Mason-2014-Winter-Rnd1

Masonic Yacht Club supports Camp Turk
RW Bob Stein, PDDGM of the Ninth Manhattan District and wife Kathy
The Masonic Yacht Club supports the Ninth Manhattan
District as well as the Grand Lodge and all Masonic groups.
Once again the Masonic Yacht Club supported Camp Turk
by sponsoring the Great Sailboat Race. This has become a
yearly tradition, which the members of the club have come to
enjoy as much as the campers. It was especially rewarding this
year because our Grand Master, MW William J. Thomas, has
made Camp Turk the focus of one of his charities.
During the boys’ week, Commodore Cancemi and Chaplain
Rick Whitthohn were present as the boys competed. There
was not a lot of wind, which made the competition more
difficult. The boys had a great time and showed a great deal of
determination.
Past Commodore and present Secretary Bob Stein and First
Mate Kathy Stein led a contingent of guests during the girls’
week. District Deputy of the Ninth Manhattan District Gerry
Messina and his lovely wife Barbara, and shipmate Tony Perry
and his lovely wife Linda, joined in this year’s activities.
During lunch in the mess hall the trophies for the sailing
regatta were displayed to build excitement and encourage
participation. The trophies were then moved to the waterfront
for the ceremony after the race.
As the girls prepared to begin the race, the camp director was
gracious enough to take the guests out on the pontoon boat
to the middle of the lake to get a different perspective. It was
a bright and beautiful day as the girls ran to their boats and
unfurled the sails. The multicolored sails waved gently in the
breeze as the boats seemed to glide across the pristine waters
of Round Lake. Some of the girls were fiercely competitive
and resorted to using their hands and arms to paddle as well.
Giggles echoed across the water as the occasional girl would
spill into the lake.
The operator of the boat explained to us that the race
generates much excitement ever since the MYC became
involved and brought trophies. It is a very popular event at
camp and he was very appreciative to us for all we do. We
have been actively involved in this for many years now and it
is always great fun for us to see the joy it brings the campers.
All the camp assembled on the lawn as the girls came forth
to receive their trophies. If you have never seen Camp Turk
when it is in operation, I strongly encourage you to join us
next year for the Great Sailboat Race. Our special guests this
year had never had the privilege of witnessing the camp when
the campers were there and all agreed it was very impressive.
When you are considering your charitable donations please
remember Camp Turk, as they get no outside funding and
could truly benefit from your support. The old Lodge room
chairs from the Whitestone Temple were donated to Camp
Turk, where they are proudly displayed in the Camp Turk
Theater. The computer lab was happy to receive some updated
programs and equipment, courtesy of the Trinity Lodge Sister
Circle.
Before leaving camp, through the generosity of a special
friend of the Masonic Yacht Club, we were once again able to
present a sizable monetary donation to the camp. Last year’s
donation purchased washing machines and dryers and this
year’s donation will go toward the purchase of some needed
items on the camp wish list. The Camp Turk Director and her
staff greatly appreciate everything that is done for them. s
THE EMPIRE STATE MASON MAGAZINE WINTER 2014 21