Your Trestleboard for Rising Sun Lodge.  Keep on top of what’s happening at the Lodge!

Coming Events | Birthdays | What are Paraprosdokians?

From the East – March 2014

Greetings Brethren

I am sure that by now you are as sick of the winter as I am. Well take heart, pitchers and catchers have already reported for spring training.

Your lodge has a number of projects underway and we need your help. As reported last month our annual Bikes for Books program is ramping up and we need volunteers. You can assist in many ways, such as in fundraising (bring any ideas you have to the table), or helping to purchase or assemble bikes.  You might also want to be present at the assemblies at the schools when we award the bicycles. It was gratifying to see the look on the children’s faces when they found out they won. Anyone interested in assisting can contact either myself, or Steve Trachtenberg.

We are also working to rebuild our Special Ladies Program. These are the widows of departed Worthy Brothers. We used to remember them in so many ways, but over the years this fell by the wayside. We are working on building a Special Ladies Committee and Brother John Woodrow has agreed to chair it. We need volunteers to help him. Committees of one are no fun, as many of you know. If you are interested in helping, you know what to do.

Brethren, you will only get as much out of Masonry as you are willing to put into it. You can serve your Lodge and your Brethren in so many ways. All you have to is ask how can I help?  I have heard it said that 5.00% of the people make things happen; 10.00% of the people watch things happen, and the other 85.00% say what happened?  Which group are you going to be in?

I would like to extend a special invitation to all of our Brothers with March Masonic birthdays to attend our next Stated.  Allow me to greet you in the East, and along with all the Brethren, to wish you a Happy Birthday.

Fraternally,

Stephen K. Bahsler, Master
Cell phone: 603-759-8279
E-Mail to:

Coming Events

Grand Lodge

No Nashua events scheduled.

York  Rite

Monday, Mar. 10th – 7:30pm, Meridian Sun Chapter No. 9, R.A.M. -Israel Hunt Council No. 8, R.& S.M. and Saint George Commandery No. 8, K.T. Will hold their Stated and Annual Communication at the Nashua Temple. Business will include annual reports as well as election and installation of officers.

Saturday, Mar. 22nd-Commandery Inspection Coffee at 8:00am. Work 9:00am-Noon, lunch to follow.

Scottish Rite

Tuesday, Mar. 18th Stated NH Consistory & VN 7:30pm

Friday, Mar. 21st Social Night 7:00pm

Rising Sun Lodge

Wednesday, Mar. 12th – Fellow Craft Degree Rehearsal

Wednesday, Mar. 19th-Stated Communication, dinner at 6:15pm, meeting at 7:30pm

Wednesday, Mar. 26th – Lesson proficiency and Fellow Craft Degree if entitled.

Ancient York Lodge

Thursday, Mar. 6th-Masters & Wardens Meeting 6:30pm

Friday, Mar. 7th-EA Degree 6:30pm

Tuesday, Mar. 11th-Stated Communication. Dinner at 6:30pm, meeting at 7:30pm

Bektash Shrine

Monday, Mar. 17th – Stated Communication at 6:00pm at Concord Shrine Center.

Rainbow

Saturday, Mar. 1st -Charity Ball 7:00pm to 11:00pm in Franklin.

Thursday, Mar. 6th – Rainbow Pledge Meeting, 7:00pm.

Sunday, Mar. 9th – Mr NH Rainbow Pageant, Portsmouth Temple, 1:00pm to 5:00pm.

Thursday, Mar. 20th- Rainbow Pledge Meeting, 7:00pm.

Saturday, Mar. 29th – Official Visit of GWA – Nashua Masonic Temple, 7:00pm to 9:00pm.

Eastern Star

Saturday, Mar. 15th – Cook-Off  Noon to 5:00pm.

Friday, Mar. 28th Stated Communication, 5:00pm Meeting,

6:15pm Hamloaf dinner, 7:30pm Visitation

Masonic Birthdays
for March 2014.
Happy Masonic Birthday
to the following Brethren.

I wish each of the above Brethren a
very happy Masonic Birthday, and
invite them to join us at Lodge this
month, so that I may personally
extend my hand and best wishes.

Stephen K Bahsler, W.M.
Attest: Brian J Smith, P.M. Secretary,
(603) 821-5196 a.m.

THIRSTY HORSES WANTED

It’s a true saying that you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink. This applies to organizations like ours with voluntary membership and participation. It follows that members who regularly attend meetings and participate in lodge activities represent a percentage of total membership. A percentage that will tend to remain the same from year to year. So the best way to increase attendance and participation is to increase membership. In other words, find some more thirsty horses and give them plenty of water to drink.

