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Tag: Community Involvement

La Crosse Masonic Lodge Makes $6,000 Community Impact!

March 24, 2023 No Comments

The Brothers of La Crosse Masonic Lodge recently provided three checks of $2,000 each to worthy and well-qualified charitable organizations in their area. WAFER is the largest food pantry serving La Crosse. WAFER’s mission is to provide food and work to eliminate hunger. WAFER provides 3-4 day’s worth of groceries to anyone in the greater La Crosse area. WAFER is funded entirely by donations. This donation provided thousands of meals for people in the La Crosse area. Pictured above, front

Masons of Whitewater-Palmyra Assist Local Food Pantries

February 22, 2023 No Comments

In December, St. John’s Masonic Lodge No. 57 of Whitewater-Palmyra held its annual “Stick it to Bruce” drive to support local food pantries. Spearheaded by Brother Bruce Eshelman (pictured above) several years ago, he challenges his fellow Lodge members by matching their donations up to a significant amount. This year the Lodge donated a combined $2500 to the Palmyra and Whitewater Food Pantries! What tremendous community involvement by both the Lodge and this incredibly generous Brother! Submitted by Bro. Terry

Hartford Freemasons Support Their Local Medical Center Foundation

February 13, 2023 No Comments

Submitted by Brother Al Brandt The Freemasons of Hartford Masonic Lodge recently donated an additional $1000 to the Medical Center Foundation, which will be used for the Center’s Medical Transportation Program. This program provides rides for individual who are unable to transport themselves or don’t have any other way to get the medical services they need. Countless numbers of neighbors and friends remain safe and independent by the use of the Medical Center’s five programs. These programs are: 1. Medical

St. Croix Valley Masons Support Their Local Family Resource Center

February 10, 2023 No Comments

The Freemasons of Collins-Spring Valley Masonic Lodge in Baldwin recently made a generous $800 donation to the Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley (FRCSCV). The donation will be used locally to provide education, resources, and support to families with children prenatal-kindergarten entry in Pierce, Polk and St. Croix Counties. The donation was made in part from the proceeds generated from their car show last summer. Lodge funds were then matched with dollars from the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation “Acts of Kindness”

Building Better Communities Through Wisconsin Masonic Foundation’s Acts of Kindness

February 9, 2023 No Comments

By Brother Peter Tourville, President, Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Greetings and thank you for your support on behalf of the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation (WMF). 2022 brought a lot of changes to the WMF and how we are helping Freemasons build better communities in Wisconsin through Acts of Kindness. The Wisconsin Masonic Foundation Acts of Kindness program is making a difference locally and becoming recognizable outside our Fraternity. The Acts of Kindness Fire Suppression Tool (FST) program allowed Freemasons to donate 300

Over 60 Masons Complete Lodge Leadership Training Workshops

February 6, 2023 No Comments

By District 10 Deputy Christopher R. Cochrane Congratulations! You’ve been elected Master of your Lodge… now what? Everyone is looking to you for leadership and you are staring blankly back at them. Your anxiety is growing because you have no idea what to do next. You still need to become proficient at opening and closing the Lodge which looked much easier when you weren’t in the East. The pressure is on and you’re beginning to doubt yourself and your abilities.

The Grand Master’s Message – February 2023

February 1, 2023 No Comments

By the Most Worshipful Grand Master of Masons in Wisconsin, Brother Paul T. Tourville I’m Proud to be a Freemason! I’m Proud of who we are! I’m Proud of what we do! My Brothers, 2023 is off to a hot start! There is no doubt that 2022 was a year of great happenings for our Fraternity. Well… the word is out. The good men of your community want to join you, as Brothers. In 2022, we saw a 70% growth

Lodi Masonic Lodge Donates Critically Important Fire Fighting Device to Mazomanie

January 31, 2023 No Comments

The Brethren of Lodi Valley Masonic Lodge donated a state-of-the-art Fire Suppression Tool to the nearby Mazomanie Fire Department. The Brethren of Lodi Lodge are proud partners with the first responders in their area. Lodi Valley Lodge Number 99 has deep roots in Mazomanie with the Lodge having members from the area due to several Lodge mergers years back. The Lodi Brethren still ensure that the Mazomanie community continues to receive their aid and support. The Fire Suppression Tool is

Pictured above from left: Brother Jake Olsen, Master of Waverly Masonic Lodge; Brother Gregg Watson; and Master-Elect Josh Dutton.

