Our now annual Holiday Meal Basket Program is underway. Last year’s effort was outstanding and we were able to help over 50 families with complete holiday meals. I am again asking brothers to donate to this effort to help the needy families of Schoharie County. A donation of $25 will provide an entire meal basket consisting of:
12-14 lb. Turkey
5 lb. Potatoes
1 box stuffing
1 package of dinner rolls
4 cans of vegetables
2 pkg. gravy mix
1 can cranberry sauce
Pie
Stewart’s card good for a gallon of milk

We announced the start of the program last week at our lodge meeting and I am happy to say that we are off to a good start. A big thank you to the brothers of Ad Orientem with a generous donation of 12 meals, the brothers of Schoharie added another 3 to give us a great start of 15. I would like to repeat the amount of last year but would love to be able to do more. I will also be looking for help to pick these items up and on the Tuesday (11/21) distributing them.

If any brother knows a family in need of this program please pass their information on to me and I will put them on our list.

If you can help with a donation or another way please contact me at rrrathka at yahoo.com or 518-231-1960

Thank you my brothers,
Randy Rathka

Brothers and friends,

Last week, our Lodge hosted our annual Veterans Dinner, celebrating those who served our already Great Country. Attached is a picture from this event (the silver haired man sitting across from RW Ted Volkert is my father, Jim Shellenberger the 2nd coolest dude I know behind me of course) I am pleased to share this was attended by almost 60 people. I want to personally thank RW Jeremi Sherman and all the brothers who help make this event possible.

Looking ahead to this and next week-

Last week, Schoharie Valley Lodge #491 conferred the Entered Apprentice degree upon a new brother- Br. Rob Lediuzet. We had just shy of 30 brothers in Lodge and for dinner, it was certainly a sight to behold! We also welcomed visiting brothers from Unity and Franklin Lodge's along with being treated to a presentation from RW Jack Mulhall from Mass about the Masonic Camping Club.

I say it every year, many times a year, but special things are happening in #491. Our dinners are still good (despite our chef Paul Stoddard moving across the country), our fellowship is the BEST in the state, and our meetings are fun and unique every time we get together. If you haven't joined us in some time, I strongly encourage you to come back and check us out. Dinners are usually $10, which is a small price to pay for the amazing atmosphere you'll witness.

Our Worshipful Master, Randy Rathka, is undergoing surgery to correct a hernia and address some other smaller issues that have been plaguing him for 2+ weeks now. I expect him back at Lodge next month, ready to steal the gavel back from the usurper from the west.

Looking ahead-
Tonight 10/18- 5:30 PM
We will be hosting a practice / run through for the DDGM visit next week, along with working with Brother Rob on his proficiency. All are invited- we can chip in for a pizza or heat-up some leftovers.

10/25-
We will be hosting our DDGM for his official visit to #491. Dinner will be served at 6:00PM, the cost for this special dinner will be $20 / brother. RSVP's must be received by Todd Cipperly or Ken Zinnsar no later than Friday. Lodge will open PROMPTLY (Randy or Jeff) at 7PM. Come one, come all to hear this special message from the DDGM.

From around the district-
Tonight is the 1st degree for Otsego Lodge in Cooperstown.
Next Tuesday 11/1 is the 1st degree is Cobleskill
DDGM Visits-
10/25 Schoharie Valley
11/8 Richfield Springs
11/14 Schenevus Valley (the OTHER SVL)
11/15 Cobleskill

So that's it for now. I hope to see you all tonight and / or next week. As always- BE THERE AND BE SQUARE!

Brother Jeff Shellenberger
Warden of the West

THE GRAND LODGE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK AND DELHI LODGE #439 F. & A. M. CORDIALLY AND FRATERNALLY INVITE YOU, YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO THE APRON PRESENTATION FOR

THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL RICHARD S. MORLEY, JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN

PRESENTATIONS ALSO INCLUDE APRONS FOR DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTER – RICHARD S. TRANSUE, GRAND LODGE STAFF OFFICER – WARD J. MACK, and ASSISTANT GRAND LECTURER – HERBERT W. BUCKLEY

Sunday, November 2, 2014 at American Legion, 41 Page Ave., Delhi, NY

Social Hour - 12:00 noon
Lunch - 1:00
Awards - 2:00
Tour of Delhi Masonic Lodge to follow.

Buffet Lunch to include: Roast Beef, Chicken & Biscuits, Mashed Potatoes & Gravy, Salad, Vegetable, Cake and Beverage

Cost is $25.00 per person - proceeds to benefit the Delaware District Safety ID Program. Deadline for Reservations – October 15, 2014. Make checks payable to Delhi Masonic Lodge c/o William Morley, P.O. Box 333, Delhi, NY 13753. No reservations no meal

THIS PRESENTATION IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The 2013 Spring Meeting of the Otsego-Schoharie Masonic District RW's
Will be held on May 11th, at Schenevus Valley Lodge No. 592, from 10 AM until Noon.

Lunch will be provided by SVL 592.
Agenda:

• Remarks from R*:.*W*:.* Roy Bilby, DDGM, and R*:.*W*:.* Ken Sokolowski, Staff Officer;
• Update of events at Grand Lodge by R*:.*W*:. *Duncan Bellinger, PSGW, District Leader;
• Discussion of District strengths and weaknesses;
• Review potential future appointments to District Offices;
• Renew old friendships;
• Sickness and Distress;
• Report of the Mystery Dinner Theater & O-S & D Masonic Charities Corporation;
• Report on Masters & Wardens Association & Annual Golf Outing;
• Other items.

Masters of Dstrict Lodges are cordially invited and strongly encouraged to attend. Any Mason in Good Standing in a District Lodge is welcome to attend. Kindly offer a ride to any District Brother that might like to attend but needs a ride.

Regrets only to DuncanBellinger at yahoo.com

If you have ideas for additional agenda items, kindly send them to
bro. bill @ wmason1574 at gmail.com

The Trustees of the Masonic Hall and Home would like to invite you to view two of our jewels, the Masonic Care Community in Utica, NY and Camp Turk in Woodgate, NY.

Mark your calendars for June 20, 2013 through June 23, 2013.