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amaritan
The
NDENT ORDER E P E
Vol. 8
Issue 2 • Grand Lodge Session 2016
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The 181st Grand Lodge Session of New Jersey
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D D OEnough?
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canton noun can•ton I /’kan,tän/
Ridgely Canton No. 5 Burlington Lodge 4527 Route 130 South Burlington, NJ 08016
Middle French, from Italian cantone, from canto corner, from Latin canthus iron tire First Known Use: 1522 The Canton, also known as the Patriarch Militants, is
Next meeting:
the highest branch in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Wednesday June 29th at 7pm
who has attained the Royal Purple Degree.
Membership is open to an Encampment Member The name Patriarchs Militant conveys the two-fold idea of peace and soldierly valor. This branch is semi-military in character and formed solely for the purposes of chivalric display. Members are admirably fulfilling our mission through the many dedication ceremonies such as
Interested?
The Pilgrimage to the Tomb of The Unknowns held annually in Arlington, Virginia.
Please contact
Steve Wooton, Adjutant wooton335@comcast.net
856.217.6382
The Samaritan
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A message from
The Grand Master
GM Commits To Remain Active As Last Goal Of 2016
I
t’s hard to believe my term as Grand Master will be coming to an end shortly. During this year my staff was an integral part of making things work, and I thank all of them for their support and hard work. Their efforts truly made my term special. Going forward I am committed to remaining an active part of the Grand Lodge. I hope that the programs I introduced will continue to thrive. The first goal for growth of the Odd Fellows through new member benefits for example introducing the Dental Plan. The next enrollment period will be this November with the information being sent out in early October. My second goal was to start a membership directory where any member would be able to list their trade. Our newsletter, The Samaritan now has a classified section (See page 31 of this issue). This gives us all the opportunity to use a member when we need a service. I hope everyone takes advantage of this program. One such program being introduced at Session is called Legal Shield. I hope to find more programs and companies that will give us different types of benefits. My third goal, a Grand Lodge Death Benefit, started at last year’s Session. The widow of a member that served as Nobel Grand and was in good standing at the time of his/her death will receive a $500 death benefit and if he/she served as Grand Master they will receive an additional $500. As Grand Master I was able to introduce the RAINE Foundation to the Odd Fellows. RAINE (Reaching All In Need Everyday) is a 501(c)(3) or-
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My staff was an integral part... Their efforts truly made my term special.
ganization established in 2001 to assist children and their families who are in crisis. I thank the Grand Lodge and Local Lodges for your support of RAINE this year. Also my wish for the Grand Lodges support to continue this relationship in the future. It is great to be a part of such an active jurisdiction. There is always an Odd fellow event going on in some part of New Jersey. Lodges that are active have been gaining members. Lodges with web sites or Facebook pages get to showcase the world Odd Fellowship. If you are a member of a lodge that has not been active and need help to do an event, simply contact the Grand Lodge and they will help bring your wish to fruition. There is still a need for Friendship, Love and Truth. We have to be seen, and raise public awareness about who the Odd Fellows are and what we stand for while eagerly encourage people to join. I encourage members to invite nonmembers to our events and let’s see how many join. For example, our State Wide Picnic on July 30th. I hope to see
you and your guest there for a day of good food and fellowship. In Friendship, Love, & Truth, Tom Calabrese, Grand Master
Reaching All In Need Everyday 732.865.3555
info@rainefoundation.com www.rainefoundation.com
Grand Master Tom Calabrese shakes hands with Past Grand Master Guido Miranda during an official visit at Alvarez Del Portal Lode No. 285 this past March. To see more Official Visit photos please see pages 10 through 14. The Samaritan
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Welcome to
The Samaritan The Official Magazine of the New Jersey Grand Lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellowship.
An Odd Year with Tom
Please send any and all IOOF related news with any identifying info to ioof_nj@comcast.net This is YOUR magazine so any comments or suggestions are always welcome, too!
Our success depends on YOU! .O I.O .F.
International
PRESS Association
Promoting Odd Fellowship through Positive Communication
Beth Obiedzinski-Garvin Editor/Art Director
Pastor Roman Photographer
Robert Wooton
Proofreader/Assistant Editor
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Getting Odd with Masons
Steven Wooton Fact Checker
Cover Photo: ‘Are You Odd Enough?’ buttons for the New Member Campaign
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by Beth Obiedzinski-Garvin Story on page 27
What’s so Odd About New Members?
OF
INDE
DENT ORDER PEN
Debbe McClelland Grand Secretary
4527 Rt. 130 South Burlington, NJ 08016
United States of America oddfellows22@comcast.net
609-386-0025 or 609-519-8504 GRAND LODGE MEETINGS First Saturday of each month at 9:00 am
Grand Master Message............................................ 3 Grand Patriarch Message........................................ 5 Rebekah President Message.................................... 6 Grand Chaplain Message...................................... 29 Incoming Messages.......................................... 18,19 Good of The Order .................................. 7,10-17,20 Philanthropy............................................... 21-27,29 Events ................................................................... 30 Hire An Odd Fellow.............................................. 31 The Samaritan
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A message from
The Grand Patriarch
Our Patriarch Closes His Year With A Thank You
M
y year has come to a close and I think about the good we have done, the people we have helped , and I wish we could have done more. Only through you and our members can we be strong. We need new members to strengthen our order and make it grow. Only through the strength of our Order can we continue to help those who can not help themselves. I think about all those we helped this past year and I thank you all for all your hard work and dedication — without you none
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Thank you all... without you none of this would have been possible.
