At the 2013 Biennial Session of the AASR, Southern Jurisdiction, 3 well deserving Nebraska Masons received their 33rd degree / White Hat in the AASR. They are:
1. PGM Dean Skokan
2. Micah Evens
3. A. J. Johnson
Great job, Brothers, you each certainly deserve this high honor for the work you have done for Freemasonry!
Please congratulate these brethren when you see them next!
On August 25 – 27, I had the honor and pleasure of representing Nebraska Masonry at the AASR Biennial Session in Washington, D. C. This session pulls together all the SGIG, Grand Masters and Members from the Southern Jurisdiction to transact the business of the AASR and also to enjoy great fellowship and exchange best practices. We were treated royally by the AASR and got to see some of the great sites of D. C. as well. The first night we had a dinner just for GM’s and other Grand Representatives at the St. Regis Hotel. It was a magnificent event (see pictures below). The session on Monday was very interesting and included the retirement of Adm. Gene Sizemore, who is moving from paid full time to a volunteer position after many years with the AASR. The Gala Banquet on Tuesday night was well attended and I got to know the SGIG and Past Grand Master of Australia quite well. All in all, a great trip and I picked up some good ideas for Nebraska as well.
On 21 August, I travelled to Lexington, NE to attend the annual Cream Can dinner for Thistle Lodge #61. The dinner was held at inside at the old school north of town due to weather and scheduling issue. I also had the honor of awarding a 50 year pin.
On 17 August, we moved the books from the old GL building to the new GL building. Helping with the effort were WB Bob Moninger, WB Chris Carter, Graham House, Pat Gray, Tom Kess, Ann Hauder and Jen Carter. The addition of Brothers Pat, Tom and Graham really helped the job go quickly and we managed to move all the boxes in one trip. We then took the rest of the day to get books up on the shelves. The Heritage committee will go back and catalog them into a database at a later date. The Museum / Library is getting closer to finished all the time! Lights should be installed this week, then the carpet!
On 14 August, I traveled to Mizpah Lodge No. 302 to award two 50 year pins to deserving Brothers. The evening started with a nice meal then we retired to the Lodge room and conducted the ceremony. Congratulations to the Brothers for 50 years of service to Masonry!
On Sunday 11 August, the Grand Lodge officers performed the cornerstone laying ceremony for the new wing at the Masonic Home in Plattsmouth. The event was well attended with many watching from inside on closed circuit TV. The new wing has also been name the Mary C. Stapp wing in honor of Mary who has been at the home for 40+ years!
The annual 4-H achievement day for the children at the Fremont home was held on Saturday 10 August with a great turnout and wonderful weather! The children displayed their award winning projects and livestock to the appreciative crowd of parents and Masonic family members. The slide was fun too!
At the regular communication of Blazing Star Lodge No. 200 last night, DGM Joe McBride announced his appointment to the advancing line of Grand Lodge Officers as being WB Bob Moninger. WB Bob has been active in both Blazing Star and Hickman lodges and is currently serving as Grand Marshal in the Grand Lodge line. WB Bob will be installed as Grand Junior Deacon in 2014. Congratulations to WB Bob!
I had the pleasure of participating in a podcast for the Omaha AASR “To the East” podcast series. There are other interesting podcasts on this site as well.
Give it a listen at: sromaha.libsyn.com
On 30 July, I have the privilege to attend the York No. 56 Cream Can Supper and to give out three 50 year pins and two 60 year pins! These Brothers have served the Craft for many years and are to be congratulated on their work!
