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Suncoast Masters and Wardens

Recent Events

BROS. ANDREWS & HOLLAND INITIATED AS EA’s at DUNEDIN

DUNEDIN, FL, USA (April 21, 2008) - Bros. Steven Andrews and David Holland were initiated as Entered Apprentices at our April 21st Called Communications. The degree team for the presentation included:

WM - Bro. John Lawless
SW - W:.BJ Sammon
JW - W:.Jud Hiscutt, PM
Trs - Bro. Ray Vyvyan
Sec - W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MBBFMN
CH - W:.Dave Carson, PM
SD - Bro. Ken Johnston
JD - Bro. Ilias (Louie) Vavoularis
SS - Bro. Mike Wilson
JS - Bro. Michael Hartnett
TY - W:.Rome Scerbo, PM

The lecture was delivered by W:.Ed Street, PM, PDI of Pinellas Daylight Lodge No. 385 F.&A.M. (and Honorary Member of Dunedin Lodge), and the charge was delivered by W:.Tim Bryce, PM of Dunedin Lodge. The Lodge Instructor for the Brothers will be Bro. Don Bolam.

Congratulations to all.

Photo courtesy of W:.Ed Smoke, PM of St. Petersburg Lodge No. 139 F.& A.M.

GULF BEACH LODGE HAS HAWAIIAN DINNER

(4-5-08)

The 4th Annual Scholarship Fundraising Dinner was held on Saturday April 5^th, 2008 at the Masonic Temple. The Hawaiian Luau was enjoyed by all who attended. All monies raised from this dinner go solely toward the Scholarship Fund and help to continue the vision that Ernie Freeman began over twenty years ago. If you were unable to attend the dinner but would still like to make a contribution you can send a check to Gulf Beach Lodge with “Scholarship Fund” in the memo section or follow this link to make an electronic (secure online) donation.

http://www.gulfbeachlodge.org/Payments-Donations1.htm

DUNEDIN LODGE DUMPS HOT GAVEL TO PEARL

(4-1-08)

Submitted by W:. Tim Bryce

NEW PORT RICHEY (April 1, 2008) - No fooling, Dunedin Lodge was able to successfully transfer the Hot Gavel
to Pearl of the West Lodge No. 146 F.& A.M. in New Port Richey last night.

The Brothers from Dunedin participating in the transfer included:

W:.BJ Sammon - Worshipful Master
Bro. Dave Seidel - Treasurer
W:.Tim Bryce, PM - Secretary
Bro. Peyton Russell - Junior Steward
W:.Ken Giesow, PM
Bro. Roland Dunbar
Bro. Ray Vyvyian

MASON HONORED

(Submitted by RW Danny Robinson)

(3-31-08)

Robert Liska, a 28 year Brother of Elmer O. Smith Lodge # 307, recieved an arward for 51,265 hours of volunteer service at Bay Pines V.A. Medical Center.

DUNEDIN LODGE ENJOYS "A DAY AT THE RACES"

(L-R) W:.BJ Sammon (sitting Master), winning jockey Rosemary Homesiter,
First Lady Eileen Sammon, and W:.Tim Bryce, PM (Secretary) pose in the Winner's Circle.

TAMPA, FL, USA (March 22, 2008) - The Brothers of Dunedin Lodge No. 192 held their Spring social at Tampa Bay Downs where a group of nineteen Brothers and family members were on hand to enjoy horse racing. The eighth race was named for the Lodge and won by Marianne's Dream. It was a bit rainey that day, but the group stayed dry in the comfortable Jockey Club.

52 Masons attend Degree

(3-27-08)

Gulf Beach Lodge Raises two brothers, Nick Masey & Brian Book in the midst of 52 Master Masons. A wonderful dinner was prepared by the Junior Warden, Tom Willmot who also sat in the East for the Degree.

Bowling Tournament a Success

(3-22-08)

A wonderful turn out for the Masters & Wardens Assn. bowling tournament at Seminole Lanes. Br:. Al MacMillan (age 84) took the best score trophy ! Way to go Al !! Everyone in attendance had such a good time that the next one is being planned already.

