Greetings, Sisters, Brothers, and Friends –

I am sorry for not getting information in to the Trestleboard sooner.  I was sick for most of a good deal of November and December, missing our stated meeting on December 5, which had a “Holidays Around the World” theme.  Thank you to Sister Laird for moving to the East to preside.  Thank you to Sister Peggy for helping with the meeting and for sharing some holiday traditions from around the globe. I am so glad we had a quorum.  Thank you, everyone!

January 1, of course, we did not have a stated meeting since our by-laws specify we do not meet on New Year’s Day.  I hope everyone had a lovely day with their family and friends. Happy New Year to one and all!

To back up just a bit, we had a very nice installation on November 17, with a theme of “Kindness costs nothing, yet it is a most precious gift” (Katrina Mayer).  Thank you to everyone who helped with this installation from those who agreed to be installing officers to the Chapter officers who agreed to take stations this year to the guests who came and supported us from the sidelines.  You are all so wonderful and helpful! 

We also had a food drive, and I took quite a carload of food donations to Food for People shortly after.  Thank you to everyone who donated.  Most of the donations were not brought upstairs but rather left in the cars so the boxes and bags would not have to be lugged up and back down again!

Some fun District-wide events either have happened or are being contemplated for this year.  One that has already happened, rather spontaneously, was attending the play “Cinderella” in Ferndale in December.

In other news, our Chapter had been having a hard time connecting with Sister Susan Bonnett to deliver to her a 25-year pin and certificate.  It turns out she is in the Santa Rosa area for medical treatment.  Sister Helene was able to visit with her and pass along the pin and certificate for us.  Helene let us know that Susan is doing well despite her illness, and she sends her love and wishes everyone a happy new year.  If you would like to send a card to Susan, please send it in care of her sister: Kristin Bonnett, 2653 Stony Point Road, Santa Rosa, CA  95407.

Our February 5 stated meeting went well.  THANK YOU to everyone who came and helped with the meeting!  Our theme of the night was “For the Birds” in honor of Feed the Birds Day.  A theme-appropriate We’re So Glad You Came gift was won by Sister Salena, just back from a Conductress Weekend where she got to learn quite a bit!

Next meeting (March 5) will be “Napping Under the Apple Tree with Johnny Appleseed” in honor of Johnny Appleseed Day on March 11.  Attire will be business casual.  We will do long-form opening.

For your information, “Business Casual” means ladies wear dress, skirt/slacks outfit, jacket optional, and gentlemen wear slacks and nice shirt or polo shirt (no t-shirts).

Also for your information, our Worthy Grand Matron’s visit will be at our June 4 stated meeting, and we will do long form opening at each meeting before then to keep in practice with our Ritual work.

Just a reminder, in case you have not paid yet, dues are $85.21 general, or $75.21 for life sponsors. Dues should be sent to Secretary Peggy Mecham-Carlotti at P.O. Box 117, Bayside, CA  95524.  Thank you.

Looking ahead, our April 2 meeting theme will be “It’s Peanut Butter Jelly Time!” because April 2 is Peanut Butter and Jelly Day. 

May 7 will be our Deputy’s official visit, so we will need to have brushed up on proving the Chapter, the Associate Conductress’ initiation work, balloting, etc., by then.  We will discuss this more as May approaches. 

June 4 is our Worthy Grand Matron’s Official Visit.  She wants to visit a regular stated meeting with our Chapter – not one of the all-District meetings, this one is just us and our usual visitors/helpers.  It is also Memorial, so we will be doing the Memorial Ceremony.  The Chaplain and Conductresses need to wear white for the occasion.  Also it just happens that World Bicycle Day is June 2, so we will use that as the theme for the evening, since the Worthy Grand Matron is into bicycles with baskets filled with flowers.    

Again, thank you to everyone who comes to our meetings.  We have a great group in this Chapter and in this District, and I appreciate you all very much.  For example, Sister Alice (Martha) has volunteered to do both Martha and Electa at our meetings, since she knows both parts.  Thank you for that, Sister Alice!  You are a gem!
 

