The North Carolina Mason

May/June 2013 The North Carolina Mason Page 7 Mileposts MOORESVILLE — In February, Mooresville 496 Master Jack Ramey visited Robert A. Graham of Indiana-Franklin 313. Ramey presented the 92-year-old Graham, who now lives in the Mooresville community, an award from the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania for 70 years membership. Graham received all three degrees in a single day in July 1943. — David N. Wendt SHELBY — During the March 5 Grand Master's district meeting here in Cleveland 202, J. Ralph Harrison of Fairview 339 was honored. Harrison received recognition for his 50 years as a certified lecturer. He is the 14th lecturer to earn the honor. There are currently seven active Class A lecturers with 50 years experience. Seen here, from left, are Grand Lecturer David Potts, Harrison, Grand Master Dewey Preslar Jr., and Grand Steward Mack Sigmon. — Mack Sigmon GREENVILLE — Crown Point 708 member Aldine Kieffer Guthrie, seated, was presented his Veteran's Emblem on March 19. Lodge Master Charles Sumerlin and Roy Selby visited the 50-year Mason at Spring Arbor Assisted Living to give him the award. — Charles Ray Sumerlin BISCOE — Vance Shuping Caudill, center, of Biscoe 437, recently got the Diamond Jubilee Award for his 60 years membership. A lodge contingent visited his home to give him the honor. Seen here presenting the award are Greg Parsons, left, and Ronald Parsons, right. — Carl W. Brown GREENVILLE — Crown Point 708's Mayo Etheridge Allen, right, recently received his Veteran's Emblem saluting his 50 years as a Mason. Charles R. Sumerlin made the presentation. — Charles Ray Sumerlin REIDSVILLE — Benton Gooch, seated, of Jefferson Penn 384 recently received his Diamond Jubilee honoring his 60 years as a Mason. Brothers John Paul Jones VI, left, and Bobby Drum, right, presented the award. TABOR CITY — Gene West, left, recently got his Veteran's Emblem for 50 years Masonic membership. Tabor 563 Master Michael Norris, right, made the presentation. — Len Fipps PENDLETON — On March 26, five members of Pendleton 418 received their Veteran's Emblems honoring their 50 years as Masons. Fifth Masonic District Deputy Grand Master Jim Burch made the presentations to Carroll Futrell, Louis Johnson, Frank Barnes, Marion Davis, and R. J. White. Seen here, from left, are Futrell, Johnson, District Deputy Grand Lecturer Jim Sanderlin, Barnes, Burch, and Davis. — Johnny Reynolds WILMINGTON — Joe Szakasits, center, was honored for 60 years Masonic membership April 4. Past Grand Master Bill Mathis presented the Orient 395 member his Diamond Jubilee Award on behalf of the Grand Lodge. Seen here are, from left, Freddy Szakasits, Joe, and Frank Szakasits. — Freddy Szakasits HAVELOCK — On April 18, Cherry Point 688 gave James A. Muse, left, his Veteran's Emblem for his 50 years Masonic membership. Lodge Master Robert Hamm, right, presented the award. — D. K. Lewis HIGH POINT — Numa F. Reid 344 presented Paul D. Snipes, center, his 50-year Veteran's Emblem last year. Seen here presenting the award are, from left, Gary Snipes, P. Dan Snipes Jr., Paul Snipes, Murray Skeen, and Larry Forrester. — Kevin P. Wood GARLAND — Oliver L. Croom Jr., left, recently received his Veteran's Emblem for 50 years Masonic membership. Garland 664 Master John V. Matthews Jr., right, made the presentation at the lodge. — Phillip D. Smoak TABOR CITY — Herman Stevens, left, was recently presented a plaque thanking him for his 34 years of service as secretary of Tabor 563. Lodge Master Michael Norris, right, made the presentation. — Len Fipps From the Medical Committee Hernia basics Hernias are among the most common medical problems. A hernia is a protrusion of abdominal contents thorough a weakened area in the abdominal wall. They are generally caused by straining, coughing, or anything that causes increased abdominal pressure. They usually occur in areas that are predisposed to weakness; the umbilicus, the groin, or prior surgical scars. Every hernia does not have to be repaired. Having said that, it is much easier on the patient and surgeon to repair a hernia of moderate size than to wait for it to become huge and more complicated to repair. Some reasons to repair them are: pain and discomfort, increasing size, or an unsightly bulge. A strangulated hernia (one that sticks out and is painful) should also be repaired. Non-surgical treatments of hernias are usual- ly only partially effective in relieving symptoms. Surgical repair of hernias usually involves the placement of some type of synthetic mesh over the hernia. This is done to decrease the chances that the hernia will recur. These repairs can be done laparoscopically or with more traditional surgical techniques all yielding good results.

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