amaritan Winter is well under way, as is my term. As a matter of fact, I m half The Places I ve Been, The People I ve Seen

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1 SThe amaritan Volume 5 Issue 1 January/February 2013 INDEPENDENT ORDER OF The Places I ve Been, The People I ve Seen Winter is well under way, as is my term. As a matter of fact, I m half way through. There is never enough time to get all things done that I d like to. However, just because my term will end in June, doesn t mean that my desires and efforts will. Many of the things that need to be accomplished can t be done by one person alone. One large group is A Message from the Grand Master: more like it and I plan to always be a Diane Brierly part of that group. Since my last message, I have been involved in New Brunswick s first attempt at a Flea Market. All the funds will be going to the MS Society. A few of us attended but had a great day. I visited Alvarez Del Portal for an Official Visit. As always, this lodge always has a huge welcome mat out whenever I attend their lodge. The true spirit of Odd Fellowship is what their lodge is all about. I was presented a bouquet of lovely flowers along with a corsage. Continued on page 4 New Jersey Grand Master Diane Brierly takes time to pose with her friend and mentor, Jack Ozeil, at her Testimonial Dinner in Grand Lodge of New Jersey What s so Odd about helping Others?

2 Welcome to The Samaritan the newsletter of the New Jersey Grand Lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellowship. Please send any and all IOOF related news, events, photos, buildings, memories of days gone by, etc, with any identifying info to This is YOUR magazine so any comments or suggestions are always welcome, too! Our success depends on YOU! I.O.O.F. International PRESS ASSOCIATION 16 HeroES 12 & 13 Smiles... Promoting Odd Fellowship through Positive Communication Dan LeFever Editor Beth Obiedzinski-Garvin Art Director INDEPENDENT ORDER OF 6 & 7 Tragedy Michael K. O Connor Grand Secretary 2 Old Church Road Monroe, NJ United States of America Tel: GRAND LODGE MEETINGS 1st Saturday of each month at 9:30 am Thomas Wildey Memorial...3 Who are these Guys...5 Please Donate!...5 New Members...8 Hey! We Found Page...9 Chaplain s Corner...10 The Hubbs Roast...11 Sovereign Proclamation...12 Events, Dinners, Fundraisers...14 The Samaritan 2

3 Wildey Memorial Grand Lodge of Maryland s Annual Wildey Memorial Service Saturday - October 13, 2012 Remarks or Eulogy by Walter R. Hoenes, PGM, PGP, Sovereign Grand Marshal Brothers and Sisters, we are gathered here this day to remember our late brother, Thomas Wildey, who is regarded by us as the Founder and Father of American Odd Fellowship. Though a native of England, where he was born in 1782, he eventually immigrated to these shores settling here in Baltimore in This was just a few short years following the successful defense of the city against the British in 1814, nearly two hundred years ago, during the War of Most of you, I suspect, know all too well the story, and so I won t repeat it, of how Brother Wildey inserted advertisements in a local paper, The Baltimore American, and eventually connected with the requisite number of bothers at the Seven Stars Tavern to found Washington Lodge here in Baltimore, and then how he went on to become the first Grand Master of Maryland, and of the United States, and then the first Grand Sire, and so on. So instead, I would like to say just a few words to highlight how I think Wildey should impress us as an American success story in the truest sense. Think about it. History tells us he was an indentured servant in his early years, before he sought freedom and prosperity (and maybe blue crabs!) in Baltimore. Courageously, I think, in the wake of a recent war with England, when Englishmen could not have been very popular in American cities, he meets with four other sons of England and they choose to name their first American outpost of Odd Fellowship, Washington Lodge No. 1. These men were so true and loyal to their adopted country, and to its fundamental principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that they chose the name of the mighty commander-in-chief, who had driven England s army back across the Atlantic, for the name of their first lodge. Dispensing with the details, we know that Thomas Wildey, literally started with nothing and went on to build a fraternal society which was to become, over time, a truly great American institution, a national treasure, and a golden thread in the fabric of our culture to this very day. And by his example, he taught us that good and loyal citizens make for the best neighbors and friends. It was 151 years ago, on October 19, 1861, that Brother Thomas Wildey passed from this life and entered that Grand Lodge above, that temple, not made with human hands, eternal in the heavens. As we memorialize our brother this day, remembering his many talents and virtues, may his contribution to the founding and building of our beloved Order inspire us to more earnestly dedicate our own lives to virtue, benevolence, and the service of our fellow man. Let us make every day great in noble thoughts, in kind words and in loving deeds. Let us, Make a Difference, in our homes, in our lodges, and in our communities. Let each of us emulate the example of Thomas Wildey and live a life of more exalted usefulness, until that day when we shall, ourselves, rise to greet him in the celestial kingdom above. God bless you and God bless the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Thank you. The Samaritan 3

