Robert Burns Lodge Happenings 2009

On this page, your humble webmaster will attempt to relate what has most recently happened in our Lodge.  Mostly these will be items from recent meetings, but occasionally other items will appear here.  I hope these notes will help to keep my Brethren current on happenings in the Lodge, and entice you to come to our next event.  If you are interested in what went on at past meetings, check out our Happenings 2008 or Happenings 2007.  Or look into the Happenings 2010.

5 December:  At today's installation of officers for 2009-10, there were approximately 100 people present!  We were helped out by the members of Bethel 24 and 50 IOJD, and T. H. Little DeMolay.  It was great to see the lodge room so full.  We had to bring many extra chairs in to allow everyone to fit at the sidelines.  VWB Boyd McPherson did most of the installing, with the aid of MWB Charles McQuery and VWB Sam Roberts.  There were 8 Masters and Masters-elect in the crowd for 2010, and RWB Santy Loscano, Deputy Grand Master gave the closing address.  The installation went quite well, and we are looking forward to WB Jim Hamlin's year in the East.

1 December: There were 22 Brothers in attendance at this evening's stated meeting.  Among these were visiting brothers VWB Sam Roberts, DDGM #8 and Jerry Earl, SW of Everett #137.  Also present was our own WB Paul Schamp, who was recently installed as WM of Peninsular #95.

This evening was step-up night, and Bro. Jim Hamlin got to try on his top hat before Saturday's installation.  Almost every chair was filled by a pro-tem officer.  Bro. Jerry Earl sat in as our Junior Warden, at his first visit to Robert Burns.  The ritual went quite well, although not without the hiccups that can be expected at some of our first attempts.

The meeting was preceded by a sausage dinner prepared by the Stewards, and by an announcement that the members of Bethel 24 IOJD would be holding a shoe-shine fundraiser.  Many Brothers left their shoes outside and made donations.

WB Jim Larson shed some light on the most recent financial maneuvers that he and Bro. John Friesen have been engaged in, getting the money for the building fund invested.  There will be a meeting of the Finance Committee on the 7th at 7PM at WB Bob Wallinger's home for further discussion.  The Lodge voted to give permission to the Secretary and Treasurer to open the necessary account.

WB Ernie McCasland spoke about the recent trip by T. H. Little DeMolay to a shooting range for some practice with pellet guns.  WB Steve Wandel announced the Lodge winning a $1,000 grant from B.I.K.E.S. club of Snohomish County for our Bikes-for-Books program.  He expects to have a date for our next bike presentation soon.

The lodge paid the usual bills, and voted to pay a bill for supplies to the J. P. Luther Co.  The current status of several ailing Brothers were briefly discussed, including Bro. Jeff Grey, Bro. Ed Kellison, Bro. Bob Miles, and WB Duane Holte.

The JW, while sitting in as SW, gave a brief report of our recent visit to Evergreen #9 and reminded the incoming master of the need to set time-lines for upcoming issues of the Trestleboard.

A Second Degree has been tentatively set for 15 December at 7PM at the EMC.

The pro-tem master pointed out that our Lodge room is now graced with new columns topped with the celestial and terrestrial spheres, which were placed by Peninsular #95 and used to stand in their Lodge room.  Also notably the chairs that are in the East belong to that lodge. 

At the closing, VWB Sam Roberts briefly discussed the importance of visiting other Lodges and jurisdictions, and the usefulness of the Proficiency in Lodge Management program to officers of the lodge.

17 November: 18 Brothers attended the initiation of Dale Bonnell, including his father-in-law, Dan Cone, PM of Kirkland #150.  Also in attendance was Bro. Jason Rivers, who we are glad to see again after a period of absence.  Before the initiation, Brothers Adam Campbell and Lloyd Ogden proved up on the first degree, and were reported to have done an excellent job.  We hope to do a Second Degree for these brothers soon.

14 November:  This morning SW Jim Hamlin, JW Matt Appel, VWB Bob Nygren and our District Deputy, VWB Sam Roberts, attended a meeting of Evergreen #9, a Prince Hall lodge that meets at the EMC some Saturday mornings.  Although we arrived a bit late and your humble webmaster had to leave early, we had a great time.  We got to participate in the Third Degree as it was given to three new Master Masons, and witness their ritual.  We were made to feel very welcome, and hopefully we will have an opportunity to visit again soon.

