From the East
Brethren and ladies,
On April 13, Most Worshipful Arthur H. Weiss, Grand Master of Masons in California, announced that with the California Department of Health’s new guidance, released on April 2, 2021, indoor private events will be allowed beginning April 15, 2021, with limitations. The limitations are stated as follows:
- Indoor events are not allowed in counties assigned to purple tier.
- Defined guest list or purchased tickets are required.
- Seating chart or assigned seating required.
- Attendees show proof of full vaccination or a recent negative COVID-19 test.
- No intermingling private events.
Other state requirements include:
- Site Prevention Plan – all businesses and facilities are required to have a site-specific plan.
- Mask Mandate – all people in California are required to wear face coverings outside of their house, unless specifically exempted under the mandate.
Some county requirements may also apply.
The Grand Master has, therefore, released these new directives:
- Lodges may (not required to) resume in-person meetings and events, with limitations. The events include stated and special meetings, and other lodge events.
- Masonic Organizations may resume in-person meetings and events with the same limitations.
- Youth Orders may resume in-person meetings and events as permitted by the state and county.
Once the site prevention plan that we will submit to the Inspector is approved, we will begin to conduct lodge activities on-site. This will include activities such as degree proficiencies, degree practices, candidates’ coaching, and other ritual activities that can only be performed in person. Meanwhile, we will continue to conduct our Stated Meetings virtually via Zoom, at least through June.
We appreciate your patience and look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely and fraternally,
T.J. Oliva
T.J. Oliva
Master
(213)268-2408 (call/text)
From the South
Greetings from the South,
The month of May is here, the seasons are changing as nature makes her shift. We are finally getting a little adjusted to the new normal. We learned new things, new skills, and a new way to do business. As things open back up slowly, we all are learning the meaning of patience. One day soon, we will be back in lodge and things will get back to be somewhat normal. Our craft has a way of balancing the playing field of life.
Here are some fun facts about the month of May you might find interesting. The name “May” was generated from Maia. She was a Greek Goddess… the Goddess of Fertility and the Goddess of Spring and growth.
Here are a few events that happen every May. Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May. Armed Forces Day is the third Sunday in May and Memorial Day is always the last Monday in May. The fact I find most interesting is that no U.S. President has ever died in the month of May. However, in May two U.S. Presidents were born. They are Harry S. Truman and John F. Kennedy.
The future is looking bright for our lodge and it is always an honor to serve the members whom I call brothers.
Fraternally,
Cedric Williamson, Sr.
Cedric Williamson
Junior Warden -Elect
May 6, 2021 at 7:30 P.M.
Stated Meeting via Zoom
Join us for our monthly stated meeting where we discuss important lodge business. This meeting is open to all Masons.
We request that you keep your camera on during this meeting, so that we may be able to verify your identity.
Meeting ID: 836 2992 8019
Passcode: 091590
Called from labor
Charley Cohen - December 7, 1930-April 22, 2021
Brother Charley Cohen, a Burbank native, lived a full life. He was a loving son, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a Korean War Veteran, a Freemason, and a Shriner.
After a long career as owner of Pepo Florist, and after the passing of Mary, his wife of 50 years, Charley volunteered his time as a driver for Shriners Hospital for Children, which he did for several years.
Charley loved to dance and laugh. He will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his brother, Irving; his children, John and Lori; their spouses, Shelley and Eddie; his grandchildren, Justin, Erika, Garrett, and Andrew; and three great-grandchildren.
His funeral was held on Monday, April 26, 2021 at 3 p.m. at Mount Sinai - Hollywood Hills. A Masonic Funeral was performed at graveside, in accordance with his family's wishes.
Please address condolences to:
The Cohen Family
3005 Dona Nenita Pl.
Studio City, CA 91604
Bethel 289 - Tarzana - Job's Daughters International
Dear Members and Friends of Hollywood Lodge #355 F&AM,
During the month of April, we had our two meetings. At our first meeting of the month, we did an online Easter Egg Hunt. Izzy, one of our older girls put on the egg hunt. All the girls had a fun time hunting eggs. At our second meeting we are going to do a Chopped meeting featuring the cooking stylings of our girls.
As far as our meetings go for now, we will be doing them over ZOOM and if you would like to join our meetings, please let me know and I will send you the ZOOM link. We have our meetings on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. Since the Grand Master is starting to let us come back to the lodge we soon will be back in the Bethel.
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
Masonic education
MAKING USE OF MASONIC EDUCATION: MAY 2021
As we take a giant leap toward forging a new Masonic Education Program for Hollywood Lodge this year, I am reminded of a passage in the book, The Kybalion. Our own Brother Geoff Counter is very fond of this book, and brought it to my attention a few years ago —
"The possession of Knowledge, unless accompanied by a manifestation and expression in action, is like the hoarding of precious metals — a vain and foolish thing. Knowledge, like Wealth, is intended for Use. The Law of Use is Universal, and he who violates it suffers by reason of his conflict with natural forces." —. The Kybalion
A little side note about the book, which is worth checking out: The Kybalion: A Study of the Hermetic Philosophy of Ancient Egypt and Greecewas published in 1908 and credited to "Three Initiates." It was actually penned by William Walker Atkinson, bringing to light old Hermetic principles. The book became of interest to Freemasons, because of its concepts of self-improvement.
