Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Once again snow has fallen on Manasseh Lodge... The night before our stated meeting in February around five inches fell in Manassas and the surrounding areas. This was the largest single snowfall yet this winter. Little did we know that within a couple weeks the 5th largest snow storm on record would arrive. The storm started on Saturday, February 15th and most areas had over 20 inches of snow before the end of the day on Sunday. Hopefully the roads will be clear before the stated in March.

     The snow didn't keep us from raising two more Master Masons this month. For the first degree we had help from one of our own Grand Lodge officers. The second included a visit by Brethren from Hiram Lodge #18 in Connecticut who helped with the degree. That was a special night for all involved and it was nice to see our friends and brothers (or brother-in-law as the case may be) from up north again. I would also like to welcome two newly affiliated members to Manasseh Lodge: Brother John Holland and Brother Chuck McNoldy, P.M.

     We have plenty of degree work scheduled for the month of March. Starting off on Friday the 14th we will be raising another Master Mason. The following morning on Saturday the 15th, in place of our usual lodge breakfast, we will be attending an area leadership training session in Middletown. I hope to have all our elected officers in attendance and I would also like to invite any other brethren to attend. If we have at least 5 elected officers and 5 other members there - each member present will receive a special 225th anniversary coin from the Grand Lodge. The following Friday and Saturday we will be hosting the Charles Armistead Sinclair, Jr. District Ritual School which will be conducted by R.W. Chuck Rowell. Then we will end the month with an E.A. degree on the 28th. Come out and support our candidates, our lodge, and our district.

     The official visit of the District Deputy at our February stated went very well. We were the final stop on his tour through the district and as a result our lodge also became the most recent home of the district traveling gavel. I've been putting it to good use while it resides in our lodge, but we need to arrange a visit to another lodge soon to keep it moving! It was used to open and close our Daylight communication in February where we had a delightful program on Masonic time pieces given by Herb Hollander, P.M. of Herndon Lodge.

     Our stated in March will be the occasion of the District Blood Coordinator's Official Visit. After this type of winter storm there is a definite need for blood in the area. Please schedule a time to donate blood if you are willing and able... Make sure you use our blood ID number 1148 and report your donations to our Lodge Blood Coordinator - Bro. Geoffrey Swanberg. If you need a little encouragement in this area or more information then please come out and support our District Blood Coordinator on March 7th.

     And one final note this month - if you have not yet paid your 2003 dues please get them in to our Secretary at your earliest convenience.

• Brother Chuck Wirsing
• Brother Dale Cross
• Brother Uel Jones' Wife, Mitzi
• Brother John Cole's Wife, Betty
• Brother Lew Crites
• Rt. Wor. Ronny Dean's wife, Sandy
• Rt. Wor. Shorty Vetter's wife, Janet

     Our current set of flags will be flown January through June, 2003, in memory of Charlton E. Gnadt.