Lob Cabin Bill

Thanks for the birthday wishes, it was very much appreciated.  Unfortunately it was a sad day for the members of my lodge  Earlier in the week our Junior Warden's car was struck by a drunk driver and our JW died at the scene. His funeral was that day. He was 46 years old and leaves behind his wife and three children.  I have helped out at many Masonic funerals over the years, but this one was especailly hard on us.  There was a good turnout from other lodges in the area and their support was especially welcomed.  It was the drunk driver's third driving under the influence charge and he also had a drug conviction.  Currrenty he is in jail being held on a $500,000 bond which he can't pay. I suspect he will be spending many years in jail.   

Thanks for your kind comments De.  Lately it seems like we are the only ones keeping this forum alive with postings. In PA, lodge officers usually advance to the next position in Dec.  Since the passing of our JW, our SW and WM have agreed to stay  on in their present positions for another year.  Our pursuivant will advance to the JW chair.  This is only the second time in 100 years that our WM has repeated being in office.  The other time was  when our officers from 2020 stayed on in their positions for another year as we were not permitted to meet due to the pandemic.  

Yes, the lodge is helping the familly with a disbursement from the Almoner's fund.  Also, there is a program available from the Grand Lodge of PA that gives the family some money to help with the raising of the children until they are either 18 or 21 years of age.  I am not sure which age is the cut off age.  I don't know how much it is, but it is a once a year payment to the family until the children age out.