Singleton Lodge Community Events

“It’s not summer without a snow cone from the Masons!”, the But the best visit of the day came from the Mayor of DC, herself woman exclaimed as Bro. Zach Rubenfeld handed her a heaping – Muriel Bowser. Though she didn’t partake in a snow cone, she portion of ice with a variety of rainbow colors. thanked the members of the Lodge for their service and dedication This reaction and excitement happened 815 additional times (even once for the Mayor!), as Officers, Brethren, and friends of William Throughout the day, members also had conversations about the R. Singleton-Hope-Lebanon Lodge No. 7 (Singleton Lodge) volunFraternity. Quite a few people shared how their grandfather or teered at the 30th Annual Glover Park Day last Saturday. father was a Mason back home. Others asked questions about what Glover Park Day is an join the fraternity. annual festival that brings together thousands of It takes a lot to make Glover people from across WashPark Day successful. This ington. For eight of the year the Lodge made 816 past nine years, Singlesnow cones, requiring 7 ton Lodge has staffed and gallons of snow cone mix, volunteered a table at this 48 bags of ice, and a whole festival to connect with lot of help from a numthe local community. ber of brothers, including: For the past four years, Bro. Graham Keithley, the lodge sponsored a Bro. James Brock, RW bouncy house and served Bro. Adam Tager, Bro. free snow cones to all Zach Rubenfeld, Bro. Jeff commers. Hawn, Bro. Bilal Sleiman, Singleton Lodge stared tiz, Bro. Luke Hertzel, their involvement in the Bro. Sam Johannes, Bro. festival in 2010, when the Mike Rudolph (All the Junior Grand Deacon of way from Boston!), Bro. the Grand Lodge at the Andrew Uhlman and Bro. time, RW Bro. Jeffrey Fred Edwards (of The D. Russell, brought the Patriot Lodge No. 1956 in opportunity to the attenVirginia), and M.W. Bro. tion of Worshipful Brother Jeff Russell, our Grand James W. Mitchell. Given Secretary. the lodge’s proximity to to the community. we do and how they could W. Bro. Jason LebowGlover Park and their In addition to Glover Park long-standing tradition Day, Singleton Lodge of community service, also participated in an it seemed like a natural “all shift” meal for first partnership. In addition, responders in the District. Glover Park was named for Charles Glover, the first Master of William R. Brethren from Singleton and several other Lodges came by Glover Park to man the snow cone machine Each year the Citizens Advisory Council for the Singleton Lodge and a very engaged and involved civic leader of Second District of the Metropolitan Police Department hosts an Washington in the 19th century. “all shift” meal for police, emergency medical service, and fire personnel. This annual event helps to provide a delicious meal for While this was only the fourth year the Lodge has served snow these first responders throughout the course of the day, as well as cones, it has become an informal tradition for Glover Park Day snacks that they can pop in for and to enjoy. It is a small way that attendees. For many festival goers, this would be their first snow the community uses to thank them for the often-dangerous work cone. But most surprising was the couple in their 40’s, who hadn’t they do for them. Companies, community organizations, and even heard of the delicious frozen treats before. concerned citizens cook, bake, donate, and volunteer to make this annual event a success.

Brother Zack Rubenfeld prepares the snow cone machine to dispense happiness.

And for the fifth year in a row, Singleton Lodge participated in this inspiring event by making a monetary donation to support the organizers efforts to buy food and supplies. In addition, several brothers were on hand to help serve dinner, pass out snacks, and most importantly, stay past midnight to cleanup and close down the event.

The event had a great turnout from Metropolitan Police Department, The Cathedral Police, AU Public Safety, The United States Secret Service, the DC Fire Department, the DC EMS, and the Smithsonian Police department. Hundreds of first responders were served.

Specials thanks here goes out to Singleton Master, W. Bro. Jason Lebowitz, and Bros. James Brock, John Cummings, Zach Rubenfeld, James Brock, Bailey Wood and Luke Hertzel who all came out to help and make this annual event such a success.

If you or your Lodge is interested in hosting, helping or volunteering at a community service event like this, we invite you reach out to Singleton Lodge for information and assistance of any kind! 

(From left to right) Jenna Russo; Bro. Fred Edwards, Patriot Lodge No. 1956 in Virginia; WB Jason Lebowitz, Master of Singleton Lodge; WB Peter Brusoe, Master of The Eagle Lodge No. 1893; and DC Mayor Muriel Bowser

Bros. Zack Rubenfeld, Luke Hertzel, and John Cummings serve first responders at the “All Shift” meal.