January 28, 2009 - PC TRAINING

Last night (Wednesday) we held the first in a series of PC training classes. The purpose of these classes is to make the Craft more proficient in the use of computers thereby improving their administrative and communications skills. It is hoped that by doing these classes, which are open to the public, this will help the attendees personally, professionally, as well as Masonically.

Our first class was on the basic use of the computer. Here was my outline:

Components of the computer:
- Motherboard, Processor, Memory, Disk, Screen, Keyboard, Mouse
- Peripherals: printers, scanners, cameras, microphones, external drives
- Plugs - USB, Wireless, telephone, cable, serial ports

Operating System
- History - text/command driven
- Concepts: virtual memory, multitasking, multithreading, clipboard, Java

File System
- Hierarchy
- file name structure (8.3)
- types of files .EXE .CMD .BAT
- graphics: BMP, JPG, GIF, TIFF
- text: .TXT
- multimedia: .MPG .WMV .AVI .MP3 .RM .
- File sizes - KB/MB/GB/TB
- ASCII versus Binary files

Keyboard/Mouse relationship
- Use of Mouse - left/right click

Navigating the Desktop
- Tailoring the desktop

Basic Housekeeping
- backup/UPS/surge protection/antivirus

This introductory session mostly relied on lecture and blackboard. I didn't make extensive use of the computer during the session. The next few sessions will.

The session last approximately 90 minutes, including questions and answers. We had a dozen people in attendance, but I hope to have more next time. We are holding these sessions on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Lodge (7:00pm). Our next one is scheduled for Wednesday, February 25th, where we will be covering WORD PROCESSING.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

January 26, 2009 - FESTIVE BOARD

Last night, a group of Masons met at a local restaurant to hold a "Festive Board" which, to our interpretation, was simply a social outing of family and friends to celebrate and discuss Freemasonry. This was NOT a Lodge sponsored event but simply a gathering of the clan. The event was open to the public and no business or proprietary Masonic work was discussed. We simply wanted to kick back with the Brethren and their families and socialize.

This was our first such outing and I acted as Master of Ceremonies. We opened with a pledge to the flag, an invocation, followed by a toast to our visitors and another to those in sickness and distress. I also gave some brief anecdotes about Freemasonry (including the legendary "Knife and Fork Degree") and reviewed some upcoming events before letting the attendees settle in to their dinners, which they ordered off of the menu. At the end of the meal I introduced our after dinner speaker who was a good friend of mine and a Past Master and Past District Deputy Grand Master who discussed a paper he had written entitled, "Brother against Brother: Freemasonry in the Civil War," which was well received by those in attendance.

The reaction to the Festive Board was very favorable. The Brothers enjoyed having a social outing they could enjoy with their spouses as well as their friends. Many could see this could be a good way to introduce the fraternity to viable candidates.

The Festive Board went over so well that I am worried about space for the next one. We accommodated 36 people for this first meeting, but I think we are on to something and will get many more next time (two Lodges participated). Prior to this event, I was warned not to get my hopes up for its success, but this proved to be wrong. For the next one though, I am going to insist on people making reservations.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

January 21, 2009 - MASTERS & WARDENS ASSOCIATION

Last night we hosted the first meeting of the SunCoast Masters & Wardens Association. This is a not-for-profit organization representing the fourteen Masonic Craft Lodges in Districts 20 & 21 (Pinellas and West Pasco Counties). I volunteered our Lodge to host the event at the group's last meeting of 2008. I did this for a couple of reasons: first, I wanted to expose my junior officers to the organization so they could start to get a feel of what the other Lodges in our area were experiencing, and; second, I wanted to showcase our Lodge and communicate the message that we warmly welcome visitors.

Forty Brothers from around the area came to visit us on a cold Wednesday night (cold by Florida standards, not by northern standards).

