Red Wing Table Lodge

Last evening I had the honor of attending Red Wing Lodge #6 Table Lodge. It was held in one of Minnesota's great hotels, The St. James Hotel. Of course if you knew the Worshipful Master Ethan Seaberg, and the Past Master Gary Thomas, you would know that everything they do is a class act and no detail is overlooked. Last night was no different.

The social hour was a homecoming of sorts for me. For I haven't seen all of the Brothers in one place for some time now. There were several lovely wives I also got to meet as well and reacquainted with others. Ethan had one of the new brothers play the grand piano. Matt played a very impressive selection of pieces: jazz, popular, classical, among others. He played for 90 minutes non stop all from memory! I had a chance to get to know Matt a little. He is a Law Enforcement student at a major Minnesota college. But he earns his money to attend college as a professional bowler. I can see a Masonic bowling team coming up in my future.

I took a break from the wonderful conversation and tried some fablous appetizers. There was a Stilton cheese that deserved a nice glass of red wine. It was a perfect combination that was memorable.

Dinner started with the Master of the Lodge Ethan giving a few toasts. As we started our salad, we could hear the tornado sirens going off in the background. We all looked at one another and ate a little faster... As the sirens grew louder, my table companions said to each other "I don't hear anything -- do you hear anything?"

The hotel staff then required us to evacuate the room and ushered us into the safety of the basement. I was the last person out so I took the photos. The basement was very secure and pleasant. I stood near the stairs in case anyone needed assistance. There was a large mother daughter pajama party going on in the hotel, so I also offered my assistance to them as well (I am a police officer and duty always calls). Now my Brother Shawn Carrick and his beauitful wife Ann informed me that they had the most fun meeting a group of entertaining people in the basement bar!
I never thought of that... next time I'll follow Shawn.

As we waited for only about thirty minutes the all clear was given and we returned to our festive board up stairs.

Worshipful Master Ethan Seaberg of Red Wing Lodge and Master of Ceremonies. He performed an outstanding job and kept us laughing and on time.

The guest Speaker of the evening Grand Inspector General of the Minnesota Scottish Rite. My Brother Jerry is my personal favorite Masonic Speaker. He is the kind of speaker that holds you on the edge of your seat, can tug on your heart strings, and feel very proud to be a Freemason -- all at the same time.

I think Jerry is so good, he could read the Minneapolis phone book aloud and captivate us.Our Inspector General is truly a Big Tent Mason and I am very proud to know him.

Even though I was considering staying in the room and helping myself to the buffet, staffperson Val held firm to her duty to ensure I was safe in the basement. Despite the fact that I offered her half of the apple pie that I had my eye on!

Of course at the end of the night as I was one of the last ones to leave. I thought what a nice night that was filled with caring friendship, good food, and even alitle excitment. The Red Wing Table Lodge will be a wonderful memory for many years to come.

Happy Saint John's Day

St. Johns day is our Masonic holiday to celebrate world wide. So wear your Masonic Shirt, slip on your craft ring, don your hat with the compass and square. Proudly show the world you're a Freemason.

Try to attend a lodge event or call a gathering of the Brothers for a cup of coffee or a pint of beer. Take a few moments to reflect upon the past of those Freemasons who have passed on before us. Spend some time with those around you and strengthen your ties and celebrate Freemasonry.

Here is a link to a excellent article explaining more http://www.freemasons-freemasonry.com/ward.html

Giving Blood the Gift of Life-follow up story

The office I went to was very nice...a very welcoming environment. The Staff was great and asked me 50 questions during the screening process and took my temperature and blood pressure. I had to show my ID. They didn't laugh at my weight on my driver's license! And they said it was such a flattering photo!!

Then we went into a larger area where there were others donating blood, plasma, and platelets. Some were reclining with blankets and watching DVDs, looking comfortable.

These chairs are really quite comfy. I wouldn't mind having one in front of my TV. Once we got started, the donation really didn't take very long. 20 minutes or so.

You know a Mason by his actions.

It didn't hurt a bit either........................

This poster promotes the need for Type O blood. Does that describe you? I am O+. (My wife is just A+).

They are very happy to do anything to make you comfortable at the Memorial Blood Center.

Battle of the Badges runs through June 30. Donate today! You can make a difference!

Battle of the Badges -- Won't You Help Me?

The Minneapolis Police and Fire Departments are providing an opportunity for all badge carrying personnel with their friends and family members to enter into a friendly competion to see who can donate the most blood that will help save lives.

We are all aware that by donating blood, we can make a substantial impact to help accident victims, Cancer Patients, premature babies and burn victims, just to name a few.

Won't you join me when the Bloodmobile comes to the Fifth Precinct on June 30th from 2:00PM to 5:00 PM? If you cant make it, you may make arrangements to make a donation that is at a more convient time and location. But either way you will need to call the Memorial Blood Centers at 651-332-7150 for an appointment. Be sure you tell them you're getting involved in the Battle of the Badges...For the POLICE Team. Be sure to mention my name...they might even give you a cookie.

It's safe, it's easy and I'll let you try on my handcuffs! On June 30th you and I can make a difference in someone's life. Won't you join me?

Come on. Give blood -- save a life -- be a real hero!

Grand Lodge of Manitoba

Last week I had the honor of attending the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Manitoba Canada. I am in a hurry to post these images because I'm off to the Grand Lodge of North Dakota in the Morning.
I plan on posting my experiences when I return for both. The Brothers in Manitoba were wonderful and are true Masons. I enjoyed myself very much. More of the story when I return. Until then here are some images to look upon

This is Brother Bruce Taylor. Bruce is a retired Winnipeg Police Officer. He played with the Shrine Pipers and has been to my city many times playing in all the parades.

OK pick out the one who's not a Cop. Also I'm the only one not a Past Grand

or sitting Grand........wonderful Brothers

The Grand Lodge of Minnesota Corporate Board voted to donate Twenty five hundred dollars ----American to the Museum of Human Rights. Again we voted to donate $2,500 dollars......thats $ 2 5 , 0 0. 00----see the next photo please

This will be the funny story and this is where the Grand Master announced that the Grand Lodge of Minnesota donated TWENTY FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS to the Human Rights Museum.

I stood up and said" Excuse me Grand Master" !!!! Our GrandMaster caught himself perfectly and of course corrected himself so honorably . The photo is everyone having a good laugh.

I think our Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretery had heard it they would of had a heart attack............

Left to right is Worshipful Brother Jake Mohns, Brother Bill Kay, Alberto Osoria and Bryan Collinswood.

Brother Jake is from Mystery Lake Lodge and its 4 to 6 hours North of Winnipeg. He has sent me the e newsletter of his lodge. Its 7 pages long......its great......if you want to see a copy I will e mail it to you.

Brother Alberto is recently from Peru. He worked in the Gold mines there. Now he has brought his expertise of mining and his family to Manitoba. It was a pleasure to meet him.

Brother Bryan was from Essex England where he worked for the Metro Police Department.He can to canada and has recently retired from 30years on the Winnipeg PD.

Brian is a Grand Lodge Officer who is also the President of the Masonic Bike group. He laughed when he asked me what kind of Bike I rode. My response was a TREK,

Flower Talk

Bob Holley and I smoking a nice Cigar in Canada