Janesville-Western Star lodge #55 presented a matching grants check of $1,000 to Project 16:49 of Rock County.
16 Hours and 49 Minutes: The time between school ending one day and starting the next
Project 16:49 is a local non-profit organization serving Rock County’s unaccompanied homeless teens. We believe every child deserves an opportunity to succeed. To that end, Project 16:49 ensures access to the services and support these students need to remain in school, graduate and become self-sufficient adults.  More can be see at www.Project1649.org.
Pictured left to right:  Alan Snyder, Anthony Staver, John Meek Tammy DeGarmo of Project 16:49, PGM Jack Allord, Mark Hazelbaker, Duane Harvey, Norm Burns and Jerry Thompson.  Photo by Larry Preston

Ron Rasmussen, Rosie Fiscus and Larry Preston were ringing bells for the Salvation Army at Festival Foods in Janesville on December 12. 

The Trustees of Janesville-Western Star Lodge and the Janesville Masonic Center are providing advanced education scholarships to students seeking to advance their studies in the Nursing and Health Sciences fields studying at UW-Rock County and Blackhawk Technical College.  These scholarships are for when the students high school scholarships no longer apply and are to help in the further education beyond the original scholarships. Applications may be obtained by contacting the scholarship offices at these two schools or by contacting the Janesville Masonic Center at 2322 E. Milwaukee St., Janesville, WI 53545. 

2018 Janesville Craig and Parker High School Scholarships were awarded to Machenze Petranek of Craig High School and Machenze Forest of Parker High School.  Congratulations on your high education endeavors.

Tony Staver was raised to a Master Mason on December 5, 2016.

Arthur Campbell received his 50 Years of Membership award from Worshipful Master Jeff Lichtfuss at the Past Masters dinner held at the Prime Quarter in Janesville on November 10, 2016.

New Master Mason Jim McMillan was raised on November 12, 2016.  Pictured l-r: Larry Preston, Mike Nelson, Norm Burns, Richard Moen, seated Pete Rambow, PGM Jack Allord, New Master Mason Jim McMillan, Jeff Lichtfuss, Allen Snyder Seated Warren Notestad, Duane Harvey and Mark Nelson.

ven new Jobies in front and the Jobies who came from other Bethels to perform the Initiation Ceremony.
By Emmalyn Smith, Grand Bethel Senior Princess
Bethel #21 of Janesville, was reinstituted on Sept. 18. After many months of working out logistics and finding girls who were interested in joining, the Bethel finally took it's first steps and initiated seven girls. These girls have so much support from the State and from other Masonic organizations. They have an amazing council to work with: Mom Sherri Arnold, Bethel Guardian; Dad JT Lichtfuss, Associate Bethel Guardian; Mom Anne DeWilde, Guardian Secretary; Dad Larry Preston, Guardian Treasurer; Mom Laura Slavik, Director of Epochs; and Mom Rosie Fiscus, Promoter of Sociability. Bethels from Burlington, Milwaukee, West Allis, Bristol and Racine came to help out with the initiation. The girls are excited to finally be members and we are excited for them. Continued support for these girls as they begin their journeys is essential. They have already started working on a calendar and have many ideas for events. We hope to see you at some of their future events!

Janesville-Western Star Lodge #55 just completed a fund raiser to improve the appearance of the Dining Hall.  With the walls of the area repainted, new six foot round tables and burgundy colored fabric stacking chairs were purchased.  This is what a recent event looked like with these new tables and chairs.   

Back row l-r: Dale Anderson, John Meek, Miles Bradley, Ron Rasmussen, Patrick Garvin, Fran Prusansky, Duane Harvey.
Frt. row l-r: Jerry Thompson, PGM Jack Allord, PGM John Wilke, MM Joshua Grube, WM Jeff Lichtfuss, Brian Duoss, Jim Gajdosik.