Greeting Brothers,

I will tell those who missed the Installation Ceremony on the 11th of December that the program was well conducted by the Installing Master, John Loutzenhiser and Marshall Mike Kottwitz.  I cannot begin here to thank everyone, it must suffice to say the contributions from the OES and Job's Daughters were substantial.

We received a compliment by visiting brothers who attended the installation.  Our lodge was quickly recognized as a strong lodge with fine brethren.  Certainly, I recognize the talents and dedication of this lodge.

As Worshipful Master for a time, I define as my duty to welcome and encourage our brethren to become a single body, the sum of all our talents, insights and other strengths.  I have a duty to motivate and to coordinate this body of strength and talent into successful action.

Brothers, we did well when we defined our Lodge mission Statement.  We need to go further in defining our lodge.  WE NEED A WRITTEN LODGE GOAL.  What would you like it to be?  I want your input when next we meet.

I ask you to come to the first Steering Committee on December 27 and challenge me with what this lodge can be.  Your PRESENCE alone is important participation.  You will not fully impact the direction of your lodge if you do not come, and the lodge will be that much less well off.

We are going into a new year loaded with opportunity.  I want to hear ideas; well-considered ideas and ideas that may seem strange or out of reach.  I want ideas from your experience of things you liked from other lodges and I want free thought on what to do for fundraising, committees and brotherly love.

I believe it is within the reach of MRV 6 to increase our blue lodge by 20 to 30 new brothers in the next year.  This outstanding achievement will be partly a result of more Masonic knowledge which, when combined with programs of your choosing, will motivate.  Motivation must have an outlet.  We must create more venues for it in ourselves and in our communities.

Our Lodge Education Officer, John Loutzenhiser, is already bringing two Masonic speakers to MRV 6 with exciting topics.  The subjects are: The Architecture of the Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland a subject of much Masonic interest and another on the History of French Masonry.

At the first Stated Communication I will present an address which will suggest several directions I think we may consider going.  I would be most pleased to see you there.  Brothers, if you have not come to lodge for a while this may be a good chance to get re-acquainted.

Brother Mike Sullivan

I wish you all the joy.  We have worked hard this year and are all deserving of the rest and relaxation we will find in the next few weeks.  To assist us in that goal, I remind everyone of our much anticipated table lodge event.

Most Worshipful Brother Andy Rice will attend and I am sure he will indulge us with some fine words.  It is again to be held at the very accommodating American Legion Club in Montgomery, Minn. on January 14th.  We will again take pleasure as worshipful brother Marc Peterson is our master of ceremony.

I and my wife Jeni will enjoy both our own family and our Masonic family these next few weeks.  I trust our Masonic family will be blessed this holy season.  Brother rest up, and be ready for some hard work over the coming year

God Bless,

Mike Sullivan

Chanhassen Dinner Theatre

On March 4^th, 2006 the Lodge will again be hosting the annual Sweethearts Day at the Chanhassen Dinner Theatre.  This year the Show will be the West Side Story which is returning for the first time in 20 years.  This Show is an action-filled triumph at every level; West Side Story sets the ageless and rapturous romance of Romeo & Juliet against the backdrop of New York City gang turmoil of the 1950s.  The soaring melodic score by Leonard Bernstein is packaged with explosive choreography and woven into a mix of realism and fantasy that casts an enduring spell.  This Broadway blockbuster will thrill and chill you so mark your calendars. 

The Lodge has committed to this event by booking the same date for the next 5 years, so that our group can sit together in the same area which is in the lower middle instead of being spread out like last year.  The Theatre was not able to inform us what the Dinner Plays would be after West Side Story, but what ever they have we know it’s all ways great.

The Lodge was only able to book 78 tickets for this year, which means don’t wait to sign up when you receive your letter.  For this Show the cost will be $40.00 dollars instead of $33.00 dollars last year. The letters being sent out will explain the Show fees

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

David Scheffert Chairperson

A Farewell Message from Outgoing Master Pat McClune

A year has almost passed, my brothers.  I have been proud to serve as your lodge master and I have found you to be true brothers as you have been patient and supportive of my efforts.

Because we are all worked together we again accomplished fine work at Kolacky Days, the Fireman's Dance food booth and enjoyed fraternal activities.  I thank the line officers specifically for their support, Mark Peterson for Kolacky Days, George Miller and Lew Price for the Kids' ID Program, Mike Kottwitz for fine degree work and the many brothers who shared in the steering committee and stated communications.  A mention and thank you must be made to Daryl Bren for having continued to chair and produce good results on the on-going road pick-up duty.  It would take too long to name each and everyone of you to whom I am indebted.

Master-Elect Mike Sullivan has my full confidence to take this lodge forward into next year and I know him to be well prepared to continue in the East.  A proper Senior Warden, he assisted the Worshipful Master well.

We have had a successful year at Minn. River Valley #6 and I look forward to seeing each of you regularly and to your continued friendship and the growth of the lodge which I am confident we will see through new petitioners and brothers.

DO YOU KNOW HE IS A MASON?

Brothers,

This month I though I would introduce you to a Mason who is a contemporary of yours.

Dr. David Kruger is an optometrist practicing in Atlanta, where his office is a local landmark.  He was among the first physicians to open his office to to all who needed him, regardless of race or skin color.

He has been active in many civic organizations, including the Red Cross, Kiwanis and the Salvation Army.  On November 17, 2002, he was honored by the Scottish Rite Journal for his lifetime of service.

There literally is not enough space to list all of this good man's works, so if you wish to reed more about him, check:

http://www.srmason-sj.org/web/journal-files/Issues/jan03/kruger.htm

Joyous Holidays to all

Beth