The annual Businessmen’s Dinner and Honors Night was May 28 at Byron Masonic Lodge No. 80 in Byron, beginning with a Swiss Steak dinner, followed by the awards ceremony. The lodge was filled with local residents and dignitaries, including local author Ronald “Butch” Vaughn, who spoke to the audience about his experiences while growing up in the small village of Byron.
Two major awards were presented. The Edgar A. Guest Award, which is given by the lodge to a non-Mason for exemplary volunteerism over the last year went to Officer Timothy Bradshaw, currently patrolling the Village of Gaines. He is well known for donating countless unpaid hours in attending local events and is affectionately known as “Gramps” to both children and adults alike.
The Robert E. Braden Award is given by the lodge to a local organization, recognizing their contributions to the community. This year’s recipient was area firefighters, specifically the Argentine, Burns, Shiawassee, Vernon, Durand and Gaines fire departments.
Finally, students receiving either a Voorhies Scholarship or Masonic Scholarship were recognized. Byron Lodge gave out 11 scholarships this year.
Worshipful Master Larry Judson, took a moment to show the lodge’s new plaque, received in May from the Michigan Grand Lodge, who chose them as “Lodge of the Year” for the fourth year in a row.
