Bikes for Books

At the end of this school year the Indian River Lodge gave out 6 bicycles and two runner up prize packs to the 3-5 graders at the Inland Lakes Elementary school.

We started the program after the new year and had 8 students submit entry forms. With the help of many businesses in town, we were able to buy additional bikes and saw a lot of interest from the business community. We would especially like to thank North County Insurance, DH Decorating, Citizens Bank, McDonalds, Family Dollar and The Brown Trout.

We had two stand out students that participated this year. One read 32 books in the 2 month period and the other wrote on her entry form that she already had a bike but if she won, she would like one for her brother.

The bikes were handed out at the end of the year awards day in front of all of the students and parents and we have already had interest in next years program and companies and families already promising bikes and donations.

We plan next year to run the program through out the year and expand it to the Wolverine School district as our Lodge covers their area also.

Lodge of Instruction

A great night of instruction and fellowship at the Indian River Lodge as Right Worshipful Grand Lecturer David Hutton made the trip up to hold a Lodge of Instruction. A combined effort of two districts resulted in 55 Brothers being present with a Regional Grand Lecturer, 2 District Deputy Instructor's and 3 Board of General Purpose members attending. Lodges present included Charlevoix, Petoskey, Boyne City, Pellston, Lewiston, Atlanta, Gaylord, Rogers City and Indian River.

It was good to see the Lodge filled and that many Brothers together. We had good interaction during the meeting and alot of discussion afterwards. Many compliments and thanks to RW Hutton for making the trip and hopefully sparking some renewed interest in upper Michigan.

Wardens Workshop

The Grand Lodge of Michigan is holding Wardens Workshops throughout the state. On October 24th, Indian River Karnak will be hosting a Workshop at the Masonic Activities Building.

The days agenda includes:

Light breakfast

Planning for the East

Team building for Lodge Growth

Getting done what needs to be done

Developing Lodge Leaders

Public Relations for the Local Lodge

Lunch will be provided.

This program is open to all members of the Lodge but is geared towards Wardens and Deacons as they make their way to the East. There is a $25 fee for each member attending and you need to register. You can register for this event at tinyurl.com/irwardens. Any further questions should be directed to Director Bob Conley, Grand Lodge Member Services.

Remember it is also bear, rabbit, archery deer, pheasant, quail, turkey and woodcock season. So after a day of knowledge, you can get in a couple of days in the woods.

Aiding and Assisting a Widow

At the August regular, WB Mathis brought it to our attention that the widow of Brother Graustein was in the extended care facility and her house needed some attention. Several Brothers agreed to meet the next day to help out with cutting the grass, trimming hedges, pulling weeds and cleaning up the outside of the residence. Four Brothers from our Lodge along with WM Mcginn from Onaway Lodge and several girls from the International Order of the Rainbow were there to help.

Fulfilling part of the Obligation we all took brought discussion back into the Lodge about the reasons we meet. Small duties to our Masonic family as well as to the community is a way we, as individual members and as the Lodge as a whole, can grow. Last year our current WM was dropping off our loaner electric wheelchair and found some work that needed to be done at the persons house. WM Wade had never met this person but as we have been brought up, saw a person in need of assistance and acted upon it. When she came home and saw what he had done for a person that only two of us have meet at our breakfasts, she wrote a very nice letter that was published in the local paper. A great example of getting our name back into the community.

The Circus is Coming!

Indian River Masonic Activities Center is proud to be sponsoring the Kelly Miller Circus August 17th on the back 40. This years circus will roll in on the morning of the 17th and you will be able to watch the elephants raise the Big Top at 9am. The Midway will open around 3 pm for fun and camel and elephant rides. Shows will be 4:30 and 7:30. The stick around the watch the tent go down and the whole crew to be ready to go within 90 minutes. Pre-order tickets are cheaper than the buying the day of so if you need tickets or wish to get on the work committee, contact Gene or Vic.

NZ Mason jailed over sorcery claims

A New Zealand man spent a "wretched" night in a Fiji prison cell after frightened residents and police raided his Freemasons meeting, suspecting witchcraft and sorcery.

A police spokesman said the men were arrested because police had been tipped off that a meeting was being held and there were "some strange goings-on".

You can read the entire article here:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10584756

Brother in need

The daughter of Brother John Causey (Indian River Karnak 442)lost all of her belongings in a house fire this week. Indian River Lodge will be hosting a spaghetti dinner for the family, with date to be determined this weekend. The family has a complete loss including the home. They have 4 children and could use help with clothing for them also. 3 boys aged 8,5,3 and one girl age 1. If you can help with anything they could use, please make contact with Bro. Randy Wright at 231-238-7795.