The North Carolina Mason

Page 6 The North Carolina Mason November/December 2019 our masonic charities at Work Some uninvited – but welcome – furry guests entertained brother Masons and friends at a special invitation-only North Carolina Masonic Foundation event at the Governor's Western Residence in Ashe- ville. NCMF hosts two special regional events a year, inviting brothers and friends who love and support our charities, the Masonic Home for Children and White- Stone, with their time, talent and treasure. Special guest, former N.C. Gov. Jim Martin, addressed the gathering with memories of Masonry and the time he spent in the residence during his tenure in office. He is a 44-year Mason and a member of Phalanx #31. Brother Martin has served as a member of the NCMF board and is a recipient of the prestigious Joseph Montfort Medal, NC Freema- sonry's highest honor. He was almost upstaged by the presence of local residents – two mother bears and their cubs – who dined on natural "salad" outside the residence. e bear family was well-behaved and welcoming. Inside, attendees enjoyed listening to the Whitewater Bluegrass Company, a band led by Brother "Uncle" Ted White. For more than 35 years, the band has enter- tained audiences throughout the Southeast with a blend of Bluegrass music, country ballads, mountain swing and down-home humor. Watch for more NCMF special events in 2020! Brothers and sisters and bears! Oh my! Whitewater Bluegrass provided the indoor entertainment for the event... ... meanwhile a bear family provided the outdoor entertainment of the day. Former Gov Jim Martin, above, greets fellow Masonic broth- ers and spouses at a special NCMF donor event at the NC Governor's Western Residence in Asheville, while NCMF board member Guy Cline, PGM Bryant Webster and Grand Master Mack Sigmon spend some time catching up. Photos by Beth Grace

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