BIRTH OF THE ARMY-JUNE 14, 1775
From: "Ralph W. Smith Jr."
Date: August 4, 2008 9:35:30 AM EDT
Subject: FW: Death of a Brother - Masonic Funeral Service - correction
Brethren:
The Service is scheduled for Thursday August 7th not the 8th as noted in the original message (See below).
Apologize for the confusion.
S&F
Brother Ralph
From: "Ralph W. Smith Jr."
Date: August 3, 2008 4:58:15 PM EDT
To:
Subject: Death of a Brother - Masonic Funeral Service
Brethren:
Henry Lodge No. 57 has been requested to perform a courtesy Funeral Service for Brother William Roy Bearden a member of E. A. Minor Lodge No. 603 in the Grand Lodge of Georgia and a MIP of Old Dominion Chapter 364 National Sojourners.
Bro. Bearden was born on 10/15/18 initiated an Entered Apprentice on 11/21/42, passed to Fellowcraft on 4/20/59, raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on 4/28/59 and laid down his working tools on 7/31/08.
Viewing will be held on Thursday, 8 August from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Everly Funeral Home 10565 Main St. Fairfax, VA 22030 (703) 385-1110.
A Masonic Service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. followed by a church service.
If within the length of your cabletow Brethren are requested to assemble at the Funeral Home at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, 8 August.
Sincerely and Fraternally,
Ralph W. Smith Jr., P.M.
Secretary
Henry Lodge No. 57
Just spoke with Lady Margaret Little (6/29)...Bro. Tom is now home and on oral medication. He is extremely weak and needs rest. The doctors project 10 to 15 days recovery period yet, but wanted him away from other infections in the hospital. Lady Margaret will take calls but will judge at the time whether he should talk with anyone. By the way...Margaret is the 1st Sgt at home.
As most of you may know, Bro. Tom has a serious allergy to fish...and that is believed to be the culprit which started this situation. He and Margaret went to PA for a dinner meeting over the past weekend ( 6/21) and crabs and other fish were served...Tom had an immediate reaction just being in the room. The doctors believe this lowered his immune system enough for the viral infection...and then on to pneumonia.
Hope all had a good weekend...take care.
Ron Dooley
Sec/Adj
Brethren...any one interested in No. 100? See below from Bro. Don Shaw.
Ron
Hi Ron:
Nothing better than have a Newsletter preparer,
Newsletter reviewer, and a Newsletter [confirmer
that EIAR]. Those talents would cost a lot of money
if we had to pay them!!!
FYI, I'm in Shoals, Indiana this weekend [my old
hometown]. I attended a Sojourner meeting of Southern
Indiana Chapter #328 last night. My Brother, Gene Shaw,
retired Army SGM, is the Chapter Secretary. Had 20 present.
Chapter President is PGM of Indiana.
Southern Indiana Chapter #328 is an all-MIP Chapter, and
now has 99 members. We are looking for Member #100. If
anyone in OD Chapter might like to take a Multiple MIP in
Chapter #328 to become the #100th member, please let me
know. The Chapter met for all of its existence at the Naval
Surface Warfare Center, Crane, Indiana until last year. With
the construction going on because of BRAC changes at the Club,
and the resultant raising of prices/needed guarantees for
reservations, we had to cancel the meeting location. We
now meet in the Shoals Christian Church community building and
have our meals catered by a local lady.
Just never know who we might find that wants to become
Member #100 and make us a Century Club.
My best wishes.
S & F, Don
Brethren...I was told by an old ski captain in Korea that it doesn't hurt to blow your own horn now and then...so my horn is blowing below, and especially for our Editor, Janine Chatfield/Kovack (recently married).
We will get number one if I have to stay here another five years...Ha!
Ron Dooley/Sec/Adj
Janine Kovack/Editor
----- Original Message -----
From: CIDDAD@aol.com
To: patrond@earthlink.net
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2008 5:42 PM
Subject: OD 364 Newsletter Award
Ron:
Congratulations. OD364 Newsletter received first runner up in the NS newsletter competition. I picked up the certificate for the chapter. Please congratulate Janine.
