FLORIDA STATE ASSOCIATION COMMUNICATOR TOO The Official Publication of the Florida State Association of Masonic High Twelve Clubs, Inc. April 2008 PRESIDENT S REPORT Robert F. Ramieh, State President First and foremost, I would like everyone know that in December my first Official act as State President was the one thing that I do not like to do in High Twelve. I am sorry to say that not only did I have to do it; I had to do it twice, both times on the same day. That act was to collect the Charter, Banner, Bell and Treasury of Halifax Area High Twelve Club #558 and of Space Coast High Twelve Club #732 as both Clubs wished to close. Halifax Area Club was 28 years old and Space Coast Club was 3 years old. These two Clubs closed for the same reasons that the other Clubs in the past four (4) years closed. Those reasons being: lack of attendance and participation by the Club Members and no one willing to serve as a Club Officer. These are two problems that have caused the closure of 13 Florida High Twelve Clubs in the last four (4) years. Additionally, the Executive Committee was informed that Palmetto High Twelve Club #433 had informed its Membership that they were surrendering their Charter and closing their Club. That Charter was eventually delivered to the State Secretary. These 3 Club closure leave Florida with 27 active High Twelve Clubs with an total Membership of less than 850. By the Governing Board Meeting in April, I will have visited 13 Clubs since my installation as President. In my travels, I have spoken with the Club Officers on a variety of subjects. I have spoken with them about ideas on passive recruiting and International Credential Forms. Additionally, I have talked with the Club Officers about where their member numbers used to bill the Clubs for International and State Per Capita Fees come from. Many were surprised to find that those figures used by the State and A Charitable Appendant Body of Freemasonry Communicator Too is available online at: www.flhi12.org Volume VIII No. 2 International do not come from the Club s Membership Roster, but rather from the number of Members in the Club according to the State Association Membership Database. This is the reason why correctly completed Monthly Reports need filed each and every Month! I have reminded them about the International $100,000 Friends Club that was introduced to Florida High Twelve by Jim Satterthwaite, PSP, during his term as International President. During the course of going through some old paperwork, I found a copy of the High Twelvian Song, words and music by Frank McWhortor who was a member of Cortez High Twelve Club #538. Cortez sings this song at each Meeting and has a greeting line where everyone hugs, kisses and shakes hands. It is a wonderful way to start the Masonic Fellowship at a meeting. One of the things that I speak to the Club Officers at each Official Visit is the propensity to rush new Members into office. I try to instill upon them that the best thing they can do is assign each new Member a Mentor to sit with them and inform them about the procedures and protocols of High Twelve and the specifics of their Club. After the Member has been indoctrinated after several months, then he can be approached about becoming an officer whether elected or appointed. I have some good news that makes my heart feel good. Two officers from two different Clubs spoke with me after their respective Club Meetings closed. One was telling me that he felt that there was an area in Flagler County with sufficient Masons who would be willing to organize and form a Club. Another Officer at another Club stated that he knew of possible two cities north of Panama City where there were sufficient Masons who might be willing to organize and form a new Club. Hopefully, we will see some new Clubs formed this year.
