Brethren:

For starters, let me please state how happy I am that several special events are so highly worth noting, since our last stated meeting.

For instance, on Saturday January 26, 2009, 15 members from Athelstan Lodge, along with their ladies and additional guests attended the installation of our DDGM Robert Burns, PM.  In addition to the installation ceremony, we were able to witness a presentation of 50 year member awards our Brothers presided over by our RWGM Stephen Gardner.  Present to accept their 50 year pins were William Krone, Harvey Solomon, Joel Stoloff,  PM, Stanley Krein and Jerome Molnick.  The marvelous and well attended ceremony was followed by a similarly well attended dinner at Maggiano’s Restaurant.

I extend my thanks to those in attendance, as the large number of Athelstan Brothers present to represent our Worshipful Lodge made it a proud day for all of us..

Another great event was Athelstan Lodge’s February stated meeting for which we were able to host 13 visitors from Laurel Lodge #237, as well as DDGM Robert Burns, PM, DDGM David Tansey, PM and DGM Paul M. Curran of the American Canadian Grand Lodge and Bro. Michael D. Mc Kee, WM of Jerusalem Lodge #506, all of whom were able to witness a Conferral of the Master Mason Degree.

Last but not least, on Friday February 6, 2009, 7 members of our Lodge visited Laurel Lodge #237 in NJ, to witness a Master Mason Degree which was conferred by the LEAD Police Degree team, and performed to perfection. The members of Laurel Lodge made us very welcome and those Athelstan brothers in attendance very much enjoyed the evening.

As for next month, we have a fantastic program planned including another evening of entertaining guests from other Lodges.  I hope to see high attendance by our members, so that we may fill the lodge and properly welcome our guests.

Please note: we will be having an extra meeting on Tuesday, March 17th at 7:00pm, to confer a Fellow Craft Degree.  Please make your best efforts to attend, as we hope to make a favorable impression on our new members.  We are planning to meet at Chilies Restaurant at 6:00pm, for dinner.

As always, I look forward to seeing more of our members attending our instruction meetings, especially the officers and those who wish to advance in the chairs.

Fraternally,

Charles C. Tarragano, PM

Worshipful Master