I am writing an article on the Convention for the newsletter.
Woody
Brethren....
I have received the sad report of the death of Bro. Jack Hale Hansel on 06/20/2008.
DOB 05/06/1919, Maj USA, NSI Join date 01/01/1952, MIP OD No. 364, Hero.
Bro. Jack underwent surgery for a broken hip after a fall and the next day had a stroke. His granddaughter, S. Nicholle Hansel-Middleman, reports that Bro. Jack just simply went to sleep.
After his career in the Army, Bro. Jack joined the State Department and eventually became a judge. Bro. Jack was honored with 50 years plus service to the National Sojourners, Inc. with a WW11 jeep ride on his 89th birthday.
Bro. Jack was involved in many patriotic, civic and social organizations and held the principles of those societies and the friends he made there close to his heart.
He will be interred with full military honors and Masonic ritual at Ft. Leavenworth Cemetery with his beloved wife, Carrie.
Memorial donations may be made to: Shiner's Hospitals for Children - St. Louis, Attn: Kevin Miller, Director of Development, 2001 S. Lindbergh Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63131-3597
Signed...Nicholle Hansel-Middleman
Note: A letter of condolences along with a copy of this announcement will be forwarded to Lady Nicholle by the secretary.
Note: Lady Pattie Turner...please forward a card for the Chapter to Nicholle Hansel-Middleman, 5838 Walsh St., Saint Louis, MO 63109-3120
Ron Dooley
Sec/Adj
OD 364,
National Sojourners, INC.
Brethren...as of 1330 hours today (June 27) Bro. Tom is on oxygen, IV fluids and antibiotics...he is not doing well at all. He wants no visitors...not even Margaret during the day as this started as a viral infection and does not want to pass it on...whatever it is.
I am saving all email comments you have sent so I may give them to him when he recovers. I have read a couple to Margaret over the phone as they have no computer thanks to the storms. She is highly touched by this response.
I will update when appropriate.
Ron Dooley
Sec/Adj
Brethren...
Our President Bro. Tom little is now in DeWitt Army Hospital with pneumonia. I talked with his Lady, Margaret, a few minutes ago. Bro. Tom came down with a viral infection this past weekend and has steadily gotten worse...let's all keep him in our prayers and best wishes.
FYI
Ron Dooley
Sec.Adj
Brethren...I just talked to Lady Margaret Little and things are not well with Bro. Tom. In addition to just having gone through a period of no electricity, the computer burning up when the power was restored, and then getting sick...he now has a serious viral infection that seems to be worsening even though on prescribed medicine Let's all keep Bro. Tom in our prayers.
Ron Dooley,
Sec/Adj
----- Original Message -----
From: Ray Whitney
To: 'Ron Dooley'
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 10:02 AM
Subject: Care Enough To Send The Very Best
Hi Ron, I am sorry that I have not been around but as you know I got a new knee on March 10 and have been rehabilitating it. A couple of weeks ago the leg swelled and on June 9 I went the Georgetown ER to have the leg checked. They thought that it might be blood clots, that are common to these types of replacement surgery. The end result was on June 12, I had a triple bypass at the Washington Hospital Center and they never did explain the leg. The surgeon said that the operation was boring and that there was no damage to the heart, as the problem was found early. I am home and again rehabilitating and feel like a professional rehabilitator. I am doing great according to the doctors.
On a much different note, you will remember that last year, 2007, we sent Jamie Lee Lein to Valley Forge. I thought that it would be of interest where she is and what she is doing this summer and have attached a news release from the American Legion Auxiliary. (See below.) Seems to me that we picked a great representative. Actually, when she was in the selection process the interviewers were impressed and happy that she had been to Valley Forge. Her parents are about as proud as anyone could be and I think that we should be just as proud.
