House Hunting Update

Since my wife and I first started looking at houses (both online and in person) we have seen all different kinds of properties. Actually, maybe not all different kinds but a diverse range of quality, various prices (all within our pre-qualified range), and built at different times. It has been an experience and an education throughout. While there are a few things that now have on our checklist when walking through a property, I will say that this process has been a heck of a lot easier having a great realtor working for us (who just so happens to also be a brother).   

I guess the first thing that has been driven home again and again for us is that price doesn’t mean quality. Some of the houses that we walked through which were at the top of our range had some great features but there were a number of things that left a lot to be desired. At the same time, those houses well below our max budget may not have had some of the fantastic features but they were generally solid all around. So far all a higher price has meant is that the highlights will be there but they will also accentuate the shortfalls.

In many of those instances with the higher priced homes the biggest issue was found in the basement. This is why you must always look in the basement and study the walls of the foundation and the structure surrounding you in all six directions. There were a few houses that we considered putting offers in after having walked through the house but that thought quickly evaporated once we saw the large cracks and chunks missing from the foundation walls (and these houses were only 10-15 years old).

It just goes to show that you have to always look beyond the façade. Not considering the basic structure and foundation of the house but also looking past unfortunate paint selections and minor things that can be fixed within a couple hours over the weekend. While the former will prevent you from making the mistake of buying, the latter may prevent you from making the mistake of walking away.

However, the most important thing that we are constantly reminding ourselves during this long process is that just because it is a nice property doesn’t mean it is the right house for us. We have seen many properties both physically and virtually that would be great fits for people we know but they would never be something that we could call home. It is a long process that requires patience and persistence. And, in the end, I keep saying to myself that right now these are just houses. When we find the right one and move in then it will be a home.

Returning To Action

I always feel unprepared when returning to the lodge after being off from labor the entire summer. I find myself trying to look back to made sure that I am not missing anything from the past meeting in June that will carry over to the current month. It is also when I know I am going to get questions about the activity during the summer and what the plans are to close out the year. My mind is kind of all over the place when I walk through the doors in September.

While I shouldn’t be surprised, the meeting went as smoothly this month as I could have ever hoped for. Well, almost. It would have been nice of the weather had cooled down a bit and to have more brothers in attendance so that we are not playing catch up before the next meeting but I can’t really complain (too much). However, because of the heat and the absences, my night did end up being a lot shorter than I was expecting.

With the summer holding on to the calendar for a bit longer, the heat of the day carried over into the night and turned the lodge room into a sweat box… this was especially true for those of us who are in a tux during the meeting. Essentially, we were able to have a meeting, reconnect with each other, and lose a few pounds by the time we adjourned to the hall to finish up our program. This is the first time that I can recall (in my very short masonic career) finishing the meeting downstairs and it certainly was a welcomed change by everyone in attendance.

It is while we were in the air conditioning that we were all able to get a better understanding of most of the appendant bodies within freemasonry. Most of us are members of some body beyond the blue lodge but we are all still a little in the dark regarding some of the other bodies (there are exceptions to this as well). The most interesting part of this educational evening for me was learning about each of these bodies directly from the respective officers. There really are a lot of opportunities and different experiences within freemasonry that I hope to enjoy at some point in the future.

The biggest take away for many of us is very simple. While there are numerous appendant bodies and opportunities to join across the wide spectrum of freemasonry, they all trace back to the blue lodge, our home lodge, this small group of committed brothers that work each and every day to help the fraternity in some small way. We all have this same foundation and we each decide what kind of structure we build upon these three degrees. I am looking forward to seeing these buildings progress each meeting and every year.

First Night At Eastern Star

Last night my wife and I attended our first Eastern Star meeting in Norristown. It was quite the interesting night for the two of us and one that was very different to was we are used to. Even for me, who is used to the rituals and structure of a Masonic meeting, what I witnessed last night was completely different in many ways.

 The most glaring difference is that of the clear religious overtones (not undertones). From different songs sung to other obvious symbols, it is a little contrary to the non-religious, agnostic may be a more appropriate term here, stance that is held regarding the consideration of members, although a belief in G-d is required to join. It leaves someone like myself, who is not Christian but who is very familiar with Christianity, a little confused as to the true direction.

However, like many things in this country that have significant Christian overtones, one needs to consider the spirit of the message rather than the references made. Additionally, when looking at many of the other aspects of the ritual and the general set up and structure of the meeting there are numerous Jewish references, symbols, and undercurrents in the order. Most glaringly is the fact that we face the East toward the temple mount and Jerusalem (this is a commonality found throughout Freemasonry).

Overall, what is more important in the fraternity is the fact that you are surrounded by, in this instance, many brothers and sisters who show genuine interest in who we are and take the time to talk with us, learn more about us, and, when needed, assist us in whatever way they can. What is all too often overlooked is the fact that family is the foundation to our fraternal organizations… a family with G-d as the head. This is the bond that we all have experienced and what strengthens our connection with one another and our belief in our own G-d (based on our individual faith).  

