Manatee Lodge No. 31 402 15th Street East (401)-338-4205 Issue 2013-10 Bradenton, Florida 34208 October 2013 Florida Grand Lodge Officers M W Danny R. Griffith, Grand Master R W Norman F. Cyphers, DDGM R H Michael Cullen, District Instructor Worshipful Master Senior Warden Junior Warden Treasurer Secretary Chaplain Marshal Senior Deacon Junior Deacon Senior Steward Junior Steward Tyler Assistant Tyler Lodge Instructor Funeral Committee Publicity Chairman Lodge Chef Assistant Chaplain Manatee Lodge No. 31 2013 Officers W Les Ruggiero 401-338-4205 Joe Fenton 941-232-5031 John Steiner 941-232-4927 W Mike Olson, PM 941-361-3084 R H George Benjamin, PM 941-713-7856 Stan Preston 941-792-6167 W Mike Grimes, PM 941-812-8306 Doug Dobbs 941-545-1726 Rob Hunt 941-284-8584 Kyle Bachman 941-518-6081 Tom Carter 941-993-7911 R H Ron Baber, PM 941-748-7938 Ken Ammons 941-795-4535 R H Ron Baber, PM 941-748-7938 W Les Ruggiero 401-338-4205 W George Vomvoris, PM 941-756-6298 Ed Kieffer 941-313-6760 W George Vomvoris, PM 941-756-6298 FROM THE TREASURER Greetings to all my Brothers and their families. I am very proud to belong to such a great Lodge. My Masonic Life is quite different from most Masons at Manatee #31. Yes, I m a Yankee, and everything in Florida is strange to my world. From the openings - to the lectures - to the closings. The words are different but the meanings are still the same. The Lodge takes good men and makes them better. Never better than anyone else, but better than they were before becoming a Mason. Our white apron always reminds me to be a better husband, father, grand father, neighbor and citizen. It is one of my most prized possessions. I came from what is called a Gypsy Lodge. We have no building, no eating area, and no kitchen. We rent space in schools or other meeting areas. Our Altar consists of a card table and a white table cloth. We use real candles and we set the Lodge room with folding chairs. Beforehand, we meet at a restaurant and have a meal together and the Stewards leave early to prepare the Lodge room. We place sheets over the windows and our Tyler is outside the room. We are a very active Lodge and rank among some of the best in the state. We have received many gold awards for various achievements. So you all understand that a great Lodge is not about the building a great Lodge is about the work performed in the Lodge. It s really quite simple. Poor Masonic work results in the beginning death of a Lodge and great work causes a Lodge to Flourish. At Manatee Lodge #31 we have it all. A wonderful building that actually has parking, a kitchen, and huge seating. To my Brothers, If you haven t been to Lodge in a while you are really missing out on wonderful meals, warm fellowship, and great work. Hope to see you soon. W:. Mike Olson, PM Treasurer
Sickness & Distress W James Fleming is recovering from knee surgery. W Bob Davis is hospitalized and undergoing tests. Special Announcements Grand Master s visit & Dinner, Sat. Oct. 12th. We would like as many as possible to attend. The Lodge covers the cost of your meal!! Registration is at 5PM, dinner at 6PM, and stated meeting at Sarasota #147 at 7- ish Everyone invited to dinner including wives etc., there will be entertainment for the ladies while the stated meeting is going on. Dinner at the Potter building on the Sarasota Fairgrounds. Please make note that ALL officers should be there and as many others as possible, the GM takes a headcount of each lodge from WM right down the list! We need to make Manatee 31 look good!! Anyone wanting to go should contact WM, SW, JW or Sec. with # attending. Perpetual Members Kenneth E. Ammons Wilbert L. Anders, Jr. Ronald E. Baber George V. Benjamin Brady W. Chapman John G. Collins Robert B. Coverdale Earl W. Dennis, Jr. Douglas W. Dobbs Michael R. Dobbs John E. Hokanson Edwin T. Holman Ryan P. Johnson Hutton G. Lewis Stanley Preston Kenneth Reese, Sr. Joseph S. Rowland Alessio Ruggiero Thomas A. Simpkins Theodore R. Simpkins, II Robert J. Springer Billy Staffiles Nicolas A. Ruggiero Masonic Birthdays JOE S ROWLAND 10/3/1967 DONALD E BARR 10/8/1994 KEVIN L PULFORD 10/8/1994 JOSEPH S ROWLAND 10/8/1994 DAVID A BELL 10/13/1975 CHARLES W CZUMAK 10/14/1984 WALLACE R DAVIS JR 10/15/1962 JOHN A TOMASSO 10/15/2011 CARL E WALP 10/15/2011 PATRICK L WENZEL 10/15/2011 MARK E BENNETT 10/17/1966 WILLARD O BRASGALLA 10/17/1966 CLAYTON E SUTTON 10/18/1980 PETER F CARROLL III 10/22/1988 DONALD F HIBBERT, JR 10/22/1958 JAMES P SUTHERLAND 10/22/1990 DAVID M KUEHL 10/24/1983 SAMMY D SIMPKINS 10/24/1987 GEORGE J VOMVORIS 10/24/1983 NICOLAS A RUGGIERO 10/25/2010 DALE H HIGINBOTHAM 10/30/1967 KENNETH REESE SR 10/31/1998 Thank you to our Trestle Board Business Sponsors!!