Page 2 2008 STATE ASSOCIATION OFFICERS PRESIDENT Robert F. Ramieh, Cortez #538; Greater Ocala #665 352-873-7190 4895 SW 110th Street, Ocala, FL 34476 FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT Raymond Turner, Orlando #435 407-260-2600 180 Hilltop Place, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701-7604 SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT Jim McCann, Vero Beach #655 772-633-3030 1285 Parkside Drive, Vero Beach, FL 32966 THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT Don Robinson, Bayonet Point/Gulf #511 727-819-2094 10418 Flagship Ave, Port Richey, FL 34668 TREASURER Richard A. Walls, Cortez #538 941-758-1814 5030 14th St. W. Box H-14, Bradenton, FL 34207 SECRETARY Gene Black, Cortez #538 941-359-6511 5566 Shady Brook Court, Sarasota, FL 34243 IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT Frank R. Peregrin, Plantation #719 352-728-0774 4430 River Ridge Drive, Leesburg, FL 34748 CHAPLAIN Gary R. Moore, Vero Beach #655 772-562-9051 470 10th Street SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962 SERGEANT-AT-ARMS Stewart A. Davis, Tri-County #674 802-236-2625 1657 Golden Ridge Drive, The Villages, FL 32162 The COMMUNICATOR TOO The official publication of the Florida State Association of Masonic High Twelve Clubs, Inc. The Communicator Too is prepared and published by the Florida State Association of Masonic High Twelve Clubs, Inc. as a service to its membership. The Communicator Too is available on-line: www.flhi12.org 2008 High Twelve Day Suzanne Krueger We were blessed with another beautiful day for our annual High Twelve Day. It was held at Bahia Shrine in Orlando. There were 106 registered attendees. The tables were nicely decorated with potted plants that were later given out as door prizes to some lucky winners. We had the presentation of some Century Certificates given out by Merv Harris, PSP and Zone 8 Wolcott Chairman. Past President Harris also served as the Master of Ceremonies for the day. Before we had lunch, we were entertained by the Heroes of 78, Orlando 365. The presentation of the poems written about Old Glory were very inspiring and if you listened to the words, it really touched your patriotic heart strings. They also delivered a great toast on the building of the Flag. They told us why, how, and the date that the Stars were added to the Flag as they entered into the Union to make our beautiful Flag we honor today. The men who were dressed in uniforms of that period of time did a great job and we all enjoyed their patriotic presentation. Then we had a nice lunch of roast beef or chicken. Then came a fun part, the door prizes. As a variation from previous years, some of the door prizes were Gift Cards of various denominations from business throughout the state (Outback Steakhouse, Lowe's, Cracker Barrel, Publix, Home Depot, etc.). There were some very happy winners. The afternoon entertainment was the Big Band sound of the RSVP Band. Their music was great and consisted of the oldies and goodies of yesteryear. Most of the attendees captured some old memories of years ago. The High Twelve Banners from the Clubs that attended were displayed with pride. If you were not there, you missed a good time of fellowship. It was so good to see many of the Members we had not send since the last event. Thanks to all who were involved with the arrangements for this day. A job well done. Until we meet again next year, take care of yourselves and may you always have fraternal friendship and love in your heart.
Page 3 FROM THE 1 st VICE PRESIDENT Ray Turner, 1 st Vice President Many topics were discussed at The Executive Meeting that was held in Ocala on March 14. The main concern for the State is finances. Our President has given me the responsibility to peruse a program that will bring money into the State without being a burden on the Membership. When plans and details are worked out I will advise everyone. Mr. Isan Dinesen once said, "God made the world round so we would never be able to see too far down the road." I think if we set our course do East, we will achieve our goals. Look to the East my Brother. Please don't forget the Governing Board Meeting, April 12, Saturday at 10:00, at Freedom Public Library, in Ocala. Call the President for directions. All are welcome. The ole gray fox says: "Keep the Faith." ATTEND YOUR BLUE LODGE THAT S WHERE HIGH TWELVIANS COME FROM! HIGH TWELVE DAY 2008 James McCann, 2 nd Vice President I wish to thank everyone for all their help in making High Twelve Day 2008 a success. I hope that it was what Brother Ray Turner had envisioned. I would like to thank all the last minute help, those selling raffle tickets and handing out table tickets at the door. A special thanks to Bahia Shrine Center and the caterers. The lunch was delicious and the service was fantastic. The last thanks to all the Brothers and their ladies for there attendance. Brothers and Ladies, without your support the Day would not have been possible. FROM THE DESK OF THE 3 rd VP Don Robinson, 3 rd Vice President Finally, finally(!), I can start making some visitations to High Twelve Clubs at least in my area (West Central Florida) and hopefully beyond the Nature Coast. M y o t h e r M a s onic o f f i c e r responsibilities have precluded my doing much visiting until now. I m sure that many of you out there know the feeling. If any Communicator Too reader has mastered the art of being in two different places at once, please contact me: c/o the Communicator Too Editor. April 1 is just around the corner and High Twelve Day 2008 is now history. For those of you who attended the affair held last month at the Bahia Shrine Temple in Orlando, then you know that we had a good time with the spoken and musical entertainment. The food was very good too. As 3 rd VP, I am already planning High Twelve Day 2009. I can tell you that it probably will be held at the Spartan Manor in New Port Richey and most likely, in February, 2009. The rest is still in the planning stages. For all of you snow bird High Twelvians who are getting set to leave for the Great North (where I used to live thirty-five years ago), goodbye for now and we ll see you back in the sunny south next fall. We do appreciate the support you give to our Florida High Twelve Clubs. This is all I have for the spring issue of the Communicator Too and I hope to see you on my Club visits. Wolcott Jewelry Emporium Pamela Ramieh I am pleased to say that this past February, I mailed a check in the amount of $800.00 to Merv Harris, PSP, Zone 8 Wolcott Chairman for the benefit of the Wolcott Foundation from the Wolcott Jewelry Emporium. I have been very lucky to receive so many donations of fine jewelry and to have so many Ladies and Members purchase the same from me over the past years. As I have said many times, I enjoy cleaning the jewelry and repairing it. Now, my father, Robert McCollam is living so close, I can holler at him and he is helping me also. Thanks again.
