A year to heal, still worn for the wear

 It's been a year since I posted on this blog, it's about time that I let everybody know that I'm still kicking, and I really need to spend more time or at least take a little time in order to post as I move forward. One year is too long without making an entry to something that probably will be my journal of life's journey's. My body still feels weak from the active year I had in 2015.  So far my attempts to repair have been met with resistance. Sometimes I wonder if we push these vessels too far too fast. Being the size of three normal men, has caused me to compensate for the space I consume, a mindset that should have been avoided. Such is human nature. I fear I have not listened to my higher power as much as I should have. Push forward, keep smiling, keep moving, smell the flowers, watching the humming birds and butterflies. They will amaze you with the ability they possess.

So lets get this summer going!

Lost - A Pillar of my life, a Mentor of Masonry

It has been a bitter sweet few hours, since I learned of the passing of Charles T. Myer. You see, Charlie and I go back to 1987 ish. I was getting ready to assume the Oriental chair in the Lodge (which he never knew), and each last Saturday in June, Charlie would camp out in my yard. He had carte blanche to head in the house and be part of the family. At our first meeting, it was because we were Ham Radio buddies. W8VCF (Very Cold Feet) and I (WB8Q) was his electronic Beta tester for commodore 64 Computer Ham Radio goodies. We would visit into the wee hours of the night talking ham radio. One Evening in 1989, sitting in the living room, he looked up at the wall, with a bit of excitement says, are you a Mason ? I told him I was, then he related that his trips to the U.P. every year were because he was a Grand Council Officer in R.S.M. I knew nothing about York Rite, until that very moment. A defining moment in my life I might add, as we talked the rest of the night about York Rite Masonry, and the rest is history. He mentored me into the organization. When I did my first Commandery Inspection as Commander, Charlie was there. He was there when I became Most Illustrious Grand Master, following his footsteps. He was there when I was installed Most Worshipful Grand Master. I was humbled to present him with his 60 year pin for Masonry. The stories of working at Ford, his service in the Military Airborne Division, and all the rest are flooding back in overwhelming clarity this very moment. We loved each other unconditionally, and looked forward to each and every meeting we could sit together. Though we lived 450 miles apart, I would travel, and stop at Charlies and sleep on his couch. He would relate the scandalous story of allowing the ladies in to see the secret work of the Council up in Iron Mountain, and he would be tickled to tell it each time. I loved to listen, even though I heard it each year for many. He would invite me to be his "date" at Grand Lodge, since he came as an honored guest, having been chosen "Mason of the Year". I sat at the Grand Lodge Banquet last night, alone in my thoughts, wondering where Charlie was. He never missed.......... Dear Most Illustrious Companion and Brother Charlie, now I know where you were. I put both our MIGM Pictures here, showing the Mystic tie we enjoyed. You let me use your gavel, for my pictures and to preside over the Grand Council. I still hear your welcome words, How's the Crazy Frenchman, the Whop and the Brat doing, referring lovingly to Me, Angela and Stephanie.I recite the very poem you gave me so many years ago, as a farewell tribute to you my old friend........ Farewell, soft and safe your travels.................

He was getting old and paunchy, and his hair was falling fast,
and he sat around the clubroom telling stories of the past.

Of a war that he had fought in and the deeds that he had done,
in his exploits with his buddies, they were heroes, everyone.

And though sometimes to his neighbors, his tales became a joke,
all his buddies listened, for they knew of where he spoke.

But we'll hear his tales no longer, for he has passed away,
and the world's a little poorer, for a Veteran died today.

No, he won't be mourned by many, just his children and his wife,
for he lived an ordinary very quiet sort of life.

He held a job and raised a family, quietly going on his way,
and the world won't note his passing tho a Veteran died today.

He was one, who in times of war and strife,
goes off to serve his country and offers up his life.

He was just a common Veteran, and his ranks are growing thin,
but his presence should remind us we may need his like again.

If we cannot do him honor, while he's here to hear the praise,
Then at least lets give him homage at the end of his days.

Perhaps just a simple headline, in the paper that might say,

OUR COUNTRY IS IN MOURNING, FOR A VETERAN DIED TODAY.

~ Charles Myer

A Brother of a different Mother

So I have finally came to a point in life where looking at the position in the family has come full circle, front and center.  My Biological Brother died last week.  Biological through my Dad.  I am a product of a second marriage.  The First marriage, my Dad produced three sons. Two were adopted out to family (Uncle and Aunt) to be raised in those families.  To keep "things" simple, they told their children and the children's children, that I was a cousin.  Some caught on, others were happy being cousins. In 1996 one of the Brothers, who my Dad raised til maturity, shot himself.  Nobody knew why, but that's the way it was.  Maybe it had something to do with losing everything. The Brother adopted by my Aunt, was raised on the Farm, went in the Navy, and married the orneriest women on planet earth.  Aside from that, he was an oral surgeon at the VA Hospital in Arizona, and died in 2012 with another last name, "Carlson".  He also had 2 children, one of which knew about me, and we have since connected.
Well, Brother number three, who I have lived closest to, passed last week. I felt very included in the services, and the family is very understanding of my position.  It was awkward having the adopted family and bio family together, but we are all family, with no judgments.  All friends, and I would say not a bad bone in anyone as far as family goes. When Dad died 26 years ago, the boys acknowledged it, but stayed distant, and I took care of everything.  I had no issues, and all was and is fine.
I don't know why it bothers me, but there are pieces of the puzzle I don't know, and maybe its for the better.
All that knowledge is now dead and memories have ceased. I am the last son alive. I have one daughter, she still uses her maiden name, even though she is married. I think it's due mainly to me and sleepless nights about our LeVeque line ending with her.  I know she will have sleepless nights without children, I just hope she can have offspring that will bring her joy, and that she can raise a "normal" family,  not one struggling to be successful.

Isn't that all we really want for our family, is to be a little better and a bit more successful that we were ?

So here I stand, have did a lot, seen a lot, have tried to do the best I knew how to do. It's in my creator's hands to finish the story, I will only be an actor in it for a little while longer before its time for a scene change..........

Complete 360 - A profound look into a soul of a daughter

Well, my daughter is married off now.  It appears to be going well.  Just yesterday Stephanie did a little writing, and is looking into doing a regular column.

Take a peek into her world (our World) and see if it would attract you as a reader.....

Click here to read the Article

You can also see her on Facebook from my Facebook page, or searching for Stephanie LeVeque.

My Daughter ties the knot

I have been absent for way too long.  What have I been doing you say ?  Well, its complicated, but its  also changes in Life. Last week we drive out to Salt Lake City for a week.  I and Angela witnessed the sealing of your Daughter Stephanie to Yossiho Peralta, a Mexican guy from the South of Mexico, 7 miles from the Guatemala border.  He did all the right things, called me in advance to ask for her hand in marriage.  They came out to Michigan on October 3rd so he could have a taste of where she grew up.  He is a great Son, and I am glad to have him in my family.  He is the trifecta for Steph.  He is a Brother Mason, a Member of our faith, and he is very musically inclined. Oh and he speaks Mexican xx I mean Spanish.  When talking to me, his English is perfect, and does not search for words.  Steph on the other hand, chirps in his ear in Spanish, and I also notice he speaks his native tongue when he is tired.  This all happened at the speed of Light.  They were engaged on July 4th during a trip to Las Vegas.  He called me the night before to ask for my blessings.  As I write this, they are in the State of Washington on a honeymoon.  So its been a whirlwind of activity.

