Wow! What a night! Last Tuesday, we attended an apron presentation at the Noah Masonic Lodge on Maple Avenue. As a mason Jim would have gone to the meeting anyway, but this was a very special meeting. This meeting was preceded by dinner and was open to family and friends of those who were receiving aprons.

Aprons are worn by Masons at their meetings, at funerals, parades, and other special events. The White Leather Apron is known as a badge of a Mason. It is attach at the waist with tape ties and is presented to each mason when they first join the Freemasons.

A company named The Craftsman's Apron believes that a Masonic Apron is the most essential physical representation of a man's commitment to the Craft (also known as Lodge), and therefore, should be made of the highest quality to represent the Brother who wears it. Most of the aprons initially presented are handmade lambskin and others are customized by title as master mason aprons, past master aprons, lodge officer aprons and Scottish rite aprons.

The presentation on Tuesday was very special because three longtime friends of ours were the recipients of new aprons. Bill Okesson will be the staff officer for the Albany Masonic District for the next two years. He was appointed by the Grand Master of Masons in New York and charged with an essential role of providing education programs for the Albany District.

As an integral part of the team Bill will work with the district deputy, coordinate their travel, and programs. Bill received his purple apron with the emblem of his office emblazoned on the front. 

Another part of the Albany District team is the assistant grand lecturer (AGL). Gerald Irwin from Berne was appointed by the Grand Master as AGL for the Hudson-Champlain Region.

They are charged with the responsibility of demonstrating to the District the importance of Living the Golden Rays of truth for which our brothers are searching. Gerry received his purple apron on St. John’s Day at the Masonic Home in Utica, NY.

The second apron that was presented on Tuesday was to our good friend Harvey Levin. He was presented with a very special apron. Harvey’s apron was authorized by the Grand Master, however, it was recommended by his Lodge Brothers as a symbol of their respect for Harvey as a Brother Mason and for his gift of time to the Lodge.

Before he became a member of Noah Lodge, Harvey worked for several years helping at their fast food booth at the Altamont Fair. He also helped with other lodge projects and supported their fund-raisers. Harvey is the type of man who can always be counted on to help, and is a man of his word. He is the embodiment of someone who lives the Golden Rule. 

Harvey’s apron was white with a purple band and the words Distinguished Service Award on the front. It could not have been a more appropriate presentation.

Most of the meetings of the Masons are members only, but this was such a special meeting that friends and family were also invited. Dinner preceded the award ceremony and started the evening on a very happy and content note. The room was filled with dignitaries from all over the state and resembled meetings from years back when it was hard to find a seat because there were so many people in attendance.

Congratulations to the new AGL, Gerry Irwin, the Staff Officer, Bill Okesson and to our good friend, Harvey Levin for being recognized and awarded special aprons. Also, congratulations to Noah Lodge for keeping good men around to help the Lodge with their programs.

While at the dinner we had a conversation about all of the activities that occur right after Labor Day. The first one that came to mind is what many people call the end of summer and the beginning fall. Everyone with children knows that means back to school.

Just one month later is Halloween. It has become one of the most popular holidays for children. Because of the increased amount of pedestrian traffic, busses, and family cars on the road, I thought it would be appropriate to once again remind everyone that it is time for a safety tune-up.

AAA article

A recent article printed in AAA’s Home & Away said it very well and I would like to pass on their wisdom to you.

School Bus Riders:

1. Always walk facing traffic on the way to and from the bus stop.

2. Never run to catch a bus.

3. Wait out of traffic until the bus is completely stopped and the driver signals to approach.

4. When exiting the bus, always walk forward. Do not walk toward the rear of the bus.

5. When crossing the street, students need to make eye contact with the driver and wait for their signal to cross. If you can’t see the bus drivers face, the bus driver can’t see you.