4 Grand Master s Message from page 1 October 27, 2012 was my Testimonial dinner at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe, NJ. Approximately 165 People attended. I had a fantastic time as did all of my friends and family. All of those on the Testimonial Dinner Committee, especially Donna and Dan Lefever, did an excellent job in putting together a great party for everyone. I won t forget this beautiful event. I ve attended two GBPB meetings. I visited Washington D.C. for a Rhondas Club Tea. What a tribute to Rhondas Club. I traveled with Mike O Connor, Denny and Jack Oziel. Jack was full of enthusiasm on this trip and I was very happy to be a part of it. Jack has since passed away, but will always remain a part of our lives. I attended the Roast for Joe and Doris Hubbs. A great time was had by all. On October 11 th, New Brunswick received recognition by the East Brunswick Chamber of Commerce and received an award citing all of our efforts in the Community. I visited Burlington Lodge and also attended Marylands Session. What a great Session they had. I also attended the Rebekah Session in Ocean City, NJ and I really enjoyed my time there. I was thrilled to see Sister Arlene DeFrancisco become President. Also, on November 9 th, I attended Delaware Session. We received a very warm reception. I also attended the Michael Popick Encampment. Many were in attendance. The Samaritan 4 I was at Sanchez Moya for an Official Visit and I always enjoy my time there. What a wonderful Lodge and great group of people. I attended the Jingle Bell Run, New Brunswick s Christmas Party for Children from Shelters, French Lodges Christmas Party, the Grand lodge s Bowl-athon for victims of Super Storm Sandy and an Installation at Lawrence Lodge. I will attend as many events and Lodges as I possibly can. I d like to arrange to meet with more lodges, informally, to go over what they are doing for the Community and what I can do to help them. I am still awaiting word from my Church, re: our Annual Unity Service. I hope they get back to me soon. It is usually in February. I truly feel that Odd Fellowship is on the rise. I am proud to be a part of that move forward. Many of our lodges have been installing new members; like New Brunswick, Alvarez Del Portal, Sanches Moya, Clinton and Lawrence (which installed 5 new young members, all in their 20 s and all very career oriented men and women) and I was proud to have met all of them and to take part in their Initiation. Please remember that you and I can make a difference together. Thank You, Diane Brierley, Grand Master

5 WHO ARE THESE GUYS?!? Contact to give it your best shot. The one who can name the most, wins. Wins what? Wouldn t you like to know. Results will be reported next issue so, if no one contacts me won t that be embarrassing? To You from the Development and Communications Office Summer is typically a slow time for fundraising, but there was nothing slow about ECF s summer. For starters, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows surprised us at their annual meeting in June with a pledge of $65,000. The Odd Fellows has been a long-time friend of ECF, and this gift shows their continued dedication and commitment to our cause. (Taken from the Emanuel Cancer Foundation Newsletter OUTLOOK, Fall 2012 Issue, which the title proclaims was: Created in collaboration with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of New Jerseyproud partners in support of kids with cancer. www. ioofnj.org ) Please DONATE to each of these programs: OPERATION FOOTSTEPS A worthwhile cause... we collected pairs of shoes last year so - WE helped 1000 people in need. Please continue to make this a project in your Lodges this year. Just contact Jim and he will arrange for pickup and delivery to Operation Footsteps. Shipping costs apply, so any assistance Lodges can provide is greatly appreciated. Contact Jim Ammann. Or the Samaritan. CUBA RELIEF FUND The Brothers & Sisters of the island nation STILL needs our help! ALVAREZ DEL POR- TAL Lodge continues to collect medical supplies and over the counter medications. There is a dire need for items, such as: Tylenol, aspirin, cold remedies; band aids, etc. Cash donations always help and are encouraged. Make checks payable to Alvarez Del Portal Lodge with Cuban Relief on the memo line. For more information, contact higocdelc@gmail.com. NEW BRUNSWICK LODGE is collecting aluminum can tabs, Campbell s Soup labels and Box Tops from General Mills cereals and other products, for the Perth Amboy Catholic 500 State Street in Perth Amboy. DON T THROW AWAY CANCELLED STAMPS! NB 6 is collecting cancelled and new Postage Stamps [foreign & domestic] for the Secular Franciscan Order and their Missions WE COLLECT PLASTIC BOTTLE CAPS for Autism Research, too! Contact the Samaritan. The Samaritan 5