Page 3 FROM THE SECRETARY S DESK Gene Black, State Secretary Brothers, It is my sincere wish that all 2008 Elections of Officers for your individual Clubs have taken place and your Club is doing well. I ask each of you as Secretary of your High Twelve Club to please use the approved forms when you send me your monthly membership reports. It is important that you include all changes on this form that are made in your Club for each month of the year when submitting this report to me. It becomes more difficult for me to sort out the information if it is not written in correctly; such as dates, times, and names, etc. Many of you are new to your Club Secretary s duties as I am to mine and we can learn together how to get the job done correctly even if we do make mistakes that need correcting. When we all cooperate together in performing our duties and if we commit ourselves to doing them right it will be better for all of us. Thank you so much for your cooperation. When this message is read Easter Sunday will have passed us by and I hope all of you and your family and grandchildren enjoyed a very happy and enjoyable day. Please remember that I am always available to assist you with whatever problem that may arise. 4 4 Hi, High Twelvian Words and Music by Frank McWhortor We had a Birthday Party! Suzanne Krueger Lake Placid High Twelve Club #595 turned 25 years old in February 2008. What a nice party luncheon we had. We had a good crowd. We had the following dignitaries join us for the day. Past International and Past State President Jim Satterthwaite and Lady Naomi; State President Bob Ramieh and Lady Pam; State Treasurer Richard Walls and Lady Pat; Past State President Frank Peregrin and Lady Pat; and Wolcott Representative Merv Harris and Lady Pat. That made quite an impressive group. For the birthday, we sang and gifts were presented to all that attended the luncheon. Our Chaplain read some interesting facts on what some Brother Masons did who were in the armed forces of our country. President Lingren read the history of our Club since 1983 to the present. We were also presented The Traveling Gavel by the Arcadia Club. Our District still has that going around as it still brings fellowship between the Clubs. We were blessed with a great day, good food, and lots of cookies and great fellowship between the attendees. High Twelvian Song The song at the bottom of this page can be found on the Association Web site as a full page. Hi, Hi, Hi, High Twelvian. Hi there Brother, Hello. Now we re here, Let s delve right in. Keep that spirit aglow. Try, Try, Try, High Twelvian, Be a good old stand by ; It s good to be here in this land, shake my hand it feels so grand. Hi, High Twelvian, Hi!
Page 4 Here is something that I received as an Email and thought it was something that everyone may be interested in reading. Bob Ramieh A Message by George Carlin: The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider Freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. George Carlin We have more (educational) degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you (via email), and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete. Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever. Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side. Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent. Remember, to say, 'I love you' to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you. Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again. Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind. AND ALWAYS REMEMBER: Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Cortez #538 Celebrates Birthday Gene Black, State Secretary Cortez High Twelve Club #538 celebrated their 30th birthday on March 13th, 2008 with an outing picnic for all Members and their Ladies at the beach in Bradenton, Florida. A good time was had by all in attendance. The theme of St. Patrick's Day brought some Members in Irish Green costumes and a judging was held for the best dressed and the winners were given prizes. The outing was paid for in it s entirety from our auction proceeds from our monthly auction of things the Members bring in to auction off. Our auctioneer, Dave Gardner, does a wonderful job of auctioneering. We started this in 2006 and have donated $100.00 to the Wolcott Fund. Because Cortez has had so much success we recommend that other High Twelve Clubs start some kind of project for their Members and Ladies to participate in. In addition, Cortez #538 had a delicious cake trimmed in green.