From The East NOVEMBER 2000 On November 28th, we will raise Brother Rale Sidebottom to the sublime degree of Master Mason. November's Stated Meeting will be very busy. We will have elections and the counting of the ballots for consolidation. Scholarships from Grand Lodge are available until January. So if you know of any high school age students, please let them know to apply soon. Faternally, James Borges Master Return to Trestleboard Home OCTOBER 2000 We are having the Official Visit of the Inspector of the 101st Masonic District at this Stated Meeting. The light refreshments before this Stated Meeting will be prime rib left over from the dinner at the Sea Grill. I was pleased to announce that our Mason of the Year is our Secretary, Roger Herrera. We are sending the Senior and Junior Wardens to Grand Lodge Communication. The Kids' ID booth at the Festival by the Bay was a success. I apologize for the mixup about the Back to School Night Lasagna Dinner. Faternally, James Borges Master Return to Trestleboard Home SEPTEMBER 2000 On September 19th, Semper Virens will be honoring our Mason of the Year at a dinner at the Sea Grill. Please make your reservations by September 15th so that we can tell the restaurant how many to expect. Semper Virens will have volunteers for the Kids' ID Program at the Rotary Club's Festival on the Bay at the Adorni Center on September 9th from 11 am to 7 pm. Additional Volunteers would be welcome. Please plan to attend the Back to School Night to help show Masonry's continued support of public schools. Any Brother Master Masons planning to attend Grand Lodge Communication in October should make sure their dues are paid. Credentials can only be issued to Brothers with current dues cards. Faternally, James Borges Master Return to Trestleboard Home AUGUST 2000 Watch for the flyer regarding the upcoming Entered Apprentice and Masonic Information Night to be held at the Lost Coast Brewery. All Masons are invited to bring friends interested in Masonry. We will be ptting on two First Degrees in the next six weeks. See you at Lodge to support these new Brothers! On September 19th, Semper Virens will be having a Mason Of The Year Dinner. Details will be in the September Trestleboard and a subsequent flyer. Faternally, James Borges Master Return to Trestleboard Home JULY 2000 The Fourth of July is Dark. Enjoy the fireworks with your friends and family. The Consolidation Committee will report at the next Stated Meeting. It is vital to the success of these endeavors that everyone's input is heard before this goes to the ballot. Officers Association meeting is on Thursday, July 20th. As much fun as these are, I must remind the officers that they are mandatory. Scottish Rite and Shrine will be shedding light in the Eureka Temple the weekend of July 21st. Get it while it's hot! the annual Summer Picnic is on Sunday, July 30th. We always have a great time cooking up those beans and setting up races for the kids. Faternally, James Borges Master Return to Trestleboard Home MAY 2000 The month of May will b e spent at labor on the Third Degree as we get ready to raise three Master Masons. Any volunteers for the Second Section Degree Team should contact me as soon as possible. It is not too early to be thinking about next year's offices. We still have to fill our line and from my experience it takes about nine months preparation to make a smooth transition. As we perfect our work in our present office, we should always look forward to what we will learn next. Faternally, James Borges Master Return to Trestleboard Home APRIL 2000 Spring has sprung and the Trestleboard shows it. We have the Kids ID Safety Program at the Bayshore Mall on the 15th and 16th. We only have about three volunteers so far. If you can, come on out to the Mall and let's show our community we care. April 22nd at 2:00 pm, we will hold a double Second Degree for Brothers Sidebottom and Friedley. We will practice for this on the 4th after Brother Friedley's Frist Degree Proficiency and on the 18th at 7:00 pm. This month we are trying something new. In an effort to stimulate Masonic education, there will be a short presentation on How to Speculate. This will be on April 25th at 7:30 pm. I encourage all coaches to bring their candidates. This is particularly meant for an Entered Apprentice. It gives him a method of processing the huge amount of symbolism presented. Also, don't forget the Officer's Association Meeting in Fortuna on April 5th at 6:30 pm. If you have an interest in being on the Consolidation Committee, please contact me prior to the next Stated Meeting. Faternally, James Borges Master Return to Trestleboard Home MARCH 2000 Rested and ready to go, we head into a very busy