August 2025 from the South

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As summer is now in full session, the furthest thing from most of our minds is the thought of memorizing Masonic Ritual work. For me, the thought of memorizing anything (most of you already know how bad I am at remembering names) makes me tend to put-off doing so for as long as possible. But I’ve realized that procrastination and “winging it when the time comes” only makes me more anxious about not being prepared – and also tends to give less than optimal results…So I’m trying something different this summer; I’m actually following a variation of the advice I used to give to my students. The human brain tends to operate by repetition, and has an easier time remembering things that it has been exposed to repetitively over a period of time (which is why we find that “cramming” for an exam – or in this case cramming to memorize the Ritual – rarely works out the way we wish).

So here is my Ritual memorization experiment this summer: I arise 15 minutes earlier each morning and simply read straight through the appropriate section(s) of the material pertaining to my part. I repeat this from 5 to 10 times in a sitting. I don’t actually try to memorize anything at this point, but the repetition allows the material to slowly sink into my brain, subconsciously making me more and more familiar with the material. I repeat this process for a few days before actually trying to memorize it. After that I utilize my 15 minutes each day to actually start memorizing the material. I’ll let you know how it works out! But for now, I’ve achieved the most difficult part…I’ve started the process and it’s become part of my morning routine.

For me, 15 minutes of less sleep each day is a reasonable trade-off that results in more confidence (and more importantly, less stress) that I’m better prepared to contribute as a successful team member. And if I still miss a word here or there, I know that my Brothers are there to help me along. To paraphrase an old Vince Lombardi quote, “Strive for Perfection, Settle for Excellence.”

Fraternally,
Dominic J. Ciardullo (JW)

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August 2025 From the West

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well brothers it’s been a pretty quiet summer so far and can’t wait for the Masonic year to start again. I’m still trying to come up with a date for the district school instruction and having a little difficulty as to where and when it’s to be held But, we will get it accomplished. The War VETS dedicated another Bench for the battle within project and was placed at bold Hill Vietnam memorial park on August 1, 2025. The event is currently running on channel 12 news and there were three representatives from lodges in the Suffolk District that attended. Not much else going on and will see the brothers of Smithtown Lodge at our next social night.

 

S W Stu Smith .

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August 2025 From the East

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Brethren,

I had the great opportunity to join many of my Brothers for our annual Low 12 Masonic Riders gathering at Lake George. Over 40 of us rode together to Fort Ticonderoga to surprise the Massachusetts Grand Line during their event — and they were definitely impressed.

The summer is flying by, and before we know it, we’ll be back in Lodge in just one month.

Our Brotherhood social gatherings will continue on the second and fourth Wednesdays at 7:00 PM. Let’s take this opportunity to invite any new candidates who are interested in learning more about Masonry. These get-togethers are a perfect time to share our experiences and strengthen the bonds that unite us.

I’m also asking all trustees to attend the meeting on August 13th, so we can get a head start on the issues previously discussed, as well as begin planning new projects — including the Cigar and Bourbon Fundraiser. Your ideas and support will be essential to making it a success.

W∴Edward Matuszak

Worshipful Master

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Who doesn’t love a Pig Roast and Chicken BBQ?

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Riverhead-Potunk Pig Roast

Riverhead and Potunk Lodges are joining forces to host an EPIC Pig Roast and Chicken BBQ. All Proceeds to benefit Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach. Tickets will be $35 (advanced sale) or $45 at the door. Come on down and enjoy some delicious BBQ roasted pork, BBQ chicken, with all the sides and fix’ns. Beer, soda, and water included. We’ll have some good music and family fun!

Why pay more when you can get your advanced tickets for less?

Buy Tickets now

Click the image in the box above to get your tickets to this year’s Annual Dual Lodge Pig Roast & Chicken BBQ. Slow roasted and succulent. Who needs fast food when you can have delicious chicken & pork roasted with care.

Join us on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, from 2-6 PM for some of the best BBQ anywhere!

Riverhead & Potunk Lodge Pig Roast

All Proceeds to be donated to Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach. Help us to help others!

More about Maureen’s Haven Homeless Outreach -> https://maureenshaven.org/

Youth Groups Summer Success

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Congratulations to Dillon Sloop who this week became a member of Demolay. Also congratulations to Cadence Schulbaum who was installed as a State Sweetheart and to Tristan Schulbaum who was installed as a State Master Councilor

All of Jephtha 494 are proud of you all. Congratulations!!

Successful Fishing Trip!

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The 4th annual Jephtha Fishing trip was held July 11th and was the largest yet! 52 brothers, family members and friends came out for an absolutely beautiful day on the James Joseph II. Leaving port from Huntington Harbor, the water was calm and light breeze kept us cool as we set out to the sound for some fishing for Porgy (Scup)

Jephtha Summer Casual Nights!

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As an answer to brothers requesting more fellowship during the dark days of the lodge, the Events Committee has set 3 evenings for what we are calling “Summer Casual Nights”. Each night is an open lodge for gathering and enjoying the company of friends, family and “interested gentlemen” who are candidates or hopeful candidates to the lodge. 

Check Band App for the most recent updates and details- 

July 19th 8pm- Brothers and Interested Gentlemen are invited.