Hot Gavel is back in Dunedin

DUNEDIN, FL (MARCH 17, 2008) - W:.William B. Garrett, Sr., PM, the current sitting Master of Pinellas Daylight Lodge No. 385 F.& A.M. (left-center in photo) is pleased to present the SunCoast Masters & Wardens Association's "Hot" Gavel to W:.BJ Sammon, the sitting Master of Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M. (right-center in photo). Accompanying W:.Garrett were:

W:.Ed Street, PM, PDI - Senior Warden
W:.William B. Garrett, Jr., PM - Treasurer
W:.L. Kelly Dougherty, PM - Secretary
W:.Alton E. Millis, PM - Marshal
W:.Claud C. Cheshire, PM - Officer at Large
W:.Nick Cutts, PM
R.W. James R. Clouser, PM, PDDGM - Honorary Member

Joining W:.Sammon in the photo is Br. John Lawless, the Senior Warden of Dunedin who presided in the East for the evening's degree.

The Hot Gavel is used to promote inter-Lodge visitations in Florida's Districts 20 & 21. The holder of the gavel is responsible for taking it to another Lodge.

For more info on the rules for transferring gavels, see:
http://www.gulfbeachlodge.org/GavelRules.html

Photo courtesy of W:.Jim Ullery, Master of East Gate Lodge No. 355 F.& A.M.

Elmer O. Smith Lodge Supports Schools

Elmer O. Smith Lodge No. 307 has recently been recognized for its support of public schools, specifically Nina Harris School in Pinellas Park. The School honored and thanked the Lodge by a public thank you on their sign in front of the school.

Gulf Beach Lodge Fish Fry Lunch a Huge Success

(2-13-08)

Brother Andy Kotsaftis caught some fresh fish and cooked it up for the members, family and friends of the Lodge on Wednesday afternoon at the Masonic Temple. Over 50 dinners were served up and a great time was had by all in attendance. Be on the lookout for more of the impromptu lunches…they seem to be a hit !

PINELLAS DAYLIGHT LODGE NO. 385 holds BOTH Gavels

(2-9-08)

W:. Jim Mann (Worshipful Master) and members of Northside Lodge No. 283 visited Pinellas Daylight Lodge No. 385. They presented the "Hot Gavel". Now, Pinellas Daylight is in possession of two (2) gavels. So, as Worshipful Master of Pinellas Daylight I offer this to my current other Worshipful Masters and Lodges of Districts 20 & 21. The gavel will be on the move... "Govern yourselves accordingly".

BRO. BRANDON WOOD PASSED TO FELLOW CRAFT

Submitted by W:. Tim Bryce

(L-R) W:.Ed Street, W:.Jud Hiscutt (JW), Bro. Brandon Wood,
W:.BJ Sammon (WM), and Bro. Louie Vavoularis (JD)
Click on photo to enlarge.

DUNEDIN, FL, USA (February 4, 2008) - Bro. Brandon Wood was passed to the degree of Fellow Craft at our February 4th Called Communications. The degree team for the presentation included:

WM - W:.Jud Hiscutt, PM
SW - Bro. John Lawless
JW - W:.BJ Sammon
Trs - Bro. Dave Seidel
Sec - W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS
CH - Bro. Jay Harie
SD - Bro. Ken Johnston
JD - Bro. Ilias (Louie) Vavoularis
SS - Bro. Peyton Russell
JS - W:.Ken Giesow, PM
TY - Bro. Frank Hunton

The lecture was delivered by W:.Ed Street, PM, PDI of Pinellas Daylight Lodge No. 385 F.&A.M. (and Honorary Member of Dunedin Lodge), and the charge was delivered by W:.Ken Giesow, PM of Dunedin Lodge. The Lodge Instructor for Bro. Wood was Bro. Don Bolam.

Congratulations to all.

Masters and Wardens Install New Officers

(1-16-08)

The Suncoast Masters and Wardens Association held their annual Installation of Officers on January 16^th at Pinellas Daylight Lodge No. 385 The Installing officer was R:.W:. Carl Gilmore from District 20 and the Installing Chaplain was R:.W:. John Hickey from District 21. The Officers Installed for 2008 were W:. Bill Garrett Jr.- President; W:. Derryl O’Neal- Vice-President; R:.W:. David Henderson-Treasurer; and R:.W:. Ron McMillan-Secretary. Please go to the Officers Link on this website for contact information for the officers.

The Association also presented certificates of appreciation to W:. Bob Matheson, President 2007 and R:.W:. Rick Hoover, Treasurer 2007 for the outstanding work they did for the Association. R:.W:. Hoover has been treasurer for a number of years and has passed the torch to R:.W:. Henderson.

