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        MARCH 2010 MASONIC HOME RIDE

    As you know, for the last three years, Brother Johnny Brock, from the Knights Of Solomon Chapter in Orlando, has organized a motorcycle ride to the Masonic Home in St Petersburg. Since that time with the Widows Sons increasing involvment it has grown each year. Last year we had over 80 riders meet up behind the Publix shopping center in St Petersburg, before we rode in as a group to the Masonic Home. We then enjoyed lunch with the residents and presented the Grand Master with over $3000 in donations that we raised toward the Home. Those that were there can tell you pride we had and also the fun we had that day.

    At the Rendezvous Presidents meeting last fall, Johnny and I talked with the Presidents and shared with them our vision of making this a larger event each year. The problem we saw was asking members to ride in from all over the state for a few hours and turn around and ride home. It makes for a long day.  We have secured over thirty rooms for March 19, and March 20, 2010, at the Main Sail Resort in Tampa, just around the corner from Eqypt Shrine.  These are one and two bedroom suites. Two Brothers and there ladies can share a two bedroom suite and split the cost to where it will only cost you around $65.00 per night The Two Bedroom Suites are $129.00 per night. Or if you prefer a single unit it is $109.00 per night. As you can see sharing a suite with a Brother is the best deal. There are other hotels in the area with a similar rate if you prefer. The Main Sail will be our base for the weekend. Just contact the Mainsail, give them the dates March 19 and or 20th and tell them you want the Widows Sons rate. The Main Sail is a secure hotel in a good safe area. Your bikes will be secure as you must have a room key to get in the gated hotel area.

    We plan an informal meet and greet on Friday evening for fun and fellowship at the Eygpt Shrine Oasis lounge, where we will hold a 50/50 for the Masonic Home. We will again be selling commemrative pins with the money going toward the Masonic Home. On Saturday morning we will meet at the Shrine parking lot for the group ride over to the Masonic Home for the Pilgrimage. We will have lunch again with the residents. Everyone that is staying over can then ride back to the hotel at your leisure, freshen up then meet at the Oasis Saturday night for more  informal fun and fellowship. We have secured the Provost Guard Bus to shuttle any Brother and his lady back and forth from the Oasis Lounge. That way know on has to drink and ride. How is that for service!

    Then on Sunday Morning, those that wish, can ride over with us as Widows Sons and present the Grand Master and Masonic Home Board of Directors, our donations from the Chapters, pin sales and our 50/50 drawing.  Then we can say goodbye and everyone head out for home. Early Sunday afternoon. What better way to support your Florida Masonic Home, and have a fun weekend with your Brothers and Ladies in the Widows Sons. Since none of this will be tiled, please feel free to invite your non-Masonic friends to show them what we do, and how we have a good time.

    Brothers, Like I said, this is all about making this another annual fun event and of course raising money for our Brothers and Sisters at the Masonic Home. Johnny and I hope to see as many of you or more at the Masonic Pilgrimage as we did in 2009.  If you have any questions or concerns please give me a call of email me at your conveniece.

    We have until March 5th to book up the rooms, then they will release them to anyone. So please book early and lets get them filled.  Lets make this one of the biggest Florida Widows Sons events yet. 

Host Hotel,

Main Sail Sail Resort Hotel & Suites

5108 Eisenhower Blvd

Tampa, FL 33634

813-243-2640 or toll free 866-724-5287

Ask for the Widows Sons Rate For March 19th-20th 2010.

Other local hotels:

Holiday Inn Express

3025 N. Rocky Point Drive

Tampa, FL 33607

813-287-8585

Hampton Inn

3025 N. Rocky Point Drive

Tampa, FL 33607

813-289-6262

Egypt Shrine Oasis

4050 Dana Shores Drive

Tampa FL, 33634-7499

 I hope to see many of you Brothers at this important event for our Masonic Home. I do not have every Widows Sons email, so please pass this information on. We want a great turn out in March! Ride safe Brothers!

Fraternally Yours,

Jim O'Hara / President

Hiram's Wheels Chapter Tampa Bay

Widows Sons Masonic Motorcycle Riders Association

    If any prospective members or others have any questions or would like more information about the Widows Sons, please contact Chapter President Dennis Ricker at 352-455-7083 or by e-mail at Ricker@embarqmail.com. Brother Ricker is a Past Master of Leesburg Lodge No. 58 (2005 & 2007), Past District Instructor (2008) for the 18th Masonic District of Florida and current Grand Lodge Chairman for Zone 5 on Masonic Education.

LIFE is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safe in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming - "WOW ...What a ride!"