Masonic Medical Research Laboratory

gives Presentation for

9th Manhattan District

On March 15th, 2010 we had the pleasure to welcome three members of the Board of Directors of the Masonic Medical Research Laboratory (MMRL), which is located in upstate New York, in Utica.

R.W. Dr. Sheldon Stachel, R.W. Arthur Fisch and R.W. Laurence Sussman guided us through the development of MMRL, from past research to specializing in Cardiovascular Research. Fundamental research has it's pitfalls though, whenever the Scientists reach a breakthrough, they open a "new can or worms", with new problems as well as new opportunities. 

One such oppertunity came with the chance to open a "Stem Cell Center". The idea here is not to Clone Dolly the Sheep, but to be able to use a patients own Cell's from the skin area, convert them to Stem Cells and then Change them into specific Heart Cells. With this process it might be possible to cure certain forms of Heart Desease by rebuilding weak areas of the Heart. While this reality may still be many Moons away for us, it represents a great step into personalized Medicine. The applications of such research are many. 

Listening to Dr. Sheldon, I could not help but try to imagine the numerous possibilities that lie in the Future of Research and Humanity.

This Presentation was not just to inform the Brothers and Guests of what MMRL is doing, it was also intended to bring the Masonic Brotherhood Fund closer to the Lodges and their Members. After all, we do Charity - and MMRL fits that perfectly.

After the Presentation the Master of Allemania Lodge #740, Worshipful John Boyen Presented the MMRL Directors with Donations from various Lodges of the District. Master of United Brother Lodge, Worshipful Jerry Ryan however had a special present for the Directors. He presented a Donation of $10k to the Directors in the name of the Brothers of United Brothers Lodge # 356. Outstanding! Gotta love that Lodge.

Dinner and Refreshments were served before the Presentation, as well as Coffee and Cake afterwards. And more Credit were Credit is due, I like to thank R.W. Roy Puckhaber for donating Time and Labour to cook the Food at his Village Delicatessen as well as sharing in some of the Food expanse. I try to keep our cost low, so we have more money to donate to Charity. Thank you Roy.

Ronal P. Kamp, Director of Development and Comminucations, MMRL suggested putting a picture and perhaps a short note about our presentation on the MMRL website. Go there often and check out if/when it gets there  @ www.mmrl.edu , you may also watch a short Videoclip about MMRL online @  http://www.impactmovie.com/mmrl  .

I hope everyone had a great time and will visit Allemania Lodge next time we (re-) introduce Masonry to you.