Hello, again, everyone!
    This has certainly been a busy summer!
     We had a very nice gathering on June 15 to present Sister Peggy Mecham-Carlotti with her 50-year certificate and a pin that is special to her – her mother/Sister Flora’s 50-year pin!  Worthy Matron Joni and Worthy Patron Lee started things off, and then Sister Karen Parlato read a special poem Sister Peggy had found before she presented Sister Peggy the pin and certificate.  A lunch and fellowship followed.  Thank you to all who came to help celebrate this special day.  As Sister Peggy says, “Friends are the flowers in the garden of life!”

    Sister Joni and Brother Lee were in process of putting together prizes for the Humboldt County Library’s Summer Reading Program to present to the Library, along with a monetary donation toward more books and supplies for the Library.  They did have a date to go shopping for prizes; however, that got derailed when Brother Lee ended up in the hospital with a nasty infection.  And then went back into the hospital later, and is still there as of the writing of this article (July 21).  He is in the ICU.  Lee’s advice is never to do your gardening without your gloves.  This whole mess started with a spider bite while he was gardening bare-handed.  

    Our Friendship Night was on July 3 with a theme of “Hats Off to American Heroes!”  Thank you to everyone who came and made it such a special night.  Thank you to Sisters Alice and Peggy for the refreshments before the meeting – they were delicious!  For those who did not make it to the meeting due to back issues, ill, health, etc., we missed you and hope you are feeling better by now!

    July 14, 2024, was the District-wide fundraiser Afternoon Tea to benefit Paws for Purple Hearts at the Humboldt Masonic Lodge in Eureka.  Sister Terri Ewing, Past Grand Matron, was our special guest and speaker.  There was also a silent auction, and Sister Christie Smith made adorable purple paws available for a donation of $10+.  The afternoon went very well, and we raised over $1,300 plus we received a generous donation of an additional $1,000!  Thank you to all who attended and all who helped!  Also thank you to the Job’s Daughters for assisting, keeping hot water on the tables, etc.

    It was sad and unfortunate that Brother Lee could not attend the tea as he had gone into the hospital for the second time the Thursday before.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers, and perhaps send him a card letting him know you are thinking about him.  This hospital stay has not been fun for all the usual reasons, but in Lee’s case, he is a “social animal” cut off from so many of his friends.

    Coming up on the calendar:    
    The plan for our August meeting is a potluck at 6:30 p.m.  Sister Liz will provide hot dogs and buns, and the rest of us should bring condiments and side dishes to complement the hot dogs.  After supper will be an ante room meeting and a board game night.  Please bring simple easy-to-learn board games so we can all have a lovely time together!   While the August evening is mostly about the fun, we do still need a quorum to be able to conduct business, so it is important for all members who can to be at that meeting!

    Please keep in mind we will have a school supplies drive at our September meeting.  Please collect school supplies to bring in September.  Everything collected will be donated to one of the local schools.  Thank you!

    Our October meeting will have the theme of a Teddy Bear Picnic.  Please bring your favorite stuffed animal(s) – they do not have to be bears – to share at our Teddy Bear Picnic!  Picnic before the meeting at 7:00; meeting starts at 7:30.  This meeting is also elections, so if you aspire to any of the elected offices, be sure your written and endorsed aspiration is on the dais prior to the start of the meeting. Thank you.

    As you probably know, we are trying to update our list of addresses and emails for all of our Camellia Star members.  If you have not (or know of a member who has not) recently received a letter in the mail from Sister Joni or have not received an email from her in the past six months, please let her know so she can update the list.  You can contact Sister Joni at joni@reninet.com, (707) 499-9478, or P.O. Box 370, Eureka, CA 95502, to update her with current contact information.

    Thank you to all of our members and friends just for being you.  We look forward to seeing you all soon!