Brian with his fianceé Carla Hildebrand at the Powhattan 150th Anniversary and with his son Brian “Junior” at the Rock and Roll Arthritis Ball. Photos by Beth Garvin
The Grand Bichon
Michael Popik Jr. No. 117 Celebrates 31!
of this would have been possible. It is with sadness that I pass on the reigns of the order to my successor but do so happily knowing that the order is in good hands. In Faith, Hope, & Charity, Brian Simmons, Grand Patriarch
More photos by Pastor Roman on pages 26 and 27
The Samaritan
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A Message from
the Rebekah President
Serious Or Silly, It’s Always An ODD Pleasure
G
reetings from the Rebekah State Assembly: We recently attended the wreath ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery. As a 1.5 generation immigrant, it was an honor and pleasure to have participated in this ceremony, where only those who are privileged like us Odd Fellows have the opportunity to be a part of. In April, I attended the 59th Mid Atlantic States Conclave with sisters and brothers from all over New Jersey. The Conclave was in Ocean City and hosted by Maryland. As you can see by the photos on this page we had a great time! As Grand Master Thomas Calabrese and Grand Patriarch Brian Simons year comes to an end I wish them the best in their future endeavors. I enjoyed working and traveling with them. I look forward to working with Pastor Roman as the new Grand Master and Raul Rodriguez as Grand Patriarch for the time remaining until my year ends. I am proud to be a Rebekah. In Friendship, Love,& Truth, Marcia Lopez-Araujo, President, Rebekah State Assembly
Pictured above, Raul Rodriguez and his wife Alina, Maritza Rodriguez, Ana Galan VP RSA, Â Ileana Caballero, Teresita Ghabrial, Pia Lopez, Carlos Lopez and myself.
The Samaritan
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Pilgrimage to the Tomb of
The Unknown Soldier
Odd Fellows Annual Trek To Arlington
The IOOF pilgrimage is a solemn ceremony that we have named “The Pilgrimage to the Tomb”. It is the result of a privilege that was afforded to the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs by our thirty-second Prresident of the United States and an Odd Fellow, Franklin D. Roosevelt who was in the White House from 1933-1945. June 17, 1934 was the first date for the Odd Fellow Pilgrimage. The purpose of this Pilgrimage was not only to honor the Unknown Soldier and the Nation’s War Dead, but also the members of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows who had made the supreme sacrifice in World War I. Lodges from Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia participated in this first Pilgrimage. One year later, New Jersey and Delaware joined; almost 1,000 members of the Order were present. Credit for the Pilgrimage idea goes to Charles Lampe, who was Grand Master of the District of Columbia. On July 7, 1940, the Grand Sire, on behalf of IOOF presented to the Unknown Soldier the Grand Decoration of Chivalry, the highest decoration be-
stowed upon an Odd Fellow. This Jewel, received by the Department of Army, is prominently displayed in the Hall of Trophies. On May 3, 1959 the Sovereign Grand Master presented two more Grand Decoration of Chivalry Jewels to the Army – one for the Unknown Soldier of World War II and the other for the Unknown Soldier of the Korean Conflict. Both Jewels were placed in the Hall of Trophies. Growth of this tradition was tremendous. Finally, a resolution was adopted at the 1954 Sovereign Grand Lodge Session that sponsorship be assumed by The Sovereign Grand Lodge and that each Sovereign Grand Master appoint the General Chairman. Previously, it had been the custom for the Department Commander of the Patriarchs Militant of the District of Columbia to serve as chairman of the Pilgrimage. This ceremony of Remembrance for those who have given their lives to preserve the “American way of life” enshrines the principles of Odd Fellowship: Friendship, Love and Truth. It is indeed an honor to be a part of this pilgrimage. ~ Courtesy Frede Ende Lodge No. 87 • Greenville, TX
The Samaritan
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Good of the order
Getting Odd together
The Samaritan
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Good of the order
Getting Odd TOgether
dge Grand Lo J N F O O s all: Dear I nd Sister a s o r e h t rtunity t and Bro his oppo t e k t a t ed he ke to have help o h I would li w ll a nd well k you to ations a n o d r say than u o ll y r lives. amily. A act onou p im t a e Pennell F e a gr aternity ave mad w the fr o h s wishes h w o take lly sh works to This rea d n a r e geth need. comes to other in r b a f o elp. care ll your h a r o f in u aga Thank yo lly, Fraterna ennell P . Jeffrey C and r Noble G 166 e g d No. Amity Lo
O
n February 28th, NJ Odd Fellows and Masons worked together to help Jeff Pennell (pictured at right as Beep Beep the Clown) with a fundraiser to help defray exhorbitant medical bills. Family and friends descended on Kaminski’s Bar & Grill, Cherry Hill, NJ to show him some love and support. Delicious food and packed house with generous donors made this an awesome event! The Samaritan
y Photos b & r e g r u B Ben rvin Beth Ga 9
Good of the order
we honor 9/11
Photos courtesy Absecon 9/11 Memorial Committee The photos on pages 10 and 11 show the various stages of The Absecon 9/11 Memorial Project, including the original model presented by Jim Smith (President) and Ed Vincent (Project Construction Manager). Jim and Ed are both members of Union Lodge No. 213. For more information please contact Ed Vincent: fire.coordinator@atlanticcountyfireassoc.org.