Appleton’s Waverly Masonic Lodge Aids “Harbor House”

January 27, 2023 No Comments

Waverly Masonic Lodge No. 51 of Appleton held a donation drive for Harbor House, Outagamie and Calumet Counties. Harbor House is a non-profit that raises awareness and prevention of domestic violence. During the course of the donation drive, the Brothers collected clothing, toys, household goods, toiletries, stamps, and gift cards donated by the other Brethren of the Lodge. The Freemasons of Waverly Lodge are proud supporters of this community based action group – helping to bring awareness, support, and assistance

Pictured from left: PGM Gary L. Stang, Troy Baier, Andy Roggenback, Jarod Zweifelhofer, Bill Bleskacek, Scott Tillotson, David Olson, Curt Harrison, Leonard Shier, Ron Malcolm, Neil Liljander and Neil Hanson.

Bloomer Masonic Lodge Donates Life-Saving Device to Bloomer Fire Department

January 26, 2023 No Comments

The Freemasons of Bloomer Masonic Lodge No. 281 recently donated a Fire Suppression Tool (FST) to the Bloomer Fire Department. These FSTs are literal lifesaving devices – able to greatly suppress or even fully extinguish a burning structure within 30-60 seconds after deployment. Pictured from left: PGM Gary L. Stang, Troy Baier, Andy Roggenback, Jarod Zweifelhofer, Bill Bleskacek, Scott Tillotson, David Olson, Curt Harrison, Leonard Shier, Ron Malcolm, Neil Liljander and Neil Hanson. The fire department was very appreciative to

Master Nate Devermann recently presented a grant from the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation and Dousman Masonic Lodge No. 315 of $1,000 to Bro. George Jozwiak, representing the Wisconsin Hero Outdoors (WHO).

Dousman Masonic Lodge Supports Wisconsin Veterans

January 25, 2023 No Comments

Master Nate Devermann recently presented a grant from the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation and Dousman Masonic Lodge No. 315 of $1,000 to Bro. George Jozwiak, representing the Wisconsin Hero Outdoors (WHO). WHO is a veteran’s support organization supporting vets with post traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), service-related disabilities, and other mental heath issues related to their service by getting them involved with outdoor activities like hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, nature walks, etc. They also act as a referral service to other veteran

Pictured rom left: Kyle Killian, Jeff Killian, Bill Lee, Scott Hazeltine, George Jordan, Jerrod Fox, Dan Retzlaff.

Columbus Masonic Lodge Presents Fire Suppression Tool to Their Fire Department

January 24, 2023 No Comments

Columbus Masonic Lodge No. 75 recently presented a Fire Suppression Tool to the Columbus Fire Department. The Brothers of Columbus Lodge have a lengthy history of supporting their area first responders and are proud to provide their local fire department with another firefighting tool in their arsenal. The Fire Suppression Tool is designed to greatly suppress and even fully extinguish a fire within a burning structure or vehicle. They are a critically important tool in house fires, especially those in

Pictured from left: William Pfund (HUHS Advisor), CJ Kuehn (Team Member), Libby Hodson (Team Member) receiving the check from Past Master Paul Peacock, Mary Mejai (Team Member), Jonathan Brown (Team Member), and Senior Deacon Patrick Bertelson (Team Advisor).

Hartford Masonic Lodge Supports Their High School Robotics Team

January 19, 2023 No Comments

The Brethren of Hartford Masonic Lodge No. 120 recently presented the Hartford Union High School (HUHS) Robotics Team #1091 with a $1000 donation in support of their learning and work for competition in the F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Program. This donation included $500 from the Hartford Masonic Lodge and $500 of matching funds from the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation‘s “Acts of Kindness” program. The Lodge is proud to partner with the high school to support its students — and help them to further

Pictured from left: Grand Tiler LeRoy Huber, Senior Warden; DR Robert Barnett, Master; Officer Aaron Johnson; and Sergeant Jessica Rittenhouse.

Union Masonic Lodge Presents Fire Suppression Tool to Evansville Police Department

January 18, 2023 No Comments

Union Masonic Lodge No. 32 in Evansville recently presented a Fire Suppression Tool (FST) to the Evansville Police Department. The Masons of this Lodge are so proud to partner with their first responders – and this generous gift from the Lodge will help make their community safer. The FST device is designed to be tossed into a burning building or vehicle and emit a nonhazardous aerosol that can greatly suppress or even fully extinguish a fire in 30-60 seconds. The

Pictured from left: Senior Deacon Jason Hayden, Master Richard Brommer, Fire Chief Jamey King, Firefighter Don Hayden, Senior Warden Mike Hayden, Secretary/Treasurer Mike Hunter and Firefighter Mark Poeschel.

