Brethren,
The April District Lodge of Instruction will be held at Philo Lodge #243 (120 Old Bridge Turnpike, South River, NJ 08882) on Wednesday, April 10th. The DLI will begin promptly at 7:00 PM
The Work for the evening will be Opening, Changeover to EA, Changeover to Fellowcraft, 1st section of the Fellowcraft Degree, closing on the Fellowcraft Degree and how to bring the candidate into the Lodge to perform his EA proficiency.
Dress for the meeting is Jacket and Tie.
Fraternally,
R.W. William G. McClew
District Deputy Grand Master
12th Masonic District
The Official Visit schedule for this year will be as outlined below. This has been reviewed with the Worshipful Master's and is set. Remember the Official Visits will be on the Master Mason Degree for the whole evening and that all Lodge Officers of the Lodge being visited should dress formally (that means tux) per Masonic Protocol. The work for the Official Visit will be as follows:
For the second time in my brief tenure as Worshipful Master, I have again been called to the solemn and difficult task of announcing to you all the passing of a brother, mentor, and friend. RW Tom Petro was called by the Grand Architect of the Universe to the Lodge on High. RW Petro was Initiated May 17, 2010, Passed June 14, 2010, and Raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on September 13, 2010. Throughout his almost 14 year Masonic career, he served in many capacities in Princeton Lodge, specifically as Worshipful Master for two terms and currently installed as our organist. He also took service roles in the other Blue Lodges he was a part of, Horizon Daylight 299 and Amwell 12, as well as the various appendant bodies he was a member of. RW Petro rose through the ranks of the fraternity and earned himself positions on Grand Staff; most recently serving as Aid to the Grand Master for MW David L. Tucker for 2023.
RW Petro exemplified pride in Masonry. Through his passion for the craft, his creative nature in all the masonic memorabilia he created and gave to his brothers, and his constant thoughtfulness with his annual Christmas card and masonic ornament, Tom showed what the tenant of brotherly love should truly be. I ask you all to keep RW Brother Petro, his family and loved ones, and all your brothers in your thoughts and prayers.
While the pain of this loss will be felt by all of us, I can hear Tom now reassuring us that, “It’s all good… and it’s our charge to keep it that way”. Please take care of yourselves and each other.
Information regarding arrangements will be distributed as they become available.
Solemnly and Fraternally,
Rob Marrese
Worshipful Master 2024
It is with deep regret that we must report that WB Russell Shirley's mother-in-Law Nora May Van Bree has passed on January 30th 2024 in her own home in Edison, with her family around her. She was 85 years old. WB Russ and his wife Wanda will miss her very much. We wish brother Shirley and his family all sympathys in their time of grief.
I saw this in the New York Times today and thought I would share it.
Words of wisdom
There’s such fanfare about the end of the year and the beginning of a new one, but the difference is only a day. I find myself thinking about this a lot, how we invest the turning-over of a new year with such meaning, but it’s really just a Sunday into Monday, a transition we don’t dignify with ceremony the other 51 weeks. This week, it’s momentous. This week, we make a fuss.
What sort of fuss are you making? A party, a gathering, a favorite meal for dinner? Maybe in bed by 10 with a good book, which is to say no fuss at all, thank you very much?
You might, regardless of your plans, ask some people about the best advice they have received this year. People love giving advice, and when they’re sitting on something they think is especially effective, they’re excited to share it. Advice given on New Year’s takes on the air of a benediction, a strong first sentence with which to begin a new chapter.
I asked a friend for the best advice she’d received and she told me to “Buy the dip,” to which I densely asked if she was referring to condiments or smokeless tobacco. She rolled her eyes then offered something more my speed: “‘No’ is a complete sentence,” which I have heard before, but it’s a solid maxim I was glad to hear again.
The advice below comes from readers of The Morning. Hopefully there’s something in here you can use, a motto with which to start the new year.
