Don Elliott's blog

In order to meet the changing needs in our community we have implemented a change in our Mission, Goals and Objectives for the Child ID Program. With a change in our mission also comes a name change, the program name is NY Masonic Safety ID Program. Just as we moved from the video tape, we are going to be more of a proactive program. In an attempt to reach and protect our most vulnerable members in our community, young adults 13 to 17 years of age and our freshman college students, we will provide educational information and safety information appropriate for each age group on every CD in the extra file folder. We will continue to provide the same information for our children as we have in the past. Contact your Regional Chairman or the State Training Chairman to sponsor or host a program or training session for your lodge. This will require support from every lodge in this great jurisdiction. Did you know that most children are abducted or sexually abused between the hours of 3:00 P.M. and 6:00 P. M.? Learn this and much more by attending a training session in your district. Together we will make a difference. If you have any questions please feel free to contact the State Chairman at nychip1@nychip.org or any member of the NY Masonic Safety ID Program Executive Committee.

In this article we will look at comparisons from Jim Collins book “Good to Great ,” as it relates to how some organizations make a quantum leap from being average to being great. How do they do this, you might ask? One of Jim’s analogies is that of the bus and making sure the right people are getting on the bus and that they are in their correct seats.

Our program is similar: we need people (we need all of you!) to assist with the Child ID Program. People have to want to get on the bus and be willing to find a place that best matches their strengths. To be effective, the bus needs to have people who understand where we are going, what our objective is, and how we are going to achieve our goals.

(GREENLAWN, NY) The Firemen's Association of the State of New York
(FASNY) and the New York State Freemasons joined forces once again in
Greenlawn to bring the Child Identification Program, also known as
CHIP, to local families during the final weekend in August. At the Greenlawn
Firefighters Fair, children had the opportunity to go through a
step-by-step identification procedure, where a total of 10 child ID
stations were set up. More than 200 children took part in the program
over a four-day period.

The Child Identification Program is a quick way to attain vital
information about children that could be used during an Amber Alert.

The kids are great and enthusiastic.
Both teams, as you can see the by numbers were very busy.

Yesterday’s numbers at the NYS Fair are 328. Konosioni Lodge #950 sponsored yesterday. Joe Stevens, State Fair Co-chairman is a member of Konosioni Lodge; I quote Joe as reported by Carole, “Good crew all day. Brothers who are dedicated and all did a fine job.” Bro Gloria and I (Bro Carole) actually had to work today too. Most of the parents/guardians thanked us for the good work we are doing and explain to their children why it is important. ONLY TWO DAYS TO GO!!! The 8/8:30 am to 10:30 pm schedule is taking a toll on the co-chairs and their spouses -- we are all tired, but still dedicated.

Friday, August 29, 2008 Carlo Stevens reports all is well and the numbers continue to grow. One of our young volunteers, Andrew is just amazing. This young man is our future; let me tell you, our future is very bright. A special thank you goes out to Frank and his son Andrew. Look for this story and others as the State Fair winds down.
Remember; team work works, help when you can.

State Fair volunteers,THANK YOU!

Masons and their family's continue to step up to the plate making this community service project successful.

Bro. Carole, reports "... today's # is 210"

Thanks to all that volunteered.

Carole Stevens reports, "The count for today is 299."

The Fair ends on Labor Day, help and have fun. See you at the Fair.

"Hi ... hope you are feeling better, we are all concerned. Our prayers are with you. Get better soon. The count for today is 299 See you soon, Bro Carole"