August 9th 8pm- Brothers and Interested Gentlemen as well as significant others are invited.

August 22nd 8pm -Brothers and Interested Gentlemen are invited. 

LIPMA’s Summer Soiree a HIT!

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The 2025 LIPMA Summer Soiree was a great hit this year. With about 200 in attendance, the hall was full and with W:. Florio and his band are filling the room with great sound and music, what could be better? Well, if you missed it, there’s always next year. I could barely finish my dinner as there was so much food to eat during the cocktail hour.

The weather held out until after we went inside for dinner, so nobody got wet before dinner. What can one say about the food at Lands End Caterer? It was excellent and had good portions.

The honorees of the evening were the outgoing Masters of the District Lodges. I have been on that merry-go-round a few times, so I can say it was nice to be recognized for the hard work that all the Masters put in.

Our Grand Master, M:.W:. Steven Adam Rubin made an appearance at the Summer Soiree, as did the Deputy Grand Master, R:.W:. Robert Hogan and several members of the Grand Line. It was a pleasure to have them there with us for the evening.

A few images of the 2025 Summer Soiree

  • LIPMA's Summer Soiree a HIT!
  • LIPMA's Summer Soiree a HIT!
  • LIPMA's Summer Soiree a HIT!
  • LIPMA's Summer Soiree a HIT!
  • LIPMA's Summer Soiree a HIT!
  • LIPMA's Summer Soiree a HIT!

The 2025 Bus Demolition Derby at Riverhead Raceway

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Brother and Friends,

The 2025 Bus Demo Derby

If you have not been to one of the Bus Demolition Derbies held at Riverhead Raceway, well, you are missing out on a really fun event. W:. Scott Schelin puts this event together and goes to extraordinary lengths to make sure it is a fun and enjoyable event, even more so for the 2025 Bus Demo Derby. He also acquires the bus(s) and organizes the prep and paint party at his facility in Cutchogue each year. This past party included amateur wrestling and food, and fun for the entire family. We can say thank you enough to W:. Scott, for his efforts in putting all this together.

So, like I was saying, the night is a fantastic way to spend a Saturday evening. This year, the stands were full, and a great crowd came out to watch the different races and the cap off of the night, the bus demo derby.

I didn’t get as many pics or video as I would have liked, but there were so many members of the Suffolk Masonic District there that we took over most of the Grandstands. So, others sent me some pics and video to include.

Next year will, I am sure, be even better. If you plan on coming out and you or someone in your party is noise sensitive, bring headphones or earplugs, as it can get loud.

In the end, the Suffolk District bus got off to a slow start, but I suspect the driver may have just been playing possum and, towards the end, came to life and dominated the infield. The Suffolk District bus came out on top as the last bus moving to win the Derby.

2025 Bus Demo Derby

Images and Video

The video below was stitched together from cell phone video, so the framing, quality are not the best, but will get better. Riverhead Raceway in Riverhead, NY, is a great track and has been racing there for 75 years, and is going strong.

For more Suffolk District events, see the Events Page.

A video of the 2025 Bus Demo Derby

Who Runs the Lodge

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Freemasonry is a volunteer organization. You do not have to be born into it (for more on what it takes go here), but we do have leadership that by design changes every year generally. The leadership is voted in by the members (also called “brothers”) of the lodge. There are 3 primary elected officers (Worshipful Master, Senior Warden and Junior Warden), 5 elected trustees and a number of appointed officers. Appointed officers are made by the incoming Master of the Lodge and are members who are dedicating time to make sure the lodge is successful in its daily operations, charitable operations, events and business. In general, the 3 primary officers and 2 appointed officers each year are held responsible to run the lodge.

Worshipful Master- Bill Friedman will preside as Worshipful Master for the 2025-2026 masonic year. As Master, all events, happenings and financial business fall under his purview. Its his responsibility the lodge succeeds in its endeavors.

Senior Warden- Drew MacCallum serves as Senior Warden and tends to the “harmony of the lodge” making sure members are cohesively working together in their efforts. The Senior Warden is to fill in if at any time the Worshipful Master is absent.

Junior Warden- Franckel Enelus serves as Junior Warden. Its his role to make sure meals for collation before the meetings and events are planned, staff is scheduled and all preparations are made.

Senior Deacon- Luke Loporto serves as Senior Deacon. A key individual for understanding the rituals of the lodge and welcoming new members and visiting quests. As Senior Deacon, he is the highest appointed officer and has many hats as a leader of the brothers, understanding ritual and acts as a “right hand man” to the Worshipful Master durning meetings.

Junior Deacon- William (Bill) Meis serves as Junior Deacon. His role is to make sure the meetings are held in privacy and to meet and greet all visiting members from other lodges and confirm they are just and duly prepared for a meeting. He is to make sure the meeting rooms are set to their proper design.

Trustees- The 5 Trustees are held responsible for the physical building management and any tenants currently occupying the space. At the time of this article, Georges (formerly Industry Makers) and Cafe Ninnet are occupants of the building spaces. The trustees are voted for 3 year terms but in opposing cycles- this way, not all 5 are up for election at anytime.