The best advice you received
Keep a running list of the nicest things anyone has ever said to or about you. It’s a lifesaver on days when the world is getting the best of you. — Dave Clarke, Wauwatosa, Wis.
If everyone is driving you crazy, then the feeling is probably mutual. — Bill Chappell, Atlanta
Life is too short not to tell the people you love that you love them. — Abby Thomas, New Canaan, Conn.
We are all juggling so many balls. Differentiate between glass balls and rubber balls — and don’t be afraid to drop the rubber balls. — Kathryn Cunningham, Carrboro, N.C.
Wait as long as possible to get your kids a phone. — Laura LaGrone, Asheville, N.C.
Instead of calling someone out, call them in: Invite them into a judgment-free conversation with the intention of promoting understanding. — Rita Maniscalco, Huntington, N.Y.
Every time you receive a box containing something you bought online, fill it with items to donate. — Christina Poynter, Dimondale, Mich.
Before doing something, ask yourself, “Is this something that someone who loves themselves would do?” — Cathy de la Cruz, Brooklyn, N.Y.
You’re 73 years old — can you stop with the one-man shows? — Michael Kearns, Los Angeles
Nothing good is happening on your phone past 8 p.m. — Miriam Lichtenberg, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Feel what your body is saying and stop trying to think your way through your feelings. — Tobey Crockett, Paso Robles, Calif.
Drive slower: It’s safer, less stressful and gives you time to look around. — Rick Juliusson, Cowichan Station, British Columbia
Breathe in, thinking, “I listen for the silence.” Breathe out: “I am not the hero of every story.” Breathe in: “I will not get free alone.” Out: “I am worthy of belonging.” — Richard Ashford, Chevy Chase, Md.
Wear a watch. This way I pick up my phone half as often. How many times do you pick up yours to check the time and get sidetracked by 30 minutes of doomscrolling? — Jen MacNeil Danenberg, Newtown, Conn.
There are many things I can’t control, but I can control how I do or don’t respond. I can’t control others’ thoughts of me. — Chloe Stuck, Rolla, Mo.
Be proactive with your health by getting tests and establishing baselines. — Mary Anderson, Bend, Ore.
Be a fountain, not a drain. — Christine Clemens, Lowville, N.Y.
Just book the trip. — Emiley Shenk, Toledo, Ohio
A boundary is something you set that requires nothing of the other person. From Dr. Becky Kennedy on the “Armchair Expert” podcast. — Anna Politiski, New York, N.Y.
Walk at least a little way down into the Grand Canyon; don’t just stay up on the rim. — Stephen Edgerton, Chapel Hill, N.C.
Retire from your job, not from life. — Margaret Johnson, Dunedin, Fla.
(Saturday, December 9 - NJ Lodge of Research and Education [NJ LORE] #1786, Regular Communication. In Union Lodge Building. a 15th Dist. Lodge meeting in the 12th)
Saturday, Dec. 9 - Raritan Valley Lodge No. 46, Social 3:30-4 PM, Installation 4 PM, Dinner & Fellowship to follow.
Sunday, December 10 - MilltownPalestine No. 294, Social 12:30 PM. Installation 1:00 PM, Dinner & Fellowship to follow.
Tuesday, Dec. 12 - Philo No. 243, Dinner 6:30, Lodge Meeting 7:30 PM, Installation 8:00 PM, Fellowship to follow.
Friday, December 15 - St. Stephen Lodge No. 63, 7:00 PM, dinner & Fellowship to follow.
Saturday, Dec. 16 - Princeton No. 38, 4:00 PM, Dinner and Fellowship to follow.
(Saturday, December 9 - NJ Lodge of Research and Education [NJ LORE] #1786, Regular Communication. In Union Lodge Building. a 15th Dist. Lodge meeting in the 12th)
Saturday, Dec. 9 - Raritan Valley Lodge No. 46, Social 3:30-4 PM, Installation 4 PM, Dinner & Fellowship to follow.
