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    Peg Cybulski, Lewis Chapter WM-elect, fell on March 23rd and broke her ankle in 3 places.  She was to have surgery on Monday or Tuesday of last week to insert pins.   The Chapter's installation was scheduled for March 30th. 

** Mary Ellen Sparks

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Here's another credit card scam again making the rounds.  I checked it out at Snopes as well, and it's credible.  Word to the wise... If it saves any of us money and a little more hair, it's worth it.

            New Credit Card Scam Snopes.com <http://snopes.com/>  says this is true.
See this site - http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/creditcard.asp
<http://www.snopes.com/crime/warnings/creditcard.asp>  . 

This one is pretty slick since they provide YOU with all the information, except the one piece they want.

Note, the callers do not ask for your card number; they already have it.  This information is worth reading.  By understanding how the VISA & MasterCard Telephone Credit Card Scam works, you'll be better prepared to protect yourself.  

One of our employees was called on Wednesday from "VISA", and I was called on Thursday from "Master Card".

The scam works like this: Person calling says, "This is (name), and I'm calling from the Security and Fraud Department at VISA. My Badge number is 12460.  Your card has been flagged for an unusual purchase pattern, and I'm calling to verify. This would be on your VISA card which was issued by (name of bank).  Did you purchase an Anti-Telemarketing Device for $497.99 from a Marketing company based in Arizona ?"  When you say "No", the caller continues with, "Then we will be issuing a credit to your account.  This is a company we have been watching and the charges range from $297 to $497, just under the $500 purchase pattern that flags most cards.  Before your next statement, the credit will be sent to (gives you your address), is that correct?"

You say "yes".  The caller continues - "I will be starting a Fraud investigation.  If you have any questions, you should call the 1- 800 number listed on the back of your card (1-800-VISA) and ask for Security. 

You will need to refer to this Control Number.  The caller then gives you a 6 digit number.  "Do you need me to read it again?" 

Here's the IMPORTANT part on how the scam works.  The caller then says, "I need to verify you are in possession of your card".  He'll ask you to "turn your card over and look for some numbers".  ; There are 7 numbers; the first 4 are part of your card number, the next 3 are the security Numbers' that verify you are the possessor of the card.  These are the numbers you sometimes use to make Internet purchases to prove you have the card.  The caller will ask you to read the 3 numbers to him.  After you tell the caller the 3 numbers, he'll say, "That is correct, I just needed to verify that the card has not been lost or stolen, and that you still have your card.  Do you have and hangs up.

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or and states, "Don't hesitate to call back if you do", and hangs up.

You actually say very little, and they never ask for or tell you the Card number.  But after we were called on Wednesday, we called back within 20 minutes to ask a question.  Are we glad we did!  The REAL VISA Security Department told us it was a scam and in the last 15 minutes a new purchase of $497.99 was charged to our card.

Long story - short - we made a real fraud report and closed the VISA account.  VISA is reissuing us a new number.   What the scammers want is the 3-digit PIN number on the back of the card. Don't give it to them. Instead, tell them you'll call VISA or Master card directly that verification of their conversation.  The real VISA told us that they will never ask for anything on the card as they already know the information since they issued the card!  If you give the scammers your 3 Digit PIN Number, you think you're receiving a credit.  However, by the time you get your statement you'll see charges for purchases you didn't make, and by then it's almost too late and/or more difficult to actually file a fraud report.

What makes this more remarkable is that on Thursday, I got a call from a "Jason Richardson of Master Card" with a word-for-word repeat of the VISA scam.  This time I didn't let him finish.  I hung up!  We filed a police report, as instructed by VISA.  The police said they are taking several of these reports daily!  They also urged us to tell everybody we know that this scam is happening.  

Please pass this on to all your family and friends.  By informing each other, we protect each other.

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SUBJECT:  Special Communication of the Grand Lodge

PURPOSE:  To Lay the Cornerstone of the Olympia Cemetery Chapel, 521 North Street, Tumwater

DATE:  SATURDAY, APRIL 7, 2007.

