| Los Altos Lodge No. 712: | Last Updated on April 30, 2001 |
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They say time sure passes fast when your having fun. We, (or rather I) must be having lots of fun. It seems like I just finished writing an article for the Trestleboard, and then I get an email from Ernie, "Where is your Trestleboard article?" Next, I look at the calendar in amazement. Has another month passed so fast? I remember my father-in law, who was a past master, (and never asked me to join) always said that the older you get the faster time seems to pass.
March was a truly exciting month. The celebration on March 17 was great. Thanks to everyone who attended for helping make the day a great success.
April will be a light month for activities, as I will be leaving on April 14th to see my daughter in Nashville, and to attend the Tennessee OES Grand Chapter. This will be the first time that Linda and I will see Shelby's (our daughter) new home.
In the month of May we kick it up a notch with two OAM meetings in one month. The first on the 10th at Los Gatos, will feature instruction on the middle section of the 3rd Degree, and will be conducted by our Grand Lecturer. The second is scheduled on the 30th at the San Jose Masonic Temple with instruction on the Third Degree candidates lecture. On the tenth I would like everyone there, especially those who play the parts of roughens and travelers.
There may be a Saturday second degree for Jason Martin. He has started a new job with Southwest Airlines and his work schedule may not let him make a Monday meeting. Jason will also be our visitation candidate. I have asked Worshipful Robert Martin if he would like to be Master for Jason's Third Degree as I feel that there can be nothing greater in a Master's life than Raising his own son. Robert has accepted. It might be noted that this will be the last degree that Robert will do as a bachelor. He and his bride Linda will be tying the knot on June 29, 2001. CONGRATULATIONS Robert and Linda. The Lodge wishes you both the best that life can offer. May the Great Architect of the Universe pour down his blessings on this union.
May 21st we will unite with our Brothers of Palo Alto Roller Lodge for an evening of fellowship, renewing the bond that has always existed between our two Lodges since the founding of Los Altos Lodge. Los Altos Lodge held its first several meetings at Palo Alto before we purchased our present building. Then later, when their Lodge building burned they used our Lodge Room for their meetings. I have talked to Worshipful Cal Lessing, the Master of Palo Alto Lodge, and told him that it would be a Bar-B-Que, sorry Ladies this one is for the Boys only. Get your reservations in to Rick.
I put the call out for help on the visitation and have received from W. Paul Sterner a packet on Nevada City. I will make a few calls before I leave for Tennessee. I would like someone to chair the Picnic. I will take care of the meat, but if someone would take care of putting it together I would really appreciate it.
When I started this article I didn't know if I had enough to say. Once I get going on our Lodge, what there is to do, and how little time there is to do it, it is hard to stop. One of the things that I wanted to do was a dinner on the bay. There are a few very interesting dinner cruises, and I thought that summer would be just the time for it. Let me know what you think of it? Let us, all of us make this a 50th anniversary year to be remembered.............
Fraternally
Bill Malmstrom, P.M.
Master
This month I am happy to inform you that we will soon be conferring a second degree in our lodge. In my capacity as head candidate coach I have been informed that our newest Entered Apprentice, (who currently lives in Reno!) is almost ready with his first-degree proficiency.
In case you missed the ritual changes made at the grand lodge sessions these past years, here are a few notes. The proficiencies required to be advanced to the second and third degrees have been shortened. The memory work requirement is simply limited to the obligation and modes of recognition. This proficiency must be done in a tiled lodge, after having been approved by the Senior Warden (this is to help avoid some of the pressure of being 'on the spot' when in front of the entire Lodge). The new change for 2001 is a WRITTEN TEST. In order to address any lack of understanding, and in light of the shortened proficiencies, a requirement for a written test was approved.
The candidate is given an open-book test covering a handout relating to the degree they have just received. The pamphlets are available on the Internet at the Grand Lodge web site, or from our Lodge Secretary. If you still have problems getting a copy, please contact one of the officers.
Do you know what Passover is? Do you know what a Seder is? If you don't know the answers or just want to join us for a fun and educational experience please come to our Model Seder on April 30th and find out. It is open to all. Please call our Junior Warden for reservations.