The Hot Gavel is at St. Petersburg Lodge No. 139 and the Traveling Gavel is at Pinellas Daylight Lodge No. 385

BRO. GEORGE PICHT CELEBRATES 70 YEARS OF FREEMASONRY

(1-3-08)

Submitted by W:. Tim Bryce

Pictured are Bro. Picht, W:.Chris Schlenker, W:.Ken Gieson, PM, and W:.Rome Scerbo, PM.

As one of his last acts as Worshipful Master, W:.Chris Schlenker was pleased to present Bro. George F. Picht of Dunedin Lodge No. 192 with his 70 year Masonic Service certificate and pin, which is a very rare honor in Masonic circles. Assisting the Worshipful Master in the presentation was W:.Ken Giesow, PM (Marshall), and W:.Rome Scerbo, PM (Secretary Emeritus). The presentation was made at The Gardens at Dunedin assisted-living facility on Patricia Avenue and attended by many of the residents.

Bro. Picht, who is 96 years young, was raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason on November 18, 1937 at William F. Burk Lodge No. 230 F.& A.M. in Bogota, New Jersey. He affiliated with Dunedin Lodge on March 27, 1989.

Bro. Picht is a little older but his grip is still strong and he thanked the Dunedin officers for the courtesy.

Holiday Cheer for Shut in Brothers

(12-23-07)

Brother Gene Shipman and Brother Jay Foster receive a little Holiday Cheer from Gulf Beach Lodge. Brother Jay is a new resident at the Masonic Home being admitted in November and is residing in the nursing care center. Brother Gene is in Freedom Inn assisted living center. Both brothers received baskets of goodies and gifts as a reminder that the Lodge is here for them.

Degree Held at the Masonic Home

(12-20-07)

Gulf Beach Lodge held a Fellowcraft degree for Brothers Nick Masey, Jose Vega and Mike Pagnotta at the Masonic Home on Thursday December 20^th. Brothers from the Masonic home enjoyed sitting in open Lodge and observing the degree.

DUNEDIN MASONS HELP THE NEEDY DURING THE HOLIDAYS

(12-19-07)

Submitted by W:. Tim Bryce

Pictured are W:.Ken Gieson, PM (Committee Chairman), Mrs. Kathy Brickley (Principal),
(unidentified woman), and W:.Chris Schlenker (Master)
Click on photo to enlarge.

DECEMBER 18, 2007 - Dunedin Lodge No. 192 closed its 2007 operating year by making a generous donation of $700 to be used as holiday gift certificates by the needy. As in our Thanksgiving donation, the certificates were presented to Mrs. Kathy Brickley, Principal of Dunedin Elementary, who will distribute the certificates within the school.

For this and other news items, see the "News" section of the Dunedin Lodge web site at:
http://www.dunedin192.org/

Christmas Party at the Home

(12-17-07)

The Suncoast Masters and Wardens Association helped to bring cheer into the lives of the families of the employees at the Masonic Home. Santa Clouser, and Grinch Newton are two very visible ‘characters’. Their entrance on Heavy Rescue 4 was nothing less than spectacular ! A wonderful time was had by all !

Traveling Gavel Makes it to Pinellas Daylight Lodge

(12-11-07)

The below list of members of Pinellas Daylight Lodge converged upon Star Lodge No. 78 Monday night for a Master Mason Degree and also to pick up the Traveling Gavel. Everyone enjoyed the evening.

William B. Garrett, Jr., PM, WM

F. Ed Street, PM, PDI, SW

L. Kelly Dougherty, PM, Secy.

Charlie Cheshire, PM, SD

Brother Ed Flowers

Brother Tom McVeigh, JS

James R. Clouser, PM, PDDGM (Honorary Member of Pinellas Daylight)

Recent Election Results

Northside Lodge

James L. Mann WM

Harry J. Klaus SW

Anthony R. Saupe Jw

W Rodger D. Scites Tr

W Roy E. Tyrrell Sec

W Rodger R. Webb SD

Francis(Frank) H. Gaylor JD

George N. Owens TY

Tampabay Lodge

Darryl Ambler: WM

Lee Edmonds: SW

Jim Messier: JW

Dick Whalen Sr. Trea.

Tony Rhoades: Secretary

Clearwater Lodge

Worshipful Master W:. Jon Vonderau P.M.