I became the Valley Secretary for Scottish Rite, and just completed my first Reunion.  A gentle start, but stressful because it was on the road, and the night before we were to head out to Salt Lake City. The ride to Salt Lake took 28 hours on the way out, and 25.5 hours on the return trip. I don't know why the difference.  There was no weather on the trip, and was totally unremarkable.

I am still in the slow stages of recovering from Last Years crazy busy schedule, by body (Mind and soul) literally crashed, and I am nourishing it back to health.  It didn't happen overnight, and is a long process.

I will update as activities happen.  Next trip downstate is November 7th for  the Grand Cross of Color in Rainbow for Girls.

Its a beautiful day in the neighborhood

Well, I can certainly post a little more often that I have been.  Its a great day to be alive !
Last weekend I spent with the Young Men of Demolay. Congratulated Josh on a well run term of office, and witnessed James get installed as the new SMC.  I became a member of the Michigan Demolay Foundation Board and was Collared as an Honorary member of the International Supreme Council of Demolay.  Josh also awarded me an Honorary State Master Councilor award.

It was a full weekend, and I was please to be part of it.

This weekend is a recharge, then its off to Bay City on Wednesday for the York Rite Annual Meetings, and Grand Worthy Advisors Reception on Saturday.

Come, follow me................

Today is historic - for the GWMNM

National historic landmarks announced today are:

• George Washington Masonic National Memorial, Alexandria, Va.

The George Washington Masonic National Memorial stands among the most architecturally significant projects to honor George Washington and one of the boldest private efforts to memorialize him. The Grand Lodges of the states and territories, which usually operate independently, joined forces to build this national memorial. This eclectic building combines neoclassical architecture common to American memorials and civic buildings with a modern skyscraper design.

Established in 1935, the National Historic Landmarks Program is administered by the National Park Service on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior. The agency works with preservation officials, private property owners, and other partners interested in nominating properties for National Historic Landmark designation. Completed nominations are reviewed by the National Park System Advisory Board, which makes recommendations for designation to the Secretary of the Interior. If designated, property ownership remains the same, but each site receives a plaque and is eligible for technical preservation advice.

Another Journey to Shriners.

We are miles apart from any services living in the Upper Peninsula, but Shriners Hospital is really not that far, eight hours is not really that long of a drive when you consider that the care is being provided by experts in the field, and the care is free. I took the day on Sunday to drive over, his appointment is this morning and then will head back home this afternoon.

Some days it's the simple things that mean the most......

Annual Job's Daughter's meeting - Stephanie is coming home

Since it has been a couple weeks since I posted, here is whats been happening.  I spent July 9 through the 12 in Grand Rapids at the Amway Grand Plaza for the Annual meeting of Job's Daughters.  I judged ritual competition for the individual categories. I missed the men's lunches, it was just too much for me to walk over to the Marriott.  Maybe next year.  The Private ceremony of the Grand Triangle of Honor was held in the Imperial Ballroom, and that evening the Formal Banquet was held Thursday night, and it was my honor to bestow the Triangle of Honor on Past Grand Masters Fred Kaiser Jr. and Ray Lemons. Friday was the girls annual meeting, and Miss Lily from Menominee was elected Junior Princess for the Grand Bethel.  Another Yooper Girl in the line.
Saturday Morning was the Grand Council meeting for the Old folks, were I served as Parliamentarian.  I gave my report on the Grand Triangle, nominees for next year include, Wendall, Nancy and Amber Kopish from Menominee Bethel, Darlene Goeman from Escanaba Bethel, Carol Holman from Marquette Bethel and Ray and Denise Abbey from Mt. Pleasant Bethel.  Congrats to those who have been nominated.  Ron Johnson was appointed to the TOH Advisory Board to serve a 7 year term. Its good to be back home. I'm struggling with the same issue I had in February. Its hard to move able in pain.

Saturday, my Stephanie is flying home, well, actually Iron Mountain, so the girls are going to run over and retrieve her from the airport.  I am looking forward to spending some time with her, I have a ton of questions about her Fiance.  Sounds like some bon fire time is coming.

Speaking of the wedding, It looks like October 3rd will be an "open house" here in Wetmore from 1 to 4 pm, then she wants to have a Bon-Fire.  The actual wedding will be in the Salt Lake City Temple on October 22nd.  For those of you unfamiliar with Mormon Marriage rituals, Click here to learn more.

A Dad's Excitment, a Daughter is proposed to.

So even though you kid your daughter about getting married and starting a family, when the realization of it is really happening, it is a bit tender.

So yesterday, Yoxhy (Yo-she) facetimed with me for about an hour. We talked about all the important questions a father has about his potential son in law.  Its strange when a man says he is in love with your Daughter and would like your blessing to ask her to marry him.  Such was the case, and I granted that permission. Yoxhy is intelligent, and has a business sense. He impressed me with his understanding of things, and answered my questions on technical knowledge well. He told me he would be proposing tonight, and would video it.  Tonight I got a call from my Stephanie announcing she was just asked for her hand in Marriage.  They went to Las Vegas for the weekend. It was a nice place to do it, and he chose the atmosphere well, a little speak easy style restaurant "Capos", he sang to her and got down on one knee and proposed.  They are enjoying getting to know each other, and there are commonalities everywhere.  He is Mormon, and also a Brother Mason, belonging to Prospect # 22 in SLC area. I wont bore you with details, suffice it to say this evening my little girl has become engaged to be married in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Daddy is one emotional wreck with joy.....

Happy 4th of July

As is customary, I am home for the 4th of July Holiday.  Munising is a buzz with family, friends and visitors as the town swells to capacity. There is not a room to be rented, a cabin to be slept in or a campground space to pitch a tent, that is not full.  What is the draw that brings so many home for this holiday?  A fear free environment, spectacular fireworks, a huge parade, and the wonders of nature that are all around us here.
I for one am thankful to live where I can still enjoy the company of old friends, family and make a few new friends as young ones get older and gain an identity of their own.

Happy 4th everyone, and check out my area, a place we call God's Country.

When Service Dogs are distracted, a life could be in danger

Since Grand Chapter of OES is working with these critters, This is a fitting article.  Please take note:

Hailey was hurt recently when her service dog, Flynn the Aussie, got distracted. Actually, someone distracted him.  Flynn missed a critical window. “Seizure alert service dogs generally have a timeframe between when they alert to when the seizure actually happens,” said Hailey.
But on this particular day at her father’s workplace, Hailey was busy and didn’t immediately ask a well-meaning person who stopped to pet Flynn not to do so. Precious minutes went by.
“I am used to him giving me 10 minute warnings, so when he alerted that’s what I thought I had,” explained Hailey. “Out of nowhere I remember the world going black. I woke up with Flynn on top of my legs and my father cradling my head. On the whole left side of my face there was a terrible sting that made me tear up.”
Hailey took out her phone to check out how bad it was and saw the rug burns on her cheek and forehead. She looked down and saw the blood where her face skidded along the carpet.
“It hurt for air to even touch it,” said Hailey, who is not one to complain. “I live with chronic pain and I have a very high pain tolerance.”

“Please do not pet, call, or do anything to distract service dogs without explicit permission from the handler,” said Hailey. “Next time, instead of a rug burn somebody could get seriously hurt or die.”

“To get a service dog you must be disabled to the point where you can no longer function at a normal quality of life without the assistance of service dogs,” said Hailey. “It takes around two years of intense training and thousands of dollars (if you owner train) to actually be able to call your dog a service dog. A service dog can go anywhere its handler goes, with the exception of a sterile environment such as an operating room or burn unit, a religious building — such as a church, or some federal buildings.”

“To call him a “velcro dog” is an understatement,” said Hailey. “If he senses a seizure he will usually jump up or paw at me about ten minutes before one happens. This allows me to get somewhere safe, call for help, and take medication. If I fall he can retrieve my medication or phone. He can even bark if I am unconscious to alert somebody.”