Warm summer wishes to one and all –
Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron

PHOTOS:

1-Karen Parlato making the presentation of 50-Year Pin and Certificate to Sister Peggy Mecham-Carlotti
2-Peggy Mecham-Carlotti listening to Sister Karen making the presentation of her 50-Year Certificate
3-More than 250 years of membership in District 1 represented on June 15, 2024
4-Terri Ewing, PGM, speaking at the Afternoon Tea benefiting Paws for Purple Hearts on July 14
5-Some of those in attendance at the Afternoon Tea
6-Some of the delicious food donated by the members of our District for the Afternoon Tea

Who are these young guys? These are the members of the senior softball team, Senior Moments, the team that Humboldt lodge has sponsored for the past seven seasons. The members are 60 plus years in age. They want to thank the lodge for their support and hope that the lodge will support them in the years to come.

My Brothers and Friends,

Greetings on this beautiful 4th 0f July Holiday. We will have a busy and hopefully fun and productive month here at “ye olde lodge”. Our big event is our Outdoor Third Degree for Brother Charlie Johnson on Saturday, July 13th starting at 11 AM. We will be holding the degree at Wor. Steve Jacobs Estate out in Fieldbrook. A BBQ lunch will be provided at Noon with massive amounts of fellowship permeating the air. These outdoor degrees are few and far between and are an exciting Masonic Event; so, come on out and support our soon to be newest Master Mason.  Maps will be provided upon request.

Continuing in this vein, we will be initiating our new candidate, Mr. James M. Reid (Mitch) on August 27th at 7 PM at Six Rivers Lodge. Come and help welcome our newest Mason.

This month’s family and friends’ event will be our journey to the Crabs Game on July 16th, starting at 6:30 PM. We have reserved the picnic area on the left field side of the stadium at the Arcata Ball Park. We will be providing grilled Tri-Tip steak and assorted sides at no charge. So sign up your family and come out and join us. A good idea to bring a jacket and some comfy lawn chairs; picnic tables are provided.

Important business meetings occur on July 23rd at 7 PM, the Hall Association Meeting and on July 30th at 7 PM, School of Instruction (All #106 Officers must attend). As time permits, we will be honing our skills on Mexican Train Dominoes as well.

Looking ahead, August 11th is our District Wide Picnic in Fortuna and on September 11th our First Responders Dinner. Let’s not forget our Grand Lodge Corner Stone Event in Eureka and Blue Lake on September 28th.

Fraternally,

George Durfee, WM

Greetings, brothers. It is July and that means it’s time to break out the grill! Our lodge had an enjoyable day at the Crabs baseball game and barbecue with over 60 guests in attendance. It is an event that I look forward to every year and this time, I had the pleasure of manning the grill. Excellent weather and good company made for a great day. And the Crabs came from behind and won in the 11^th inning. What a game! I hope you all are enjoying the summer. 

Quote of the month: 

“Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” —Winston Churchill 

July events: 

July 4^th – Thursday – Humboldt lodge is dark for the July 4^th Holiday 

July 11^th – Thursday – Stated Meeting @ 7pm 

July 18^th – Thursday – 3^rd degree rehearsal @ 6pm 

July 20^th – Saturday – Masonic Race Day Barbecue at the Samoa Drag Strip @ 11am. We will need volunteers to help with set-up, packing and cleanup. 

July 25^th – Thursday – 3^rd degree for Brother Tom Lazio @ 6:30pm 

July 27 – Saturday – Coffee with the Master @ 9am 

And now, I would like to introduce you to Brother Jesse Hindbaugh. 

Jesse was born in Illinois and grew up in the Midwest. He spent time in the Sierra Nevada’s and then moved to Humboldt County.  

He worked for a time as a microbiologist but now likes to try new things that interest him. One thing he mentioned was that he has his own ammunition company, which lead me to think that he is a hunter. And I was right. Jesse loves hunting season and the great outdoors. He also likes hiking, which is understandable since. Humboldt County has some of the finest trails to be found on the west coast.  

Jesse is also the adventurous type that likes to ride motorcycles, 4 wheelers, and jet skis. When pushing the limits of his vehicles, he sometimes went a little too fast which led him to break a few bones. About 76 of them! Hey Jesse, are you moonlighting as a Hollywood stuntman?  

Golfing is another favorite pastime and while he admits that he will never be the greatest golfer, his goal is to be the best dressed golfer.  

When I asked Jesse what he most enjoys about masonry, he said it is the strong friendships he has made over the years; how his brothers are always there to lend a helping hand if needed and how everyone gets along. “I wouldn’t trade masons for anything. I just really like this group.” 