Can you find 2 hours to spare on a Saturday? If you haven't heard, our charitable fundraisers at Publix have been a HUGE success. We ve managed to raise thousands of dollars for our charity partners, and increase our visibility in the community. The ONLY problem we seem to have, is that we need more of our Lodge Brothers and friends to help out. EA s, FC s, even those who haven't attended Lodge in a while, are encouraged to step up and lend a hand. You can sign up for a 2 hour spot, anytime during the usual 10 am to 6 pm event. If you ve never done anything like this, you ll be amazed at how there is no pressure, and most patrons are more than willing to give what they can to help us out. Check the Trestleboard for upcoming events, and feel free to contact W:. Mike Grimes, PM if you are interested. A SPECIAL THANKS TO THESE BROTHERS FOR THEIR TIME AND EFFORT!!! W:. Brian Johnson, PM W:. M:. Les Ruggiero Bill Dunning W:. Mike Olsen, PM Andy Purcell Tom Carter David Rowe Kyle Bachman Joe Fenton John Steiner Paul Cronen MEGHP John Worman Ken Ammons R:. H:. Ron Baber, PM Adam Sherr Doug Dobbs Ed Kieffer W:. Earl Dennis, PM Brody Catt R:. H:. George Benjamin, PM BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADVERTISE HERE AND SUPPORT THE TRESTLE BOARD. FOR ONLY $25, YOUR LISTING WILL RUN FOR ALL OF 2013! SEND CHECK AND YOUR DESIRED LISTING INFORMATION TO: Manatee Lodge #31, P.O. Box 9304, Bradenton, FL 34206 or bring them to the lodge and see the Worshipful Master, Secretary, or Trestleboard Editor Accounting Computers Landscaping Photography Automotive Contractors Legal Plumbing Banking Home Care NEW! Anders Home Services, Inc. 2806 56th Ave Cir E Bradenton, FL 34203 voice: (941) 941-753-3486 voice: (941) 705-0751 email: andershomeservices@gmail.com Medical Travel
Our Masonic Family Manatee Chapter 14 Order of the Eastern Star Manatee Chapter 14 holds its regular meetings on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm Worthy Matron Worthy Patron Donna Fleming James Fleming jdf53118@msn.com Secretary Diane Nourse 508-904-8660 merrymeetingdi@aol.com Chaplain Mary Hancock 758-5272 Warder Daughters of the Nile NYLA Temple #152 holds its regular meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. 11:30 am for lunch and 1:00 pm for session. Queen Princess Recorder York Rite Council Douglas Dobbs 545-1726 Marilyn Carlsen chinookc@aol.com Donna Kay Duffy mailto:cdd84@aol.com Bradentown Council #9 holds its regular meetings on the 3rd Thursday each month at 7:30 pm Illustrious Master Gene Lance 941-723-2075 glance1@tampabay.rr.com Deputy Master Principal Conductor Of Work Palmetto Lodge #110 Albert (Butch) Thurman PM George Cancro PM Holds its regular meeting on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm. Worshipful Master Gene Lance 941-723-2075 glance1@tampabay.rr.com Sr. Warden Jr. Warden Kevin Bergquist Richard Coles Go Paperless! Help Support Our Lodge by choosing to receive your copy of the Trestle Board by email. Contact: Worshipful Master, W Les Ruggiero, les31@yahoo.com Or Trestle Board Editor and Junior Deacon, Rob Hunt, caddcid@gmail.com Announcements The following men have submitted Petitions for the Three Degrees of Masonry to be read in Lodge: Steve Hopkins The following men have submitted Petitions for the Three Degrees of Masonry and are currently under investigation: John Michael Cronen, Robert I. Hammer, Nicholas Jared Ierulli, and Michael Albert Rogers. The