Wardens and Brethren,

In our fifth meeting of the year, we received dispensation to open at 8am, in order to then go to refreshment for the Riverside Memorial Day parade. During the parade we opened the doors to the community as an “open house” as such. As we did have a couple of brothers in the parade thirty plus brothers, family, and friends came to join us. After the parade our candidates preformed a great proficiency. 

Just two days before the Jenks Tavern had opened its doors. The Semi quincentennial Gavel made an appearance and here is the narrative of the event:

The Jenks Tavern event began as doors opened at 6:00 PM, welcoming a festive crowd where more than half of the guests arrived in impressive colonial garb. The bar was a highlight of the early evening, serving a mix of modern favorites and colonial classics such as Grog, Mrs. Washington’s drink, and Sam Adams beer.

At 6:30 PM, guests were called to their seats to receive their menus. Before the first course was served, Brother Caplin Mark Kelleher led the assembly in prayer. By 6:45 PM, the salad course was out, and the atmosphere remained lively as W. Brockway went table-to-table selling horses for the upcoming races. The first race sold out within just ten minutes.

The main course was served at 7:00 PM to high praise from all in attendance. During dinner, the raffle baskets—featuring special coffee with cups and wine sets—were announced. While the horse race betting continued, a side bet option was introduced, though it saw limited success compared to the main event.

The racing excitement kicked off at 7:15 PM. The first, second, and fourth races were all dominated by Horse #10, owned by RJ Landry, with each win netting a $50 prize. Horse Race #3 saw a different victor, with W. Jason Shelie’s Horse #3 taking the $50 prize.

At 8:15 PM, the raffle winners were celebrated: Dan, a new Master Mason, took home the coffee basket, while W. Mark Lomastro won the wine. The competitive spirit reached its peak at 8:30 PM with the Final Horse Race, where W. Jason Shelie’s Horse #3 secured a grand $300 victory. The formal activities concluded with guests enjoying the company of friends and family until the Tavern officially closed its doors at 10:00 PM.

Looking to the future our June meeting will be our Fellowcraft degree. The lodge will open 22nd at 7 pm. Food will be served at 6pm.

With a further look into our summer the Bill Santos smoker will be July 25th and feature Smoked meat (meal) Cooked by our very own W. White and S.S Mike M.  I hope to see or at least speak with most of you soon.

Fraternally,

Andrew (AJ) Brockway WM Jenks #24