It was this connection with those around us that we experienced both before and after the meeting and all the rituals, routines, and references therein. It is the conversation and the light that you can see in their eyes, regardless of age, that slight glow that lets you know just how happy they are to meet you and to share this common connection with you. That is what is at the heart of chapter which makes all the references and overtones, for me, window dressing.

The Foundation Of Our Work

I arrived at the Holiday Inn in Kulpsville, Pennsylvania just as the sun was coming up. Coffee was not an option. (Photo by Rick Trivane)

Yesterday was training day. Not the Denzel Washington type rather a day comprised of proper procedures, deadlines, and requirements in order to apply for Rotary Foundation grants. Nine hours later and I am finally able to apply for and utilize funds to help the community. Needless to say, this is a useful and necessary ability for every club and one that I hope to apply in the near future.

However, there was much more to the day than simply information. Much of the time was spent inspiring those in attendance with the accounts of fellow Rotarians who have seen their work come to fruition. From securing medical equipment for a community in desperate need and ensuring that fresh water is available to people who live without running water to founding a new industry in West Africa that allows the people to support themselves with skills taught by committed Rotarians. All of these projects took hard work, dedication, and funds provided, in part, by the Rotary Foundation.

A room full of Rotarians.

It really is awe inspiring to see the work that has been done and to meet the people that have brought those projects to fruition. It is what keeps me motivated to continue to raise the funds needed for our own educational projects in West Philadelphia. Yesterday in particular it pushed me to sell more tickets for our fundraiser and brainstorm with other clubs about what we might be able to achieve in the near future by working together.

Hearing about the projects, listening to the long time Rotarians in attendance, and learning from the district and international leadership is a means to give us all a common experience. Regardless of the communities we each live in and the focus that each of our clubs may have, we are all Rotarians and we are all taking the steps in our own ways to better the world. We all may have different backgrounds and varying years of Rotary service, from Rotary International Past President Wilf Wilkinson with nearly 50 years to someone like myself with just over a year, we are all equal. We are all contributors to peace in this world.

(L-R) Rotarians Frank Hollick, Rotary District 7450 Paul Harris Society Chair, Wilf Wilkinson, Past President Rotary International and Sean Teaford, President-Elect Rotary Club of Bala Cynwyd-Narberth. (Photo by Rick Trivane)

These kinds of events are an opportunity not just to ensure that we have the proper training but that we are able to discuss with other clubs about the work that we are doing. We are able to find a common ground and in many instances find partners in our endeavors. This is a time to do the behind the scenes work that makes our projects so effective and ensures the longevity and sustainability of our efforts.

These are the types of moments that reinforce my decision to spend a rare day off in a conference room at a Holiday Inn. This is what gets me out of bed at five in the morning and out the door by six. This is why we give so much of our time and energy. Knowing that we are able to accomplish such great things not as individuals but as a part of something greater than ourselves is the reason why we are Rotarians.

Eastern Star + Cracker Barrel = Two Applications

Monday evening, in the midst of the apartment CF (look it up if you don’t know), my wife and I went to a meeting at the local Cracker Barrel in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. I know the question that, most likely, immediately popped into your mind… who has a meeting at Cracker Barrel? Okay, so maybe some of the southern folk followin’ me may not be asking that. Now I don’t have anything against Cracker Barrel, I’ve been to various locations across about 8 states during my life. Somehow I’m still alive and I’ve never had a heart attack.

While my wife is not a fan of the establishment, I looked at this as a good sign. You know you are meeting some down to earth people when first impressions are going to be made at Cracker Barrel. So, as instructed we looked for a bright red handbag and, after locating the accessory, we introduced ourselves to three older women and an older gentleman. We were having dinner at 5:15 so this really wasn’t a surprise.

As is evident in the title, the purpose of the get together was for us to learn more about The Order of the Eastern Star (OES). My wife has noticed how much I have gotten out of being a Mason in such a short period of time and was interested in finding out a little more about joining Eastern Star (for those of you unfamiliar with the correlation, in Pennsylvania only Master Masons and “women with a specific Masonic Affiliation” can join this fraternity). Honestly, this threw me off a little bit.

I knew a little bit about the organization as my Mother and Grandmother were both members at one point and, as far as I knew, this was still an organization comprised of only women. Obviously, things have changed. What peaked my wife’s interest was their charitable contributions to, among others, Cancer Research, Arthritis Foundation, American Heart Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and Shriner’s Hospitals for Children. All amazing causes and, frankly, I was unaware of many of these partnerships. That is where my interest started.

After we chatted for about ninety minutes and everyone had a chance to get to know one another we took a look at the petition for membership. My wife seemed eager to fill it out and, in a bit of a twist, I filled one out as well and I am looking forward to joining with my wife in the fall. While I can’t guarantee my level of involvement (my lodge and my Rotary club take precedent), it is nice to have something that the two of us can share moving forward.

So, add this to my schedule and to the list of topics that will be discussed on this blog. Somehow I will find the time. Now I just have to find my marbles. Have you seen them?