April 2016 DDGM Article for The Word

Brethren,

Spring is in the air and a start to a new season is upon us. Yard work will begin, new gardens planted, and all the other chores this new season brings. It is also a new season for our Masonic work as well. We will soon be changing officers in the Lodges, our Districts and at Grand Lodge as well. I hope that each Lodge has done their homework and have spoken about the new candidates for Grand Lodge and have a representative of their respective Lodge present to vote at Grand Lodge.

At the District level, I am proud to announce The Very Worshipful Scott Cary as my successor as District Deputy Grand Master of the Cortland Madison District in the ensuing year. Scott brings to the table new energy, new ideas and perspectives, great organizational skills, a vast knowledge of Masonic Law and the Constitutions. He is very well prepared and more than qualified to do the job. With the transition of a new Grand Master comes new programs and change across the state. The demands on DDGM’s and Staff Officers become greater and greater. These newly appointed District Officers need the support of our District to succeed. I hope we can put the private piques and grudges aside for the betterment of this great Fraternity.

We have many Fellowcrafts in waiting for the Master Mason Degree. It is my hope that we can get a District Degree done in April to get these eager Brothers raised. The AGL’s will be organizing this degree in the near future. Please offer your assistance if called upon. Please support the District in helping with this degree if you have candidates or not. If we ALL work together, we can accomplish this.

Brother Ben Wheaton has made an appeal for help with the Safety ID program to be held in Marathon for the MapleFest. This is one of the bigger Safety ID’s we do as a District. Many hands make the job a lot easier. Please give Ben a call if you are able to help.

I have still not heard from all the Lodges about attendance for Grand Lodge. We currently have 7 going. If you are planning on going with the group and have not contacted RW Brooks or myself, the door for reservations is soon closing. We have room for 10 in the van and I have reserved 5 rooms.

My homecoming has been arranged and will be held at DeRuyter Lodge on Thursday April 21st. Social time 6:00, dinner 6:30, tiled meeting 7:30. Guest speaker for the evening will be RW Peter Flihan, Past Senior Grand Deacon. Dinner is being provided by East Side Bakery and will consist of Lasagna, Chicken,Sausage,and Red potato, Ziti, Meatballs, Salad, Bread, and desert. The cost will be $15.00. Reservations are a must and can be made to me at bziegler@twcny.rr.com or 315-491-5388. Space will be limited and expected to fill fast as many dignitaries from other Districts will be in attendance. The sooner the better to reserve your spot for this great night of good food and great Fellowship.

See you around the District,

Brian Z