Article taken from Times Union online:
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=603666&TextPage=1

By DAVID REYES, Special to the Times Union
First published: Friday, July 6, 2007

ALBANY -- Stephen King has his hands full while juggling commitments to different organizations around the state.

In addition to his full-time job as executive deputy director of the state Office of Real Property Services, King is about to become president of the Bethlehem Lions Club and was recently re-elected to a second one-year term as a statewide leader of the Masons.

"It's always gratifying when your colleagues and friends express confidence in you," King said.

He ties his effectiveness to setting priorities and focusing on the most immediate tasks.

As junior grand warden for the organization officially known as the New York State Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons, King helps oversee committees that include those responsible for education and fellowship activities.

The grandmaster of New York's Masons, Neal Bidnick, said King sets a good example for his fellow Masons and those considering joining the fraternal group.

"As Masons we are committed to the tenets of our fraternity -- friendship, morality, and brotherly love. Stephen embodies all of these and has upheld these values throughout his Masonic career," Bidnick said.

This year, the Masons are having their 225th anniversary in New York. Currently, about 54,000 New Yorkers are among the 1.7 million members throughout North America.

The Masons, who consider themselves the oldest and largest fraternal organization in the world, are renowned for their community service, charity and philanthropic ideals. Notable members include 13 signers of the Constitution, 14 presidents, and 19 New York governors. Despite his involvement with various events and activities and his position and statewide responsibilities for the Masons, King still shows a strong commitment to the community he is from, said Peter Kermani, district deputy of the Albany Masons.

"What impresses me the most about him is that he continues to work within his own lodge and does ritual assignments as well as anybody in our area."

David Reyes, a Times Union intern, is a junior at the University at Albany. He can be reached at 454-5420 or by e-mail at DReyes@timesunion.com

Firefighters, Masons set up alliance

ALBANY -- The Firemen's Association of the State of New York and the Grand Lodge of New York Masons have begun a partnership to provide communities throughout the state educational benefits and events for young children and older adults.

The liaison became possible through Robert Leonard, the Firemen Association's public relations committee head, who has been a Mason for 12 years.

Leonard said both organizations are recognized throughout the state and nation for their community service and plan to share their resources with each other.

"It's a perfect match," said Neal Bidnick, grand master of the masons in New York.

The alliance, which began in March, focuses on the firefighters group's most successful efforts, the Child Identification Program. Like law enforcement's Amber Alert, the Child ID program sends out informative CDs on child safety.

FASNY President Mike Woods said the new partners are working on fire prevention that targets older people, who are the second most vulnerable group, after children, to house fires.

-- David Reyes

Masons to rededicate monument -- The Saratoga Monument, the third of three sites that make up Saratoga National Historical Park, will be rededicated by New York's Masons in a public ceremony at 2 p.m. on Saturday.

The 155-foot obelisk commemorates the American victory in the Revolutionary War Battles of Saratoga.

The monument, which was dedicated by the Masons in 1912 on the 150th anniversary of the epic battles, is approximately 7 miles north of the battlefield. On Saturday, the cornerstone will once again be laid by the Masons in honor of their historic and continuing affiliation with the recently restored monument.

"It's going to be the biggest Masonic event in a very long time. Four Grand Lodges from all over the state are taking part in it," said John Falkenberg, a Mason for nearly 40 years who helped organize the event.

It will begin with a meal at noon at the nearby American Legion Hall, where the ceremony will be conducted in case of severe weather. A walking processional of attendees to the Saratoga Monument will be at 1:30. The 2 p.m. event will feature live music and commentary by Masonic leaders. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Parking will be available at the American Legion.