DECEMBER MASONIC FAMILY CALENDAR ....
-
December 16 ... OES:
Reception for Associate Grand Conductress, Marge Ramsdell, Tacoma.
-
December 16 ... GL: Olympia
Lodge, No.1, Installation, Tumwater, 1:00 PM, Ladies
-
December 16 ... EKS: Christmas
Party.
-
December 18 ... GL: EXCOM
Meeting, Landmark on the Sound, 1:00 PM
-
December 18 ... GL: Landmark on
the Sound Board of Trustee, Des Moines; 2:00 PM
-
December 20 ... GL: Hospitality
Visit
-
December 21 ... GL: Hospitality
Visit
-
December 22 ... GL: Hospitality
Visit
-
December 25 ...
MERRY CHRISTMAS
-
December 27 ... GL: Installation
of Officers of Steilacoom Lodge, No. 2, 7:30 PM.
-
December 31 ...
NEW YEARS EVE!
OES:
Events with Worthy Grand Matron
GL:
Events with the Grand Master
EKS:
Events with El Katif Shrine, Spokane
CHIPS:
Childhood Identification Program
TU = Team
Uniform - consisting of blue blazer, grey slacks,
white or blue Masonic shirt and team tie.
CTU = Casual Team
Uniform - blue Masonic tee-shirt, slacks.
MINUTE MAN AWARDS
WGM Joanne Clark is honoring the Masons at the Official Visits this
year. She is selecting a Mason from a list given to her form the Worthy
Matrons of each Chapter. They will be called the "Minuteman" to go along
with her patriotic theme. To qualify for the award, the Mason must be a 10
year member of Eastern Star, have served as Worthy Patron in the Chapter,
and been active in the Chapter. The pins are beautiful and were purchased
from Dave Hattrick of ID, now residing for a spell in AZ.
So let's give these outstanding Masons some credit for all their work
they do for our beautiful Order! I will need some help here so please let
me know who has been given this award in your Chapter during the Official
Visit.
(For July, August, September and October ... please check in the
archives on Connie's Corner on the GC of WA's website ...
www.washingtonoes.org. - the last list published up
to and including October was in issue #6-052.)
Evening Star ... Phil Krause
Grand Coulee Dam ... David Marrs
Pacific ... Art Herring
Welcome ... Robert Shaw
Waitsburg
Alki
Faith
Maple Leaf
DECEMBER:
Everett ... Bliss Settergreen
Bethel ... Frank Pascoe
Tyler
Corinthian
I need some help
here on filling in the missing names ... How about sending me the news??
THERE AIN'T NO SANTA CLAUS
by Roger Dean Kiser
"But I wanna see Santa Claus," yelled the young boy.
"I said, let's get in the car and go, it's starting to rain," yelled his
father, as he pushed the boy in the middle of his back, almost causing him to
fall against the car.
"But I wanna see Santa."
"There is no Santa Claus. Get that through your head."
I stood watching the mother look back and forth between her son and her
husband. She didn't say a word as she placed several packages in the trunk of
their car.
I opened my truck door and started to climb in when the man
floor-boarded his car causing the tires to spin. The vehicle began to
fishtail and flew out of control. All at once, the car hit a large light pole
in the parking lot and came to a stop.
I was surprised when no one got out of the car. I ran toward the
automobile and when I reached the driver's door I found that it wouldn't
open. I immediately ran to the passenger side and jerked open the door. The
woman almost fell out of the car.
"Can you help us?" she said. I sat her upright and looked over at the
father. He was slumped over the steering wheel, his face a bit bloody. I
looked into the back seat and saw the young boy, just sitting there staring.
"What happened?" I heard coming from a voice behind me. I was surprised
when I turned around and saw, believe it or not, Santa Claus!
"They hit the light pole," I told him.
"I'm Doctor Ashinone."
"OK," I said, in a rather confused tone.
"On my way to do the Santa Claus thing for my grandsons," he continued,
shaking his head in a jovial manner.
The father began to groan. We helped the mother out of the car and
walked her to my truck.
"Should I call an ambulance?" I asked the doctor.