3 November:  19 Brothers of Robert Burns were present at our stated meeting this evening, with no visitors.  The biggest event of the evening, the election of the 2009-10 officers was held almost last, with the winners of the election being: WM: Jim G. Hamlin, SW: Matt Appel, JW: Mark Goldberg, Treasurer: John Friesen, and Secretary: Jim Larson.  Congratulations!

Bro. Josh Hamlin and another member of T. H. Little DeMolay served lasagna for dinner as a fund raiser for the chapter.  The dinner was excellent, and they were reported to have raised over $100 for their efforts.

A letter from Grand Lodge was read by the Secretary, clarifying the requirements for communication with other bodies laid out earlier in the year. The Secretary also gave the membership report; we have 118 Brothers, having lost two over the last year.  Two Brothers are in danger of being dropped for not paying their dues for 2 years, and about 5 more are one year behind.  We voted to remit the dues of one member.

The Finance Committee reported that they intend to re-invest some of our money into the stock market, as it appears that the building fund will not be needed in the immediate future.  WB Steve Wandel reported for the Bikes-for-Books program that he will have a date for our next presentation by the December meeting.

A petition was read for Mr. Lawrence J. Mesmer of Marysville, and a committee consisting of WB John Sutton, Bro. Les Reed, and Bro. Bill Ferguson to investigate the petition.  We will hold a special meeting on the 17th to initiate Dale Bonnell.  Two brothers are expected to prove up that evening on the first degree, and we may need to hold a second degree for them.

WM John Hart cancelled the dinner previously scheduled for the 7th, and it was arranged for the Lodge to have a family dinner instead on the 28th at 6PM at the Buca di Beppo in Lynnwood.  Please RSVP to WM John if you intend to attend, and how many will be in your party.  Family and friends are welcome.

The visit to Evergreen #9, of the MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of WA is planned for the 14th of November, at 10 AM.  The JW Matt Appel reported that he has contacted the Master of that Lodge, Darrel Merriman, and they are expecting us.  He hopes many Brothers can attend with him.

WB Bob Wallinger reported that WB Duane Holte is doing better and they had dinner together recently. 

WM John Hart also announced that Bethel #24, IOJD will hold a shoe-shine fundraiser at our Lodge, most likely at the 1 December meeting.

Finally, any Brother wishing a name tag should contact WB Steve Wandel to have one ordered. 

6 October:  Your humble webmaster must apologize for his falling down on the job a bit with the happenings updates.  We will try to catch up with some past events, as well as remain on track for the future.

Including MWB Chuck "Jimmy" McQuery, VWB Sam Roberts, our own VWB Bob Nygren and several other visitors, 27 Brothers attended our October stated meeting.  The other visitors included Ellis Nichols, SW of Genesis #305 and two EAs from Everett #137.  Also specially acknowledged at the start of the meeting were WB Walt Moody, PM of Robert Burns and currently master of Peninsular #95.  We also welcomed Bro. Lloyd Black, who was initiated into Robert Burns in 1969, passed and raised in 1998, and just received his white apron this evening, after being absent for at least 8 years from our meetings.  We were very happy to see Bro. Lloyd, and meet him, some of us for the first time.

It was announced that the aforementioned WB Walt Moody will be honored with the 33rd Degree in Scottish Rite, only the 3rd current member of Robert Burns to received this honor, with our Secretary WB Jim Larson and WB Charles Brown, who currently lives in Portland and has been honored with the Grand Cross. 

We balloted on the petition of Mr. R. Dale Bonnell, and after correcting for one Brother not voting, he was approved to be initiated into Robert Burns.  We hope to initiate him in mid October, either on our own on the 20th, or hopefully with Peninsular #95 on the 22nd. 

WM John Hart announced that the plans are coming together for a dinner on the 7th of November.  The meal will be either crab or prime rib and a fish dish.  Dinner will be at 6:30 and cost $25 per person.  Please RSVP to WM John.

WB Steve Wandel announced that he applied for a grant to sponsor the Bikes-for-Books program from the B.I.K.E.S. club of Snohomish County.  They may be able to aid in our purchasing of bikes to distribute to readers in the Mukilteo School District.  SW Jim Hamlin announced that about 150 people attended the T. H. Little DeMolay installation, including the Deputy Grand Master, RWB G. Santy Lascano.  It was also announced that WB Ernie McCasland will be taking over as leader of the advisory board for T. H. Little , as Jim will be moving on to become the district leader for DeMolay in the area.

