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February 2025 From the East

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Brethren,

As we enter the month of February, I want to take a moment to express my deepest appreciation for each of you. The energy and commitment you bring to our Lodge is what makes us strong, and as your Worshipful Master, I am excited to continue our journey together in the new year.

First, I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to Vincent Buffolino, Dennis P. Mirante, and Michael Pyzikiewicz, who were initiated as Entered Apprentices  in January. We are proud to welcome them into the ranks of our craft.

• February 26th, we will complete their initiation with the presentation of the historical lecture for the First Degree, which was postponed from the degree. Let us all come together to show our continued support and celebrate their journey in Freemasonry.

• February 12th marks our annual visit from the District Deputy Grand Master, R:.W:. Robert J. Licata. This visit is a significant occasion for our Lodge, providing an opportunity to hear from our District leadership and engage with the broader Masonic community. I strongly encourage all brethren to attend, as your presence will make this event even more meaningful. This visit is a reminder of the greater Masonic family to which we belong, and it’s a time for us to reflect on the state of our Lodge and the progress we’ve made together.

Your attendance, participation, and commitment are what makes our Lodge strong. Let’s continue to work together to ensure that we make the most of the opportunities ahead.

Fraternally,
W:. William Hanson
Worshipful Master

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January 2025 From the East

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Brethren,

Happy New Year to each of you! As we begin this new year, it’s a time for fresh beginnings, new opportunities, and renewed dedication to the values that make our Lodge strong. I hope you all had a restful holiday season and are ready to embark on another successful year together.

Looking ahead, January is an important month for our Lodge.We’ll kick off the year with a Masonic education session on January 8th, where our own Stu Smith will lead a school of instruction centered on the first degree. I ask that all members attend and participate in what promises to be an enlightening evening.

This couldn’t be more timely as for our second meeting (January 22nd), we will be conducting a First Degree with the addition of three new brothers to the Craft. Let’s all make an effort to show the new Brothers what Freemasonry, and more specifically, What Smithtown Masonry is all about. With that being said, I would like to see all involved officers and Brothers on January 13th and 20th ( both Monday evenings) for rehearsals.

Wishing you all a productive and fulfilling January, and I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming meetings and events. Together, let’s make this year one of meaningful progress and fellowship.

Fraternally,
W:. William Hanson
Worshipful Master

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Happy 2025 From the East

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Brethren,

The last day of 2024 has arrived. Looking forward to 2025 and all the hopefully happy days ahead. I hope all the Brothers of Riverhead Lodge and all Brothers in general have a wonderful new year.

Much has been happening at the Lodge and lots still to do. If you haven’t been to the Lodge in a while, the Lodge room as been completely renovated and it came out beautiful. There are still few more items to complete with this, but I am very happy with the results so far.

 

I am also looking forward to the first meeting of the new year, Tuesday January 7th, 2025. Before we all enjoy New Year’s Day, a few reminders of upcoming events and dates.

On Jan 8th  ,2025– V:.W:. Stu Smith is holding a AGL’s School of Instruction at Smithtown Lodge, collation 6:30 PM, Meeting begins at 7:00 PM

On Jan 17 & 18th ,2025– The 1st Annual Masonic Con will be held at the Grand Lodge of New York. The 17th is the Mariners Lodge Beefsteak festive board, and the 18th will be the Masonic Con. You can get tickets for these events on the Grand Lodge of New York Website, https://nymasons.org

On Jan 21, 2025 – Riverhead Lodge will hold its annual Summoned Communication. This Summoned Communication is a rollcall as well as reports from all committees are to be presented to the lodge and spread upon the minutes. So, this means all committees please submit your reports. If you cannot attend this summoned communication, please make sure your committee report is sent to the Secretary prior to the meeting.

On Feb 4th, 2025, we will be opening and closing and heading over to Amityville Lodge for their DDGM visit. We’ll discuss the logistics at next Tuesday’s meeting.