In Michigan we spend approximately 15 Thousand dollars to train and ready a service dog to go "On the Job".

Think about this the next time you reach out to pet a working canine.

A Reflection on Dad .....

I came into the World when he was 49. He had already been father to three other boys and a wife who passed away. Two of the boys were adopted out to his siblings, and he was struggling to raise the third.  He met mother in Lansing, 23 years younger than him, took her on vacation to the Upper Peninsula, and she never returned home.  They married June 25, 1960 and I came along May of 1961.
Dad had not feet when I was born, though at that time it never slowed him down. He painted signs for businesses, had a very artistic side, was easily able to hypnotize folks, repair electronics, TV, radios, Two-way radios, and loved to hunt. He was a very social creature, and enjoyed life as best he could despite losing both his legs. I had time with him till I was 12, when he had a stroke and spent the rest of his 16 years being cared for in a Nursing home. He always called them an undertakers waiting room. He passed of old age at 80 years old. I lost Dad twice, once to the stoke, when I was forced to become the Alpha male at 12, then again when he went home to our creator in 1990. He was unique, I never seen him emotional, though I know he loved. I have his first name as my middle, and was proud of his brief influence in my life. I have lived here longer without him, than with, though his life burned memories deep in my soul, never to be forgotten. Thank you Eustace LeVeque for being my Dad.

Demolay International - Election to an Honorary Member on Supreme Council

The International Supreme Council has elected William E. LeVeque to be elevated to an Honorary Member of the International Supreme Council. This membership is effective immediately, but he will be formally "collared" at our Annual Conclave, the weekend of August 7-9, 2015 in Flint, Michigan

Happy Sabbath / Flag Day

Happy Sabbath Day friends.  Today also is flag day.

President Woodrow Wilson, on May 30, 1916, issued a proclamation calling for a nation wide observance of Flag Day. Then in 1949, President Truman signed an Act Of Congress designating the 14th day of June every year as National Flag Day. Please take a moment and reflect on your flag and what it represents to you and to our Country.

Robert G. "Bob" Heft (January 19, 1941 – December 12, 2009), born in Saginaw, Michigan, was the designer of the current American 50-star flag as well as a designer of a submitted 51-star flag proposal. He spent his childhood in Lancaster, Ohio, where he created the American flag as a school project.

I had the opportunity to listen to Bob and his story just before his passing.  Very interesting and passionate man he was.......

Nice Day - Summer is here

Just because its 70 degrees outside may not be a measure of the arrival of summer, but it is a good precursor. The Lawn will be mowed today for the third time this year, which is a sure indication that spring is turning the corner into summer.  In travel this past week, I see many fowl of the air with new members of the family following behind. Sand Hill Cranes, Ducks, Swans and all manner of living things are displaying their young.
It is refreshing to see the cycle of life, and to enjoy the young ones myself. Their enthusiasm and excitement, and the wondering awe in their eyes about the things of this world make me smile. I hope in some small way, I can contribute to their knowledge of the wonders of nature as they grow in understanding.
Visited with an old family friend yesterday that I haven't seen in 35 years. We talked of old days and current times. I got to meet her family and it was a nice time to reflect on life. I'm glad I spent the few short moments with them.
This weekend is the ride for free event on Pictured Rocks Cruises.  If your a resident of the Upper Peninsula or the two Michigan Towns of Clarkston and Romeo (Kids Rocks stomping grounds) you can ride for free.
The girls of Jobs daughters will be there making and selling cotton candy as a fundraiser for the Bethel.
I will be in Alma for the Scottish Rite Council of Deliberation, but right back home on Saturday afternoon.

Summer is here, get out and bask in the warmth...

A 15 year old inspires others in a Bike race....... My Izzy

I have to share this with you, My grand daughter Izzy Holland will be riding a bicycle in today's 2015 Iron Range Roll at 1:00 pm. It is not really remarkable, except for the fact that Izzy is all of 100 pounds, and will be riding 16 miles.  Oh, did I mention she will be PULLING her brother Junie in a bike cart behind her. Junie, 9 years old, weighs 57 pounds and has special needs requiring 24/7 care which does not allow him to ride himself, so Izzy is making it happen! Izzy will be wearing the YELLOW Start The Cycle jersey tomorrow. She really is not aware of how amazing this is, because in her heart she is just loving her brother and doing what a caring sibling does best, spending time with her little brother. The trail is almost all downhill, some 400 feet in 16 miles, and she will be riding from Ishpeming to Downtown Marquette on the Iron Range Trail.

A well orchestrated Grand Lodge - Wisconsin

I have enjoyed the day today in the business of the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, watching my good friend Bill Beetcher preside over the business of the fraternity.  It has been a great day, old friends and new friends. The changing of the guard so to speak, and lots of debate and work completed.  This Grand Lodge is not so different than Michigan.  Different wording for same things.  We call it a blue book, they call it the code.  The change by resolutions, we change by amendments. The one thing that would help us tremendously in Michigan, I have seen in several other jurisdictions. Grand Trustee system of overseeing the Grand Lodge operation. Also District Deputy Grand Masters to operate in regions of the State.  Two excellent systems that make the operation run much more smoothly.  It makes the Grand Lodge just a little more transparent to each member. Again, more golden nuggets gleaned from a fraternal visit.  I enjoyed talking with Josh Woodwyk, our Deputy Grand Master.  Well, that's what the program said. Congrats on the Promotion Josh ;-)  We had a lot of fun with that.

The Grand Lodge of Wisconsin - Rituals in Freemasonry

We have arrived for the beginning of the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin, Free and Accepted Masons.  Took a few moments to visit with MWB Beetcher and Pat as I was registering.  Looking forward to a couple of fine days in Wisconsin's Capitol !

The Michigan Masonic Museum and Library regularly creates videos of Masonic Education.  This weeks topic is Rituals, which I'm sure you will find enlightening.  Its not what you necessarily think when you hear the word ritual.  Click here to watch the video.

Headed for the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin

Thats a wrap on work for this week, time to head to Madison, Wisconsin for the Grand Lodge of Wisconsin annual communication, where my good friend MWB Bill Beetcher will preside over the meeting.  Looking forward to heading South to the land of cheese and brats. And dem der Packers too !!

Our New Grand Master - Richard Wisley is installed.

I have the pleasure of sharing with you the installation and remarks of Most Worshipful Brother Richard Wisley, Grand Master of Masons in Michigan.  Click here to watch this 20 minute Clip.

It's another Sabbath Day

It's a beautiful day in the upper Peninsula Michigan. On my way to church in the seventh day, and watching for wildlife. Just when you least expect it, out of the woods will pop a beautiful animal, one of gods creations. One never knows what to expect,  it's a beautiful day in the upper Peninsula Michigan. On my way to church in the seventh day, and watching for wildlife. Just when you least expect it, out of the woods will pop a beautiful animal, one of gods creations. One never knows what to expect.  Last Sunday on the way to church it was a mother moose and her calf reason alongside the highway, of rearview in the. It was the first time the grandkids had ever seen a moose I'm close!

A new day - The Scottish Rite of Freemasonry

Last evening I attended the Valley of Marquette monthly meeting.  There was a need to fill a vacancy being created by the long time secretary of the Valley.  I was nominated and elected to the office of Executive Secretary.  I will be filling the shoes of great men and Masons who have came before me. A few, like John Akkala, were my mentors in the Fraternity. I will strive to be of service to this Fraternity in the capacity that I have been entrusted with.  Another chapter has just been started.......
Follow me on a not so feverish pace of service to the Fraternity. A book not yet finished.  Click here to take a few minutes to learn our core values.

