We had two very informative and interesting stated communications this January. Brother Gary Lee Henning (WM 1997) gave a very inspirational talk on leadership in both your work, lodge and life. Brother Matthew Szramoski, chairman of the GL finance committee, gave a very in-depth presentation on the finances of the Virginia Grand Lodge and its various committees. There is a strong drive on to increase membership by brothers in the Life in Perpetuity program. The benefit is that you make one dues payment for the rest of your Masonic life. This money provides the Grand Lodge with a pool of money in which in can smooth out its operations. Your benefit is that you NEVER make another dues payment to Cherrydale Lodge for the rest of your Masonic life. We honored Bro. Scott Buchanan with his Life in Perpetuity pin at the last state communication.

     The speaker for our first communication in February will be MW Akriam Elias who was the Grand Master of DC in 2008. He will give a talk about Dan Brown's book "The Lost Symbol" and the Masonic connection to DC. It should be a very interesting topic. Mark you calendars.

     We had an outstanding turn out for the Grand Master's visit to Sharon Lodge on January 14, 2010. We had an official fraternal visit with 10 brothers from the lodge. On February 13, 2010 the GM will be at Concord Lodge in Vienna, Va. I hope we can get another official visit recorded at that communication.

     Our LIW, Bro. Carl Weaver performed an EA catechism at our last communication. Way to go brother!!!!

     We all hope that you will all make a real effort to come to lodge at least once a month and say hello to your brothers. We plan on having some very interesting speakers to both entertain and educate you on our beloved fraternity.