Brethren,

My late father-in-law Brother Mason Earl L. Pratt always said to me, "be sure you work your way through all the chairs, become Master and then, you're all set." It is hard for me to believe that 6 years ago, after being raised I have reached that goal he has set for me. I hope I can live up to his expectations and to do a well as all previous Past Masters have done. A big thanks you to Past Master Steve Protz for his 3 years at the helm.

I will focus this year in finding ways to get our brothers to attend lodge in great numbers and bring new brothers.

Our Grand Lodge's Strategic Planning Committee have defined goals and objectives to "Focus Freemasonry to Benefit All." The goal is to make Freemasonry more meaningful to our Blue Lodge members and more visible to its local community. "MasoniKids" has been established as a prime focus. The "tabs" programs which has been so successful for the Shriners is now extended to the Blue Lodges. The "CHIPS" Program us a free, child identification program has been established. Old Well No 108's web site will be linked to the Grand Lodge's web page www.ctfreemasonry.net for better communication to our brothers and the community. Establishing a Masonic presence in the local community is also a prime objective.

There is a great deal of Masonic activity going on in your lodge these days. We are completing the installation of a new kitchen in the Grotto Room. Along with our monthly Lodge Stated Communication, Monker Grotto meets once a month, Laurel Chapter of the Order of DeMolay is meeting 4 times a month; tag sales, picnics, events, a CHIPS program and other activities are taking place. To steal a quote from our new Sr. Warden Chris Peters "the lights are on at Old Well Lodge No. 108."

So come down, join us and help make the lights brighter at Old Well. SEE YOU IN LODGE!

Fraternally,

Thomas H. Stein, Worshipful Master