A Day full of gratitude

It was pleasing to open the mail today. Lots of Birthday greetings, thank you cards for the past years efforts, and a nice greeting from George Braatz of the MSANA. I was informed the Short Talk Bulletin I authored will be re-published in the Masonic Philatelist featured in September. These are the little surprises that make the effort exciting............

My National Holiday

Its actually comical, I share today with several friends in my life. A past Grand Bethel Honored Queen, a Ham Radio Operator........  anyway, its been a nice day with family and friends, sharing the first grilling of the season AND a fire in the new back yard pit. Thank you all for the cards and well wishes.  My Grand Kids are of the opinion I just turned 45.  Ah to be young again, or at least be dyslexic ;-)

A Beautiful Day in the neighborhood

Its a beautiful Day in God's country, better known as the Upper Peninsula. Still unpacking, planning on Church in the Morning, and starting to sort and clean my very neglected office.

Get out and enjoy the Holiday my friends.

The Conclusion - A Thank You

Angela and I would like to pause and Thank You for supporting us as I took on the responsibilities of the top position in the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the State of Michigan. Today is the close of an amazing chapter in our lives, one filled with responsibility, respect, dedication, travel, learning, teaching, hours of sorrow, days of joy, time for old friends, opportunities to meet new friends, and the list goes on.  Are we done ? NO !  One does not simply stop abruptly, and retreat to a life of inactivity. Ours is a life of service. My Church has allowed me to be free of most responsibility for this past year, knowing how busy I would be.  Now it is time to refocus on strengthening those bonds, inviting the spirit of our creator to once again take a front seat in our lives, to be able to hear those whispers without having to listen.  A chance to incorporate the experiences I have had into teaching moments with others.  Masonically, I will be just as active as ever, simply in a different form.  I hear the call. Scottish Rite, Demolay, Job's Daughters, Rainbow, York Rite, Red Cross of Constantine and the list goes on. I don't know the specifics yet, but I live by Proverbs 3:5-6. Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

At this very moment our hearts are full from the gratitude we feel from each of you, and this will carry us forward. Bless you all for touching our lives in way only you can.  

Stay here with us, and enjoy seeing our journey into the next chapter, not so intense, but shared none-the-less.

Here are a few of the tokens of appreciation we received:

Second Day of Grand Lodge - The business

Today was the second Day of Grand Lodge, with the business of the Grand Lodge being handled.
We started with elections, and the voting went smoothly. Congratulations are in order for Most Worshipful Grand Master Richard Wisley and his new team of Grand Lodge Officers.  All advanced, with Craig Maison as the New Grand Marshal and Pat Thompson as the New Grand Chaplain.

Remarks were recieved from MW Tyrone Hampton from MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Michigan, George Braatz, Masonic Service Association, Ted Praria, National Masonic Child Foundation.
The Business of Masonic Pathways was conducted with budget approval and a resolution for Viola Doyle for her 50 years of service to the Michigan Masonic Home. The Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation elected a new board member and presented their Budget for adoption. A few Amendments to Masonic law were considered, most were defeated or withdrawn.  The installation of Grand Lodge Officers was held, and the Grand Lodge was closed.

Its been an honor for me to serve this Grand Lodge of Michigan as its Grand Master.  Please spend fifteen minutes with me, to recap some highlights of the year in my closing remarks.

Watch farewell Video here.

Opening Day, not deer season, the Grand Lodge Annual Communication.

Munising Bethel Daughters - GM Challenge

The First Day of the Grand Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons of Michigan.  Got a little behind on the agenda, but by 3:30 I was making time, and got a few items from tomorrow taken care of.  Today was Ritualistic Opening, Reception of Guests, remarks of Youth Leaders, and presentation from Demolay, Awarding of GL Youth of the Year, and Presentation by winners of the Grand Masters Challenge.  The Royal Arch Masons presented the GM Challenge winners with a check for $1,000 dollars to go back and do more good in their community. We approved next years budget, and presented a 50 year pin to PGM Ira Slaven. I was also presented Plaque of appreciation by MMCF and George Washington National Masonic Memorial. The Banquet tonight seen several awards, and I will read them into the minutes tomorrow. I need to take a power rest.....

Youth at the Banquet

Welcome to Traverse City - The 198th Annual Communication - Grand Lodge of Michigan

As you travel today, be safe and I look forward to welcoming you to the the Grand Lodge annual Communication at the Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City.

KYCH and a ride NORTH to Traverse City

Spent the last night in Alma, cleaned out my stuff from the room, chatted with the receptionists, hugged a few residents, stopped and talked with Jim in the Gift Shop, had lunch in the Doig Chapel, then a Meeting of KYCH. One of my secret meetings, as Angela would say. There honored me by naming the class in my honor. I was able to Dub the MIGM a Knight of York.  It has been a fine day, headed to Traverse City, and we are now lodged at the Grand Traverse.

Its 2:30 am on Sunday, I think I'll call it a night......

Packing the car..... Heading South

The Family is loading the car while I put in the last day at work for the week.  I am wondering if I will forget something. It always happens. All I can hope for is to look presentable, and hope I don't say anything goofy.
It is the last day of crossing the Mackinac Bridge as Grand Master, I may stop for a photo opportunity.
Some days have been exhausting, some exhilarating, never did I like the long ride in the car, except when stairway to heaven was on the radio. I'm rounding the corner now, the staff is leaving today to set up. I'll be in Alma for the meeting of Knight York Cross of Honor, the one last engagement as Grand Master. Saturday afternoon we head North to the Grand Traverse for the Business of Grand Lodge.
The picture here is of Frank the fat deer, my traveling mascot this past year. I got him at my reception, and he has been a great help, not to mention he saves all my change for a rainy day ;-)
On a funny note, I have had my back window lined with stuffed deer from my reception.  Haven't hit a deer all year long.  A little old lady totaled the car during the holidays when she T-boned me, but everyone was safe and the car still moves.  So anyway, I'm headed home from the Grand Lodge Audit meeting, after donating my stuffed friends to new homes, and guess what happens ?  I hit a deer.  But not just any deer.  This one was in the middle of the road, Dead !  In fact the semi that killed it is what distracted my attention in the night on the side of the highway. The clunk of hitting it was reminiscent of 6 other cars that have succumbed to the beastly animals over the past 7 years.  Car is still moving, and all is well.
I just want to pause while I'm still in a "position" to, and thank the many brothers, Lodges and people in general who have been on this journey with me.  It takes a State to support a Grand Master, and you, yes you, have supported this Grand Master in a fine manner.  As I get ready to change my name,  my heart is tender with the memories created this year, more than one man deserves. If you get to Grand Lodge, please come greet me, I look forward to seeing many of you........

A bit of a strange day .....

I'm going to describe this day in single words or actions, none of which you will understand or interpret correctly. These are literal items that made up my day:

Agendas
Vadalia Onions
Money blowing across Highway
Dead Battery
Chauffer
Time cards
Remote connection
File transfer
webcam
boilers
cheap gasoline
packing list
Deposit
Withdrawl
Dues cards
quesadilla
Mt. Dew
The "Y"
grand daughters
danfoss valve
Word
casters
drill
Flat screen
News
email
bed

Grand Master visits his home lodge.