"Just hold on for a moment," he said.
When I returned to the vehicle the young boy was climbing out of the
car. I walked him back to my truck and sat by his mother.
"WHO ARE YOU?" yelled the father, as the doctor climbed into the car to
assist him.
"I'm Santa Claus, can't you see that?" said the Doctor, laughing.
The father sat there shaking his head and rubbing his face.
"Should I call an ambulance?" I asked again.
"I don't think that will be necessary. Just a bloody nose," said Santa.
"You might want to have that bump on the head checked out at the Emergency
Room," he told the man.
The doctor climbed out of the car and straightened his Santa suit. "Ho,
Ho, Ho," he bellowed, as he patted his large belly and waived at the young boy
in my truck. I watched him as he walked to his vehicle and drove away.
The father, holding his head, walked to my truck to retrieve his family.
"I have a cell phone if you want to call someone," I told him.
"No thank you. I'm going to the Emergency Room in a few minutes." He
thanked me and began helping his wife and son out of my truck. He grabbed his
son's hand and the three of them began walking towards the mall.
"Thought you were going to go to the Emergency Room?" I shouted.
"After we see Santa Claus, " he yelled back.
"But Dad, you said there ain't a Santa Claus."
"Son, I know you think I know everything there is to know in the world,
but that is not the case, right here and now."
I smiled, as his wife jumped up and kissed her husband on the cheek.
The three of them disappeared into the mall.
** Heartwarmers
DISCUSSION ... JOB'S DAUGHTERS IN TEXAS
Here is a sampling
of some correspondence regarding Jobies in Texas ...
While reading the web page for the Supreme
Grand Guardian for the International Order of Job's Daughters I read some very
sad news.
It seems that the Grand Master of Masons in
Texas has now forbidden Masons from attending all Bethel meetings. It is a sad
day when a Mason feels that our Masonic Youth do not need our support.
Please go to the web page to learn more about
it. I just wanted to make you aware of the issue.
** David White, Secretary, Middletown Chapter
#319 OES, Middletown, KY GGC
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
It is a fact that Job's Daughter in Texas is no
more. They are not allowed to meet in any Masonic Lodge, and no Texas Mason is
to attend any meeting or gathering of Job's Daughter.
Now, the reason for the MWGM decision, wasn't that the Masons and Eastern
Star Chapters aren't supportive of our Youth and their activities, the Grand
Bethel or the Supreme governing body of Job's Daughter's, wouldn't comply nor
would they let the Adult Leadership comply with the requirement that the Grand
Lodge of Texas has for all Masonic Youth Groups, Rainbow For Girls and Demolay
for Boy's (Child abuse and sponsors backgrounds checked ) does not apply to
them. The State Council which was trying to abide by Texas rules was told to
cease and desist all efforts to accommodate the Grand Lodge of Texas. Being a
Past Mother Advisor to the local Rainbow Assembly, I am certainly "Thankful"
for the decision.
Hope this gives a better insight into the matter.
** Ginger Byrd, WM, Castleberry Chapter #1028, Fort Worth, Texas
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I too was alarmed when I read the email so I
went to check the Jobs Daughters official website as well as the Grand Lodge
of Texas website. Neither was clear so I sent an email to the Grand Lodge
secretary asking for more information.
After reading this latest email, I can understand a little more.
Apparently the Grand Lodge is actually looking out for the safety of the youth
(if I am reading correctly). After working in law emforcement for over 23
years, I know only too well that the people we least suspect as being
dangerous to our children are the exact ones we need to watch. Unfortunately,
I have seen members of the Masonic family (all groups) walk through our jails
and courts. So, if indeed the reasons behind this have to do with security
checks (background checks) on those involved with the girls, then maybe it is
something to be revisited.
So many times we jump to conclusions before we know all of the facts. I
hope we get some more information.
Thank you Brother David for bringing this to light. I am looking forward
to learning more about why this has happened.
** Pauline Musick, Chowchilla # 365,
Chowchilla, CA GGC
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
Ginger Byrd has replied to this and what she
has said is correct.
