S

IND

amaritan OF

The

NDENT ORDER EPE

Volume 6

Issue 3 • September 2014

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Welcome to

The Samaritan the newsletter of the New Jersey Grand Lodge of Independent Order of Odd Fellowship.



Please send any and all IOOF related news, events, photos, buildings, memories of days gone by, etc, with any identifying info to [email protected] This is YOUR magazine so any comments or suggestions are always welcome, too! Our success depends on YOU! .O I.O .F.

International

PRESS Association

Promoting Odd Fellowship through Positive Communication Guido Miranda

Camp Chat Challenges

11 

Are you Odd enough?

Editor-in-Chief

12  

Beth Obiedzinski-Garvin Art Director/Assistant Editor

Robert Wooton Proofreader

Fun & Games Odd Fellow Style

OF

INDE

DENT ORDER PEN

Debbe McClelland Grand Secretary

4527 Rt. 130 South Burlington, NJ 08016

United States of America Tel: 609-386-0025 or 609-519-8504 GRAND LODGE MEETINGS 1st Saturday of each month at 9:00 am

Grand Master Message...........................3 Grand Patriarch Message.......................8 Past Grand Master Message..................11 Rebekah President Message...................3 Grand Lodge Session...........................4-7 ¡Qué fiesta!..........................................10 Philanthropy........................................15 Events...................................................14 The Samaritan

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A Message from the

the GRAND MASTER

A Busy Beginning for a Busy Year Ahead

B

rother and Sisters, I hope this greeting finds you all well and

enjoying what is left of the summer of 2014. I personally have enjoyed it as my wife and I recently got to go away for a few days for a little R&R. My summer started off very well as in June I attended the Grand Lodge Session in Atlantic City where I had the honor of being installed as the Grand Master for 2014-2015. Our Fourth of July was our first Fraternal Gathering at Don Ramon Lounge. The event was very successful

with great attendance. Our next event was on July 5th at the Dolphin Diner where I met with and greeted the Youth from the United Nations Pilgrimage. On July 11th I attended the Official Visit for the Rebekah State Assembly President, Lillian New at Amor y Verdad Rebekah Lodge, Union City. July 23rd I visited Camp Chat. This is always a fun day filled with activities and on July 26th was the GL State Wide picnic where the scholarships were presented.

On August 10th was the Alvarez Del Portal #285, 40th anniversary dinner. Of course, at all these events I had the pleasure of being accompanied by many different GL staff brothers and sisters. We have many upcoming events so I look forward to seeing everyone. Some of these events are on page 14. Reminder: The Reorganization Meeting is Sept. 10th at the Dolphin Diner, 6:30pm. In Friendship, Love, & Truth, Guido Miranda Grand Master

A Message from

the rebeKaH President

Autumn, Dear Autumn

Changing Seasons and Presidents

Autumn, Dear Autumn, You’re off on your spree. There are so many auras. You beckon to me. The rustling wind noises, The falling of leaves, The joy and the gladness One’s heart receives. Tent cities of cornstalks Tied neatly in rows, The wind and the trees In Autumn’s last throes. There’s cider and pumpkins And colors galore. Parcel of folks In each country store. Thankgiving is due, Life is such a bliss, Nothing I’ve ventured Is sweeter than this. -James Joseph Huesgen

I

t has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your President year. I cannot believe my year is coming to a close. This year has been

a busy one and flew by vey quickly. This is my final letter as your President for the year 2013-2014. I would like to thank each of you for all the love, support, and friendship you have show me this year. Thanks to the Past Grand Master Doug Planer and the Past Grand Patriarch Carlos Lopez for traveling with me this year and for your friendship. To all the lodges, thank you for all the courtesies extended to my staff and I.

Say YES to my charity — the Gift Of Life. Gift of Life is charged with helping family members of those who are waiting for an organ transplant, offering support, lodgings, meals, and means of transportation and communication with the patient. Please join with me in helping support them.

