Masonic Home News & Events

RESIDENTS OF THE MONTH

 The Residents of the Month are *GEORGE & NORMA FOSTER! George and Norma reside in Room #305/307S, and are sponsored by Clearwater Lodge #127. They met in 1940 around Valentine's Day. Norma was selling tickets at the local Ice Cream parlor for the Valentine's Day Dance, and when Norma asked George if he would like to buy a ticket to the Dance, George said, "Only if you go with me!" They were married a few months later on 8/17/40 (soon to be their 70th Wedding Anniversary)! They are originally from the New England area. George worked as a Steam Fitter for several ears and Norma was a Housewife and cared for their son, Maynard. The Fosters also have three grandchildren and five great-grands who are all boys. In 1979 they moved to Clearwater and supplemented their income through rental property for years. Norma and George later settled down in Dunedin, before moving here on 8/8/08. They enjoyed sailing the New England Coastline and traveling throughout the US and Canada by motor home. They have treasured memories of their traveling experiences. George has always been involved in sailing, hunting, woodworking, and tinkering around the house. Norma was involved in O.E.S. and she used to love to go line dancing. Norma and George attend Chapel Service, and enjoy going on all of the outings, shopping, fishing, and lunch, etc. Norma volunteers her time in the Nursing Center helping residents with clothing needs and she also keeps busy with Bingo, knitting, crocheting, reading and e-mailing friends and family. George continues to do woodworking projects and models. George and Norma both have a great sense of humor, are thoughtful and helpful to others, and are so much fun to be around! CONGRATULATIONS, to one of the sweetest couples ever!

Residents Attend Annual Grand Lodge Communication on June 2, 2010
left to right:  Dave Neveitt, PDDGM, member of Elmer O. Smith Lodge No. 307, Lee Gibbins, PDDGM, member of Pineland Lodge No. 86, resident of the Masonic Home of Florida, "Mac" McTighe, member of Middleburg Lodge No. 107, resident of the Masonic Home of Florida, Bob Robertson, Director of Masonic Home Facilities, member of Elmer O. Smith Lodge No. 307

Coming Home Again
Earl Irey, Tyler of St. Petersburg Lodge No. 139, became a resident of the Masonic Home for the second time on June 7, 2010. He resided at the Home as a child from 1934 through 1939 and has now returned as an adult. He said a "few things" have changed since then and he is happy to be back home!!

 

Florida Lodges Provided With Framed Photo Of The Masonic Home During the Annual Grand Lodge Communication, Florida Masonic Lodges were given a beautifully framed poster of the Masonic Home of Florida. In the photo above, Earl Irey is displaying the picture which was provided to 177 Lodges. We have ordered additional frames and the remaining Lodges will receive their copy in the next few weeks. We received a great deal of positive comments from the membership which included:

"This is great"
"Can't wait to get back to my Lodge to show it to all the members"
"Wow-what does this cost?" (No charge, this photo is being provided by the Grand Lodge for Lodges to proudly display in their buildings)
"It's about time"
"This will look great in our Lodge"
"Can we buy more?" (Look for more info on this soon)
"We appreciate this very much"
"Our last picture of the Home in the Lodge was taken in 1953"
 

Two Very Special Birthdays...

Ben Watson, sponsored by Lake Lodge No. 72 turned 100 and the lovely lady is Helen Hula, sponsored by Hollywood Chapter 150, OES, and she is 102.