Sunday, December 10 - MilltownPalestine No. 294, Social 12:30 PM. Installation 1:00 PM, Dinner & Fellowship to follow.
Tuesday, Dec. 12 - Philo No. 243, Dinner 6:30, Lodge Meeting 7:30 PM, Installation 8:00 PM, Fellowship to follow.
Friday, December 15 - St. Stephen Lodge No. 63, 7:00 PM, dinner & Fellowship to follow.
Saturday, Dec. 16 - Princeton No. 38, 4:00 PM, Dinner and Fellowship to follow.
Monday, Dec. 18 - Union #19, Dinner 6:30 PM, Installation 7:30 PM, Fellowship to follow.
Hello Brethren,
Brethren,
A Quick reminder that Union Lodge No. 19 is holding a Fundraiser Event on Thursday, November 16, 2023, 6:30-9:30 PM, at "Stumpy's Hatchet House" 745 Alexander Rd., Princeton, NJ 08540.
This is an "OPEN" Event, Masons, Family, Friends and the public can attend. This is our only Fundraiser (besides Dues) to bring money into the Lodge. The Price is $50 per person. That includes 3 hours of Ax throwing. We are bringing in Pizza. It is a BYOB. We will also be selling 50/50 Tickets (to be drawn that night), and a Tricky-Tray Raffle (we currently have at least 6 different prizes).
Please purchase tickets, attend, spread the word and invite your family and friends. See the attached flyer, use the QR code to purchase tickets or go to: https://tinyurl.com/Union19Fundraiser
Sincerely & fraternally,
RW Raymond P. Helge, PDDGM
Secretary, Union Lodge No. 19, F&AM
2023.
1. Social time 5:00 pm to 5:30 pm, if someone is scheduled to do
work for a proficiency bar they may be listened to at this time
until 6:45 pm. Properly completed paperwork (Lecturer Pin
Temporary Record) must have been received by the Secretary of
the Ritual Committee a minimum of 10 days prior to the GLI.
2. Dinner 5:30 pm. Ritual Committee members and the Grand
Master’s Representative will be asked to eat first.
3. The Grand Lodge of Instruction will be opened at 6:45 pm by
the Grand Instructor and the current Grand Lodge Officers
(1 st priority). Any missing Grand Lodge Officers should be filled in
by DDGMs or DRIs (2 nd Priority). The Grand Chaplain assigned to
the GLI should have an opening and closing prayer prepared.
Either prayer may be read.
4. Your selected Lodge will do a first section of the Master Mason
Degree.
5. Your selected Lodge will do a second section of the Master
Mason Degree. Craftsmen and ruffians may be supplied by other
lodges as needed.
6. Your selected Lodge will do the Interrogatories (Masters of
Ceremonies Preparation of Candidate) inside the lodge room by
the inner door, preferably by an existing Senior or Junior Master
of Ceremonies.
7. Your selected lodge will do the first section of the Entered
Apprentice Degree.