On Feb 18th, 2025 – This is Riverhead Lodge’s Official Visit of the DDGM & GLSO to our Lodge. There will be a short rehearsal for all officers prior to the 18th. Please know your opening/closing ritual without any books or written material. If we need to brush up on that we can do that during the DDGM rehearsal.

I am currently planning a 3rd degree either late March or early April.

Finally, for those who like to donate Blood to the NY Blood Center I have agreed to 3 more dates for them to hold Blood drives at the Lodge. These will be announced as soon as I get a bit more information.

All dates and events are posted in several locations, the Suffolk District BAND, Riverhead Lodge BAND, Riverhead Lodge website, and Suffolk District Website. If you need the addresses for any, please let me know and I’d be happy to get them to you.

Again, may you and your families all have a Happy and Healthy New Year. See you in 2025!

Fraternally,

V:.W:. Bill Arnold

Master

Riverhead Lodge #645

December From the East

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Brethren,

As the year draws to a close and the holiday season begins, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we have accomplished together in 2024. It’s been a year of growth, learning, and brotherhood, and I am truly grateful for each of you and the dedication you bring to our Lodge.

As we approach the new year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the blessings we’ve received and the opportunities that lie ahead. I’m excited about the future of our Lodge, and I look forward to continuing to work with each of you to make 2025 another successful year of growth, service, and brotherhood.

Wishing you all a wonderful December filled with warmth, joy, and fellowship. May the holiday season bring peace and happiness to you and your families.

Fraternally,

W:. William Hanson

Worshipful Master

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From the East December-February 2024-25

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Brothers,

2024 is coming to a close in less than 30 days. Hard to believe the Masonic season is almost half over. Lots of activity within Riverhead Lodge lately and just about all of it good. We have been busy up in the Lodge room with full renovations of the Lodge. If you haven’t seen it yet, well you should come out to a meeting and have a look, it’s spectacular. With that a huge thank you goes out to all the Brothers involved in getting this done. Bro. Ezra Fife did a wonderful job on the ceiling and W:. Charlie Monte getting the lights and sound done. There are many others to thank and still more work to do. The outer room will also be done eventually as well.  We are also looking at getting a plan together for the kitchen. Mainly to have better organization and storage in the kitchen.

We’ll be conferring the Fellowcraft degree tonight, Tuesday, December 3rd on 3 Entered Apprentices, dinner will be 6-7:30 PM.

December 17th will be a Table Lodge downstairs; members may dress casually and wear those coveted “ugly Christmas sweaters” for the meeting.

Saturday, December 21st will be the Tri-Lodge Christmas/Holiday party. It’s Riverhead Lodge’s turn at bat for this party and we have secured a visit from Santa to deliver toys for the boys and girls that attend. this will be from 10-2 PM so a holiday brunch menu will be offered.

The official Visit of the District Deputy Grand Master, R:.W:. Robert Licata to Riverhead Lodge #645, will occur on Tuesday, February 18th, 2025.

I am planning on running the Master Mason degree sometime late March or early April so please keep a lookout for that announcement.

Finally, my brothers I would like to thank all the members of Riverhead and Peconic Lodge’s for all the help and work that has been done in and about the Lodge in the last few months. It is a great pleasure to work with you all.

November 2024: From the East

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As we move into November, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for the camaraderie and commitment that each of you brings to our Lodge. The past few months have been filled with engaging programs and meaningful discussions, and I appreciate your active participation in making our Lodge a vibrant community.

 

This month, we have some important events on the horizon. First, I encourage you to mark your calendars for our Masonic education program on 11/13, where we will delve into “The Evolution of Masonic Rituals”. This session promises to be both informative and thought-provoking, and I urge all members to attend and contribute to the conversation.

Additionally, we will be hosting a special meeting on November 27th, the day before Thanksgiving, to discuss “Giving Thanks in Masonry.” This program will allow us to reflect on the blessings we share as brothers and explore the significance of gratitude in our lives and within our fraternity. Your thoughts and contributions will enrich our discussions as we focus on this important theme.

