Grand Lodge of Masons Honors Local Man

May 30, 2011

 

 

 

Marvin Smith, a 62-year member of the Silver Creek Masonic Lodge, was presented the Dedicated Service Award by representatives of the Grand Lodge of Masons in the State of New York. The Dedicated Service Award recognizes a member of the fraternity who has exemplified the true virtues of Masonry. He has supported his local Lodge with his presence, time and talent. He is an individual who inspires and motivates others by his conduct whether they be members of the fraternity or not.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Forest Lodge installs officers

June 1, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

The installation of officers of the Forest Lodge No. 166 in Fredonia was held on May 17. From left, back row: Emanuel Padua, James Horey Jr., Earl Carlson and James Pawlowski Jr. Front row: James Stoll, Nicholas Andin, Richard Newton, John Kahabka and Charles Erbsmehl.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gowanda police officer to be honored for service to youth

May 6, 2011

Gowanda Police and Resource Officer Jen Alessi is being honored for her work with the youth in the Gowanda community.

The New York State Free and Accepted Masons will be presenting Alessi with the General Douglas MacArthur Youth Award on May 12. The award is given to individuals who dedicate time and effort to youth organizations and to youth in the community.

"Just with talking with her and just as enthusiastic as she is about the youth, and as concerned as she is about the youth in the community, and the time that she really dedicates, is the reason that we decided to give her the award," Francis Petersen, member of Phoenix Lodge No. 262 and past district staff officer for the Cattaraugus District, said. "She's just a great lady. She's just good for the community. I can't say enough about her, really."

In addition to her work with the Gowanda Central School District, Alessi is also a youth soccer and cheerleading coach. She caught the eye of the Masons when she helped them with their Masonic ID Program. The program goes into schools to fingerprint children electronically and then puts the information on a disk which is given to the child's parent or guardian. The disk can be used as a record to help identify the child if they are ever separated or lost. Alessi helped the Masons set up everything with the elementary, middle and St. Joseph's schools.

Past award winners from the Gowanda area include Lori Petersen, who coached Babe Ruth softball for many years; Gary Denea, who coached youth football for many years; and Dr. L. Constantine, who is involved in the local swimming program.

Alessi will be presented with the award on May 12 and the evening will start off with a dinner at 6 p.m. and the presentation of the award at 7:30 p.m., at the Masonic Temple, 3 South Water Street in Gowanda. The event will be open to the public and there will be a minimal charge for the dinner.

"Anybody that wants to come and honor her can come," Petersen said.

Reservations must by made by May 9 and can by done by calling Petersen at 988-3814 or 307-1635.

 

 

LOCAL MASON RECEIVES DEDICATED SERVICE AWARD

FREDONIA-- At a recent meeting of the Dunkirk Irondequoit Lodge No. 301, F. & A.M., Charles F. Baker, one of its esteemed members was presented with a dedicated service award. Baker is a 33-year member of the Masonic Fraternity, and was presented with the Grand Lodge Dedicated Service Award for his tireless service to Freemasonry. This extraordinary award, was presented by the Grand Lodge of New York's Grand Sword Bearer, R\W\Steve Schmitt. Grand Sword Bearer Schmitt explained the history and requirements of this award. The Dedicated Service Award is given a lodge member who, through commitment of his time and expertise in performing various functions for the lodge, exemplifies true dedication to Freemasonry. These Brothers support our Lodges with their presence, time and talent, and inspire and motivate others to emulate their examples of true Masonic dedication.

The Dunkirk-Irondequoit Lodge No. 301 has met at the Fredonia Grange Hall on 58 West Main Street since 1996. This was several years prior to the fire that destroyed the Masonic Temple on Central Avenue in Dunkirk in 2010. The lodge itself was erected and dedicated in 1908. For further information on Freemasonry, local and worldwide, visit www.wny-masons.org.

Pictured from left to right are:
R\W\Raymond Gordon, District Deputy Grand Master, R\W\Steve Schmitt,
Grand Sword Bearer, Charles Baker, Recipient of Dedicated Service Award,
James Odell, Marshall, and W\Richard Sam, Master.

 

 

Jack L. VanZile Sr.

