From the East
Chris Smith, P.M.

Brethren,
  I have some very important information to relay to you regarding the Shrine. As you may have heard, on 23 Nov. 2011 the Grand Master of Masons in Michigan, MW Frederick Kaiser, Jr., withdrew official recognition of the Shrine in the state of Michigan. He further declared it clandestine, thereby making it illegal for Michigan Masons to attend tyled Shrine meetings. On 28 Dec. 2011, the Grand Master of Masons in Arkansas, MW Myles Oliver also issued similar edicts. So far, no other states have withdrawn recognition of the Shrine. Further, the Grand Master of Masons in California, MW Frank Loui has stated that he will not make a decision until the Conference of Grand Masters, which is to be held on 19-21 Feb. 2012 in Atlanta, Georgia. Both rulings do not prohibit membership in the Shrine, but they do severely limit participation. As soon as I receive any information regarding his decision, it will be presented here as well as at the Stated Meeting.
  Now, on a lighter note… We are starting off the year on the good note – an EA in January and plans for an FC in February. That’s the way I like it! While we are on the subject of membership, I have to reach out to our new Master Masons who haven’t attended Lodge in a while – come see us we miss you! If you have any issues preventing you from attending Lodge, contact me anytime either by phone or email. 
  Lastly - educational materials. While looking at the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America, Inc. website (www.cgmna.org), I noticed a few interesting links.
Have a look!

Masonic Child Identification Program – www.masonichip.org
Commission on Information for Recognition – www.recognitioncommission.org
Masonic Renewal Committee – www.masonicrenewal.org
Masonic Service Association of North America – www.msana.com

S&F,
Dr. Chris D. Smith, PM

From the West
Shan Zhou

Brethren,
  Our first stated meeting of the year was well attended, many thanks to the brethren who attended. For those who were not able to attend, you were missed. The officers are feverishly preparing for the upcoming degrees, please come and support our new members and officers in their work.
  For those that may not be aware, we had a FC visit from a German lodge. We spoke on the similarities and differences between lodge protocols and practices. Though there were many differences between the two, the message of Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth were constant.

I leave you with an article I found on etiquette :
  In etiquette a Mason is controlled by rules of manner and behavior at certain times and places in which he has no voice because they are governed by Masonic Law and usage. The principle of decorum stands at the opposite pole, for it includes manner and behavior in the Lodge room and our personal lives, as it is in each of us to decide and control. The essence of it lies in a Mason, when present in Lodge, not attracting undue attention to himself and not creating a disturbance.

Thus, it is etiquette to speak kindly to and about each other; and while that is an act of good manners, it is one required by the rules of the Fraternity. It is decorum not to whisper or in any way, disturb your neighbor during the conduct of business. That is good manners as required by a man's own sense of good taste and dignity. If he talks aloud, disturbing the Lodge, HE does it, and it is therefore for HIM not to. He must decide his own decorum in the same way that the Craft decides his etiquette. There are points at which the two converge, such as when the Master must act to restore order and dignified behavior.

He should reprove all disturbances quietly, promptly, without personal feeling, and attracting as little attention to the matter as possible. A glance of the eye or a soft tap of the gavel's handle is most often sufficient for the purpose.

Finally, please notify me of any Brethren or their families that are ill or in need.

Fraternally,
Shan Zhou

From the South
Joe Lucchesi

Brethren,
  Please remember to send me your note, call me or catch me at the meetings to reserve your place at the scheduled meetings and at the family dinners. Also if you want to be scheduled for all of them, I will list you as a regular. The February dinner is a Valentines Hungarian dinner put on for us by the church. And we will have live music. Don’t miss it.
  And that brings us to our other subject. I would like to schedule some fun events for 2012 and I need your help, especially you Past Masters. I will be asking your thoughts on what you would like and who you think would come.
  Last month I wrote about the Steward’s role in taking care of the lodge and their families. There is another important aspect of your role in that when you reach Senior Steward you have your first speaking part in the ceremonies and you have begun your journey to larger roles. The journey up the line of officers is at each step a Masonic education in itself, in that you learn deeply what the ceremonies are about by participating in them and learning your part in it.

Sincerely and fraternally,
Joe Lucchesi