month. Brother Carlton Coffey will be honored for his 50 yhears of dedication to our Fraternity. Call up an old friend and come to Lodge. Our March Stated Meeting features our Irish celebration. There will be a corned beef and cabbage dinner, Irish fold dancing and a leprechaun hunt for the children. Brother Gary Ogden will be passed to the degree of Fellowcraft Mason on March 28th. Brother Gary did a beautiful job with the long form of the First Degree Proficiency. Thel Second Degree Practice on March 21st is very important. As always, come prepared and ready to go. It really helps to look at the cipher book before Lodge to refresh your memory. When we practice the degree correctly, we perform the degree with precision. Faternally, James O'Borges Master Return to Trestleboard Home FEBRUARY 2000 February 1st will be our first Entered Apprentice Degree of the new century. Come out and welcome Clifford Friedley into our Lodge. I especially urge all First Degree candidates' coaches to make a point of inviting and sitting with their Apprentice and showing them the ropes of opening a Lodge. Brother Bill Lambo will be delivering the long form of the Entered Apprentice Lecture. I'm sure it's been a while since most of us have heard this lecture in all its glory. We will be dark on the 22nd and 29th. Please use this time to brush up on the Second Degree Ritual work. Faternally, James Borges Master Return to Trestleboard Home JANUARY 2000 Y2K has come and gone and I assume if you are reading this, the power is on and the world did not come to an end. The gears are in motion for another year! We will be working on the First Degree this month. So brush up before you come to practice and we will be able to move swiftly. Now is the time to bring up any ideas you may have for community projects or Masonic activites. Advance planning will insure the availablility of time for future projects. As a final note, I'd like to ask that any Brother who has any desire to participate in the "for the good of the Order", prepare materials for the Stated meetings. Marc and I have been doing it semi-regularly, but I expect we will not have as much time to donate to it. As it is an important part of the stated meeting, it would be nie if someone could assist in keeping it going strong. Faternally, James Borges Master Return to Trestleboard Home DECEMBER 1999 My year is coming to a quick close. I have realized that it really does take two years to accoplish what you want to do (as Brother Fred Tomlin told me)! It seems like the Lodge is turning over wiht an increase in much younger members. This seems timely as we approach the next millenium. Please help support these guys with their new ideas and approach to Freemasonry. The passage of time, however, has also seen the passing of members close to me as I have gone through the officers' line. I'd like to personally thank Alan Smyth, who offered to be my Senior Deacon when I had the opening. Brother Alaan, you came through for me when I needed it. I'd also like to thank Brothers Fred Tomlin and Jack Spittler, whose wisdom, insight and support made it as smooth a year as I could ask for. Faternally, Eric Peterson Master Return to Trestleboard Home NOVEMBER 1999 Grand Lodge Communications was well represented by Semper Virens. Senior Warden, James Borges; Junior Warden, Marc Mesmer; Secretary Rogher Herrera; Inspector of the 101st Masonic District, Fred Tomlin; Chaplain, Jack Spittler and myself were in attendance. Several good resolutions were presented. As a highlight, the resolution permitting 18 year old men to become Masons was carried over. Results of the remainder of the resolutions are available in the Secretary's office. I am looking forward to James Borges taking over in December. I understand that he has planned a lot of events and activites for the next Masonic year. I want to give special thanks to the Brothers wo have stepped in to fill a few key positions. Presently, the Lodge has one new Entered Apprentice, one investigation pending and three applications outstanding. It is good to see that we are talking Masonry to friends and family. Faternally, Eric Peterson Master Return to Trestleboard Home OCTOBER 1999 The Lodge is looking for a few good men. The Lodge is accepting interest from brothers to fill the Senior Deacon and Junior Warden positions for the 2000 Masonic year. We have a First Degree coming up the end of the month. We hope to see lots of side liners to support the candidate. Grand Lodge Communication is October 11th-13th. Contact the Secretary if you are interested in the proposed resolutions. Faternally, Eric Peterson Master Return to Trestleboard Home SEPTEMBER 1999 The Hiram Award presentation ceremony and