Best wishes to everyone, and until we meet again,

Star love,

Joni Hewston
Worthy Matron

Camellia Star Chapter

Photos

First, Installation of the 2025 officers

Second, 2024 Food Drive

Third, most of the Worthy Matrons and Worthy Patrons of 2025

Fourth, some Brothers having a good time

Hello, everyone!

At our meeting on October 2, there was some concern for a bit as to whether we would have a quorum, but we made it!  Whew!  Because of the lack of people present for 7:00 refreshments, we held those until after the meeting.  The theme of the evening was “Teddy Bear Picnic,” and nearly everyone brought a plushy friend or two… or three… to share.  We had all sorts of fuzzy friends, including a gopher, an elephant, an owl, LOTS of bears, a German Shepard, and more! Some of the friends were old and dear treasures from childhood, and some were relatively new.  It was fun to get to meet them and hear their stories!  Thanks to all who brought their plushy friends with them!

Please note that there is a bear available for adoption.  Sister Marlene Hover left behind a beautifully dressed bear with a lovely hat.  She is very pretty and needs a new home.  If anyone is interested in adopting this sweet bear, please contact Sister Peggy Mecham-Carlotti.

The ”We’re So Glad You Came” gifts went to Sisters Liz Lorig and Tricia Coombs!  Thank you, ladies, and thanks to everyone who came to the meeting.  And a special thank you to Sisters Lynnie Horrigan who filled in as Associate Conductress and Jean Thomson who filled in as Esther.  Thank you, also, to Sister Tricia for filling both the Associate Matron and Conductress stations!  And, of course, thank you to the seven Camellia Star officers who were present.  

Another highlight of our evening, of course, was elections.  Congratulations to our newly elected officers for 2025:

                Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron

                Michael Biesen, Worthy Patron

                Laird Crandall, Associate Matron

                Liz Lorig, Treasurer

                Peggy Mecham-Carlotti, Secretary

                And – drum roll please –

                Salena Glass, Associate Conductress!

We will have an open installation on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.  Practice will be that morning at 11:00.  It has yet to be decided whether we want some sort of lunch as a group in between practice and installation.  While it was not mentioned in the meeting, please be advised the installation is semi-formal, and the colors are all the colors of the rainbow.  The theme will be something along the lines of “Kindness costs nothing, yet it is a most precious gift.”  There are no other installation details available yet, but think flowers!  There will also be a FOOD DRIVE!  So, if you would like to participate, please bring non-parishable food in non-breakable containers for our Food Drive.  Thank you!

In sadder news, it was announced that a former member of our Chapter, and a many times Past Patron, Wayne Hooper, had passed away very recently, and his memorial was held this past Thursday.  Brother Michael was at the memorial and said it was standing room only.

Looking ahead, the theme for our November 6 meeting is “Marooned Without a Compass,” and Brother Michael has already gotten into the spirit with a little game he has planned.   Attire is … whatever … we’re marooned, right?  So casual attire seems appropriate.  Sister Alice kindly offered to bring refreshments – thank you!  We will try to have refreshments at 7:00, and then the meeting at 7:30.  Meeting will be short form.  I look forward to seeing you all there!

Announcements: 

Congratulations to Helene Nicholson who is the new Deputy Grand Matron for District 1!  I am sure she will shortly be scheduling First Meeting Practices with the various Chapters.

Save the Dates:

                November 6 – “Marooned Without a Compass” – Last meeting of the term for our Chapter

                November 10 – Arcata Chapter Installation

                November 16 – Rohnerville-Redwood Chapter Installation

                November 17 – Camellia Star Chapter Practice and Installation

                November 23 – Ferndale Chapter Installation

                                      Note:  All installations are at 2:00 p.m.

                December 4 – First meeting of the new term for our Chapter – Toy Drive!

                January 1, 2025 – HAPPY NEW YEAR!  No meeting  —  enjoy the holiday with your family and friends!

Thank you, one and all!  I look forward to seeing you soon.

Star Light and Love –

Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron

Camellia Star Chapter No. 63

PHOTOS from our Teddy Bear Picnic meeting in October.