April 23, 2011

FORESTVILLE - Jack L. VanZile Sr., 73, of Center Street, Forestville, died Friday, April 22, 2011, at his residence following a short illness.

He was born in Canisteo, N.Y., on February 11, 1938, the son of the late Carl and Alberta (Seeley) VanZile.

Mr. VanZile was a graduate of Canisteo High School, Class of 1955, served in the U.S. Army as a private first class from 1955 to 1958, attended police science classes at Jamestown Community College and was a graduate of the New York State Police Academy in Freehold, N.Y., Class of 1966. He worked as a trooper for the New York State Police, retiring in 1987 after 22 years of service. Mr. VanZile was a former village of Forestville code enforcement officer from 1990 to 1996, a former Forestville Central School board member from 1994 to 1998, a former Forestville Village Board member from 1996 to 2000 and a former town of Arkwright code enforcement officer from 1998 to 2002. He was a member of the American Association of State Troopers, a Life Member of the National Rifle Association, a member and past master of Irondequoit Lodge 301 F&AM, Dunkirk and a former member of the Alleghany Mountain Chapter, New York State Police.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his family.

Survivors include two daughters: Mrs. Richard (Elizabeth) Griffith of Fredonia, and Mrs. Stephen (Cynthia) Ostrye of Amherst, three sons: Jack L. (Karen) VanZile Jr., Carl (Genevieve) VanZile and Mark (Eileen) VanZile, all of Forestville, three sisters: Patricia Crane, Linda Campbell and Virginia Campbell, and a brother, Randy Campbell. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Elaine K. (Baker) VanZile, whom he married on July 25, 1959, in Canisteo, N.Y., and who died October 30, 2001, and two brothers: Kenneth Trowbridge and Michael Campbell.

Friends are welcome to call at the Riles & Woolley Funeral Home, 39 Main Street, Forestville, today from 3 to 7 p.m. from where funeral services will be held Monday at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Msgr. J. Patrick Keleher of the Newman Center, University of Buffalo, West Amherst, officiating. Private interment will be at the convenience of the family in the Forestville Cemetery.

The family suggests memorial donations may be made to the Forestville Fire Dept. Emergency & Rescue Squad, Chestnut Street, Forestville, NY 14062.

To send condolences go to www.rilesandwoolleyfuneralhome.com.

 

 

Edwin Lincoln Hamlet

April 20, 2011

Ed died on Palm Sunday morning, after a brief illness, at the age of 82. He was born February 27, 1929, the son of the late Ralph Edwin and Alice (Goodhue) Hamlet. He spent his entire life living on the four corners of Beautiful Downtown Sheridan. He attended Silver Creek School, graduated from Deveaux in 1946, graduated with distinction from Cornell University in 1950, and did his graduate work at Purdue University working as a graduate assistant in Ag Economics

Ed married Joanne Ruth Pettit on September 13, 1950. She preceded him in death on August 8, 1999. He is survived by 3 children: Andrew (Theresa) Hamlet, Joel (Cathy) Hamlet, Suzon (Frank) Testa; and eight grandchildren: Edwin (AnnMarie) Hamlet, Frank Testa, Elizabeth (James) Tytka, Brian (Emily) Testa, Daniel Hamlet, Rebecca (Marc) Kapple, Jeannette (Dustin Delaney) Testa and Ryan Hamlet. Great-grandchildren include: Andru, Ethan and Gabriella Testa, Eva Tytka and Olivia Kapple. He was impatiently awaiting the arrival of two more. He was preceded in death by a son, William Ralph Hamlet in 1989.

Like his father and grandfather, Ed was a farmer all his life and took great interest in the past, present and future of the agriculture industry, actively serving on the Extension and Farm Bureau. He and his wife Joanne built and operated a farm store and green houses, Hamlet Farm of Sheridan.

Ed was knowledgeable in every aspect of agriculture and horticulture. He was widely read on the subject, maintaining an active correspondence with leaders in the industry, expressing his concerns and solutions to present problems.

Ed was a member of the Sheridan Volunteer Fire Company since 1952 to present, in active duty for 52 years. He served as Chief from 1964-1966. He dropped everything to respond to situations of need for his neighbors and responded to more calls than any member past or present.