New Jersey Odd Fellows Don’t Forget
T
he events of 9/11 were more than images on a televsion screen for Jim Smith and Ed Vincent of Union Lodge No. 213, it was personal. So in true Odd Fellow fashion, they decided to do something to commemorate and honor the fallen, the families, and everyday Americans in New Jersey. (Read the story in September /October 2015 issue of The Samaritan at www.IOOFNJ.org.) 9/11 continued on next page
The Samaritan
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Before long, the Ab s e c on 9/11 Memorial Project was born. The Absecon 9/11 Memorial Founders Committee, Inc. is a not for profit 501(c)(3). The City of Absecon received a 32” I-Beam 16’-0” long which weighs 3085 pounds, it came from the 39th floor of the South Tower. The Memorial pays tribute to those who lost their lives and to those who mourn their lives. The design concept (page 10) pays tribute to the three locations (The World Trade Center Twin Towers, Manhattan, New York), (The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia) and (Shanksville, Pennslyvania) with respect, honor and remembrance. Union Lodge began fundraising and donated $2,000.00 toward the memorial with matching funds by the New Jersey Grand Lodge, all toward the construction of Memorial Project. This entire project has been funded by the hard work and deication of members of the 9/11 committee and those who support them. Union Lodge No. 213 wold like to extend an invitation to everyone for the Absecon 9-11 MemorialDedication Ceremony, Sunday, September 11, 2016 at 2:00 pm at Heritage Park, 500 Mill Road, Absecon, NJ 08201. For more information please contact Union Lodge No. 213 member Ed Vincent at fire.coordinator@atlanticcountyfireassoc.org. ~Beth Obiedzinski-Garvin
Walking To Support The NJ 9/11 Memorial Foundation With NB 6
T
he early April morning’s beautiful weather Faith Miller, chairwoman of the organization, provided some comfort during the som- said the non-profit hopes to complete the outer ber inaugural 5K walk through Liberty paneling of the memorial to match the interior. Miller, whose husband State Park this morning to Robert worked on the 87th benefit the New Jersey 9/11 floor of Tower Two, said Memorial Foundation. she thinks her husband Dozens of people walked would be proud to see tothrough the park on this warm day’s walk. and sunny morning to raise “I think he would be money for the non-profit to ows Independent Order of Odd Fell thinking it was great that maintain, repair, and landr Photos by Dan LeFeve everyone has come out to scape the state’s memorial for and Mike O’Connor those who died on 9/11. 6 support it, the memorial New Brunswick Lodge No. that’s dedicated to him and Kicking off shortly after 10 the other 749 New Jersey a.m., the walkers started with a solemn walk through the memorial with bag- loved ones that were lost on 9/11,” she said. The Empty Sky Memorial, in Jersey City, New pipes leading the way. Many stopped to touch the name of a loved one lost in the attacks engraved Jersey was dedicated in the park on September 11, 2011. ~ by Caitlin Mota, The Jersey Journal on the walls. The Samaritan
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Visitstalled as l a i c i ins Off e was an to
beg ute h brese e min a l h eat a t C m om the gr Fro T d , r n e u t o Mas s ar iarch Grand isiting lodge Grand Patr v . , sident sey travel ah Pre sy w Jer k e e N b f e o R bu state ns and e also uld r o e m w m i jo S -Arau he three wo . Brian Lopez a me st i e c r m Ma eti one ti m t o a S e . g d ing in the me lo travel t pies the sa o p n i n p e chick end u ed on He din h, and in the nort a n e c la , otos south een! The ph tw e b in g in arez everyth visits to Alv w o sh 14 12 on pages ch Lodge o. 285, Fren N l a rt o P l e D No. 100, ford Lodge d e M , 9 8 . , and No Oak No. 114 a tu n a M h a Rebek o. 282. oya Lodge N Sanchez M
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The Samaritan
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f ourtesy o Photos c vin, Beth Gar e, res b la Tom Ca a, & n li Ed Mo man o R r Pasto
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The Samaritan
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Good of the order
A Grand Man, A Grand Year
Photos by Beth Garvin and Pastor Roman
The Samaritan
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Thank You Tom! Not only did you lead us, but you remained an active member in all our ODD endeavors.
The Samaritan
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A message from
The incoming Grand Patriarch
A Purple Plan To Work Close With All Branches
I
was initiated in the Hispano America lodge No. 233 in New York City on January 25, 2002. I held various elected position and became Noble Grand in 2011, holding that position for six consecutive years, now as an associate member. I am a member of Lodges in both New York and New Jersey. My home lodges are: Odd Fellow Lodge Alvarez del Portal No. 285, Michael Popik Encampment Lodge No. 117, and Rebekah Lodge Hispano America No. 113. I am a member of every branch of the order, excluding Sovereign Grand Lodge. I entered Alvarez del Portal Lodge No. 285 as an associate member from the Hispanic America Lodge No. 233 City of New York on April 12, 2012 and became an active member in that lodge on August 1, 2013.
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I plan to work closely with the Grand Master and Rebekah President to perform the best I can in representing the Grand Encampment.
I became Past Noble Grand of Hispano America No. 233 which allowed me to become Grand Herald of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. Following that I was named Grand Conductor and I am currently Grand Marshall in the Grand Lodge. I also have the responsibility of being Assistant Secretary. I have been elected Grand Warden of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey. I became a member of the Michel Popik Junior Encampment Lodge No. 117 on October 24, 2011. I’ve since occupied several positions which led me to the position of Chief Patriarch in 2014 and Past Chief Patriarch in 2015. Within the Grand Encampment I have held several positions currently occupying the position of High Priest and have been elected to be Chief Patriarch for the year 2016-2017. Congratulations, Raul! We are confident your hard work and energy will be contagious throughout the New Jersey Odd Fellows! Yo me inicie en la logia Hispano América #233 el día 25 de enero del año 2002 y he pasado por distintos puestos y fui elegido Noble Grande en el año 2011, ocupando ese puesto por 5 años consecutivos actualmente soy miembro asociado en esa logia. También me incorpore a las Logias de rebecas de New York y New Jersey, y también a las Logias Sánchez Moya como miembro asociado. Entre en la logia Álvarez del Portal #285 como miembro asociado procedente de la logia Hispano América #233 de la ciudad de New York el día 12 de abril del año 2012, me incorpore como
miembro activo en esta logia el día primero de agosto del año 2013. Ya soy Pasado Noble Grande en la Logia Hispano América motivo por el cual he sido nombrado Gran Guardián en la Gran Logia de New Jersey ocupando los puestos de Gran Conductor y Grand Marshall actualmente. En la Gran Logia también tengo la responsabilidad de ser Asistente del Secretario, puesto que desempeño cabalmente. Y ya he sido elegido para ser el Grand Warden de la Gran Logia de New Jersey. Me inicie en el Campamento Michel Popik Junior #117 el día 24 de octubre de 2011 ocupando varios puesto que me llevan a ocupar el puesto de Patriarca Jefe en el año 2014 y Pasado Patriarca Jefe en el año 2015. Dentro del Gran Campamento he ocupado varios puestos ocupando actualmente el puesto de Gran Sacerdote y ya ha sido elegido para ser Grand Patriarca en el año de 2016-2017.