Master Mason Degree | |||||
1st Section | 2nd Section | ||||
Position | Name | Position | Name | Craftsman | |
Worshipful Master | Ed Walker | Worshipful Master | David Umbra/Rob Marrese | No. 1 | Ed Walker |
Senior Warden | Tim Norek | Senior Grand Warden | Chris Howard | No. 2 | |
Junior Warden | Art Cambell | Junior Grand Warden | George Mellow | No. 3 | |
Treasurer | Josiah Santamaria | Treasurer | Josiah Santamaria | No. 4 | |
Secretary | Ray Helge | Secretary | Ray Helge | No. 5 | |
Chaplain | Adam Santamaria | Chaplain | Andrew Gaydosh/ Jeremy Governale | No. 6 | |
Senior Deacon | Rob Marrese | Senior Deacon | Rob Davis | No. 7 | |
Junior Deacon | George Mellow | Junior Deacon | Chris Carlsen | No. 8 | |
Senior M of C | Eric Wolf | Senior M of C | Chris Nowak | No. 9 | |
Junior M of C | Willaim Krzwick IV | Junior M of C | Willaim Krzwick IV | No. 10 | David Wiess |
Senior Steward | Mike Dunleavy | Senior Steward | Mike Dunleavy | No. 11 | Tim Norek |
Junior Steward | Roy Kowalski | Junior Steward | Roy Kowalski | No. 12 | Don Skarr |
Marshal | David Wiess | Marshal | Barry Holsten | Lecture | |
Organist | Organist | Charge | Adam Santamaria | ||
Tyler | Hugo Gini | Tyler | Hugo Gini | ||
Working Tools | Kevin Jones | Seafaring Man | Chris Carlsen/Hugo Gini | ||
Jubia | Ilan Baicher | ||||
Jubelo | Jay Sgaramella | ||||
Jubelum | Chris Howard |
Entered Apprentice Degree |
Stations & Places | Name |
WM | Ilan Baicher |
SW | Kevin Jones |
JW | Dan Connell |
Treasure | Adam Santamaria |
Secretary | Bob Gaydosh |
Chaplain | Andrew Gaydosh |
SD | John Birritteri |
JD | George Mellow |
SMC | Chris Noack |
JMC | Hugo Gini |
Tyler | |
Sr. Steward | Mike Dunleavy |
Jr. Steward | Roy Kowalski |
Organist | |
Marshall | David Wiess |
Apron | Ilan Baicher |
Working Tools | Rob Marrese |
Interrogatories | Kevin Jones |
Lecture | |
Charge | Alen Chang |
Reception Address | Bob Gaydosh |
My Brothers,
It is surreal to think about the fact that we are in the midst of the summer months, and more than half of the year has passed us by. While it has been a whirlwind, I think that we have made some incredible progress engaging our members with fellowship and brotherhood among those participating in our events and communications.
I am truly blessed and pleased to see the amount of camaraderie there is among the Brothers of our Lodge. We have had several outings with great enthusiasm, and we have several more planned for this fall. We have seen a Brother Initiated to Entered Apprentice, Passed to Fellow Craft and on the road to being Raised to Master Mason. We continue to receive inquiries and the possibility of additional petitions from newcomers who are greatly impressed with the welcoming and hospitable reception they receive when visiting Union Lodge. I am very appreciative to the Lodge officers for their service and dedication, and with your help we will continue to make Union Lodge stronger and more vibrant through the end of 2023 and into the future.
I encourage you to support and attend the events we have on the calendar for the remainder of the year, some of which include: Lodge Picnic hosted by RW Brother Kowalski on July 15th, possible dinner outing on July 31st (5th Monday of the month) TBD, Union Lodge/Red Cross Blood Drive on September 16th, Table Lodge scheduled for Friday October 13th honoring our very own Right Worshipful Raymond P. Helge, PDDGM, to be held at MilltownPalestine Lodge #294 and keep your eyes peeled and ears open for a hatchet throwing fundraiser in November, likely on the 16th.
Along with these “extra” opportunities for fellowship, remember we begin our regular communications again on September 18th. The communication will be preceded by dinner as has been customary, and lets give a big hand to our Stewarts for always serving memorable meals that frequently correspond to the food of the day!
Finally, I have a request of each of you, following RW Brother Ben Hoff’s great suggestion and in continuation of bringing a topic to discuss to our communication, I ask that you too put some thought into what you might like to present for discussion. I think the topics RW Hoff raised were great and inspired stimulating conversation.
I’ll leave you with a quote from a long-time Master Mason: “If it’s to be, it’s up to me” With this in mind I challenge each of you to try and come visit with your Brothers and enjoy some of the fraternal fellowship and Masonic Light that Union Lodge #19 has to offer. This is your lodge and only if we work together will it continue to grow and thrive! I look forward to seeing all of my Brothers this summer and into the fall!
Sincerely & Fraternally