dinner went very well. About 105 people were present to honor Brother Clyde Ayres. We especially want to thank Jolene Keeler for the excellent Swiss steak dinner that she prepared. The award ceremony was very impressive and Clyde was only "roasted" a little. The Mason of the Year ceremony and dinner in Santa Rosa also went well. Brothers from 25 Lodges in Northern California were honored. The Grand Master attended the event and presented the awards. We were very proud to honor our Brother Ed Harr in this manner. Congratulations are in order to Brother Raymond J Hauger for achieving 50 years in Masonry. The Lodge is planning a presentation ceremony and dinner for October after Grand Lodge Communication. Details will be provided later. Faternally, Eric Peterson Master Return to Trestleboard Home AUGUST 1999 This month we are in the unique position of honoring two of our Brothers. Both have helped the Lodge consistently in their own way for many years. Each has expressed stron interest in and devotion to Blue Lodge and Masonry. Both have earned the love and respect of all the Brothers. Brother Ed Harr has been elected to receive the Mason of the Year Award and Brother Clyde Ayres will be presented the Hiram Award. We know that each will continue to be valuable resources to the Lodge. They are men that we know as practicing Masons, Brotheres anyone could depend on... whithersoever dispersed. Faternally, Eric Peterson Master Return to Trestleboard Home JULY 1999 I want to thank everyone who has come out to the Lodge this year. We had a great event presenting 25 year pins and we got to meet many members who have not been out to Lodge for years. We have also had many visitors from other Lodges in our district. It has been nice to visit and hear some great stories from our long-term members. I would also like to thank the small core of officers that find the time to come out each and every week to perform the necessary functions that allow our Lodge to survive. The passing of several Brothers recently reminded me of how fragile our lives are. I would like everyone to write in with a story of how Masonry has affected their life or even an amusing incident about Masonry. It is important that your words and thoughts to be with the Lodge to share. Do it today. A story that just happened: I recently met a gentleman through my business who noticed my Masonic ring. He mentioned that his father was a proud Mason. The man stated that he was disappointed that his father did not ask him to join. This stopped me cold. I have heard about this happening before and find that the old myth about becoming a Mason is still lingering. I want to remind all members that this is just not true. You can tell a family member or friend about Masonry and let them know that if they are interested they just need to ask for an application. That is all! It is disappointing to think that there are men who would make great Masons but think a Mason has to ask them. We have some great literature that you can hand to a prospective candidate. Call the Secretary about it. Faternally, Eric Peterson Master Return to Trestleboard Home MAY 1999 The Kids' ID program at the Bayshore Mall on April 17th and 18th was a great success. We photographed and fingerprinted almost 600 children! Their parents now have a current record for emergency purposes. Faternally, Eric Peterson Master Return to Trestleboard Home APRIL 1999 We have a Kids' ID program at the Bayshore Mall on April 17th and 18th. This is sponsored by the Masonic Order. Representatives of all the local Lodges and concordant bodies will be manning the booth. Faternally, Eric Peterson Master Return to Trestleboard Home MARCH 1999 Twelve Brothers attended our February Stated Meeting and received their 25 Year Pins. The meeting was a great success and we all had a good time. We look forward to presenting the rest of the pins as each Brother attends a Stated Meeting. We are honoring the requests made to mail pins to Brothers who cannot attend the meetings. The pins will be mailed shortly. Faternally, Eric Peterson Master Return to Trestleboard Home FEBRUARY 1999 We expect a good turnout at our next Stated Meeting to honor our 25+ year members. Although some of the Brothers have already receive their 25 year pins, we would still like you to attend so that we can honor you. Remember your Valentine on February 14th! Faternally, Eric Peterson Master Return to Trestleboard Home JANUARY 1999 Wishing you had the Merriest Christmas and will have the Happiest New Year! Faternally, Eric Peterson Master Return to Trestleboard Home DECEMBER 1998 The following brothers have been elected to serve for the ensuing Masonic Year: Master, Eric Peterson Sr. Warden, James