It was good to see so many brothers turn out to help with the Judkin Middle School’s annual fundraising BBQ. The young ladies of Rainbow Assembly #92 were also hand helping out with this event. Everyone had a good time and it was a success for the school. See page three for a few photos taken of the BBQ’ers. Prior to our stated meeting on Tuesday, May 1st, we will have a guest speaker.

Mr. Si Tenenberg, a resident of San Luis Obispo and a former United States Marine, who served during the Korean War, will speak to us about his project providing supporting for our troops in Afghanistan and Iraq. You may have read about Mr. Tenenberg’s project in a couple recent articles in The Tribune.

He puts together packages of items which our troops have a need for but are not normally available through regular channels in the field. He will arrive at 6:30 PM to begin his talk. Come out and hear about his project.

The Masonic Spelling Bee sponsored by Hesperian and Central Coast Lodges was held April 23rd through the 25th. The first night was for the 4th graders from the various schools in Santa Maria. and there was a very large turn out. I’m told that it was the largest turn out for this event since its beginning. It was pretty much standing room only. Among those in the audience were family members, friends, teachers and school administrators The competition was pretty intense; the kids went through the 4th grade list of words and well into the 6th grade list before the winner was decided. All I can say is I’m glad I didn’t have to compete against those kids. As for me—“thank God for spell check.”

It’s hard to believe, but we are rapidly approaching mid year. Some things to look forward to in the next half of the year are: The Trade Show in Santa Maria in June; the child ID program at the Arroyo Grande Auto Show in July; Our constitution observance program in September; The Oktoberfest in October; a couple 50 year awards and anticipated degrees which should be coming up. We’re also planning a Rusty Trowel program for September. The good news is it looks like we will be pretty busy for the balance of the year. That’s about it from the east.

See you at Lodge.

Fraternally,

Well another month has arrived and the year is rapidly slipping away. We are only six months away from the election of officers for the 2008 Masonic year.

We had a very good planning meeting a couple of weeks ago and laid out some of the ground work for the new year. If you have any ideas as to what you would like to see in the next year, let us know. In discussions with the Master and others at the Judkins Bar-B-Que on the 21st of April, the subject of a Rusty Trowel program was discussed. We have tentatively decided on a program to be held in September, probably on a Saturday. Details to be worked out and announced at a later date. So keep that in mind.

We plan on a mailing to all Masons in the Central Coast area. That will only go to the members of the Grand Lodge of California so we are going to need your assistance on getting members of other jurisdictions to attend this gathering. (I can only get the mailing list of California members from Grand Lodge). If you know of a member of the Fraternity that does not attend our lodge for one reason or another, be sure and ask them to attend this Rusty Trowel gathering. The dinner for visitors will be free, with donations accepted from members. If you know of a Brother from another jurisdiction that you think would like an invitation letter, please send me his address and I will get them on the mailing list. In the past we have always had a good turn out for these programs and generally get two or three new members.

Speaking of members, at the Judkins Bar-B-Que one of the adult visitors ask for a petition to receive the degrees of Masonry. I have said this in the past, every time we have a public function we get new applicants. So when you are out and about, do not be afraid to talk up Masonry. There are men out there that are interested but do not know who to talk to about joining. Applications are readily available from me or at the Lodge.....Just ask.

So until we see you at Lodge or other activities, may we part on the square and walk on the level.