From the East

Dear Sisters & Brothers,

As I dropped my parents off at the Airport this morning, to go to Washington DC on the Honor Flight, it gave me pause to remember all those who gave of their lives for my freedom. Memorial day originally was set aside to remember our fallen, but for many (including myself), it is also a day to remember loved ones gone before. How lucky we are to have so many amazing people in our lives, and what a hole they leave when they are gone. I wish all of you wonderful memories of those who are gone, but not forgotten.

May has been an exciting month for Bloomington. Congratulations to Donna Hanley newly installed Worthy Grand Matron of the state of Minnesota! Toni Murray proudly served as Grand Adah, throughout the 2009-2010 year, and also at Grand Chapter in St Cloud.

Don’t forget the dinner/reception for WGM Donna & WGP Russ is June 6. If you cannot come to the dinner portion, you may still come to the program/ reception, which will take, place around 2/2:30.

Have you had a chance to become of member of Bloomington Chapters Facebook page? Our Facebook page is linked to other chapters, so it has been a fun way to communicate. Don’t forget about our Web Page – this is another way to catch up on the “goings on” of Bloomington Chapter.

With Donna’s reception the same week we normally hold our birthday party, we decided to have a joint birthday celebration and picnic this year. I do hope you will join us for the festivities – this joint celebration is also open to family and friends.

Bloomington Chapter is saddened by the loss of another wonderful member: Claire H. Claire is a Past Matron of Bloomington. Claire had lived in Florida for a number of years, and had only been back in Bloomington for a short time when she was diagnosed with cancer. Claire worked hard for Bloomington, and will be greatly missed.

Wishing all a great & healthy summer!
Star Love, Barb Brihn, WM

Subduing our Passions

For those that might have heard some negative things about the debate at Grand Chapter this year I thought it might be useful to hear another perspective. During one of the more contentious debates over an amendment, that didn’t seem particularly important to me, I ducked out with my friend Elle from Sunshine Chapter #98. Although she was clearly frustrated with the proceedings the first thing she said to me was, “It’s good to see people passionate about finding ways to make the organization better.”

It was a revelatory moment for me as I, like many others, had gotten wrapped up in the tree at the expense of the forest. It’s frightening how quickly we can forget that a fellow member we may disagree with is trying to do the same thing we are. That is, improve the organization. If we disagree on how to do that then it’s in our best interest to find the best solution.

The first thing a Mason is taught in the first degree is that he is there to learn to subdue his passions. This doesn’t mean he shouldn’t have them, only that he should not let them interfere with his judgment. An organization lives and dies by the passion of its members. But when it comes time for business those passions have to be channeled and the emotional investment you make shouldn’t be in your own idea, but in finding the solution that best serves the goals of the group.

Even if we can’t live up to that ideal, I think it’s important that we take the time for debate. If I have any criticism of the situation I think that would be it. I’m not sure we can dedicate almost an entire day of Grand Chapter to introducing people and then turn around and say we don’t have time to debate the business that comes before us. I’d like to find ways to provide attendees with better information and more time for clarification as I think these may reduce the tensions that make these debates less productive. Which is a discussion I’d be happy to have with anyone that might be interested.

Kyle Smeby, WP

From the Secretary

Please check your dues card.
If it doesn’t say “2010”, then I need to receive a dues payment of $37.50 from you! Checks should be made payable to Bloomington Chapter #307 OES and mailed to Mary Williams.

Enclosing a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your payment will be greatly appreciated.

If you want to contact me, I can be reached at 651-688-0019.

Star love,
Mary Williams, Secretary

Celebrate

Join us on Saturday, July 24 for a Potluck birthday/picnic celebration. Bloomington Chapter will celebrate its 54th year of service & fellowship.

Location: 11200 Washburn Av S
Time: 11:30 am Social – 12:30 pm Lunch
What to Bring: A dish of your choice to pass & BYOC (Bring your own chair).
Cake, Lemonade, Ice Tea and Coffee will be provided.

THIS EVENT IS OPEN TO: Family and Friends. This is also a great event for anyone you know who might be interested in learning more about our organization.

Reservations are requested by July 20 – Barb Brihn 651-260-0631

Editors Note

Along with Kyle, and I am guessing most who were at Grand Chapter, I have been thinking a lot about the events of Saturday.

I would also be happy to be a part of any helpful discussions.

Barb

Whimsy

Roll Down those Windows and sing along to the top 5 Summer songs of the 60’s & 70’s, or just sing any tune of your choice. Sing loud enough so when you are waiting at a red light, the car next to you wonders if the heat has gotten to you!

1. The Lovin' Spoonful
 ''Summer in the City'' 
Summer of '66
2. The Beach Boys
''California Girls'' 
Summer of '65
3. Alice Cooper
''School's Out'' 
Summer of '72
4. Martha and the Vandellas
''Heat Wave'' 
Summer of '63
5. The Drifters
''Under the Boardwalk'' 
Summer of '64

Enjoy, cuz it’s Summertime, summertime, sum sum summertime!

*******************

ALL WHO ARE INTERESTED IN PARTICIPATING IN A WALK-A-THON, PLEASE CONTACT ME:
BARB - 651-260-0631
baaba@comcast.net
Date & Info to Come Soon!