6 e n a c i r Hur Sandy Atlantic City: not far from district where NJ IOOF GL Session is held. Water flowed for multiple blocks inland. L Dear Brothers and Sisters, ast week, our area suffered a devastating blow as Hurricane Sandy made direct landfall along the Jersey Shore. Unlike any other before it, this deadly storm has wreaked havoc and destruction upon hundreds of seashore communities from Boston to Washington, DC, and shattered the lives of thousands of innocent families. The entire Jersey Shore from Sandy Hook to Cape May has suffered billions of dollars in property damage. Tens of thousands of homes have suffered extensive damage and hundreds of thousands of our neighbors will be left homeless in Sandy s wake. Some homes in New Jersey still remain without power. Sitting here today, it is inconceivable that any of us has escaped the far-reaching force of Hurricane Sandy. We hope this finds each of you and your family safe in light of this catastrophic storm. We recognize the impact that the hurricane has taken, emotionally, physically, The Samaritan 6 and financially, on our area. If not directly affected, we all have family, friends and neighbors who have been gravely affected by this disaster. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. While we are still reeling from the events of the past week, we must also take a moment to give thanks for our own safety and for the majority who miraculously found their way to safety amid the destruction Continued on next page

7 BEFORE & AFTER: The Mantoloking Bridge before [above] and after [below] Sandy, looking seaward. and panic. We should also be heartened at the nationwide display of generosity, unity, and charity that makes me proud to be an American. Despite the physical and emotional devastation, we are slowly finding our way back to normal. As we sit and complain that we have no electricity, cable TV or hot water, we should pause for a moment to realize just how fortunate we are to have our family safe and our homes (mostly) intact. Let s keep things in perspective and think about trying to channel that energy into helping those less fortunate than ourselves. While an event of this magnitude makes it difficult to continue with our daily responsibilities, we must continue to be a positive force. We take our responsibility to you and to our Order very seriously. Let us all make a commitment to visit force Sitting here today, it is inconceivable that any of us has escaped the far-reaching of Hurricane Sandy. the sick and relieve the distressed as much as possible during this difficult time. We are very thankful and proud of the dedication of our members who worked diligently and unselfishly to keep the spirit of Odd Fellowship evident in our communities. As your Lodge s partner, the Grand Lodge is here to help you and every member of every Lodge in the state, as well as those most needy in your towns, in every way possible within our means. If there is anything we can do to help you, The Samaritan 7 your family, or those in your vicinity, cope with the challenges you face in the wake of this terrible storm, please contact me personally at Please stay safe. In friendship, love and truth, Diane Brierley, Grand Master (Dated A letter from Grand Master Diane, sent by to membership through Grand Secretary Mike O Connor.)

