An Official Publication of The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Florida

Copyright Grand Lodge of Florida, 2011, All Rights Reserved. 220 North Ocean Street * Jacksonville, FL 32202 Phone: 800 375-2339 Fax: 904 632-3865

Grand Lodge Officers 2012-2013 GRAND MASTER MW J. L. George Aladro (Palm Bay) DEPUTY GRAND MASTER RW Danny R. Griffith (Orange Park) SENIOR GRAND WARDEN RW James W. Ford (Valrico) JUNIOR GRAND WARDEN RWStephenBoring (Deland) GRAND TREASURER MW Elmer G. Coffman, P.G.M. (Orange Park) GRAND SECRETARY MW Richard E. Lynn, P.G.M. (Jacksonville) All submissions for future issues of The Florida Mason and ENewsshouldbesentto Larry Duff, Stae Chairman Public Relations & Publicity Ph: 352-874-2164 E-Mail: Ldduff@centurylink.net

Pilgrimage Day 2013 was a tremendous success, the Residents and Staff appreciate the efforts of all those who participated. We are in awe of the many ways in which Lady Bonnie Aladro's Masonic Home Project has benefited the Residents and overall beauty of the Home. We appreciate all the dedication that she and the Grand Master put into this effort and your generous donations. The Residents have always enjoyed spending time on their front porch, but even more so now! Lady Bonnie Aladros Project has brought Residents outside to appreciate the fresh air, sunshine, and good conversation. Pilgrimage Day at the The Masonic Home of Florida is always a special day with the unveiling of the First Ladys Project, a time to see old friends and make new friends, great food, a car show, live entertainment and much more. It also affords us an opportunity to sit and talk to The Masonic Home residents and staff. The 2014 Pilgrimage Day will be no different. When the dates are announced, make plans to attend, sit and talk with the residents and staff and you will learn and see why The Masonic Home of Florida is truly a special place and needs our continued support. For this issue, Thanks goes out to the photographers who captured the events during this years Pilgrimage Day.

Public Relations & Publicity Committee 2012-2013

2012 - 2013 Deadlines: The Florida Mason & Masonic Lifestyles

Vol. 6 Issue 1 - Summer 2013

Submission date
March 13, 2013

Print Date
May 10, 2013

E-News
Submission Date - March 18 Distribution - April 1st , 2013

First Lady Bonnie Aladro thanking all who contributed to the improvements made at The Masonic Home during the dedication ceremony.

2012-2013 Grand Master of Masons of Florida Most Worshipful J. L. (George) Aladro and Lady Bonnie Aladro

BUSINESS FOR SALE

Turn key, well established medical supply business with superior ratings, excellent reputation and large client list (33 years of business transactions). Company is currently located in North Florida, and was set up as a Delaware C Stock Corporation, is registered as a DBA with the State of Florida active and running since it was founded in 1979. Corporation is well positioned, ready to expand into additional medical disciplines with reasonable capital support. Owned by 80- year old founder who seeks a qualified buyer (Mason or Eastern Star Sister or Veteran) who desires to run their own business. Available for only $175,000. Sale includes original .com domain name, UPS Store contract, and more Call 800-628-3162 or 386-294-3415 uncbob@windstream.net for more information.

W. GRAND ORATOR R. W. GEORGE WAAS PENS AUTOBIOGRAPHY/MEMOIR

R.W. George Waas, current W. Grand Orator and 2010 PDDGM (Dist. 7), has written his autobiography and memoir, recounting his more than 40-year career as a news reporter and lawyer, as well as his Masonic activities, crediting his work with the Masons as enriching his retirement years. His book is entitled "Retired...And Loving It!!!" and was published recently by AuthorHouse Book Publishing Company. My first thought was 'Why do I want to do this'? I'm not rich, famous or notorious; I haven't survived years of drug or alcohol abuse. I can't sing, dance or act. Who am I to write an autobiography/memoir? But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that I could do something special for my family. My oldest daughter is heavily into ancestry research, and I wanted to help that project along as well," Waas said. "I also realized that history is about people, and each person has a story to tell that is unique; no two people live the same lives. I thought that if I persevered and did this, it might inspire others to tell their stories. And if I can write a book about my life, believe me, anyone can write one about his or her life," he said. R.W. George divides his work into 11 chapters in which he discusses his family background; his wife, children and grandchildren; his "life so far;" his last job; his last few months on the public payroll; personal observations; retirement anxiety; health issues;

retirement: two big myths, a few facts and "my plan;" positive thinking, values and leadership; and not-sofinal final thoughts. Much of his writing centers on his involvement with the Masons. R.W. George traces his first involvement with Masonry in 1981 to his appointment as W. Grand Orator. "Being a Mason means so very much to me. I have made many lifelong friends, and retirement means adding to this growing list. Being a Mason assures an active retirement not only for me, but for my wife Harriet as well. The Masons make up a family oriented fraternity, and we eagerly look forward to continued involvement in the activities which are the hallmark of this great organization of which I am honored to be a part," Waas said. The book is available in hard cover, soft cover and electronic version on AuthorHouse's website "click on Bookstore, type in my last name next to 'Research' and scroll down"), as well as from Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com.