~ Guido Miranda, Grand Master

The Samaritan

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Welcome back from the hot summer. As you go back to your lodges, go with enthusiasm for the coming year. The fall is a beautiful time of the year with the leaves on the trees turning different colors. As my term draws to a close, I am proud and grateful to have had the opportunity to serve as your President for the second term. The memories will last forever. Fraternally, Lillian K. New, P.P, President

We work hard, we play hard

Grand Lodge Session 2014

Photos by Beth, Pastor, and Steve The Samaritan

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We work hard, We play Hard

Grand Lodge Session 2014

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We work hard, we play hard

Grand Lodge Session 2014

The Samaritan

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We work hard, We play Hard

Grand Lodge Session 2014

The Samaritan

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A Message from

the Grand Patriarch

A Continuing Education in Odd Fellowship

M

y position of Grand Patriarch, has given me new knowledge of the Odd Fellowship, the Grand Encampment and the Grand Lodge. My first act as Grand Patriarch was on June 23. There were Patriarch degrees in Michael Popik Jr. Encampment No. 117 to brother Thomas Calabrese, Deputy Grand Master of the Grand Lodge. That day we read the review of what happened at the meeting of the Grand Encampment. The Patriarch Mike O’Connor had words of praise for such descriptive report. On July 4, we were present at the fundraiser by Grand Master Guido Miranda at Don Ramon Restaurant. We had a wonderful evening and donations were raised for the Gift of Life, which the Grand Master sponsors. The next day, July 5, we were in the Dolphin Restaurant, hosting

Modern Ten Commandments

young people who visit the United Nations. Several members of the Grand Lodge, the Grand Encampment and the Rebekah Assembly, were present. We should note the joy of these young people doing such a wonderful journey through the United States and Canada. On July 23, we drove west of New Jersey, and in a forest between mountains, we visited Camp Chat (Arthritis Foundation Program), where almost 100 children and young adults of both sexes enjoy the camp while in the midst of their disease that wreaks so much havoc on humanity. That day members of the Grand Lodge, Encampment and Rebekah were present. To close the week and the month of July, on the 26th, we were present at the Picnic organized by the Grand Lodge. There we enjoyed a very fraternal atmosphere with meals, drinks, raffles, and games to give more entertainment to all who were present. The picnic also served as opportunity to hand out the Grand Lodge scholarships to several young people. This is the first letter for our newsletter that gives us so much information. We thank the editors for a great work. Pastor Roman Grand Patriarch of the State of New Jersey

This a modern translation of the ten commandments to follow in life all the time.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Prayer is not a “spare wheel” that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a “steering wheel” that directs the right path throughout. So why is a car’s windshield so large and the rear view mirror so small? The reason is because our past is not as important as our future. So, look ahead and move on. Friendship is like a book. It takes few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write. All things in life are temporary. If it’s going well, then enjoy it, because that won’t last long. If it’s going badly, don’t worry, because that won’t last long either. Old friends are gold! New friends are diamond! If you get a diamond, don’t forget the gold! Because to hold a diamond, you always need a base of gold! Often when we lose hope and think this is the end; but God smiles from above and says, “Relax, sweetheart, it’s just a bend, not the end!” When God solves your problems, you have faith in His abilities; when God doesn’t solve your problems, He has faith in your abilities. A blind person asked St. Anthony, “Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?” He replied, “Yes, losing your vision!” When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them; sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you. Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles; it takes away today’s peace.

Odd Fellowship y Mi Educación Continua

N

uestro ascenso al puesto de Gran Patriarca, nos ha dado nuevos conocimientos en la Institución Oddfelica, El Gran Campamento y la Gran Logia, el primer acto como Gran Patriarca fue el día 23 de junio donde se le dieron los grados de Patriarca en el Campamento Michael Popik Jr. #117 al hermano Thomas Calabrese que hoy ocupa el puesto de Diputado Gran Maestro de la Gran Logia, ese día también se leyó la reseña de lo acontecido en la sesión del gran Campamento, el Patriarca Mike O’Connor tuvo palabras de elogio por tan descriptiva memoria. El día 4 de Julio estuvimos presentes en el acto de recaudación de fondos del Gran Maestro Guido Miranda, en ese lugar pasamos una noche maravillosa y cooperamos para la causa Give of the Live que patrocina el Gran Maestro. Al otro día, 5 de julio estuvimos presentes en el recibimiento a los jóvenes que vistan las Naciones Unidas en el restaurante Dolphing, donde estuvieron presentes varios miembros de la Gran Logia, el Gran Campamento y las Rebekahs, hay que notar la alegría que sienten estos jóvenes al hacer tan maravilloso viaje a través de Estados Unidos y Canadá. El día 23 de julio nos trasladamos hacia el oeste de New Jersey y en un bosque entre montañas visitamos el Campamento de la Artritis Cam-Cha, donde casi 100 niños y jovencitos de ambos sexos disfrutan de un asueto en el proceso de su enfermedad que tantos estragos ocasiona en la humanidad, ese día también estuvieron presentes miembros de los altos cuerpos. Para cerrar la semana y el mes de julio el día 26, estuvimos presentes en el Picnic que organiza la Gran Logia, allí se disfrutó de un ambiente muy fraternal con comidas, bebidas rifas y juegos para darle mayor entretenimiento a los presentes, también se repartieron las Becas de nuestra Institución. Estas son mis primeras letras para nuestro Boletín que tanta información nos provee, agradecemos a la directiva por tan inmensa labor. Pastor Román Gran Patriarca del Estado de New Jersey

