Manatee Lodge No. 31 402 15th Street East Issue 2014-8 Bradenton, Florida 34208 November 2014 Florida Grand Lodge Officers M W James W. Ford, Grand Master R W Allen Sorbie, DDGM R H Ron Baber, 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 2014 Officers W Joe Fenton 941-232-5031 John Steiner 941-232-4927 Doug Dobbs 941-545-1726 W Mike Olson, PM 941-361-3084 R H George Benjamin, PM 941-713-7856 Stan Preston 941-792-6167 W Les Ruggiero, PM 401-338-4205 Kyle Bachman 941-518-6081 Tom Carter 941-993-7911 Brody Katt 941-704-9567 Matt Steiner 941-742-8784 R H Ron Baber, PM 941-748-7938 Ken Ammons 941-795-4535 R H Ron Baber, PM 941-748-7938 W George Vomvoris, PM 941-756-6298 W George Vomvoris, PM 941-756-6298 W George Vomvoris, PM 941-756-6298 Saturday, December 6, 2014 4:30 PM FOOD! MUSIC! ENTERTAINMENT! Featuring Nationally-known Comedian, Ventriloquist, and Entertainer, MARK JAMES And all his gang of loony friends! Plus, a Special Visit From Santa Claus for all Kids 16 and under in attendance! This party is open to all Masonic Families from any Lodge or Allied Bodies. Because space may be limited please R.S.V.P. as soon as possible with the number attending in your party, but no later than November 28, 2014. It is especially important that you supply Junior Warden Doug Dobbs with the Name, Age, and Gender of any child 16 R.S.V.P. to: Doug.dobbs61@yahoo.com anytime, or call 941-545-1726 between 7 AM and 9 PM Adults Attending Child s Name: Age: Boy: Girl:
SICKNESS AND DISTRESS. Brothers All, It is with a heavy heart that I must report the passing of Bro. Stan early this morning. On my last visit to him two days ago, I could not help but note that virtually every available space in his room at Hospice was filled with cards, letters, and flowers. This meant so much to Stan, as did the steady flow of visits by so many of his Brothers during his last days. But, Stan also often spoke about being with Betty soon, and he left this world at peace eagerly looking forward to that reunion. Stan loved and truly understood our great Fraternity in a way many desire, but few achieve. He was a rare blessing for all of us, and truly made every Brother he touched a better person for having had the privilege of knowing him. No man could wish or receive a better epitaph. To say that he will be missed would be more than an understatement. Funeral arrangements are pending. George Benjamin, Secretary Masonic Birthdays My Brothers, first I would like to say how proud I am to be a member of Manatee Lodge # 31. It is my home and yours. We have been struggling with sickness, distress, and building issues as of late but we must remember we are Manatee Lodge # 31 which is the shining star of our district in my heart and mind. It means the world to me to see those among us step up to do what is necessary in troubled times. The dedication of each Brother is truly impressive and I can t thank all of you enough. When the chips are down in my life I have always been able to turn to a Brother for a hand, a listening ear, and a warm and full heart of compassion and fraternity. It s an amazing feeling to know you are never alone in