Chamber Announces Businesses of the Third Quarter

The Bollinger County Chamber of Commerce selects a Veteran Business/Organization and a Rising Star Business each quarter. Veterans must have stood the test of time and been in business for a minimum of 5 years and or Rising Star must have been in business for at least a year.

The Chamber Veteran Business/Organization of the third quarter is Zalma Masonic Lodge #545. The Zalma Masonic Lodge is located at the corner of Main and King Street in Zalma and has had a charter in Zalma since Oct. 15, 1890. Meetings are held on first and third Tuesdays of each month. Members eat at 6:30p.m. and the meeting starts at 7:30p.m. Leevon DeCourley of the Zalma Masonic Lodge told us a little about the organization, Mr. DeCourley said, "Our organization is all about charity. We do several different things throughout the year on an "as needed basis." If someone in our community, especially a widow of one of our past members, needs some assistance with anything, we are quick to help. It may be in ways other than monetary, it may be as simple as mowing a yard or helping rebuild a porch or something like that." This is the fifth year Zalma Masonic Lodge has put on their Bluegrass Bash; which will take place on November 1. This program gives you as a sponsor or as an attendee a way to help the Lodge raise funds for their worthy causes while you enjoy a wonderful evening of fun and entertainment. Mr. DeCourley said, "The funds from the Castor River Bluegrass Bash are used for several different things, in the past we have used them in a lot of ways with Zalma School. Recently we have partnered with Zalma School in a "Backpacks for Kids" program which sends backpacks full of food home with underprivileged children on the weekends. We have also made donations to the Zalma School Library and Music Programs, along with the school in general. I am hoping to see a scholarship established in the future as well."

Would you like to get involved and become a Mason? If so all you need to do is ask a Freemason or visit www.momason.org. Mr. DeCourley tells us he became interested in the Masonic Lodge because his grandpa and uncle are both members of Zalma Masonic Lodge and he joined as soon as he turned 18, one of the requirements to be a Mason.

"I just enjoy being a part of the oldest and largest fraternity in the world. I love giving back to the community," says Mr. DeCourley.

Did you know there are different degrees in the Masons? Zalma Masonic Lodge is the creator and founder of the "Horse Traders Degree." It's a separate degree in Freemasonry. Freemasonry has a long and illustrious history. It is a widely accepted theory among Masonic scholars that Freemasonry arose from the stonemason's guild in the Middle Ages. Many well know historical figures belonged to the Freemasons including George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, Paul Revere, and John Hancock. Freemasonry emphasizes personal study, self-improvement, and social betterment through individual involvement and philanthropy. The Masons provide funds to a wide range of causes that include operating children's hospitals, treatment for childhood language disorders, treating eye diseases, funding medical research, contributing to local community service, and providing care to Masons and their families at Masonic Homes.

The Chamber Rising Star Business of the third quarter is Grassy General Store. Roger Surface purchased Grassy General Store in 2011. The building it occupies has a long history with business as there has been a store at this site since the 1930s. Conveniently located on highway 34 west outside of Marble Hill the store is open seven days a week. Store hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Recently the store has been able to begin accepting EBT cards. Grassy General Store sells a wide assortment of products including groceries, fuel for your car, cigarettes, beer, and animal feed. They also have a deli case and make sandwiches and are now serving hot lunch specials. Serving usually starts around 10:30 a.m. and lasts until the prepared lunch is all gone. Hunters or sportsmen and women looking for reloading equipment, guns, or ammunition for the upcoming hunting season, or any time of the year, check out what Grassy General Store has in stock for you.

Stop in to shop or sit and visit a while at Grassy General Store. You can give them a call at 573-238-2475.