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Bring a Friend Meeting

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Century Lodge #492 2005 Bring-a-Friend Meeting was held in June 11, 2005.  Brothers and friends were in attendance from California, Montana, Arizona, Wisconsin, Florida, New York and from around Illinois.   The focus of this meeting was to share a day of brotherhood with Oddfellows that have either been part of Century Lodge 492 by associate or full membership but more importantly to friends that have never been exposed to Oddfellowship.  The impact on friends coming to such a meeting for the first time is overwhelming to say the least.  The day starts out with a cocktail hour, and awesome meal prepared by our great chef's and is compliments of the house.  Upon finishing the meal all are urged to enter the meeting room.  The meeting room is darkened and once all are seated at the front of the lodge is the one and only Brother Hans Olson.  Hans is a world famous Blues recording artist that has played with such greats as Muddy Water and Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee.  We actually met Hans via his song of true brotherhood, Golden Rule.  This song is played at the begining of every meeting and can be heard on the home page of this website.  After a little musical introduction, speaker John "BJ" Goldberg PG tells the story of Oddfellowship.  The story covers everything from the establishment of Oddfellowship to what is going on right now.  The focus of this talk is to inform the newer members and guests about our order.  The meeting is integrated with speakers and music from Hans.  At the end of this meeting each of the rebirth lodges in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin had a representative that passed a large donation to the charity of their choice.  The impact on the guests kept coming.  Emotions were high and the feeling of what we really do was in the air.  After the meeting the entertainment takes off as Hans cuts loose and the refreshments are flowing.  Thanks to all that realize the value of attending this type of meeting and for bearing the expenses of travel to be present.  See you at the next BRING -A- FRIEND MEETING!!!!!!

Hickman Family Benefit / Sycamore #105

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  The Jeff Hickman Family benefit sponsored by the Sycamore Lodge #105 Oddfellows was held Sunday September 17th. The event was held at the Winners Circle bar located next to Sycamore Speedway on RT 64. A ttendance and support poured out from family and friends to Oddfellow Lodges and Associate Members from Northern Illinois to Southern Wisconsin. There was also a good showing of support from Rebekah lodges from the same areas.

  Thankfully the sunshine held out until later in the day. With an outstanding menu that included a  pig roast, awesome rotisierie chicken and every type of side fixin and desert you could want to eat… everyone totally enjoyed the chow! There was an auction that include two motorcycles and a line up of items ranging from new wormdrive skilsaws to plasma televisions. Entertainment was outstanding from bands to bag pipes and 50/50 raffles to raffling off a look up the bagpipe players kilt a great time was had by all.

  The event raised over $20,000.00 that will be given to the Hickman family. Hospital bills have currently surpassed $500,000 and is climbing as Jeff still remains in a coma. Our hope and prayers are with the family and our brother Jeff. Oddfellows don’t forget Oddfellows. Thanks to all and to the determination of Jeff’s rebirth home lodge, Sycamore #105 and its dedicated members for a successful event.

  On Sycamore Lodge #105’s July Poker Run Jeff and his wife Laura were on the lead motorcycle traveling down the road at 60 mph when a deer jumped out in front of them and took them both off the bike.  Thankfully Laura is healing well from her wounds, however, Jeff sustained substantial head wounds and still remains in a coma.

  Anyone wishing to donate additional financial assistance for the Hickman Family can simply mail your donation to Century Lodge #492, 50 1/2 Main St., Carpentersville, IL 60110 and at the bottom of the envelope write In Care Of Hickman Family…we will see that your generous donation gets to the family.