Rajah News - December '21

Bryan Snyder,
President
CONCERT BAND
Learning to play a musical instrument has been shown to help mental – along with physical – health,
by reducing stress, anxiety and depression. In fact, it has such a profound influence on mood that it can
increase vigor, excitement, and happiness while reducing depression, tension, fatigue, anger and confusion.
Engaging in a creative process such as instrument playing is much like hitting the gym; except you’re
doing it for your brain.
Playing a musical instrument is particularly good as it involves both sides of your brain. While the left
side controls logic, the right side is more about performing creative tasks. Playing an instrument engages
both sides of the brain. As a result, you’re able to remember things better and your memory also strengthens.
One of our bandsmen is facing a difficult challenge in his life.
He has lost the ability to play his instrument and has found that he needs to focus on other
things to keep his brain stimulated. I am talking about our top fund-raising salesman,
Noble Marty P. Ritter, 81, from Allentown. Marty has started his Masonic journey at
Barger Lodge No. 333 in Allentown and was raised as a Master Mason on May 25, 1972.
Next year he will be celebrating 50 years in Masonry. In 1978, Marty joined the Rajah
Concert Band and performed in many ensembles and many concerts and parades with his
clarinet.
I have to circle back to the fact that Marty’s love for the Rajah Concert has been
exemplified by his true salesmanship. Marty has promoted the band’s annual fund-raising
program by selling the most calendars by anyone who has sold them. The band is indebted
to Marty for helping to make the 2021 campaign a success. Marty has lost his ability to
play his clarinet, but he still promotes our band with his talent for sales. I asked Marty what
is the key to his success and he says to “pray every day.” Prayer gives you a connection
to something greater than yourself, which does wonders for your emotional well-being.
It provides a greater sense of
purpose, betters your mood
and helps you cope with and
overcome the difficulties life
brings your way. Besides 43
Calendar donations are $20 each.
Contact Bryan Snyder – 610-589-2022
bryansnyder@comcast.net
or by mail:
591 Hill Road, Robesonia, PA 19551
These make nice Christmas presents.
Order early, order often.
Winners may opt to send their winning
check to the Shriner’s Hospital
Marty P. Ritter
years in the band, Marty also joined the Lehigh Consistory on May 5,
2007, and the MSA Lehigh Consistory on November 7, 2015.
Don’t be surprised if Marty asks you to purchase a 2022 Lottery
Calendar. They make great Christmas gifts and you can assign your
winning checks to be donated to the Shriner Hospital Music Therapy
Program.
Bill Trusty,
President
See you at the races.
MOTOR
CORPS
Greetings from the Rajah Motor Corp!
We were busy with parades this fall but
now we are building up for the holiday season
and the Annual Motor Corp and Oriental
Band Horse Races on Saturday, February 12,
2022, at the Rajah Shrine Complex.
Happy Holidays to all Nobles and their
Ladies.
21