Ed was an active member of the Sheridan Grange #235 (now Fredonia #1) joining in 1952 and served as Master from 1958-1959. He was a 55 year member of Hanover Lodge F&AM 152, served on the Red Cross board, and was active with the United Way of Chautauqua County. He belonged to the Sheridan United Methodist Church, serving as trustee and teaching Sunday school. He was a charter member of the Sheridan Historical Society, serving as a trustee until his death. He was an active member of the Sheridan Memorial Field Association and was a trustee.

Ed helped to set up and enact the zoning law for the Town of Sheridan in 1972 and was a member of the Planning and Zoning Com-mission, serving as chairmen since 1985. A member of the GOP all his life, he was appointed by Mario Cuomo to serve on the College Council of SUNY at Fredonia in 1991.

Service to others and especially the youth of Chautauqua County started early in life as a Cub/Boy Scout. From 1950 until the day he died, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He actively served as a Cub Master for 12 years, Scout Master for 15 years and for over 20 years as both Assistant District Commissioner and Commissioner. He was a member of the Chautauqua District Commission and the District Roundtable Commissioner. He was awarded the Silver Beaver award in 1976 and was a vigil member of the Order of the Arrow. Ed was an active Gilwellian and enjoyed the annual Blue Springs reunion.

Ed joined the Girl Scouts of America in 1962 and was a member until his death. He was Vice President from 1984 to 1990, and President of the Chautauqua County GSA in 1990. For years along with Camp Fire USA and the Camp Gross Board, Ed wrote to every political leader in our area to celebrate Absolutely Incredible Kids Day. He was gratified at the response he received from all elected officials who supported this initiative.

For the last 21 years his great passion was making Camp Gross available for the youth of Chautauqua County and beyond. He was President of the foundation at the time of his death. With many others, he worked tirelessly raising money, overseeing projects and promoting the Camp.

In 2009 he received the George B. Weaver Jr. Foot-prints Award from the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation, for all of his efforts to make Chautauqua County a great place to live, work, and raise your children.

Ed dedicated his life to serving numerous other organizations throughout the county and the state. He gave away thousands of dozens of ears of corn, and always arrived at a meeting with a basket of apples or melons under his arm to share.

Ed encouraged everyone, young and old, to be all that they could be. Throughout his life he always put other people first, never afraid to speak up for a cause he thought was right or to speak out when he thought something was wrong.

Ed donated his body to the U.B. Medical School. A memorial service will be held at a later time. If everyone whose lives he touched would send a donation large or small to the Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation (212 Lake Shore Dr. W., Dunkirk, NY 14048) for Edwin L. Hamlet Fund dedicated for Camp Gross, it would be deeply appreciated by his family and friends.

Masons Receive Update On Himalayan Education Project

March 4, 2011

 

 

 

 

 

From left are:

guest speaker James Tillotson; Thomas Johnson, master of the Mount Moriah Lodge;
    and Leland Sperry, Mount Moriah Lodge program chairman.

 

James Tillotson, a retired Southwestern Central School teacher, recently addressed Mount Moriah Lodge, No. 145 F&AM at a recent meeting and high-lighted some of the latest developments of an educational project in the Himalayas of which he is associated.

The project is "3 Jewels Adventures" and is the brainchild of Amber Tamang, a trekking and climbing agency manager, who comes from Tapting village located in the Solukhumbu region of the Nepal Himalayas. Solukhumbu is the district where Mt. Everest is located, however Tapting is not on the standard routes that serve tourists and climbers heading into the Mount Everest base camp area. Tapting is a very poor village and educational facilities for its inhabitants are very limited.

After completing his high school education, Tamang traveled to Kathmandu and enrolled in the university, where he hoped to attain a law degree. He was able to finish his undergraduate degree and support himself as a porter and at other positions for trekking groups. He eventually was able to obtain a master's degree in cultural studies. Unlike many other trekking guides, he did not flee to other countries seeking opportunities despite his difficulty to survive in Nepal due to the political upheaval that decreased tourist activity. Instead, he decided to use his free time working for his society and country through social initiatives.