Prior to the meeting, the host Lodge is charged with providing a sit-down dinner which attendees pay a nominal fee for. My Junior Warden did an outstanding job setting this up and the Craft volunteered to help out, including an Entered Apprentice and Fellow Craft. Instead of forming a buffet line with paper plates and plastic utensils (which has become somewhat traditional common in a lot of Masonic lodges), we opted to wait on the attendees and served them on plates and silverware which I believe was appreciated by the attendees. The food was not lavish, but it was certainly good. We were fortunate to have a restauranteur as a member of the Craft who provided a fantastic Greek salad and superb deserts. All in all, our Junior Warden and his assistants did a bang up job and actually had fun putting it all together. Even better, they made money on the event which will be used for future meals at the Lodge.

As to the Association itself, I see it as an important organization for local Wardens and Masters to network and learn to help each other (it makes a great safety net). I have personally established many friends as a result of the group, and learned a lot from the experience. In 2005 I was privileged to serve the group as President and I still volunteer to help on committees. But frankly, I'm surprised when Lodges don't participate in the Association. I find they tend to suffer from Tunnel Vision and have trouble thinking of Freemasonry beyond the four walls of their Lodge. Very strange.

As for Dunedin Lodge though, we found last night's Masters & Wardens meeting to be a "Win-Win" situation.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

January 19, 2009 - 1ST STATED COMMUNICATIONS

Last night we held our first Stated Communications of the year. This is one of our busiest meetings of the year as we had a lot of business to tend to; lots of minutes and correspondence to catch-up on, an EA proficiency examination, one EA petition to accept, a review of the audit for 2008, a review and passage of the budget for 2009, several motions to attend to for the new year, and some Masonic education. It was quite busy. Nonetheless, both the Secretary and myself kept things moving along and we ended at 8:45pm (which I do not consider too bad). Nor do I think we put anyone to sleep.

We also had over 50 Brothers in attendance which is considered a good night. We also had four first time visitors who I was pleased to welcome on the level and presented them with first time visitor cards. To me, it is very important to make our first time visitors feel welcome in the Lodge so they will come back to visit us and speak well of our Lodge.

Just prior to the meeting, the Dunedin Brothers paused to pose for our annual class photo (which has become a tradition with us in recent years). This is simply a snapshot of the Brethren which is used on the cover of our web site to welcome visitors to our Lodge. To see the photo, please see our web site as listed below.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Brothers from two Lodges tried to lay claim to the Traveling Gavel in our possession. The gavel, which is sponsored by our local Masters & Wardens Association, is used to promote inter-Lodge visitation. The Lodge with the most Brothers gets the gavel. However, on this occasion both Lodges had ten members each. I thereby had to break the deadlock. To this end, I selected the Lodge with the most officers in attendance. The other Lodge accepted defeat graciously, but I'm sure they will secure the gavel soon. We posted a photo from the event on our web site (see the "News" section).

I tried something different for Masonic Education. Instead of staying behind my podium, I came down to the floor and talked to the Craft about what was going on in the district. I also read some recent news clippings about Freemasonry from around the world. My intent is to cause the Craft to think about the fraternity from a global perspective, not just local. Hopefully my talk was well received.

One last note; prior to the meeting, our Junior Warden and Stewards put on an excellent dinner which everyone seemed to enjoy. The camaraderie from the dinner set the stage for a very productive meeting. We covered a lot of ground. Thanks to everyone for their efforts and attendance.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

January 14, 2009 - COMMITTEES

I met with the Building Committee, Social Committee, and Acacia Committee to outline their activities for the coming year. As you may recall, we discussed the Finance Committee in my January 7th entry. The Building Committee oversees the modifications/improvements to our Lodge building, the Social Committee organizes social events, and the Acacia Committee handles Masonic funerals.

My overall philosophy on committees is to manage from the bottom-up. In other words, empower the committees, give them some direction and support, but otherwise stay out of their way and let them do their work. Whereas others like to micromanage everything, I believe adults are smart enough to supervise themselves. If they've got a problem I can help them with or if I can run interference for them, I'll be happy to do so, otherwise it is up to them to make things happen.