We are reminded, brethren, that “knowledge” or “gnosis,” by its ancient definition, translates to "one who knows by God" — and each one of us are sponges, in the Blue Lodge, regarding our three pillars (Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty) — which makes us better men. (Hinting to us the multitude of meanings behind our letter “G”!)
I am honored to have been appointed by Wo. Master Oliva for this role in our lodge, and I have heard from some of our brethren (via our online survey in last month’s Chips) about implementation. I am looking forward to hearing from all of you to shape this program together.
Knowledge Through Craft!
Bro. Kevin S. Michaels
Chairman of Masonic Education for Hollywood Lodge No. 355
Hollywood DeMolay
Hollywood DeMolay is a 501(c)(3) Nonprofit organization under DeMolay International and dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21 by developing the...
Current Events
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Proud to be an American!
Originally from Bulgaria, Bro. Daniel Krantovski became an American this month, after going through the rigorous immigration process.
Congratulations, Bro. Daniel!
Zero-Gravity Fighting
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A new sport is born! MMA in zero-gravity!
Credited for introducing Dana White to the world of Mixed Martial Arts, which inevitably led to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) being the franchise it is today, Bro. John Lewis is the VP and Promoter for MMA-ZERO G.
Certified Gold
We want to know how you are.
We want to know how you are.
Wolf Totem by The HU has been certified "GOLD" in Canada. Bro. Dan Moyse, is the Tour/Production Manager for The HU.
We want to know how you are.
We want to know how you are.
We want to know how you are.
Drop us a line and tell us what you're up to. Did you learn a new skill during the lockdown? Buy a boat? Get married? Your lodge brothers want to know.
Featured Article
Article #65 – “Looking your best while on Zoom”
We have all observed others on Zoom sessions who look awful, their face is so dark you can hardly make them out, the camera is pointed at their chin or forehead, or way too much of their fingers are shown as they adjust the camera. Here are some tips to look your best while on Zoom.
Good lighting
· Your face should be well lit from the front. Try to arrange things so that the windows are in front of you rather than behind you. If you cannot do this, consider a blackout curtain.
· Set up lighting so that it brightens your face and does not cast shadows across it. Shadows on your face are unflattering and may make it difficult for others to see you.
Camera angle and distance
· Set up the camera so that it is slightly above your face. Angles from below are rarely flattering. If using a laptop or smartphone consider setting it on top of a few books.
· Select a distance from the camera so that your image is well sized. Avoid being so far away that you are lost in the furniture and background.
Avoid distractions
· Ask members of your household to avoid doing things behind you. As you are looking at the screen, you may not realize what is happening behind your back.
· Consider setting up a virtual background to minimize distractions. Not sure how? Refer to https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/210707503
· Mute your microphone when you are not speaking. We all know how annoying dogs barking, phones ringing, whispered side conversations and background noise can be.
Settings and technical considerations
· Adjust the video settings ( ) to improve your image. For ideas,
see https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/115002595343
· Test the audio to ensure that you can hear and be heard.
· Set a profile picture to display when you turn off your video. Not sure how? Refer to https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/201363203 (Remember to sign into Zoom before clicking on the meeting invite so that your profile picture will be displayed when your video is turned off.)
· Ensure adequate bandwidth to avoid an unstable connection. Ask others in the house to put off streaming videos or otherwise eating up bandwidth while you are on Zoom.
And, never forget that you are on camera!
· Check yourself out in the mirror before the Zoom session.
· Display your own image while in the Zoom session and occasionally glance at it.
· Feeling drowsy? Turn off your video and mute your microphone.
Bro. Hal Bookbinder
Author
MAsonic Appendant Bodies
Show Business Shrine Club
Show Business Shrine Club
Show Business Shrine Club
National Sojourners
Show Business Shrine Club
Show Business Shrine Club
National Sojourners is a national fraternal organization that aims to meet the needs of those who are serving or have served in the U.S. Military, and for honorary members who are Master Masons. Its roots begin with the leaders of the American Revolution.
Hiram Award
The Hiram Award was designed to be presented to the “unsung hero” of every Lodge such as the volunteer who makes the coffee at each meeting, the one who sets the tables or arranges the furniture and ornaments in the Lodge room, the painter, the gardener, the handyman, the organist, the program chairman or any...
Child ID Program
Bro. Walter McClain - Chairman
818-337-9883 cell/text
Child ID is the program promoted by our lodge to identify children for their families. If anything were to happen to a child or a child is lost, this program helps the authorities to help find and identify missing or harmed children.
Call Brother Walter to Volunteer for any event.
Sunshine Committee
Call for any major event in your immediate family.
Help is always a phone call away.
Bro. Spyros Pappas - Chairman
818-894-5690
New Masons Proficiency Training
Candidates' coaching is every Tuesday.
Wor. Alexander Madjeski, P.M. - Candidates' Coach
818-304-5250
Social Hall Rental
The social hall is available for parties, weddings, receptions, bar mitzvahs, quinciñeras, etc.
Contact: Bro. Walter McClain
theboulevardbanquethall@gmail.com
818-925-8333
Have you registered to iMember?
When you log in to iMember, you will be able to interact with your lodge brothers, pay your dues, and use resources available to you as a member of Hollywood Lodge No. 355 and the Grand Lodge of California.
Classified Ads
Advertise Here
Do you have a business or service you want to advertise to your lodge? Perhaps a rental cabin in the Mammoth Mountains? Let us know and we will put your ad on the next edition of Chips from the Quarry.