Tamang shared his wish with some trekking clients and one of them happened to be Tillotson, who accepted an invitation to become a full-time volunteer for the project. Together, they formally established HED Project as a non-profit organization in the United States and Nepal in August 2009. Tamang is the executive director and Tillotson is the international coordinator. The mission of the HED project is to build schools and libraries throughout the remote areas of the Himalayas. It also helps pay for qualified teachers throughout the region.

Tillotson addressed the lodge two years ago when the initiative was just taking hold. He explained at the time that he was earnestly seeking books for a new library that was being built in Tapting. During his most recent visit to the lodge, he said the library was now operating and he showed slides of its bookshelves, as well as the vast scenery of the mountainous area. His enthusiasm for the project and the people of Tapting and Nepal was most evident and he is planning to return to Nepal soon, but the political upheaval in the Middle East is causing him some concern.

He was thanked by lodge members and guests and an offering was given to him to purchase additional supplies. He told the lodge group that all money donated to him goes to the organization, with no overhead removed. He was invited to a future meeting to keep the lodge informed of the progress of his project.

 

 

Lawrence C. Hardy

 

March 8, 2011

South Dayton - Lawrence C. Hardy, 66, died Sunday, March 06, 2011 at his home in South Dayton, New York. He was born April 04, 1944 in Dunkirk, New York the son of the late Merle L. and Ruth E. (Grant) Hardy.

Larry worked at the J.N. Adams Developmental Center for 30 years and was self- employed in furniture restoration. He was a member of the Boy Scout Troup 257 and leader for over forty years, South Dayton American Legion Post 1593, charter commander of Pine Valley Memorial VFW Post 2522, South Dayton Fire Dept. Fire Police Captain, Little League Coach for 25 years, 4H Woodworking leader, Cherry Creek Masonic Lodge #384, Past Master, Phoenix Lodge #262, Past Master, Past Assistant Grand Lecturer, Chautauqua and Cattaraugus County Board of Directors of Camp Gross, and McDonalds Senior Golf Tour.

He served in the Navy during the Vietnam Era enlisting on May 16, 1966 at Fredonia, NY and discharged on May 14, 1968 at Norfolk, VA. He is survived his wife Barbara L. (Dorman) Hardy of South Dayton, NY, whom he married October 4, 1974 in Randolph, NY; three sons, John (Jennifer) Hardy of Erie, PA; Timothy (Lisa) Hardy of Pflugerville, TX; and Gary (Janet) Hardy of South Dayton, NY: his daughter Lynn (Paul) Bowers (daughter) of Dunkirk, NY; his brother Daniel (Penny) Hardy of Dunkirk, NY; four sisters, Betty Crowell of Fredonia, NY; Helen (Robert) Bates of Brocton, NY; Ann Gizowski and Lois (Ray) Woodward of Forestville, NY, and nine grandchildren. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Kenneth Hardy, his sister Elma Gould and his grandson Tony Hardy.

The Funeral service will be held Thursday March 10, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. at Hills Funeral Chapel, 478 Balcom Corners Rte. 83 So. Dayton NY. Rev. Ronald Sawade of Warsaw Free Methodist Church will be officiating. Burial will be in the Cottage Cemetery in South Dayton.

Friends will be received from 2-4 and 7-9 P.M. Wednesday at the Funeral Chapel.

Family suggests memorials to South Dayton Fire Dept. PO Box 88, South Dayton, NY, Allegany Highlands Council or Camp Gross, Cassadaga, NY.

 

 

 

 

The West: Service To Mankind: The Masons

December 16, 2010

By DOC HAMELS, CONSULTANT, RIPLEY, NY

I like to watch the History Channel from time to time. More and more there appears to be coverage and stories about another organization for which I have been very involved with for the past 18 years- the Free and Accepted Masons.

It is quite comical how some of these TV programs veil the Masons in a spooky mysterious manner. Quite frankly I have heard it best put that the Masons are an “open” fraternal organization that has secrets rather than a secret organization that is closed to the public. When you are driving along the highway how many times do you see the emblem of a Mason which has a compass, ruler and a large G? Or, how many of you have seen a man wearing a stylish ring or lapel pin with the same emblem? Masons pretty much have signs in front of their meeting places called lodges. Not exactly secret!