Secretary Bro. Russell LeMar

Nitram Lodge

W:. M:. Daniel Barto

SW Scott Drake

JW Charles J. Morris

Treas. David A Henderson

Sect. Richard Hoover

SD Leo Smith

JD M. Doug King

SS Marc Bradley

JS Frank Johnson Jr. III

Chaplin Royal K. Eden

Marshall Ney Delgado-Arias

Musician Brian Shuler

Tyler Michael “Doc” Wurster

Historian Art Wasserman

Elmer O. Smith Lodge

WM - Bro. William Woebse
SW - Bro. Matthew Ness
JW - Bro. Dan Gunyan
TRS - RW:. Danny Robinson, DDGM
SEC - Bro. Lloyd Booth

The following appointed officers were also announced:

· CH - Bro. Al Lipscomb

· SD - Bro. Chris Webb

· JD - Bro. Danial Hess

· SS - Bro. Frank Miles III

· JS - Bro. Chad Herman

· TY - Bro. Richard Hightower

Pinellas Daylight Lodge

William B. Garrett, PM - Worshipful Master

F. Ed Street, PM, PDI, - Senior Warden

Thomas W. McVeigh - Junior Warden

William B. Garrett, Jr., PM - Treasurer

L. Kelly Dougherty, Sr., PM - Secretary

Roger R. Webb, PM - Chaplain

Alton E. Millis, PM - Marshal

Rene' Cardona - Senior Deacon

Ronald B. Watson - Junior Deacon

Christopher M. White - Senior Steward

Charles J. Manser - Junior Steward

David L. Preshur - Tyler

Claud C. Cheshire, PM - Officer at Large

Gulf Beach Lodge

Richard ‘Dick’ Sansom – Master Elect

Shawn Rae – Senior Warden Elect

Tom Willmot – Junior Warden Elect

David Webster – Treasurer

Howard Knapp – Secretary

Barry Loft – Senior Deacon

Joe Finocchiaro – Junior Deacon

Fernando Salazar – Senior Steward

Andy Kotsaftis – Junior Steward

Al MacMillan – Tyler

Allen Godfrey – Chaplain

Ed Pinkham – Musician

Dunedin Lodge

The following appointed officers were also announced:

East Gate Lodge

James Ullery – Master Elect

St. Petersburg Lodge

Charlie Clinker – Master Elect

John Livingston - Secretary

Gulf Beach Lodge Assists Angel Tree

(12-3-07)

Gulf Beach Masonic Lodge No. 291 recently assisted the Salvation Army with their Angel Tree Program at Tyrone Mall. The Angel Tree is an outlet for people to bring joy and cheer into the hearts of children during the Holiday Season. A name of a child is selected from the tree and a gift is purchased from that child's wish list, the gift is then turned over to the Salvation Army who handles the delivery.

Thank you to Junior Warden Shawn Rae who brought this worthy program to the Lodge's attention !

BRO. FRANK HUNTON RAISED TO MASTER MASON

(12-3-07)

Submitted by W:. Tim Bryce

DUNEDIN, FL, USA (December 3, 2007) - Over 40 Masons were on hand to assist in the raising of Bro. Frank Michael Hunton to the sublime degree of Master Mason at our December 3rd Called Communications. The degree team for the presentation included:

WM - W:.Chris Schlenker
SW - Bro. BJ Sammon
JW - W:.Bob Matheson, PM
Sec - W:.Rome Scerbo, PM
CH - W:.Ken Giesow, PM
SD - W:.Ron Lough, PM
JD - Bro. Mike Wilson
SS - Bro. Peyton Russell
JS - W:.Billy Garrett, Jr., PM - Pinellas Daylight Lodge No. 385 F.&A.M.
TY - Bro. Ilias (Louie) Vavoularis

The degree team for the second section included:

KS - W:.Bob Matheson, PM
GSW - Bro. BJ Sammon
GJW - W:.Mike McIntosh, PM
CH/Sec - W:.Ken Giesow, PM
SD - W:.Ron Lough, PM
JD - W:.Jud Hiscutt, PM
FC-10 - W:.Ed Street, PM, PDI
FC-11 - W:.Billy Garrett, Jr., PM - Pinellas Daylight Lodge No. 385 F.&A.M.
FC-12 - R:.W:.Ed Phero, PM, PDI, PDDGM - Clearwater Lodge No. 127 F.& A.M.
SC/WFM - W:.Tim Bryce, PM, MPS
RUF-1 - W:.Rome Scerbo, PM
RUF-2 - R:.W:.Bill McIntosh, PM, PDDGM
RUF-3 - R:.W:.Jim Tuller, PM, PDDGM
TY - Bro. Ilias (Louie) Vavoularis

Bible presentation was delivered by W:.Ken Giesow, PM.

