(20250122) HTI Update January 22, 2025

High Twelve International
January Update

January 22, 2025

Greetings High Twelve Members,

Happy New Year, I hope that you had a safe and Happy Holiday season. As we begin 2025 our Clubs, Associations, and International Officers are busy with the work of High Twelve International. We had a great Mid-Year meeting, a big thank you to our International President and his committee for their hard work in making a fun, memorable and productive weekend. Also, our International Secretary continues to amaze me with his ability to simultaneously perform the duties of his office as well as handling the technical aspects of producing a meeting in person and online. 

The one surprising takeaway for me was the number of long standing members who did not seem to understand the awards of recognition that are available through High Twelve International so I thought I would give a brief overview.  

There are several, The Club High Twelvian of the Year, The State High Twelvian of the Year, the Three Star Award, the Four Star Award, the Five Star Award, and the All Star Award. 

Each one is a little different and several are given out at different levels of the organization. 

Two awards are given out at the Club level they are the Club High Twelvian of the year and the Three Star Award. These awards are for dedicated service to your club and the recipients are selected by your club President. 

Two awards are given out at the Association level. They are the State High Twelvian of the Year and the Four star award. These awards are for dedicated service to your Association and the recipients are selected by your Association President. 

The last two are the Five Star Award and the All Star Award. These two awards are given out by the International President and are for outstanding and dedicated service to High Twelve International. 

It is clear from the number of certificates requested that these awards are not given out often and many members have never heard of them. Though they should only be given to deserving members of our organization it seems to me that we have many members who are worthy and are not being recognized. I as the Club Presidents and Association Presidents to please take advantage of these awards and recognize your members. I know we do not do these jobs for the recognition however it is always appreciated when someone notices good work. 

Thank you for your continued service and support of High Twelve International!

Respectfully,
Jared R. Kichline,
First International Vice President

FAMILY FELLOWSHIP FUTURE!

Brethren,

As 3rd Vice President, I am the zone contact for Florida, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. There are many great things that are happening in our clubs and organizations.

On January 6th, 2025 I had the pleasure of holding a Zone Contact Zoom Meeting. The conversation was great, and I heard many great things that are happening in the states that logged on to represent themselves. I posed the following question, “Does anyone on the meeting know what the three R’s are? The three R’s are Recruitment, Restoration, Retention/Rescue.

Recruitment. How do we recruit? How does High 12 officially recruit?

When we think about recruitment, do we limit ourselves? We close ourselves when we come to recruitment. We limit it to masons. How can we turn our trajectory to get more members? How can we leverage a masonic club to make it more accessible to get people to join? Do we not talk about it enough? We must show up to our local clubs and advertise that you are a High 12 Mason.

Retention. What does retention mean to you? Do you check up on members that you haven’t seen in a while? Retention is more about communication.  Are we offering enough diverse events to retain our members? Ask our members what do they want? We must be specific when we talk about High 12.

Restoration. What is your plan to restore the engagement of the members in your club? How would you effectively restore an inactive club?

Florida:

High 12 is still thriving in the sunshine state! Two new members logged on for this month’s Zone Contact meeting, I see their Facebook posts and all the effort they put into their clubs and youth programs.

Ohio:

Ohio is up and coming in opening clubs. Unfortunately, a club is starting to decline, however a new club is starting up.

Pennsylvania:

Brother Herb and Brother Jerry had shared some great things that are happening in the state. Keep up the great work Pennsylvania!

New Jersey:

Brother Sposato, our High 12 President of the New Jersey Travelers joined us. He shared that the club tries to travel to different areas in New Jersey as much as they can to share what a great organization High 12 is.

Michigan:

Our Michigan Brothers are still quiet. To date I have no updates on how they are faring. Hopefully their clubs are thriving and will be in touch with me soon. 

Ben Castellamare, 3rd Vice President

FAMILY FELLOWSHIP FUTURE!

All Members:

On January 14, 2025 you received an email poll entitled “Fundraising and Merchandise Poll.”  The poll closes on February 9, 2025.  To respond to the poll you MUST be logged into your account.  Upper right corner of any page on the website www.high12.org, enter you password OR if you forgot it/never signed in just click on “change password” and a email will be sent you to set a password – similar to all other sites.

FAMILY FELLOWSHIP FUTURE!

The August meeting was full of activity.  Another application for membership.