NEXT MONTH: FINDING THIRSTY HORSES

Hiram’s almanac

This new feature, inserted by popular demand, will attempt to list our Lodge’s events for this calendar year beyond the current month so that brethren can plan ahead. In some cases dates and times may only be approximate. For more exact information please refer to the monthly Trestleboard ‘Coming Events’ column.

Additional information will be added as it becomes available.

Saturday, March 8 – District Table Lodge

Wednesday, June 24 – Stated Communication and Hiatus Family Dinner

Thursday, July17 to Sunday, July 20 – Nova Scotia Trip

What are Paraprosdokians?

A paraprosdokian is a figure of speech in which the end of a sentence is unexpected:

1. Where there’s a will, I want to be in it.

2. Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until they speak.

3. If I agreed with you, we’d both be wrong.

4. War does not determine who is right- only who is left.

5. Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.

6. Women will never be equal to men until they can walk down the street with a bald head and a beer gut, and still think they are sexy.

7. I used to be indecisive. Now I’m not so sure.

8. Going to church doesn’t make you a Christian any more than standing in a garage makes you a car.

9. You’re never too old to learn something stupid.

10. I’m supposed to respect my elders, but it’s getting harder now to find any.

Your Trestleboard for Rising Sun Lodge.  Keep on top of what’s happening at the Lodge!

Coming Events | Birthdays | The Philosophy of Ambiguity

From the East – February 2014

Greetings Brethren,

As of the writing of this message the officers of your lodge have been officially installed for 2014 and most are beginning their second year in their current position. We started off the new-year by welcoming two new Entered Apprentices into our ranks.  The degree was exemplified in outstanding fashion under the direction of Brother Guy Martineau who traded seats with me for the evening. I have to say that I found the degree more relaxing sitting in the West.

It is the time of year when we kick off our annual Bikes for Books program.  For those of you who are not familiar with it, this is a program that we use to promote reading among children.  We hold a competition in which children grades 1-6 are encouraged to read, and whoever reads the most books is given a bicycle, with a helmet and lock. Last year we gave out 36 bicycles (two per grade) at three local schools.  It was very gratifying to see the look of joy on the faces of those who won.  Anyone interested in helping out, whether in fundraising, assembly of the bicycles, or who wish to be present at the assemblies when the bikes are presented can contact myself, or the program chairman, Brother Steve Trachtenberg.  Further details will be forthcoming.

I know it’s hard to look ahead to July while we are in the middle of winter, but we are currently planning the trip to visit our Brothers of John Albro Lodge in Halifax Nova Scotia.  This will mark the tenth anniversary of our annual visitations. The program will be a little different this year, in that we will not be exemplifying any Blue Lodge degrees. Instead we will be performing two Scottish Rite public plays.  All are invited to watch.  For further details and for booking hotel reservations see the enclosed flyer. For more information – contact Larry Gullett, PM, Rising Sun Lodge #39 – 603 582-7233.

I would like to extend a special invitation to all of our Brothers with February Masonic birthdays to attend our next Stated.  Allow me to greet you in the East, and along with all the Brethren, to wish you a Happy Birthday.

Fraternally,

Stephen K. Bahsler, Master
Cell phone: 603-759-8279
E-Mail to:

Coming Events

Grand Lodge

No Nashua events scheduled.

York Rite

No Nashua events scheduled

Scottish Rite

Monday, Feb. 3^rd-Nashua Rehearse 4^th & 7^th, 6:15pm

Monday, Feb. 3^rd-Rehearse 15th in Candia, 6:30pm

Monday, Feb. 10^th-Nashua Rehearse 4^th & 7^th, 6:15pm

Monday, Feb. 10^th-Rehearse 15^th in Candia, 6:30pm

Monday, Feb. 17^th-Nashua Rehearse 4^th & 7^th, 6:15pm

Tuesday, Feb. 18^th-Rehearse 15^th in Candia, 6:30pm

Monday, Feb. 24^th-Nashua Perform 4^th & 7^th, 6:15pm

Wednesday, Feb. 26^th-Nashua 6^th & 15^th, 6:15pm

Rising Sun Lodge

Wednesday, Feb. 12^th – Officers’ Meeting, 7:00pm

Wednesday, Feb. 19^th – Stated Communication, dinner at 6:15, meeting at 7:30.

Ancient York Lodge

Tuesday, Feb. 11th-Stated Communication, dinner at 6:30, meeting at 7:30.