Durand Masonic Lodge Presents Innovative Firefighting Tool to Their Fire Department

January 17, 2023 No Comments

The Brothers of Durand Masonic Lodge No. 149 recently donated a fire suppression tool (FST) to the Durand Fire Department. The presentation and accompanying demonstration video left a great impression on the Department – and they were very appreciative of the gift. Picture from left: Senior Deacon Jason Hayden, Master Richard Brommer, Fire Chief Jamey King, Firefighter Don Hayden, Senior Warden Mike Hayden, Secretary/Treasurer Mike Hunter and Firefighter Mark Poeschel. Masons around Wisconsin have a long history of supporting their

From left: Brother Fran Holzer; Brother Remy Colas; Darlene Masters, Director of Family Advocates; Brother Wally Trouten; Melody Masonic Master Ronnie Jaacks; and Brother Sam Gomez.

Platteville’s Melody Masonic Lodge Donates to Family Advocates, Inc.

January 16, 2023 No Comments

The Brothers of Melody Lodge No. 2 in Platteville recently donated $1,000 to Family Advocates. Family Advocates, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to the eradication of all types of abuse. Prevention and intervention services are provided to victims and survivors of domestic, sexual, child, and elder abuse in Grant, Iowa, and Lafayette Counties. Their territory is wide and their mission is of utmost importance; which is why the Brothers of Melody Masonic Lodge are so proud to partner with this

Washburn Masonic Lodge Assists Those In Need at Local “Sharing Center”

January 14, 2023 No Comments

Brother Mitch Czaplicki of Washburn Masonic Lodge No.145 in Bristol, Wisconsin presented a check for $1,000 to Director Sharon Pomaville of The Sharing Center in Trevor. The Center serves up to 300 residents of the greater Westosha area each and every day — supplying them with needed food, clothing, employment programs, and other helpful and necessary assistance. The Brothers of Washburn Masonic Lodge are proud to support their community and help those in need, especially during the colder winter months.

Town of Mukwonago Police Department Chief Thomas Czarnecki accepted the donations on behalf of his team, and Jim Cairo (the leader of our Mukwonago Lodge), and Gavin DeGrave (our District leader) joined me for the presentation.

Grand Master Tourville Presents Two Fire Suppression Tools to Mukwonago Police Department

January 12, 2023 No Comments

By Paul Tourville, Grand Master, Wisconsin Freemasons Just had the pleasure of presenting TWO (2) Fire Suppression Solutions LLC state-of-the-art Fire Suppression Tools to my local police department! Town of Mukwonago Police Department Chief Thomas Czarnecki accepted the donations on behalf of his first responder team, and Brother Jim Cairo (the leader of our Mukwonago Lodge), and Brother Gavin DeGrave (our District leader) joined me for the presentation. Further, the Freemasons of Mukwonago are excited about facilitating more community events

Pictured from left: Ivan Melendez, Shaun Dade, Jason Zasada, Master Brett Krause, Chief Joseph Balog, Andy Willet, Keith Redell and Gerald Steinke.

Geneva Masonic Lodge Presents Fire Suppression Tool to Genoa Police Department

January 11, 2023 No Comments

Geneva Masonic Lodge No. 44 of Lake Geneva presented a state-of-the-art Fire Suppression Tool (FST) to the Chief of Police Joseph Balog of the Village of Genoa City Police Department on December 17th. Pictured from left: Ivan Melendez, Shaun Dade, Jason Zasada, Master Brett Krause, Chief Joseph Balog, Andy Willet, Keith Redell and Gerald Steinke. The Brothers of the Lodge are proud partners and supporters of their area first responders. This device will travel in a squad car as a

Brats for Dogs: Masonic Light Lodge Supports Crivitz Police K-9 Unit

January 10, 2023 No Comments

Masonic Light Lodge No. 218 of Crivitz recently donated $1000 to the Crivitz Police Department K-9 Unit. The funds presented will help ensure the safety of the community as well the law enforcement personnel. The Masonic Lodge has a history of community involvement, especially when it comes to supporting their local first responders. The monies donated were in part raised by the Masonic Lodge’s summer brat fries at Pelkin’s Smokey Meats, and matched by a generous donation from the Wisconsin

