By: George J. Bibilos

It's summertime, it's warm, and freemasonry for the most part is in its "off-season."  While a few lodges do hold communications over the summer, in many cases to work the numerous candidates that have been joining our fraternity in recent years, for the most part things quiet down in July and August.  The off-season allows us to "rest and refresh" ourselves and reconnect a bit with the family.  It is also a chance to chill out a bit and recharge the old batteries.

Yet with the advent of things such as Facebook, Twitter and other means of "instant communications" it is clear that while things are quieting down, the off-season still has some activities.  One lodge just recently had a big pig roast and luau and others (many on the Cape) are raising funds with lobster roll sales.  I hope to avail myself to the latter when I'm down on the Cape.  There are also blood drives going on, with offers of free ice cream to entice participation as well as some barbeques for some lodges and their families to enjoy.  I should also mention that on August 5th the Grand Lodge will be heading down to Provincetown to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Pilgrim Memorial.  Many brothers from across the state are expected to participate.

In addition, planning is underway for the upcoming Masonic year.  Recently we had an officers meeting at Golden Rule Lodge to plan our upcoming year and start organizing for the various events that will be occuring.  I've also been called to speak at a Lodge of Instruction about the new Lodge of Research and things going on in Education.  In addition, things are already in motion to get things going for our next Grand Master who will be taking office on December 27th.

Off-season though is just that, off-season and for 99% of the fraternity it is a time to dim the light on freemasonry.  When the gavel drops on the June meeting it is like the last out of the baseball season.  It is a time to reflect on the past season and also to look forward to the season ahead and it is that off-season that allows us to do that.  In some respects there is something to be said for building up a little expectation for the next season.  What is that saying about absence makes the heart grow fonder?

So as we sit right around the midpoint of the off-season for freemasonry we should take full advantage of it.  Pack the cooler and grab the bathing suit and enjoy the beach.  Go hit a ballgame with the family and create those memories that will last a lifetime.  It's summertime and it is time to unwind and decompress and in today's 24/7 society that we live in, that can be a hard thing to do.  Unplug the laptop, shut off the i-Pad, leave the Crackberry on the bureau and just disconnect for a while.

Before you know it Labor Day will be here and the Masonic year will be hitting in full gear and with that of course comes all of the dues bills for all of the various Masonic organizations we belong to!  So enjoy the off-season because before you know it the "first pitch" of the Masonic season will be here.  Play ball!