Hope you have had a nice, relaxing and enjoyable summer. For those unable to participate in Project Life or make it to the picnic, I wish to inform you that the light still shines brightly at No. 15 even during those times of darkness. Since before I became a member, Benjamin B. French Lodge has selected Project Life to be one of our charity efforts. Project Life brings orphaned children from conflict areas around the world to the United States for medical treatment and our Lodge helps coordinate their one-week trip to Washington DC.   The visit to our nation’s capital is said to be the highlight of their stay and anyone who has ever been involved with this project can understand why. This summer there were seven children who participated in the program, five from Chechnya and two from Sri Lanka (whose homes were also destroyed by the deadly tsunami of 2004). And if one can measure happiness by the width of a smile, then this year’s program was indeed a success.

In addition to the two other Pillar Officers, on whom I have come to rely on for much support this year, there are many others I would like to thank for helping Project Life come together so nicely: WB Karel Eckels, who worked with the Wardens to finalize a perfect picnic day down to the very last detail; Bro. David Stang, who sponsored the children’s trip to the zoo and even went out of his way to find medical attention for one of the chaperones; Matthew Bergstrom, a prospective member that is fluent in  Russian and who also brought his wife along to accompany the kids at the Smithsonian; Bro. Sviatoslav “Svet” Voloshin, who ushered the children to safety during the severe thunderstorm at Six Flags; and WB Roman Volsky, who did almost every other duty even including "bus driver".

This year, the final day of Project Life coincided with our Lodge Picnic & Crabfeast. Glen Echo Park turned out to be a glorious venue for our picnic. The children loved the merry-go-round, the weather was spectacular and I was proud to see so many brothers in attendance, in particular Worshipful Brother Charles Cardosi (whom few of our current members had ever before met) and his wife.   Many were also surprised at the athleticism demonstrated by MWB Akram Elias when it comes to tossing a bean-bag. Thanks so much to all who came and made that day so memorable!   Not sure if words could describe the look of amazement on the Chechen children’s faces as they watched us devour the jumbo crabs. :-)

For those of you who would like to learn more about Project Life, attached in this newsletter is a nice piece written by Bro. David Stang regarding his experiences with the children. Also, please do not forget to take a look at the special section our website for pictures and other information about the Project Life participants.

Speaking of our website, there are at least half a dozen prospective members that have discovered our Lodge through the Internet – during these summer months alone — and I have encouraged all of them to attend our upcoming Stated Communications. We are indeed fortunate these days to have so many men curious about the Craft, and No. 15 in particular, but I am a bit concerned that we may soon face the problem of having almost as many prospectives attend our meetings as members. This is a nice problem to have but please help the Lodge by taking the time to get to know some of our non-Masonic visitors.  And if it is within the length of your cable-tow, the Lodge could always use your help with an investigation committee so that we can continue to grow in the right direction. Please contact Secretary John Vergalla if you would be able to assist with this important duty over the next few weeks.

Enjoy the rest of your summer and I look forward to seeing you soon.

Fraternally,

Worshipful Master, 2008