It is hard for me to believe it, but we are nearing the half way mark of this Masonic Year. They say, "Time flies when you are having fun!" Well, that is certainly true in my case. I am truly enjoying my time in the East. There are indeed some challenges, and there have been a couple of rough spots; however, it is all made worthwhile by sharing this great Fraternity with a superb officer line, a great set of "advisors", and fellowship with Brethren such as yourselves. I only wish that more of the Brethren would return to their Lodge in person. We are having fun and would like to share our enthusiasm with you! So would the many, fine new men that we have brought into Masonry already this year, with more to come.

We could use more help with degree casts, especially for the Master Mason Degree. Please contact our Senior Deacon, Bro. Josh Wise, if you would like to take a role. Experience not required. We will be happy to help you get ready. One of our newest Master Masons, Bro. Eric Plantrich, was raised in April and was in the MM cast two weeks later. He did an excellent job. So could you!

At our first Stated Communication for June, we will hear from Worshipful Tim Butcher, District 1A Masonic Home Ambassador. Our Lodge has traditionally been a major contributor to the home. If you are not familiar with the good work the Masonic Home of Virginia does, this is an excellent chance to hear the details. Please continue your generous support of this critically important institution. We will also entertain nominations to fill an impending Scholarship Committee vacancy (for completion of a term ending in 2007; elections to be held at the first Stated in July). Brother Jerry Owens is being transferred to Texas and has tendered his resignation as a committee member. Thanks Jerry for a superb job. The Lodge will miss you.

Our Second Stated Communication will be the celebration of St. John the Baptist Day. This is a very special and traditional event for us. It promises to be an outstanding evening including a spectacular meal with the Table Lodge, a Masonic procession to Christ's Church with an escort by the Knights Templar, a charity sermon, and a check presented for the poor of Alexandria to the Mayor of Alexandria. On our return to Gadsbys' we will enjoy our traditional toasts and then listen to a presentation on St. John by Most Worshipful Donald M. Robey, PGM. MW Robey's talk will be highlight of the evening, as those of you who know him can attest. Seating is limited, so make sure you get your ticket from one of the lodge officers or through our lodge website, www.aw22.org, as soon as possible. Advanced tickets will be required for entrance to Gadsbys'.

Finally, I would like to ask you to add to your Lodge's support of the Society of Washington Lodges. This society, sponsored by the GWMNMA, consists of lodges with a traditional connection to Illustrious Brother George Washington. The goal of the society is to foster the memory of Bro. Washington and the heritage of those lodges most closely associated with him. Each member lodge is to donate $2500, and by vote of our Lodge in April we will contribute via individual donations - over $700 has already been pledged by two of our Brothers. Please add your generous donation. You can contact either Right Worshipful Dunaway or me for details.

Sincerely and fraternally,



Jesse T. McMahan
Worshipful Master

STATED COMMUNICATIONS - The Stated Communications of this Lodge shall be held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (GWMNM), Alexandria, Virginia on the second and fourth Thursday of each month except the fourth Thursdays of November and December and for the additional Stated Communications for the observance of George Washington's birthday and December 27th for the installation of officers on Saint John the Evangelist Day.

CALLED COMMUNICATIONS - Usually on Mondays as announced herein.

LODGE RITUAL SCHOOL - Will always occur the Sunday before a Monday Called Communication Degree at 7:00 PM, unless otherwise stated. Additional ritual schools will be announced herein when necessary.

YOUTH MEETINGS AT GWMNM - Alexandria-Washington Chapter, International Order of DeMolay, meets the first and third Sundays at 2 pm in the North Lodge Room. Bethel No. 22, International Order Jobs Daughters, meets the first and third Sundays at 6 pm in the North Lodge Room.

MASONIC BIRTHDAYS

All the very best to our Birthday Masons. Note the ten Brothers with 50 or more years as Masons! Special greetings and best wishes to them. If you see a Brother here who you know has not been to Lodge in some time, please give him a call and remind him to come - we would love to celebrate with him in person.

YOUTH GROUP NEWS

Job's Daughters:

Although I do not have an input for the Bethel for May's activities at the deadline for the Trestleboard, please check out their web site at http://calendar.yahoo.com/vabethel22 for the latest details.

Demolay:

June 4th is the Grand Master's Quarterly Class at Luray. June 5th will be C.J. Mrozek's last meeting as Master Councilor. There will be a pool party at the Lee Pool prior to the meeting. Installation of officers for the next term will be on Saturday, June 18th. Please consider attending; our Chapter very badly needs your support.

OTHER NEWS

Worshipful Brother John M. Nicholson (PM, 1985) reports that he is now the Royal Patron of Clarksburg Court No.3, Order of the Amaranth, and the new Grand Associate Patron of the West Virginia Grand Court for 2005-2006.

Bro. Grant Graessle is traveling to Kazakhstan where he and his wife will be adopting two children. They hope to be back home in time for the children to become U.S. citizens by the Fourth of July. Let's wish the Graessles safe passage and good fortune in their travels.

I had a wonderful letter from Worshipful Brother Earl R. Smith (PM Semper Paratus Lodge, 1952) who now resides in San Antonio. Worshipful Earl just celebrated his 92nd birthday and recalled how good it was to mingle with like-minded brethren in what he referred to as his "beloved Lodge." He asked to be remembered to all his friends from AW22.

Our first Fellowship Night was held on April 26th. Although turnout was lighter than hoped for, we all had a very good time. Outside of good food and refreshments, the most heard comment was how nice it was to have a chance to talk to each other outside of the formal Lodge setting and to get to know more about each other as individuals. The ladies enjoyed the opportunity to share in their husbands' Masonic evening for a change as well. I plan to hold more of these events this year. A golf outing and bowling night will be coming up. If there are other venues that interest you, I would appreciate hearing your suggestions.

UPCOMING EVENTS

September 16/17 - We will be hosting Liberty Lodge, Beverly, MA. This historical event dates back many years. We are looking for members' families to act as hosts for our visiting brethren. This is an opportunity to make new friends or renew old acquaintances, so if you are interested in hosting a family contact our Senior Warden or me.

October 22 - We will celebrate our annual Ladies' Night with William-Elkins Lodge No. 271. Mark your calendars for this one and plan to enjoy a fun day/evening. We will have a reception and banquet at the Old Town Holiday Inn. We will be very fortunate to have Bro. Kirk Maurer for the evening's entertainment. His music includes modern and "period" items and is great to dance to. A hospitality suite will be open during the afternoon in the hotel.

November 5-8 - Grand Lodge in Richmond. The Committee on Work will meet on Saturday November 5 through Sunday November 6. The Grand Annual Communication will begin on Monday the 7th and finish on Tuesday the 8th.