November is here and the Holiday Season is in full swing. My wife has started the Holiday shopping and the kids are already looking forward to their Holiday vacation away from school. Time flies and I find it hard to believe that the year end is so rapidly approaching.
Qualifications are over and plans for the New Year have been set into motion to bring you a very exciting year in 2009. I have been reflecting on my plans from the beginning of the year and see how much progress I made but note that I have fallen far short of what I had planned to do. I look forward to making more progress as possible. A little note on Grand Lodge since it happened so late in September that I was not able to address it in time to mention it in last month's article. I am only covering the positive here…
To put it bluntly, it was a learning experience. I was able to speak with each grand officer individually and one point or another, even the Grandmaster. I have no idea how that was possible but it seemed that they were there at the drop of the hat and able to answer my questions and give advice and that they had all of the time I needed. To any of you who have been to Grand Lodge, you will know that is very far from the truth. Thos men were busy. It was also a wonderful treat to see our wayward Brother Ken Kolchier and sit with him again. Brother Eric Bertolli also made it there. Our Lodge made a great showing and was well represented.
I would also like to start announcing at this time to mark you calendars for the Stated Meeting Dinner for February 5th 2009. This dinner will be our usual 'Sweethearts' dinner but I would like to send a special invitation to the Ladies of our dearly departed Brethren. If you are a widow of our Lodge and have not heard from me personally this year, I apologize but finding you is turning into a larger task than expected. Please call me at (818) 635-0808 or e-mail me at tecolote@gmail.com and I will call you and update our records. I will reserve a place for you at the February dinner and arrange transportation if necessary. Please note that this invitation is for all of our stated meetings but I would like to try something special on that month.
I continue to thank all of you who have called in advance for your reservations for dinner. October's dinner was a little unusual since I had no time to e-mail dinner notifications from San Francisco so I do apologize for not getting that extra reminder that I usually send apart from the chips out. To ensure you are provided for when you come to the stated dinner, please call before noon, the Monday preceding the stated meeting and reserve your place. Please remember that children under 12 are half price and have a special table now with game and such appropriate to all age groups.
Fraternally,
Arthur Melendez
Junior Warden