Hello sisters and brothers, here we are launching our first newsletter in a super long time. On March 8th some members traveled to Crescent City to present our sister Jean Galatioto her 50-year pin. The travel is about 100 miles up the coast and she was most appreciative that we came to their Masonic Center to present. She is a member that consolidated with Ferndale chapter from Del Norte. Her daughters were there to present the pin and award the certificate. I was unable to attend but was told it was a beautiful afternoon. We don’t see those members as often as we would like but totally understand.

The 12th of March brought our stated meeting where we honored the Ruths of our district and our DGD Helene Nicholson. Who just happens to be our Ruth. Every month our WM and WP are honoring a star point. We didn’t have much business to attend to, we discussed our WGM and WGP official visit next month. We are very much looking forward to it. Next month we will also be honoring Esther and the flowers Daisy and sweet peas. Dress is business professional. Refreshments at 6:45,
meeting at 7:30

Until Next Time,
Always be Humble and Kind!

Patti Cady PM
Elizabeth Carte-Lorig WM
Larry Nicholson WP

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.

Farewell April, Hello May!

Welcome to the new format of the Northcoast Masonic Trestleboard!  While most members will now access the Trestleboard electronically, we want to be sure those who need a printed copy are not left out.  To that end, if you know of a Ferndale Eastern Star member who needs a printed copy, Sister Patti Cady wants to know (707.845.6943).  She is our volunteer who will print and mail the Trestleboard monthly to Ferndale Chapter members who don’t have online access. 

April sunshine was glorious the morning of our hugely successful Aebleskiver Breakfast and we are in high spirits as we spring forward into May.  Before closing out April, though, do mark the 28^th on your calendar.  Brothers of Ferndale Lodge 193 cordially invite Chapter members to a Sweetheart Tea on April 28^th, two o’clock in the afternoon at Ferndale Lodge Hall.  Your presence is greatly appreciated at this annual social event. 

On the calendar for May:

May 2^nd:  Ferndale Chapter members are cooking and serving Arcata Chapter’s pre-meeting dinner.

May 4^th – 11^th:  March of the Penguins bus trip.    

May 8^th – Ferndale’s stated meeting.  A Mexican potluck is planned for 6:30; Sister Janessa and her Grandpa will preside in my absence. Festive, casual attire is perfect.  Theme: “Honoring Mothers and Important Women in our Lives”.  Anticipate short-form opening.  Reminder:  May is the final month of our generous donor’s offer to match funds placed in the coin basket designated for Eastern Star’s Outreach Services Program – the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron’s internal project for 2024.  These funds are specifically designated to provide assistance to members in need who are not residents of the Senior Living Community. 

Wishing our May Birthday celebrants many blessings in their next year around the sun.  Sisters Linda Morin, May 2^nd; Barbara Kennedy, May 9^th; Sandra Buchanan May 16^th; and JoLynn McCorkle, May 21^st.

May the Lord watch over me and thee while we are absent one from the other!  

With Penguin Love and Husky hugs,

Nancy Bay, WM and Kirby Bay, WP

We had such a fun March meeting. For members who were not in attendance at the meeting, and a reminder to those who were, we will have two Coin March baskets at the next two meetings. One will be for our regular coin march, the second will be for our “OES Outreach” program. We have a member who has graciously pledged to match the funds donated to the “Outreach” basket. What an opportunity this is to help our Eastern Star Program grow and provide help to our Eastern Star Brothers and Sisters.

It was with much pleasure that Sister Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron of Camellia Star Chapter and myself had the pleasure and Honor to Present Brother Lee Astorino with His 25 year Certificate and Pin.

Major Date to include on Your April Calendar.
The Deputy’s OV was postponed to the April 10th Meeting. Our Meeting begins at 7:30 PM. We will exemplify the following ritual work – Proving the Chapter, Examining Committee, and Balloting.

A very HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our members with April birthday’s! Amy McCracken, 4?7; Susan Young, 4/7; David Guggenbickler, 4/11; David Peterson, 4/17; and Honorary Member Karen Parlato 4/27.

Nancy Bay, WM and Kirby Bay, WP
“April is the sweetest month of the year, the mellow season of rebirth and renewal.”

Happy Heart Fund Month!
February is a great month to remind Chapter members of California Eastern Star Foundation’s Heart Research Fund. Donations to this fund go to an organization of the Worth Grand Matron or Worthy Grand Patron’s choice, to help with research about heart-related issues and treatments.

Here are the three major dates for your February calendar:

February 14th – Ferndale’s meeting falls on Valentine’s Day! Refreshments will be served beforehand, 6:45 p.m., provided by Leslie. Our meeting begins at 7:30. Attire: Business Casual. Valentine colors encouraged. Proficiency Party anticipated. Plans include honoring Brother Lee Astorino’s 25-year membership. Property Committee, Nancy, Liz, Helene and Christie, please be prepared to present the committee’s annual report.

February 24th – This year’s Official Visit of the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron is combined with a Membership Event. Join the fun and invite friends to a complimentary tour (usually $25 per person) of the historic Scotia Lodge. Although the time for the OV is listed as 7 p.m., plans are in the works to begin tours at 6 p.m. for those able to arrive early. Tour group size is limited to 16; multiple groups are planned. Attire is casual. Dessert-type refreshments will be served during the evening.

February 25th: All-Member Instructional. 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Ferndale Masonic Hall. This is Members only instructional and we look forward to having all members of the district present. Bring dues card. A nominal charge is anticipated to cover cost of food (breakfast snacks and
sack lunch).

Happy Birthday to members celebrating in February!
Geoff Wright, 2/14; Liz Lorig, 2/27; and Andrea Guggenbickler, 2/29.

May your hearts be happy!
Nancy Bay, WM and Kirby Bay, WP