Fraternally
Bob Lake
Senior Warden
This year is moving right along and things seem to be progressing quite well. Not long ago the Junior Warden duties seemed completely overwhelming. Today, because of the generous and ongoing help I receive from several worthy Brothers and Sisters the pressure has subsided. I appreciate the constant helpful advice I received at our meetings, practices, and intervals of refreshment (dinners.) My parents were right whenthey repeatedly told me; "There is something new to be learned each and everyday." This is definitely true of our Fraternity, and the more involved I am, the more I learn.
I am continually shown the true essence of Masonry at Los Altos 712. The fellowship, cooperation, friendship, trust, and guidance make me proud of our Fraternity. Wouldn't it be exciting to share our Masonic essence with the whole world? Perhaps we could start by:
* Inviting a friend to come to lodge for dinner?
*· Communicating a Masonic Information Night, including dinner & the Kids ID program, in the local newspapers (LA Town Crier & PA daily)?
*· Invite a Grand Lodge officer and/or Research Lodge member to speak?
*· Sponsor a billboard at the Hill view little league field?
*· Invite our little league team for dinner?
*· Place some information pamphlets just outside the Lodge room or building? Put our web site address on the Temple building?
I was surprised (unpleasantly) at the recent publication of the Los Altos Chamber Of Commerce to see the Los Altos Masonic Lodge mentioned twice in small print nestled among hundreds of other listings. What can we do to stand out as a premier organization?
I welcome your ideas and suggestions.
Our stated meeting dinner for May 7th is a "Cinco de Mayo" theme including: Taquitos, Enchiladas, Taco Bar, Mixed Green Salad, Beans & Rice, Angel Food Cake w/Strawberries. The cost will be $10.00. Please make your reservations to me by NOON, FRIDAY, MAY 4TH.
Fraternally
Richard G. Weyers
Junior Warden
In my haste to have an article about the activities that took place in April, I erroneously said that Coye Vincent was the first Master to open Lodge in our current Lodge building. Our esteemed Brother and Past Master, John R. Adams provided me with the historical facts.
In the Los Altos News of August 28, 1968 an article was published entitled, "New Masonic Temple Opening in September". The last paragraph of this article reads as follows: "A dinner in the new room is set for Sept. 9 at 6:30 p.m. The regular stated meeting of Los Altos Lodge No. 712 will follow in the main lodge room at 8 p.m."
The official Lodge minutes showed that Worshipful John R. Adams presided. John goes on to fill us in with the details of the official notice sent to Palo Altos by Harold K. Hansen on July 2, 1968 advising them that after the month of August Los Altos Lodge No. 712 would no longer be meeting there. According to John the brothers sat on folding chairs along both sides of the lodge room. John's wife Kay spent many hours preparing many dinners benefiting the building fund.
I am grateful to Brother John R. Adams for the information and I will pursue the history so that it can be expanded in the Commemorative Fiftieth Year Book that is currently being put together.
Ed.
Brethren I am passing on some information, which was recently forwarded to me over the Internet. It deals with what one should do in the event of identity theft. Our lodge has first hand knowledge since one of our brothers has suffered such indignation.
These thefts occur when someone gets hold of your personal information by stealing your wallet or your mail.
The first thing is to cancel you credit cards. To perform this act you need to have the toll free number provided for this by your credit card service and the credit card number. Make sure to keep this information in a handy place other than your wallet.
Next file a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit card was stolen or lost.
Third and most important! Call the three national credit-reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and SS number. This Alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
The numbers are:
Equifax 1-800-525-6285
Experian (formerly TRW) 1-800-301-7195
Trans Union 1-800-680-7289
The SS Administration also has a fraud line at 1-800-269-0271
We are working on the Commemorative book for our Lodge. Any brother with interesting anecdotes or stories they would like to share with the brethren are requested to send them to the editor. The layout has been completed and there is plenty of room for tall tales of our history. Make this a Lodge effort and send me your contributions.
Ed.
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