Dear Brethren,

After one year of looking back at the horror of September 11, I am not sure what to say that hasn't been said. I, like most of you, didn't know what to make of the entire day. Why did so many people have to die -- especially people who didn't have any political problems with the enemy? I watched the ceremonies of September 11, 2002, and I can't think of a person who might think that any of this had to do with what God would like to have happen to his people. I studied religion in college and I must say that most religions are for peace and love and forgiveness. Those bin Laden cowards, who took over the planes, were not religious fanatics -- they were men who had no idea what religion and what God would like to have his followers do in his name. Let us hope that we can get the leaders of these crazy people and that we can find out what can be done to change people's ideas about America and Americans.

It is with pleasure that I will be going into the East in December. I felt that the lodge was in need of my help and I will do my best to carry on the workings of our lodge. For those of you who may not be aware, the lodge did not have anyone in the line of officers who was ready, willing or able to be Master. I would like to see our lodge continue and not have to merge.

I am planning to get as many of you involved in the lodge by having outings meant to get us to see more about Masonry and the brotherhood. I would like to visit the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, go to a Yankee or Mets ballgame, go on a fishing trip, and just have some fun together as brothers -- yes your family will be invited to be involved with our fellowship.

I am looking forward to the year 2003. Please get involved with your lodge. We have a number of meetings left this year and it would be great to see each of you sitting on the sideline. We need to show our courage in being members of the greatest fraternity in the world.

Fraternally Yours,

John Lacki, Jr.
Past Master