We are getting at least 1 new member per month.  President Nick Vettese initiated two new members, Mark Mason and Donald Morrison.  Yes, there is more, we had a guest speaker from New Jersey Rainbow Girls, Samantha Brynn Amatrudo who told us about her Rainbow Experience.

The presentation was very interesting and enjoyable.  There were plenty of ladies there to brighten our day.  A great afternoon of Family, Fellowship, Future.  Can’t wait for our next meeting!

Conrad W. Dombkiewicz

An interesting fact is Berlin gave the royalties of the song to The God Bless America Fund for redistribution to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in New York City.

Irving Berlin’s journey as a Freemason was well documented, starting on June 3, 1910, when he was raised a Master Mason in Munn Lodge No. 190 in New York City. He immediately took to the fraternity, going on to become a Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner within the same year. In 1936, he was honored as a lifetime member of both appendant bodies. Being a Freemason meant a lot to Brother Berlin. He lived out our core values, giving generously to charity and using his stature as a celebrity to raise money for noble causes.  We hope to see you at this concert.

Fraternally,
Bryan D. Snyder
President of the Rajah Shrine Concert Band

On Friday 10 January, the Sun City West High 12 Club met at the Royal Café Restaurant in Sun City.  The Club conducted the installation of the 2025 Officers.  Below is a photo of the officers in line. 

2025 Club Officers are:

President- Don Winscot;                   Chaplain- Jeff Samuelson
Vice President- Richard Young         Director- Glynn Ley
Treasurer- Earl Paasch                     Director- Kevin Hokerk-Robinson
Secretary- Bob Carhart                     Director- Gary Fullington
Masonic Representative Dave Miller
Wolcott Representative- Kevin Hokerk-Robinson.

At the beginning of the meeting, the Club received information from Jessie Ramirez about the locally based the West Valley Community Food Bank.

In the photo below, Club President Don Winscot (on the Right) presents a check to Jessie Ramirez, Executive for the Wet Valley Community Food Bank, from the Club’s annual Rice and Bean Fund.

At the January Club meeting, Club President Don Winscot was recognized for his leadership of the Club in 2024.  In the photo below, Past International Officer Kevin Hokerk-Robinson  (on the Left) is presenting the special recognition to Club President Don Winscot.

Planning continues for the Annual February Pancake Breakfast to be held on Saturday 08 February 2025 at the Sun City Masonic Center.  This is a joint fundraising activity with Sun City Masonic Lodge No 72.  Proceeds from the fundraising breakfast are distributed to local Masonic youth groups, the Boy Scout Troop which meets at the Sun City Masonic Center, and local community support organizations.

The Sun City West High 12 Club continues to work on including local Masonic Widows in Club events.  The Club’s efforts have assisted local Masonic Lodges in maintaining contact with the Masonic Widows living in the West Valley area.

David Miller, PSP

The members  of Abiff Tri-City #799  Detroit  Michigan, are looking forward  to our upcoming  events.

Some of our new members receiving the certificate from High Twelve Clubs International. And our guests Miss Joyce Marie Brown -Williams  visiting us and supporting  our club.

Rodrick Brown, Jr.

A motion was made to approve the Installation of Officers by acclimation by Ron Hicks and seconded by Emmett Mills. The motion was approved.

Fraternally yours,
David Windmiller, Secretary

Villages Elementary School at Lady Lake
Children’s Chorus and Check Presentation

Wolcott financial reports are on the High Twelve International website at High12.org under the Wolcott tab at the top of the page

Wolcott Foundation Mission Statement

The Wolcott Foundation Inc is a nonprofit 501C-3, supported by Masonic High Twelve International. It is established to provide Fellowship Grants to graduate students attending George Washington University’s College of International Business, Public Management, and International Affairs, who exhibit an interest in government service. These students must possess outstanding scholastic achievement, social awareness, and high individual ethical standards.

The selections were completed by a panel of George Washington University faculty and administrators as part of the new procedures for Wolcott Fellows following the establishment of the Wolcott Foundation Fellowship Endowment Fund at GWU. The new selection process and tuition payment process were established to ensure the continual selection of Wolcott Fellows in perpetuity. Congratulations to all!

Wolcott Fellow and Fulbright Fellow
Clara Sherwood “WOWS” attendees
At the Annual Wolcott Luncheon

Nothing, however, can describe the pride and excitement of meeting and hearing one of the Wolcott Fellows in person.

