Brothers you are making a difference in our community.  The last few weeks have been busy for Jackson Lodge 17.  We participated in the Rose Parade with the Past Masters float that Brother George Otis made arrangements to get from the Detroit Lodge. Brother Eric Cole made the necessary arrangements with the Rose Parade people so we could be in the parade. Several of our Past Masters rode on the float along with the Wardens and myself. Many people waved and told their children that "they are the Masons".
 
We also had the Strawberry Festival at the lodge where the Past Masters put on the Master Mason degree to raise a new Brother to be a Master Mason. Thank you to the Brother's that participated in that degree to make it a success.  Brother Lyman Robertson was in charge of the dinner and I thank him for putting together a fine meal for us to share.
 
We also participated in Kids Fest at the American One center at the Jackson County Fairgrounds by doing the Michigan Child Identification program for many families in the Jackson area. We hope that people will never have to use the items that we give them, but if they need to we known that we have given them important items to aid in finding their child. This program is not difficult to do and could possibly save a life of a child. The next time we do the program we hope you will take a little bit of your time to come out and help run the kids through it.  The more people we have the lighter the load.
 
Another way you are making a difference is the new food bank at the school next to the lodge. There was not a food bank of any kind near Michigan Center until now.  Brother Mike Pierce brought the needs of the food bank to our attention and the Masons of Jackson 17 responded quickly to help.  Seed money was needed to get things rolling so Jackson 17 and the Temple Board each donated $500 to the cause.  The $1000 was matched by the Grand Lodge of Michigan for a total of $2000.  Jackson Council No. 32 of the Royal and Select Masons which also meets at the Jackson-Coolidge Temple was not to be outdone and also made a donation of $1000 to the food bank.  The total is now $3000 that has been donated to the food bank because the Brothers who meet at our Temple have come forward to fill a need in the community. You Brothers should be very proud of the work you have done.  You have made a difference.  We will continue to collect non perishable items at the Temple for the food bank.  Please drop off items for the food bank at the Temple when ever you come to a meeting.
 
Brothers I hope you enjoy the summer break.  Brothers keep spreading light, because the more you create for others the brighter your own life will be.