2016-2017 Grand Encampment Officers Grand Patriarch Raul Rodriguez Grand High Priest Manny Sosa Grand Senior Warden Beth Obie.-Garvin Grand Junior Warden Jim Amman Grand Scribe Joseph Hubbs, Sr. Grand Treasurer Robert Wooton Representative to SGL Steven Wooton Grand Marshal Guido Miranda Grand Inside Sentinel Debbe McClelland Grand Outside Sentinal Pastor Román Advisory Officer Brian Simmons
District Deputy Grand Patriarchs
District No. 1, Nos. 11, 15, 17 Carlos Lopez District No. 2 & 3, Nos. 1, 30, 60 Steven Wooton
District Deputy Grand Matriarchs
District No. 1, LEA No. 23 Maruchy Lopez-Arenas District No. 2 LEA No. 96 Lilian New, PP
New City Kids The Samaritan
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A message from
The Incoming Grand Master
A Theme Of Charity Encompasses The New Year
P
astor Hipólito Román Borges was borm in the city of Bayamo, Cuba, on March 30, 1943, son of José Joaquín and Ana Gloria. His siblings are: Joaquín and Nuria. He married Noris Acosta Vidal, Past Noble Grand of Amor y Verdad Lodge No. 118. They have two children, William and Kenya, and three grandchildren, Sharon, Leondro, and Alexander. Brother Román left Cuba on August 31, 1980, en route to this country via Costa Rica. Upon his arrival to the United States, he settled in the town of North Bergen, New Jersey where he still resides and owns a camera repair business where he is the technician. He worked in the Román Printing shop as a typographer and achieved higher studies at the Trade School of Bayamo, he worked as an accountant in the construction-materials industry. While in Costa Rica he studied photography, journalism and television post production. He worked as Professor of Photographic Tsechniques at the University of Costa Rica where he also obtained his Professional Photographer Diploma. Arriving in the United States, he leamed technical photographic Services and took courses for the repair of various camera brands such as Fuji,
2016-2017 Grand Lodge Officers Grand Master Pastor Román Deputy Grand Master Benjamin Burger Grand Warden Raul Rodriguez Grand Secretary Debbe McClelland Grand Treasurer Frank Rodgers Grand Representive Joseph Hubbs, Sr. Grand Chaplin Walter Norris Grand Marshall Joseph Lyons Grand Conductor Manuel Sosa Grand Guardian Felix Caro Grand Herald Bob Cassels Asst. Grand Secretary Raul Rodriguez Asst. Grand Treasurer Brian Simmons Grand Instructor Steven Wooton Advisory Officer Thomas Calabrese
The Samaritan
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The lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever more.
Nikon, Ricoh, Minolta, Roñica, Pentax, Olympus and Canon, which was instrumental for setting up his cameras and photographic equipment repairs business. Brother Román entered our Order thorugh the Youth Lodge in the year of 1954. and has sustained a long fraternal history.When he was 18 years oíd, became a member of Patria Lodge No. 17 in Bayamo, Cuba on January 28, 1969, he held various post up to becoming Noble Grand in 1973 and Past District Deputy. He was a member of Encampment Bayamo No.26 where he holds positions of relevance, and of Rebekah Lodge Hijas de Bayamo No. 46. Brother Pastor made his entry into Alvarez del Portal Lodge No. 285 on August 9, 1984; he has held the offices of Noble Grand and District Deputy Grand Master of District No. 3 of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey, as well as other offices. Brother Román is also a prominent member of Michael Popik Jr. Encampment No. 117 and the Rébékáh Lodge Amor y Verdad No. 118. Brother Román was installed as Past Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment of the State of New Jersey. Before his rise to Grand Master he occupied the offices of Grand Herald, Grand Guardian, Grand Warden and Deputy Grand Master, which has provided him the opportunity to be Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the State of New Jersey. Congratulations, Pastor! We appreciate all that you do for the Odd Fellows and we are
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~ psalm 121:8
proud of how you are expanding the Order with determination and dedication. Pastor Hipólito Román Borges, nació en la ciudad de Bayamo, Oriente, Cuba, el día 30 de Marzo de 1943, siendo hijo de: José Joaquín y Ana Gloria. Sus hermanos: Joaquín y Nuria. Contrajo matrimonio con Noris Acosta Vidal, Pasada Noble Grande de nuestra Logia Amor y Verdad #118 de cuya unión tienen dos hijos William y Román continúa en la página 28
Good of the order
New Members and Installations
Above, French Lodge No. 89 hosted an Intitatory Degree for several lodges in March. New members seen above are David Kaubin (Medford No. 100), Mark Richardson, Barry Hanson, and James Choyinski (Amity Lodge No. 166), and Brian Milburn (Union Lodge No. 213). Pictured below left is new member Isabel Steinberg of Amor Y Verdad No. 118.
Welcome & Congratulations!
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Purple boxed photos are of the Powhattan Encampment’s Officer Installation 2016.
philanthropy
Odd fellows around nj
Odd Fellows win big at the ECF Tricky Tray in Scotch Plains Photo courtesy of Pastor Roman Grand Warden Pastor Roman presents checks to Noble Grand Chambeli Araujo for the students in Hudson County annual school project.
Successful School Project Returns For Another Year!
R
ebekah Lodge Amor y Verdad No. 118 gives school uniforms to people of lower income in the Hudson County for the past couple of years. The checks (pictured above, $1500.00 from the Grand Lodge and $500.00 from the Grand Encampment for a total of 2000.00. This project was started by Noble Grand Chambeli Araujo, daughter of the Marcia Lopez Araujo President of the Rebekah Assembly. The donations are made in the name of the Oddfellows and given to the students in August. This annual event is held at Alvarez del Portal Lodge when the children receive their uniform, school material, and refreshments. La Logia Amor y Verdad 118 de la rama de Rebecas, regala uni-
formes escolares personas de bajos recursos economicos todos los años cuando comienza el curso ecolar. Estos cheques son una donacion de la Gran Logia por 1500 dolares y del Gran Campamento por 500 dolares que hacen un total de 2000 dolares mas lo que recauda la Logia Amor y Verdad 118 y las logias del Distrito y otras Instituciones del Condado Hudson y se destina a la compra de Uniformes escolares y materiales de estudio. La Noble Grande de la Logia, Chambeli Araujo, hija de Marcia Lopez Araujo, actual presidenta de la Asamblea de Rebecas es la encargada de hacer estas donaciones en la logia Alvares del Portal en el mes de Agosto de cada año. ~ Pastor Roman The Samaritan
Odd Fellows from French Lodge No. 89 gathered in support of Kim Gaughan’s (below, left) third round with cancer. Once everyone had their fill of food, dancing, and desserts the auctions began. For info, ioof_nj@comcast.net
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philanthropy
Odd Fellows pull together
New Brunswick Lodge No. 6 Annual Trapshoot
Highest Score
Highest Pledge
Hey, All the cool kids are doing IT! If you haven’t been to the Grand Lodge of New Jersey Facebook Page, we think it’s time you log on. Not only will you see IOOF NJ info/events but you’ll see Odd Fellows all over the world living “friendship, Love, and Truth”. Oh, and we have alot more photos.