Clara Sherwood, our speaker at the 2024 Wolcott Luncheon held during the High Twelve International 103^rd Annual Convention left the attendees shaking their heads at the accomplishments of this young lady since becoming a Wolcott Fellow in 2021.

Clara received her Wolcott Fellowship in 2022 but was also awarded a Fulbright Fellowship that same year. She requested and was granted a one-year delay on the start of her studies at George Washington University, so she could study for a full year in Morocco under the Fulbright Fellowship. Clara began her Wolcott Fellowship studies in the Fall of 2023 and will graduate in 2025.

A video of Clara’s presentation during the Wolcott Luncheon is available on the Wolcott Foundation website, www.wolcottfoundation.com.

Wolcott Foundation PowerPoint Presentation
Outline Notes for delegates to
The High Twelve International Mid-Year Meetings
January 10, 2025
St Louis, MO
Michael E. Clark-Chairman/CEO

The Wolcott Foundation Inc. is a nonprofit supported by Masonic High Twelve International. It was established to provide Fellowship Grants to graduate students attending the George Washington University’s Colleges of International Business, Public Management, and International Affairs who exhibit an interest in government service and international business. These students must possess outstanding academic achievement, social awareness, and high individual ethical standards.

The Wolcott Foundation is the Oldest Fellowship Granting Foundation at George Washington University. (GWU)

The 500^th Wolcott Fellowship was awarded in February 2020. (Currently, 524 Fellowships have been Awarded)

The Foundation Awarded 6 Fellowships for the Fall of 2024 and currently has 12 Wolcott Fellows studying at GWU.

• The Wolcott Foundation Board of Trustees established The Wolcott Foundation Fellowship Endowment Fund at George Washington University in 2023, with a $ 4 Million initial contribution.   The Wolcott Foundation Fellowship Endowment Fund at GWU earned approximately $ 1.25 million in interest and dividends in 2024.
• The Wolcott Board of Trustees has voted to contribute an additional $500,000.00 in early 2025 and a further $500,000.00 contribution before the Wolcott membership meeting in June of 2025.
• The Wolcott Foundation Board of Trustees will consider adding the George Washington University School of Health to the list of approved Graduate Studies Programs eligible for a Wolcott Fellowship.
• The Wolcott Foundation Board of Trustees will consider adding the George Washington University School of Health to the list of approved Graduate Studies Programs eligible for a Wolcott Fellowship.
• There are approximately 300 Senior Wolcott Fellows in our database.
• Approximately 100 Wolcott Fellows are currently working in public service positions in the United States and in the foreign service sector.
• Senior Wolcott Fellows after retiring from public service, often become consultants for major corporations, start their own businesses, and/or serve on the Board of Directors for corporations.
• All GWU alumni can contribute to the Wolcott Foundation as part of the GWU alumni contribution program by selecting the Foundation as their recipient.
• The Wolcott Foundation is expanding the contribution program for Wolcott Senior Fellows with the assistance of a group of distinguished Senior Wolcott Fellows from the 1970’s. The group is headed by Senior Wolcott Fellow and former United States Ambassador to Honduras Charles Ford, along with former United States Mid-Eastern Diplomat Lincoln McCurdy, and several other very distinguished Wolcott Senior Fellows.
• All Wolcott Foundation Financial Reports are under the Wolcott tab on the High Twelve International website (High12.org).
• The Wolcott Foundation website (www.wolcottfoundation.com) provides information on the foundation and how our fellows are chosen.
• Videos suitable for broadcasting of Wolcott Fellows presentations at the Annual Wolcott Luncheon are available on the Wolcott Foundation website.
• The Wolcott Board of Trustees currently consists of four Trustees from Michigan, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Arizona.
• Applications for a Wolcott Foundation Fellowship are now being received by GWU through January 31, 2025, from qualified undergraduate students for the Fall 2025 George Washington University Fall Semester.

• Application review will begin in February, with final selections made, and Fall 2025 Wolcott Fellowship selections announced in April

High Twelve International President Roberto Sanchez and 1st Vice-President Jared Kichline attended a reception for Wolcott’s current and Senior Fellows hosted by George Washington University on November 14, 2024.

The HTI Officers were given the opportunity to meet and visit with Wolcott Fellows and GWU Faculty and Administrators.