Jesse lives in McKinleyville with his wife Erica, and three teen daughters. 

Respectfully, 

Daniel Sarver 
Master
Humboldt Lodge No. 79

NO MEETING THIS MONTH – We will not have a meeting in July, but there are a lot of Masonic activities. Here is a list of some of the events.

JULY –

3 – Camellia-Star Friendship Night – 7:30 (Humboldt Lodge)

4 – Ferndale 4^th of July parade – NOON (if you would like to ride on the Masonic float, meet at Ferndale Lodge no later than 11a.m.

10 – Ferndale Chapter Meeting – 7:30

14 – District Tea (See below for more information)

13-21 – Fortuna Rodeo Week (check out the events)

26-28 – Fortuna Auto Expo (Show & Shine on the 27^th)   

(Randy Cady’s 2022 entry. Check out his 2024 entry.)

A Sunday afternoon tea will be held on July 14 at 2 p.m. in the Humboldt Lodge in Eureka. The tea is a distirct fund raiser for Paws for Purple Hearts. The cost is $20 per person and the deadline for reservation is July 7^th. Terri Ewing, PGM will be the guest speaker. For reservation contact Joni at 707 499-9478 or joni@reninet.com. It should be a fun and informative afternoon.

AUGUST –

    8 – Regular Stated Meeting – 7:30 (Theme – The 50’s) 50-year members will be honored.

   11 – Masonic Picnic – Noon (Rohner Park)

   21 – Sept 2. – Humboldt County Fair

   31 – Grand Elect Deanna Bay’s Reception – 7 p.m. (Loleta) See below for more information.

Our regular stated meeting will be August 8, at 7:30. The theme for the evening is the 1950’s, and the Chapter will honor 50-year members.

Sunday the 11^th (at noon) will be the annual Masonic Picnic at Rohner Park. The Masons cook a wonderful deep pit BBQ, and make great baked beans. All you need to bring is a side dish/dessert, plates and eating utensils. A donation to help cover the expense of the meat and the rental of the park facilities is always appreciated.   

Grand Electa, Deanna Bay’s Reception will be Saturday, August 31, in the Loleta Pavilion at 7 p.m.           RSVP to Janessa Woolley by August 21st,  202janessawoolley@gmail.com| 707.617.0259

PAWS FOR PURPLE HEARTS helps Veterans and Active Duty Service Members by providing trained service dogs. Community support allows this organization to continue fulfilling their mission. We invite members of our entire Masonic Family to attend this July 14th Afternoon Tea to learn more and help us spread the word. Feel free to invite friends and family as well. We do ask that you please let us know you’ll be attending (see flyer for contact information). Thank you.

Warm Summer Wishes to One and All –

            Our Worthy Matron Joni had a wonderful trip to Scotland in early May, and our Worthy Patron Lee had a fun adventure in Prague, Provence, etc., about the same time.  Both enjoyed their trips immensely; however, they did miss the May 1 meeting.  It was an ante-room meeting, and members and guests also enjoyed a scavenger hunt following clues through the Lodge and adjoining rooms crafted by Sister Peggy. 

            The next meeting, on June 5, was our Memorial Service and Tribute to Star Point Officers.  Refreshments of fruit salad, meat, cheese, crackers, and cupcakes were served at 7:00, and the meeting started at 7:30.  We had so many visitors that nearly all our stations were filled.  Karen Parlato volunteered to be our Organist and played wonderful live music, which was a real treat.  The special Tribute to the Star Point Officers was really lovely with Sisters Leslie N, Helene N, Jean T, and Margaret R filling in the chairs with our own Sister Alice as they read short paragraphs about their heroines.

            The Memorial Service was also beautiful with all the ladies in their white dresses around the Altar.  Thanks to Sister Lynnie H and Brother Lee A substituting for the Memorial with Sister Laird to drape the Altar. 

            Other visitors who also helped fill in offices for the evening were Sister Tricia C, and Brothers Larry N and Kirby B.  We had so many visitors, some were able just to sit on the sidelines and enjoy, including Sister Nancy B and Grand Electa Deanna B. 

