Support of Troops in Iraq

2008-05-18T13:45:36Z

IOOF communicating with and sending packages to Troops

The Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Niantic Lodge # 17 is engaged in a community service/support project of communicating with, and sending packages to military service men and women stationed in Iraq. Packages containing socks, beef jerky, toilet articles, candy and nuts and similar items have been sent on an average of weekly since the first of the year. In addition, many cards, letters, and emails have been exchanged with the Troops. The correspondence and packages help the Troops maintain contact with home, provide them with incidentals not readily available on station, and reinforce to them that they are being thought of and that their efforts are appreciated.

Anyone interested in participating in this community service/support project should contact Sarah Stanley at pondlilly1@comcast.net or by phone at 860-445-6260 to make a donation, to drop off items or to arrange to have donations or items picked up.

The Niantic Lodge meets at 7:00 PM on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at the Fairview Odd Fellows Home on Lestertown Road, Groton.

Odd Fellows is a international Fraternal Organization of men and women who believe in Friendship, Love, and Truth. Odd Fellows believe these to be the basic guides to the ultimate destiny of all mankind. Odd Fellows strive to improve and elevate the character of mankind. Worldwide, the Order has over 10,000 lodges in 25 countries. The name Odd Fellows is derived from the fact in 18^th century England it was odd to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need and pursuing projects for the benefit of all mankind. Those belonging to such organizations were called “Odd Fellows”.

For more information on the Niantic Lodge or the Odd Fellows organization in general, please contact Tim Stanley at pondmaster1@comcast.net or by phone at 860-445-6260.

IOOF Niantic Lodge #17 Recruiting New Members

2008-04-12T13:07:36Z

Niantic Lodge No. 17 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) is recruiting new members. The Niantic Lodge meets at 7:00 PM on the first and third Thursday of each month at the Fairview Odd Fellows Home on Lestertown Road, Groton. Odd Fellows is a international Fraternal Organization of men and women who believe in Friendship, Love, and Truth. Odd Fellows believe these to be the basic guides to the ultimate destiny of all mankind. Odd Fellows strive to improve and elevate the character of mankind. Worldwide, the Order has over 10,000 lodges in 25 countries. The name Odd Fellows is derived from the fact in 18^th century England it was odd to find people organized for the purpose of giving aid to those in need and pursuing projects for the benefit of all mankind. Those belonging to such organizations were called “Odd Fellows”.Odd Fellows are actively involved in a variety of civic and philanthropic efforts on a local, national and international level. Annually together with the Rebekahs, a sister organization, the Odd Fellows spend over $775 million in relief projects.In Connecticut, the Niantic Lodge, in conjunction with other Lodges, supports many ongoing programs and emergent needs. An Educational Foundation with a scholarship programs provides substantial low interest loans and grants to students for furthering their education. In Groton, Odd Fellows maintains the Fairview Nursing Home and Fellowship Manor Housing Facility located above the Thames River. Odd Fellows supports the Connecticut Eye Bank & Visual Research Foundation located at the New Britain General Hospital. Annually a weeklong student visit to the United Nations in New York is supported. Major projects include the Arthritis Foundation and their research work, the Wilmer Eye Institute of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, MD, as well as scholarships to medical students wishing to participate in Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine research projects. The Living Legacy focuses on planting trees and enhancing our environment. Annually in May Lodges make a pilgrimage to the tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery to honor and pay respects to those interred there and elsewhere who served our country. Odd Fellows is an annual sponsor of a Rose Parade float.Any person of good character, who is loyal to his or her country and believes in a Supreme Being, the creator and preserver of the Universe, is eligible for membership. Odd Fellowship strictly forbids any interference with one’s religious beliefs or political opinions.

Anyone interested in learning more about the Odd Fellows or seeking membership should contact Tim Stanley at pondmaster1@ comcast.net or by phone at 860-445-6260. The Odd Fellows has a Lodge or organizational element for all family members. Come join us! Lodge membership and participation is a great and fun way to give back and help your community.

IOOF Publicity

Support of Troops in Iraq

IOOF Niantic Lodge #17 Recruiting New Members