So, what are you waiting for?
www.facebook.com/IOOFNJ ESTÁS INVITADO!
Por favor, al igual que nuestros página. The Samaritan
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philanthropy
southern spaghetti
! a i g n a M
Photos by Beth Garvin
Photos courtesy of Tom Calabrese
2nd Annual Night With The NJ Devils
T
he IOOF NJ Family Activities Committee held their Second Annual Night with the New Jersey Devils Hockey Fundraiser on April 5, 2016 at the Prudential Center. Tickets were $35.00 that included a $10.00 food voucher, level 117/118 seating, and a NJ Devils hat. Miss NJ Contestants are not included. Every ticket purchased helps support IOOF lodges. For more information about how you can be a part of this fundraiser, contact Tom Calabrese 732-423-6715.
The Samaritan
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Good of the order
Who can name that tune?
Kids Of All Ages Rock And Roll At The ODD Ball
T
he Odd Fellows and Rebekahs of New Jersey and The Arthritis Foundation came to celebrate their collaborative efforts for another year. We shared a delicious meal, had alot of laughs playing “Name That Tune” and listened to amazing speakers. Their courageous stories are included here. An Awesome Past Honoree Victoria Vitelli is your typical 12 year old girl who loves to hang out with her friends, her little sister, her cousins and even her parents. Victoria is a cheerleader for the town
football team and also loves to read and go shopping in her spare time. Victoria was first diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was just about 9 years old. In addition to having joint pain in her hands, wrist, and knees, Victoria also suffered with a rash that, at times, felt worse than poison ivy. Thankfully, Victoria’s pediatrician referred her family to Dr. Haines at HUMC who determined that Victoria had signs of arthritis. Three months after this initial diagnosis, Victoria began to have very high spiking fevers which had her out of school and activities for almost one month. At this point the diagnosis was changed to Systemic Onset Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. This was a bittersweet time for Victoria. Although she was very ill and in a lot of pain, the medication that Dr.
Haines prescribed got Victoria out of bed and able to get back to school, cheering hanging out with family and friends and more importantly shopping. Victoria has had some setbacks along the way, but is very hopeful that the new therapy she will be starting will prove to be successful. She was extremely excited about and honored to the Youth Honoree for the 2015 Walk to Cure Arthritis in Bergen County! Victoria and her family are committed to raising awareness and helping to find a cure for arthritis! ~Bergen Walk to Cure Arthritis
Laura Curtis Shares Her Story My son, Andrew Curtis, was diagnosed with JRA when he was 2.5 years old, he will be 16 in May. He has been going to Camp CHAT every year since he was 8 years old and attended the Odd Fellows Ball on Saturday to say thank you for all you do to support children with arthritis. He first met Pete and Terry McElroy when he was five or six years old and was attending Arthritis Walk planning meetings with me (I was a member of the planning committee)...an instant bond was formed, they really took to Andrew - when Andrew was old enough to go to camp, he was selected to give a tour of the camp on visitors day - during the tour he met many more members of the Odd Fellows. When Andrew was 10 years old he was the youth honoree at the Bergen County Arthritis Walk...the Odd Fellows donated a big sheet cake and everyone sang Happy Birthday to Andrew after he gave his speech, in addi-
Photos by Ben Burger and Beth Garvin The Samaritan
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tion to the sheet cake, they also had a special cake made for Andrew to take home and use to celebrate with our family. We are all very grateful for all the support the Odd Fellows give to the Arthritis Foundation! ~ Laura Curtis
I’m Not The Only One My name is Ryan Donnelly and I have Juvenile Arthritis. I was diagnosed at the age of 5 with JA. I have had inflammation in my hands, fingers, knees, toes and feet. At the age of nine, my JA got worse and we decided to go to The Bristol-Meyers Squibb Children’s Hospital at RWJ in New Brunswick. At this point my arthritis was so bad that I could not perform simple tasks like button or zippering clothing or open water bottles. I had to ask for help. At times I even have had a hard time holding a pencil to do school work. I dreaded getting up in the mornings with the stiffness, always being so tired and something always hurting. Other kids and adults do not always understand how I can “look” healthy but that I cannot always perform simple tasks or play. I started some new meds and a couple rounds of physical therapy and I was able to function again, I was able to be a kid again. I have attended Camp CHAT several times. I have learned how to cope with things on a daily basis but especially when I’m having a flare up. But the biggest lesson that I have learned is that I’m not the only kid dealing with Arthritis!!!! I like to play baseball, football, tennis, ride my bike, go camping and I love to swim. ~ Ryan Donnelly, Metuchen Living
Good of the order
That’s a horse of A different color
ECF Wins The Trifecta With Annual Crystal Gala
E
mmanuel Cancer Foundation (ECF) held their Annual Crystal Gala presented by Preferred Home Health Care and Nursing Services on March 12, from 6 to 11 p.m. at Ocean Place Resort and Spa, 1 Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch. The 2016 honorees were Dr. Margaret Fisher, Medical Director, The Unterberg Children’s Hospital at Monmouth Medical Center; Dr. Lisa A. Forzani, Forzani Family Chiropractic Center (story below); William MacDonald, group manager, PNC Bank and Select Equity Group Foundation. Lisa Forzani Shares Her Story Good evening and welcome to The ECF Crystal Gala. I have received many kindnesses but the honour of being up here tonight which the Emanuel Cancer Foundation now accord to me is without parallel. I accept it with deep gratitude and affection. I would like to take a moment to thank all the ECF members involved. Joann Passantino, the Executive Director, in particular, who I have known for years, has been passionately involved in this organization and illuminates the stage with her presence. I have seen her in action for years. I would like to thank her for her hard work, dedication, enthusiasm and professional demeanor. I would also like to thank Ro Contreras, Eastern Regional Director, for holding my hand through this process. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree as Ro is Joanne’s sister. Thank you. Both beautiful people. I say that from the heart. I would also like to thank Joel Markel from Preferred Home Health Care for his insight and commitment to ECF as we belong to an infamous fraternity. Before I go into my personal story of tragedy, healing and moving forward, I would like to share a little bit about the ECF services. As you may know, I am a newly appointed member of the Board of Trustees, and may use the term “We”, service the NJ children and their families since 1983. There are several aspects to our support: No. 1 is in-home professional counseling, No. 2 material assistance, and No. 3 financial aid at no cost. With that being said, here is my story and my association with ECF. My beautiful daughter, Sabriana Alexis, was born on March 23, 1996, life was great. My first born was Rich-
Photos courtesy of ECF and Beth Garvin
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ard Raymond in 1995 and now my second child was a beautiful red head with blue eyes. Everything seemed to perfect until the discovery of her serious illness. My head was spinning out of control. It felt as though my feet were no longer planted on the ground. Devastated would be an understatement. The suffering that Sabriana endured changed my life forever and in many ways. It taught me to have a 100% commitment, compassion and gratitude towards life and to be strong. I share this philosophy with others. Through it all there was always the hope and support of my beautiful family, friends and patients. I could not have made it through this ECF Gala continued on page 28
good of the order
Number 118 celebrates 31!
