Cold Weather Alert For Florida

Brethren,

The National Weather Service has forecast that starting late tonight through Tuesday (February 3rd) the outdoor temperatures in the Central Florida region which includes cities, towns and unincorporated areas in Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties will fall to the low 30° to high to mid 20° mark meaning that we'll be experiencing extreme freezing weather. Lodges are suggested to set your thermostat to a minimum of 68° F to a maximum of 74° F, these temperatures will assure that your incoming and outgoing water and sewerage lines do not freeze and break, additionally in your restrooms you should place some Propylene Glycol in your toilets/urinals to prevent the pipelines from freezing and breaking.

I know there are Brethren who feel that setting the thermostat to the suggest temperature inside their lodge for a long period of time (Approximately 11 hours) can be costly, however you have to realize that if you don't take precautions to protect your lodge building it could cost the lodge upwards of several thousands of dollars in repairs (Generally not covered by your insurance policy). Don't take a chance, please make sure your lodge and more importantly you and your family stay warm and safe.

Fraternally,
R:.W:. Jason Harper, District Deputy Grand Master of the 21st Masonic District

Polk County Sheriff's Office Fundraiser

Funeral Service - Bro. Ira Wayne Bryant

Brethren,

We've have received a request for a Masonic funeral service for a Sojourning Brother from Montana, Bro. Ira Wayne Bryant, the service will be held on Friday January 30th at 9:30am at the Gentry-Morrison Southside Chapel, 1727 Bartow Road in Lakeland.

The Memorial Service will start at 9:30am with songs, the reading of the obituary, the Eulogy and then the Masonic Service followined by the Fire Department Bell Ceremony and then the closing.

Please let me know your availablity.

Fraternally,

R:.W:. Bill Doolin, Secretary Katheleen Lodge No. 338

Congratulations to W:. Greg Riddell

Huge congratulations to W:. Greg Riddell Past Master on achieving your Blue card - we're incredibly proud of your accomplishment!

Important Alert - Winter Haven Lodge No. 186 Installation of Officers

Disaster struck today!!! Bro Tripp called and said that there was water an inch deep throughout the Lodge, thankfully ge was able to shut the water off  Several Lodge members drove over there quickly and determined to be beyond our ability to clean up and determine the cause. The plumber was able to determine that the water fountain had sprung a leak and had been leaking for quite some time. Serv-Pro was called and they responded immediately to start clean up and restoration.

The installtion of officers tomorrow will be held in the lodge room but the meal will be served outside.

Fraternally,
W:. Dennis Wind, Past Master of WInter Haven Lodge No. 186

Here are pictures of the damange courtesy of the Winter Haven Lodge No. 186 Facebook page.

Lake Wales No. 242 Monthy Fish Fry Fundraiser

Lake Wales Lodge No. 242 will be holding a Fish Fry on Saturday January 24th starting at 4:30pm until 6:30pm. The menu will include Fresh Cat Fish filets, Swai (Mild White Fish), Cheese Grits, Baked Beans (With or without Jalapenos), Coleslaw, French Fries, Hushpuppies (With or without Jalapenos), Fried Chicken Strips (Available by advance request only). desert, coffee or ice tea (free). Soda and bottled water is available for an additional cost of 50¢ per bottle/can.

Eat in or take out, Call ahead if you are in a hurry for a takeout order.

COST IS $15.00 PER PERSON (CASH ONLY)

Florida Registration, CH65886. A copy of our official charity registration may be obtained by calling the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services at 1-800-435-7362 or visit Florida Charity Registration site at FDAC.gov. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval or recommendation by the State of Florida nor the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Notices and Proclamations From The Grand Lodge of Florida