Manasseh Lodge was involved in a few fun and exciting events in April. On Tuesday, April 8th, Henry Lodge had the honor of receiving the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia, Most Worshipful Frederick G. Martin III, for an official visit. There were many brothers in attendance, including a handful from Manasseh Lodge. I would like to thank them for coming out and supporting our district and our Grand Master. It was a very nice evening which started off with a wonderful dinner. The Grand Master had some nice words to share with the brethren and it was evident that he has some good friends and support in this area.

     Only two days later, on Thursday, April 10th, we had another big Masonic event - our annual trip to Palestine Lodge #189 in Catonsville, Maryland. Jim McDonough, Past Master of Kemper Macon Ware Lodge, was kind enough to bring his R.V. over to the lodge and pickup roughly 15 brothers and wives for the journey. Thanks so much Jim! In total we had almost 20 visitors in attendance at Palestine Lodge. Even though traffic was awful and we were a bit late - they still managed to feed us very well. Then the visiting brethren were received in lodge and we sat with our Maryland masons while they closed lodge. Immediately after lodge the ladies were invited upstairs for the entertainment of the evening... They had two special guests who played the organ and sang for us. They played some well known tunes that had almost everyone tapping a toe or singing along at some point in the evening. We had an exceptional night and the hospitality was as warm as ever. This is always a great event to look forward to and after thirty-four years it is wonderful that this tradition is still going strong. Thanks to Palestine Lodge and everyone who helped make our visit a success.

     In May we have a few special events happening as well... Starting on Saturday, May 10th. We will be holding a yard sale at the lodge in conjunction with our first Chicken Dinner of the year. The yard sale will begin around 6am in the morning and the chicken will be served from noon until 2pm when the yard sale will also end as well. Another important event this month will take place on Sunday, May 18th. In lieu of our traditional Ladies' Night, this year we will be holding an English Tea Party at the Ben Lomond Manor House rose garden. There was an error in the flyer sent out that stated this was on Saturday when it should have stated Sunday - which is the 18th. Please join us for this event in honoring the ladies who support our brethren and lodge. Please direct any questions or transportation requests to our Junior Warden - Jim Kraut. Their is no fee for this event, but donations will be accepted.

     At our stated communication on May 2nd, I would like to honor all members (past and present) of the armed forces. If you are on active duty or still have an old uniform - please feel free to wear your uniform to lodge. This is a trying time for our nation as we are involved in conflicts in Afghanistan as well as the war that is still waging in Iraq. We will honor those who have fought and continue to fight to protect our country and keep our citizens safe. Along these same lines, we are organizing an informal group to take part in the Ride for Freedom or Rolling Thunder over Memorial Day weekend. This is a huge event in downtown D.C. where literally hundreds of thousands of motorcycles descend on the city in support of our servicemen and especially in support of our POWs and MIAs. If you ride a motorcycle then spark it up and gather with us in the lodge parking lot on Sunday morning, May 25th. We will aim to leave from the lodge at 10am to head downtown. This event provides a great opportunity to invite any non-masons that might be interested as well... Our aim is to have fun and enjoy some fellowship while supporting a good cause.

     On Monday, June 2, we will be changing the lock to the front door of the lodge. Rt. Wor. Van Aalst will handle the issuing of new keys. You can contact him at 703-368-5856. Also, in June we will be holding our annual Strawberry Night on Saturday the 28th with M.W. George H. Chapin, P.G.M. as our guest speaker. Mark your calendar and come out and enjoy another great Manasseh Lodge tradition.

• Brother Chuck Wirsing
• Brother Dale Cross
• Brother John Cole's Wife, Betty
• Brother Lew Crites
• Rt. Wor. Shorty Vetter's wife, Janet
• Most Wor. John Robert Dean

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