I would like to thank everyone for their participation last month at the Grand Master's Official Visit to Fredericksburg Lodge No. 4, and to our Grand Lodge Annual Communication in Richmond. It was also my priveledge last month to honor our Military Veterans at our Stated Communication. This year I have had a lot of support from the brethren of the lodge and their ladies. We have travelled many miles together and attended many events.

This month we have a busy schedule. We will start at our First Friday AW - Social Event on December the 1st. We will meet at The George Washington Masonic National Memorial for a Christmas Party and Award Dinner. Please join Margaret and I for our last social event of the year. We have appreciated your support for this event all year and hope you will join us one more time. If you haven't been to a First Friday event this year this would be a good time to see what you have been missing. On Thursday, December the 14th we will meet at Mt. Vernon for a Wreath Laying to commemorate the death of Illustrious Brother George Washington. Join us at Collingwood afterwards for refreshments. Also that evening we will have our Stated Communication for December. All Officer Reports will be presented, we will hold elections, celebrate Masonic Birthdays, hand out awards for this year, and I will present my final address as Master of Alexandria-Washington Lodge. On Wednesday the 27th of December we will install our Officers for the coming Masonic Year. Please join us at 7:00pm in the Auditorium of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial for this public installation. There will be a rehearsal on Tuesday the 26th for everyone involved in the Installation.

This year it has been the people who have made my year special. Hospitality has been the hallmark of my year. We have welcomed Brethren and their Ladies from many different Ledges and Grand Lodges in our lodge this year. We have travelled to other areas of the state and country to enjoy the Masonic hospitality of others. We were asked to help commemorate the new Museum and Education facility at Mt. Vernon with the Masonic Cornerstone Ceremony. There is now a permanent display about Washington the Freemason where it may be seen by a million people a year. We have had a Social Event at least once each month where we could gather together as friends and brothers, without concern for ritual or minutes. I tried something different this year. By going from labor to refreshment as soon as we opened and keeping lodge business till the end we were able to welcome EA's, FC's, men interested in Masonry, and our Ladies to be part of our meetings. This meant that I haven't had as many formal introductions this year and I hope the Brethren will forgive me for this. Please realize that I have the utmost respect for each and everyone of you and all the titles that you have earned. Even though I will step down as Master of Alexandria-Washington I will not be stepping far. I have no intention of losing interest in our lodge and will be an enthusiastic supporter of the officers who follow behind me. It has been my sincere priveledge to lead this great group of Brethren. I will forever cherish the friendships that have deepened during my time in the Oriental Chair. My Brethren, your generosity in giving of yourselves and your time, your consideration in overlooking my shortcomings, your confidence, your support, your fellowship, and your friendship. What can I say for everything you have given me? I can only say - Thank you.

Sincerely and fraternally,

"Tom"

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.

"Masonry Universal" ROBERT G. WATKINS, JR. Senior Warden and the officers and members of ALEXANDRIA-WASHINGTON LODGE No. 22 Ancient Free and Accepted Masons request the honor of your presence at their Installation of Officers for the Masonic year 6007. The public ceremony will be conducted on Wednesday, December 27, 2006 At 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium of The George Washington Masonic National Memorial Alexandria, Virginia. Black-Tie Optional Reception to follow in the Memorial Assembly Hall.