8 It s a great place to meet! Have you heard about the New Members page? Send us photos of new members, their name, lodge, and a brief bio and see them next issue of The Samaritan! Dan7113@msn.com Help us welcome New Members! If the people are capable of understanding, seeing and feeling the differences between true and false, right and wrong, virtue and vice, to what better principle can the friends of mankind apply than to the sense of this difference? --John Adams LAWRENCE LODGE INITIATES FIVE! An Initiatory Degree was given for five new Members at Perth Amboy s Lawrence Lodge on December 19 th. Each of the new men and women are in their early twenties and are energetic to get things going. This is a Lodge that was walloped by Hurricane Irene several years ago and could have been left for dead. Rising from the ashes, Members have re-committed themselves to being Odd Fellows and doing the great work that is done by our Order in New Jersey. Look for growing activity from this Lodge and please show support to any event or activity they schedule. The Samaritan 8

9 A Doctor and Plumber are in the same Lodge. On Sunday Morning the Doctor wakes up to find his toilet blocked. So he rings the Plumber. But I don t work Sundays! Can t it wait until tomorrow. The Doctor said. I don t like working Sundays either but if you were in trouble, and felt unwell, Brother I would come round to see you OK says the Plumber and goes round to the Doctor. Goes upstairs and looks at the toilet, take two aspirins from his pocket and throws them down the bowl. There he says If it s no better tomorrow give me a ring and I will call round. All things funny...(well we think so)... so feel free to submit your funny story, picture or joke! There s a man, walking down the street at 1 in the morning and he s very drunk. A policeman stops him and asks: Where are you going in that condition? Man: II mm on mmyy waayyy to a lecttturrre on OOdddfellooowsssss. Officer: Where can you possibly get a lecture on Odd Fellowship at this time of night? Man: Frromm mmyy wifffe, wwhenn I gget homme! :) A man is walking through the recreation ground of his local park when he notices a huge fight in full fury on the football field. What s going on? he asks a spectator watching from the side lines. The other replies It s a match between the Masons and the Odd Fellows. What s the score? asks the first man. I don t know, it s a secret. The Samaritan 9

10 Chaplain s Corner by Father Walter Norris Silence of the Soul Ponder the words of Neale Donald Walsh as you rush around, and listen slowly to the following: Remember, silence maintains secrets; Therefore, the sweetest sound is the sound of silence. That s the song of the soul, some listen to silence in prayer; others sing its song while working. Some look for the secrets in quiet contemplation. When mastery is achieved or experienced, the sounds of the world can be turned off, the distractions quieted. All of life becomes a meditation. Everything in life is a meditation, in which you contemplate the Divine and experience in this manner, everything as a blessing. Struggle and pain and worry disappear. Only experience remains. Smell every flower; fly with every bird; find beauty and wisdom since wisdom is found wherever there is beauty. Beauty is found everywhere; You don t have to search for it; rather it will come to you. When you act in the matter, you change everything you do to a meditation and thus into a gift, an offering of yourself to your soul and your soulto the Almighty. While washing the dishes, enjoy the warmth of the water which caresses your hands. While preparing dinner, feel the love of the universe, which brings you this food. And as your gift while preparing this food, pour all the love of your being into it. While breathing, breathe long and deep; breathe slowly and softly; Breathe the soft and sweet little thing of life, so full of energy, so full of love. It s the love of God that one is breathing. Breathe deeply and you will feel it. Breathe very, very deeply and love will make you cry... with joy. Because you know your God & your God presented you with your soul. Use your life as a meditation, and all the events in it. Walk in vigilance, not in drowsiness. Move with perfection, not without it; and don t hold back in doubt or fear, nor in guilt or self-recrimination. Reside in permanent splendor with the Assurance that you are well loved. Always be One with God; always feel at home, because your home is my heart and mine is yours. We are all that is; all that was, And all there will be. The Testimonial to celebrate the reign of Diane Brierley, the first woman in New Jersey history to hold the position of Grand Master, was held on October 27th at the Forsgate Country Club in central Jersey. A crowd of members, friends and family totaling about 170 people participated and enjoyed an evening of dancing and fun. Arlene DeFrancisco, Rebekah President, and Ralph Hughes, Grand Patriarch; represented their Orders well in delivering short, well paced and humorous speeches. Fellow New Brunswick Lodge members, Dan Lefever handled MC duties, while Mike O Connor gave Testimonial Report The Samaritan 10 a stirring introduction for the Grand Master, but, the highlight of the night was the emotional and affirming speech given by Diane s daughters, Jennifer and Kristen, who spoke lovingly of their mother. Diane was greeted with a standing ovation, not for being the first woman, but because of the Grand Master she is. She spoke of her Program and of her GM Charity, Multiple Sclorosis, then dedicated her year to her sister, Margaret, who suffers with the affliction. It was an enjoyable, social evening that passed quickly and without a hitch. A good evening to be an Odd Fellow.