The Wolcott Foundation is proud to announce that Ms. Brianna Gist, a second-year Wolcott Fellow at GWU will be the featured speaker at the Wolcott Foundation Luncheon, held at noon on Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Orlando, Florida.

Michael Clark, Chairman
Wolcott Foundation, Inc.

DON’T FORGET TO DONATE!

COVID NEARLY DID US IN

Southern Colorado #546 had met for over 35 years at a local community college, where the culinary arts students provided wonderful meals once a month. When COVID hit, the college closed the culinary arts department  dismissed all of the staff. That left the club with no where to meet. 

It has taken us until November of 2024 to find a place where the members could have a meeting and a nice meal. A local golf club has opened their restaurant for our meetings and dinner. 

We lost several members to COVID, but are now on the up swing, took in three new members and have more Young Masons asking about joining.  

Stanley A. Gardner.  PIP
Secretary/Treasurer #546

East Valley had their 2025 Installation of Officer’s on Saturday 1/18/25. Installing officer was Kevin Hokerk-Robinson and Installing Chaplain was Michael Clark, Chairman, Wolcott Foundation. Mike Clark was also our speaker for the day and I presented our clubs Wolcott Donation.

2025 Officers:

President: Lee Stith, PP
1st Vice President: Gerhardt Obrikat, PP
Secretary/Treasurer: Stephen Maggs
Chaplain: Kevin Hokerk-Robinson, PP
Masonic Representative: Paul Howell, PP
Wolcott Representative: Kevin Hokerk-Robinson, PP

Kevin L. Hokerk-Robinson, PSP, SE, TE

Tri Cities High Twelve, New Braunfels, met January 12, 2025 for the new year, we installed the new office which and began Tri City’s 32nd year.

With Texas High Twelve State President William Badders doing the installation . The officers installed were Dan Colburn, President  Joe Diliberto,VP Toby Stoker Secretary/Treasurer  Terry Miller Chaplin. 

Tri Cities .meet every 2nd Tuesday at Golden Corral  for lunch at 11:30am, meeting at High Twelve, ladies are always welcome. For information  email the secretary tobystoker@gmail.com.

In honor of the passing of Brother Lee an donation of $100  was given to Firestarter. 51 Canyon Lake for the support they gave him.

Submitted by Tri City High Twelve

Submitted by, Joseph “Mike” Brown

For December, the Jersey Travelers took the show on the road again and visited the American Legion Post No. 286 in Pine Hill NJ for their “Breakfast with Santa!” A great time was had by all and we had a great showing! The Travelers had 10 members in attendance and with family, we had 20 people there representing the club! 

Our educational program for the month will be a Presentation on the York Rite! The presentation will be given by Right Excellent Jeffrey Alexander- Past District Deputy Grand High Priest for the Grand Chapter of the State of New Jersey! 

January’s going to also be an exciting month for the club because we are unveiling our High Twelve Jersey Travelers Club Banner and table top signs! Stay Tuned, we’re got a great year ahead!

Freeport (IL) High Twelve still meets every Thursday, unless the weather is unbearable.  Our attendance varies from 4 or 5 members to 9 or 10.  No new members.  We have been supporting our local Salvation Army at Thanksgiving and Christmas with a donation.  We also just donated $100 to them for their food bank.

Keep Warm!!  Looking forward to Spring!

Roger A. Carson, Secretary

Remember — Sorrow looks back; worry looks around; and, faith looks up!

The December Club meeting was the installation of the 2025 Club Officers, and we had a great turnout. Following the installation, we held our traditional Christmas gift exchange, which is always fun, and surprises are in order. At the February meeting, we also had drawings for the Honored meal for our Widows and Widowers and several surprise drawings.

On December 15, 2024, the Cochise High Twelve Club provided hot dogs, pizza, drinks, buns, and condiments for the Children and Family Resources Org. We were also involved in a drawing for prizes and games and providing more tables and chairs. We also assisted with the children’s games. This was the seventh year we supported the Children and Family Resources Org.

At the January meeting, we discussed planning the year’s programs and special events. Pres Rayna was already prepared and had an outline of the year’s programs, including those of Sierra Vista city officials. One of our special events is the July Masonic Widow and Widowers luncheon, which will be the club’s 30th luncheon. We will also have a special meeting to celebrate the club’s 31st Anniversary as Chartered High Twelve Club #703.

