Sonoma News letter

march 2005

SONOMA LODGE # 472

A.F. & A.M.

CANTON, NC

NEWS-LETTER

February 2004

SONOMA LODGE # 472 MEETS ON THE FIRST THURSDAY OF EVERY MONTH AT 7:30 P.M.   DINNER IS OFFERED BY O.E.S. AT 6:30 P.M. ($6.00)

The newsletter for March 2005 is sponsored by

Brother Hugh K. Terrell Jr.

In memory of

Lucille and Hugh Terrell

February meeting

Brothers we had a good meeting in February with 24 members and visitors present Worshipful Brother Bentley and his officers continue to do us proud. Every member of Sonoma Lodge needs to come out and support these officers. If you have not been to Lo0dge in a while don’t let that stop you come on out. Even if you think you don’t remember what you need to we will HELP. Every one of you should make an effort to attend at least 3 meeting this year; we would like to see you there for all of the meetings but, will take what we can get. If you do not have a way to get to the Lodge call one of the officers listed at the end of the newsletter we will see that you get to Lodge.

Sterling Melton Traveling Gavel

We have the gavel!! We have the Gavel!! We have the Gavel!!!!

Not that we would mention it or any thing BUT we have the BIG HAMMER. And since the Brothers from Waynesville will not come to Sonoma to get it that means that the Lodges out west can COME and get it.  Brothers Gene Canter, Hugh K. Terrell, Dallas Davis and our Master Bentley Rogers went to Waynesville of February 4^th and picked up the Gavel. It has been going back and forth between Clyde and Waynesville for several months, but we have it now.

SONOMA LODGE SCHOLARSHIP FUND

Brothers we are getting closer and closer to having a scholarship from Sonoma Lodge. Due to the generosity of one of our Brothers we are getting closer to having a scholarship that will eventually be given out by the members of Sonoma Lodge to a Graduate of Pisgah or Central Haywood High. The student will have to live in the Bethel community and have attended Bethel Middle School. There will be other stipulations later since this is just in the planning stages. Come to the meetings to get the whole story.

Calvin E. Taylor Toy Ride

Brothers we will be having a planning meeting for the toy ride on April 4 at 7:00 pm at Duvall’s in Waynesville. We can not put this ride on without planning and we need help and input from everyone to make this ride a success. Brothers plan on being there we need YOUR help.

Sonoma Chapter #254 OES

The Ladies of the Eastern Star will have a POOR MAN”S SUPPER as a fund raiser on April 9^th at the Lodge fellowship hall. This is to raise money to help pay for the new chairs in the fellowship hall and for other improvements to the Lodge. This will be from 11:00AM till 7:00PM if you are not able to be at the Lodge we will deliver just call:

Gene @ 734-3439 or Mike @ 400-0256

The menu will be:

Pinto Beans

Fried Potatoes

Cole Slaw

Corn Bread

Brothers we are sending yopu 5 tickets for the supper try to sell them if you can. If you sell one just sign your name on the back and get the money to the Eastern Star. We need all of the help we can get. If you get this newsletter and are not a member we could use your help if you can.

MESH

Brothers this is a message that was sent from the Masonic and Eastern Star Home that Brother Stanley Henson wanted to be included in the newsletter. Brother Stanley is the Chairman of the MESH committee

Screaming Good Counsel

Some grumbly brethren were overheard discussing the Masonic and Eastern Star Home in Greensboro [MESH]. These griping fellows had, all by themselves, concluded that the services and accommodations of MESH had become a resort with a swimming pool, unused exercise equipment, and too many other luxuries.

They used these otherwise flattering remarks to communicate a negative opinion. 

The following is a response to those who would give credence to these misinformed brethren.

We cannot blame these uninformed brethren except for not seeking the truth. The either have no desire or haven’t the ability to see the big picture.

They simply don't understand. By their theory, MESH would not have changed in our 95-year history. We would have no electricity, air conditioning, heat systems, telephones, etc. These are the folks that say, "Give 'them' three squares, a bed, and roof, a donated book, and a lamp and that's all they need". These brethren should ask if they would expect the same for meager services for their parents.

They don’t understand. Our improvements in the last decade are not all for aesthetics. For instance, the therapy pool, together with the physical, occupational, vocational therapy areas influence health and restore people. It keeps people as healthy as possible and out of the most costly engine - healthcare - for as long as possible. Here is a proof offering. Ten years ago there were 75 people in the Care Center. That number was reduced through assisted living and therapy programming and resulted in a $400,000 annual savings. The improvements in our Home Care services, together with the indoor therapy pool, cost far less than that amount of money.  Some would say, “Well, Duhhhh”.

They don't understand. Residents have always paid for some part of their care. This is called “resident mix” and is nothing new. In 2004, 58% of the revenue came from residents. Those living in our beautiful new houses have the wherewithal to pay their own way. The improved services they require AND PAY FOR are also provided to the 150 residents who require subsidy.

They don't understand. The fraternity does not provide funds sufficient to support the 150 people now subsidized. Would they prefer we evict 60 people? Surely not! If so, they are counterproductive to freemasonry. The Independent Living program is efficient and generates revenue that is not being provided philanthropically.

They brethren do not understand. We must find new revenue sources like third party insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, and fee-for-service type arrangements ONLY because of insufficient contributions to this fraternal obligation. An offer of proof is that in 2004 the average contribution from each Mason was less than $6.98. This is less than two cents a day when seven cents would do the trick. [This is NOT a typo - seven cents a day - one $25 annual gift]. 

They do not understand. Sometime people find it enjoyable to complain without knowledge. Unless and until they learn the truth, they will continue to enjoy themselves.

March Birthdays

Jesse Burnette 05            Geoff Cooper 28                    Our Masonic Widows

Charles E. Cathey Jr. 11    Bobby Cheek 29                      Pauline Rigdon 30

Roy Edwards 20                 Lewis Mease 29

Chester Sellers 22              Danny Greene 30

Question for Jim Fore:

Do pilots take Crash-courses?

Sonoma Officers