Biking or walking to school:

1. Parents should walk the route to school with the kids to identify hazards and review safety tips.

2. Walk facing traffic.

3. Bike with traffic.

4. Only cross the street at crosswalks and intersections. Stop, look and listen before you cross any street.

5. Follow the instructions of school crossing guards.

6. Bright colored clothing and reflective material on backpacks and bikes is a must.

Transported by car:

1. Never walk or stand directly in front of any vehicle (this includes the family car).

2. Everyone buckles up, no matter how short the distance.

3. Children younger than 13 and less than 5 feet tall are safer in the back seat.

4. All children younger than 8 are required to use a booster seat.

5. Use only the designated school drop-off location.

6. Never allow passengers to exit the vehicle before checking traffic and confirming school monitors are present.

Parents of high school students:

1. Do you have a family policy regarding giving and accepting rides? Students are about 50 times more likely to arrive at school alive if they drive themselves or ride with friends, according to www.nhtsa.gov.

2. Graduated licensing laws limit the number of passengers allowed with new drivers.

3. The driver can be ticketed for any passenger younger than 16 who is not buckled up.

4. New drivers need to be reminded that driving and parking at school are privileges that must be earned and can also be taken away.

5. Distracted driving kills. Safe driving starts with you. Visit the Faces of Distracted Driving at www.distractions.gov.”

My personal thanks are extended to the Hudson Valley AAA for all of these wonderful tips on walking and driving safely. We know what tragedy it is when a driver, pedestrian, or child is injured because someone let their guard down and allowed a distraction to break their concentration and someone got hurt.

Recovering

Sandra Kisselback of Berne is at home following some medical problems that required a hospital confinement. Albert Parshall formerly of Guilderland is currently recovering at the Meno Village Nursing Center where he is receiving rehab.

OES to meet

Members of Helderberg Chaper 331, OES, will resume meeting on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7:30 p.m., according to Stacey Wright, Matron.  Refreshments will be at 7 p.m. This meeting will be Ample Form, thus ladies are asked to wear white and the gentlemen tuxedoes.

GSD goes paperless

The Guilderland School Distinct has reminded parents that the district will be changing to a paperless card system for all grades. Parents are advised to access and review their child's report card online via the district's School Tool Parent and Student Portal.

Create an account

The GSD has advised parents who have not created a School Tool Parent and Student Portal Home page and account can do so by visiting on line the SchoolTool parents and students portal on the home page, on the district website. 

Photographic exhibit

The Guilderland Public Library invites the general public to view works provided by local photographers.  The exhibit will be available to the public during the month of September. The display will be in the Helderberg room and in the lobby display cases.  

Food pantry

Thank you is expressed to the area folks who have so generously donated canned goods and paper goods to the Altamont Food Pantry that is housed at St. Lucy/St. Bernadette Parish Center on Grand Street. There is currently a need for pancake mix and syrup. All donations can be left in the Gathering Space located in the church.

Enrichment program

The Farnsworth Middle School has announced an enrichment opportunity for FMS students. This program is in conjunction with WSWHE BOCES bringing STEM Academy to Farnsworth.

Courses include computer game design for students in grade six and seven; Vex Robotics for grade eight and Chinese for Grade eight.

Registration forms (can be found online), and should be sent directly  to WSWHEBOSCES.  All registrations must be submitted by Sept. 19.

Anniversaries

Happy-anniversary wishes are extended to:

— Nancy and Dan McDonough who will celebrate their special day on Sept. 19; and

— Michelle and Chuck Butler on Sept. 25.     

Birthdays

Happy-birthday wishes are extended to:  

— Jamie Pruskowski and Jason Lehr on Sept. 19;

— Cynthia Bertrand, Laura Caruso, Logan Cyr, and Linda Edson on Sept. 20;

— Joe Spadaro and Kristina Winsor on Sept. 21;

— Howard Conklin, Patricia Gifford, Marian Munroe, Taylor Munroe, Stacey Snyder, and

Jonathan Warner on Sept. 22;

— Chris Hodge, Andrew Timothy Rosa, Kira Shank, Joy Scherer, and Jacqui Timer on Sept. 23;

— Joe Donato and Tim Wagoner on Sept. 24; and

— Dawn Munroe on Sept. 25.