2010 News
Brotherly love was the theme for this year’s holiday party. Present officers and brothers, Past Masters and widows, spouses and children were all in attendance. Held at the Port Washington Elk’s Hall, the room was nicely decorated, warm and cozy. It was the perfect spot for the brothers to break bread together, share stories and just have a nice time. There was holiday music, video games for the kids, food aplenty and a special gift bag for each family donated by the W. Carlos Marques. As nice as it was to be home, sharing the love and harmony of brotherhood was the true spirit of the evening. Special thanks to our Junior Warden, Bro. David Pierri, as he made the party that almost wasn’t - a huge success.Click for pics.
In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Scouting, the Boy Scouts of America hosted a Centennial Jamboree at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on Saturday and Sunday October 30th and 31st.
Close to 3,000 Scouts attended and camped out in the park in an extravaganza of exhibits and activities including log hauling, tomahawk throwing and pioneering and navigation skill courses, as well as a Halloween Costume Parade.
In true Masonic form, brothers from all around Nassau and Queens attended the event to provide ID's to the scouts and their siblings. In the end, over 180 children were ID-ed with a great showing of brothers.
On Sunday October 3rd, brothers from PPW #855 along with brothers from around the Nassau Masonic District, participated in the Syosset Fire Department's Annual Fire Prevention Day by providing ID's for local children and adults. At the end of the day, we ID'ed a total of 159 children. For more information click here.
Congratulations to Brothers Rattan Hemrajani, Thomas Crombie, Marvin Rostolder and Justin Staley receiving their years of service awards. It was a personal pleasure to see these Brothers back in the Lodge and joining us all for fellowship.
Inclement weather didn't stop the brothers of PPW #855 from setting up and running a NY Masonic Safety Identification Program booth at the Town of North Hempstead's 6th Annual FamilyFest.
Even though the skies were cloudy and rain was imminent, we managed to give out CD-ROMS and ID's that contained the digital photographs, a complete set of digital fingerprints, and critical information for 111 children, adults and seniors.
Not only did we give out this material for free, we also gave each registered child a free "Beanie Baby" as well as free children's books. As seen in this letter-
"Dear Jeremy,
On behalf of the Town of North Hempstead and the Business & Tourism Development Corporation thank you for the wonderful booth you erected and staffed. What a fantastic concept to put parents minds at ease when there is so much to worry about these days. Not only did you provide a service but you made the process exciting. I hope you will be able to join us again next year. Our event will be on Sunday, September 18th, 2011.
Many thanks once again,
Louise Fishman
Business & Tourism Development Corp."
- the Town was very appreciative. We look forward to doing this event again.
For more information and photos regarding the Town of North Hempstead click here.
Vice Chairman, RW Michael Shipman attended the closing ceremonies of the Grand Lodge Educational Assistance Program for July, 2010. Click the photo for a larger view and list of names.
On Sunday June 6th, the brothers of PPW #855 participated in the 20th annual HarborFest Dock Day and Craft Festival by giving out free mini CD-ROM's and laminated ID cards containing critical information in the unlikely case that a child should go missing. This year we ID'ed over 120 children. The parents were very grateful and the line was 30 families deep. If it wasn't for the weather, we probably would have registered more. The lodge has been participating for the last few years and looks forward to keeping the tradition and serving the community for the years to come.
Special thanks go out to Mr. Robert Pearl and family of Port Washington. The Pearl family made a charitable donation of over 200 "Beanie Babies". Every child that was registered by the lodge received a free stuffed animal.
For more information regarding Harbor Fest check out the Port Washington Patch.
PPW Lodge #855 had a great turn out this year at the annual Port Washington Memorial Day Parade. The weather was beautiful and the crowd appreciative. It's a great honor to be able to march and pay respects to all those brave men and women that have served and/or fought for our great country.
On Sunday May 30th, brothers from the lodge gathered at the Nassau Knolls Cemetary in Port Washington to pay their respects and give honor to their fallen brethren that served our country. As is annual custom, flags were placed at the grave markers in celebration of Memorial Day.
Congratulations to Bro. William Lewis and Bro. Yigit Sinanoglu on being raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason. Kudos to the new brothers for their proficiency and to the brothers that conferred the degrees on a flawless execution.
Brothers from PPW #855 attended the 2nd Nassau Testimonial Dinner honoring the R.W. Alberto G. Cortizo -District Deputy Grand Master and R.W. Bob M. Flesher - Our Grand Lodge Staff Officer. Dinner and drinks were held at the Milleridge Inn Carriage House. A fun time was had by all. Check out the photos section for a few quick pics.
At the 596th communication, Bro. Melvin Chadow was presented with his 50 year apron and certificate by the RW Albert G. Cortizo, DDGM of the 2nd Nassau District on behalf of the MW Edward G. Gilbert, Grand Master of Masons in the State of New York. Congratulations to Bro. Mel for 50 years of Masonic service.
As our quest for lodge history continues, Bro. James Brew found the original lodge building plaque for the original Port Washington Lodge.