If you plan on attending our Club meeting in Sierra Vista, Arizona, you’ll enjoy it.

Andy Anderson, Secretary

On November 16th, 2024, Tejas High 12 #685 hosted their annual election and installation of officers at the historic Nat Washer Masonic Lodge in San Antonio, TX. A round of applause goes to Mats-Ove Järpenfjord for his election as President for 2025, marking a new chapter of leadership. The officers were installed by Honorable Brother William Badders, International Sergent at Arms and President of the Texas High 12 State Association. After the formalities, the club buzzed with excitement as members participated in a lively cigar raffle and a spirited Texas Hold ‘Em tournament, successfully raising over $200 for the Wolcott Foundation. Interestingly, this was the second time the club held a poker tournament, and it came with a humorous twist – Past President Jason Reichenberg has now been officially barred from participating, given his uncanny streak of suspiciously frequent wins.

Fraternally,

Jason E. Reichenberg, PP
Secretary-Treasurer, Tejas High 12 Club
jason.e.reichenberg@gmail.com
256-457-0995

2025 OFFICERS

President  – Phil Enabnit
Vice-presidents:  Duane Wachter, Bob West, ONE NEEDED
Secretary: Richard Anderson
Treasurer: Doug Stephenson
Assistant Secretary and Bulletin: Dr. Tom Gruis
Auditing and parliamentarian –Ken Brickman
Installation of new members – Ken Brickman
Junior Past President  –  Duane Wachter
Membership – Jim Mason and Phil Enabnit
 
Trustees: (Last three Presidents): Duane Wachter, Robert West, and Tom Gruis

On Sat Nov 17th, 2024 Jerusalem Temple Lodge. No 90 of AF&AM under the Grand Lodge of Illinois had their Annual Installation of Officers. The Lodge and Masonry as a whole were blessed to have WB Jose Martinez takes a fitting role as Worshipful Master. It was a banner day for JTL No. 90 Lodge and Illinois Masonry. Jose is also a Charter member of Tria Luminaria High Twelve Club No. 808. Jose serves as the Club’s Masonic Rep. Outside of his High Twelve & Blue Lodge duties Jose has also served as President of the Aurora Area Shrine Club under Medinah Temple. Photo below is from that day. Illinois State High Twelve Association 2nd VP Marty Kwilosz came to the Installation to present a Certificate of Recognition celebrating the day on behalf of the Illinois Association. Fun thing about this picture it also contains a fun photo bomb from Worshipful Master David P. Lynch.

Marty Kwilosz

Omaha High Twelve Club #68’s Installation of Officers 12/28/24. 

Outgoing President and Installing Officer Sean W. Reed presents the gavel to Incoming President John Grant

Sean Reed, PP

Many members of CHI-ILL High Twelve Club are also very active with Keystone Royal Arch Chapter No. 281 and affiliated Chicagoland York Rite Bodies. On Fri Dec 27th, 2024 Keystone Royal Arch Chapter under the direction of (Ruben Valadez Club President, Mark Nokes PIP & PSP, Mark Victoria Past President, Marty Kwilosz 2nd VP Illinois Association and Eric Maxa CHI-ILL Sgt at Arms) hosted an amazing Table Chapter for all Masons in the honor of St John The Evangelist. The night was an amazing party full of Brotherhood, Great food, Toasts, Ample Refreshment and Education. There was a special Speaker in John A. Bridegroom from the state of Indiana. John is the current Senior Grand Warden for the Grand Lodge of Indiana, Current Grand Chaplain of The Grand Council of the Allied Masonic Degrees and a Most Illustrious Past Grand Master of the Grand Council of Cryptic Masons of Indiana. It was a great night of York Rite level Masonic Education but High Twelve level Fellowship!

Past President of CHI-ILL High Twelve Club Mark Victoria and current president of Alce High Twelve Club Marty Kwilosz are both proud members of Villa Park Chapter Order Of the Eastern Star. On Sat Jan 3rd Villa Park Chapter hosted a ritual school sponsored by the State Grand Body. It was a great day of Masonic Fellowship and learning our sacred and timeless work. Marty and Mark with the help of their ladies served lunch to 100+ Members before the Ritual School. Order Of The Eastern Star is a Great Masonic Body! Fun Fact Charlie Coffee PSP of Illinois currently serves as Associate Grand Patron of the Grand Chapter of Illinois!

Marty Kwilosz

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