following Brothers have submitted a Petition for Affiliation and are currently under investigation: James Reid Buttler, III. Candidates to be balloted upon: None at this time Candidates to be initiated: James Jackson Albritton and Anthony Thomas McNair Brothers preparing for EA Proficiency: Richard K. Benn, Samuel Julian Bohn, Sr., Sidney M. Evans, II, Phillip Wallace Fellows, and John Alderman Freeman, III,, Donald Ray Simmons Brothers to be Passed: Lazaro Diaz Brothers preparing for FC Proficiency: Derek James Berry, and Edward Alan Lutz, Brothers to be Raised: James McConnell Bell and Matthew Steven Steiner Brothers preparing for MM Proficiency, pursuing their Apron: Timothy Frances Clifford. Brothers to be presented their Masonic Apron: None at this time Brothers presented their Masonic Apron: Charles R. Bigham, Thomas D. Carter, Brody McClellan Catt, William R. Dunning, Christopher A. MacKenzie, Jonathon R. Mitchell, and Adam Seth Sherr. 3 rd Quarter Non-Masonic donation was to Southeastern Guide Dogs School for Paws for Patriots program. The Manatee Lodge #31 website is www.manateelodge31.org Featuring: Up-to-date Calendar, Photos, Monthly TrestleBoard and a Downloadable Petition. Visit Local Masonry on the Internet at : www.trowel.com/flamason
2012 Lodge Committees FINANCE COMMITTEE Sr. Warden: Joe Fenton nuiili@aol.com VIGILANCE COMMITEE Jr. Warden: John Steiner jsteiner4@tampabay.rr.com PETITIONS COMMITTEE W Mike Grimes mg5010@aol.com EDUCATION COMMITTEE Worshipful Master: W Les Ruggiero les31@yahoo.com BOARD OF RELIEF Worshipful Master: W Les Ruggiero les31@yahoo.com COMMITTEE ON CHARITY W Mike Grimes mg5010@aol.com W George Vomvoris, PM keymaster5050@yahoo.com COMMITTEE OF LODGE PROPERTY Sr. Warden: Joe Fenton nuiili@aol.com INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE Jr. Warden: John Steiner jsteiner4@tampabay.rr.com Sr. Deacon: Doug Dobbs doug.dobbs61@yahoo.com FUNERAL COMMITTEE Worshipful Master: W Les Ruggiero les31@yahoo.com LODGE INSTRUCTION R H Ron Baber, PM LODGE CHEF Bro. Ed Kieffer Edward.kieffer@gmail.com TRESTLE BOARD & WEBSITE EDITOR Jr. Deacon: Rob Hunt caddcid@gmail.com Manatee Lodge #31 proudly donates $1560.30 to our local Make-A-Wish chapter An update on Solomon... Solomon is full of energy, as most 6 month old labs are. He is full of love, and is already showing good traits for a guide dog. He sticks to my side 24 hours a day. He comes to work with me daily, and my customers can't wait to see him each month they come in. He sits patiently until I allow them to greet him. The photos attached are Solomon at my office. In his free time, he is learning to swim. He knows how to swim, it's just that he doesn't know just yet how he feels about not having his footing. He does like to cool off by putting his 2 front paws in the water and then kicking the water underneath his belly to cool off. If you place a toy on the top step, he'll put his whole head under water to pick it up. His favorite toys are his Bouncy Bone, and his Nyla bones, as he is a big chewer, but with these toys around he hasn't chewed up anything but his dad's wallet, that only happened twice though! He is a sweet, sweet boy. Thank you so much for supporting Southeastern Guide Dogs. I love being a part of this organization that does so much good for the visually impaired and our soldiers, and your role makes my role possible! Solomon at 4 mos. - Julie Pierce
