Sickness & Distress,
News and Glad Tidings (2)

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	Here are some interesting items from the Grand Lodge communication: Grand Lodge passed the resolution for full recognition of New York Prince Hall Grand Lodge, which meets in early June to consider the same resolution. Assuming approval, we will be able to have joint visitations. Note that New York Prince Hall does not currently permit plural memberships, so membership in their Lodges would not be permitted now. The vote on conducting business on the First Degree was soundly defeated by voice vote. A first reading of a motion to lower the entry age for petitions to 18 was narrowly approved by voice vote. It will come up for a second reading next year. Another proposal to allow one black cube to reject a petition was soundly defeated.
	DIXIE TIDINGS - Andrew Jackson Lodge #120, in Alexandria, on Feb. 15 nominated R:.W:.Sheldon B. Richman to be District Deputy Grand Master of Masonic District 1A for 2002. On April 10, the fifth and final lodge in District 1A concurred with Andrew Jackson Lodge's nomination. If the Deputy Grand Master of Virginia accepts the unanimous recommendation of District 1A's Lodges, Right Worshipful Brother Richman will begin his tenure in November at the close of the annual communication of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Ancient Free & Accepted Masons of the Commonwealth of Virginia. We'll keep everyone posted as developments warrant. Meanwhile - Congratulations, Shelley!
	We have another Dedicated Service Award recipient! W Walter Schraeter was named to receive this honor in a February 7 letter from the Grand Secretary. We honored Walter at our April 5 communication. It was an open meeting, and Walter's wife (Maria) and their three sons were present. Our District Officers, our DSA's, and other Shakespeare notables made this a memorable event for Walter and the Lodge Officers. Many thanks to all those who participated.
	Our Second Annual Table Lodge was February 1 (the first annual Table Lodge was in 1987), and we commemorated the silver jubilee of W Isidore Kratka as Master of the Lodge. We had so much fun, toasting, thumping glasses, and crying out VIVAT! Isie was overwhelmed, and sent this thank you note: Dear W Master, Thank you so much for making the Silver Jubilee of my sitting in the East a most memorable evening. I know that you and your line officers must have put in a great deal of time and effort to have the work of the evening progress so smoothly and flawlessly. Bill, you and your officers are proof of what can be done when a few good men are willing to work together. Best wishes for continued success. Fraternally, Isie Kratka
	Our 2001 Florida Reunion was a huge success! W Walter Schraeter coordinated the event at the West Palm Beach Airport Hilton on February 6. Walter made remarks, as did RW Marty Klein and W Michael Gold, DSA. RW Abe Berk noted the end of his golden jubilee as Master (1950), and the current Master, W Bill Thomas, presented Abe with a photo album and copies of the 1950 minutes of Shakespeare's communications. Those attending the annual event were: Paul Auerbach Abe Berk Jerome and Marcia Berman Dan Berman Michael and Marcia Gold Phil Honig Marty Klein LeRoy and Billie Kramer Jerome Lawrence and Shirley Carl and Dorothy Liss Marty and Gladys Raskin Henry and Millie Rosenthal Sheldon Richman Walter and Maria Schraeter William J. Thomas (Master, 2001)

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