See you as soon as the doctors say that I can.
Have Fun
Ray
American Legion Auxiliary News Release
8945 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 11, 2008
CONTACT: Annisa Rainey, (317) 569-4500
Local Student Headed for Washington, DC
Jamie Lien is one of only 96 young women selected from all over the country to attend the 62nd American Legion Auxiliary Girls Nation in Washington, D.C. July 19-26. She is one of two “Senators” who will represent Virginia Girls State at this premier leadership conference.
The American Legion Auxiliary sponsors Girls Nation and Girls State to teach high school students following their junior year how government and the political process work on the local, state and national level. Each summer approximately 17,000 young women participate in Girls State sessions in 48 states. Two outstanding citizens are chosen in each state to become Girls Nation Senators.
At Girls Nation these young women participate in senate sessions caucusing and debating bills and campaign to elect party officials and a President and Vice President. These youthful lawmakers also have the opportunity to visit many national sites such as the Pentagon, Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill where they meet with their Congressmen, and the White House which usually includes a visit with the President of the United States.
Jamie, the daughter of Colonel and Mrs. James A. Lien, will return to Forest Park high school to share her experience and leadership during her senior year.
Affiliated with The American Legion, the Auxiliary is a veterans’ service organization with members in nearly 10,000 communities. The organization sponsors volunteer programs on the national and local levels, serving veterans, their families and their communities.
For more information on Girls Nation or to arrange an interview with Jamie Lien contact Annisa Rainey at 317-569-4500 or email arainey@legion-aux.org.
Brethren...the following is the latest update on Bro. Tilson, PNP
Ron Dooley
Sec/Adj
OD No. 364
10 April 22, 2008 at 08:23 AM EDT
Since our last post, Phil has had one round of chemo and is in the midst of a second. As usual, he is experiencing no side effects. What an immune system he has! After he finishes this round of chemo he will get another MRI to determine the effectiveness of the treatments and additional plans will then be made. He will probably visit the National Cancer Institute mid May and we will know more. He is, in his own words, "feeling great'!
He is still in physical therapy two mornings a week and has caregivers in the morning and late afternoon/evening on alternate days. The caregivers make him work-out helping to restore his physical strength from all the treatments. He is glad they are they so someone other than me is cooking.
He had a nice visit from his other daughter Kit (the pillow-fluffer/nurturer) and she, as usual, spoiled him rotten. His eldest son Pat was here this past weekend so a nice time was had by all.
He is gearing up for his trip to Wilmington, NC in June where he will get to visit with his fraternal brothers, all of whom have been so kind and thoughtful.
I have posted a few pictures from his birthday for those of you who haven’t seen him in a bit. His friend Bill Williamson and his lovely wife Barbara brought dinner (it always comes back to my lack of domestic skills) and his son Pat his caregiver Sherry and his good neighbors the McTiernan’s were on hand to celebrate in a small way.
As always, we appreciate the continuous outpouring of good wishes. I think they help keep him upbeat and, positive thoughts bring positive results.
Nancy
FLEISHER LEON R. FLEISHER (Age 89) On April 17, 2008 in Rockville, MD. Mr. Fleisher and his wife of 62 years have been residents of Honolulu, HI for the past 34 years. Prior to that they lived in Oakton, Reston, Annandale and Arlington, VA. He grew up in Old Town Alexandria. Mr. Fleisher, an active 32nd Degree Mason is Past Worshipful Master of Loge Le Progres De L'Oceanie, Honolulu, HI and was a member of Arlington Centennial Glebe Lodge #81, Columbia Lodge #285 and Elmer Timberman Lodge #54 in Northern Virginia. He was a member of Kena Temple Shrine, Fairfax and Aloha Temple Shrine, Honolulu and a member of the Scottish Rite. Mr. Fleisher's greatest joy was working with young people. He served as Associate Supreme Guardian of the International Order of Job's Daughters, a Masonic organization for teenage girls. He also served as Worthy Patron of Faith Chapter OES #177. Mr. Fleisher is survived by his loving wife, Florence Fleisher; daughter, Jackie Fleisher-Wood and her husband, Smith Wood; grand daughter, Chelsea Seneca Wood and two brothers, Bill and Al Fleisher. Friends may call at EVERLY WHEATLEY FUNERAL HOME, 1500 West Braddock Rd., Alexandria, VA 22302 on Sunday, April 20 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. with Masonic Services at 7 p.m. Friends are welcome at graveside services on Monday, April 21, 3 p.m. at King David Memorial Park, Falls Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Shriners' Hospitals for Children c/o Kena Temple, P.O Box 456, Merrifield, VA 22116 www.everlyfuneralhomes.com
Published in The Washington Post on 4/19/2008.