11 Roast Roast Hubbs The It s taken a long, long time! Many people have been waiting for this opportunity but Joe and Doris just didn t want to climb onto that horse. We tried talking them into it before... But, 2012 was the year, baby! Joe and Doris were both on the hot seat!! It lasted several hours. In the hall of a Church, yet! I could tell you what this one said, or that one said But, too bad! I won t say. I mean, you can say these terrible things out in the open in front of a bunch of Odd Fellows and Rebekahs. They won t really believe the Hubbs would actually do The Fun was Yours --- The Honor?? was Ours --- THANK YOU BOTH so much for your support!! Joe & Doris Hubbs those things. But, if these things are written down on paper?!? Yikes. Besides, Joe really did have his clothes on, no matter what was said. And Doris... well, Doris.. heh, heh...well, never mind. Officially, Joe is quite a guy and Doris is quite a gal! They have both done more for the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs than anyone could expect over the years. They truly are terrific people who deserve our respect and gratitude for being such good sports. They have been married forever, it seems (...as said Joe, anyway. Ha!) and they ve been in their respective Order for almost as long, if not longer! AND They enjoyed themselves, which is almost as important as the Funds raised for the Rebekah Scholarship programs. Thanks Guys. Bergen Lodge: Thanks for a Job Well Done! I would sincerely like to thank all our Brother and Sister Lodges across New Jersey, our Merchants and private donors for all of their generous donations that made our 1st Annual tricky Tray event a great success. Thanks goes to all of our hard workers, members and non-members alike, who put in their time with the event. A special Thank You goes out to the Bergen County American Legion Auxillary President Debe free and Saddle Brook Unit 415 President Theresa Gail Mickens for their help and support. That s what you help others. Great Job Bergen Lodge!) The Samaritan 11 call united! Most of all, to our Tricky Tray committee members, Tracy Thompson, Luis Riviera, Robin Elder and Chairman Carla Almobayed. Many Thanks! Lenny Free, NG Bergen Lodge (This is in reference to another of the Lodges in New Jersey which is becoming more active and attracting NEW members who wish to do community projects to

12 Christmas! with Emmanuel Cancer Foundation, French Lodge, & Some Very Special Guests... The Samaritan 12

13 2012 Thanks to all who helped celebrate this special event! The Samaritan 13

14 The Honor of your Presence is Requested... March 9 - Charity Ball for the Arthritis Foundation 16 - Degree Rally 19 - Official Visit to French Lodge, Dinner at 7pm, Meeting at 8pm April 1 - Official Visit to Clinton Lodge, 8pm, Cranford, NJ Middle Atlantic States Conclave, Sheraton College Park Hotel, 4095 Powder Mill Rd, Beltsville, MD 20 - New Brunswick Lodge Trap Shoot, Mallard Trap Club, Monroe, 12 noon May 6 - French Lodge Golf Outing 11 - Clinton Lodge Ice Cream Social 19 - Arthritis Foundation Walks,Camden, Bergen, Others JUNE 19, 20, & 21 - GRAND LODGE SESSION at Resorts International Hotel, Atlantic City July 4 - Independence Day Parade, 9am New Brunswick Lodge Float, Milltown New Brunswick Lodge s Annual Trap Shoot Fund Raiser Saturday April Rain date 5/25/2013 Mallard Trap Club Monroe Blvd., Monroe Twsp, Monroe, NJ Entry Fee $35 + Pledges/Donation Includes 50 Shots,Targets, Refreshments and Trophies For High Score, Rookie of the Year, and Most Money Pledged 12:00 Noon Start time Shooter must have Shotgun or make arrangements to share. Register by 4/13/13 (Space is limited!) For Information please call Tom Calabrese or Dan Lefever Camp CHAT Visitation Day 28 - Wounded Warrior 5K Race, East Brunswick VFW August 3 - French Lodge Peach Pancake Breakfast, Richwood Academy, Richwood French Lodge Coin Drop, Richwood Academy, Richwood September 16 - New Brunswick Golf Outing, Peddie Golf Course, Hightstown, 9am 14 - State Wide Odd Fellows Cook-Off, Milltown, New Jersey 21 - French Lodge Dinner and Music, United Methodist Church Social Hall, Richwood December 7 - Annual French Lodge Christmas Party for Emmanuel Cancer Foundation for Children 7 - Arthritis Jingle Bell Run, Santa Chase New Brunswick # 6, Metuchen High School, Metuchen, New Jersey 7 - New Brunswick # 6 Holiday Party for kids, 11am 3pm Please join us for The Annual Charity Ball to benefit The Arthritis Foundation March 9, 2013 from 2 pm to 6pm $25. per person VFW Hall 485 Cranbury Road East Brunswick, New Jersey? Need to spread the word about an event? We re here to help! Tell us who, what, where, when, and why and we ll list it...for FREE! Dan7113@msn.com The Samaritan 14