Before I could work with the youth in my church, I had to take a three
hour course called "Safeguarding God's Children" AND have a background check.
That is all that the Board of Trustees of the Grand Lodge of Texas was asking
the leadership of Job's Daughters to do. The DeMolay and Rainbow leadership
both complied. The DeMolay even offered to help the Job's leadership. That
request was turned down.
This decision was not made lightly by either the Jr. Past Grand Master,
the Board of Trustees, or the Grand Lodge of Texas.
** Carole Mather, WM, South Houston Chapter
#915, South Houston, TX, PM - Archives #1095, Pasadena, TX GGC
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I just accessed the Grand Lodge of Texas Trestleboard. I have one
question.
Resolution 14, if I read right, is going to allow Masonic Lodges to become
Chartering Organization of Boy and Girl Scout troups. Do the scout leaders
have to have background checks?
It would be interesting to hear the viewpoint of the Supreme Guardian of
JDI. There are always two sides.
How will this decision affect Texas Job's Daughters? Without Masonic
support, will there still be Job's Daughters in Texas?
This is interesting to me. I'm a Majority Job's Daughter and a PBG in
California.
** June Hoerler, PM, Vacaville Chapter 28, Vacaville, CA GGC
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Although we do not have junior Masonic
organisations here I thought you might like to know that anyone who works with
Children or the elderly in any capacity MUST have a clearance certificate
which proves that there is nothing untoward in their background. There was a
few rumblings when these checks were introduced at first but things have
settled down now and people now accept the position is for the good of the
people we seek to care for.
** Gladys Stephenson PM, Helensburgh Chapter 199, Helensburgh, Scotland,
Supreme Grand Chapter of Scotland
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
For those of you wondering about the position
of the Supreme Council on the situaton in Texas~ you can go to the website
www.iojd.org On the front page is a short paragraph with a link to the letter
that was written to the Grand Lodge of Texas- it gives a bit more info from
the point of view of the Supreme Council.
** Marie Oneil PM, Gateway #3, Vallejo, CA GGC
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
It is sad that this must be a rule, but given the number of cases of abuse
which have surfaced over the past few years, it is an important one. As a
retired clergy person who might do some interim work I had to have the
awareness session as part of the requirement to retain my ordination
standing. I feel much more comfortable knowing the power that be are
attempting to protect rather than look the other way. Unfortunately, the
preditors are often less than forthcoming on
questionairs etc. I don't know about Texas, but the pedophyle stings
conducted by some of the news channels along with the police here in
California, found many showing up at the home of a supposed young teen for
more than chit chat. These men ran the gammit of just over legal age to
professionals in a wide range of professions including the clergy.
None of us like to think we are suspect, but the reality is, all adults
are suspect when it comes to the protection of our youth. I am really sorry
that those in power regarding the Texas Job's are so reluctant to have the
history of their adult leadership reviewd. It could be they are afraid they
will be sued by someone who takes afront at even the suggestion of need. That
is one reason it is good that it is a general rule and not just to be applied
if something suspicous happens. This way all the adults are in the same boat
and it is simply part of being a youth advisor.
I know our DeMolay advisors had training sessions etc. I do not know about
Rainbow or Job's in California. I don't remember having any sessions
regarding this while I was on the Rainbow Advisory Board.
** Jean Rosewall, pm, Claremont Chp #324, Claremont, CA, Joseph's Valley
#50, Joseph, OR GGC
- - - - - - - - - - -
My wife is a Girl Scout volunteer. Each of my
three daughters is in a troop, and my wife is the leader of each. She informed
me that the Girl Scouts do require a background check of their volunteers.
I spoke with the Supreme Associate Bethel Guardian at my daughter's
initiation this past Friday night. He informed me that they are trying to
reach a resolution to this issue. He didn't expound on it, so I didn't press
him about the steps that are being taken. It is there hope to reach a
resolution to the issue.
According to the Supreme web site, the Job's Daughters will have to meet
in schools and other municipal buildings until the issue is resolved.
Apparently, the by-laws have a provision which allows a lady to be the
Associate Bethel Guardain in cases where men (Masons) are not allowed to
attend.