Brethren....
I just hung up from talking with Bro. Scotty Cameron (1400 4-18)...he is doing ok but some pain does remain. He does not want to laugh...so I had to keep my Irish humor at a minimum...it was hard. Scotty will tell his story later and I'm sure then will get some laughs. He is on strict liquids for now. His son is taking care of the house and all is well there.
We hope Scotty heals very quickly...as he is very important to our order.
S&R...Ron Dooley
Sec/Adj
Brethren...see the message below from Bro. Dan Levin. President Ralph Smith signed Bro. Fleisher's 25 year certificate last night at the OD 364 meeting. He joined the National Sojourners on April 14, 1983.
Ron Dooley
Sec/Adj.
Ron:
Brother Leon Fleisher died today. I will give his certificate to his daughter who will have it on display at the Everly Wheatly Funeral Home in Alexandria. His viewing will be Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 PM, with a Masonic Service at 7 PM
Danny
SICK CALL
Brethren...it comes in "threes".
Bro. Scotty Cameron will be in the hospital for at least two days due to surgery to remove an inch and a half "dental" screwdriver.
Bro. Bob Elliott will be convalescing due to "foot drop" causing him to fall on a few occasions. Therapy will follow in May.
Bro. Bill Sanner is doing well following surgery to his eyes.
Hope that is it for the month.
Ron Dooley
Sec/Adj
From: Ralph Smith
To: Undisclosed-Recipient:;
Sent: Thursday, April 17, 2008 12:27 PM
Subject: Robert "Scotty" Cameron - Hospitalized
Masons, Quiet Birds, Silver Wings, Airport Bums and friends,
Our Good Fellow, Comrade and Brother "Scotty" Cameron was hospitalized yesterday, 4/16/08 at Fairfax Hospital.
He had emergency surgery performed late last evening and is now resting in room 778 bed 2. (703-776-4778)
He expects to remain in the hospital for several days and except for being sore is otherwise ok.
I'll let him fill you in on the particulars.
In the interim, lets offer a prayer and word of thanks on his behalf.
Request that the Silver Wings and APB pass this on to their email list.
Regards to all,
Ralph Smith
Mbr. all of the above
From: Ron Dooley
Sent: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 9:48 AM
Subject: Fw: BERNARD S.K. LAU
Brethren of OD 364...see the sad message below from Bro. Jim Helt in California.
Ron
----- Original Message -----
From: Jim Helt
Sent: Monday, April 14, 2008 7:57 PM
Subject: BERNARD S.K. LAU
Brothers;
It is my sad duty to inform you of the passing of our Brother CDR Bernard S. K. Lau, USN Ret.
On Monday 14 April, 2008, Barney was missing as our Brothers gathered for the memorial service for Brother COL William J. Ellenberger, USA Ret. Brother Ed Stiles who lives a few doors down from Barney said that he had tried to get Barney on the telephone several times in the morning prior to leaving home for the memorial service. After the service and reception, Ed returned home and went to Barney's to find out why Barney had missed the service. Ed had keys to Barney's home and entered it with a couple of neighbors after they couldn't get any response at the door.