Tuesday, Feb. 25^th, Officers Meeting, 6:30pm

Bektash Shrine

Sunday, Feb. 2^nd-Super Bowl Party, Shrine Center

Saturday, Feb 15^th-Valentine’s Dinner and Dance,

Shrine Center

Rainbow

Nashua Assembly No. 9 meets on the first amd third

Thursday of each month (except July and August) at

7:00pm at the Nashua Masonic Temple.

Eastern Star

Saturday, Feb. 15^th-Murder Mystery Dinner Theater,    Cocktail hour at 5:30pm

Friday, Feb. 28^th-Stated Communication, 7:30pm.

Masonic Birthdays
for February 2014.
Happy Masonic Birthday
to the following Brethren.

I wish each of the above Brethren a
very happy Masonic Birthday, and
invite them to join us at Lodge this
month, so that I may personally
extend my hand and best wishes.

Stephen K Bahsler, W.M.
Attest: Brian J Smith, P.M. Secretary,
(603) 821-5196 a.m.

“You’re a Mason, aren’t you?”

Many of us who wear our Masonic rings or square and compasses lapel pins have heard that question before. After answering proudly in the affirmative we are usually told that the person who asked the question has a grandfather, father, uncle and/or brother who are or were Masons. But when we, in turn, ask if this person with such a wonderful family tradition plans to continue it, we are frequently given any number of reasons why they can’t or won’t. One of the most common reasons is that they are just too busy! We can’t help wondering if George Washington or Ben Franklin had that much spare time on their hands. Building a nation, after all, was a time consuming task and we never hear about how they spent their leisure time or where they went on vacation. And yet they found time for The Craft as did so many other famous Masons and millions of their not-so-famous brethren. We may be busier than they were but we also have more leisure time. Carving out some of that leisure time for the worthwhile activities of Freemasonry is a wise investment in personal growth and service to the community.

HIRAM’S ALMANAC

This new feature, inserted by popular demand, will attempt to list our Lodge’s events for this calendar year beyond the current month so that brethren can plan ahead. In some cases dates and times may only be approximate. For more exact information please refer to the monthly Trestleboard ‘Coming Events’ column.
Additional information will be added as it becomes available.

Saturday, March 8 – District Table Lodge
Wednesday, June 24 – Stated Communication and Hiatus Fanily Dinner
Thursday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20 – Nova Scotia Trip

The Philosophy of Ambiguity

1. Can vegetarians eat animal crackers?
2. Why do they put braille on the drive-through bank machines?
3. What was the best thing before sliced bread?
4. Does the little mermaid wear an algebra?
5. How is it possible to have a civil war?
6. If you ate both pasta and antipasto, would you still be hungry?
7. Whose cruel idea was it for the word ‘lisp’ to have ‘s’ in it?
8. Why is it called tourist season if we can’t shoot at them?

Your Trestle board for Rising Sun Lodge.  Keep on top of what’s happening at the Lodge!

Coming Events | Birthdays | Quotes

From the East – January 2014

Happy New Year everyone!!  I find it hard to believe that a year has gone by since I was first elected Master of your Lodge.  I guess time really does fly when you are having fun.  With the support of the Officers, Past Masters and especially you Brethren, I would like to think that the past year was a successful one.  Our Masonic Fraternity, much like ourselves, is always a work in progress.  We are all rough ashlars, striving to become the perfect ashlar.  This is a lifelong process.  We still have a lot of work to do, and I look forward to what we can achieve together in the coming year.  Anyone interested in becoming more involved in their Lodge or in helping with planning for 2014 can contact me any time.  You are also welcome to attend the officer’s meeting scheduled for later this month.

Last month we raised four Brothers to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.

I would like to congratulate these Brothers (you know who you are) and welcome them as members of Rising Sun Lodge.  It is certainly exciting to be starting your journey in Freemasonry.

At our December Stated Communication we tried something new that Grand Lodge is encouraging all Lodges to make a part of their Stated Communications.  We held an informal round-table type discussion and asked the questions why did you join Freemasonry and what keeps you coming back?  As you might imagine, there were as many answers as there were participants and the discussion was very interesting. Since this was so well received, it will be a part of our future Stated Communications. Anyone who has a suggestion for future topics let me know.  We will try to limit the time to about 15 minutes.

Last month we held our annual breakfast with Santa. Old Saint Nick and one of his elves were there with presents for all of the good girls and boys. The event was well attended and a good time was had by all.  Thanks go out to the Brothers who made this possible.