As we approach Thanksgiving, let’s also take a moment to reach out to fellow Masons, especially those who may need a little extra support or companionship during this time. Your presence strengthens our bonds and enriches our discussions, and I encourage everyone to make an effort to attend our meetings.

Lastly, I want to remind you of the importance of attending our meetings. Your presence strengthens our bonds and enriches our discussions. Let’s continue to support each other and uphold the values of Freemasonry as we move forward.

 

Wishing you all a November filled with gratitude, brotherhood, and opportunities for personal growth. I look forward to seeing each of you at our upcoming events!

 

Fraternally,

 

W:. William Hanson

Worshipful Master

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October 2024 From the East

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Brethren,

As the leaves change and autumn settles in, it’s time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and look ahead to the opportunities that lie before us. October is here, and with it comes a renewed focus on our Lodge activities and community engagement.

I want to extend my gratitude to all who participated in our recent programs, “Rededication and Reunion” and our discussion on “Laudable Pursuit” .Much more important than the presentations themselves was the lively conversation that followed.. Your involvement is what makes our Lodge thrive.

This month, we continue with Masonic education. First, mark your calendars for our upcoming program “Why This Confusion in the Craft?” on October 9th. I encourage all members to attend and participate in the discussions.

For our second meeting this month, Oct. 23rd,we will be attending Babylon Lodge and their School of Instruction where the topics will be the First Degree as well as Observant Masonry, which promises to be both enlightening and engaging. The officers will open and close the Lodge, allowing the remainder of attendees to travel directly to Babylon. See the event details on Band for more details.

Lastly, I would like to remind everyone about the importance of attendance at our meetings. Your presence enriches our discussions and strengthens our bonds as brothers. Let’s continue to support each other and uphold the values that Freemasonry represents.

Wishing you all a wonderful October filled with warmth, brotherhood, and personal growth. I look forward to seeing each of you at our upcoming events!

Fraternally,

W:.William Hanson

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September-December 2024 from the East

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Brothers,

I hope all had a pleasant break. We’ve had our first meeting of the season in the collation room; however, the Lodge room facelift is just about complete. We’re diving in headfirst this year and will be going full steam until June. Our first meeting was a bit different in that we did it Festive board style. It was interesting to say the least. Br. JW Dominick cooked up a nice meal and we ate and had our meeting. Bro. SW Pete gave the Masonic Education on the history of Riverhead Lodge. If you would like to recap this or missed the meeting, you can find all that info here -> History of Riverhead Lodge.

As many now know the Tri-Lodge Pig Roast is next up on the agenda. if you haven’t gotten your tickets or rsvp’d already, please go to 2024 Tri-Lodge Pig Roast to purchase advanced tickets for $35/ea. or RSVP to pay at the door $40. It’s shaping up to be a great afternoon. If you would be interested in helping to get everything setup and tear down, we’ll be gathering at ~8 AM to start and the party end at 6 Pm so anyone who can stay after to help clean up would be appreciated.

Our Tuesday, Sept. 17th Stated Communication will feature a guest speaker, R:.W:. Mike LaRocca, Director of the Robert Livingston Library at Grand Lodge will be giving us a great lecture with some special artifacts to present. Don’t miss this one! Collation will begin at 6 Pm and the Lodge will open at 7:30 PM. Attire for the evening will be business.

Any who have taken the Master’s Chair or has been elected and served in the East of a Masonic Lodge will confirm that a Master’s trestleboard is ever changing and evolving sometimes on the fly. I had planned for a degree in October, but I will need to switch things around a bit. It seems we’ll be doing a 2nd degree in November instead, please look for announcement and rehearsals for that degree. This will merge some new brothers into one class for the 2nd degree.

In its place for October we’ll be hosting another guest speaker, W:. Ron Seifried, Past Master, Author and speaker on October 15th.  As for October 1st communication, as of this writing, I am planning a fun event, Masonic Jeopardy (aka are you smarter than an EA edition). This will be open to all Brothers as it will be 1st degree safe.