Congratulations Michael Popik Jr. Encampment Lodge No. 118 on 31 years of Odd Fellowship!
Photos by Pastor Roman
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Good of the order
New and Improved
Welcome to the 21st Century!
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received a call from a friend who was filling out his Member Application this past winter and he asked me where he should put his email address. I laughed and told him, “Well, I guess you can’t join until we create a new application or you can just write your email on the white area.” No email space withstanding, he completed the application and is an active member of French Lodge No. 89. Many of you know I’ve been a graphic artist for, well let’s just say, awhile, so I’m always looking and keeping up to date on current trends in both fine and graphic arts along with the everchanging technology. So, once again, I began thinking about our Order, it’s printed materials, the internet, our social media presence, etc. and put pencil to paper. I’m not going to bore you with every detail of my thought process, besides, it was F months ago (I recently became 55) NJ and I don’t remember my thought process! I knew the application should be a DouTA ble Parallel style brochure with a tear ET • away app for secretaries and take home D EDICA D O • D for the new member with an area for notes. It most definitely had to be no gloss so M IN TE that the applicant and interviewer could actually write on it. Also A DED C • D E DI at the time, the American Folk Art Museum in NYC had an exhibit “Mystery and Benevolence: Masonic and Odd Fellows Folk Art from Kendra and Allan Daniel Collection” (it ended May 8th) with amazing IOOF pieces which I thought were eye catching so I searched for my own photos. During the creation of the application, I was trying to fill an awkward space to balance out the design with the IOOF NJ logo (the round thing in the yellow circle with the all seeing eye and the three links) so it had to be round — that’s when “Are You ODD enough?” came into my brain. Maybe I was throwing the word ODD into all my sentences as I joked around with Steve or maybe I was thinking of something clever to say to non members to get them interested, but it all came together within several months in both English and Spanish! I know I drove Steve a little crazy as I ran ideas by him, but off he’d go to Grand Lodge meetings with piles of proofs. If you’ve been on the IOOF NJ Facebook page in the past couple months then you’ve seen the New Member Campaign “suspense” play out. If you haven’t been to the page or “Liked” the IOOF NJ Facebook page (hint, hint, www.facebook.com/IOOFNJ/) you can still see it. We have members from all over the world engaging on the page, so if you’re a NJ Odd Fellow, it’s time for you to connect at www.facebook.com/IOOFNJ/ (yep, another shameless plug). For the record, I don’t have a Facebook page, but I am an admin on our NJ page. Those of you at the Grand Lodge Session reading this, please don’t forget to pickup your New Member applications and buttons. Those of you sitting at home reading this, please get some applications and buttons from your Grand Lodge Reps and start getting rid of them. We have plenty! I’d like to thank you all for your trust, encouragement, compliments, and critiques. But, more than liking the brochure and the ancillary items, I hope you use them everywhere you go and with everyone you meet. If you’re like me you know The Independent Order of Odd Fellows is not a ~Beth Obiedzinski-Garvin, Member & Communications Chair current trend, it’s a lifestyle.
Román de la página 19 Kenya Román y tres nietos Sharon, Leandro y Alexander. El hermano Román salió de Cuba el día 31 de agosto de 1980 vía Costa Rica. Continuando a este País, radicándose en la ciudad de North Bergen delestado de New Jersey donde aún continúa residiendo. El hermano Pastor Román es un Técnico en reparación de equipos fotográficos con su propio negocio en la ciudad de North Bergen. El hermano Pastor Hipólito tiene una larga historia fraternal. Habiendo ingresado en nuestra
orden en la Logia Juvenil en el año de 1954. Al cumplir la edad pasa a ser miembro de la logia Patria #17 de Bayamo, Oriente, Cuba el día 28 de enero de 1969 en dicha logia ocupando varios cargos hasta ser Noble Grande y Pasado Diputado de Distrito. Miembro del Campamento Bayamo #26 donde también ocupa cargos de relevancia y de la logia de Rebecas Hijas de Bayamo #46. También perteneció a las logias de Caballero de Luz y a la Masonería, llegando hasta el Grado 30 de los Cuerpos Filosóficos. El hermano Pastor hace su ingreso
en nuestra logia Álvarez del Portal #285 el día 9 de agosto de 1984 habiendo ocupado los cargos de Noble Grande y pasado Diputado de Distrito #3 y otros muchos cargos. Actualmente es su secretario. El hermano Román es también miembro destacado del Campamento Michael Popik #117 donde ocupa el puesto de escriba de actas y de la logia de Rebecas Amor y Verdad #118. Actualmente el hermano Román ocupa cargos en los grandes cuerpos de nuestra institución en el Gran Campamento Pasado Gran
PLEASE PRINT or TYPE AND RETURN THIS FORM AS SOON AS NEW MEMBERS ARE ADMITTED
NEW MEMBER
The SGL - IARA Membership Program
SPONSOR of NEW MEMBER
Sponsor Name ____________________________________________ New Member’s Lodge ______________________________________ Lodge Secretary Name______________________________________ Address _________________________________________________ City ____________________________________________________
Date Admitted _______________________
Bro. ___ Sis. ___
Name ___________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________ City ____________________________________________________ State/Province ____________________________________________ Postal/Zip Code ___________________________________________
State/Province ____________________________________________
Date of Birth: M/D/Y _______________________________________
Postal/Zip Code ___________________________________________
E-mail: Phone:
NEW MEMBER
The SGL - IARA Membership Program
SPONSOR of NEW MEMBER
Sponsor Name ____________________________________________ New Member’s Lodge ______________________________________ Lodge Secretary Name ______________________________________
Date Admitted _______________________
Bro. ___ Sis. ___
Name ___________________________________________________ Address__________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________