They found Barney dead on the floor in an overturned chair. Ed Stiles had last communicated with Barney on Wednesday the 9th of April when Barney had given Ed a ride to and from the Camp Pendleton Chapter #243 meeting. Ed and his neighbors called 911 and reported the death. EMTs who responded confirmed the death and called the San Diego County Sheriff and the Coroners office. No other details are known at this time.
Jim Helt
jf36helt@earthlink.net
Brothers;
I received a call from Bob Ganaway reporting that Bill Ellenberger laid down his working tools at 15:45 on Wednesday 26 March.
It was reported that Bill had finished a lunch of corned beef and cabbage and was enjoying a Guiness Stout with a Bushmills chaser.
His family is having a memorial service at the St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church
16275 Pomorado Road
Poway, CA 92064
At 11:00 on Monday 14 April, 2008.
I will fill you in on other details as I learn them.
Jim Helt
jf36helt@earthlink.net
Bro. Daniel G. Cook laid down his working tools on March 22, 2008.
Bro. Cook joined Golden Gate Chapter No. 18 in 1957. He joined Old Dominion
Chapter No. 364 on February 18, 1969. He is a Past President of Hamilton Chapter No. 277. He served on the Committee of 33 from July 1, 1988 when he was selected as Emeritus. He served as Regional Representative and the Area Rep of Northern California and Hawaii.
Bro. Cook is survived by his wife, Alice, at 4985 Paradise Drive, Tiburon, CA. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to SEM Fund, 8301 East Blvd. DR. Alexandria, VA 22308-1399.
May Our Brother Rest In Peace and God Bless the Family
Ron Dooley
OD 364 Secretary
Subject: Latest Update on Bro. Tilson
Date: Thu, 6 Mar 2008 10:42:48 -0500
Brethren...update on Bro. Phil Tilson, PNP
March 05, 2008 at 11:54 PM EST
March is here and things are moving along with Dad's care.
A late February visit to the National Cancer Institute has called for two more rounds of chemo therapy, never fun, but since Dad is extremely healthy, side effects are pretty limited. They have detected no increase in size of the tumor which is excellent news and they are hoping the next rounds of chemo may even shrink it some.
They are tinkering with his medications to find a way to decrease the sleepiness that comes with most of them, so we are hoping within the next few days we will see some improvement with that. It is either the meds or I am boring him; jury is still out on that one.
March 21 is his birthday and I am sure we will be celebrating both his day and the good news about his tumor.
Thank you all so much for your kind words and prayers, we all appreciate it very much.
Nancy
----- Original Message -----
From: William G.L. Turner
To: Ron DOOLEY (Scty/OD#364) ; Ralph SMITH (Prez#364)
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 4:35 PM
Subject: Quan Chap #44 & OD Chap #364 ~ Fw: Marian Harris
Dear Brethren ~
Sad news ... prayers are in order.
For OD Chap #364, a card will be sent soonest by Munkie.
EIAR
WGLT
----- Original Message -----
From: James E Vann
To: Baker, Joe ; Vihovde, Fred ; Sanders, Harry ; Turner, Bill ; Newcombe, Nelson
Sent: Wednesday, March 05, 2008 11:39 AM
Subject: Marian Harris
I regret to inform you that Marian Harris, wife of Frank Harris, has been transferred to Walter Reed Hospital with severe internal bleeding.
Please keep Marian and Frank in your thoughts and prayers.
S/F,
Jim V
P.S.: The internet is down at national headquarters, but it should be up ere long.
From: Robert Cameron
To: Ron Dooley ; Ron David
Cc: Ralph W. Smith, Jr.
Sent: Tuesday, March 04, 2008 7:41 AM
Subject: Fw: Lois update
Subject: Lois update
Lois's physical strength has declined significantly in recent months, and living at home has become difficult and dangerous, so I arranged for her move to the Leewood Nursing home on Braddock Road on Monday, 3 Mar. It's very nice and is only a 10 minute drive from home. I'll let you know how it works out.