2013 Lodge Officers Front Row (L to R): W:. Mike Grimes, W:. Mike Olson, R:.H:. Ron Baber, R:.H:. George Benjamin, Daryl Leeworthy, Kyle Bachman 2nd Row (L to R): Doug Dobbs, Rob Hunt Back Row (L to R): Joe Fenton, W:.M:. Les Ruggiero, & John Steiner Photo Courtesy Of: Nick Evans Photography IF you did not receive the Trestle Board by e-mail, please go to www.manateelodge31.org and click the Trestle Board link, then choose what ever month you wish to view. If you do not get a printed Trestle Board by USPS, you can pick one up at any stated The Chaplain s Corner Should anyone hear of a Brother or family member in sickness or distress, please don t hesitate to contact our Chaplain at 792-6167, or any other Lodge Officer. Want to serve on a committee? Chaplain Stan Preston is looking for some Brothers who can serve on a visitation committee. Sometimes a visit to a shut-in or sick Brother is better than medicine! See our Chaplain if you can spare a little time to help out. Chaplain: Bro. Stan Preston ALESSIO S RISTORANTE All-You-Can-Eat Pasta Dinner 5:00 PM - 7:30PM On the 2nd Friday of each month at the Lodge Building Cost is only $9.00 for Adults Please come and bring your friends and family, children under 12 free. Serving: salad, bread, pasta, coffee, & iced tea. Please feel free to bring your favorite dessert to share! Support Our Lodge Dinners! Steak Night 1st Monday at 6:00 pm $10 Ribeye Steak Dinner Typically includes: mushrooms & onions, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, vegetable, tossed salad, & dessert. Potluck Night 3rd Monday at 6:00 pm For a small donation, the Lodge provides the Main Course, Coffee & Tea. Guests are encouraged to bring their favorite side dish or dessert to share.
OCTOBER 2013 WORK DAY NOVEMBER 2013 WORK DAY
Manatee Lodge No. 31 Free and Accepted Masons of Florida P.O. Box 9304 Bradenton, Florida 34206 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Manasota, FL Permit No. 183 If you move, please inform the secretary at the address above so service will not be interrupted (and save costs to the Lodge). All returned mail will be deleted from mailing list. Remember our Masonic Home in your Will Remember in your prayers the men and women in uniform, who are serving our country. Have you Considered a Perpetual Membership? Ask why and how it benefits both you and the Lodge Trestle Board Sponsors Help your Lodge with a yearly contribution. Contact the Worshipful Master or Secretary for details SILVER CLUB ($25.00 $49.99) GOLD CLUB ($50.00 $74.99) William Dalgarno John & Roberta Collins PLATINUM CLUB ($75.00+ ) John & Carol Steiner, George & Lucille Benjamin, Ken & Karen Ammons, Les & Carol Ruggiero Living Past Masters 1960 Milton M. Stewart 1989 Gary E. Carter 2004 Wilbert L. Anders 1965 John G. Collins 1990 George J. Vomvoris 2005 Richard A. Cooper 1967 Wallace R. Davis 1993 Byron P. Barton 2006 John E. Hokanson 1968 Glen E. Boeschen 1994 Marc B. Gilner 2007 Charles A. Keeler 1973 James P. Sellers 1996 Ronald E. Baber 2008 Robert Coverdale 1976 George V. Benjamin 1998 Earl T. Hasenflu 2009 Albert Thurman 1978 John G. Breese 2000 Charles M. Reibold 2010 Brian Johnsen 1983 Riley M. Hardy 2001 Elwood H. Williams 2011 Earl Dennis 1984 Dozier K. Walker 2002 Joseph S. Rowland 2012 Mike Grimes 1987 Thomas A. Simpkins 2003 Theodore R. Simpkins The Scottish Rite, York Rite, Eastern Star, Grotto, and the Shrine Need You Why not Join and Gain New Light. Contact the Lodge Secretary for Contact Information