Milford's Charles Buck Jr. Honored With Masons Highest Post

Milford has a rather small quiet lodge on the town green aptly named Ansantawae after the Indian who sold the land. That lodge has a legacy going back over 150 years, and just yesterday one of its beloved leaders Charles A. Buck Jr. was bestowed with Masonry's highest honor.

Buck is this years Grand Master, a post that few masons will even attempt to seek because it brings a commitment to the bretheren that requires lots of free time and great sacrifice. The hours are long, the committments great and there is little to no compensation for all the work that must be achieved.

Some masons stand in line for as long as 20 years to get this post, and only those who exemplify a true love and commitment to Masons and Masonry will ever achieve the post.

Yeterday evening, in Farmington Connecticut, the annual meeting of all Connecticut lodges took place at the Marriott hotel. In attendence were the leaders of almost every lodge in the state of Connecticut, and Masonic leaders from all over New England and as far as Canada. Every chapter of Masonry was also represented from the historic Knights Templar, to the Shriners who are always remembered for their little cars and fancy hats during parades.

The event was marked with a tearful departure of last years leader and was soon ushered in with Charles Buck who was blessed with the support of thirty people from his home lodge in Milford. Bucks family was there to proudly witness his installation and his wife who was ill, was watching electronically with an internet video stream so that she too also take part in her husbands grand honor.

Charlie Buck was enthusiastic about his new post, and his lodge whom were very proud of his accomplishments, took to the stage at the conclusion of the event and all began singing to the amusement of every one there.

The people of Milford ought to be proud of the achievement of one of its own citizens, I and all the members of my lodge Daytime 144, wish him the best of luck in the coming years and sincerely hope he will continue in the great work of helping others, especially children and the elderly.

There will be several public events where one could meet Mr. Buck at Ashlar of Newtown, in Newtown Ct. those events are published at the State website for Masonry http://www.ctfreemasons.net/

Should anyone be interested in joining the Charitable Masonic organization, the process is simple. Find a mason and ask him to join.

The Mystery of Masonry In Milford

Downtown Milford has a Mason Lodge, aptly named Ansantawae lodge. The lodge is celebrating 150 years of its proud heritage in our community. Most people pass by the lodge see the covered windows, the sharp dressed masons sometimes in tuxedos and wonder the secrets contained within.

Masons by virtue of their office are given a strict obligation not to divulge any of the secrets of their craft. Ansantawae has nearly 500 members and this does not include the Shriners Lodge on Wheelers Farms Rd. of which has several hundred more.

Masonry, like many other charitable venues, has been a victim of the economy and changing demographics. Many of today's Masons, and Shriners are not so young anymore. But their work is enjoyed by many needy families world wide.

Some of the great accomplishments of Masonry is the Shriners Children's Hospital, and Ashler Village in Newtown. Masons have always adopted a creed of helping Children and the Elderly. They have invested Millions statewide and built a world class infrastructure to provide free services to the young and the old.

The temple is now open to the Public, and the secrets contained within are ready to be divulged. With many of the WWII veteran generation retiring or passing on en-masse the doors are open to a new generation and members are eagerly soliceted.

The work of Masonry is of vital importance to our community, our local charities and your support is welcome. However, not everyone can become a mason, by lodge decree a three person committee must approve new members and only if they asked a Mason to join. Masonry is also a Fraternity and excludes women from being members, or participating in lodge meetings, however a venue does exist for women who wish to partake in the the traditions of Masonry.

To become a mason, please contact me by way of a private non-published comment on this blog.

SCHIP Comes To Jonathan Law

SCHIP or the State Child Identification Program was recently held at the Jonathan Law High School last week. This program hosted by the Milford Ansantawae Freemasons, was a popular program brought to CT by Former Grand Master Walter Kaechele in 2002. Since then nearly 40,000 kids have been run through the program.

The scope and purpose of the program is to aid in the prevention and apprehension of felons who kidnap children. According to the schip website nearly 100 children are abducted and murdered each year. This program collects vital information that parents hold, and can provide to law enforcement in the unfortunate event their child goes missing.

The Schip kit, includes a DNA sample, a video of your child on CD, fingerprints, and suggestions on how to keep your child safe. This program does not support or endorse the placing of a microchip in your child, nor does it violate the privacy of your child's personal information. This program has won the approval and support of Governor Rell who called it a "wonderful program" when she was the guest speaker at the statewide Connecticut meeting of the Freemasons.

Thus far the program has been a mutual success to the public safety, community security, Masons, and Masonry alike. For a full list of upcoming scheduled events visit the state of CT website www.ctchip.org.

Startford Mayor James Miron Honors Fund Raising Efforts

Each year the fraternal lodge of Masons engages in fundraising activities to help various charities. The organization is put together and currently spearheaded by: (From Left to Right) Dave Urban, Rocco J. Frank, James Miron, Bruce Swan, and Tammy Trojanski.

Tammy is the representative of the charitable organization who benefited from our fundraising event. Her organization works with families in crisis that need emergency food and shelter, she works with several facilities including the Bethel center here in Milford.

This is our first official charitable donation and more are expected to come. If you know of anyone who needs help and could benefit from our support please contact me or Dave Urban for details. My Telephone number is (203) 247-HELP, Dave can be reached at (203) 377-6056.

We also have been pleasantly surprised with one of the most amazing opportunities ever. Mayor James Miron has indicated that he will run in next years Turkey Trot race. This will make Mayor James the first mayor to participate in our new town tradition of health and fitness. Our most sincere thanks to mayor Miron for helping us grow.

Todays event is expected to appear in the upcoming Stratford Star available at the town local library and residents.