It's true you can't be a prophet in your own country. Tonight I went to lodge at Grand Island Lodge No. 422. Dinner was good, we had lasagna and we had a new member show up who is from Florida. He has moved to Munising where he was born and raised after spending 40 years in Florida. It was my last time attending my own Lodge as Grand Master, it was sort of a bittersweet evening, but I know that the next time that I come back I will be able to spend more time helping the lodge in its several community and internal projects.  As a Grand Lodge officer it's always important to have your lodge supporting you, and I can say that Grand Island lodge has been my biggest supporter. I will always be grateful for the men who are members of the lodge and the important role each of them play in my life.  Tomorrow it's time to pull out the list for packing to get ready to head south of the bridge one last time.

Job's Daughters ...last call as Grand Master.

I'll be stopping in this evening to congratulate the Bethel on their accomplishments this past year.  The youth really do make you feel younger as you spend time with them, laugh with them, cry with them, and simply be there to listen.  I hope it was as rewarding for them to have the Grand Master near, as it was for me to have Daughters that were willing to help at a moments notice.  Maybe in a couple weeks the water will be warm enough that we can take a dip in Lake Superior and have a barbeque.  Ok, ok so maybe I'm daydreaming, there is still ice floating in the bay for heavens sake....... Lets shoot for July 4th :-)

Work and ... work

Professional Development day at work, I was able to catch up on a few small projects.  It was a nice Monday for a change, even though the rain dampened the day, we need it, so no complaints. It will help my mushrooms to grow.  BTW, I'm still looking for the first one of the season.

Angela and I took a ride this afternoon to gather up a few parting gifts for my officers and their wives.  Its time to start gathering everything so we can get ready to have a successful Grand Lodge event. 525,600 minute goes very fast when you are engaged in the work.....

Mother's Day

Another year without mom. Its a white rose for me, as mom passed 31 years ago.  If your Mother is still on the Earth, you should count yourself lucky, and honor her, no excuses. Life is short. I am now older than Mom was when she passed away.

Leona was her name. She was the dispenser of discipline, the driver of the School Bus, the washer of clothes, the driver of the car, the grocery shopper, the care giver.  she was young, 28 when she married a 49 year old man, and a year later I showed up.  I am an only child.  I do not know sibling rivalry. I do not like arguing, there is always compromise.

She hated living in the U.P., but she loved my dad, so stayed her whole life here. She was diabetic, had thyroid issues, kidney disease and loved Pepsi and Winstons. She provided a stable roof over my head, I never wanted for food or clothing. Life was simple, eating out was rare. I was in bed at 9 pm every night until I turned 18.  When I moved that morning she said not to return unless I wanted to pay rent.  I never went back, but I did visit. Her last years were lonely.

Life was not meant to be lived alone.  God gave man a woman, to be by his side and support him.

I will see Mom again one day when I transition to that undiscovered country, from whence no traveler returns.  Until then, Happy Mother's Day, thanks for raising me correctly....

GBHQ Reception

It's a warm day, here I am in Flint. This used to be a progressive city, but now is fraught with people who struggle to make ends meet. I am watching as the Daughters walk between the parking lot and the building to see they are safe. Anyway, there are many here to honor Angie.  The Grand Bethel girls did a Majority ceremony for Angie's sister Madelene.  The dinner was nice, swiss steak is always a hit. After it was said and done, the Daughters enjoyed a dance and sleepover.

My observations of the evening are as follows: 
- It is never ok to wear a hat indoors, especially if its a baseball cap backwards.
- If your going to be fashionably late, stay home. Its not your night, you missed the good stuff.
- Talking through the meeting is not ok. Its not that important that you have to be rude.
- Electronic devices during the meeting are plain rude. Stow it, your not that important.
- Protocol does not need to be forced. Respect is always the best policy.

Indeed, civility has diminished, and I'm not sure our culture has even noticed it has left.

Other than the observed, a great night, lots of love to Angie from her peers and Bethel/Grand Bethel.
Lots of hard work put in by the few devoted. Thank you from one who noticed.............

and happy birthday to Marilee...

A trip south ... no its not Ground Hogs Day.

Seems like I was just down south, but I'm doing it again today, some may think I am in a repetitive loop.  This weekend is the Grand Bethel Honored Queen's reception in flint.  Angie will be honored Saturday evening for her leadership role in Job's Daughters.

At the beginning of the year, I had an opportunity to interview Angie about the organization.  Check it out here.

A quick trip south ...

The Grand Lodge fiscal year ends on March 31st. The Auditors have been working diligently for the past few weeks, to make sure all of the finances of all three corporations are in order, and that correct procedures are used to handle the investments.

All of that work culminates today with a report from the auditors on their findings, and then the Grand Lodge Board of Directors must move to approve the report, and then the audited financial reports must head to the printer to be back and in the hands of the Grand Lodge delegates on May 18th.

Let me just say that being a Grand Lodge Board of Director bears a great responsibility. Those members are the MWGM, RWDGM, RWSGW, RWJGW, RWGT, RWGS. If they are not attending each meeting that requires a decision be made, they are left out of the communications loop, yet are still ultimately responsible for the accuracy of decisions made effecting a very large business, and conversely are held liable for any omission of responsibility.

It is a pretty tall order, but it happens this way each year, and somehow miraculously works like a well oiled machine.

So today is a quick travel day to Alma, and then back home after the meeting, still go to bed at 11.

A thought on the little things.....

Helen Keller once said:

“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble. The world is moved along not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes but also by the aggregate of the tiny pushes of each honest worker. “

 

"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."

Vote !!!

I've always been told, if you don't vote, don't complain.  I've always voted, but I don't always complain.  I do, however reserve the right to speak if necessary.  The fact of the matter is, today is the day for you to decide if you want to spend your money like its a holiday, or if you enjoy the savings your getting at the pump. I should have called my representative and had him add a bust of the Grand Master for the Toll Booth at the Bridge to this package of goodness, rolling my eyes.....  Don't forget to vote Brothers and friends.

Give till it hurts...

Well, sometimes it hurts before you give, sometimes it hurts while your giving.  I have been donating whole blood for many years.  Actually around 12 gallons now.  Not only am I doing something positive, but it makes me feel better physically after I'm done.  Today was one of those days that she had to struggle to make the minimum in the allotted time.  They only have 15 minutes to get 500 or more ml outta your arm. Well, it was the 10 minute mark, (I usually draw a full bag in 4 minutes) and there was barely 300 ml.  So one tech called another, and they started twisting and turning the needle, it would flow, then it would stop.  Finally at the 15 minute mark, we had 538 ml, a full bag is around 580 ml.

As I lay there my mind slipped into the near failure of a completed donation, and how this year as Grand Master, this was the one project I wanted to do, and failed.  I wanted to start a Blood Donor program in Michigan Masons.  Circumstances and not being able to make the proper connections, plus dealing with multiple agencies statewide made it near impossible, and ultimately I fell short. It's always good to try, we did, it just wasn't meant to happen at this time.  Potentially, I calculated that the Blood banks would have benefited an additional 5000 gallons of blood from Michigan Masons annually. I know several Lodges participate on their own, and I am grateful for their commitment to the program.  Its always divine to give of ones self........

The last spot of snow..... going, going, gone....

The exact same day as last year, the HUGE pile of snow in my front yard has been reduced to this, and by this afternoon, will have been absorbed into the earth.  I keep track of when it leaves each year, I should probably make it into a contest.

NOW, the season is just around the corner.  May Fries, or as we call them, Morel Mushrooms...
Who will find the first one ?

First sun burn of the season .... I watch

Its official, spring is here and I just finished baking my first sunburn of the season.  I don't tan like my fair skinned friends, I burn like a piece of  forgotten toast.  I thought I was only outside for a few minutes, but I guess it was 4 or 5 hours.  Danielle and Izzy painted my shed, and the trim.  It was looking very neglected from a few years of abuse.  I went down to the hardware and secured the necessary tools and fluid, then they went to work.  I was the sidewalk superintendent and was told to keep my place while the experts did their thing. When the job was completed, I was was, and am very pleased with the results.  The shed has never looked better.