Thank you to everyone who attended our September 4th meeting.  We had 9 officers present and several guests!  It was so nice to see so many people.  It was also wonderful to see all the school supplies donated for Alice Birney School.  There were items in the East and in the West, plus I received three more bags of donations down at the cars, and more donations the following night.  Thank you to everyone who participated in this project!  You are all so much appreciated!

Along with the school supply drive, refreshments of school lunch type foods were provided prior to the meeting.  The “Thank You for Coming!” gifts went to Sisters Lisa McCombs and JoAnna Matlock!

To back up just a little bit, August 31 was a beautiful reception honoring Grand Electa, Sister Deanna Bay.  The decorations were beautiful, with hand-made gorgeous large paper roses all around the room.  Watching Deanna and her special escort (a gaggle of grandchildren) walking up to the East was adorable!

The following day, September 1, was a brunch reception for our Deputy Grand Matron, Sister Lisa McCombs, and was a lovely event, followed by a LOT of wonderful food for brunch.  Anyone who walked away hungry had only themselves to blame!

Coming up, Rohnerville-Redwood Chapter will host a Revelation Night party on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7:30. Revelation Night is the evening that the 2025 Grand Officers and Deputy Grand Matrons will be revealed. R-R have a big screen in their dining room to stream live the announcements. There will be a Dessert Potluck, so if you have a favorite dessert you would like to share, please bring it.  I plan to attend, so if you need a ride, let me know.  It will be a lot of fun!

Camellia Star’s next meeting will be on October 2 and have a “Teddy Bear Picnic” theme.  Please bring with you to our picnic your stuffed best friend, whether it be a teddy bear, an elephant, a rasta banana, a bat, or whatever is your favorite plushy!  Refreshments will be at 7:00 and the meeting at 7:30.  Attire will be business casual. The meeting will be long-form for the Camellia Star officers.

The October meeting is also elections, so be sure to have your signed paper on the dais before the meeting starts stating what office you aspire to, if you are running for an elected office.  You do not have to be present to run, but I do need a paper you signed, along with two other members of our Chapter who nominate you for the office.

I mentioned at our September meeting that Brother Lee had been tickled by the fact that there is a “Marooned Without a Compass Day” in November and had wanted that theme for the November 6 meeting; however, he did not tell me what he had in mind for that meeting.  So if you have any ideas as to what to do for the “Marooned Without a Compass” theme, please let me know!  Thank you!

Best wishes to one and all –
Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron
Camellia Star Chapter No. 63

PHOTO:  Worthy Matron Joni with some of the many donations for the school supplies drive at Camellia Star’s September meeting

Our meeting on August 7 was a nice one.  We had a potluck that included hot dogs and various side dishes and desserts and enjoyed each others’ company prior to the meeting.  Then we had an ante room meeting to accomplish our business before going our separate ways. 

Reports were made of the successful Afternoon Tea benefiting Paws for Purple Hearts which raised about $1,683, plus a donation from a generous benefactor (who will be missed very much) of another $1,000, and of the delivery of the prizes and monetary donation to the Humboldt County Library for their Summer Reading Program.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, with a “Salute to Teachers!” and a school supply drive.  For your information, this was another service event that was brought up by and supported by Brother Lee.  Refreshments are at 7:00, meeting at 7:30.  Attire is business casual. Please bring school supplies to adorn the East and spill over into the West. The supplies will be donated to Alice Birney School.

In the meantime, I hope you have all RSVP’d and plan to attend the reception for our Grand Electa Deanna Bay on August 31 at 7 p.m. in Loleta and the brunch honoring our Deputy Lisa McCombs on Sunday, September 1, at 11:00 a.m. in Arcata.  Both of these ladies are very special people, and it’d be so great to support them and show them our appreciation and love.

Looking ahead, our meeting on October 2 is a Teddy Bear (and other animals) Picnic with refreshments at 7:00 and meeting at 7:30.  It is also elections night, so if you aspire to any elected office, please remember to have your signed paper on the dais stating what office you aspire to with two signatures by other members of the Chapter nominating you for that position.  You do not have to be there in person, but your paper needs to be present for me to read under elections.  Thank you!

