Sickness & Distress,
News and Glad Tidings (14)

	Congratulations go out to W Mike Daniels on receiving his Master's Degree from Columbia University - School of International and Public Affairs in May 2006. He attended the Executive MPA program for the past three years. His concentration was in advanced management and finance. Now that he has graduated, we look forward to seeing him more often in the Lodge. Congratulations, Mike!
	Congratulations to Shakespeare's elected officers for next year: WM Brother Bob Anthony SW Brother Julio Duran JW Brother Michael Chaplin Secretary Brother Josh Gaffin Treasurer RW Ihsan Toksu
	Brother Bill Thomas has two nieces, both of them are in Tallahassee, both of them are expecting in mid-September, and they are both boys.  Where are the petitions?
	Congratulations to Brother Avi Berkowitch who may be breaking "into the big time" of music, as he  begins working with the rock group Murphy's Law - he is trying out as their drummer.  The group is nationally known, and this is a really fantastic opportunity for Avi.
	Over 150 Brothers, family and friends turned out for the homecoming of our District Deputy Grand Master.  RW Bill Thomas has been working for the Grand Master as his representative in the Sixth Manhattan District for the past two years.  RW Dan Semel presented Bill's permanent jewel, and his wife, Susan, made a lovely presentation during her remarks.  Most of the Grand Line was present, along with new Brothers and veterans.  Many thanks to Worshipful Chris Winnicki and Brother Josh Gaffin for making the event happen.
	Shakespeare Lodge was well-represented at the Annual Queens QUEST Masonic Education seminar on Saturday, March 25. Brothers Adam Riback, Jay Alvarez, Bill Thomas, Gil Ferrer and Fernando Volquez heard lectures on a variety of subjects - from Masonic History to Ritual Development. This was a fantastic opportunity for all Masons, and each Brother expressed appreciation for the opportunity to continue his travels East.
	We are saddened by the loss of our Brother Abe Berman. Avi was a 64-year member of Shakespeare Lodge. He died in Orlando on March 10, 2006, according to Brother Jerry Berman. Avi had been ill for a while. We shall miss him. Born February 1, 1920 Initiated October 2, 1941 Passed January 15, 1942 Raised February 5, 1942 At Rest March 10, 2006
	Shakespeare Lodge raised four more Master Masons on March 16, 2006, and it was quite a night for everyone. Brothers Gil Ferrer, Anthony Echevarria, Bob Bakhchi and Michael Rosas join ten other new MM's in this year's class. Brother Bob Anthony conferred the degree, and did a splendid job along with the entire degree team - which included NO PAST MASTERS! Congratulations to all. Those present saw the degree in its entirety, including the full drama, complete historical lecture, the MM Q&A, and a beautiful charge, with thanks to H.S. Truman Lodge, which was simultaneously conferring the Sublime Degree, and asked our new MM's to sit in and observe. Congratulations to our newest Master Masons. Brother Bob Anthony conferred the Sublime Degree on February 16, 2006, with an excellent degree team. Many thanks again to Allied Lodge's Brother Wesley Ally, who delivered a superb lecture. Pictured with Worshipful Chris Winnicki are Brothers Steve Kitts, Jay Alvarez and David Vasquez. By the way, Brother Kitts took his obligation on the same bible used by this grandfather when he was raised 56 years ago - which was signed by his great-grandfather! Shakespeare Lodge raised five new Master Masons on February 2, 2006. The degree work was exemplary, especially the Master Mason lecture by RW Dan Semel.  Worshipful Chris Winnicki conferred the degree with support from each of his officers. Please welcome your new Brothers and make them feel at home!  Pictured are Brothers Avi Berkovitch, Lin Carey, Adam Pearson, Worshipful Master Chris Winnicki, Brothers Rhandy Tavares and Fernando Volquez.
	Congrats and best wishes to the Malave family for the addition of Dylan Malave! Brother Jay Malave has not stopped smiling since the birth of his second son. That means two new Brothers for Shakespeare in the next 20 years or so. Wife Margie is also doing well and in good spirits.
	Congratulations to four brothers who received their 55-year veterans awards at the November 3, 2005 communication. RW Walter Schraeter, DSA; W Milton Pelikow, DSA; W Harold Besser, DSA; and Brother Robert Anthony were honored by the DDGM, RW Bill Thomas, during the meeting.  Brothers Schraeter, Pelikow and Besser were all in the class of 1950; Brother Anthony was raised in Watertown Lodge in 1949.  Everyone in the room had something to contribute in the form of accolades to these brothers.  And ten of our new Entered Apprentices sat in the NorthEast Corner across from them to see their predecessors honored.

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