this world. That said, you only get out of Freemasonry what you put into it. Only you can determine the time and energy you can put in but I guarantee it is returned ten fold. I encourage you to come to the Lodge, participate in the degrees however you can, attend meetings, and spread the light of Freemasonry liberally amongst the newer Brothers like myself. We are young and hungry to learn. I encourage the young and hungry to come out and help on work days and save an old man s back. Together we are what we cannot be alone. I hope we can all remember that. It s been my honor to serve Brother Dobbs and all of you as your Senior Steward. Fraternally, Brody Catt Sr. Steward 11-02-1996 PAUL DAVID WILLIAMS 11-03-1984 BYRON PATRICK BARTON 11-03-2012 KYLE BEHRNES BACHMAN 11-03-2012 BRODY McCLELLLAND CATT 11-03-2012 FRANK CHANCE CASTANTINO 11-03-2012 DOMINIC ANTHONY COX 11-03-2012 HUTTON GRAHAM LEWIS 11-03-2012 ADAM SETH SHERR 11-03-2012 RONNIE DALE WILSON 11-06-1982 RAYMOND FREDERICK SCHINDEWOLF 11-06-2010 RICKEY LOUIS GROOVER 11-07-1955 MILTON McCLLAN STEWART 11-08-1975 JOHN THOMAS HUBBARD 11-10-2008 JEROME DAVID TOMASSO JR 11-15-1971 RONALD CHARLES EVANS 11-16-2013 JAMES McCONNELL BELL 11-16-2013 DEREK JAMES BERRY 11-16-2013 MATTHEW STEVEN STEINER 11-18-2000 WILLIAM BRYAN PADELFORD 11-23-1963 THOMAS ALLEN SIMPKINS 11-23-1968 JAMES PHILIP SELLARS 11-24-2001 BILLY JOE STAFFILES 11-24-2007 KENNETH EUGENE AMMONS 11-24-2007 MICHAEL RAYMOND DOBBS 11-24-2007 NICHOLAS A EVANS 11-25-1996 FRED DWAYNE STALTER 11-28-1970 LUTHER EDWARD BOYETT JR 11-28-1970 JAMES ROBERT FLETCHER Thank you to our Trestle Board Business Sponsors!!
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 2013 Les Ruggiero Have you Considered a Perpetual Membership? Ask why and how it benefits both you and the Lodge Trestle Board Sponsors SILVER CLUB ($25.00 $49.99) Your Name Here! GOLD CLUB ($50.00 $74.99) Herbert and Joan McGuire PLATINUM CLUB ($75.00+ ) Les & Carol Ruggiero and Edwin & Carol Holman BUSINESS DIRECTORY ADVERTISE AND SUPPORT THE TRESTLE BOARD. FOR ONLY $25, LISTING WILL RUN FOR ALL OF 2014! SEND CHECK AND 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 Trestle board Editor Antiques Clifford s Antiques & Collectables Timothy F. Clifford Certified Appraiser home: (941) 896-5120 cell: (941) 807-6416 manacuda@yahoo.com??????? Home Care Anders Home Services, Inc. Home Care For Snowbirds 2806 56th Ave Cir E Bradenton, FL 34203 voice: (941) 753-3486 voice: (941) 705-0751 andershomeservices@gmail.com??????? Social Security Disability Specialist 2027 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 voice: (941) 748-5599 George@LeglerFlynn.com Manufacturing Gator stamping International. Inc. 6610 63 Street East Sarasota, Florida 34243 941-753-9598 pcronen@gatorstamping.com Financial Michael H. Smith Investment Advisor 6350 Gulf Of Mexico Dr. Suite 101 Longboat Key, FL 34228 voice: (941) 383-2300 Michael@LongboatKeyFinancial.com Photogrqphy???????????? Funeral Sammy Simpkins Funeral Director Griffith-Cline Funeral Home 720 Manatee Ave W Bradenton, FL 34205 voice: (941) 748-1011 sam.simpkins@griffithcline.com?????????????