We started by reviewing the activities of the Acacia Committee which has been an important part of our Lodge for a number of years. In addition to performing Masonic funerals for Lodge members and sojourners, the group also performs a special ceremony on Memorial Day for the Lodge. We are fortunate to have this committee and Brothers dedicated to performing a first class service for our departed Brothers. As an aside, I have always believed that it is a Mason's duty to attend a Masonic funeral service if it is within the length of his cable-tow. A polished funeral service is very much appreciated by the departed Brother's family. The committee is planning a couple of rehearsals to review the service.

Nest, we discussed the activities of the Building Committee. Basically, I am looking to these Brothers to offer advice on how to improve the Lodge. I want them to develop a punch list of items to be addressed by the Lodge in priority sequence. I also want them to develop a monthly calendar outlining when certain things have to be cleaned and inspected. I also asked them to organized pertinent Work Parties when required whereby the Craft pitches in to clean or repair something. Following the meeting, we took a tour of the Lodge attic where various items are stored and need to be cleaned out.

Finally, we talked with the Social Committee. Basically, I am looking for one major social event per quarter. I told them to use their imaginations and come up with new ideas. I also made it clear there is a big difference between a social and a fund raiser, the two are most definitely not synonymous. I am open to suggestion on just about anything. There is one event I am going to organize myself, and that is a Masonic Scavenger Hunt which will be both educational and fun, and a good way for Brothers to enjoy some camaraderie.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

January 13, 2009 - SICKNESS & DISTRESS

After work today I went to a nearby hospital to check on two Brothers recuperating there. One was recovering from an acute case of pneumonia and another had an operation earlier in the day to replace a hip. Both are expected to recover but will undoubtedly require weeks of rehab. I believe both Brothers were pleasantly surprised to see me and enjoyed the visit.

Years ago, before I became a Worshipful Master the first time, I learned a valuable lesson from another Past Master who taught me the importance of looking after your Lodge's sickness and distressed. I have found this to be excellent advice and greatly appreciated by the Craft. Whether it is a visit to a hospital bed, a telephone call, or a simple get well card, the Brothers greatly appreciate knowing that another Mason is thinking about them and, because of this, it can help lift their spirits. It is truly remarkable what a kind word and a handshake can do for people. A little Brotherly consideration can go a long way. Not only is it appreciated by the Brother, but by his family as well.

I have a favorite story that exemplifies Masonic brotherhood in this regard. Years ago, one of our older Brothers fell ill due to cancer (as an aside, he was one of the Brothers who served on my investigation committee when I originally petitioned to join the Craft). He had fought cancer before, but now he was losing his battle and had just a few days to live. As one of his last requests, he wanted to enjoy a glass of wine, but his relatives wouldn't let him due to their religious beliefs (they were Baptists). Nonetheless, the dying Brother was adamant in his desire for a drink. Consequently, a Brother smuggled a bottle of wine into the hospital for him, which was greatly appreciated. I guess the Brother providing the wine couldn't find it in his heart to say "No" to another Brother particularly when there was little time remaining.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

January 12, 2009 - FIRST COMMUNICATIONS (FC DEGREE)

We held our first communications for the new year, a Fellow Craft degree for two fine young Brothers. I had not sat in the East for a FC degree in quite some time and I was a little apprehensive about forgetting something. Nonetheless, we opened and closed Lodge perfectly and overall the degree went off fairly well. We still have a couple of rough edges to work on but I was pretty proud of my junior officers for the first time out and told them so.

If you know me, you know I like to kid around, but I take the degree work rather seriously and want to give the candidates the best we have to offer. Years ago, our Lodge was well known as a model of efficiency in its floor work. I am slowly trying to get us back to our old form and I think we are headed in the right decision.

Interestingly, we had over 30 Brothers in attendance for the degree with one first time visitor and a handful of return visitors. I believe we made everyone feel welcome and put on a good show for them. This is important as I want the word to spread that Dunedin's hospitality and camaraderie results in return visitors and higher attendance.