Best always,
Scotty
Brethren...please see the message below from Bro. Kent Webber.
Ron
Several people have asked me to remind them of Margaret's Funeral Services;
Funeral Services and Internment for Margaret Evelyn (Austin) Webber will be held on Monday, the 25th of February 2008
at the Old Post Chapel at Fort Myer, Virginia. Services will be held at 3:00PM. Everyone is asked to be there at 2:30 PM.
The Church Service will be about 25-30 minutes.
Graveside services will immediately follow.
Brethren...see the email below from Brother Houston...
----- Original Message -----
From: houstongh@suddenlink.net
To: 'Ron Dooley'
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 9:49 PM
Subject: RE: Condolences
Thanks Brother Ron. Here is the notice I sent to several of the Masonic brethren.
I am glad I am doing this in an email because I am sure I could not maintain enough emotional composure to report it by phone. Most of you know that my wife Cheryl has had a long struggle with diminishing lung capacity and she was removed from life support after 29 days in ICU and died 25 hours later which was at 11:00 am Central, 13 Feb.
There will be a Viewing/Visitation from 2-8 pm on Friday, 15 Feb at Labby Memorial Funeral Home in Deridder. LA. She will then be transported to Roswell, New Mexico for burial. A memorial service will be held in Roswell at Judy's (her sister) church some time after the burial, and then another memorial service will be held in Deridder at Wesley Methodist Church. I do not have the exact date/time for the memorials, but will let you know when they are arranged.
The family request in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to CLMA (Collingwood Library & Museum on Americanism) at
CLMA
8301 East Boulevard Dr
Alexandria, VA 22308-1399
or the Louisiana Masonic Learning Center (Supports the Children's Dyslexia
Program) at
LA Masonic Learning Center
PO Box 12357
Alexandria, LA 71315-2357
I will be in short supply during the next 2 weeks, but I will try to look at the emails when I can. Thanks for your prayers and support - we could not have made it without them.
Sincerely & Fraternally,
Gerald H Houston
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Ron Dooley [mailto:patrond@earthlink.net]
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 4:16 PM
To: Gerald Houston
Subject: Condolences
Importance: High
Bro. Gerald...you know how much I think of you and miss you being here at our meetings. To hear about your dear wife...Cheryl, has devastated all of us.
Please let us know what the circumstances were and what we may do to assist you.
Ron Dooley
Sec/Adj
Brethren...
It has been a long while since we have asked those members receiving the Newsletter in hard copy
if they should be receiving it via electronic means on the Web site.
Prior to a recent email announcement we were mailing 192 hard copies at 41 cents each totaling $78.72 per month...
this is before editor/copy expenses. We pay 5 cents per side to print and copy, and we have been averaging
four pages in the newsletter totaling $38.40 per month.
We had a known total of 40 members, who have email, who were receiving hardcopies, which represents $16.40 each month,
which totals $196.00 per year we could be saving on costs. I have not included the costs per page/copy we pay for printing
to National. As a result of the announcement, and some unfortunate circumstances, we have been able to remove 24 names...
a whopping total savings of $175.68 per year to the Chapter.
I realize there are those members who do not have printers or who just don't use their computer due to poor eyesight etc.,
no problem...otherwise, please let us know one way or the other ASAP if you could access the Web site just as easy,
and save the Chapter further costs.
A BIG THANK YOU TO THOSE BROTHERS WHO RESPONDED.
Sincerely and Respectfully,
Your Secretary/Adjutant,
Anyone who may assist Bro. Bill...please respond to him at
stavrakos1980@yahoo.com
Ron
----- Original Message -----
From: William Stavrakos
To: Ron Dooley
Sent: Friday, January 18, 2008 7:17 PM
Brother Ron,
My brother, Ryan Stavrakos, is looking into relocating to Colorado but is finding it hard to find a reputable company in his career field with Aircraft Maintence. He spent 9 years in the US Air Force and is now a Technical Training Intructor at Sheppard Air Foce Base in Northern Texas. I thought maybe with brethren in the National Sojourners being military officers, perhaps someone may know of an opening or may be able to refer this attached resume' (not attached) to one of the local Air Force bases in Colorado for an opportunity. It's a shot in the dark and I thank you and any other brother for their attention and time.