Why would a man want to be a Mason? Well, if you want to become part of something that is larger than you; you like to help others; and feel that it’s time for you to grow personally; Masonry could be something worth pursuing. No one will call you up and say, Hey you seem like a pretty nice guy would you like to be a Mason?” It just won’t happen. If you are interested you have to make the contact.

See the next paragraph as to how or email me if you like and I will forward things on.

There are a few varying schools of thought on when and where Masonry began. More and more there appears to be a pretty strong connection to the Knights Templars who were involved with the crusades in the Holy Lands beginning in 1118. Much of the lore and ritual work of the Masons goes back to the stone masons who built the magnificent buildings of the Middle Ages. Mathematics is an important element to the fraternity. The first official Grand Lodge was formed in 1717 in England. From there Freemasonry spread throughout the world including the newly formed country of the United States! Remember Paul Revere? You guessed it, he was a Mason.

A Grand Lodge is much like the state headquarters for any large state organization. Like many other organizations there are county, state and national levels to their organizations. Masons have similar structures except that in the US each Lodge falls under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of that state. Here in New York it is the Grand Lodge of New York State and has administrative offices in New York City. It was formed in 1787. The Grand Lodge meeting area is very similar to the House of Commons in England

At a more local level, there are several Lodges throughout our county. If you would like to see where they are you can visit www.nymasons.org and click on the Lodge Locator button. There is a lodge that probably is very close to where you live. Many of the local lodges have been in Chautauqua County back to the early 1800s.

Much like many service organizations the Masons have dedicated themselves to improving the world around them through community projects and supporting local initiatives. I know that over the past 200 years here in the USA, Masons have been involved with education, medicine, government and finding ways to help those who are in need. In NYS, there is a Medical Research Laboratory, Camp Turk for summer programming, college scholarships, and the Masonic Care Home in Utica for starters. Additionally, Masons throughout the state work at the Masonic Child ID program, Girl and Boy Scout programs, and working with schools through its Masonic Student Assistance Team program. Westfield Academy and Central School went through the training for this very worthwhile program not too long ago. The staff was trained over a period of time by professionals in how to deal with at risk students and help families. All free of charge to the school.

As a county, the Masonic Lodges have supported the Child ID program where parents can bring there child to a local fire hall, for example, and have them digitally photographed and fill out a general description of the child. This is all placed on a CD which is given to a parent for safe keeping should they ever need to share this information in an emergency. This service, as well as many of the other projects that are provided, are free of charge. Another project that you may see the Masons involved with is the child bracelet program at the county fair. A child is registered and given a wrist band in the event they get lost. Many children don’t know a lot of their personal information and imagine how fast they can be reunited with their frantic parents!

Freemasonry is not a religion. To be a Mason, you must be a male, 21 or older and have a belief in a Higher Being and that the soul is eternal. There is a certain amount of ritual and protocol that is followed. Very much like many other organizations. It is still one organization where the gentlemen will show up in suit and tie or tuxedo. Sorry ladies, this is a men’s only organization but you can join the sister organization called the Eastern Stars!

Did I mention famous Masons of whom you may have heard of?

George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Gerald Ford, Harry Truman, John Hancock, John Glenn Jr., Gene Autry, Count Bassie, Gen. Omar Bradley, Sir Winston Churchill, Dewitt Clinton,Ty Cobb, Davy Crockett, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, King Edward VII & VIII, Duke Ellington, Clark Gable, Harry Houdini, Burl Ives, Robert H. Jackson, Andrew Jackson, Gen. Douglas McArthur, William McKinley, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Brad Paisley, Arnold Palmer, EdRendel, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Roy Rogers, Howard Taft, Mark Twain, John Wayne….the list goes on and on…

It’s impossible to write much more in the space allotted.

Freemasonry, Free and Accepted Masons, Master Masons- they all mean the same. If you are at a point in your life where something is missing or you feel it’s time to give back to world, check them out. In my own family there are four of us who are members of Olive Lodge #575 in Sherman, NY.

Happy Holidays!

Dr. John Hamels is a familiar face in Chautauqua County. He is a well known educator, having been a Special Education Teacher, Training Specialist, Principal and now a retired School Superintendent. He has a wide range of interests, serves on a variety of boards of directors in the region, consults and presents as an Adjunct at JCC. He may be contacted at hamels@fairpoint.net.

