From the East

By Paul Rodriguez-Obrien, PM—Master

Brethren and Families,

By long standing tradition, our lodge respectfully "goes dark" following our July Stated Meeting. This gives our Officers and Brethren an opportunity to enjoy some well-deserved downtime with their families, take vacations, cheer on the World Cup, and simply recharge before we begin another busy season.

I did try to sneak in a Third-Degree during July, but it quickly became apparent that many of our younger officers already had important plans or perhaps plans not to make plans at all! Out of respect for them and the traditions of our lodge, I gladly fell back in line and followed the example set by the many Past Masters who came before us.

August promises to be a wonderful month, thanks to the warm Bay Area summer and the family-oriented events we have planned.

On Saturday, August 8, beginning around 11:30 a.m., we will once again hold our Annual Lodge Picnic at the Golden Gate Live Steamers in Tilden Park, Berkeley. We'll enjoy Uncle Roy's famous tri-tip along with all the fixings. There will be games for everyone, and the miniature railroad trains will be running exclusively for our event, taking riders through towering redwoods, charming miniature towns, bridges, and tunnels. This has been a beloved lodge tradition for many years, and I hope you've already sent your RSVP to our Secretary.

On Saturday, August 22, our lodge will once again host the Strawberry Feed at the Masonic Home. This is a wonderful opportunity to give back to the brethren and their wives, who have devoted so much of their lives to supporting Freemasonry. Volunteers are needed to help prepare the strawberries, set up, serve, and visit with the residents. Please plan on volunteering from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It is an incredibly rewarding experience, and the smiles you'll receive in return make every minute worthwhile.

Also on Saturday, August 22, our Eastern Star family will be holding their annual BBQ at the lodge, and everyone is invited. The BBQ will begin at 4:00 p.m., allowing our Strawberry Feed volunteers plenty of time to return and join the festivities. The cost will be announced once we have a better estimate of attendance, so please remember to RSVP through our Secretary.

Finally, on Thursday, August 27, we will have the privilege of Raising Brother Ildjer Baron to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason. We had hoped to confer his degree in July, but as I mentioned earlier, circumstances had other plans. I hope each of you will make every effort to attend. There are few moments more meaningful in Masonry than welcoming a new Master Mason as he begins his own lifelong journey of self-improvement, service to his family, and service to society.

Events like these strengthen the bonds we share as Masons and remind us of the importance of fellowship, friendship, and brotherly love. I encourage each of you to attend our Stated Meetings, degree work, and social events whenever you are able. We look forward to seeing you and your families again very soon.