Noah Lodge #357 Trestleboard

A Few Photos of September's Masonic Events:

WB Reedy at "Devil's Garden Mud Club"

Brother Ciofani at The Mud Club

Greetings Brothers,

NOTE: The second meeting of each month (fourth Monday) will begin at 6:00 with a Family Dinner event. This Monday, the Ladies will be bringing "Hot Dog Toppings" to spice up the Hot Dogs left over from the event on September 17th. If you have a special hot dog topping or recipe you'd like to share, feel free to bring it with you next Monday.

WOW, what a month we just had at NOAH!!!! Those who went to the Devils Garden Mud Club had a good time, raised some money, listened to a great band, and really enjoyed the fellowship.

The BBQ on the 17th was just as enjoyable as the Garden was. The turnout less than expected, but the BBQ Chicken, and Pulled Pork from "The Rack and Tail" was great. I did not hear any complaints from anyone, but only sold less than 70 meals. The Child I.D. program that Punta Gorda Lodge brought down and manned provided ID's for over 60 children, the ONE NIGHT RODEO band provided excellent entertainment and of course, I must say thank you to the Pepsi guys for their service and assistance (Tomlinson Sons). We had over 5000 flyers printed and given to the schools in North Fort Myers, but for unknown reason they were only handed out at TWO (2) of the schools. We don't know what happened, a great time was missed.

I want to thank any and all that showed up to help. Your dedication to Noah Lodge, by assisting on these programs, not only shows your Dedication to the Masonic Tenets, but reminds me why I became a Mason.

The fellowship and brotherly love and assistance is what we are about.

We are growing - four new MM's, Two EA's getting ready give their returns, then to be Passed, and three petitions for membership. Lets keep it going.

Thanks again to all the helpers.

May God Bless and Keep you safe.

Larry Newton
Worshipful Master

Brethren,

As the sun in the west at close of day, so we close out September.

             One more month has passed us by as we rise into October. We have had a very nice year thus far and I see Noah ending the year just as well if not even better than we had anticipated. Last month (Sept) we had a few days in the mud out at the new Devils Garden Mud Hole.

This was a great time to mingle with the public and get not only Noah's Name out there in the public eye, but also Masonry in general out there. Noah is planning on setting up another booth at the next Devils Garden Mud Hole (October 28/29).   So, if you feel left out or you didn't get enough mud on ya last time, show up for a few days of meeting the public and promoting Masonry. We will be discussing this and making further plans at our next couple of meetings befor the end of October. So if you ain't skeered of a little mud and a lot of Brotherly fellowship show up and claim your spot to help Noah reach and serve the public.

                Sept 2-4 the we were at the Devils Garden Mud Hole and Sept 17th we were at Noah for the Child ID program and B-B-Q - both great events, getting out there in the public eye. The Child ID program was a great success, 40 or more children were ID'd and that information given to their parents for if that incident should ever occur, they might have a little better edge of finding their child because of a recent photo and description of their child being readily available. Children received a free hotdog and soda that were ID'd (even if they weren't they still got a hotdog and soda, of course). I saw one kid eat three, and Brother Keeton's Great grandson showed up sporting a nice mohawk haircut.

(Ciofani & Keeton Male DNA at work in this picture.)

Special thanks go out to Punta Gorda Lodge #115 for the great job they did with the child ID Program. Sean, Chris, Charlie, Hunter and there was one more Brother whose name I cannot recall, but thanks Thank and THANKS to Punta Gorda Lodge for their support of Masonry out in the public. Brother Hank brought a bounce house and it was a BIG hit with all the children, rules were no gum, no shoes and no flipping - rules to live by in the bounce house world I hear. Brother Ceofnti who introduced us to his band in a personal way (and what a good band they are). Let's thank One Night Rodeo for coming out and entertaining us all with some great country music, both old and new. Ed, the B-B-Q was great you are the cook of the year - can't wait for the next time. All the Brothers and family members present did a fantastic job being as busy as we were.

Noah had visitors from several Lodges, nice to see all the visiting Brothers. Special guests were the DDGM Richard Bayly and HRW Ed Lanham (Zone Instructor) and our own Past DDGM Jerry Timberlake. Thank all who showed and enjoyed this festive occasion and especially all those who showed to work regardless of the task ahead during the day. You know who you are and so do I. You will get a raise in your next check.

Your Brother and Senior Warden,

Lawrence A. Tomlinson
"Seeing all go away satisfied"

My Brothers,

While pondering which of the many principals and teachings of Masonry that help to rule and guide our path through life, I came upon this story which was shared by Wor Bro Clive Herron – Marine Lodge 627 which encapsulates the meaning of Masonic Relief. Thanks to Brother Clive for putting it out there. .

A salesman breaks down in a remote country lane, a farmer in the adjacent field comes over and they discover that they are “Brothers”. The salesman is concerned as he has an important appointment in the local town, “don’t worry says the farmer you can use my car, I will call a friend and get the car repaired whilst you go to the appointment”.

Off goes the salesman and a couple of hours later he returns but unfortunately the car is awaiting a part which won’t arrive until the next morning. “It’s not a problem,” says the Farmer, “use my telephone and re schedule your first appointment tomorrow, stay with us tonight and we will see that the car is done first thing!” The farmers’ wife prepares a wonderful meal and they share a glass of fine single malt during an excellent evening, the salesman sleeps soundly and when he awakes there is his car, repaired and ready to go. After a full English breakfast the salesman thanks them both for the hospitality.

As he and the farmer walk to his car he turns and asks “my Brother, thank you so much but I have to ask, did you help me because I am a Mason?”

“No” was the reply, “I helped you because I am”.

Couldn't have said it better.

Brother James E. Hamilton
Junior Warden

At the end of June, I mailed out 23 late notices. So far I have received five (5) responses.

We are planning a Bar B Que for Saturday, September 17th and we DO need help.

If you have not been to Lodge lately, you'll be surprised at the renovations done by Brother Ed Ciofani and his crew of workers.

Hope to see you at Lodge.

Fraternally,
Jerry Keeton
Secretary

My Brothers,

God is smiling down on Noah Lodge

It was another warm and sunny day in beautiful South West Florida on September 17, 2011 when the neighbors found out that Noah Lodge is alive and doing well.

The B.B.Q was excellent, the band was fantastic and the fellowship was at its very best.

Noah Lodge along with the help from the brothers of Punta Gorda Lodge had the I.D program. Over 30 children participated in the I.D program. The children also enjoyed the free hot-dogs, soda and bounce house.

If you missed this Great day, come to lodge next meeting night, the fellowship and hot-dogs will be there, Sorry no bounce house.

May God bless you every day in every way.

John McKinney
Chaplain