Borges Jr. Warden, Marc Mesmer Treasurer, William E. Flackus Jr. PM, HA Secretary, Roger E. Herrera I am confident that they will fulfill their duties to the Lodge. Thank you for your support of this year's officers and me. Faternally, George Caywood Master Return to Trestleboard Home NOVEMBER 1998 As my year as Master draws to a close, I would like to thank the Brethren and most of all our Past Masters for their continued support. We have two candidates who will be Master Masons by the first of the year. All and all, I think it has been a pretty successful year. Please do not forget the dinner honoring our Past Masters on November 13th at OH's. Please call the secretary to make reservations. See you all at Lodge! Faternally, George Caywood Master Return to Trestleboard Home OCTOBER 1998 I extend my personal apology to Brothers Fred Tomlin and Jack Spitler for my failure to advise them that the Third Degree for Brother Butler was postponed. I realize that both of you did a lot of work to get ready for this degree. Again, please accept my sincere apology. See you all at Lodge! Faternally, George Caywood Master Return to Trestleboard Home SEPTEMBER 1998 We have two Degrees coming up in September. We need sideliners to help us support the candidates. See you all at Lodge! Faternally, George Caywood Master Return to Trestleboard Home AUGUST 1998 The Hiram Award Dinner and Ceremony for Brother Dee Skipper on July 18th went well. Chop-Chop Willie Flackus' Chinese dinner was a hit. We had a lot of food left over and donated it to the Eureka Rescue Mission. We have a Third Degree coming up on August 25th. We will need 1st and 2nd base and ruffians. Come help us put on a great degree. Please be sure to call in and reserve your steak. We do not want to run out before you get yours. See you all at Lodge! Faternally, George Caywood Master Return to Trestleboard Home JULY 1998 We will be presenting the Hiram Award to Brother Dee Skipper on July 18th. Watch for the flyer for further information. We have a Second Degree coming up pretty soon. We will let you know when so we can have lots of sideliners! See you all at Lodge! Faternally, George Caywood Master Return to Trestleboard Home JUNE 1998 The Golden Veterans Award Dinner was a success. Everyone enjoyed the prome rib. Brother Bob Davenport was appropriately honored. Brother James Shaver did a terrific job as M.C. We will be presenting the Hiram Award to Brother Dee Skipper on July 18th. Watch for the flyer for further information. See you all at Lodge! Faternally, George Caywood Master Return to Trestleboard Home MAY 1998 Our Past Master, Dee Skipper, has been selected to receive the Hiram Award. The presentation dinner and ceremony will take place on July 21st. Watch for a flyer with further information. Please do not forget to come to the Golden Veterans Award Presentation on May 19th. Watch for the flyer on that event. Brother Herman Bouler was installed as Sr. Steward at our last Stated Meeting. Welcome to the Line, Brother Herman! See you all at Lodge! Faternally, George Caywood Master Return to Trestleboard Home APRIL 1998 We hope that our Junior Past Master, Scotty Bacon, is continuing to improve. We miss seeing his bright smile. We had about 42 pople at the St. Patrick's Day dinner. Brother Bill Flackus, PM, HA, outdid himself as usual. The corned beef and trimmings were excellent. My warmest thanks to the Brothers and their Ladies who helped out in the kitchen. We are looking forward to the Youth Night Pizza Feed. We hope it will be another successful night for the kids. See you at Lodge! Faternally, George Caywood Master Return to Trestleboard Home MARCH 1998 Worshipful Bill Flackus PM is recovering from hip surgery. Wordshipful Scotty Bacon is also recovering from serious illness. We hope to be seeing both of our Brethern in Lodge soon, fully recovered. Brother Flackus will be supervising the preparation of our St.Patrick's Day dinner. He would be grateful for any assistance the Brothers can give him. Call the Lodge or check the block on the reservation coupon if you can help with the dinner. Family and guests are invited to this dinner. In order to ensure that we have the proper amount of food (neither too much nor too little), we are requiring reservations. Please send in your check with the coupon by March 10th. We have several activites planned for the rest of the year. We will be announcing these in future Trestleboards. If you woul like to know in advance, please feel free to attend the planning meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. The Time and place are announced in the Trestleboard. Masons and their Ladies are welcome. Faternally, George Caywood Master Return to Trestleboard Home