S&F,
Brother William
Brethren...a note from Bro. Roy Ota, PNC.
National Headquarters and Bro. Brundage please note address.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Ota, Roy T."
To: "Ron Dooley"
Sent: Friday, December 28, 2007 8:59 PM
Subject: Bro Leon R. FLEISHER
F 281600W DEC 07
Bro Ron:
Thought I'd forwarded this msg to you earlier but, IF I didn't, please
excuse the tardiness. Bro Leon R. FLEISHER is a Life Member of your
Chapter and all three Hawaii Chapters and knows many of your older
members. He was in the Jewelry business in Virginia and moved to Hawaii
after he retired and was active in many of the local Masonic
organizations. Anyway, he has reached a point in life where he can no
longer take care of himself and neither can Florence, his wife. Their
daughter, Jackie FLEISHER-WOOD was out here earlier this month to take
him home to Virginia. You can see the below for the details. I'm sure
he would appreciate a visitation from some of your older members who
remember him...
Aloha .... Roy
-----Original Message-----
From: Fleisher-Wood, Jackie [mailto:jflash@seneca.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 7:28 AM
To: Ota, Roy T.
Many thanks, Roy.
Daddy is enjoying your email, which I print out and bring to my father
at the nursing/rehabilitation home. Please keep them coming. Your
friendship means a lot to both my parents, who think the world of you.
Daddy's addresss and phone number are below. If you or any of your
mutual friends and Masonic brothers want to write or call him there, it
will mean a lot to him. You all can also send Daddy email c/o me and I
will be sure he gets it. This, too, will always mean a lot to him.
There is still a lot to do in getting him situated....Mother, too. She
is staying with us until we can get her an apartment in the independent
living building next to Daddy's nursing home.
Happy holidays to you and yours. If I can ever be of assistance to you,
please feel free to call me. My contact info are below as well.
Jackie
Jackie Fleisher Wood
703-759-2228
703-304-2414 (cell)
9014 Old Dominion Drive
McLean, Va 22102
jflash@seneca.com
Leon R. Fleisher
Send all correspondence c/o my address
His phone #: 301-998-3936
The address there:
The Hebrew Home of Greater Washington
The Wasserman Building
Room 216 West
6121 Montrose Road
Rockville, Md. 20852
From: "Dave"
Date: November 21, 2007 12:32:56 PM EST
Subject: New Web version of Masonic Herald on line!!
Brethren,
Starting this November and monthly hereafter, there will be an eight-page supplement to The Virginia Masonic Herald
being posted on the Grand Lodge’s website under the Masonic Herald section (right side of the screen) or you can use this link:
http://www.grandlodgeofvirginia.org/herald/2007/VMH%20Nov%202007%20Supp.pdf
This supplement has the bio and picture of our new Grand Master, Most Worshipful Edmund Cohen; his Installation address;
the 2007 Grand Annual Communication summary; resolution results; pictures of 50-year Masonic Veterans;
and a couple of Lodge happenings.
These supplements are planned to be posted around the 15th of the month from now on and will feature more Lodge events,
50-year Masonic veterans, and such, which are items I have not normally been able to get into the regular issues of the Herald.
The Virginia Masonic Herald will still be getting mailed to your home three times a year.
The first issue for this Masonic year is scheduled to be arriving at your home around the end of January.
Please let others know about this new way of getting out information to you about Virginia Freemasonry.
Fraternally,
Dave
Rt. Wor. David A. Burkus
Editor
Virginia Masonic Herald
757.469.6727
e-mail: vmheditor@cox.net
Next deadline: December 7, 2007
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! 