As was announced at our last Stated our new web-site is now live. If you have not seen it yet, check it out. Thanks go out to all the Brothers who worked on this, and particularly to Brother Bibeau for all of his efforts.  We have many improvements and additions that will be made in the coming months.  Anyone interested in helping or with any suggestions please feel free to contact either myself or Brother Bibeau.

If you or any of our Brothers or their family are in sickness or distress, or have some other need, let us know.  Your Lodge is here to help!!  Whether it is a ride to meetings, a friendly face to talk to, or anything else, your Brothers are here for you. Don’t be afraid to reach out.  That’s what Freemasonry is all about.

I would like to extend a special invitation to all of our Brothers with January Masonic birthdays to attend our next Stated.  Allow me to greet you in the East, and along with all the Brethren, to wish you a Happy Birthday.

Fraternally,

Stephen K. Bahsler, Master
Cell phone: 603-759-8279
E-Mail to:

Coming Events

Grand Lodge

No Nashua events scheduled.

York  Rite

No Nashua events scheduled.

Scottish Rite

Tuesday, Jan. 7 – Executive Committee Meeting at 6:00pm

Friday, Jan. 17 – Social Night 7:00pm.

Saturday, Jan. 25 – Masonic Work Day at Scottish Rite Museum & Library, Lexington, Massachusetts from

9:30am to 4:00pm. Volunteers wanted.

Rising Sun Lodge

Wednesday, Jan. 8 – E.A. Degree – if entitled at 7:00pm

Wednesday, Jan. 15 – Stated Communication & Annual Meeting-dinner 6:15pm /Meeting 7:30pm

Wednesday, Jan. 22– Officer’s Meeting – 7:00pm, 4^th floor.

Ancient York Lodge

Tuesday, Jan. 14 – Stated Communication at 6:30pm.

Sunday, Jan. 19 – Installation of Officers at 2:00pm

Bektash Shrine

Saturday, Jan. 18 – Installation of Officers, time to be announced.

Rainbow

Nashua Assembly No. 9 meets on the first amd third
Thursday of each month (except July and August) at
7:00pm at the Nashua Masonic Temple.

Thursday, Jan. 9 – Rehearsal 6:30pm.

Sunday, Jan. 19 – Pledge Breakfast

Eastern Star

Saturday, Jan. 11– Sawhegenit visitation – 2:00pm

Thursday, Jan. 16 – James Farrington-Pleiades visitation – 7:30pm.

Friday, Jan. 24 – Stated Communication.

Masonic Birthdays
for January 2014.
Happy Masonic Birthday
to the following Brethren.

I wish each of the above Brethren a
very happy Masonic Birthday, and
invite them to join us at Lodge this
month, so that I may personally
extend my hand and best wishes.

Stephen K Bahsler, W.M.
Attest: Brian J Smith, P.M. Secretary,
(603) 821-5196 a.m.

Are You The Missing Mason?

Has it been six months or more since you last attended a Stated Communication? If so, your brothers want you to know that you are missed. Your Lodge values your attendance and participation.

Meetings are different now. Some new features have been added including a lively discussion period on subjects of interest and importance to all the members of Rising Sun Lodge. Another new feature is the Brotherhood of Song during which we all join in and sing along to some timely and inspirational songs.

So things are changing and if you have some ideas on how to improve your Lodge and its meetings our Master welcomes your input. So come to the next meeting and give us your thoughts.

Wit and Wisdom

SUCCESS IS…

Your Trestle board for Rising Sun Lodge.  Keep on top of what’s happening at the Lodge!

Coming Events | Birthdays | Quotes

From the East – December 2013

Greetings Brethren

As I write this message Thanksgiving is almost upon us. Let’s all take a moment to reflect upon all the good things we have in our lives, and give thanks to our Divine Creator, from whom all blessings flow. It is all too easy to take the good for granted and focus instead on all the negative aspects of our lives and the world around us. The Lodge had another successful Turkey Drive, in which we raised over $700.00 to provide turkeys and other food items to the Tolles Street Mission, the Nashua Children’s Home, and other local charities. By the time you read this, we will also have served dinner at the Lodge on Thanksgiving Day. As is our custom, we did not charge for the meal which is open to Masons their families and friends. At present, we expect over 50 people to attend.

When you get a chance, check out the Lodge’s new web site, which recently went on line. We hope you will all like the design and functionality of the new site. We have many upgrades and other features that will be added in the coming months. I would like to extend a special thanks to Jon Bibeau and the other Brothers who assisted in this effort. If you have any suggestions or would like to help with the monthly up-keep of the site, let me or Brother Bibeau know.

