Brethren:

July was a particularly rewarding month because of the three successful events held during the month. A lot of Brethren worked very hard to make them successful and they were the present Line Officers plus one from next year and a couple of P.M.'s.

On Saturday, July 23rd we had our Luau at Lake Balboa, the only cool place in the Valley that day. Aaron Shubb arranged for the park, hired the Hula Dances, planned the menu, did the set up at the park and supervised the event. James Bayhylle assisted Aaron with the park set-up and did the signing. Joseph Foo and Robert Podany did the cooking at the Lodge and transported the food to the park and Inaki Villerin arranged the games. For their own safety the Judges who picked the winner of the Hawaiian Shirt contest will remain nameless.

The following Thursday, July 28th we held our Public Information Seminar with guest speaker Dr. Margaret Jacob, Professor of History at U.C.L.A. The presentation of the food was done by Ken Kolchier's girlfriend Angel. Ken arranged the first part of teh evenings presentation and Robert Podany, David Sylvester and Jerry Shubb helped out. We were very impressed with the number of non-masons in attendance, which means were talking to the right crowd.

On the last day of the month we ventured down to Hollywood and the Stella Adler Theater where we saw a play written, directed and produced by Hollywood-West Valley Lodge member Sam Langford. I know in the very near future I can tell a tabloid reporter that Sam and I served in Line together. I was Senior Deacon and he was Junior. Ted Schuman was our Ticket Broker for the event.

Our August event chaired by Spryos Pappas was to visit the Reagan Presidential Library on August 20th. At the August Stated Meeting Spyros announced that 80 people had paid to attend this event, which speaks highly of Spyros' ability to promote an event.

There are a few events in September that need discussing or promoting. They are the Mini Golf, on September 11th, the tour of the Shriner's Hospital on September 18th, and Constitution Night with Patrick Henry as our Guest Speaker on September 22nd.

The rest of my year as Master, I would like to have a positive attitude but not at the expense of courtesy and good manners. Ethel and I have tried to put together programs and announcements at the Stated Meeting dinners that are beneficial and interesting to the members and their Ladies. Also while we are dining I would like to announce the Birthday People, Anniversary Couples, Award Recipients (50 year and Hiram) and of course the Past Masters (bless their little hearts). But if you would rather come and just visit, I can arrange other methods of communicating this information or I can silence the offending people who would rather talk, so you can hear what is going on. Believe me there is nothing worse than a crusy old Past Master with nothing to gain or lose telling you what is what.

Fraternally yours,

Stanley J. Higgins, Crusty Old PM
Master