This has been a smooth year for the Lodge. A number of brethren are to thank, but I will mention a few unlikely to appear in other articles.

The Trestleboard continues to be published. Brother Jack Freund has been the editor, with Brother Mike Sweeney serving as assistant.

The sign above the kitchen door is newly painted, and the brick memorial garden has been trimmed up. Brother Monroe Bradley undertook these tasks. He also organized the annual Ladies Night, which was held at the Lodge this year.

Meals continue to be served before meetings despite the absence of the ladies who used to do this for several years. Brother Aaron Thomas put together a program for volunteer brethren to supply dinners.

Brethren, as I sat at my desk one day the phone rang. A very distinguished and deep voice on the other end of the line said, "I hear you are looking for a Santa Claus." I immediately responded, "Yes! Are you interested in the job?" He politely replied, "No, I’m too old and sick to do the job anymore, but I have a Santa suit I’d like to donate to the lodge."

This simple conversation launched me on a journey of brotherly love and relief unlike any other I had been on before. My wife and I drove over to Brother Jim Henson’s house to meet a brother sitting in this recliner, his foot recovering from surgery propped up and covered with a warm blanket. We didn’t realize it, but as we talked it became clear we were about to receive a gift born of dedication and the true joy of giving.

Dear Brothers, the year seems to go by fast, which means another Lodge year is about to begin. As the Lodge enters its 155th year we are looking forward to an interesting and informative year.

We hope to have a year of revitalized membership attendance. Paying dues is only a small part of being a Mason. Please make it a point this coming year to attend our Stated Meetings and events. We miss your attendance and look forward to seeing you on the sidelines and participating in the Lodge. We need your support!

This year Dues cards will be issued as a Permanent Dues Card, with embedded information of your membership. It will have the appearance of a credit card. No membership cards will be issued in the future years, except for replacement cards. This will save the Lodge postage expense in the future and make the dues process easier

Dues Notices will be mailed the last week of September. Dues are due by November 1. Thank you from the Officers of Reynoldsburg Lodge #340.