At the Stated Communication of Thursday, July 8, 1982, Alexandria-Washington Lodge will pay honor to its venerable and distinguished brother, Palmer R. D. Karriker, who has spent three score years in the service of Freemasonry and those to whom he is bound by the sacred ties of brotherhood. Brother Karriker will be presented the Sixty Year Masonic Veterans Emblem, by Right Worshipful Werner Herman Morlock, District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 1A, in commemoration of this memorable occasion. On this very same evening, we will celebrate the Annual Observance of Independence Day. Worshipful Brother Robert E. Moore, Past Master of Columbia Lodge No. 285 and District Educational Officer for District 54, will be the guest speaker. He will give us a very stimulating talk on, "Patriotism".

At our stated meeting of Thursday, July 22nd we will pay special tribute to brother, Ralph Louis Hepburn, who has distinguished himself by attaining fifty years service as a Master Mason. Brother Hepburn will be presented the Fifty Year Masonic Veterans Emblem on this auspicious occasion. We will also have a very inspiring educational program that will be presented by the Lodge Education Officer, Brother Archie Lyon, on that evening.

During the period Sunday, August 8th, through Tuesday, August 10th the Southwest Masonic Ritual School will meet in annual session at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute (VPI) located in Blacksburg, Virginia. The best Ritualists from the entire state of Virginia are usually in attendance at this school and provide expert and personal coaching on any aspect of the Ritual that is required. In just three short days, one can master some of the most difficult parts of our ritual. The Lodge will defray the necessary room expense for any brother and his family while in attendance at this important ritual school. But, funds are limited. Any cost for transportation, food and refreshments must be borne by the individual. Any brother that would like to undertake learning some of the ritual parts at this school, please make me aware of your desires. First-come, first-served.

The first Stated Communication for the month of August will be on Thursday, August 12, 1982. That evening, in order to have the Lodge closed by 8:00 PM, we will only conduct necessary business. At that time we will invite our families and friends into the air-conditioned Lodge room for a special program designed for their enjoyment. Afterwards, we will adjourn to the dining room for a period of fellowship and refreshment. The Stewards Committee is already hard at work, making plans for this gala event. Please be sure to invite your family at an early date, so they will be able to come and help us celebrate, "Family Night".

Please mark the important date of Saturday, August 21, 1982, on your calendar. This date has been designated as "AWARENESS DAY" at the Masonic Home of Virginia by our Grand Master. The purpose of this event is to make all Masons and their families more aware of the facilities which we have at the Masonic Home and why the expansion program is so vitally important. Therefore, the Masonic Home will be open to the entire Masonic Family from 10:00 AM until 3:00 PM on August 21st. There will be continuous tours of the Home - Grand Lodge Office and Museum. Free lunch for all will be served from 11:00 AM until 2:00 PM and there will be entertainment provided. The Grand Master has set the goal of at least one bus load from each District and 1,000 car loads from all areas of the state. The Masonic Home of Virginia is located on Nine Mile Road in Richmond. Arrangements have been made to hire at least one bus from our District. Buses depart the George Washington Masonic National Memorial at 9:00 AM on Saturday, August 21, 1982. Cost is $8.00 per person and will cover any refreshments served on the bus. Please see me for tickets. I still have some left.

At the Stated Meeting of Thursday, August 26, 1982 we will conduct the business of the Lodge, celebrate Masonic Birthdays, and have a short Educational Program. Any Brother whose birthday I missed, during the first part of this year, please accept my apology and try to attend this special make-up night. The Educational Program for this evening will be delivered by Worshipful Brother C. DeJean Hercules, Past Master of Harmony Lodge No. 17, in the District of Columbia. I am sure this very dedicated Mason will have an informative and enlightening talk for us.

On Saturday, September 18, 1982 the Grand Master of Masons in Virginia will make his Official Visit to Masonic Districts 1A, 1B & 54 at the Scottish Rite Temple, 1430 W. Braddock Road in Alexandria. There will be a Tiled Lodge at 5:00 PM, a Banquet at 6:00 PM (ticket required), and Program & Entertainment at 7:30 PM. The Ladies are welcome to attend the Banquet and Program. Our Lodge was only allotted 23 tickets and most are already gone. I will try to obtain more if anyone is interested. Donation $7.50 per ticket.

Alexandria-Washington Lodge has a rich and beautiful history. Frequently, we are asked to supply information about our history. These requests come from many sources. Some times the City of Alexandria asks us to help them. Many times it's an historian, scholar, or a writer. Other times it's a distant relative looking for lost kin, a grandson searching for his heritage, or a loved one that just wants to be helped to remember. In some cases, we must turn these people away. Not for any rules of secrecy; but simply because the information is not available in our files.

Any Brother who would like to voluntarily furnish a short historical or autobiographical sketch of himself, to be laid up with the Archives of the Lodge, may do so by forwarding the same to the Secretary. The information must be typewritten, on plain white 8½x11 paper, and should not be longer than two or three pages in length. Each sheet must contain the name, date and place of birth, and signature of the member. Photographs are also acceptable. However, they may be no larger than 8x10 (black and white 5x7, preferred) and must not contain other persons in the photo. All photos must also be clearly marked on the back with the name, date and place of birth, and signature of the member. Material deemed not suitable, will be returned.

Sincerely and fraternally,
Leo A. Sentiger, Jr.

Worshipful Master