| Los Altos Lodge No. 712: | Last Updated on February 17, 2006 |
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The New Year has arrived and now the first stated meeting for this years officers is now behind us. The ritual work was good for being our first meeting and I am looking forward to it's steady increase in quality through out the year. The officers of the lodge have already started practicing the ritual for putting on degrees. The lodge initiated several new members during the last half of last year, so we will be performing some second degrees in the near future. I am hoping that we will have a candidate proficient and be able to put on a degree in late March or April.
On a more somber note, during the month of January I also attended two memorial services, one for John Runcie and the other Dell Philpot. John was a member and Past Master of our Lodge and Valley Star, the Chapter of Eastern Star that meets here in Los Altos. Dell was a member of Liberty Lodge and also member Valley Star. Both of these truly fine masons will be missed as they have been called to that Celestial Lodge where the Great Architect of the Universe presides.
In February, we will have our annual Crab Feed Dinner. This event will be on February 20th at 6:30 pm, downstairs in the dinning room. The cost for this event will be $20 per person with advanced reservations and $25 at the door. Reservations can be made by contacting the Master, Senior or Junior Wardens. We are purchasing the Crab from the same company that we have used for the last several years and Bill Malmstrom will again be the Head Chef in the kitchen, So we can look forward to another great Crab Feed. I have been asked by members of other lodges when Los Altos was having their Crab Feed and already have reservations. I am expecting a large crowd for this event so make your reservations and bring your appetite, this looks to be a really great event. Another event that is quickly approaching is a Golden Veterans award presentation for our Worshipful Kermit Williams. This event will include a dinner followed by the award presentation in the Lodge room. Kermit is a Past Master of our lodge and has served as Chaplain for many years. We are planning to have this event in March.
In April the stated meeting will be the official visit of Doug Clifford, our Grand Lodge Inspector, so make sure you put that on your calendar as a meeting not to miss.
Fraternally,
Gregory Buschek
Master
Last week I attended two memorial services for Brother Masons. The saying you can tell how great a man is by the number of friends he has. This was true in both of the services I attended.
The first was on Sunday. Brother John Runcie's was held in the Scottish Rite Center. There were over 150 Masons in attendance as well as members of almost every concordant body that John belonged to. The main floor was filled with Masons as well as half of the north upper floor. People were seated all the way back to the door of the dining room. John will be missed for his great ritual ability his willingness to always be there to help when ever called on to do any part and his sense of humor.
Saturday was a memorial for Dell Philpott. He was a member of Liberty Lodge 299 and Valley Star 250 O.E.S. The lodge room was full. Del was a quiet person with a ready smile and joke. Del served in the fighting 69th during WW2 and was one of the soldiers that shook hands with the Russians at the Elbe River, set up the first electron microscope at the Illinois Medical School, he was a scientist, professor, put a mouse into space while at Ames as well as inspected lunar soil for signs of life.
I took part in the Eastern Star ceremony as Chaplain and as I did the prayer there was a part of it that fitted both Masons , " We thank thee for the life of him, beloved by us and dear to the hearts of many, for his thoughtfulness of others, for his gentle hands, for his example of lowly courtesy and devotion to duty, we give Thee grateful thanks"
The crab feed is later this month and I am getting reservations from many people that say we have the best. That's nice to hear and makes all the hard work worth while. This month's dinner will be Gunner's favorite, meatloaf. Next month I'm not sure. It could be corned beef or prime rib, depending on when we have a 50 year pin presentation.
The Officers are honing up their skills for the second degree as we have a few of them coming up. There are also some trips and/or visitations being kicked around for later this year. We need to mix social activates along with Stated Meetings and ritual. One of my favorite sayings is "Masonry can be fun".
Remember Shaken not stirred "007"
Fraternally,
William Malmstrom
Senior Warden
First, let me say that I am honored to be serving this lodge as Junior Warden. I am also very excited to have Worshipful Bushek in the East, and have fond memories of him raising me. Although, however, I do not have fond memories of Worshipful Malmstrom insisting that I take the Junior Warden's chair that same night... wow, it just occurred to me that I'm taking it once again. I do so hope that there isn't a setting maul waiting for me at a future meeting.
And, as I look back on the journey which has taken me here, I think about my introduction to Los Altos Lodge 712, and how Worshipful Oroczo took me off the street at the Los Altos Art and Wine Festival, and brought me on a tour of the lodge. I remember with fondness the joy I felt to have him as my top line signer when I submitted my application to join this Ancient and Honorable Fraternity. (Worshipful Scott Beard was my second line; I do so miss him.)
Anyway, that's it for now. Next month, I'll focus more on the activities of for year.
Fraternally,
Robert Sohigian,
Junior Warden
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