State/Province_____________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________
Postal/Zip Code ___________________________________________
State/Province ____________________________________________
Date of Birth: M/D/Y _______________________________________
Postal/Zip Code ___________________________________________
E-mail: Phone:
NEW MEMBER
The SGL - IARA Membership Program
SPONSOR of NEW MEMBER
Sponsor Name ____________________________________________ New Member’s Lodge ______________________________________ Lodge Secretary Name ______________________________________
Date Admitted _______________________
Bro. ___ Sis. ___
Name ___________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________
State/Province_____________________________________________
City ____________________________________________________
Postal/Zip Code ___________________________________________
State/Province ____________________________________________
Date of Birth: M/D/Y _______________________________________
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E-mail: Phone:
MAIL, FAX, E-mail TO:
Attn: I.O.O.F. The SGL / IARA MEMBERSHIP 422 Trade Street Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27101-2830 Fax: 1-336-722-7317 Email: sgldataentry@ioof.org
This form is courtesy of Sovereign Grand Lodge. All forms may be found at www.ioof.org. 22 - I.O.O.F. News — Vol. 18, Issue 2
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Patriarca y en la Grand Logia y próximamente será el Gran Maestro de la Gran Logia En su vida profana alcanzo estudios superiores en la Escuela de Comercio de Bayamo, también estudio Fotografía y en Costa Rica alcanzo estudios Universitarios de Periodismo, Post Producción de Televisión y trabajo en la Universidad de Costa Rica como Profesor de Técnicas Fotográficas. Llegando a Estados Unidos, paso cursos de Técnico de Servicios Fotográficos y cursos para la reparación de muchos modelos de cámaras de las marcas Fuji, Nikon, Ricoh, Minolta, Konica, Pentax, Olympus y Canon, lo que le fue de mucha utilidad para montar el negocio de reparación de cámaras fotográficas y equipos fotográficos que actualmente tiene en la ciudad de North Bergen. Felicidades, Pastor! Apreciamos todo lo que hacen por los Odd Fellows y somos orgulloso de como tu son la expansión de la Orden con determinación y dedicación. ECF Gala continued from page 25 horrific time without them. My Mom and Dad who where unable to attend this evening were my rock. Then one day, more support, hope and dedication came knocking on my door. A woman named “Ellen”, a social worker/ psychologist from ECF, an organization I had never heard of arrived. She was like an angel from heaven there to lend me her wings. A heart of gold. Ellen hung in there with my family all along the way. To this day. I don’t know how she found us but I surely will always appreciate her and the ECF Organization. Obviously, the experience of losing a child is horrible but having the support and knowing that the ECF team cared was monumental in my life. Henceforth, my support and love for this beautiful organization. In conclusion, thank you all for your generosity, of your time and money to this amazing organization. Many of our friends and family who could not attend this evening also gave generously. Again, a solemn and heartfelt thanks for this unique distinction which I will always proudly remember. Thank you again and let’s spend alot of money and have fun! ~ Dr. Lisa Forzani For over 30 years, Emmanuel Cancer Foundation has helped more than 1700 NJ families in Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean counties who are dealing with pediatric cancer. For more information please visit www. emmanuelcancer.org.
good of the order
Odd sign of spring
Photos by Beth Garvin One of the first signs of Spring the Union Lodge No. 213 ‘s annual dinner at Careme’s, Culinary Institute at Atlantic Cape Community College. The fellowship, food, and service is always an awesome evening!
A Message from
The Grand Chaplain
The Train: Sentiments Of A Friend On Their 70th Birthday not know at which station we ourselves will step down. So, we must live in the best way, love, forgive, and offer the best of who we are. It is important to do this because when the time comes for us to step down and leave our seat empty we should leave behind beautiful memories for those who will continue to travel on the train of life. I wish you a joyful journey on the train of life. Reap success and give lots of love. More importantly, thank God for the journey. Lastly, I thank you for being one of the passengers on my train. (By the way, I am not planning to get off the train anytime soon but if I do, just remember I am glad you were part of my journey.) My thanks to the parishioner who forwarded this message to me. ~ Walter Norris, Grand Chaplain The Samaritan
Photo by Mitchell Ng Liang an; www.unspalsh.com
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t birth we boarded the train and met our parents, and we believe they will always travel on our side. However, at some station our parents will step down from the train, leaving us on this journey alone. As time goes by, other people will board the train; and they will be significant, i.e. our siblings, friends, children, and even the love of your life. Many will step down and leave a permanent vacuum. Others will go so unnoticed that we don’t realize they vacated their seats. This train ride will be full of joy, sorrow, fantasy, expectations, hellos, goodbyes, and farewells. Success consists of having a good relationship with all passengers requiring ¬that we give the best of ourselves. The mystery to everyone is: We do
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EVENTS
YOUR Attention IS REQUESTED July 2016
3 July 10: New Brunswick Lodge No. 6 Indoor Craft Fair/ Outdoor Flea Market, 9am- 2pm, VFW Hall, 485 Cranbury Road, East Brunswick, NJ. For more information contact Jim 732-390-9747. 3 July 30: NJ Grand Lodge Statewide Picnic at Thompson Park. Info: Ben Burger at 609.479.3167 or email bb.burger1970@gmail.com. 3 July 31: Odd Fellows at Trenton Thunder (NY) vs. Altoona Curve (Pittsburgh), 5pm, $8. tickets, Info: Tom 732-423-6715
August 2016
3 August 3: Happy 183rd NJ IOOF!!! (see story on this page) 3 August 6: French Lodge No. 89 Peach and Pancake Breakfast, Richwood Academy Hall, Mullica Hill, NJ For more information contact Bob Wooton 856-881-8414. 3 August 15-19: 190th Sovereign Grand Lodge Session, Rapid City South Dakota. For more info please visit www.ioof.org.
