Benjamin Franklin Lodge #83, Madison, WI

BFL#83 hosted a Loved Ones at the Table dinner on June 23rd at the Café Continental. This event was held in honor of the Loved Ones of BFL#83 members, to recognize them and thank them for their support of our Lodge activities. This is BFL#83’s adaptation of the more formal Masonic public Table Lodge.

The dinner was an opportunity to meet new Lodge members and their Loved Ones, to ask questions and get answers about the Lodge. It recognizes our Loved Ones’ efforts in the improvement and needs of others. The Brethren toasted to the honor of Our Loved Ones. It is interesting to note that our “patron” Benjamin Franklin used to attend similar dinners while he was diplomat in France.

Part of the evening included a short summary of the past year of Lodge activities. Brother Travis West then explained the BFL#83 Bijoux, the jewel of our Lodge, and presented it to new members Chandru Solraj, Dave Baux and Richard Drerup. Brothers Curt Dimmig, Winter Guite and Scott Statz then presented the BFL#83 Quarry Award to Brother James Anderson and Rebecca Price for their outstanding fundraising efforts by running in marathons. In one of their marathons they raised over $10,000.00 for research for a cure for leukemia and lymphoma in honor of James’ father, Richard Anderson.

Members, their Loved Ones and guests enjoyed a delicious meal at the Café Continental, which is owned by BFL#83 member Nick Schiavo. Socializing and camaraderie filled the evening.