Arcadia Lodge #249 Newsletter
October 2008 ~ Volume 7, No. 10
P.O. Box 249                                                 
Ames, Iowa  50010-0249
http://IowaMasons.com/249.html                                 
www.arcadialodge.org 
 
Jeremy Davis-WM
jeremyndavis@gmail.com
(515) 291-7016
 
Jay Cole Simser-Secretary
jaycoles@aol.com
(515) 232-2580                                  
 
Greetings from the East!

As I write this month's column, the crisp, cool air has descended upon the State of Iowa, and that indicates its time for the annual communication of the Grand Lodge of Iowa.  On September 19 and 20, 2008, a number of brothers represented Arcadia Lodge at the 164th Annual Communication.  At Grand Lodge, Arcadia Lodge was recognized as the "Bronze" Lodge of the Year, which indicates we are the #3 lodge in the State.  This is a great honor for our lodge and one that we should all be very proud of.  Additionally, Brother Fredrick Killian received the New Mason of the Year award and Brother Jeremy Davis was installed as the Senior Grand Deacon for the upcoming year.  Additionally, there were close to 500 brothers in attendance at this year's annual communication and it proved to be a great event for everyone.

I'd like to take a few moments and recap some important pieces of information that were discussed at the September Stated Meeting.  As a number of our fellow brothers are aware, the cost of operating our lodge building has increased significantly during the past year, due much in part to the significant increase in utilities.  As such, and in order for the Lodge to continue operating, the Finance Committee proposed a $20 increase to the 2009 Dues, with $18 of the increase going to the general fund for Lodge Operations and $2 going to the charity account.  This increase will set the 2009 Dues at $100 for Arcadia Lodge.  This proposal passed after a significant amount of discussion between the brothers in attendance. 

Another important piece of discussion at the meeting revolved around the monthly newsletter.   For those that are unaware, Bro. David Countryman has resigned his position of newsletter editor.  Bro. Countryman's long, dedicated service to Arcadia Lodge should not go unnoticed and we extend our gratitude for his years of service to our lodge.  If you see Bro. Countryman, be sure to thank him for his efforts.    As a result, his resignation was formally announced in open lodge and accepted.  Thus, we are currently searching for a new newsletter editor.  If you are interested in such a position, please e-mail me at jeremyndavis@gmail.com.

Looking to the future, Arcadia Lodge continues to have a number of activities coming up.  The October Stated Meeting will be the "Rusty Nail" meeting.  Our goal for the evening is to have every chair in the lodge room filled.  If you have not been to a lodge meeting lately, be sure attend that night, as we will have an exemplification of the 3rd Section of the 3rd Degree presented by Bro. Rick Martin.  It is a section of the 3rd Degree we rarely perform at Arcadia and it is a part of our ritual that is very enjoyable.   Additionally, Bro. Bill Yungclas (a Masonic Instructor) will properly demonstrate the modes of recognition for the members and instruct everyone in attendance with the proper usage of each in open lodge.   I will look forward to seeing you at our Rusty Nail meeting. 

We also discussed how to get more ISU students aware of who we are and what we do.  This past year, we have progressively advanced our image to the Ames Community by participating in the July 4th Parade and the again in the upcoming holiday parade.  However, we have not really connected with the college population.  The discussion was positive and as we move forward, we believe we will be able to develop some programs that will help to make Arcadia and Masonry more visible to both the Ames and the ISU Community.

The DeMolay Chapter is struggling, much in part to lack of members.  As a lodge, we need to make a concerted effort to grow the chapter and make it strong.  To do this, it not only takes members, but also advisors.  The Cyclone Chapter of DeMolay is also in need of a few advisors to assist with the organization.  If you would be interested in helping with the DeMolay Chapter, please e-mail me and I will pass on your name to the appropriate individuals.

As we look to the future, Election Day is just around the corner and the Officers of Arcadia Lodge will once again be hosting the soup supper at the Lodge beginning at 5:30 p.m. All Masons and their families are welcome to attend.  And, while each officer will be providing a crock 'o soup, please do not hesitate to bring a Crock O'Soup as well.  Additionally, the Eastern Star will be having their meeting that evening and will be hosting them for dinner as well.  Also, if you know of any prospects for membership, this would be a great event to bring them to and it would allow them to meet a number of the brothers and their families in a relaxed, informal setting at the Lodge.

Finally, our newest brothers, Austin Woodin, Chad Malhone, and Taylor Knight passed the Masonic Enlightenment Course for the 3rd Degree and also were declared proficient in the Modes of Recognition for the 3rd Degree.  Congratulations and welcome to Brothers Austin, Chad, and Taylor.
Until next time…
 
Fraternally,
Jeremy Davis, WM
 

October Dates to Remember
 
2 –       6:30 PM - Arcadia Lodge –$5. Dinner
7:30 - Stated Meeting – Rusty Nail Night
6 -        7:30 -  DeMolay Stated Meeting
7 -        7:00 PM  - Eastern Star –Stated Meeting
8 -        9:00 AM - Coffee at Lincoln Way HyVee –
9 -        Arcadia Lodge – Boards and Committees
10 -      7:00 PM - Amaranth –– Stated Meeting
Newsletter Deadline
12 -      10:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Church –
13 -      DeMolay
15 -      9:00 AM - Coffee at Lincoln Way HyVee –
5:15 PM - Arcadia After Hours – Olde Main Brewing Company (downtown Ames)
16 -      Arcadia Lodge
20 -      7:30 - DeMolay - Stated Meeting
21 -      7:00 -  White Shrine Stated Meeting
26 -      10:00 AM – 2:00 PM - Church –
27 -      DeMolay
29 -      9:00 AM - Coffee at Lincoln Way HyVee – 30 -      Arcadia Lodge
 
October Birthdays

 
John F. Adams  - 10/2
Garry J. Alexander – 10/24
Robert D. Allen – 10/15
Charles W. Flick 10/4
Robert J. Mickle – 10/4
James P. Miller – 10/19
Paul Miller – 10/17
Charles L. Mulford – 10/28
Richard R. Phillips – 10/15
Vaughn Seaton – 10/11
John B. Sheeler – 10/25
Peter B. Southard – 10/19
Darrell D. Staley – 10/15
Craig D. Weltha – 10/11
John E. Whiting – 10/31
Randy E. Wilkerson – 10/12
Robert G. Williams – 10/7