September 2016
3 September 11: Absecon 9-11 Memorial Dedication with the broth- ers from Union Lodge No. 213, Absecon, NJ. For more information contact Ed Vincent fire.coordinator@atlanticcountyfireassoc.org. 3 September 19: New Brunswick Lodge No. 6 Annual Charity Golf Outing, Peddie Golf Club, Hightstown, NJ. For more information Contact Tom 732-266-4381 or Dan 732-766-9192.
October 2016
3 October 15: Clinton Lodge No. 18 Dinner/Fundraiser, Just Plain Dave’s, Rahway, NJ. Contact: Karen Barker at 908-821-5179.
Welcome Xander Richard! Xander Richard Watts was born on January 16, 2016 at 10:26pm. Xander is pictured above with his Mom, Keight Barker of Clinton Lodge No. 18. Congratualtions to Watts/Barker families!
Friendship, Love, and Truth: 183 Years of Odd Fellowship!
T
he birth of Odd Fellowship in this country took place on the 26th of April 1819 but it wasn’t until August 3, 1833 that the
...it wasn’t until August 3, 1833 that the Grand Lodge of New Jersey was instituted... Grand Lodge of New Jersey was instituted, while Rutherford Lodge No. 240 dates its existence from the 17th of October 1893. In 1891-92 certain residents of this borough, members of the order but away from home lodges, conceived the ide of forming a subordinate lodge here to which they might attach themselves, thus securing the benefits of a lodge home, so dear to every member of the order. The following seventeen members of the lodge were the main ones instrumental in the organization of the order in this town: James Leyland, Charles T. Johnsons, WM. J. Singerland, George K. Thomas, Julius Jaeger, Horatio N. Fish, David R. MacNeil, John J. Dupuy, C. Henry Kotzenberg, William Henkelman, George Ruckstuhl, James H. Smith, Rensselaer Furman, William W. Butler, Joseph
www.facebook.com/IOOFNJ The Samaritan
W. Beebe, William Gibson, Frank Spitz. Forty-five members were taken in on the night of the institution, making a total of six-
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ty-two members to start with. While the growth of the order here has been slow, it has been sure, the present membership being about eighty-five. The lodge is sustained by the payment by each member of $8.00 per year dues, the member receiving in case of sickness the sum of $5.00 per week, and in case of death his beneficiary is entitled to $100.00 funeral benefits, and in case of a member’s wife he receives $50.00. The order in this state has increased from 51 members in 1833 to about 30, 000 in 1897, while member ship in the country at the present time is nearly 700,000. The amount expended for relief of distressed brothers in this State for 1897 has been nearly $150,000. ~James M. Van Valen History of Bergen New Jersey, pages 443-444
Odd Fellows Hire m
Accounting/Bookkeeping
Marie Rogerson Accountant
Rogerson’s Accounting & Bookkeeping 609-203-8639
accountingservicesbymarie@yahoo.com Art/Graphic Design
Beth Obiedzinski-Garvin Artist/Graphic Designer
Active Hub Design
Where Art and Technology Meet
609-294-0237
justelizabeth@aol.com Camera Repair
Pastor Roman
Specializing in Film Cameras
Roman Camera Repair 1409 Eleventh Street Noth Bergen, NJ 07047
201-866-4673 camerasyes@aol.com
Crochet/Jewelery
Karen Barker & Dot Planer Handmade Jewelry & Crochet Items
Sellers of Purple
baby gifts, ponchos,shawls, sweaters, afghans, slippers, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more!
Karen 908-821-5179 Dot 908-494-1441
sellersofpurple1614@gmail.com Entertainment
Beep Beep the Clown, LLC with Jeff Pennell
Balloonist, Magician, & Clown for all Occasions 609-893-0240 www.beepbeeptheclown.com
Financial Planning
Michael K. O’Connor Financial Planner
TFS Wealth Management 732-758-9300, ext. 214 moconnor@tfsweb.com www.wealthtfs.com
Marketing
Mario B. Guzman, Jr. CEO
Secure Marketing Inc. Marketing Services
609-816-7951
securemarketinginc@gmail.com Model Building
Jeff Pennell
Circus Model Building Programs
The History/Art of Circus Model Building
For your next Meeting or Special Event
609-893-0240 jpdoor@hotmail.com
Residential/Commercial Garage Doors
Jeff Pennell
Installation and Repair
Jersey Pines Overhead Doors 609-338-5683 jpdoor@hotmail.com www.jerseypinesgaragedoor.com
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What’s so ODD about hiring an Odd Fellow? Not a thing that we can think of, so we’ve started a business listing featuring services, talents, and occasional hobbies for hire of our brothers and sisters. Email your listing info to IOOF_NJ@comcast.net or mail to The Samaritan Business Listing, 209 Cedar St.
Tuckerton, NJ 08087. You will receive a confirmation call so any listing without a phone number will not be published We publish every two months so listings must be received a month prior to publication. Questions? Call Beth at 609-294-0237.
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OF
Independent Order of Odd Fellows Grand Lodge of New Jersey 4527 Route 130 South Burlington, NJ 08016 Session 2016
What’s so ODD about helping others? New Member Applications are available from your GL Representative and Secretary
family
women
youth
universal justice fun
help
hope
reliable
humanity
volunteer
love truth
faith unity leadership universal justice relief fellowship honorable
www.facebook.com/IOOFNJ
research
what iscommunity an odd fellow? charity friendship men
respect harmony
I am an Odd Fellow! I believe in the Fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of man. I believe in Friendship, Love and Truth as basic guides to the ultimate destiny of all mankind. I believe my home, my church or temple, my lodge, a nd my community deserve my best work, my modest pride, my earnest faith, and m y deepest loyalty, as I perform my duty "to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan" and as I work with others to build a better world, because, in spirit and in truth, I am and must always be, grateful to my Creator, faithful to my country and fraternal to my fellow-man; I am an Odd Fellow!
creative
faith
pro active
education conscientious devlopment universal fraternity
www.ioofnj.org • www.facebook.com/IOOFNJ
visit the sick bury the dead educate the orphan relieve the distressed
INDE
DENT ORDER PEN