How many of our Lodges are looking neglected, with young men standing at the door ready to put a new coat of paint on them?  Are we ready to sit and watch as they do their magic, and renew the Lodges?  Will we always want to critique with, "you missed a spot" or "We never did it that way" !

It's spring, time for renewal, time for new ideas, time for a rebirth, a new growth.  Time to boil down the sap for the precious syrup hidden in its contents.

Let's get these boys some tools, put them to work, and sit and watch the fruits of their labors!

George and Civility

George Washington wrote his Rules of Civility & Decent Behaviour in Company and Conversation
as a school exercise sometime before he reached the age of sixteen. His handwriting on the manuscript is boyish and his grammar and spelling inferior, but what is of far greater importance is that this was the code of conduct that molded his character and helped him assume the leadership of his country. The importance of this document cannot be denied; it influenced our first president and therefore an entire nation.The origin of Washington’s rules is said to have been a 17th-century book of etiquette called Youths Behaviour, or Decency in Conversation Amongst Men,by Francis Hawkins. The young Hawkins had, at the age of eight, translated into English a 16th-century set of behavior rules compiled by French Jesuits. The code of conduct in Hawkins’ book was simplified and arranged for the schoolboy, Washington, by an unknown instructor, and the future president carefully copied the rules into his exercise book, now preserved at the Library of Congress.To read more about Rules of Civility: www.gwleadershiplessons.org

Civility: A Short Talk

I believe we have a problem in today’s society; that the world about us is becoming increasingly uncivil. Polarized and hostile speech dominates the news media, our political arenas, and our everyday lives. This behavior has become epidemic. It is costing us money, our health, and our dignity, and is putting our democratic heritage in jeopardy.

We tolerate being talked at instead of talking with each other. Listening has become an endangered skill. We have allowed divisions to grow into chasms so deep that simply getting people into the same room to talk has become difficult, and at times impossible. We have allowed ideological intolerance to evolve into self-righteousness, condemnation and, ultimately, persecution and we all know that’s wrong  And let’s admit it: This incivility even makes its way into our lodge rooms. I have to believe that each of us has been witness to situations where brothers have disturbed the peace and sanctity of our lodges by bringing inappropriate and undesirable behavior and attitudes across the threshold. I believe that if we don’t address this state of affairs now, incivility will soon become our “new normal.” And when this happens, we may be within just a single generation of it becoming so in grained in our collective psyche, that our children and grandchildren may not know any other way. Do we really want to imagine such a world?

“These are the times that try men’s souls,” Thomas Paine said in his 1776 essay. When we are uncivil to one another, we silence the other person; we take his or her voice away. This is not a Masonic value. As Masons, we are about allowing and perpetuating alternative voices and ideas. Masonic lodges have long promoted the democratic habits of generous listening and civil discourse             

My brethren, civil dialogue is the cornerstone that allows us to see things from a more enlightened perspective. This is not about avoiding difficult and complex topics. It is not about just
“being nice” and keeping the dialogue on a superficial level. It does not silence those who wish to be heard. Instead, civil dialogue allows all voices to be valued. And it can be achieved. We can restore civility back into our society. Uncivil behavior often triggers a physiological response in us that perpetuates this dangerous cycle. It limits the ability to have complex conversations and stops learning in its tracks.

Masonry is different.

• The world is politically divided and antagonistic; Masons are taught to be good citizens and to welcome the opinions of others.

• The world is often dominated by factions that are hostile, confrontational  and rude; Masons learn how to be civil and respectful.

• The world is fractured by religious intolerance and bigotry; Masons respect all religions and welcome all believers in The Great Architect of the Universe—in whatever form that  belief may take.

So if society hungers for a return to civility, and if we, as Masons, have the common language, tools, values and desire to create a better world, isn’t it our duty to do all that we can to breed civility back into society? Aren’t we uniquely positioned to tackle this problem?
When we first crossed the threshold into a Lodge of Entered Apprentices,  our brothers impressed upon us the importance of learning to subdue our passions, and keeping our desires within due bounds toward all mankind. While it is perfectly acceptable, and even encouraged, that we debate policies where we have disagreement, we must always respect the office that our representatives hold. The demonizing of others is the lowest form of human behavior.

Thomas Jefferson said to William Hamilton in 1800, “I never consider a difference of opinion in politics, in religion, in philosophy, as cause for withdrawing from a friend.” And we can go further, my brothers. The need for safe and open dialogue about difficult and complex subjects has certainly not diminished. There just are fewer places and opportunities for this to occur. We need to communicate in more than 140-character sound bites and we need to return to real, face-to-face conversations; and we can provide the forums to do so. As Masons, we can serve as catalysts for change and be facilitators of civil dialogue. We are well skilled and aptly qualified to teach those in our midst the means of treating each other with dignity and respect.  And perhaps most importantly, we can be instrumental in this effort because we have what I refer to as a perfect and unique “delivery system”  to promote civil dialogue.

In North America, we have nearly one-and-a-half million men who have each taken an obligation to support each other and our fellow citizens, utilizing a common language and a system of morals and values. For example, when we, as Masons, meet “on the level,” we set the stage for a dialogue where every voice matters. We can share this concept with others in an effort to improve our world. As Masons, we are stewards of the language of civility. But we cannot keep it hidden in our lodge rooms. Our communities need what we have to offer.  Together, as Masons, we can build a toolbox of resources that can be used by Lodges and members throughout North America to engage in civil dialogue and create more effective communities. Think about how we might take the working tools of Freemasonry to fill this symbolic toolbox with implements that can be used to create and demonstrate civil behavior.

How might we utilize the plumb, square, level, compasses, and even the trowel to illustrate and explain to our non-Mason friends how to deal with each other from a point of enlightenment? As the current and future leaders of our beloved Craft, one of our roles is to engage more of our members in our respective jurisdictions in the lifestyle of Freemasonry. Perhaps our circling the wagons around such a civility effort will mobilize some of our less connected members. Didn’t we all become Masons with the ideal of making the world better, by making ourselves better men.

Freemasonry provides the opportunity for ordinary men, who hold a shared set of morals and values, to do extraordinary things. And each of us has been honored with this very special opportunity. We must not let our brethren down. We cannot let society down. I therefore ask you, my brethren,  if not us, then who? And if not now; well, I shudder to even consider the consequences of our inaction.

It is my hope that we, as the leaders of our gentle Craft throughout North America, will have the courage to incorporate our Masonic tools and enlightenment to help to repair our world. Do we have the fortitude to take full advantage of this opportunity, to breed civility back into our society, and into our own communities, which so desperately need our leadership? If so, then we, as the Freemasons of North America, will be true ambassadors of civility in society. We can demonstrate our relevance in our communities. We can say, with conviction that, due to our efforts, our world is a better place. And then my brethren, may harmony forever prevail!

An the winner of the Grand Master's Youth Challenge is........

The Committee to which was referred the reports of the seventeen Masonic Youth groups participating in the Grand Master's Challenge has finished their work.

We feel that all the entries were winners, however, We’ve decided on 1.

It was extremely difficult to pick a number 1, out of all the great entries.

We selected a final round by each of us ranking the 17, and then taking our matching top 5.

We ranked the top 5, and we both choose the same number 1, So that was the challenge winner.

We did give weigh to the hours spent and number of people helped by the project.

