Message from Supreme Tall Cedar Martz

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April 1, 2020 2020 Motto: Share Our Blessings

Brother Cedars, I hope and wish continuing good health and safety to you and you families. The ongoing world-wide coronavirus pandemic is one of the most difficult things each of us has had to deal with during our lifetime. The last month was very surreal. When I look at the date at the top of this message, I think what a joke mother nature is playing on us. I wish that it is just a bad dream and we all could wake up from it and move on. However, the challenges are real and we must first address the health crisis before we can determine how this has impacted our fraternal organizations.

Back in January I said that it was a time for resolutions – not those that are discarded when times get tough, but those that are important to keep, even if things do not also happen as we wish. Little did I image that times would get this rough. Nevertheless, after remaining safe, we need to stay focused on our objectives – fun, frolic, and fellowship, while supporting our charitable cause of funding research to alleviate and eliminate neuromuscular diseases. This is much tougher now, in times of illness, quarantines, stay-at-home orders, social distancing, etc.

At Mid-Winter I stated that improving communications between each of us and between Forests was one of my goals. Now, more than ever, this is most important. Please pick up the phone and call a brother Cedar or two or more on a regular basis. By this small gesture of fellowship, we can demonstrate that we are truly fraternal brothers.

We need to take this time of separation to address the question of what comes next. By now we have all cancelled our planned trips to Wildwood, NJ in May for our Annual Session and Convention. I am working on alternative plans for an Annual Session later in the year. The Bowling Tournament has also been postponed; the Cash Raffle is still planned for July at the Gratz Fairgrounds. I do not have a crystal ball for the future but I hope we can resume our Cedar activities sometime later this year. It will be good to get out and resume our fellowship when it is safe and we feel comfortable to do so.

Please keep the Foundation in your thoughts. Pray that “Lex” Kishbaugh, this year’s Good Will Ambassador, and his family remains healthy. Plan to participate in future events to raise money for our charitable cause. When you can, make a donation, hand out roses, or sell a sandwich or a shamrock.

God bless and stay safe! Bill Martz, STC