That is all the information that I have. It is my greatest hope that the
issue really will be resolved in a timely manner,
** David White, Secretary, Middletown Chapter #319 OES, Middletown, KY GGC
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I too work with the Rainbow Girls here in El Paso, Texas, and we had to
fill out forms too. It is only being done to protect our youth and if we have
nothing to hide, why not fill out the form? I am a Past Mother Advisor and now
Chapter Mom with Demolay as well as Worthy Matron, I just want the youth to be
safe.
At his visit here, The Grand Master stated that if the advisors of Job's
Daughters consent to the forms the matter would no longer be an issue.
Hopefully this will all be good in the end.
** Christel Fisher, Worthy Matron, Wallace Hughston # 1100, El Paso, TX
GCC
- - - - - - - - - - - - -
In the past the Supreme Guardian Council of Jobs Daughters International
has been very cool toward having the youth protection protocols in place
because of a belief that if the rules were in place and not strictly followed
the organization would be liable for negligence. So without the program in
place there was less liability. I don't know how this idea got so strong!!
Texas has 4 Bethels. All the bethels are directly under Supreme with no
regional Guardian Council. Apparently there has been a lapse in communication
between The Texas Grand Lodge and Supreme Guardian council (Supreme Guardian
and the Board of Trustees). Like General Grand Chapter and some of the other
OES Grand Chapters provision is made in the rules for Masons being prohibited
from working with the girls.
Oregon Grand Guardian council has developed a Youth Protection Program and
training. This seems to have been at the request of the Grand Master of Oregon
and with much discussion with Supreme. The Oregon Grand Guardian has indicated
that Oregon has been asked to do some YPP training for some other
jurisdictions if time and schedules allow.
As we know the international body does not easily change even tho the
regional and local bodies see the need for change.
It is my hope that all of this miscommunication on this matter can be
resolved in a timely manner by both the Grand Lodges and the Supreme Guardian
Council.
It is sad because we are all US and THEM at the same time! Most of us
belong to many Masonic Organizations!!!
** Howard Haynes, Past Patron , Adah #34m, Independence, Oregon GGC, Past
Associate Guardian, Bethel #34, Independence, OR, Past Associate Grand
Guardian, Oregon
- - - - - - - - - - -
One point that has not been brought out, is
this investigation is required for the protection of both parties. The youth
as well as the adults.
The church my son is a member of and one of the adults involved with the
youth, run a basketball night for their youth and any in the community that
wish to
participate. Some of the youngsters do not have transportation, they can get
there, but not back home safely because of the hour, so the adults run a car
pool. At that time is was mandatory, that there had to be two adults in the
vehicle with any that were under 18, it was for the protection of the adult as
much as
for the youngster. One did try to say that the adult had made improper
remarks, but that was quickly looked into and sorted out. The youngster was
put out,
because the youth pastor was not paying more attention to her. The church
itself required that all those working with the youth be given a full
background
check from then on, but they retained the ruling that no adult could be alone
with those under 18. I acted as the 2nd adult last year, with the youth
pastor as he was driving home 3 of the girls, who had been helping put on the
Annual Christmas dinner, I was a guest, and since he had to go right past my
place, I
offered. He dropped the girls off first, then me, then had to return to the
church to retrieve his wife, since she was still there helping with the
cleanup and
could not leave at the same time. My son who had picked me up, had his car
full, he would have had to make 2 seperate trips and I would have had to wait
another hour before he could take me home, so was very happy to assist.
Many of the youngsters that attend come from troubled homes, their parents
do not go to the church, so it is a wonderful program they have trying to get
those kids back on/keep them on the straight and narrow path, and as you know
it only takes one disgruntled youngster to make a false accusation, but takes
a lifetime to get rid of that doubt, where such abuse is even suspected.
I do hope that things can be worked out between the Masons and Job's
Daughters.As a majority member since 1952 of Jobies, I am concerned that
Bethels are closing from lack of new members, never mind situations like this
cropping up. And it does not hurt to have that police background check where
the safety
of our youngsters and the protection of the adults from false accusations are
concerned.
