By J. E. C. Rafisura — Master
My dear brothers, the first quarter of 2023 is done! With this, I am pleased to report to you that so far, we have conducted the following activities:
¨ January 26th—Second Degree conferral of Bro. Steven Dorough
¨ February 9th—Double Second Degree conferral of Bros. Charles and Jacob Herrick
¨ February 18th—Sweetheart’s Initiative
¨ February 26th—Successful sold-out Crab/Shrimp Feed
¨ March 9th—First Degree Conferral of Bro. Adam Brissey
¨ March 18th—Golden Veteran Award Ceremony for Wor. Ed Matraia
¨ March 30th—Potluck/Chili Cook-off night
¨ Additionally we Conducted successful examinations on Bros. Charles and Jacob Herrick (1st Degree), Jake Andreotti (2nd Degree), and Bro. Steven Dorough (2nd Degree) are in finalization of the proposed “Travelling Gavel” program by our Inter-lodge Committee.
As we begin the next quarter of this year, I am looking forward to more activities and degree conferrals.
To-date, we have two applicants in the pipeline and two brothers who are ready for their Third Degrees. Also, we will be scheduling another Golden Veteran Award Ceremony for Brother George Christensen.
Our Public Schools Night will also be held on April 20th. Castro Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) has already forwarded to us the names of the honorees for this year!
With all these upcoming activities I am excited to see what is to come and I encourage the rest of our brothers to get involved and participate in our activities. It can be daunting for our working committees and officers to balance work, family and masonic life. As we take on these activities, there’s a lot of work that needs to be done in the background such as multiple degree practices, filling-in “empty chairs” during degrees and stated meetings, coordination for meal preparations for every events, dining hall set-ups/take-downs, among other logistical requirements. My sincerest thanks to those who are silently working in the background to make these events successful. I appreciate all your efforts – dedicating your time and talents for the success of our events.
As we all know, our kitchen crew is currently understaffed due to some of the regular crews that are currently on extended travels/family vacation, relocation to other states, temporary illness, retirements, etc. My gratitude to our executive chef Wor. Roy Tamez who continues to “hold the line” and give his all despite his own limitations. Brothers, officers and non-officers alike continue to volunteer in the kitchen provide sumptuous meals. My gratitude also goes to the youth groups who help serve during stated meeting dinners and major events. The lodge owes deep gratitude to all of you.
As usual, I look forward to hearing from you or seeing you at one of the lodge activities! Thank you for the opportunity to serve.