            It was also good to see our own Sister Mary back after being gone from our meetings for several months.  I believe I heard she might be able to make it to more meetings in future!  And, of course, a big thank you for our own officers who came to the meeting and did a lovely job.

         The “We are so glad you came” gifts were won by Brother Kirby  and Sister Leslie!  Congratulations, and Thanks for coming to the meeting!  We’re so glad you came! 

            Again, thank you to everyone who came and filled in or just came to enjoy.  Thank you to all who helped make the evening extra special.  Your presence and your assistance are very much appreciated!

            Next on the calendar is Saturday, June 15, at 12:00 Noon at Humboldt Masonic Lodge for a 50-Year Presentation to Sister Peggy Mecham-Carlotti.  The presentation will come first, followed by lunch (sandwiches, salads, and beverages to be provided).  Please come and celebrate with our newest 50-year member!  RSVP to Sister Peggy at (707) 499-1037 or peggy@bramblemanor.com.  Remember: “Friends are the flowers in the garden of life!”

            Hopefully sometime during June, we will be putting together prizes for the Humboldt County Library’s Summer Reading Program. When we deliver the prizes, we will also deliver a check for the donation portion of our contribution to the Library and its Summer Reading Program.  The delivery will happen in July.

            Our July 3 meeting is Friendship Night and “Hats Off to American Heroes!”  Refreshments will be at 7:00 and meeting at 7:30.  Please come have fun with us, and maybe have in mind an American Hero (from history or from the present) who is meaningful to you.  We hope to see you there!

            July 14, 2024, at 2:00 is the District-wide fundraiser Afternoon Tea to benefit Paws for Purple Hearts at the Humboldt Masonic Lodge in Eureka.  Sister Terri Ewing, Past Grand Matron, will be present as a speaker.  There will also be a silent auction.  All members, prospective members, and friends are invited.  RSVP to Sister Joni at (707) 499-9478 or joni@reninet.com.  Tickets are $20 per person.

         Our August meeting is anticipated to be an ante room meeting and board game night.  Join us for fun and fellowship.  Bring your favorite game to share, and let’s have some fun!

         At our September meeting we will gather school supplies to donate to a school (yet to be determined).  Start now to collect pencils, pencil sharpeners, notebooks, pens, folders, construction paper, staplers, staples, and other school supplies to be donated to a local school.

            In October, bring your teddy bears and other stuffed companions for our “Teddy Bear Picnic” themed evening!

         Thanks again to everyone who supports our Chapter.  We could not manage without all our friends!  We look forward to seeing you all at future events!

Star Love,

Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron

Lee Astorino, Worthy Patron

Please join is for Peggy Mecham-Carlotti’s 50 year presentation on June 15. See the attached flyer for more information.

It has been a while since our Bethel updated its article in the new Trestleboard, and we have had quite a busy term!

We had installation on January 7 with a theme of “Friends are like snowflakes, all different and all are beautiful.”  Betsy was installed for her second term as Honored Queen.

In March we decided to have a fun night, and all met at Ultimate Yogurt for a social get-together. 

Also, in March some of our members helped with the Scottish Rite Shrimp Feed. 

In April we attended the Humboldt Lodge’s youth night and explained the meaning of our Bethel Flag to the Masons.

In April we also took part in the Rhododendron Parade, which is always a lot of fun!

In early May we had a Spring fundraiser of making and selling boxes of cookies and other treats.  We want to thank everyone who supported our fundraiser!  We are so grateful to everyone who bought our cookies!

We have been busy all term long planning a couple big events.  One of them was on May 25 when all the Job’s Daughters from several Bethels including Eureka, Ukiah, and some Bay Area Bethels all met in Ukiah to do a service project with the residents of a senior home.  We played games, visited, sang songs with the residents, all as a part of our Grand Guardian’s Official Visit.  Our Job’s Daughter Team of Bethels also presented to the Grand Guardian and Associate Grand Guardian framed certificates and star maps to the stars we had named in their honor. 