Our Masonic Family Manatee Chapter 14 Order of the Eastern Star Regular meetings on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7:30 pm Worthy Matron Patty Kunkel 941-748-6669 pattykunkel@verizon.net Worthy Patron Robert Mallard 941-792-6068 jdf53118@msn.com Associate Matron Glenda Dunning 941-804-5194 glendaray@verizon.net Associate Patron James Fleming jdf53118@msn.com Secretary Diane Nourse 508-904-8660 diane.nourse@gmail.com Chaplain Mike Olson 941-361-3084 floor8@aol.com Sentinel Douglas Dobbs 941-545-1726 doug.dobs61@yahoo.com Warder Bill Dunning 941-504-5195 bill@gatorstamping.com Queen Daughters of the Nile NYLA Temple #152 holds its regular meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month. Princess Recorder York Rite Council Bradentown Council #9 holds its regular meetings on the 3rd Thursday each month at 7:30 pm Illustrious Master Deputy Master Principal Conductor Palmetto Lodge #110 Holds its regular meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm. Kathy Rodd Albert (Butch) Thurman, PM butcht31@peoplepc.com William A. Sorbie, PM dotbat@hotmail.com Richard Coles Worshipful Master Kevin Bergquist 941-807-1734 dojoacademy@gmail.com Sr. Warden Jr. Warden Donna Kay Duffy mailto:cdd84@aol.com Richard Coles Russell DesErmia Go Paperless! Help Support Our Lodge by choosing to receive your copy of the Trestle Board by email. Contact: Trestle Board Editor Bro. Bill Dunning, bill@gatorstamping.com Announcements The annual Lodge Christmas Party has been scheduled for Saturday December 6, 2014 beginning at 4:30 p.m. it will include music, food, professional entertainment, and a visit from Santa for all children 14 and under. The party is open to all Masonic Families. Please RSVP Doug Dobbs, Junior Warden, or George Benjamin, Secretary with the names and ages of all children 16 and under who will be attending as soon as possible. Also, we would like to get a head count for all others who will be attending. More details to follow. The following men have submitted Petitions for the Three Degrees of Masonry to be read in Lodge: None at this time The following men have submitted Petitions for the Three Degrees of Masonry and are currently under investigation: Andy J. Richardson, The following Brothers have submitted a Petition for Affiliation and are currently under investigation: David Wayne Huston affiliation by transfer of membership. Brothers John Horne Jr, and James Fleming were elected into plural membership Candidates waiting to be initiated: Fellow Craft Tracy Jr. Martin. Brothers preparing for EA Proficiency: Warren Glenn Bergstressor, II, Jason Michael Bileth, John Michael Cronen, John Alderman Freeman, III, James A. Miller, and Dennis Warren Neihart. Brothers to be Passed: Richard K. Benn Brothers preparing for FC Proficiency: Donald Ray Simmons Brothers to be Raised: None at this time Brothers preparing for MM Proficiency, pursuing their Apron: James McConnell Bell, Robert I. Hammer, Steve Hopkins, Anthony Thomas McNair, and Chadwick Terrell Brothers recently presented their Masonic Apron: James Jackson Albritton, Nicholas Jared Ierulli, Michael Albert Rogers The Manatee Lodge #31 website is www.manateelodge31.org Featuring: Up-to-date Calendar, Photos, Monthly Trestle Board and a Downloadable Petition. Visit Local Masonry on the Internet at : www.trowel.com/flamason
2014 lodge committees Perpetual Members FINANCE COMMITTEE Sr. Warden: John Steiner jsteiner4@tampabay.rr.com VIGILANCE COMMITTEE Jr. Warden: Doug Dobbs doug.dobbs61@yahoo.com PETITIONS COMMITTEE W Mike Grimes mg5010@aol.com EDUCATION COMMITTEE Worshipful Master: W Joe Fenton nuiilio63@gmail.com BOARD OF RELIEF Worshipful Master: W Joe Fenton nuiilio63@gmail.com COMMITTEE ON CHARITY W Mike Grimes, PM mg5010@aol.com W George Vomvoris, PM keymaster5050@yahoo.com Mark A. Atkinson 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 Joseph K. Fenton Earl M. Grimes 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 $25 A TICKET COMMITTEE OF LODGE PROPERTY Sr. Warden: John Steiner jsteiner4@tampabay.rr.com INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE Jr. Warden: Doug Dobbs doug.dobbs61@yahoo.com Sr. Deacon: Kyle Bachman FUNERAL COMMITTEE W George Vomvoris LODGE INSTRUCTION R H Ron Baber, PM LODGE CHEF Bro. Ed Kieffer Edward.kieffer@gmail.com TRESTLE BOARD & WEBSITE EDITOR Bro. Rob Hunt caddcid@gmail.com Win A Perpetual Membership! Series 2!! Only 80 Tickets will be sold! Tickets are $25, and you can purchase more than 1 ticket (depending on availability). Members of other Lodge s can play, but a maximum value of $1600.00 will be awarded for a Perpetual Membership in their particular Lodge. Win An Annual Membership! Raffle tickets are on sale at the Tylers station at every Stated or Called meeting of Manatee Lodge. 