As I write this, it has been an extraordinarily satisfying day. The annual Installation of Officers was well attended and even more well presented. Our Past Masters provided very inspirational installation ritual to the incoming officers and guests, much to the appreciation of everyone.  I could fill my allotted space with personal thanks to the Installing Suite (and be entirely sincere) but will have to limit myself to expressing my deepest appreciation to RWB Dwight Mertens for his stewardship of the  Installation preparations, his Lady Claudette for  coming through in the 11th hour to save the sandwiches, WB Dustin Wood for the terrific spread of food, and finally RWB Paul Edberg and Brothers David LaFargue and Scott (and Lady Linda) Pierce for helping to set  up the lodge.  It's this behind-the-scenes effort that always makes any event a success, and never seems to get the appropriate recognition. On behalf of the Lodge, I thank you.

  The attendance of my family made the event even more memorable for me, with my dad Gerald coming from Idaho and my brother Carl arriving from Wisconsin (via Italy) to be here. And of course my daughter Savannah's presence always makes any day better for me.  Many of our brothers brought family to the ceremony, too, which is especially gratifying, because I believe that the improvements a man experiences though Freemasonry should first be demonstrated in his home, to those who give up their time with husbands and fathers so that they can spend hours with us. Without the support and sacrifices of our families, our lodge would not be as vital and effective as it is.  I come from a Masonic family: Carl is Secretary of his lodge, Dad proudly wears a 50-year pin (and has for nearly a decade), both of my grandfathers were Masons, and Mom is in Eastern Star.  Certainly the influence of Masonic principles formed their characters, as I know it is working on my own, and I count myself lucky indeed to have been born into such a family.

  To close out the day, I got to share the late afternoon simply watching football with the aforementioned family and cheer on Navy as they beat Army in a great game. Some of you already know, but others will be surprised (and possibly dismayed) to learn that I not only was admitted to, but actually graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, so I actually care about that game. The outcome has become less important to me as time goes by, replaced by a sense of gratitude for the opportunities I've had and for the young men and women who now serve our country faithfully and selflessly, whether on the land, the sea or in the air. We owe our warriors and veterans all the support we can give them, and nothing is more important or simpler to do than to simply say "Thanks".

  Peering into 2012, we are well-positioned to have an enjoyable, productive year. January's stated communications will be a regular business meeting on the 5th, then Table Lodge jointly with Manchester Lodge #73 on the 19th. WB Steve Spencer is chairing that event and I'm sure would welcome volunteers to help out in this enjoyable fraternal event.  There will be a special communication on 1/26 for the Fellow Craft degree presentation.  Also in January, WB Chris Ramsey is heading up an appreciation event for the Rentschler Field crew who worked this past season: Bowling at Holiday Lanes in Manchester on Saturday the 7th.  Sounds like a great time for all.

  February will begin with a business meeting on the 2nd. WB John DiCioccio, Jr. is heading up the Past Masters in their presentation of the Entered Apprentice degree on the 16th.  Another February event to put on the calendar is the Brotherhood in Action breakfast at the lodge building on Sunday the 26th.

Longer term, please plan on (and advertise) our annual lodge trip - this year to Annapolis, MD on June 1-3.

I close with the warmest holiday greetings, and wish you all Peace, Health and Happiness through out the year.

Eric H. Hoy            Worshipful Master