Brethren:

This past month, I was invited to Bethel 1’s Spaghetti Feed held at the Lodge. As fundraisers go, I expected the usual thing. When I got there, I was completely blown away by the organization and effort that had gone into their project. The food was extremely good, the room was packed, and there were almost 150 gift baskets/theme items set up around the entire dining room. These were set up in silent auction format. They had many sponsors lined up for the evening evidenced by the place mats in front of us. It was very impressive. Congratulations to Bethel 1 and the entire Guardian Council on a job well done.

This month we say goodbye to Carole and Karen of Classic Catering. We are parting ways as they move their business in a different direction. The food has been great, the friendship has been better. Fred Schwartz, PM, as Temple Board President, is working on a new venture with another caterer. He will provide an update in the coming days.

Tennessee – Craig Bell is working closely with our counterparts there for our Degree Conferral on August 20th in Union Lodge in Kingston, Tennessee. June Ballot excepting, our Senior Warden, C. Leslie Dent, PM, will be receiving his eldest son into the Fraternity that night. I will be so honored to sit in the West to watch my friend and Brother Les sit in the East that evening. I have known David Dent (Les’ son) for the past three years and am personally very excited for their entire family. One day, maybe I will get the request from my son… We have approximately 20 members of this Lodge, my father in Florida, and a very good friend and Brother from Acacia Lodge coming to the Degrees in Tennessee. What a time we will have. There is still time for you to attend this historic evening as we represent California Masonry in Tennessee. Degree Conferral there is on a multi-year waiting list system so this is a very special time for Pleasanton Lodge. Call Craig if you have an interest at (925) 735-6555.

Dues – We are about to make our suspensions official for those of you that are behind on your dues. This Lodge cannot afford to carry members that do not express a desire to remain a Mason by either paying their annual dues or letting me know that there are extenuating circumstances. Some of you are in points unknown and we do not have an address or phone number that is current. See if you are on the delinquent list in a large box in this Trestle Board. If you are, call me immediately!

Upcoming events – August 4th Stated Dinner brings us the presence of the Junior Past Most Excellent Grand High Priest of Royal Arch Masons, Edgar Fentum, and his Lady Molly. Also attending our dinner will be the Most Illustrious Grand Master of Cryptic Masons, Larry Reynolds and his Lady Barbara. Please place this evening on your calendar. It will be another historic evening for this Lodge.

Sunshine – Our fraternal condolences to Bros. Ami Gilad, PM and Curt Conyers and their respective families. In the past 30 days Ami’s Mom and Curt’s Mother-in-law passed away. We all know that their passing is a large loss since God only gave us one of each parent.

General information – We have three new petitions we are now investigating for Degree Conferral. Balloting will be in June and then we look forward to the start of seeing our Junior Warden, Fred Avery’s appearance in the East. I have every confidence that he will make this Lodge very proud of him as he moves to the Master’s Chair. I am still planning a Father/Son Night later in this year. Let me know if you have any ideas that will help boost a program like this.

Brethren – just a final reminder, please pick up the phone and make reservations for the June Stated Mtg. Dinner evening. I know your Brothers who are receiving their 50-year pin would want you there to see them receive that great honor.

Fraternally, Bob Whitfield, PM
Master
BobWhitfield@hotmail.com

Updated 07/31/08