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O

n a beautiful day in July, we went for a visit to Camp Chat in Hackettstown, New Jersey. Camp CHAT is a six day sleep-away camp for children with arthritis and rheumatic disease. Nestled in the woods of northwest New Jersey, this totally accessible Easter Seals campsite offers archery, boating, craft projects, swimming, climbing wall and a zip line through the tree tops. Chat sessions with trained Peer Group leaders round out this camp experience. It is the perfect opportunity for the campers to discover that they “are not alone” in dealing with their disease.

Photos courtesy of Pastor Roman The Samaritan

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cuarto de julio

¡Qué fiesta!

Si te acostaste a través de este partido, usted debe vivir en Tuckerton ...

The Samaritan

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a message from

The Past grand Master Alvarez del Portal Lodge No. 285 Celebrates 40 Years

O

n August 11, 1974, a group of Cubans from the Union City area, joined with the idea of founding a Lodge of the Independent Order of Odd-Fellows, many of whom were members of the order in Cuba so they took the Past Grand Master name “Jose Alvarez del Portal” in memory of such a valuable brother. That year we had our founding ceremo-

ny in which Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of New Jersey’s, well remembered brother Michael Popik Jr, along with officers of the Grand Lodge of NJ was present for this ceremony. During these forty years of Logia “Alvarez Del Portal # 285” has been one of the most active lodges in the state of New Jersey, From this lodge three Grand Masters have been installed, Hugo Cabrera, Miguel

Perez and Guido Miranda. In 1982 their own building was bought as well as a pantheon in the Fairview Cemetery. We have participated in the founding of lodges in Venezuela, Mexico and Puerto Rico and have been very active in all the activities of the Order in New Jersey. Fraternally, Hugo Cabrera Past Grand Master

Logia de New Jersey el muy recordado hermano Michael Popik Jr, quien con otros funcionarios de la Gran Logia de N.J. se hizo presente para las ceremonias de fundacion. Durante estos cuarenta años de Logia “ Alvarez Del Portal #285” ha sido una de las mas activas logias del estado de New Jersey, de sus filas han salido tres grandes maestros, Hugo Cabrera, Miguel Perez y Gui-

do Miranda. En el 1982 compro su edificio propia, tambien compro un panteon en el cementerio de Fairview. Tambien ha participado en la fundacion de logias en Venezuela, Mexico y Puerto Rico, y ha sido muy active en todas las actividades de la Orden en New Jersey. Fraternally, Hugo Cabrera Gran Past Master

Cuarenta Aniversario “Logia Alvarez del Portal #285”

E

n Agosto 11 de 1974, un grupo de Cubanos del area de Union City, se unieron con la idea de fundar una Logia de la Independiente Orden de Odd-Fellows, muchos de ellos ya eran miembros de la orden en Cuba por lo que tomaron el nombre de Pasado Gran Maestro “ Jose Alvarez del Portal” en recordacion de tan valioso hermano. En ese año era Gran Maestro de la Gran

Get Caught in the Web of Odd Fellowship!

I don’t suppose I could convince you to come up here and fight like a Spider???

Well then, maybe I can convince you to get involved with our newsletter,

The Samaritan

We need your help with what’s going on in the world of Odd Fellows — near and far. So drop us a line, send us a photo, give us an idea. As always, our success depends on all of YOU! This ad was instigated by Doug and Steve. The Samaritan

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! Food

Friends Grand

!

Lodge Picnic 2014

The Samaritan

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Photos courtesy of Beth, Tom, & Steve

Fun!

