The North Carolina Mason

November/December 2013 The North Carolina Mason DeMolays help out with Homecoming OXFORD — A contingent of DeMolays from Fayetteville, Raleigh, and Winston-Salem attended the October Masonic Homecoming at the Masonic Home for Children. They are seen here with then Grand Master Dewey Preslar, State Master Councilor Andrew Williard, and Deputy State Master Councilor Luis Roman. — Paul Jones Page 5 Seen here, from left, are George Eric Minton (son), Christopher Minton (grandson), then Grand Master Dewey R. Preslar Jr., George Wilson Minton (father), and Les Dyer. Three generations raised together in Wilkesboro WILKESBORO — On September 7, Liberty 45 held a unique family degree. Three members of the Minton family, a father, son, and grandson, were raised by the lodge during the Saturday morning meeting. All three had proceeded through the three degrees together after being initiated May 16. More than 60 attended. The first section of the degree was conducted by Steve Nixon. Four candidates meant there were three short forms and one full. Thirty-third District Deputy Grand Master Bobby Huffman did the short forms, and Grand Master Dewey Preslar Jr. stepped in to do the long form. In an interesting twist, George Wilson Minton (the grandfather) was raised by Huffman. In turn, George Wilson raised George Eric Minton (his son). Then, when the time came, George Eric raised Christopher George Minton (his son, George Wilson's grandson). — Steve Brown Family Day cleans up at Cary 198 CARY — Family Day/Clean-up Day at Cary 198 was held June 15. Many chores were completed, and things were spiffed up around the lodge both inside and out. Hot dogs and hamburgers were enjoyed by all at lunch. — Ben Oakes Jr. From the Medical Committee About kidney stones By Andrew H. Krueger, MD One of the most painful and unpleasant med- has too many crystal-forming chemicals and/or ical conditions in my practice are kidney stones. not enough substances to protect against crystal They affect 16 million Americans. Lately, I have formation. When the volume of urine is too low, seen an increase in patients with this problem. stone forming materials become concentrated People who have had kidney stones are likely to and stones grow. Therefore, a personalized treatget them again. ment plan incorporating diet, increased fluid inIt is good to know what causes your kidney take, and possibly medications can prevent or at stones and how can they be prevented. Genetics, least stall the formation of a future stone. diet, fluid intake, and work environment can all Often, a 24-hour collection of the urine is contribute to the formation of stones. necessary to quantify your personal concentraIdentifying what type of kidney stone a tions. So drink your water, squeeze a little fresh certain individual has is the first step to pre- lemon in it, and see your urologist. vention. It is not always the same type as our Andrew H. Krueger is a member of Belmont 446 neighbor's. Kidney stones form when the urine and the Medical Committee. TYPHOON, from page 8 aid and assistance, perhaps more so than any other time in our history? Would you consider being part of a 100% response from every lodge in this jurisdiction that bears witness to our commitment as men and Masons to aid and assist helpless people who, because of the level of their loss, will likely never even be able to say thank you? Every gift matters, especially the one you will make quickly. While the efforts continue to aid and assist the Filipino people, additional requests will likely come. Let not it be said that North Carolina failed to rise to the challenge to have a 100% response from the lodges in this state. Please submit your gift to Philippines Appeal: Masonic Service Association, 3905 National Drive, Suite 280, Burtonsville, MD 20866. We are North Carolina Masons. We do not seem to care. We care. We do not seem to share. We share because we dare to make a positive difference in the lives of those who are suffering, wherever they may be. It is what we were meant to be. A. Gene Cobb Jr. is junior grand warden. Ric Carter photos Seen here, from left, are: Oxford 122 members Bob Barrett, Mark Carroll, Todd Williford, Andrew Lyda, and his father, Cecil. Lodge lends a hand to scout OXFORD — Andrew Lyda has only been a Boy Scout for a short while, but has known for quite some time that it was his life's calling. Having recently graduated to the Boy Scouts from the Cub Scouts, Andrew has faced many challenges in his short 11 years. A special needs child, Andrew has overcome many challenges to always look for the good in any situation. His call to duty, and his desire to help others, led him to the Boy Scouts as an opportunity to work in the community and make a difference with others. His goal is to eventually attain the Boy Scouts highest honor, Eagle Scout. His journey to that goal recently hit an unexpected challenge when he was unable to come up with the necessary funds for the upcoming summer camp. Andrew's father was recently laid off from his work, and the family was struggling to make ends meet, let alone pay for the annual Scout camp held in June. His situation came to the attention of local Masons. Several members from local Masonic lodges took up collections and came up with the necessary money for Andrew to go to the camp. "Hearing about all of Andrew's hard work and the volunteering he does in the community, we felt compelled to help out any way we could," said Oxford 122 member Mark Carroll. "Andrew and his family have helped out at the Masonic Home for Children and in the community on numerous occasions. We just wanted to help him have the opportunity to have fun this summer and earn more of the necessary merit badges to get him closer to his goal. We are just glad we could help. He truly is a great kid." — Rich Weaver

• Cover