Brother Marquis de Lafayette
September 16
1757 – 1834
When Lafayette learned of the struggle of the Americans in their endeavor to secure their independence
he resolved to come to the colonies to aid them in their efforts as a volunteer. He also persuaded several
French officers to come with him. Eventually he landed near Charleston, South Carolina, June 13, 1777,
and when the leaders learned of his mission, they welcomed him very hospitably. Later in the summer,
he came to Philadelphia and the Congress welcomed him as he came to serve without pay as a
volunteer. Since he represented the highest rank of French nobility and his motives were so patriotic
in the American cause, the Congress commissioned him a Major General on the 31st of July.
Later in the summer, he met General Washington and a friendship developed between the two men,
which lasted as long as Washington lived. During Lafayette's life, he never forgot the great American.
Lafayette was a member of Washington's staff and was wounded during the Battle of the Brandywine.
Later in the autumn, having recovered from his wound, he rejoined the American forces.
To the end of his life, Lafayette held firm for representative government in his country.
The great general died in 1834.
His fine work for American independence will never be forgotten,
and his name will always shine on the pages of our history.
.jpg)
This article, featuring our National President, was reprinted from the Summer 2007 Issue of
The Virginia Masonic Herald
An official Publication of the Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of the Commonwealth of Virginia
A NOTE FROM RON DOOLEY ON Feb 26, 2007
Due to several responses concerning Bro. Al Ungerleider, the following information is
appropriate. Ruth notes that Al is still at the Virginian and would certainly enjoy
seeing visitors. The Virginian Continuous Care Community facility is located at
9229 Arlington Blvd, Fairfax City, 22031, located just east of Fairfax Circle
on Rt. 50, Arlington Blvd.
It is recommended that you call first. That number is 703-277-7253.
Ron Dooley
Sec/Adj
This is a note from our Secretary dated 10/26/2006:
(Modified on 12/1/2006.)
Brethren....the Chapter has now only lost two members. We found Bro. Swan. Anyone having info on the other two below, please contact the
secretary. These email addresses have come back for the last three emailings by me. And...YES...I have called them so please don't go there.
Ron Dooley
Sec/Adj
A note from the Webmaster: Not long ago I received an email with the following attachment:
LAUS DEO
Two words are displayed on the aluminum cap atop the Washington Monument—Laus Deo.
No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are unaware they are there. But these words have been there for
many years; they are 555 feet, 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, facing skyward to the Father of our nation,
overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.
Laus Deo! Two unseen words, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful
nation in the world. So, what do these two Latin words mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!"
Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the
monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father
of our nation, "Laus Deo.... Praise be to God!"
From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with its division into four major
segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles L'Enfant--a perfect cross imposed upon
the landscape, with the White House to the north, the Jefferson Memorial to the south, the Capitol to the east, and the Lincoln Memorial to the west.
A cross you ask? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross. Separation of church and state was not, and is not, in the
Constitution. How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning. In addition, within the monument are 898 steps and 50 landings.
On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a
presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Also, when the
cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 many items were deposited within it including the Holy Bible presented by the
Bible Society. Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood of our first President, who’s Prayer for America follows:
"Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline
the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection
and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large. And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be
pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of
mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose
example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen."
As you probably guessed, over 92 percent of Americans like the idea that our Pledge of Allegiance includes the phrase "under God." It is clear,
when one studies the history of our great nation, that Washington's America was one of the few countries in the entire world
established under the guidance, direction and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by the
great men who formed and fashioned her pivotal foundations. You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", it's location,
or the architects but no one can forget it's meaning, or these words from Psalm 127:1: "Unless the Lord builds the house,
its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain."
Let us remember to do our part, through prayers and sacrifice, to be the watchmen who stand guard.
Laus Deo!
This was especially interesting because our National President closes his messages with those words.
After reading the attachment, I looked it up in SNOPES to see what they had to say.
Supposedly they have the real word on the story in the attachment, and you can read their added information
by clicking on the following URL: