Dear Brother,

As first reported in the Winter 2011 issue of Trowel, M.W. Richard J. Stewart, Grand Master, assisted by other Grand Lodge leaders, will be conducting Town Hall meetings throughout the jurisdiction.

This is an opportunity for Brothers statewide to share their views on Freemasonry in Massachusetts today. And we want to hear your goals and vision for the future of the fraternity.

Charles E. Taylor, a lifelong resident of Needham died on Friday, December 2nd at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. He was 91 years old. Born and raised in Needham, he was a graduate of Needham High School Class of 1939.

Brethren, as you may know, the annual Holiday Tree sale is a major fundraiser for Norfolk Lodge and enables much of the charitable work we do. We need your help! Please take a look at the following schedules, find a gap, and volunteer some hours. Your efforts go a long, long way!

One of the ways Norfolk Lodge contributes to the community is through an annual sponsorship of a Little League team. We are proud to have been the sponsors of the BlueClaws team for the 2011 season, which runs from late April through mid-June. The BlueClaws have begun their summer break after a successful year. They played in the Needham Baseball Single A league, which is their first year in Little League. Players in the Single A league are 2nd graders, and focus on developing skills in a positive and enthusiastic environment. While the teams play 12 games, they don't keep score at the beginning level -although the kids will argue differently.

Congratulations, BlueClaws! We are proud to have been a part of the team.

Left to right: Brother Michael Centola, Charles River YMCA Executive Officer Kathy Lozano, and Wor. D. Michael Umbarger. Photo: Wor. Roger Ambuter.

As part of our continuing committment to Masonic charity and community giving, Norfolk Lodge recently donated $1000.00 to the Charles River YMCA for their annual "Reach Out" support program. This support program enables many of the Y's services, and enables them to open their programs to children, youth and adults regardless of financial ability.  Every dollar raised from this local campaign directly benefits the Charles River YMCA.

Norfolk Lodge is proud to be a sponsor of the Charles River YMCA and to give back to our community in the Masonic tradition of charity. You can read more about this work at the following news articles:

Wicked Local Needham, April 28th, 2011 - "Masonic Lodge Donates to YMCA Reach Out"

Needham Hometown Weekly, April 28th, 2011 - "Norfolk Masonic Lodge Donates to YMCA"