September 2019 already?

It’s been quite a while since I last submitted anything to the State Newsletter, no excuses, just never got around to it.  I have heard from a lot of our members that they miss the newsletter, and why isn’t the editor getting it out.  So let me tell you what has happened, most of those who normally submit to the newsletter stopped submitting anything, including me.   With nothing to put into the newsletter, there was no need for it to be posted.

I have reached out to all of the WMA Board of Officers and Chairmen and pleaded, begged, and everything short of forcing them to submit something monthly.  I even asked my wife to “remind” me to submit my article.  So hopefully the newsletter will get back on track.  If any of you out there know a Board Member or Chairmen please encourage them to submit their article.

With that being said, here we go.  The past year has flown by, and I do not know where it went.  Between Lodge visits, Association Events, International Events, and taking time to spend with my family, this past year was a blur.  The Association has grown, Lodges and Chapters have grown, and my kids have grown, but we all still have some growing to do.

Let’s start with the Highlights of this past year. Mike Nevin did an outstanding job as Deputy Supreme Governor, and now Glenn Achter will also do an excellent job as the New Deputy Supreme Governor.   Matt Boardman being asked to serve another term on the Moose International Activities Committee, and Supreme Councilman Mark Penzkover moving one year closer to being Supreme Prelate.  4 new Pilgrims for our Association,  Mike Nevin from Superior #606, Jim Neikirk from Menomonie #1584,  Kevin Wanggaard from Racine #437, and Richard Robarge from Rice Lake #402. Congratulations to all of our new Pilgrims.

Congratulations are also in order for those that received their Fellowship while at the International Convention in Las Vegas.  Bob Pfeiffer from Milwaukee #49, Mike Wixom from Janesville #197, Arthur Langhoff from Clintonville #1502, and Bob Britz Sr. from Marinette #2327 all made the trip to Las Vegas to attend their Fellowship Conferral.

This year SIX Lodges qualified for the Premier Lodge Award, and those will be announced at the Convention Banquet on Saturday night.  This was the 1^st year of the Association’s Top Lodge Award and the reformatted Top District Award.  The competition was tight and the scoring was super close, but only one can be the “Top”.  And the winners are – join me at the banquet and find out.

Until next time ~ take care, be safe, and remember our mission. “Create Our Future”

Mike Rynearson, Territory Manager