Masons donate to the Rochelle Police K-9 Unit

From left to right: K-9 Officer Emily Anderson and "Don", Chief Eric Higby, Past WM Bud Norcross and new WM Eric Da Costa.
$650 were raised to support the purchase and training of a second Police Dog during a chili dinner in May.

Installation of Officers 2011-2012

Newly installed Officers:

WM Eric Da Costa
SW Don Hinderliter
JW Kevin Eggenburg
Treas Ken Stohl
Sec Bud Norcross
Ch Otto Heisner
SD Rich Spahn
JD Greg Spahn
SS Clint Dickey
JS Ryan mcroberts
Mar Don Vogeler
Org Walt Roush
Tyl Brad Prosser

Fellowship Dinner provided by Eastern Star

The May 3rd Fellowship Meal was a huge success! The Eastern Star ladies provided a nice meal for one of our largest dinners yet; a whopping 63 people! There was a lot of smiling faces as the meal ended, a lot of conversation, and in short good fellowship. The ladies of the Star gave a short talk on the Star and invited those to join if anyone felt inclined.
After the presentation, the Star announced that all the monies from the dinner basket would go to a local food bank. It was then time for the belly masons to adjourn to the Lodge room for their annual meeting. Unknown to the men, the Star then invited all of the ladies and the children to stay and play Happy Bingo. Even the grandchildren had a good time playing and getting small presents provided by the Star. Of all the large contingent of widows (20) who attended this meeting, none left early.
We feel that something special has happened to our Lodge!
Another event of the evening was the presentation of certificates to those members selected as giving service and dedication to Masonry and this Lodge. Some were still busy in preparing for planting of their crops while others were not confident about going out in the evening. They were not neglected as the certificates were either mailed or delivered by hand.
Our next Fellowship meeting will by on June 7th. We will have our Scholarship winner as well as invited prospective new member attend the meal. Of course our ladies will all be contacted by letter and a personal telephone call to remind them of the dinner.
Special Ladies birthdays for June are: Shirley Tadd, Barb Tolley, and Marion Lang (who will be 94 yrs old).

For Sale

Brand new KT Sword. Sale to benefit the Lodge. Make offer.

Academic Team & Fellowship Dinner

The April Fellowship Dinner was a huge success. 53 people were in attendance for a delightful spaghetti supper cooked and presented by Bro Don Vogler and his wife Tootie. They were the first to utilize our brand new kitchen and announced what a joy it was to have such a fine area for our food preparation. We would like to thank them for their special effort and hard work. Fellowship was at its maximum and some presentations were made. It was announced that Mildred Lane would be leaving the area and moving to her daughter's in Washington State. Incidentally, she will be celebrating her 93rd birthday this month. Other Special Ladies birthdays were also recognized: Donna Dodd, Helen Pulliam, Betty Barnes, and Ione McAnly.
Our sponsored Academic Team-the AFC students were in attendance for this supper and were presented a recognition plaque for their participation in the 2011 Academic Bowl. Their coach Steve Toole made comments about the team and their
experiences with the school competition. His information was very well received by all.
WBro. Harry Gross, Academic Bowl Committee Member also had some kind words for the team and the collective process of the competition.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Past Masters and a note of their dedication and time to the fraternity. After supper, the Masons all struggled up the stairs to the lodge room to witness a fine 2nd degree. The ladies talked about their upcoming outing and several ideas were expressed about where to go.
The next Fellowship Dinner on May 3rd will be presented by the ladies of the Eastern Star. We haven't been privileged to the menu at this point of time, but rest assured that it will be a delicious meal. The ladies will give a short talk on the Star. Also that evening we will have a recognition night for several of our senior members who have dedicated so much time and energy to Masonry in the past years.
May birthdays to be celebrated will be: Pat Koeching, Nita Hultgren, Vivian Mullins, and Lynn Messer. If these ladies are unable to make it, we will sing "Happy Birthday" to them anyway, probably in the key of flat. If any lady cannot make it to the Fellowship Meal on the month of their birthday and would like to send a note, we would certainly like to read it at the supper.
We are presently putting a picture board together of all of our Special Ladies. Many of you have moved from the area or are shut in and are not able to enjoy our monthly Fellowship Meals. And, many of you may not know each other. To solve this problem, we will provide a picture board in the dining hall of all of the living widows of our past Masons. Please send us a favorite picture of yourself. You pick out the picture you want-it doesn't need to be today's. Also, a picture of you and your husband (preferably not a wedding picture) would be appreciated for another picture board. It is just a way for everyone to recognize yourself and your husband; it would be greatly appreciated by all.
Remember, if you need a ride to the Fellowship Meal, please call a Mason. If you need assistance in any way, please call a Mason. And, if any of you would like to attend Easter Services and have no family to take you, please call a Mason. Next dinner is at 6:30 pm, May 3rd.