November look to be just as energetic with our first meeting falling on sever remarkable dates. First, it’s election day so if you plan on voting in the general election, this is the day. It’s also my oldest daughter’s birthday so this Nov. 5th will be a step-up night. All officers will advance up one chair and do the work (preferably with no books), I’ll know trust me.

Between Tuesday Nov. 5th and the 19th, I’ll be scheduling a rehearsal for the 2nd degree. Please speak up and volunteer to take a role in the degree so I don’t have to voluntold anyone.

December will be our Tri-Lodge Christmas Brunch as we have done the last few years. The date of this event is TBD and will be put on the BAND and Riverhead Lodge calendar. Our 2nd meeting on Dec. 17th, I am planning on a Lodge Holiday gathering that our spouses or significant others can come and have dinner with us. The officers and will hold very abbreviated meeting to satisfy our charter and GL rules, then rejoin those downstairs.

 

Riverhead Lodge room Facelift

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Brothers,

It’s been a long journey for all involved. Here we are in September and the Lodge room renovation and redesign are 99% complete. I would like to acknowledge those Brothers who went the extra mile and donated time and materials to the project. As well W:. Bobby Abel who kicked off the Project during his Mastership. Bro. Ezra Fife who put in untold amounts of his own time and expertise in getting the ceiling and arrange the hardwood floors. The Bothers of Peconic Lodge who funded the ceiling and lighting. R:.W:. Bob Licata for getting the carpet in perfectly. Thank you also to the Brothers who came out on a Sunday to help move everything back into the Lodge room, Bro. Pat, Bro. Charles (who kept us fat and happy with donuts and bagels), Bro. Kenny, W:. Dan and even R:.W:. Matt was on hand to give everyone a hard time. The list just goes on and on. When we come together as a Lodge there is nothing we cannot tackle.  So below will be a short slideshow of the Lodge room through the renovation start to finish.

You can click on any of the images below in the slideshow to enlarge them. More pics will be added so stay tuned!

So, as we continue to improve ourselves as well as the Lodge let us enjoy the new Lodge room. Several other improvements have also been backed into the facelift of the Lodge that may not be as apparent. W:. Charle Monte also put in many hours of work with the electrical, new all switches that allow us to control the lighting for effect during degrees as well as a new speaker and sound system that should also help with degrees and presentations. I’m sure that those that now sit in the east during special events and presentation will breathe a sigh of relief as there is no longer a large speaker behind their heads.

A new meshed Wi-Fi system is installed in the Lodge room. The new system allows for a greater signal strength throughout the building and spilt networks. There is one network for Lodge devices and members, and another for Lodge guests. There are small, framed signs in the collation room with a QR code for guests to scan to join the Riverhead Lodge guest wi-fi. If you are a Lodge member the password is the same, the name of the network has changed.

if you are connecting to the Lodge network/Wi-Fi, you can used either if you are just using internet. If you plan to access Lodge equipment, printers, etc. you will need to be on the “Riverhead Lodge Wi-Fi” with the old password. If you don’t know it, please see a Lodge officer to get you logged in.

From the East September 2024

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Brethren,

As summer draws to a close and we prepare to embark on a new Masonic year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past few months and look forward to what lies ahead.

Our summer break has been a time for relaxation and renewal, with our social nights providing a wonderful opportunity to connect and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood. I hope you all enjoyed these gatherings and found them as fulfilling as I did.

Now, as we step into September, we’re ready to resume our regular meetings and activities with renewed energy and enthusiasm. This is a time for new beginnings and a chance to set our goals for the upcoming year. I’m excited to lead our Lodge as your Worshipful Master and am eager to work together with each of you to continue our journey of personal growth and the betterment of our Lodge.

We have an exciting year ahead, filled with opportunities for both personal and collective achievements. I encourage all of you to bring your ideas, enthusiasm, and commitment as we dive into our new Masonic year. Let’s work together to make it a year of meaningful progress and fellowship.

Wishing you all a smooth transition back into our Lodge activities. I look forward to seeing you at our first meeting of the year and to a productive and rewarding year ahead.

Fraternally,
W.: William R. Hanson Worshipful Master

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