For pictures from the degree, please see the "News" section of our web site.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

January 7, 2009 - FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Lodge's Finance Committee is meeting for the first time this evening and it is chaired by our Senior Warden, W:.Ken Giesow, PM. I am fortunate to have Ken as my SW as his feet are planted firmly in the ground and I trust his judgment.

The first two tasks of the Finance Committee is to audit our finances, followed by a preparation of a budget for the operating year. I consider both of these activities extremely important. I have seen far too many Lodges operate without either an audit or a budget, and frankly it is embarrassingly sloppy to see any nonprofit group operate in this manner. Some people fear the audit will uncover some problems; Good! That is what they are intended to do, but more importantly I see the Finance Committee as a neutral party who can give us some insight as to what we can be doing better in managing the Lodge's finances. Not long ago, I wrote an article on this subject, "The Necessity of Lodge Audits" which I had the committee read prior to starting the audit.

As a past Secretary (one who is intimately involved with the handling of money) I see the audit as a way to validate my actions during the year. Only someone who has something to hide will voice opposition to an audit.

The budget is another area I have been battling people with over the years. There are those who somehow believe there are two budgets during the year: one for collecting the money for the current year (primarily dues), and one for collecting dues money for the next year. Baloney. As officers, we are charged with managing the affairs of the Lodge on a yearly cycle; in Florida, it is essentially from January to December. There is only one budget, regardless if dues money is collected from last year or the coming year. There is absolutely no rational reason for separating them. However, if it important to you to differentiate dues money received during the year, then adjust your Chart of Accounts accordingly (to earmark money received for last year, and for next year).

For more information on Chart of Accounts, see:
"Establishing a Chart of Accounts.

We require the audit and budget be presented at our first Stated Communications which is scheduled for January 19th. Following this, the Finance Committee is responsible for reviewing our investment portfolio and making recommendations to the Craft in terms of how to manage it.

Until next time.

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

January 5, 2009 - 1ST MEETING WITH OFFICERS

I held my first formal meeting with the new Lodge officers for the year. At this time, I covered the following
subjects as the first step in educating them:

1. I reviewed the article I wrote,
   
   "So you want to be a Lodge officer, eh?", specifically, I emphasized there is more to being a
   Lodge officer than putting on a white dinner jacket and marching around the Lodge room.
   I also emphasized the point that there is no such thing as an insignificant chair in the Lodge,
   that each chair carries important duties and responsibilities.
   
   
2. I reviewed the Job Descriptions of each chair in terms of what is expected.
   
   
3. I reviewed the Dress Code we would observe this year, which would be dress-up for degree work,
   and Lodge Polo shirts for Stated Communications and other affairs. Up until now, all Masonic
   functions had been dress-up affairs, which many Brothers have trouble with, particularly in
   the summer months when it gets particularly hot in Florida.
   
   
4. As I wanted to stress the need to understand the Masonic world around us; as such, I want my officers
   to do the following:
   
   
   
   • Visit our neighboring Lodges as a group and observe how they do things.
     
     
   • Attend the local Masters & Wardens Association Meetings, thereby getting to know the other
     officers in our area.
     
     
   • Read the Trestleboard newsletters from the other Lodges. They may be boring, but every
     now and then you learn a new trick or two, or find out about some special event they have planned
     (which we might want to try ourselves). I asked the officers to read and initial each newsletter
     coming into the Lodge.
     
   
   
5. I reviewed the standard operating procedures to be observed:
   
   
   
   • Keep Your Word - if you cannot do something, fine, but tell us up front.
     Do not volunteer for something you have no intention of performing.
     
     
   • Be on time - if you cannot make a meeting, let me know in advance so I can make other arrangements.
     
     
   • Challenge the Status Quo - be innovative and adapt.
     
     
   • Make the Lodge fun and interesting.
     
   
   
6. I stressed the importance of performing 1st Class degree work. This included some
   "Floorwork 101" instruction, followed by a rehearsal.
   

