Brothers and friends,

Last week, our Lodge hosted our annual Veterans Dinner, celebrating those who served our already Great Country. Attached is a picture from this event (the silver haired man sitting across from RW Ted Volkert is my father, Jim Shellenberger the 2nd coolest dude I know behind me of course) I am pleased to share this was attended by almost 60 people. I want to personally thank RW Jeremi Sherman and all the brothers who help make this event possible.

Looking ahead to this and next week-

Last week, Schoharie Valley Lodge #491 conferred the Entered Apprentice degree upon a new brother- Br. Rob Lediuzet. We had just shy of 30 brothers in Lodge and for dinner, it was certainly a sight to behold! We also welcomed visiting brothers from Unity and Franklin Lodge's along with being treated to a presentation from RW Jack Mulhall from Mass about the Masonic Camping Club.

I say it every year, many times a year, but special things are happening in #491. Our dinners are still good (despite our chef Paul Stoddard moving across the country), our fellowship is the BEST in the state, and our meetings are fun and unique every time we get together. If you haven't joined us in some time, I strongly encourage you to come back and check us out. Dinners are usually $10, which is a small price to pay for the amazing atmosphere you'll witness.

Our Worshipful Master, Randy Rathka, is undergoing surgery to correct a hernia and address some other smaller issues that have been plaguing him for 2+ weeks now. I expect him back at Lodge next month, ready to steal the gavel back from the usurper from the west.

Looking ahead-
Tonight 10/18- 5:30 PM
We will be hosting a practice / run through for the DDGM visit next week, along with working with Brother Rob on his proficiency. All are invited- we can chip in for a pizza or heat-up some leftovers.

10/25-
We will be hosting our DDGM for his official visit to #491. Dinner will be served at 6:00PM, the cost for this special dinner will be $20 / brother. RSVP's must be received by Todd Cipperly or Ken Zinnsar no later than Friday. Lodge will open PROMPTLY (Randy or Jeff) at 7PM. Come one, come all to hear this special message from the DDGM.

From around the district-
Tonight is the 1st degree for Otsego Lodge in Cooperstown.
Next Tuesday 11/1 is the 1st degree is Cobleskill
DDGM Visits-
10/25 Schoharie Valley
11/8 Richfield Springs
11/14 Schenevus Valley (the OTHER SVL)
11/15 Cobleskill

So that's it for now. I hope to see you all tonight and / or next week. As always- BE THERE AND BE SQUARE!

Brother Jeff Shellenberger
Warden of the West

Results of the Masters and Wardens Tournament on Aug 6. The day was picture perfect as 12 teams from the Otsego-Schoharie and Delaware Districts took to the links.