinkneyArthur M Pugh SrJohn G RadeachAlbert W Redway IICharles B RickerMartin L RudnickRichard E RuotFridolf J RusgaitisFrederick H RussellJarmes R Savickas

Virginia SchellerGerhardt F SchenckRebecca H SchoeckMichael S ShearStanley S Sheldon JrScott T SherrickRobert A SimonRoy L SmithLeon F Smith JrJohn Spencer

Rodney A SpoonerJames F StandishOrin H StarkJack H StevensPeter H StevensSven SvensenDale E SweetStephen M ThalGuy M ToumaHerman J Tulin

John M VanKirkSprague VigusSamuel B WalkerWilliam Welsh JrB. Holt WhatleyPaul S WilleyEdgar J Wood

BoostersIndividual Boosters

New Email Address for Submissions

to CT Freemasons NewspaperPlease note that there is a new email address for article

and photos submission to the CT Freemasons newspaper.From this point forward, please submit articles and

photos to [email protected] the submissions guidelines On the next page


No need to worry about keeping track of your medication schedule — or a loved one taking the wrong medication or prescribed dosage. Masonicare’s Medminder can provide peace of mind for the whole family. · An all-in-one electronic pill dispenser · Remote programing and monitoring for caregiver · Easy to use, safe and reliable · Locking and non-locking models · Optional Personal Emergency Response System

MedMinder ™

The right medicine at the right time.

To learn more about this new revolutionary

technology, visit www.Masonicare.org or call 1-203-679-5596.

Licensed by the State of Connecticut, the Wright Residence at Masonicare has furnished apartments for seniors on a limited income. The lifestyle here includes social activities, 3 meals a day, laundry, housekeeping, cable TV and more!

For more information or a tour, call us at 888-679-9997.

Discover the Wright Residence

Apartment living — and so much more!

mention this ad and you’ll receive free installation — a $99 value!

freemasons connecticut

Documents