My objective was to set the proper stage for the Lodge officers and let them know what is expected of them. Hopefully it will sink in.

Until next time...

All the Best,
Tim Bryce, PM, MPS, MMBBFMN
timb001@phmainstreet.com
Dunedin Lodge No. 192 F.& A.M.
http:/www.dunedin192.org/
Dunedin, FL, USA
"For the Good of the Order"

January 3, 2009 - INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

On Saturday, January 3rd at 1:00pm, Dunedin Lodge installed its officers for 2009. From my perspective, it was a good installation with plenty of food friends and fellowship. After turning the gavel over to me, I thanked my installation team and gave them small presents. I also introduced our Secretary Emeritus, W:.Rome Scerbo, who served the Lodge as Secretary of the Lodge for 17 years, more than anyone else. I also presented the outgoing Worshipful Master with his Past Master's apron, which he very much appreciated.

I then delivered my acceptance speech -

"A funny thing happened to me on my way here..." To become Worshipful Master in a Masonic Lodge, most people progress through the chairs going from Steward, to Deacons, to Wardens, and finally to Master. It can take as long as seven years. As for me, it has taken me 12 years with a detour through another Lodge and returning here as Secretary. In other words, I tend to do things DIFFERENTLY than most. Nonetheless, it is an honor to become Master of Dunedin Lodge and I will endeavor to tackle the assignment with the same enthusiasm as I had when I was first made a Master in 2003.

These are tumultuous times. We have a new administration coming into the White House, unemployment continues to grow like a cancer, we are engaged in a worldwide economic panic which I pray does not turn into a depression, we are still at war with terrorists who threaten our way of life, and the moral values of our society are eroding. In other words, we are embarking on a new year with suspicion, nervousness and great uncertainty.

Let us also consider the state of the fraternity in Florida since my last term as Worshipful Master in 2003. Since then, we are down by 7,160 members and for the first time in a long, long time we are under 50,000 members. This also means we have been losing approximately 1,200 members annually. What does this tell us? Has the fraternity lost its relevance? Is it nothing more than an old man's club? I think not. Freemasonry is a beautiful concept that has lost its brilliance due to complacency and stagnation. As Pogo said, "We have met the enemy and he is us."

As Masons we can ill-afford to conduct "business as usual." Maybe it's time to do things DIFFERENTLY. If we do not, we will be guilty of indifference and negligence of duty. I for one do not want to be accused by my successors as the generation who dropped the ball. Being a Mason used to mean something, but I cannot bring myself to believe it is an irrelevant institution.

We are supposed to be building men of character. This means promoting knowledge, morality, and trust. "Plumbum per Exempoator" is Latin for "Lead by Example." As Masons we must become the moral compass this fraternity used to be known as. By doing so, not only do we help ourselves, but we help our communities, and the world at large. Let not the fraternity be known as a symbol of yesteryear, but as a modern symbol of hope, morality, and integrity; a symbol which people, both young and old, can respect and admire. To do so requires new thinking, new attitudes, and new ideas. Let us avoid the humdrum. Let us avoid the monotony of routine. I admonish you to challenge the status quo.

Let us question; let us think; let us be DIFFERENT.

Let us be True Masons.

After closing the Lodge everyone came over to my office where we had a nice reception.

I then went to the Installation of Officers at my old Lodge, Sutherland 174, and congratulated the incoming Worshipful Master, Frank Gaughan, and wished him luck for 2009.

Later, I assembled a group of Brothers from Dunedin Lodge to go to Star Lodge No. 78 in Largo who was also having their Installation of Lodge Officers and, as a Called Communications, we seized on the opportunity to obtain the Traveling Gavel which was in Star's possession. The gavel is sponsored by our local Masters & Wardens Association to promote inter-Lodge visitations. My first order of business was to secure the gavel and bring it home to Dunedin, which I considered a bit of a coup. For more on this, and for a photo of the Lodge's new officers, please see the web site at:

www.dunedin192.org

This coming week, hold my first official meeting with my officers