Greetings from the East

What a busy and exciting month September has been.  On September 18^th we had our first lodge degree work, when we initiated Brother Paul Tuttle, son of Bill Tuttle from the old King Hiram Lodge.  I would like to thank everyone that helped with the degree work during the evening.  I am currently in the process of setting up the dates for the Second-Degree night for early November.  To let Paul attend the meetings with us, we will be opening on the degree that he is on.  The next meeting will be on October 3, 2000 at 7:30pm and we will open on the First Degree of an Entered Apprentice.

I would also like to Thank the Job’s Daughter’s Bethel #85, for their help with the Degree work.  A few days before the degree work for Brother Tuttle, Sara Baker, called my daughter and reminded her of their meeting on September18^th.  When I heard that date, I think my bottom jaw hit the floor, because I scheduled the degree work for that same night.  I quickly got on the telephone with Brother Pierce and the Job’s were able to move their meeting for us.  Nevertheless, we have been warned that we owe them in a BIG way.  I personally would like to promote the Parent Masonic Dinner on November 19 that they hold in honor of their Masonic ties with us.  I would strongly encourage everyone that is available to attend this event and fill the lodge hall.  We really need to show our support to these kids and let them know that we believe in what they are doing. 

Next, I would like to tell everyone what a great time I had on Friday Night at the Hiram Award Dinner Night for Brother Don Case.  We had about 60 Brothers and friends in attendance for the evening.  We need to thank Brother Mike Pierce and the Job’s Bethel #85 for their great help with the hall, the cater, the serving of the food and for making the evening go so well.  When you see him next time, tell them all thanks.

See everyone at the next lodge meeting on Tuesday, October 3, 2000 at 7:30 pm.

Fraternally Yours,

Steven Scheffert

"OH WHAT A NIGHT”

Mn. River Valley #6 gave it's first Hiram Award, to a man "worthy and well qualified" on  Friday, Sept. 22 at the V.F.W. located in Chaska.
Don Case was praised as one who has truly lived a Masonic life. Don's love and devotion to our craft has put the light of honor on our lodge. Grand lodge greetings were given on behalf of  the Most Worshipful Grand Master, by brother John Loutzenhiser.
      The JOBS helped, as usual.  And we all owe a big thanks to  brother Mike Pierce for the hard work. We had great fun, as always. And a BIG THANKS  to all that were there to make this
a very special night.

Gordy Bane - P.M.

History & Heritage Committee

   The objective of this committee is to document the history of the Minnesota River Valley Lodge #6 from the date of the merger forward – while preserving the history and artifacts of the four lodges involved in the merger.  

    Our plans include the collection, inventory, and preservation of all significant artifacts from the past lodges, and  to arrange for the display of these artifacts  in our new lodge facilities.  

    We currently have received minute books and other items from the Carver and Chaska lodges, including many items donated by the descendents of Ed Bender.  If anyone has any such items, or knows of such items, which we should preserve and display I our new facilities, please let us know,

Dick Friend

 Membership Committee

One of the goals of the membership committee was to try and develop a lodge activity for each month of the year. We are striving to come up with things that will be of interest to the widest range of the brothers. The following is a list of activities that we have come up with for the coming year.

Activity  & Budget
Nov Lodge Visitation - $300.00

Dec - Christmas Party $500.00

Jan – Card Tournament $200.00

Feb – Valentine Chanhassen trip $1500.00

Mar – Table lodge $500.00

April – Awards night $500.00

May – Boat Trip – River sightseeing trip $500.00

June – Fishing Trip $500.00

July – Kolacky Days and Picnic $500.00

Aug - K-C Masons Dinner -0-

Sept - Help a Brother / Widow Program $500.00

This list is not written in stone. The committee is open to suggestions of any kind. We have come up with the ideas and now will be soliciting project
chairpersons from the membership at large. Again our goal is to encourage participation of the existing members and to show perspective members that the Lodge has a program of interesting, fun and diverse activities.

Please direct any comments to the following committee members Don Conn, Gary
Eagon, Mike Pierce, Kermit Bishoff, Don West, Arnie Peterson, Brad Smith,
Frank Lindholm, John, Leutzenhauser or Marc Peterson

WHERE DOES MASONRY

EXIST FOR YOU?
    For each of us, Masonry exists in many different ways and places.  When you look around, you will find that Masonry is depicted by Masons in many different ways, in the lodge and chapter room, in the York and Scottish Rite lodges and perhaps at the Shrine  Circus, in your church, or as a volunteer for a charitable organization or helping the needy.
     For some it may exist in their home when they read the local publications of the activities that are going on. For some it may exist
only when they pay their dues.
    Where should it exist? IN YOUR HEART! IN YOUR ACTIONS!  You are what Masonry is and you set the example of what Masonry is
to the rest of the world. You will determine the future of Masonry, if and how it survives. You will also determine what it will mean to the future of your local organizations, and its impact on the
world.
   We hope that Masonry is not just a dues card for you, but that it is a way of life. Support your Masonic organizations and enjoy the fellowship, friendship, fun, and growing that takes place
within you and your fellow Brothers and Companions.
   Let Masonry live in your heart and be a shining example for all to hope to emulate your actions before the world!

Dick Friend, LEO

Newsletter

If you would rather receive this newsletter by email – send your information to petemont@frontiernet.net and we will take your label off of the list!!!

If you need  a change of address or know of someone who is not receiving this and should let Marvin Peterson know at 952-854-6210.

Finance Committee

At the Sept. 5^th Lodge Meeting the revised budget Report was approved by the Brother’s present.  Please note the budget for donations is $5000.  This shall include all scholarships and other donations.

Charles Richter, Finance Chair

Income:

Bank CD Interest                                    22065

Vanguard Mutual Funds                            2494

Fidelity Mutual Funds                               1304

Dues                                                        2460

Chaska Flower Sales                                  400

Kolacky Days                                          2000

   Estimated Income                          $30,723

Fixed Expenses:

Rent                                                         3540

Telephone                                                  730

Cleaning                                                     840

Insurance                                                    240

Committee Budgets:

Membership                                         6000

Financial                                                 500

Steering                                                2840

History                                                     50

Promotions Newsletter                         2493

Properties                                              600

Donations                                             5000

    Total                                           $22,833

Estimated Income                   $30,723

Estimated Expenses               $22,833

            Positive Cash Flow     $   7890

Important dates to Remember

            Lodge Meetings

            Tuesday         October 3

7:30 PM Meeting

            Saturday         October 21

                                    7am Breakfast

                                    8 am   Meeting

Next newsletter deadline

Monday,   October 23

Send to

Marvin Peterson

8500 16^th Ave S

Bloomington   MN  55425

Or email to

petemont@frontiernet.net