 

 

 

Chautauqua Historical Curiosities program planned

December 20, 2010

Hanover Historian Vince Martonis will present a program entitled "Chautauqua County Curiosities" in Forestville on Wednesday, Dec. 22, at 7:30 p.m. The Hanover Masonic lodge at 232 Main St. is hosting the program and the public is invited. Those interested in Masonic membership are also welcome.
Historical curiosities from around the county will be featured. These interesting and unique items include the Great Black Walnut Tree of Silver Creek, an 1840 Busti and Sheridan ghost letter, the wreck of the steamship Erie in 1841, the famous Hanover Elm, an 1812 letter from a tavern owner in Ellery, a slave "Wanted" poster, a mastodon Indian pipe from the Cattaraugus Creek area, plus items from Lily Dale, Gerry and elsewhere. The Amos Sottle Horse Skull Fiddle will highlight the program.
Each attendee will receive a free historical keepsake related to items in the program. Refreshments will be served and a tour of the lodge will be given.

 

Jamestown Man Elected To Masons Supreme Council Board

December 4, 2010

LEXINGTON, Ma. - More than 1,500 33rd Degree Masons and their ladies gathered in Philadelphia recently for the annual meeting of Scottish Rite Masons in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. The Supreme Council is the governing body for 200,000 Scottish Rite Masons in the 15 northeast and midwest states of the Northern Jurisdiction.
Among those in attendance were Grand Masters from the state Grand Lodges within the jurisdiction and representatives from 26 Scottish Rite jurisdictions around the world.
Five new members were elected to the governing board of the Supreme Council. They are Douglas N. Kaylor of Miamisburg, Ohio; Donald M. Moran of Georgetown, Mass.; G. Michael Morris III of Victor, N.Y.; P. Michael Nielsen of Jamestown; and Charles C. Wicks of Elkhart, Ind.
Retiring from the board were William Fox Jr. of South Bend, Ind.; Frederick D. Greene of Cicero, N.Y.; and Edward R. Trosin Jr. of Tonawanda, N.Y.; Albert R. Marshall of Hockessin, Delaware; and Neil M. Smalley of Kettering, Ohio.
The presiding officer for the state of Indiana is Gail N. Kemp who replaces Robert G. Elrod; in Delaware, James T. Elliott Jr. replaces Marshall; and in Ohio, William R. Powers replaces Smalley.
Richard V. Travis of Brookfield, Connecticut, and Verdon R. Skipper of Burlington, N.J., were recognized with the presentation of the Medal of Honor.
The highlight of the meeting was the conferral of the 33rd Degree upon 162 members who were selected for dedicated service to Scottish Rite Freemasonry or service reflecting credit upon the fraternity.
The names of 177 nominees were announced to receive the 33rd Degree at next year's meeting in Chicago on Aug. 30.
Those members elected to receive the 33rd Degree at Chicago, on Aug. 30, 2011 include:

NEW YORK

Daniel L. Clark, 414 Utica M. Donald Darrohn III, Rochester Ronald C. Edmonson, Schenectady Yves Etienne, Brooklyn Glenn F. Gaskill, Clarence Robert M. Getschel, Floral Park

Donald R. Magill, Johnson City Richard J. Powell, Syracuse Robert M. Tyrrell, Cicero Peter J. Van Elzakker, Fairport Jeffrey M. Williamson, Akron William M. Winchester, Bemus Point

Fingerprinting

December 2, 2010

Gowanda Student Resource Officer Jen Alessi and the Gowanda Elementary School PTA sponsored the Masonic Child Identification program at the elementary school on Nov. 17 and 18. The program is also scheduled for the Gowanda Middle School on Dec. 22 and 23. The program is free and consists of supplying the parent or guardian with a mini-CD which contains vital information including photos, fingerprints and pedigree information. The parent then safeguards the information should it ever be necessary to retrieve it for law enforcement in the event the child is missing or a runaway. A total of 212 children participated in the program at the elementary school. If you have any questions, call Officer Alessi at 913-1143. In the photo above, Gowanda Central School Board of Education President Ann Martindale has her I.D. fingerprints done with Masonic Chairman Douglas Neal.