Oconto’s Pine Masonic Lodge Supports Their First Responders

January 9, 2023 No Comments

Pine Masonic Lodge No. 188 of Oconto presented the Oconto Fire Department with a portable Fire Suppression Tool (FST). The firemen were invited for dinner and fellowship – and told about the innovative tool they now have in their fire-fighting arsenal with this FST. The device was made possible through a generous grant from the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation‘s “Acts of Kindness” program and dovetails with the pride and support the Lodge has for its area first responders. Pictured from left:

Richland Center’s Keith D. Chamberlain Masonic Lodge Presents 3 Fire Suppression Tools

January 5, 2023 No Comments

Brothers from Keith D. Chamberlain Masonic Lodge No. 66 in Richland Center donated three state-of-the-art Fire Suppression Tools (FSTs) to the Richland Center Police Department, the Richland County Sheriff Department, and the Richland Center Fire Department on December 20. The Lodge and its Brethren have a long history of supporting their community and their first responders. These devices will travel in the squad cars that patrol the area, as the local police are often the first to arrive on the

Mineral Point Masonic Lodge Donates Fire Suppression Tools to Their Fire and Police Departments

January 2, 2023 No Comments

By Levi Zimmerman The Mineral Point Fire and Police Departments will both have new fire suppression tools thanks to donations made by the Mineral Point Masonic Lodge. On Monday night, Fire Chief Brian Marr and Police Chief Bob Weier met with some of the Freemasons to be presented the donations. The fire suppression tool (FST) is reportedly a highly effective, environmentally safe aerosol fire suppression solution that can be activated after pulling a pin and throwing it into an active

Brother Boyd Monte (pictured above) made a great Santa!

Crandon Masonic Lodge Hosts “Santa Stop” During Christmas on Main Street

December 23, 2022 No Comments

Crandon Masonic Lodge No. 287 opened its doors on Dec. 2nd to the community, both to showcase the Lodge’s beauty and holiday spirit — and to provide a wonderful opportunity for area children to meet Santa Claus before his Christmas visits. The Brethren decorated the first floor of their Lodge building in the spirit of the holidays and hosted “Santa Stop” for this year’s “Christmas on Main Street” scavenger hunt. The holiday themed scavenger hunt is an annual event sponsored

Prairie View Masonic Lodge Rings Bells for Salvation Army

December 20, 2022 No Comments

The tintinnabulation of the ringing of the bells! Prairie View Masonic Lodge No. 95 once again took a day ringing the Salvation Army bell at Walgreens in Ripon on Dec. 3. The Brothers gather every year to support their local Salvation Army and partner with them to help support their community. The monies raised from previous Red Kettle campaigns were used to help people with rent, utilities, lodging and other needs. In addition, the Ripon Area Salvation Army donated money

Village of Waukesha Fire Department Receives Fire Suppression Tool From Nathan Hale Masonic Lodge

October 29, 2022 No Comments

Brother Chris Villarreal, Master of Nathan Hale Masonic Lodge No. 350 in Milwaukee, recently presented a Fire Suppression Tool (FST) to the Village of Waukesha Fire Department. The Department is planning on placing this life-saving tool on their front line ambulance, since it responds to approximately 85% of the calls in the Village of Waukesha. Pictured from right: FF/EMT Sami Rogman, FF/EMT Abbey Lynch, FF/EMT Tylar Nelson, Nathan Hale Master Chris Villarreal, Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Stolldorf and DO/EMT Ryan

Washington Island Fire Department Receives Life-Saving Fire Fighting Tool from Milwaukee’s Freemasons Lodge

October 4, 2022 No Comments

A Fire Suppression Tool (FST) was donated to the Washington Island Fire Department on Sept. 25th, by Brother David Alderfer, longtime Washington Island resident, on behalf of Freemasons Lodge No. 363 in Milwaukee and the Wisconsin Masonic Foundation’s Acts of Kindness. Participating in presenting the FST was Brother Bob Roth, Freemasons Lodge, who is a long-time visitor to the Island and friend of the Alderfers. Washington Island, Wisconsin is five miles by four miles in area, with about 700 full

Grand Master Speaks on Fire Suppression Tools and Membership at Reedsburg “Shed Lodge”

October 2, 2022 No Comments

By Rich Rygh, Wisconsin Masonic Journal District 8 Deputy Daniel C. Brylla again made his “shed” in rural Reedsburg available to Masons from all over the state for Reedsburg Lodge’s Annual Shed Lodge on Oct 1. It was an evening of blue jeans, great food and good old Masonic fellowship, along with a few stories. Grand Master Paul T. Tourville stated he appreciated the opportunity to talk and he appreciated the dress code even more. He stated, “It is a

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