1  – Munising Bethel No. 43
2  – Clio Bethel No. 33
3  – New Hope Rainbow Assy No. 61
4  – St. Clair Bethel No. 52
5  – Menominee Bethel No. 18

Congratulations to Munising Bethel No. 43, Job's Daughters

Fraternally,

Robert Cooper, PM
Larry Inscho, PM

Coffee Chat, Lunch and a Board Meeting

This morning I left Novi, and headed to Alma for the monthly coffee chat with the residents. This is always an enjoyable time to listen to what they have to say about what's going on at pathways, and their concerns. This was my last time in the position of Grand Master to be able to come and enjoy their company at the coffee chat.

At Noon once a month is the Three Board Luncheon, an opportunity to let each other know what going on, and a chance to bounce ideas off of the group.

At 2:30 pm I held my final Grand Lodge Board of Directors meeting. Thank you to my faithful Grand Lodge Officers who have been attentive to the needs and concerns of this Grand Lodge.  They have taken each assignment with the best interests of the Craft in mind. 

-------------------------------------

Since Making my Proclamation on Civility, lets start covering what Civility really is, and maybe how we can make it a part of our lives.


SEVEN STAGES OF  CIVILITY:

ONE: Win by following the rules
TWO: Contest with respect
THREE: Be responsible to respect each others rights
FOUR: Respect your own right to be responsible
FIVE: Be responsible to respect all people's right to respect
SIX: Be concerned about each person's particular circumstances
SEVEN: Be concerned about honoring everyone's well being in the entire spectrum of humanity

Prince Hall Grand Lodge, and a Proclamation for May !!

I have had time today to spend with the Brothers of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Michigan. It has been a most interesting and enjoyable annual communication, celebrating 150 years of Prince Hall Masonry in the Jurisdiction of Michigan. The Hon. Tyrone Hampton has been presiding over the annual communication with much dignity and respect, and he will continue to preside for another year. I brought remarks on behalf of the Michigan Grand Lodge at the Banquet this evening.
I'm on my way out early in the morning, so I can make the coffee chat in Alma at 10:00 am

                      Grand Master’s Proclamation:
                                            MAY 2015 IS CIVILITY MONTH
                                    Changing the World By Improving Ourselves

Whereas, Freemasons have long exemplified civility within our lodges and in the public
eye through our steadfast dedication to respectful discourse; and

Whereas, civility is an integral component of a productive, functioning society in which
all people are treated as equals regardless of age, gender, religion, racial or ethnic
background, or creed; and

Whereas, all Michigan Masons have the ability and obligation to demonstrate and
champion civility in our daily lives, through our thoughts, words, deeds, and interactions
with our fellow citizens; and

Whereas, our commitment to civility is imbedded within the treasured lesson
s of our Masonic teachings and ritual, through which we measure our actions against the square of
virtue and commit to a life lived on the level; now

Therefore, as Grand Master of Michigan, I proclaim May 2015 as Civility Month.
I ask all Michigan Masons to embrace civility throughout the month of May and to share its
virtues with their lodges, communities, and families. I encourage all lodges to employ the
Civility Toolkit (http://www.civilitycenter.org/Civility-Resources.html) to initiate
productive conversations about civility, and to share civility efforts with the larger
community and through social media.

Together, through our words and deeds, we will inspire those whose lives we touch, to
uphold the tenet of civility, which is the cornerstone of civil society. Through our
dedicated efforts of promoting and nurturing civility, we will begin to repair our world.


Dated this 30 day of April, 2015.


Warmest Fraternal Regards,


William E. LeVeque
Most Worshipful Grand Master

Sabbath... A reflection on life well spent

I am spending the day in the Lower Peninsula today to not only recharge, but to remember a few men who have passed.  Over in Flint, PGM Francis Clarke is interred in a Mausoleum. He was Grand Master in 1913, and passed away while in office, September 1913.  He worked at the School for the Deaf, and was a published author for the Deaf.

I will end up in Novi for the beginning of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge memorial service, which begins the Grand Lodge Annual Meeting Today through Tuesday.

Bellaire Lodge visit

Strangely enough today I headed north a couple hours, I was in Bellaire Lodge for the conferral of the Fellowcraft degree on five brothers. I promised them I would visit as Grand Master, and I fulfilled that promise today by visiting and enjoying their great work. The works started at 2:00 pm, and was presented in excellent fashion. The lectures were recited by 2 very capable brothers, I venture to say very close to word perfect.
Back in 2008 as Grand Marshal, I and the Grand Lodge Officers under the direction of PGM Jungel, visited Bellaire Lodge to dedicate the building they now enjoy.  The handiwork of the brothers of this Lodge was prevalent then, and is still proudly displayed today.  The woodwork inside is the wood taken from the property when it was cleared, and it was made ready by expert craftsmen for adornment of the Temple.  While some of the face have changed, the Masonic experience still reflects the quality of attitude and respect for the fraternity in this area.

I had the opportunity to sit next to Herb.  He is a most amazing brother.  He is 96 years old, has been a Mason for 73 years, and all of those years has been married, 73 years.  Interestingly, his career was spent planting trees, and he estimates his lifetime total to be over 15 million trees planted.  That goes a long was to helping save out planet !

Congratulations to Bellaire's 5 new Fellow Craft, all excited to be a part of the Lodge, all looking forward to more light in Masonry.

Headed to Trollville for my super secret meeting

I joke with my dear wife often about going to my supersecret meeting a couple times a year, but in actuality it is the way that she keeps track of which meeting I am actually going to. Because there're so many invitational bodies in masonry sometimes it is hard for her to keep them all separate. So today I'm headed downstate for my supersecret meeting which is nothing more than having dinner as a black tie event and enjoying the company of well-informed brothers. I'm looking forward to two of my brothers coming into the organization who I've had long associations with and are worthy of the invitation that has been extended to them. I will be stopping on my way to pick up my dear friends have a sonic pathways who has become one of my traveling companions when we go to this meeting. It's just nice some nights to get together without the pressure of performing, to just sit among good brothers and break bread. Such is the nature of this evening's gathering. What organization is if you ask? Well you'll have to ask Angela that question, because I'm just used to calling it my supersecret meeting.

Brrrr...... Mother Nature, enough with the board games.

It would appear that Mother Nature is having a lot of fun with us these days. In Upper Peninsula the temperature has not rose above freezing enough for me to turn the water back on for the athletic field.  This morning when I was repairing the broken valves and back flow preventer, the water was literally freezing within minutes, So I was unable to finish the task at hand.

In our lodges, how often do we try new things, attempt to revive successful programs from the past, or simply create a positive atmosphere within our walls, only to find that the water is still frozen !

Today would be a good day to thaw the feelings we have on the craft, to attempt to repair the broken valves, in this case the broken attitudes, and move forward with a positive relentless action, making your lives align in an atmosphere that a young man will desire to associate with. We can all start by being civil to one another, by reading the laws and constitution of our organization, And living by the excellent precepts which are contained therein.

One would only need to listen to the dialogue of another who is not familiar with the excellent precepts of our fraternity, to allow the waters of our craft to freeze over frequently.

Let us not be guilty of doing this, but being of supportive nature, open-minded, and willing to complete every task that may be assigned to us what's a cheerful disposition!

Civility: Have we done enough to preserve our resources for the future?

Here is a thought provoking Video.

MMCF Meeting

This afternoon is the quarterly meeting of the Michigan Masonic Charitable Foundation in Lansing.  We will be discussing issues of importance to the craft.  Then its a mad dash for the U.P. so I can get back to work for a couple days.

On the Road again

Spent the day at work, trying to get the Athletic field ready for next weeks track meet. That would be easy if the water had not frozen last fall before I could winterize the building.  So I'm replacing a section at a time.....

After work, on the road to Lower Peninsula for Meeting in Lansing Tomorrow....