After the Grand Guardian’s Official Visit, our Bethel grabbed some dinner at KFC before going to the Ukiah Lodge for the reception honoring the Grand Bethel Librarian.  Our own Miss Brooke Hansen was both the Presiding Officer and the Hostess for the evening, and her mother Mrs. Sally Hansen was Honorary Recorder.  However, Since Mrs. Hansen had broken her leg and had difficulty with walking, our Guide Logan filled in as her “walker” and walked in and then was in the closing cross in Mrs. Hansen’s place.  Logan did a great job!

After the reception, it was a long drive home at night, getting to Humboldt Hill about 12:30 a.m. on Sunday morning.  And some of us had to be at our own Lodge at 9:00, others by 11:00 to decorate and practice for a reception honoring Mrs. Sally Hansen, Grand First Messenger.  The reception started at 1:00, and was well attended.  The theme for the reception was based on Mrs. Hansen’s favorite reality shows, “Survivor,” “Big Brother,” and “Amazing Race.” 

Still to come, our next installation is planned for June 9 at 1:00 p.m. with a fairyland theme.  We hope you will be able to attend!

Then on June 15, we will participate in the Flag Ceremony at the Elks Lodge at Noon.

Then we blast off to Grand Bethel in Visalia!  We will tell you how that turns out when we get back.

And, of course, we will have our Krispie Kreme donut booth in Old Town Eureka on the 4^th of July!  Please drop by and buy some donuts!  We will be in Old Town from opening until we sell out of donuts!  Except for our Honored Queen, who will zip down to Ferndale to participate in their parade.

Thank you to everyone who supports our Bethel!  We look forward to seeing you at some of our events!

Best wishes,  

Bethel No. 86 Eureka

PHOTOS:
1. Bethel Installation in January
2. Daughters on the Float in the Rhody Parade in April
3. Putting together goodie boxes for our Spring fundraiser
4. Our Bethel at the Grand Guardian & Associate Grand Guardian’s Official Visit in Ukiah
5. Reception for Mrs. Sally Hansen, Grand First Messenger on May 26

ROHNERVILLE-REDWOOD CHAPTER No. 76 – June 2024

June is known for graduations, weddings, and the start of summer. For Rohnerville-Redwood Chapter this June it will mean attending the production of ‘Prom’ at the Ferndale Rep., and since we will not be having a Memorial ceremony this year, the theme for the meeting will be Summer Fun.

Last month I had the chance to deliver cookie boxes to our 50-year members and shut-ins. It is always nice to have the opportunity to honor these special members, and visit with them. Thank you to Bethel No. 86 JDI for the lovely cookie boxes.

Worthy Matron Kim was able to deliver our Books for Bikes books donation to  the Linell Walker (South School) Elementary School in May. With all the cuts in education funding, it is great to be able to support the local schools with the donation of library books. In the fall the school will start the Books for Bikes program, where the students read books to receive a chance to win a bike. The more books they read, the more chances they have to win.

Randy’s 2022 entry

We will not have a meeting in July. It is a busy month with the 4^th of July, Rodeo and Auto Expo. The Masonic family participates in the 4^th of July parade in Ferndale. Then the week of July 13-21, is Fortuna Rodeo events. (Rodeo July 20 & 21) The Fortuna Auto Expo is July 26, 27, & 28. Checkout the Auto Expo Show & Shine to see what car Randy Cady enters.

June

         1 – Ferndale Rep. Theatre, ‘The Prom” – 7:30

       13 – Regular Stated Meeting – Summer Fun 7:30

       15 – 50-year pin presentation – Peggy Mecham-Carlotti

                        11 a.m. – Humboldt Lodge (Eureka)                                         

July (NO MEETING this month)                                                      

         4 – Ferndale Parade – noon

        14 – District Tea (fund raiser for Paws for Purple Hearts) – Humboldt Lodge – 2:00              

  13-21 – Fortuna Rodeo Week (checkout all the events)

  20-21 – Fortuna Rodeo (Sun. BBQ – 11 a.m.)

  26-28 – Fortuna Auto Expo (Show & Shine 27^th)

August –

        8 – Regular Stated meeting – 50’s Night (Honoring 50-year members)

      21 – Sept. 2 – Humboldt County Fair

      31 – Grand Elect Deanna’s Reception – Loleta

We always looked forward to seeing you at a meeting or event.