SEPTEMBER 2004

Hello brothers. While the Lodge has been in darkness, work behind the scenes has continued. We continue to make improvements to our home and I will attempt to bring you up to date.

Our new heating and AC system has been installed which should make us all more comfortable as well as allowing us to save on fuel. The system is state of the art and along with the new windows should be much more efficient. New gas lines have been installed and the old fuel tank has been removed.

As of this writing, the installation of new flooring is planned and will hopefully be completed by the first meeting, if not shortly thereafter.

Landscaping has begun, and outside lighting and planting will be completed in the fall. New ceilings have been installed throughout the building and thanks to our house committee chairman, brother Ted Whiteley, much of the building has a fresh coat of paint. Hopefully the new vertical blinds as well as the window covering for the upstairs lobby will be done before we meet.

Most of the projects, most notably the new flooring is being somewhat delayed as we wait for the completion of the heating. The work that is being done on that system can be pretty messy, so we would like to have that work completed first.

As the months go by, our library will begin to take shape and hopefully be of interest to all, and capture the glorious history of our Lodge. Worshipful brother Ted Eklof is busy making custom shelving for the library.

Our picnic in July was a huge success with about 200 guests in attendance. The highlight of the afternoon seemed to be the annual soaking of The Master. I hope the brothers will remember that it is the soaking of The Master next year (sorry Phil). Many thanks to brother Ray Athaide for the organization, brother Ed Denton and his lady Lisa for their tireless work with the children, and ladies Jeannie Kurtz and Bethany Athaide for the tye-dye tee shirts. I cannot begin to thank all the brethren who assisted in making in so many ways this years’ event so successful. They know who they are, and they all have my gratitude and respect. They certainly helped to lighten the load and make it all manageable.

Your Senior Warden has asked that I mention the upcoming trip to England in late March, 2005. Information at this time is sketchy as fares are high, but it would be a great help if you are thinking of making the journey across the pond to take a moment and let brother Crawford know of your intentions.

There are many events planned in the coming months, and your attendance and assistance would be most welcome. Please refer to the schedule of events for information. Your officers continue to work very hard on your behalf, both at the Lodge level and with their obligations to your Grand Lodge. Your support at events, and any help you could give would be appreciated.

Good things continue to happen at Harmony Lodge, and your support will allow us to continue to move forward to prove that In Masonry, more especially in Harmony Lodge, it is the brotherhood that counts, and makes all the difference.

As always, should you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to call or e-mail at the places listed on the back of this notice, or at the Lodge office at 942-9883. or the Lodge website at www.harmony9.org.