The Grand Lodge will be opened at 12 o’clock noon in Olympia Lodge, No. 1, 521 North Street, Tumwater. Following instructions by the Grand Marshal, the Grand Lodge team will proceed to the site of the Chapel. The ceremony will commence at 1:00 p.m.

LUNCH:   Following the ceremony a soup/salad lunch will be served in the Lodge dining hall.  Please notify W Brother Larry Dixon at LarryDxn@aol.com, indicating your attendance at the lunch. 

Fraternally,

Charles W. McQuery, Grand Master

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SUBJECT:  District No. 29 Meeting

DATE:  Friday, April 13, 2007

TIME:  6:00 PM

PLACE:  Almira Community Center, Almira, WA

Dear Brothers,

You and your lady are cordially invited to join the members of District 29 to receive our Grand Master, MW Charles W. McQuery. 

Elected Grand Lodge Officers and their ladies will be guests of the District for dinner. All others will be served no-host 15 $13.00 per person.  Entertainment will also be provided.

District 29 Masons look forward to meeting and greeting members of the Grand Lodge team.  Please RSVP by phone at 509-725-5215, or by email to genesster@gmail.com by April 5th. 

Fraternally,

** Gene Steinolfson, Deputy of the Grand Master, District No. 29

Brethren we have the below listed “event” coming up, I hope you will pass it on to those that don’t have Internet access or are one of our “Rusty Masons”.

** WM Bill Wilson, Audubon Park Lodge #272 

Audubon Park Lodge #272

Presents 

The Rusty Mason “Degree” 

April 18th

7 p.m.

Audubon Park Lodge

Are you feeling a little rusty, or know a Brother Mason that hasn’t been to a Lodge Stated Meeting because he is rusty and can’t remember some of the proficiency?

This is a great way to get back in the “swing of things”, so that you will feel confident and at ease. The basics will be covered for the 3 degrees, and if time permits, other aspects of floor work will be covered.

The Lodge will be tyled, but this will not be a Stated or Special meeting. Just an evening of friendship and renewal with friends and Brothers. A current dues card or a Brother that will vouch for you is all that is necessary to attend.

 Refreshments to follow

 Contact WM Bill Wilson at:

509-327-6627

or email to: gyrenebill@comcast.net

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 Correction on Luncheon and Style Show …

Would you please put this in the next Stars of Washington?  The Evergreen News gave the wrong date.

FAITH CHAPTER LUNCHEON AND STYLE SHOW

SATURDAY APRIL 21st. 2007 @ 1:00 PM

Place:  Parkland Masonic Center - 306 So. 134th. St.

DONATION:  $8.00  Tickets available from line officers and star points or you can mail a check to:

Helen Sherman  Co-Chairman

1008 So. 121st. St.

Parkland, WA  98444

NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR

** Worthy Matron - Arlene Chaig, Worthy Patron -  Chuck Craig

• Keeping Frozen Food Frozen:  Maintain the freezer at 0 degrees F. Keep the freezer full to maintain the temperature. Don't add too many items to the freezer at one time because the heat given off by non-frozen food can cause the freezer temperature to rise.  

• Clay Pots Have Crusty-White Stains?  A salt buildup usually causes these white rings to occur on the inside or outside of pots. To remove, first wash the pots to remove dirt and debris. Then wipe with a cloth that's been soaked in undiluted white vinegar.

• Getting Rid of Dust Mites in Pillows, Bedding:  Wash your pillows and pillowcases, along with sheets and blankets, in water that's at least 130 degrees F. to get rid of them. It may be a good idea to wash bedding at least once a week too. Clean your bedroom often.

• Cleaning Vinyl or Cloth Lampshades?  To remove dust, use a new makeup or paintbrush. Or you can also grab a microfiber cloth to wipe off the dust. Clean frequently, so the light shining through will be brighter.