Brethren,

First and foremost, I want to thank everyone who has volunteered their time to the booth at the Valley Cultural Center each Sunday afternoon. We are increasing the publics awareness of our Lodge and have also reconnected with Masonic brothers. I am pleased to know that our efforts at the Valley Cultural Center are successful and impactful. I also want to thank Bro. Johnny and Wor. Bro. Tom for dedicating their time on the 4th of July for the Child ID Program we ran simultaneously at the Valley Cultural Center. Over 250 children were ID'd and Hollywood Lodge received numerous thanks and expressions of gratitude for our dedication to this program.

As a reminder, we can always use more volunteers. If you find yourself available on a Sunday afternoon from 4 pm to 8 pm (until August 26th), come on over and see what Hollywood Lodge is doing in the community.

Continuing the good news, I am pleased to report that 2 new applicants were approved to become members of Hollywood Lodge. I am hopeful that our tumultuous first half of the year is now behind us so we can focus on bettering our Lodge and making a stronger impact on our newly raised members and our community. To that effect, Wor. Bro. John Champion was elected to Treasurer, to replace Wor. Bro. Tom Jones, who as many of you know, is retiring and moving to Arizona. Tom's contributions will be missed, but I am confident John will be a suitable replacement. Also, Bro. Russell Jaeger was elected to replace Aaron Shubb as Junior Warden. I have also appointed Steve Mahr to serve as Junior Deacon for the remainder of the year. Although the loss of Aaron has been difficult, I am glad that our officer core has been able to rise to the challenge and ensure that Hollywood Lodge will continue to be led with strength and vision. Wor. Bro. John and Bro. Russell will be installed at the August Stated Meeting.

On the Masonic Education Center front, I am proud to announce that the MEC has been repainted and given new flooring. We had a small unveiling at the July Stated Meeting, but expect to have a larger grand opening at the August Stated Meeting. Come by and take a look and sign up as an assistant coach while you're at it!

Lastly, I incorrectly reported in our July bulletin that we would be balloting on the applications of Curtis Anthony Gole and Stanislav Tolenskiov per a Dispensation from Grand Lodge. Due to a procedural error this did not occur. PLEASE NOTE: We will be re-ballot on the applications of Curtis Anthony Gole and Stanislav Tolenskiov on August 2nd, the date of our next Stated Meeting.

Thank you for your patience on this matter.

Fraternally,

James Bayhylle
Master

jbayhylle@gmail.com