2000 Newsletters

http://www.mn-rivervalley.org

Minnesota River Valley Lodge #6

March 2000

Volume #2, Issue #3

"Issued with the Permission of the M.W. Grand Lodge of Minnesota"

Attendance Table (Date of Meeting – Number of People Present)

From the East

On behalf of all who attended the table lodge I would like to thank the committee that worked so hard to put together such an enjoyable event. It was my first and I had a great deal of fun and now look forward to the next one with our significant others in attendance. [Thanks brothers Marc Peterson & Mike Pierce]

To all those who have not attended lodge during the past nine months, we have been merged. You have been missing the best of Masonry in action. I have been asked to give an overview of the merger at the Grand Lodge in St. Cloud in April. All who can should try to attend if possible. We will talk of this and can form car pools at our next meeting. [First Tuesday in April]. Also, see the article from Brother Tom Hone about the flower sale coming in May. We need your participation, PLEASE REMEMBER, THE BEST WAY TO PRACTICE MASONRY IS TO "GET INVOLVED."

Gordy Bane - W.M.

From our LEO

The String

A string walks into a Masonic Lodge and asks for a
petition. Looking at the string, the Secretary says,
"Sorry, we don't admit strings."

"What? That sucks," said the string. So the string
walks into the bathroom and ties himself up and
messes up his ends. A couple moments later he comes back out and approaches the bar again and
again asks for a petition.

"Hey, aren't you that string?" asks the Secretary.

"Nope. I'm a frayed knot."

Dick Friend – Lodge Education Officer

Property Committee Report

At the February meeting of the Property Committee. I was asked to look into the status of the Lydia School, and determine if we could get it for our new Lodge building. The Lydia site is centrally located in Spring Lake Township. It is set up for handicapped use, and has a good size parking lot. It has a good-looking lawn and is located in a nice neighborhood.

I contacted Gary Shelton who is in charge of the building. He told me at this time they haven’t decided what to do with it. It was used by the Scott-Carver Alternative School Program. A new building was constructed in Jordan and the kids were transferred there. Both New Prague and Shakopee are short of space, so they are looking into a cost-benefit analysis between busing or new construction. If the School Districts don’t need this site, it will be turned over to the County Board for their decision regarding use or disposition. If it is sold it will have to be by sealed bids, with a minimum bid set by an appraisal.

I then called our County Commissioner Joe Waggner. Joe will look into things and let me know what is going on. At the end of the newsletter is a map showing the general location of the Lydia School building.

Don Rieck – Committee Member.

Masonic Flower Sale (Chaska, MN)

One of Minnesota River Valley Lodge's biggest fundraisers is coming soon and we need the help of the brothers to make it a success. Mark your Calendars now for Saturday May 13th, which is the Saturday before Mother's Day. As an annual fundraiser, we will be selling flats of flowers and vegetables, hanging plants, geraniums etc..... We start at 7:00 AM unloading the truck and sell until about 3:00 PM or until the customers are no more. Come and spend the day in good fellowship with your brothers or come for a few hours. Whatever help you can give is greatly appreciated. More details will be coming in April along with a sign up sheet for volunteers. If you and your neighbors buy flowers annually become a part time salesman and direct them to the Masonic flower sale in Chaska!

From the OES

It has been my honor to serve you as Worthy Matron for the Past Year. I thank each and every one of you who helped me along the way.

We accomplished a lot at our March meeting. First the chapter voted to increase our dues from $10.00 to $15.00 per year plus per capita which is $5.00; making $20.00 the total amount for 2001 dues.

Second, the Chapter decided we would help at the Masonic Home on April 30^th with Entertainment Sunday. If you are able to help at this event please call me at (612)448-6816.

Third we voted to give a donation to the "Heal the Sick" Grand Chapter Cancer Project.

Finally, we had election of Officers. Sister Robbin Kottwitz and Brother Michael Kottwitz will grace the East. We will be looking forward to their year and what they have planned for us. Other Line Officers include Sally and Jim Tongen in the West. Pat Vaughn as Conductress and Holly Sorenson as Associate Conductress. Best wishes to all elected and appointed officers for 2000-2001. Sister Robbin has asked me to invite all of you and your family to attend the open installation of Officers on April 15^th at 2:00pm.

Until Another Time

Ravelle Smith – W.M.

Membership Committee Report

The Membership Committee will be meeting at the lodge hall on Tuesday night at 7:00 PM. Thank you to the 40 brothers that attended the Table Lodge in Chaska. For our first attempt, it was a great success. We are hoping to have another on this fall. Check out the pictures from the Table Lodge at the web site listed at the top of the newsletter.

Publications Committee Report

I hope everyone has been enjoying these newsletters as much as I enjoy working on them. Enclosed, along with the newsletter many of the members from MN River Valley Lodge #6 will also find a new directory. Much of this information was gathered, with the help of the members that turned in the questionnaire form back January. Please make a note that many of our area codes have changed. If you see any incorrect information on our directory or you would like to add some information please let us know. I will then enter it into our database.

Don’t forget to Spring Ahead due to day light savings on April 2, 2000.

Steven D. Scheffert – Publications Chair