** Diamond Micks PMx2, Adah 276, Wallacetown, Ontario, Canada GGC
- - - - - - - - - - -
Well, good for the Texas Masons.
Now, for a little history side info! In the late 1940s, following my
father's discharge from the Army my family moved from Grass Valley, CA back
home to Denison, Texas. I had belonged to Job's Daughters in Grass Valley but
no Bethel was in Denison and I joined Rainbow. Now, IF my memory serves me
correctly the reason why there were no Bethels was because the Masons did not
allow it then. Could have been only in Denison but my impression was
statewide. I've often wondered when Job's became available in Texas and was
really pleased when they were. Again, it could have been that at that time,
Job's just were not in the
Denison community.
But, I can not criticize Texas Masons for their
current action because I do believe they are looking out for our young people.
Maybe this is something each sponsoring body should take to heart....
I recall when I was a Mother Advisor I had a "problem" that I solved by
privately appointing another adult to be present and alert/observant whenever
a certain individual attended Assembly meetings.
** Joyce Bradberry, PGM - NM, (Maiden name was Hagans), Tyrone Chapter
41/Ruth Chapter 6, Silver City & Deming, New Mexico GGC
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I've read the ongoing comments (both good and
bad) regarding Texas Grand Lodge and their actions regarding Job's Daughters.
Since there seems to be no end to this discussion I feel I have to jump in
with my 2 cents worth. Carole Mather's statement that this decison was not
made lightly is 100% correct. Our GM during this past Grand Lodge year was
very diligent in considering this matter. He's the father of 2 daughters and
our current Grand Master and the others in the Grand Line or fathers and
grandfathers. And, this decision was made by a vote of those present during
the annual communication. Since, I am not and
cannot be a Mason I have to give them the right of making decisions on matters
coming before them, and refrain from making judgement calls. The bottom line
as I see it is ......until we have walked in another person's moccasins.........
Fraternally,
** yvonne brownfield, pgm 97-98 Texas, Copperas Cove #1070, Copperas Cove
Tx, Gatesville #1005, Gatesville, Tx GGC
The 25 Days of
Christmas
By Chanda Stelter
Christmas. A treasured family holiday, a time full of joy and love - and
my husband Shawn was six thousand miles from home in Iraq. I felt no joy, and
my heart ached for him. How could Christmas feel like Christmas this year?
This would be the first Christmas we would spend apart in our six years of
marriage. And something greater pulled at my heart. Our daughter Faith, six
months old and born while Daddy was in Iraq, would have her first Christmas
with Mommy . . . but no Daddy. My heart hurt, and my mood was gloomy.
I knew I had to quit focusing on what I couldn't change. If not for my
sake, for Faith's. My heartache was killing the holiday, and I didn't want
that for any of us. I decided that a person can either have a pity-party or
pick herself up and make the best of it.
I began racking my brain. How could I find joy in such an unhappy
situation? How would I help it be Christmas for us? I knew it would be
especially difficult for Shawn to get in the mood, being in a desert with no
good-old North Dakota snow or traditional mistletoe. And, then, it hit me:
Why couldn't he have snow, or, at least, the mistletoe, over there?
I decided to send him a care package labeled, "The 25 days of
Christmas." There would be twenty-five gifts, each a reminder of our
treasured holiday. However, there was a rule for the package: He could only
open one gift each day until Christmas. That would be tough for him, I knew,
but it would give him something to look forward to every day. Besides, isn't
torturous anticipation of opening gifts part of Christmas? That thought put a
loving smirk on my face!
My excitement built as I began putting together his package full of
Christmas touches: a pine-tree-scented air-freshener so he could have the
smell of Christmas, a candy cane so he could have the taste of Christmas, a
Christmas music CD so he could have the sounds of Christmas, some cotton balls
so he could have some snow for Christmas, hot cocoa so he could have a sip of
Christmas. . . . Well, maybe he'd have to make it chilled cocoa! And, of
course, the mistletoe, with instructions pending his arrival home.
