Our Newly Obligated Brethren
Hail Brethren! February was a slightly interesting month since it's the first time in a while that an Entered Apprentice was not initiated into the Lodge. However, we did see some degree work. Robert Podany, as you met in my last article was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft and Eduardo Ortega gave his 2nd degree proficiency. So in lieu of an introduction of new members, I would like to reacquaint you with some brothers who have finally completed their long overdue proficiencies.
Troy Wells was passed to the degree of Fellowcraft in June of 2004. He completed his 2nd degree proficiency along side Eduardo. He was born in August of 1973 in Ottawa Ontario, Canada and moved to Alberta when he was 2 years old. Over the next 9 years, he lived in the Edmondton area of Alberta and was an active little league hockey player. He was ranked #1 in his league but was forced to leave his hockey aspirations when his parents started a business in California. Ironically, his childhood friend and teammate who was ranked #2 later became a professional NHL player for the Vancover Canucks. While living in the San Fernando Valley, Troy went to Cleveland High School and worked at various odd jobs and was a bassist in the glam rock band Wylde Life. Today, Troy has hung up the bass and is attending ITT Technical Institute in pursuit of a degree in Information Technology Security. He describes himself as "Canadian", something his friends so ruthlessly remind him of.
Russell Jaeger was raised to the degree of Master Mason last year and finally completed his proficiency at the March Stated Meeting. Although technically not in the month of February, I felt it was a good opportunity to give you all a little history of our Senior Steward. He was born in New Jersey in 1974. He traveled a lot as a kid living in many states including Arizona, Nevada and Colorado. He finally settled in California in 1990 where he attended El Camino High School. He too was in a band as a bassist and too hung it up for greener fruit. Today, Russell is an art director for the studios and has worked both behind and in front of the camera. His most notable role was the infamous Jason of Friday the 13th fame in a satirical commercial ad. He is married to his wife of over 5 years and has 2 children. His family, he says, is his true favorite hobby as he loves them more than anything.
I asked both of these members what drew them to Masonry; both responded, "Brotherhood". I found it interesting that both Troy and Russell had relatively chaotic upbringings and both found stability here in our Lodge, but I guess that is really what the Lodge is, a second family for many of us. And personallly I am glad these two are my brothers.
James Bayhylle
Junior Warden