50 tickets will be sold at $2.00 each, and then a drawing for that batch of 50 tickets will be the same evening if it is a Stated Communication, or if it is a Called Communication, the drawing will be held at the next Stated Meeting. Prize is a certificate redeemable for the following year s dues ($80.00 value). For example, tickets currently being sold are for 2015 dues, and ongoing raffles for 2015 dues will continue until dues notices for 2015 are mailed out in October of 2014. After that date raffles will continue, but will be for certificates redeemable for 2016 dues. In addition, because of the low value of each ticket, records of individual sales will not be maintained as in the Perpetual Membership raffles. Therefore, the winning ticket holder must present his stub to win. If he cannot produce the ticket stub after the drawing or within 30 days of publication of the winning ticket number in the Trestle Board, the drawn ticket will be considered void, and a new ticket will be drawn from that same batch. ALL MEMBERSHIP RAFFLES TO BENEFIT SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Brothers, I'm sad to announce our brother Ed Kieffer, our lodge chef, has moved to Ocala Fl. he will be greatly missed in the kitchen cooking the dinners. Ed's attendance will be missed as a brother in our lodge. In a short period time Ed has contributed a lot to Manatee 31 from putting out great meals in the kitchen at low cost to working with the brothers on Lodge cleanup days. Ed will be missed by all at Manatee 31, we were looking to recognize him in the upcoming months for his contribution to the lodge. We just ran out of time before his move. Brothers, Ed is a good man and Mason, and is well over due to be recognized for all of his contributions to the lodge. Let us all pray for him in his travels and let it be known that we will miss him and his works. Do you have your Masonic License Plate Yet?? Fraternally Doug Dobbs If you did not receive the Trestle Board by email, please go to www.manateelodge31.org and click the Trestle Board link, then choose what ever month you wish to view. I F YOU HAVE A NEW EMAIL ADDRESS OR HAVE CHANGE EMAIL ADDRESS PLEASE SEND IT TO THE SECRETARY GEORGE BENJAMIN geobenja@tampabay.rr.com 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 or any other Lodge Officer. Want to serve on a committee? The Chaplain 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. Steak Night 1st Monday at 6:00 pm Support Our Lodge Dinners! Jr. Warden s Choice Dinner 3rd Monday at 6:00 pm $10 Ribeye Steak Dinner Typically includes: mushrooms & onions, mashed potatoes w/ gravy, vegetable, tossed salad, & dessert. $10 The Lodge now provides the entire meal!
November 2014 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 WORK DAY ALL ARE WELCOME 2 3 6:00 PM DINNER & STATED 4 OES STATED 5 6 7 8 9 10 Officers meeting 6;00 PM Degree Practice 1111:30 DAUGHTERS OF THE NILE STATED Palmetto #110 stated 12 13 14 15 16 17 6:00 PM DINNER & STATED 18 OES STATED 19 20 York Rite #29 Meeting 7:30 PM 21 22 23 24 Degree Practice 25 Palmetto #110 stated Meeting 7:30 PM Masonic Education or degree practice 26 27 MASTER MASON 28 29 30 DECEMBER 2014 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT 1 6:00 PM DINNER & STATED 2 OES STATED 3 4 5 6 CHRISTMAS PARTY 7 8 Officers meeting 6;00 PM Degree Practice 9 11:30 DAUGHTERS OF THE NILE STATED Palmetto #110 stated 10 11 12 13 14 15 6:00 PM DINNER & STATED 16 OES STATED 17 18 York Rite #29 Meeting 7:30 PM 19 20 21 22 23 Palmetto #110 stated Meeting 7:30 PM Masonic Education or degree practice 24 25 MASTER MASON 26 27 28 29 30 31
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 for the men and women in uniform, who are serving our country. Haven t Been To Lodge Lately? We miss you! Please join us for A meal or stated Meeting, and Enjoy some Fellowship with Your fraternity Brothers 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 TO BE ASK ONE