Arcadia Lodge #249 Newsletter
November 2008 ~ Volume 7, No. 11
P.O. Box 249                                                
Ames, Iowa  50010-0249
www.IowaMasons.com/249.html                                
www.arcadialodge.org
 
Jeremy Davis-WM
jeremyndavis@gmail.com
(515) 291-7016
 
Jay Cole Simser-Secretary
jaycoles@aol.com
(515) 232-2580                      

___________________
Greetings from the East!

It's hard to believe that fall is upon us.  This past weekend, as I drove up to Dubuque for the Grand Master's Reception, I could not believe the amount of harvesting that has occurred and the amount of leaves that have changed color.  The Grand Master's Reception was a great event and the attendance was phenomenal.  For the upcoming year, Grand Master Jack Butler has chosen for his theme, "Masonry-It'sA Way Of Life."  As Masons, we should all be able to identify with this theme; and in Arcadia, we have a great opportunity to utilize this theme for a long-term, sustained growth of our membership! 

With this sign of Fall, Halloween and Thanksgiving are just around the corner.  On Sunday, October 26, 2008 beginning at 3 p.m., we will be hosting a Pumpkin Carving Contest and Potluck dinner.  The Lodge will provide the pumpkins, all you need to bring are your carving utensils, pumpkin design, and a foot item to share.  In the past, we have had an outdoor wagon ride, however, we decided to change-it-up a bit this year and do something that allows for more interaction and fun amongst our members and their families.  If you are planning on attending, email me at jeremyndavis@gmail.com so we can be sure to have enough pumpkins for carving.  Young kids (and older "kids" as well) are encouraged to participate and we will have an "independent" panel of judges select the Top 3 Carved Pumpkins.  The Top 3 will each receive a prize.  The potluck dinner, will begin around 5:30 p.m. and all lodge members and families are encouraged to attend.

At the October Stated Meeting, we had our "Rusty Nail Nite" and had a good attendance.  We were very fortunate to hear the 3rd Section of the 3rd Degree and also were reminded of the proper methods for displaying the Modes of Recognition.

The DeMolay Chapter continues to struggle, much in part to lack of members.  As a lodge, we need to make a concerted effort to grow the chapter and make it strong.  To do this, it not only takes members, but also advisors.  The Cyclone Chapter of DeMolay is also in need of a few advisors to assist with the organization.  If you would be interested in helping with the DeMolay Chapter, please e-mail me and I will pass on your name to the appropriate individuals.  The future of the Demolay Chapter will be discussed at the November Stated Meeting.

As we look to the future, Election Day is just around the corner and the Officers of Arcadia Lodge will once again be hosting the soup supper at the Lodge beginning at 5:30 p.m.  All Masons and their families are welcome to attend.  And, while each officer will be providing a Crock 'O Soup, please do not hesitate to bring a Crock O' Soup as well.  Additionally, the Eastern Star will be having their meeting that evening and we will be hosting them for dinner as well.  Also, if you know of any prospects for membership, this would be a great event to bring them to and it would allow them to meet a number of the brothers and their families in a relaxed, informal setting at the Lodge.

Finally, at the November Stated Meeting, we will have tickets available for the annual Holiday Dinner (December 13, 2008) and will also hold the election of officers for the upcoming year. 

See you all at the Lodge.

Fraternally,

Jeremy Davis, WM

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November Birthdays
11-7     Daniel L. Lewis
11-13     Jay Cole Simser
11-14     Craig R. Baumhover
11-16     Barry J. Sieh
11-22     Jeffery A. Meyers
11-27     David Dickson
11-27     William T. Talbot
11-28     Jay Alan Ochanpaugh
11-30     Ralph C. Kalsem

November Calendar

3rd-7 p.m. DeMolay
4th-6 p.m. Election Nite Soup Supper
4th-7 p.m. Eastern Star
5th-9 a.m. Coffee at HyVee
6th-6:30 p.m.  $5 Buck Dinner (E-mail jaycoles@aol.com to make a reservation for dinner—Best Deal in Town!)
6th-7:30 p.m.  Arcadia Lodge Stated Meeting
8th-Acacia Fraternity
9th-Church
10th-Newsletter Deadline
10th-7 p.m. DeMolay
12th-9 a.m. Coffee at HyVee
13th-7 p.m. Arcadia Lodge
14th-7 p.m. Amaranth
17th-7 p.m. DeMolay
18th-7 p.m. White Shrine
19th-9 a.m. Coffee at HyVee
19th-5:15 p.m.  Arcadia After Work (Olde Main Brewing Co.)
20th-7 p.m.  Arcadia Lodge
24th-7 p.m.  DeMolay
26th-9 a.m. Coffee at HyVee
26th-7 p.m.  York Rite
27th-Happy Thanksgiving!