15 MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY PROCLAMATION To the Officers and Members of all Degrees of the Independent order of Odd Fellowship Fraternal Greetings: As we continue to enjoy one hundred and ninety three years of fraternity let us not become complacent but strive toward setting goals to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in our communities and share more creative ways of offering the hand of friendship of our fraternity to those we meet. Therefore, I, Charles L. Renninger, Sovereign Grand Master of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, by authority in me duly vested, do proclaim that the Saturday the 27 th day of April be declared Odd Fellows and Rebekahs MAKE A DIFFERENCE Day. Further, all units of the Order are encouraged to hold special festivities in celebration of the day: Community Work Project; Hands Across Your: city, town, village, community followed by an open house in the lodge hall; et cetera. Done in the City of Winston-Salem, the State of North Carolina the 1 st day of November 2012 and of our Order the 194 th year. Yours in F, L & T, Attest: /s/ Charles L. Renninger Sovereign Grand Master /s/ Terry L. Barrett Sovereign Grand Secretary ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ MAKE A DIFFERENCE DAY Reporting Form Jurisdiction and Branch... Unit Name and Number... Or Individual... Hours Volunteered... Scheduled and completed the following Event: Contributions: Money; or Gifts in Kind Remarks MAKE A DIFFERENCE Reporting Officer The Samaritan 15

16 Friendship, Love, & Truth Practioners An occasional story of those who practice what we stand for at Heroic levels. Irena Sendler was a Polish Catholic nurse and social worker who served in the Polish Underground during World War II. As head of the children s section of Żegota, an underground resistance organization in German occupied Warsaw, she was assisted by some two dozen other Żegota members. Ms. Sendler worked as a plumbing and sewer specialist in the ghetto where she smuggled infants out in the bottom of the tool box she carried in the back of her truck. She used a burlap sack for larger children. She also had a dog that was trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers wanted nothing to do with the dog and the barking covered the infants noises. She smuggled 2,500 Jewish children out of the Warsaw Ghetto and provided them with false identity documents and housing outside the Ghetto, thereby saving those children from being killed. Irena kept a record of the names of these kids in a glass jar which was buried under a tree in her back yard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived the Holocaust to reunite them with their the families; but most had been gassed. The Nazis eventually discovered her activities, tortured her, and sentenced her to death. She managed to evade execution and survive the war. In 1965, Sendler was recognized by Every child saved with my help is the justification of my existence on this Earth, and not a title to glory. ~From Letter to the Polish Parliament by Irena Sendler the State of Israel as a Righteous among the Nations. Late in life she was awarded Poland s highest honor for her wartime humanitarian efforts and also was nominated for the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize with support from President Lech Kaczyński. She appears on a silver 2009 Polish commemorative coin honoring some of the Holocaust-resisters of Poland. The Samaritan 16