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VOLUME 104

Exalted Ruler Message continued from page 1

After hearing the sentiments and gratitude expressed by all of our visitors for this program, you can't help but want to do more to support it. 

Our Hoop Shoot will be held on Saturday, January 3^rd at Bridgeport Elementary School.  Registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. with the shoot starting at 11:00 a.m.  Boys and girls, ages 8-13, are invited to come out and participate in this fun event.

February 1^st is Super Bowl Sunday, and I am optimistic that our Eagles will be going to the Super Bowl.  In any event, the Lodge will be having a Super Bowl party and details will be posted in the lodge as well as on our website.

We are preparing for our new lodge year and will have nomination of officers for the 2004-2005 lodge year at our meeting on February 5^th with election of officers on February 19^th.  Participation in lodge meetings is one of the privileges of membership, and all members in good standing are encouraged to attend these very important meetings.

Wishing all of you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year and hope to see some new faces at our New Year's Eve Party.
                                 Fraternally, Carol Horton

Cabbage leaves are also considered a sign of prosperity, being representative of paper currency.
The song, "Auld Lang Syne," is sung at the stroke of midnight in almost every English-speaking country in the world to bring in the new year. At least partially written by Robert Burns in the 1700's, it was first published in 1796 after Burns' death. Early variations of the song were sung prior to 1700 and inspired Burns to produce the modern rendition. An old Scotch tune, "Auld Lang Syne" literally means "old long ago," or simply, "the good old days."

Have a Fantastic New Year, Al !