A look back, and a ride home

It has been a busy few days, but rewarding. Yesterday, the Ribbon Cutting at our new Warwick Living Center brought back memories of my youth.

My father had a stroke when I was 12 years old.  But even before that, he was a double amputee, no legs.  In fact I do not remember my father with legs.  So my lot in youth was to push him around in the wheelchair when he couldn't maneuver by himself, and to fold and stow the chair. Even as a teen, when I would see kids playing in wheelchairs, I was very defensive, as I view them as an extension of one ability to live, not a toy.

Well, at 12, when Dad had the stroke, I could no longer manage to help care for him. It became almost full time. Lifting him from the chair and back again, although giving me great strength, took its toll.  It wasn't long before we had to make the decision to admit him to the home for the aged.

For the next 16 years I visited him daily in the Nursing home..... I gained an appreciation for the work that goes on within those walls. The people who work inside do a special service to the aged and infirm.

It has never been easy in a household without a father who could take you fishing or hunting, or any of a million outdoor activities.  It was an unconventional childhood, yet I figured out how to do most things by watching others, and trial and error. He did teach me many lessons that other fail to learn on the journey. Honor, integrity, patience, service, hope and love.

Isn't it strange how a simple ribbon cutting ceremony can bring back a flood of memories that by now would be buried under a lifetime of experiences ......

And so I focus on the road, and head back north for a day.....  I'll be back.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony - Warwick Living Center

Popcorn, Videos

Today I spent time as sidewalk superintendent for the Popcorn making operation here at Pathways.  This afternoon I took time to care for the car, then it was behind the bright lights to finish up some video stuff Ive been working on with Girbe.

Pathways Board Meeting

Worked a half day, traveled to Alma for the Board of Trustee meeting this evening.  Masonic Pathways is a large business, and it never ceases to amaze me at how happy the residents are, and how great the staff is.  The seamless operation of all the services simply doesn.t exist in most operations.  Here they have successfully provided quality service across all levels.  Independent Living, Home for the Aged, Nursing and Memory care.

It was a long meeting, lost of information shared, concerns expressed, and decisions made. It was my last board meeting for Pathways before I retire from the Grand Master's position.  I was treated with a beautiful blanket that has the Masonic Pathways and Warwick Living Center portrayed on it.  Simply Beautiful.  I have made some fabulous friends among the residents and staff this year.  I will miss the monthly interaction, but will stop by whenever I am in town.

Wrapping up the paperwork

A day at work, busy as usual, and home putting the final touches on the address.

Back to Work, spring break has sprung.

After a weekend of over 1700 miles, its back to work.  The kids have been on spring break this past week, so I was able to get several projects completed at work that have been on hold. Its sort of a short week, I'll have to be downstate for Thursday through Saturday afternoon.  I'm thinking It will be another productive weekend coming up.

Miles upon miles upon miles.

Left Crossville Tennessee at 7 am this Morning. Traveled to Riverview (South of Detroit) to gather our car and stuff, then over to Mt. Pleasant to grab the grandkids from Spring Break.  It was straight North to Home, and pulled into the driveway at 1:20 am. It was a great reunion in Tennessee, and we will be meeting there again next year.

Tennessee Reunion

Here we are in Fairfield Glades, Tennessee for the 2nd Annual Reunion luncheon with the Michigan Masons. I was glad to have the opportunity to visit with Brother Ray Brooks and Leonard Sparks who I presented 50 year membership certificates and pins to.  Also visited with Michael Bates, Ray Hamilton, James and several other brothers.  PGMs Kaiser, Lemons and Wheeler along with Paul Thomas and their ladies were present for the event. PGM Thomas Boduch of Tennessee was present, and had a very nice presentation for me. Pathway gave a presentation, Michigan Charitable Foundation gave a presentation, and I gave a few remarks to wrap up the afternoon. Brother Sparks and several of the members of his faith provided some great southern Gospel songs for our entertainment. Its a great day to be a Michigan Mason....

Moving through some States

Got a Rental today, and headed south on I-75. I have Angela and I and PGM Lemons and Betty in the van. We went through Ohio, Kentucky and arrived in Tennessee around 8 PM. Been a long day, but the visits tomorrow will be worth the ride.....

Traveling South

Today is travel day south to Riverview.  Will pick  up the pace on Friday Morning, and continue on to Crossville Tennessee where we will have a visit with our Michigan masons.

Spring Break

It is Spring Break in the Upper Peninsula. Folks have taken to the air, sea and roads to enjoy a week away.  It is my time to catch up on work that I cannot perform while the kids are in the building.  I have my grandson Thomas with me this week, helping the old guy with the stuff he would normally do himself.  I think my days on a tall ladder are just about over until I get some joints fixed, and a back corrected.

Here is what the Lodges are doing.........

Lodge Name Lodge No. Title of Community Charity Program and Use of Funds Lodge Donation MMCF Donation (Max $1500) Total Donation to Charity Berkley Lodge 536 Haven House:A shelter for abused women and children. A Christmas Party was held for the residents as well as providing a meal and gift cards.  $       1,507.89  $ 1,500.00  $ 3,007.89 Gladstone Lodge 396 Thomas A. Vietzke Memorial Children's Fishing Derby, an annual fishing event for children that the lodge hosts. $2,436.00 $1,500.00 $3,936.00 Gladwin Lodge 397 Christmas Kindness, a coalition of organizations that provides Christmas Meals and gifts to those in need.  $          500.00  $    500.00  $ 1,000.00 Golden Rule Lodge 159 Ken and Marianna Staples Family Center of the Salvation Army that serves as a shelter for homeless families. $1,500.00 $1,500.00 $3,000.00 Mio Lodge 596 Local Boy Scouts who built bird houses for a Consumers Energy local watershed program.  $          100.00  $    100.00  $    200.00 Williamston Lodge 153 Fight Hunger Give Hope Program for the local Williamston Food Bank. $100.00 $100.00 $200.00 Williamston Lodge 153 Haslett High School Wrestling Team for equipment as a thank you for the fact that the team members work as servers for the lodge breakfast fundraising events.  $          250.00  $    250.00  $    500.00 Tuscan - Mt. Gilead Lodge 178 Hubardston Book Nook : A group that provides a library for the people at the Hubbardston Community Center. $750.00 $750.00 $1,500.00 Three Oaks Lodge 239 River Valley Sunshine Softball League, a youth softball league  $          175.00  $    175.00  $    350.00 Marion Lodge 392 Sanilac Area Children Advocacy Center: to benefit abused and homeless children. $500.00 $500.00 $1,000.00 Marion Lodge 392 Sanilac County Child Abuse Prevention Council and Sanilac Area Violence Elimination Council   $          125.00  $    125.00  $    250.00 Marion Lodge 392 Deckerville Community Hospital for their patient care porgram. $250.00 $250.00 $500.00 Marion Lodge 392 Deckerville Homecoming Committee  $          250.00  $    250.00  $    500.00 Coloma Lodge 162 Christmas Family Adoption Program: Provided food and gifts to a family in need in the community at Christmas time. $271.67 $271.00 $542.67 Coloma Lodge 162 Food Pantry  $            50.00  $      50.00  $    100.00 Edmore Lodge 360 Project Graduation for the gradauating class of 2015 from Montabella High School to have a safe environment for their graduation party. $817.00 $817.00 $1,634.00 Manchester Lodge 148 Manchester High School After Prom Program.  $          250.00  $    250.00  $    500.00 Fairfield Lodge 125 The Daily Bread local food pantry, Christmas support for local familes in need, Lenawee County Homeless Youth Program. $600.00 $600.00 $1,200.00