VALTHORNET DISTRICT LODGE LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8
January 2012
GOTT NYTT ÅR 2012! District Master’s Message To all District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Members, As I’m writing this, Christmas is quickly approaching and the spirit of the season is in the air. As I attended and participated in the annual Jul Gran event at the Vasa National Archives in Bishop Hill, Illinois on December 2nd, I was touched by all of the special notes to loved ones on the Jul Gran ornaments that we hung on the Archive Christmas Tree. This is a great way to remember and honor our loved ones that have passed. The Jul Gran was a sight to see. I have been on the move since September. I attended the Satellite Lodge # 661 50th anniversary celebration in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ted Ruser emceed the event and shared many memories of the lodge’s history and growth throughout the years. Great job Ted and congratulations to Satellite Lodge! I attended the 100th anniversary party at Bessemer Lodge # 203. The banquet hall was elaborately decorated and music filled the air! What a celebration! The District 8 Executive Board was well represented there and even our Grand Master, Bill Lundquist was in attendance. Chairman Jim Pelzman emceed with help from the entire lodge. Congratulations Bessemer Lodge! District 8 had an Executive Board meeting the first weekend in November. The budget year is winding down and so far we are in pretty good shape. Fortunately our finances and investments are remaining strong. I would really like to thank the man overseeing District 8’s finances, District 8 Treasurer, Brent Erickson. Brent Erickson has done an outstanding job as Treasurer. Thank you Brent! I have important news concerning the Old Age And Benefit Fund (OA&B). With the announcement of the OA&B maximum benefit being raised to $3,000.00 last year many members have been requesting the maximum amount. The announcement of this increase came at the same time the economy took a downturn and many of us were and continue struggling with our finances. The volume of $3,000.00 requests being processed in District 8 has caused a significant drop in the fund balances that these payouts are made from; enough so that the District 8 Executive Board has become concerned. After much discussion, the Executive Board came to a difficult, fiscally responsible decision. Effective immediately, in District 8, the maximum annual amount that may be requested from the OA&B will be $1000.00. The maximum lifetime amount still remains $3,000.00 but members will have to request it over a minimum of 3 years. Persons with exceptional cases requesting the maximum lifetime amount or more than the $1,000.00 annual limit can petition the District Board by letter or email and a decision will be made on a case-by-case basis. A letter from me to each District Lodge will have gone out by the time you receive this newsletter. Vasa Park in South Elgin, Illinois had another fantastic year! I have been involved with Vasa Park for many years. This year we have a new President, Judy Seifert, a dual member from Hagar Lodge # 721 and Viljan Lodge # 349. I