Another Masonic year is upon us. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve you as Worshipful Master. I plan an interesting year with programs to be enjoyed by all. Your new officers are also enthusiastic and would like to share that enthusiasm with all of you.

W.M. Louis B. Foglia

The members of Solomon's Lodge No. 3 are traveling men! Throughout the years, we've taken day and week-end trips with friends and family. As your Worshipful Master, this year with your help, I hope to see that we continue that tradition. Some of our fondest memories are of the laughter and camaraderie we shared on the bus rides we've taken to and from our destinations. We've gotten to know our Brothers' families and thus expanded our own family.

In 1998, we traveled to Ottawa, Canada, and as it turned out, that began a custom of traveling to other countries every other year. We make a point to visit Lodges there and expand our Masonic knowledge by witnessing their degree work. While we are at those Lodge meetings, we have activities planned for our non-Masonic traveling companions. Many times, they are included in a Masonic gathering planned for all of us by the hosting Lodge.

In Ottawa, we visited Dalhousie Lodge No. 52. In 2000 we visited London's Antiquity Lodge No. 2 and Scotland's Edinburgh Castle Lodge No. 1764. 2002 took us to Naples and Palermo, where we visited Harry S. Truman Lodge No. 641 and Garibaldi Lodge No. 784.

We were welcomed to Denmark's Rosenborg Lodge No. 532 (Copenhagen), Finland's Osiris Lodge No. 34 (Helsinki), Norway's St. Olaus t.d.h. Leopard Lodge No.1 (Oslo), and Sweden' Den Nordiska Forsta Lodge (Stockholm), when we traveled to the Nordic countries in 2004.

This year, 2006, we are planning a visit to Ireland in October. We are checking meeting schedules with Lodges in Dublin, Cork, and Galway to see what will fit into our travel agenda.

The experiences we've had with our foreign brothers have made a permanent imprint on our minds and our hearts. I can tell you that a Brother's welcome is the same worldwide. You are instantly accepted, comfortable, and safe. You are at home, with family, no matter where in the world you may be. Please plan to share this year's experiences with us. You will receive more specific information as our travel plans are solidified; check our new News, Events, and Education page.

Finally, a fraternal reminder to fulfill your obligation as Master Masons and Brothers of the Craft by attending our Lodge Meetings and getting involved or sharing the fellowship. Without sounding like a cliché', "you only get out of Lodge what you put in it". Thanks again Brethren for your support. SEE YOU AT THE STATED!