Congratulations to all, particularly Bro. Hunton as a newly raised Master Mason.

Gulf Beach Lodge supports local teachers

(11-26-07)

Gulf Beach Lodge No. 291 recently adopted two Pinellas County teacher’s classrooms. Ms. Gallo, art teacher at Gulf Beaches Elementary School received a check in the amount of $100.00 as did Ms. Hill, 2^nd grade classroom from Frontier Elementary school.

LOCAL MASONS DONATE GENEROUSLY TO G.I. CARE PACKAGE PROGRAM

(11-26-07)

Submitted by W:. Tim Bryce

DUNEDIN, FL (NOVEMBER 27, 2007) - Masons throughout Pinellas County made their third shipment of gifts and supplies to U.S. troops
stationed in Iraq. The Masonic G.I. Care Package Program is sponsored by the SunCoast Masters & Wardens Association representing the
fourteen Masonic lodges in Pinellas County. The above photo shows just a portion of the boxes shipped, 46 in total. The donations included
snacks, games, cigars, wipes, toiletries, DVD's and CD's, and reading material, all of which should make for a good holiday season for our troops.

Tim Bryce, the Program Chairman, wants to thank all of the Masons who participated in the program for their thoughtfulness and generosity.

NEW OFFICERS ELECTED

(11-22-07)

The Suncoast Masters & Wardens Association has held it’s annual election of officers with the following results.

Bill Garrett Jr. PM – President

Derryl O’Neal PM – Vice President

David Henderson PDDGM – Treasurer

Ronald McMillan PDDGM – Secretary

The Association looks for great things in 2008 ! Come out and join in the fellowship and fun…..

Scholarship Committee appointed

John Hickey PDDGM – 1 yr

Paul Stellrecht – 2 yr (Chairman)

Joe Engolia – 3 yr

David Henderson – 4 yr

Bob Matheson – 5 yr

DUNEDIN LODGE GIVES "THANKS" TO PINELLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

(11-17-07)

Submitted by W:. Tim Bryce

Pictured are Sgt. Borner, Deputy Stibbard, and W:.Ken Gieson, PM
Click on photo to enlarge.

NOVEMBER 17, 2007 - Dunedin Lodge No. 192 held its annual Thanksgiving Dinner at the Lodge last Saturday night. A capacity crowd was on hand to enjoy a classic thanksgiving dinner as prepared under the leadership of our Junior Warden, Bro. John Lawless. Several brothers from the Lodge pitched in to lend a hand in the preparations and cleanup afterwards.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Lodge's 2007 "Outstanding Deputy of the Year Award" to Deputy Jason Stibbard from the Patrol Operations Bureau of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Department. The presentation was made by W:.Ken Giesow, PM. On-hand was Depty. Stibbard's immediate superior, Sgt. Borner.

Deputy Stibbard began his career with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office when he was hired as a detention deputy in June of 2000. As a member of the Detention and Corrections Bureau, Deputy Stibbard worked in the County Jail where he worked in the Boot Camp and as a member of the Corrections Response Team. In 2004 Deputy Stibbard sought a transfer to the Patrol Operations Bureau where he was eventually selected for his current assignment to the Community Policing Unit.

Deputy Stibbard has earned a reputation with his coworkers and supervisors as a deputy who focuses on community concerns and who works with city government to seek solutions. During the past year he has also distinguished himself on more than one occasion as a skilled and professional law enforcement officer.

On April 12, 2007 Dep. Stibbard responded to a bank robbery that had just occurred in North Pinellas County. The suspect had managed to flee the area prior to the arrival of responding deputies however Deputy Stibbard took it upon himself to check a local motel in the vicinity of the bank. While doing so, he spoke with the motel clerk who reported having a guest matching the description of the suspect. Upon leaving the motel office, Deputy Stibbard came face to face with the suspect and was able to take him into custody eliciting a confession and recovering the stolen bank funds.

On October 23, 2007 Dep. Stibbard responded to assist with yet another robbery investigation, this time at a convenience