Please remember we are a small Chapter, so it is important to attend the meetings if you are able to ensure we have a quorum so we can conduct business and vote on things. 

Both our September and October meetings will be long form for our officers so we are sure to conform to the OES rules about such things.

Also please check the articles being posted on northcoastmasons.com by our Chapter and other Chapters, by Masonic Lodges, youth groups, etc., to keep up with everything that is going on in our District area. 

I look forward to seeing everyone on September 4.

Take care, and be well, and thank you for being you –

Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron
Camellia Star Chapter No. 63

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

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.

Hello, Everyone!

Our Deputy’s Official Visit in March went well, with help from several visiting Sisters and Brothers!  Many thanks to those who filled in and assisted our Chapter!

At our March meeting, Brother Lee challenged all members to pay into the Coin March for three meetings (March, April, and May) on behalf of Star Care, and he will match whatever is donated into those three Coin Marches! So let’s take him up on that very generous offer and donate as much as we can for him to match!

Brother Lee has been making some treats for us each of the last two meetings, trying out new recipes in anticipation of having a District-wide tea fundraiser for Paws for Purple Hearts.  The Worthy Matrons and Lee will be making plans for this event soon, and I will let you know when we have more information. 

At each of our meetings, Lee and I have “We are So Glad You Came” gifts to give away to two attendees.  These gifts are because we truly are so glad you come to the meetings (those of you who can).  Whether a member of Camellia Star or a visitor from another Chapter, we are very glad to see you at our meetings, and we want you to know that! Those who received our “We are So Glad You Came” gifts in March were Sister Jean Thomson and Sister Laird Crandall!

Our next meeting is April 3, and will be a “Titanic Remembrance” night.  No special ceremonies or exemplifications are planned, but we will do long form.  Please come in semi-formal dress.  Pretend you are going to board the Titanic and set sail on a wonderful adventure!  (We won’t emphasize how that voyage ended; we’ll just enjoy the initial part of the journey.)  Refreshments will be at 7:00, and the meeting at 7:30. 

Looking ahead, in May, both our Worthy Matron and our Worthy Patron will be MIA (enjoying Scotland and Prague/Provance respectively), so planning the May 1 meeting will be in Sister Peggy’s hands. She can do what she likes, from long-form formal to casual ante room meeting/game night or anything in between!  I’m sure she will come up with something fun and interesting!

Either right before we leave or as soon as we get back from our respective adventures, we will contact the Humboldt County Library to see how our Chapter can participate in the Summer Reading Program again.  We have had a fun time in years past creating prizes buckets for the children who participate, and we look forward to doing it again!

The June 5 meeting will be a tribute to Star Points, and the theme will be “Shining Bright as a Star!” It will also be Memorial, so ladies please to dress in white for the evening, and men in black suits. 

The Worthy Matrons and Patrons of District 1 are planning a tea fundraiser which will include a silent auction.  (We already have a donation for that silent auction, thanks to Barbara Kennedy of Ferndale Chapter — thank you, Barbara!)  The date is not yet set because we are hoping to have Terri Ewing of General Grand come speak on Paws for Purple Hearts! We need to get her availability before we nail down a date.  More to come!

Then July 3 will be “Hats Off to American Heroes!” and Friendship Night. Those who wish to say who they see as an American Hero may share.  The heroes may be alive or dead, contemporary or historical.  It would be a great night for wearing red, white, and blue!

Our August 7 meeting will be an ante room meeting and board game night.  Bring a board game you enjoy (that doesn’t take too long to play and would be easy to learn).  Dress casual, and be ready to have a great time socializing with your Sisters and Brothers.

September 4 we will pay tribute to teachers and gather school supplies to donate to local schools.

An event we definitely need to plan soon is presenting a 50-year certificate to our newest 50-year member.  More information to come about that too!

Best Spring Wishes to one and all!

Joni L. Hewston, WM
Lee Astorino, WP
Camellia Star Chapter No. 63