Chips from the Quarry

Brethren and ladies,

I am happy to announce that at our February Stated Meeting, we elected and installed our new Treasurer, Bro. Ever Mendoza. At that meeting, I also officially appointed Bro. Alex Georgiev to be the Chairman of the Investment Committee. My sincere thanks go out to these brothers for serving the lodge in those roles.

The ladies of Hollywood Lodge gathered online on February 18 for a virtual paint night. I am told that everyone had a grand time. This is the first of several ladies’ events we are hoping to have this year. Send in your ideas for ladies’ events and we will work towards making them happen.

March is Masonic Youth Orders Month.  On March 18, we will have a presentation by Hollywood Chapter of DeMolay’s Past Master Councilor, Sean Santos. Details will be announced shortly. To find out more about our Masonic Youth Organizations, visit http://masons4youth.org.

As of the time of this writing, new daily cases of COVID-19 in Los Angeles have gone back down to the level it was in early October 2020. Although things are going in the right direction, we are not out of the woods yet. Please continue to be cautious and make sure to reach out to us if you need any assistance.

Sincerely and fraternally,

T.J. Oliva

Greetings from the South, 

What a difference a year makes.  In one year, we had to learn new skills on how to go get food for the family, how to multi-task from home, how to homeschool, how to work from home, how to Zoom, how to keep our distance, and countless other new skills.  We now find that much needed time for family that we would never have made possible because of all the hustle and bustle of life.  What new skill did you learn this year?  Here is a new skill any one of us can learn, it is called Civility.  Have you noticed the division of our country and see people who have lost friends and relationships because of a difference in opinion?  We should learn not only to tolerate the differences, but to embrace and appreciate them, and really try to be kind and accepting of other points of view.  I was fortunate enough to tune in to the Past Master of Masons in California, MW Russ Chavonia’s talk on “Our Role in Restoring Civility Back to Society.”  It was great, entertaining, and encouraging.  Civility means formal politeness and courtesy in behavior or speech.  Civility comes from the word “civis,” which in Latin means “citizen.”  Merriam Webster defines civility as civilized conduct (especially courtesy or politeness) or a polite act or expression.  Please check out the website masoniccivility.org for more information on this great endeavor.  My goal moving forward is not to just tolerate, but to appreciate the differences of others.  in one form or another and, is a key element to keep society moving forward.

Fraternally,

Cedric Williamson, Sr.

Dear Members and Friends of Hollywood Lodge #355 F&AM,

During the month of February, we had our two meetings. At our first meeting of the month, we all learned how to properly address an envelope to send someone. The girls all sent each other Valentine cards in the mail, because who doesn’t love getting surprises in the mail from friends. At our second meeting of the month, we played games with Miss Julia, who is our Queen Bee.

As far as our meetings go for now, we will be doing them over ZOOM and if you would like to join our meeting, please let me know and I will send you the ZOOM link. We have our meetings on the second and fourth Tuesday’s of the month. The girls would love to see you attend a ZOOM meeting.

We at Bethel 289 Tarzana wish everyone to continue to be safe and healthy during this tough time we are currently going through. We have been told that we are to suspend all in person meetings and functions for now. Hope that we get to see everyone soon. 

Fraternally,

John Schnepp

Associate Bethel Guardian

Bethel 289 Tarzana

Cell Phone # 661-312-7398

Email- johnabgbethel289@gmail.com