Master's Message - Nov. 2020
Brethren,
I hope that you and your families are all keeping well. The conditions under which we are living seem to change day by and I know that it’s not always easy to keep up with. Hopefully, you can find comfort in your family, your friends and your Brother masons.
I would be remiss if I failed to begin with a sad note. As you may or may not know, Worshipful Brother William (Bill) McCloy passed to the Grand Lodge above on Saturday, October 24, 2020. Bill was always one of the first people to greet me when I came to Festive Boards, even before my initiation. Although he was less able to attend Lodge more recently, I can’t ever remember him missing a significant event. I know I will personally miss what he brought to Lodge and to my Masonic career. Looking at how he interacted with everyone around him, he was, and is, a true example of brotherly love. We cherish his memory in our hearts.
From a meeting perspective, we will be conducting our CGP meeting on Sunday, November 8th at 7 PM. The zoom information will be provided for all who want to attend. Please remember that all Members, regardless of Masonic Rank, and welcome and encouraged to attend. Our meeting on the 11th of November will include a memorial service as is our tradition. It will, by necessity, be different than anything we have done before, but no less important. If you have any ideas for this or would like to participate, please let me know. We have also acquired several ‘poppy masks’ from the Legion. These masks are $12.00 each and the idea is that members buy them, and then we bring them out to the Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre as a donation from the Members of Ionic Lodge. Please contact either Worshipful brother Gaw, or myself if you are interested.
Following the recent email from Brother Braeuel (through the Secretary) on our upcoming December gift bag drive for Cornerstone Housing for Women, the Outreach Committee is seeking support from Brethren to contribute either a set of items for a minimum of 10 gift bags or funds for these items to be purchased by the Committee. Please note that all items as a set should be new. If you wish to donate a set of 10 of any of the following items, and/or make an e-transfer donation, please email Bro. Braeuel (cbraeuel@gmail.com) by no later than Tuesday, November 24th:
- Women's Pyjamas of varying sizes (a set of 10 would include a mix of S/M/L/XL/XXL)
- Journal/Art Supplies (i.e. case of coloured pencil crayons and 2 sketchbooks.
- Set of Hat/Mitts/Scarf
- Personal Care Products (i.e. toothpaste, hairbrush)
If we can raise donated items or funds beyond the 10 bags, that would be great. Please note we will not be accepting items not included in this list in order to respect CHFW's request for standardized gift bags.
I’m looking forward to ‘seeing’ you all at the CGP and regular meeting this month. As always, I’m available by phone, email or any other means any time.
Be well and stay safe.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Jason Solomon