As you may know, last month several members of the Lodge volunteered to assist at the Salvation Army’s Apple-fest, their largest annual fundraiser. We were in charge of operating the food concession. We recently received a letter from Jennifer Horn, the event Chairperson, thanking us for our help. Despite the drizzly, overcast day, it was the largest grossing event they have ever held. You should all be proud of your Lodge for being part of this important fundraising effort and for the good work it enables the Salvation Army to do in our area.

At our November Stated we tried something new that Grand Lodge has been encouraging all Lodges to do. We held an informal, 15 minute round table type discussion, and asked the following questions: What originally attracted you to Masonry and what has kept you coming back? This lead to an interesting and thought provoking discussion in which nearly all participated. This is something that will be part of all of our Stated Meetings. If you have a Masonic related topic that you would like to bring up in the future, let me know.

Look at your dues card, Brethren. If it does not say 2013 on it, then you are not current. The 2014 dues notices will soon be going out as well. There are several of you who owe one or more years’ dues and are in danger of suspension. If you are having trouble paying your dues, contact me or any of the Lodge officers. We would like to help. That’s what Brothers are for.

I would like to extend a special invitation to all those who have Masonic Birthdays in December. Come to Lodge and enjoy the fellowship with your Brothers, and allow us all to personally extend to you birthday greetings.

Fraternally,

Stephen K. Bahsler, Master

Cell phone: 603-759-8279

E-Mail to:

Coming Events

Grand Lodge

No events scheduled.

York Rite 

Monday, Dec. 9 – Stated Communication at 7:30pm.

Monday, Dec. 16 – Rehearsal 7:00pm.

Scottish Rite 

Friday, Jan. 17 – Social Night 7:00pm.

Saturday, Jan. 25 – Masonic Work Day at Scottish Rite Museum & Library,

Lexington, Massachusetts from 9:30am to 4:00pm. Volunteers wanted.

Rising Sun Lodge

Sunday, Dec. 8 – Christmas Party, 8:00am -11:00am.

Wednesday, Dec. 11 – Proficiencies & Master Mason Degree. First section 5:30 pm, dinner 6:30 pm, second section 7:30 pm.

Wednesday, Dec. 18 – Family Dinner at 6:30pm. Stated Communication at 7:30pm. Election of Officers.

Wednesday, Jan. 15 – Stated Communication at 6:30pm.

Ancient York Lodge

Tuesday, Dec. 10 – Stated Communication at 6:30pm. Election of officers.

Tuesday, Jan. 14 – Stated Communication at 6:30pm.

Bektash Shrine

Saturday, Dec. 7 – Annual holiday party at the Concord Shrine Center. For details go to www.bektashshriners.org

Monday, Dec. 16 – Stated communication and election of officers at the Concord Shrine Center at 6:00pm.

Rainbow

Nashua Assembly No. 9 meets on the first amd third Thursday of each month (except July and August) at

7:00pm at the Nashua Masonic Temple.

Thursday, Dec. 12 – Rehearsal 6:30pm.

Sunday, Dec. 15 – Pledge Breakfast 8:00am.

Thursday, Jan. 9 – Rehearsal 6:30pm.

Sunday, Jan. 19 – Pledge Breakfast

Eastern Star

Saturday, Dec. 7 – Member Orientation 2:00pm.

Sunday, Dec. 15 – Rehearsal 12:00 noon.

Sunday, Dec. 15 – Old Fashioned Degree Rehearsal

3:00pm.

Friday, Dec. 27 – Stated communication

Sunday, Jan. 19 – Basket Weaving.

Masonic Birthdays
for December 2013.
Happy Masonic Birthday
to the following Brethren.

 I wish each of the above Brethren a

very happy Masonic Birthday, and
invite them to join us at Lodge this
month, so that I may personally
extend my hand and best wishes.

Stephen K Bahsler, W.M.
Attest: Brian J Smith, P.M. Secretary,
(603) 821-5196 a.m.

Brethren,

In December the Brotherhood of Song will celebrate the holiday season with some popular Christmas carols and we’ll ring in the new year with a rousing chorus of Auld Lang Syne. It’s lots of fun and a good reason to come and enjoy our Lodge.

Wit and Wisdom

“Quotations of the Dalai Lama”

1. “If your heart has peace, nothing can disturb you.”

2. “Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.”

3. “Judge your success by what you had to give up to get it.”

4. “Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.”

5. “Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.”

6. “Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.”

“Quote of the Month”

“A major source of personal misery comes from trying to be something you are not.”

Don’t forget the holiday family dinner, 6:30 at the December Stated. Please RSVP with the number of your guests.