Freemasons at the Dedication Ceremony of Thomas W. Osborn Civil War memorial headstone

Ronald Murad is a lover of history and a local resident of Fanwood for 35 years. He is also a Freemason being a member of two Masonic Research societies and a member of the Grand Lodge of NJ’s ‘Speaker Bureau.’ His personal Masonic library is almost 200 books. Clearly he is perfect to educate us about Freemasonary, the world’s oldest fraternal organization.

Historical documentation can be traced back to the 900s AD, with the current “formal” version of it dating back to 1717 when 4 lodges in London merged to form the first “Grand Lodge” of England. Its principal tenets are brotherly love, relief and truth. It operated on a democratic system and how our new country operated was based on the democratic system of the lodges’ operation. Even the “separation of church and state” was a Masonic concept.

The Historical Society of Scotch Plains and Fanwood is pleased to have Ron Murad educate us about Freemasonry at our upcoming meeting on Wednesday May 22nd. Come to this free, open to the public, meeting to learn how the Freemason’s phrases “The Brotherhood of Man Under the Fatherhood of God” and “To make good men better” illustrate the continuing work and influence of this influential national and international organization. The meeting begins at 7:30 PM and is held at the historic Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. Refreshments and fellowship follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.

You probably think Origami is a hobby practiced mostly by females. You would be only partially right. It is used in the engineering world and in the therapeutic treatment of various problems and in mindfulness. Origami has many benefits: creating beautiful designs; helping reduce stress; improving eye-hand coordination; enhancing patience and persistence, promoting learning, education and boosting creativity.

Origami was popularized in Japan but its origins started in China where paper making can be traced to about 105 AD.  Paper Origami was originally practiced by monks who brought paper and the ideas for folding it to Japan in the 6th century. Orikata meant folded shapes. It was a vital skill for aristocrats & high ranking soldiers in Japan as well as decorating temples & shrines. Origami is derived from two Japanese words, Ori (folded) & Kami (paper). This transition came into use in the 1880’s.

Our presenter, a gifted artist, is well named: Joy Ann Cabanos. She IS joyful and is very excited to supervise us in the making of Origami tulips. She was one of those kids who drew on the walls at home. Art was her favorite subject in school and eventually became something she did. Her art springs from a deep love of nature, people & animals, music, poetry and dance. She has been part of many groups and solo exhibits in the Philippines, the UK and the USA. Her work is featured in private collections locally and internationally. She continues in-person & online watercolor & Origami workshops.

We welcome everyone to join us for this Fun and Focused evening where we make Origami tulips, instructed &  supervised by Joy. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday April 23rd at the Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd. (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. This upcoming meeting is free and all are welcome. Refreshments and fellowship will follow the presentation. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.

Easter Parade has been deemed “The Happiest Musical Every Made.” Take a step back in time to 1912 and join the Historical Society on Wednesday March 27th for this 1948 Classic starring Fred Astaire and July Garland. When Don Hewes loses his partner Nadine to the allure of a solo career, the acclaimed dancer spots lovely chorus line performer Hannah and pledges to form her into Nadine’s equal with a year. Can he and Hannah be ready in time for the big Fifth Avenue Easter Parade? Through song and dance, this Classic Masterpiece is entertainment not to be  missed!! We are very excited to present this first movie experience for our members and for everyone in our communities. The “movie theatre” opens at 7:15PM in time for people to get their popcorn and water and find their seats as opening credits begin promptly at 7:30PM. The movie is an hour and half long so there will be a chance for intermission. The seats are just folding chairs so people are advised to bring a seat pad for comfort. And since we are so close to Easter, we encourage people to come in their Easter outfits, or at least wear or bring an Easter hat. The Historic Society will have a table of antique Easter hats on display. Those interested can share stories about their outfits and we can even do our own Easter Parade if inspired! Our Master of Ceremonies and the brainstorm for this cinema is none other than our own member Glenn Mongold. He and his wife have been residents of Scotch Plains for 15 years and have raised their 3 children here. Glenn has been very active as a Cub Scout Leader and in the Knights of Columbus at St. Barts. He presently works for Konica Minolta.

As always, we will have refreshments and fellowship following our delightful movie on Wednesday,March 27th at the Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Rd. (at the corner of Plainfield Avenue) in Scotch Plains. For questions, please email Info@HistoricalSocietySPFNJ.org or call 908/322-6700 Extension 230.