Brethren,
     I write you this missive, coincidentally, on day 1 of my vacation. I find it funny the last time I prepared the Trestleboard, I was also enjoying some time off from work. The foliage has just passed its peak and snow has already fallen in Bethel. Old Man Winter is charging forward this year.

     As noted in the last Trestleboard, we are combining issues to cut costs in the printing and mailing. This attempt at frugality has created an issue regarding the schedule of events for our lodge. My Magic 8 Ball hasn't worked in years which makes it difficult to let you all know about the events 4-8 weeks in advance other than our Stated Meetings. Please know that as events are confirmed, communication will be made via the internet and brethren that have submitted their e-mail addresses will be notified. Apologies to those who do not have access to computers.
If any brethren would like to receive the Trestleboard electronically, please let me know so I can forward that information to the necessary outlet.

     We have several candidates working through the degrees at this time and hope to raise 4 by the end of my time in the East. One is returning after several years to complete his journey and I am very excited to have him return.

     Wor. Fred Morton is heading the Santacy Project this season and his message is inside this issue. This program has been a great way for us Brethren to connect with the community and really immerses you in the Spirit of the season.

     Also, as this my year comes to a close, I will again put forth the request for brethren interested in taking chairs for the coming year. We do have several brothers advancing but some are not able to commit next year leaving key vacancies. Including Master of the Lodge. I would ask brothers to step up and assist our lodge. We have 5 Past Masters currently installed this year. Just about every meeting is a Past Masters' Night. It's great because we all know the ritual but is really taxing on those who have taken chairs multiple years.

  I have heard tell of Masonic bodies without enough brothers in attendance to open a meeting let alone perform ritual. Please think on this. Otherwise Tranquil Lodge may be dark for more than just the summer months.
 
Fraternally,
Wor. Tony Roy 

Brethren,

As the Holiday season is quickly approaching I wanted to give you all an update in respect to the 2009 Santacy program.  As I communicated with you in the last Trestle board, I was exploring the idea of focusing our program this year on local military families that are in need.  This was discussed in open Lodge during our last Stated meeting in September and was warmly received by Brethren in attendance.  I have since contacted our local National Guard and Reserve units and we will be working to bring some additional joy to several local military families.  As many of you may know, and some may not, those that are in the National Guard and Reserves often take substantial pay reductions when they are activated and replace their civilian salary with military pay.  With our country presently fighting two wars, and the Lewiston/Auburn area having many men and women in the military, I can think of no better cause.  These men and women have given much to this country, making their Christmas a little more joyful is least we can do. 

I am hopeful that the Brethren of Tranquil can find some extra dollars to contribute to the Santacy Fund. Unfortunately we are starting with the lowest balance in the fund that we have had for sometime, and need to build the fund so that we can have some meaningful money to work with this year.  In addition, I am asking that any Brethren that would like to assist please contact me.  We need Brethren to shop for the families, help in the wrapping and final with the delivery.  The dates that we will work with are as follows:

" Complete shopping and delivery to Lodge, December 9th  at the Stated Meeting
" Wrapping with the Rainbow Girls and DeMolay Boys, December 11th , 5 P.M. at the Lodge Hall
" Delivery to the families, December 12th. Meet at the Lodge Hall 2P.M.

As I finish this communication I ask that you all try to make some level of contribution to the Santacy Fund, you can make those contributions at any Tranquil meeting, or send your check to Wally Chase:

Tranquil Lodge #29
Auburn Masonic Hall
1021 Turner Street
Auburn, ME  04210-2369

My contact information is fmorton44@roadrunner.com or my home phone 998-2344, or you can see me at Lodge.  God Bless.

Fraternally,

Worshipful Frederick Morton, Jr.