The North Carolina Mason

July/August 2016 The North Carolina Mason Page 11 see next page Newell Newell 739 is holding a Gun-A- Day Raffle in August. — Gary Cooke Winston-Salem On June 6, Forsyth 707, Piedmont Pioneer 685, Salem 289, and Winston 167 held an open session about mem- bership retention and mentorship at the new Winston Salem Masonic Center. Junior Grand Deacon Shaun Bradshaw was giving the presentation. — By the Square Forsyth 707 hosted Scottish Rite Journal Editor S. Brent Morris at Clemmons 755. Morris is one of the country's foremost authorities on Free- masonry and first joined a lodge (our Durham 352) while a graduate student at Duke University. — By the Square Salem 289 was hosting Ron Sor- tino, a member of Semper Fidelis 680 and first vice-president of National So- journers, for a June 7 program. — e Salem Sentinel Chad Leinbach was raised June 6 in Old Town 751. His brother Todd raised him as his nephew Tyler looked on. Todd and Chad's late father Wayne was also a member of 751. Old Town 751 had their Lodge Re- union and Family Picnic June 25. It was to be an early evening of "games, fel- lowship, and food." Red Leslie gave Old Town Lodge a retractable projection screen. It will add to their lectures and give them other program possibilities. Master Jamie Minton was hosting a breakfast before their June 4 clean up day. During their labors, they had a freeform discussion on the future of the lodge. ey say several of the ideas rated further discussion, so they are going to schedule another meeting just to talk over these and other ideas for future projects and goals. Also around the Old Town building, the lodge parking lot is getting in rough shape. ey are starting to investigate the extent and cost of repairs that are necessary and best. Old Town reaches out to young people. ey recently responded to a request from a Boy Scout to help fi- nance his Eagle Scout project. ey passed the hat and got him more than $150. eir Bikes for Books program awarded 11 bikes to kids in local el- ementary schools in 2016. — On the Level at Old Town Lodge Hookerton Jerusalem 95 was singing the praises of J. K. and Charlie Hall for organizing the Sixth Masonic District's outdoor degree. Sixty-five Masons from around the region attended the May 21 gather- ing outside Hookerton. — e Jerusalem Journal Benson Relief 431 held a Cornhole Tourna- ment June 4. Team entries were $50. Prizes of $200 to $50 were offered for the best four teams. ey had the gym across the street reserved in case of in- clement weather. — Edward Franklin Olive Laurinburg May was a big month for fund rais- ing at Laurinburg 305. ey were run- ning a concession stand at community events in Laurel Hill May 6–7 and in Laurinburg on May 20. eir Commu- nity Yard Sale was set for May 14. — Gene Maples Kenly hosts Pinewood Derby KENLY — Kenly 257 hosted the Cub Scout Pack 29's Pinewood Derby on February 11. A large contingent of kids and adults attended the model car race that has long been a Cub Scout favorite event. The lodge served the kids hot dogs and snacks at "trackside." The track was set up in the lodge room. Kenly Lodge Past Master Brandon Scott is the Cub Master for Pack 29. — Ted Sherrod Fayetteville Phoenix 8 sponsored a St. John the Baptist celebration at their historic lodge building on June 25. e five- hour party included bounce houses, games, food, and fellowship. ey also had an educational program on St. John. — Nick Yakas Spruce Pine Vesper 554 hosted their annual joint meeting with Bakersville 357 on April 29. Vesper's officers opened the meeting and Bakersville's closed it. As usual, they had lots of visitors around the 37 th Masonic District and as far away as Tennessee. Vesper Lodge officers were thank- ing Building and Grounds Committee members Nolan Shuford, Lee Earley, Matt Miller, and Van Phillips for their many recent efforts. ey arranged monthly cleanings of the building as well as supervised major roof repairs. ey installed a new dishwasher, gar- bage disposal, and wall-mounted air conditioner. ey revitalized the lodge light. Alvin Carpenter arranged old oil tanks removed. One of Master Don Wilson's goals of the year has been to improve com- munications in the lodge. ey have reinforced using phone tree message, their newsletter, and email alerts to keep their members informed on short- term as well as long-term notice. — Newsletter Gastonia King Solomon 704 and Gastonia 369 are having a canned food drive for the hungry in their community. ey've placed a food barrel in the lobby of the lodge to catch the cans. ey are asking members to bring five cans of food to each communication. King Solomon 704 held their An- nual Picnic June 21 at Riverwood Plantation Clubhouse. ey were charging a modest five dollars per per- son for the hamburger and hot dog get-together to make sure the lodge broke even on the event. e lodge continues its tradition of wearing golf shirts to their July com- munication, dropping the usual tie re- quirement for officers. Grand Master Bryant Webster re- cently visited King Solomon 704 to present service awards. Seth White Thomas Jr. got his Diamond Ju- bilee for his 60 years membership. Fifty-year Veteran's Emblems went to Lewis Wadell Blanton and Jerry Lawrence Mundy. Senior Grand Deacon Mack Sig- mon visited King Solomon May 10 with a program about Masonic ritual. — e Plumb Line

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