Masons Helping Children visited, “Celebrate Midland Magic” at Midland NC last week-end. I believe someone was watching over us as it was a beautiful week-end and the rains came late Sunday Evening. This was our first time in Midland, we must go back next year. The sponsors, directors and staff were first class. They continued checking on us to see if there was anything else we needed. This was a festival for the whole family. There were rides but, they did not dominate the festival. Thanks to Brooks Davis, who again brought Arena Race Cars to our booth and did attract attention since they race at Concord Speedway which was just down the road. This was the first time we did not have children come by who had been in Oxford, RiteCare or Shrine Hospitals. There was interest from attendee’s as they looked over our pictures and talked about family members who are or may have been Masons. Cutty Davis and his son C.J. members of Union Lodge had a display of their business at this festival as well as last week in Mint Hill. They usually had several members of the Lodge hanging around their booth and I had them come over to our booth and gave them the full presentation. I don’t believe they knew or understood all they have to offer their community. I am sure there are children needing their help. I gave them literature and suggested they start looking and talking. We know we can’t guarantee help or success but we can’t let their children who need help fall through the cracks. It is always nice to hear all the nice things the public says about our charities, but, it is nice to talk to the brothers and know that they can explain the charities, where the money goes and who gets the help. It seems every festival has a purpose with outstanding results for Masons Helping Children.

I also want to report to you that brother Clyde Early a member Thermal belt Shrine Club took the portable display to Lake Lure for a car show on the 3rd of October. He will use it again on October 10th. with his Lodge, The Cliffside Masonic Lodge # 460 in conjunction with Cliffside Days. It will come back to Pineville and the James K. Polk Lodge for The “Pineville Fall Festival” October 16th and 17th. then it travels to Steel Creek Lodge for their annual Bar-B-Que in November before it returns home. Please know that this unit is available to you and your lodge or unit as you make the public more aware of what our fraternity represents.

Now it is on to Waxhaw where we started earlier this year for their “Autumn Festival.” this will be the last outing for the Large unit.  Shortly after the first of the year we will begin plans for 2010. Give us your thoughts and Ideas.

Fraternally,
Don Wilson