! Games

The Samaritan

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EVENTS

YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED 3 3 3 3

September

October

Independent Order of Odd Fellows New Brunswick Lodge No. 6

Independent Order of Odd Fellows

3 October 14-16: Rebekah State Assembly Session, September 15: Annual Golf Outing; New Bruns- Port -O-Call, Ocean City, NJ. wick Lodge #6; Peddie Golf Club, Hightstown, NJ. 3 October 16: Craft Show/Collectibles/Flea Market; For more information call Dan 732-266-4831 or New Brunswick Lodge #6; VFW Post Cranbury Mike 732-766-9192. September 19: Emmanuel Cancer “50 Shades of Rd., East Brunwick. For information call Jim Miller 732-390-9747. Grey Denim & Masquerade Ball”, Paris Caterers, 109 N. Blackhorse Pike, Blackwood, NJ. For more November information call Zipporah 856-853-4803. 3 November 2: Grand Master Guido Miranda Testi- September 20: Gospel Night, French Lodge #89, monial Dinner, La Reggia Ristorante, Hotel Reggia, Richwood Methodist Church, Richwood, NJ. For 40 Wood Ave, Secaucus, NJ 07094. For info contact more information call Bob 856-881-8414. Pastor Roman at [email protected]. September 27: Annual Roast featuring Don Ander- Don’t forget to submit your events! son; Cranbury United Methodist Church.

Annual Golf Outing & Luncheon September 15, 2014

The Peddie Golf Club • Hightstown, NJ 08250 Registration & Breakfast: 8:30am B

Continental Breakfast

Goodie Bags

Green Fees & Cart

A Night of Dinner & Music featuring

Glassboro Methodist Church Praise Band

Shotgun - Scramble: 9:30am

Bar arbeque Lunch w/ Open

French Lodge No. 89 • Richwood, NJ presents

and South Jersey’s own

Sanctified

FORE!

(Richwood Methodist Church)

es Cocktail Hour & Dri nk Cart Hole Sponsor Priz Gifts, Prizes, & More!

Saturday, September 20, 2014 Buffet Dinner 6pm-7pm • Music 7pm-9pm Richwood Methodist Church Fellowship Hall Richwood, New Jersey

Meet our friend Logan

The funds we raise will be donated to help offset Logan’s medical expenses. For more information call:

$16.00 each or $140.00 for a table of ten

Dan 732.266.4831 or Mike 732.766.9192

Have you seen this Odd Fellow?

What’s So Odd About Helping Others? All tables reserved with limitled seating. Order quickly before they’re all gone! No. of Tickets :___ @ $16.00 = ______ No. of tables: _____@ $140.00=_____ Total:__________ Name: _________________________________________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________ Amount Enclosed: $_______________________ Person(s) I (we) wish to be seated with: ______________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________ Make checks payable to French Lodge No. 89 and return to: Robert Wooton 400 Ronald Ave. Glassboro, NJ 08028

Deadline for the next issue of

If so, please return him to Amity Lodge • Gloucester City, NJ Sorry no reward. The Samaritan

The Samaritan

is October 15, 2014!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this issue a success! 14

Philanthropy

We ran, we cooked, we shopped! New Brunswick No. 6 5K Run

French LoDge No.89 Peach & Pancake breakfast

New Brunswick No. 6 Craft & Flea Market The Samaritan

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Independent Order of Odd Fellows Grand Lodge of New Jersey 4527 Route 130 South Burlington, NJ 08016

family

women

youth

universal justice fun

The Samaritan

help

hope

reliable

humanity

volunteer

love truth

faith unity leadership universal justice relief fellowship honorable 16

research

what iscommunity an odd fellow? charity friendship men

respect harmony

I am an Odd Fellow! I believe in the Fatherhood of God, and the Brotherhood of man. I believe in Friendship, Love and Truth as basicguides to the ultimate destiny of all mankind. I believe my home, my church or temple, my lodge, a  nd my community deserve my best work, my modest pride, my earnest faith, and m  y deepest loyalty, as I perform my duty"to visit the sick, relieve the distressed, bury the dead and educate the orphan" and as I work with others to build a better world, because, in spirit and in truth, I am and must always be, grateful to my Creator, faithful to my country and fraternal to my fellow-man; I am an Odd Fellow!

creative

faith

pro active

education conscientious devlopment universal fraternity

What’s so ODD about helping others?

visit the sick bury the dead educate the orphan relieve the distressed

INDE

DENT ORDER PEN