Putting together this package put the spirit of Christmas in my heart.
When Shawn finally received the package and called to thank me, I could hear
it in his voice, too. And I guess you could say Christmas for us was what it
was supposed to be - full of joy and full of love.
I mentioned the rule that he could only open one gift at a time each day
until Christmas. . . . Well, this year for Shawn we'll have to mark "naughty"
instead of "nice" for when Santa's "making his list and checking it twice."
CHRISTMAS ONE LINERS
Question: Why was Santa's little helper depressed?
Answer: Because he had low elf esteem.
Question: What do you call people who are afraid of Santa Claus?
Answer: Claustrophobic.
Question: What was so good about the neurotic doll the girl was given for
Christmas?
Answer: It was wound up already.
Question: What do snowmen eat for breakfast?
Answer: Snowflakes.
Question: What's red and white and gives presents to good little fish on
Christmas?
Answer: Sandy Claws.
Question: What do you get when you cross an archer with a gift-wrapper?
Answer: Ribbon hood.
Question: Why does Santa have 3 gardens?
Answer: So he can ho-ho-ho.
Question: What do you get when you cross a snowman with a vampire?
Answer: Frostbite.
BLUE LODGE AGENDAS
BELLINGHAM BAY LODGE NO. 44
December 15: Special Communication; Conferring two
Entered Apprentice Degrees; 7:00 PM. No meal before lodge.
FRANK S. LAND LODGE NO. 313
December 19: Ritual Night; MRC; 7:00 PM.
December 30: Holiday Party.
KULSHAN INTERNATIONAL LODGE NO. 186
December 19: Stated Meeting; 7:30 PM.
LYNDEN LODGE NO. 56
December 16: Holiday Family and Friends Dinner;
Italian theme; Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for school age, and FREE for
pre-school. 6:00 PM.
WHATCOM LODGE NO. 151
December 21: Dinner; 5:30 PM. Stated Meeting;
6:30 PM.
(If you wish to have
your Blue Lodge Agenda in this section, please let me know!)
MASONIC NEWS ...
Regional
Workshop in Everett scheduled for January 20th, 2007
For many
throughout the jurisdiction, the regional workshops are the prime opportunity to
gain knowledge, share experience and renew enthusiasm. The different topics
offered run the full course of elementary and fundamental basics for the
candidate or new Mason to providing training and tools for long range planning
for your Lodge. Each session is a chance to share and learn about events,
activities and training that other Lodges have used to grow membership and
attendance, gain public exposure and benefit the membership. With rare
exception, everyone leaves the workshops with a revitalized sense of dedication
and purpose on a personal and Lodge level. In short, the regional workshops are
positive experiences at every level for all that attend.
Your NEXT
opportunity to do just that is at the Masonic Regional Workshop, January 20th,
2007 at the Everett Masonic Center. That address is 234 Olympic Blvd, Everett,
WA 98205. Registration is between 8-9 am. Pre-registration is $10, which
includes lunch and materials. Pre-register (with the names attending) by e-mail
to
WORKSHOP@EverettMasonicCenter.com. Registration at the door is $12. If you
have questions or need more information you may E-mail to the same address or
call Grand Lodge.
The day opens
with a presentation from Landmark on the Sound (Masonic Retirement Center) to
bring everyone up to date on the activities and plans of the facility. The day
ends with an open round table discussion with the Grand Master.
Work sessions
include Mentoring, Long Range Planning, FreeMasonry101 and more. These sessions
are specifically targeted for the Brother who is concerned and caring
about their Lodge, now and in the future. That includes candidates, new masons,
officers and Past Masters. Ladies; there are sessions of particular interest to
you. The Freemasons Apron, The Lodge Officers (and their Ladies), and
Communications – In and Out of the Lodge. And for the Ladies only, there is a
special surprise after lunch.
Past assessments
and surveys have shown that all attending benefit, so bring a Brother, encourage
your Lodge to attend. It will be a time to share and explore the knowledge of
like minded Brethren around the State.
** Sam Roberts, WM Everett Lodge #137,
Leadership Training Committee, F&AM of Washington