We intend to visit Evergreen #9, of the MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge of WA.  The JW, Matt Appel, is in charge of contacting them for our visit, hopefully to be held on the 14th of November.

In his closing remarks, VWB Sam Roberts announced the new District 8 webpage, and briefly discussed the MW Grand Master's charity, the Starlight Chuildren's Foundation.  He also put in a plug for the Proficiency in Lodge Management program.

 5 May:  17 Brothers attended this evening's stated meeting, including VWB Boyd McPherson, in his official visit as DDGM #8, and his soon-to-be-replacement, WB Sam Roberts.  Also, WB Gary O'Leary of Centennial #25 visited our Lodge this evening.  VWB Boyd was introduced and sat in the East with WM John for most of the meeting.  His closing remarks regarding his year as our deputy were well received.  He mentioned his replacement and the impending appointment of WB Cary Cope as Grand Lecturer.

WB Jim Larson, Secretary, announced that Bro. Floyd Givens, a 50 year member of RB243 has passed on.  Also, he is having difficulty reaching Bro. Easterly and Bro. Lloyd Black, and if anyone has any information on their whereabouts that would be appreciated. 

The Junior Warden announced that we had received two applications for the Cloyse & Rosie Clayton Scholarship.  The Scholarship Committee will meet to determine an award for the money.

A petition was read from Mr. Adam R. Campbell of Everett.  The JW, SD, and Bro. Les Reed were appointed to be the Investigating Committee. 

The WM, John Hart, said that he will not be able to attend the Communication of the Grand Lodge in June.  Both he and the JW  are looking for someone to carry their proxies.  WB John also announced that the Bikes for Books program website may be restored and that the table lodge originally scheduled for 26 May will be delayed.  Also the Lodge will not participate in the Relay for Life, as he originally planned.

It was agreed that the Lodge will hold practice/training sessions on the Third Tuesdays that there is no special meeting planned.  Any EA/FC/MM that have not proved up are encouraged to come and practice the Posting Lecture or the Obligation.  Even if none of them are available, the line can always use practice in any number of ceremonies.  Anyone is invited to come.  The first will be on 19 May, and there will be pizza at 6:30 at the EMC

The SLOC has scheduled a camp out for 11-12 July at the Granite Falls campgrounds.

29 April:  At this evening's officer meeting, the main topic of discussion was the report of the Moving Committee, which shall be delivered at our next stated meeting, 5 May.  The three scenarios being considered by the committee are remaining in Everett without change, remaining in Everett but moving our meetings to Thursdays in the smaller lodge room of the EMC, or moving to Edmonds with the same meeting night. 

WM John is planning on having a Table Lodge at the EMC on 26 May.  Some other scheduling items were also discussed, and are reflected on the Upcoming Events page.

Finally, WB Steve Wandel advanced the idea that on Third Tuesdays that we are not meeting for degree work or some other purpose that we meet at the EMC so the First and Second Degree Brothers can get some practice and face time with their coaches.  This idea was very well received and will be the new practice of the lodge.

27 April:  5 Brothers of Robert Burns, including the Worshipful Master and Junior Warden, attended a meeting of Alderwood Assembly of Rainbow #55.  The wife of the JW, a past Grand Musician of the Grand Assembly of Pennsylvania, also attended.  All were impressed by the quality of the memory work of these young women.  It was also the visit of the Grand Worthy Advisor for Washington, and she also had several positive comments to make.  This is a very active group of ladies, and they deserve our support.

21 April:  19 Brothers including three visitors attended the initiation of Bro. Lloyd Ogden into our lodge.  We are proud to welcome him into our Fraternity.  The Junior Warden conferred the degree, and WB Steve Wandel sat in for the Master and Junior warden as needed, as the Worshipful Master, is recovering from surgery.  WB Bob Wallinger did an excellent Master's lecture.

7 April:  Before the meeting was opened, the young ladies of Bethel 50, IOJD had a bake sale during dinner.  Having purchased some of the cookies, your humble Brother on the street can report that they were excellent. 

20 Brothers attended this evening's meeting, including Kris McGoldrich, JW of Centennial #25.  We began by presenting a 50 year pin to WB Denis Lane and a 25 year pin to WB Charles Bash.  These two Brothers were recognized for their significant contributions to Robert Burns. 

We held a moment of silence for WB Newman Conklin, who passed away last month.  Having been Master of Robert Burns in 1960, he was our most senior Past Master (an honor that now falls to WB Duane Holte, 1964).  Several brothers attended the memorial service held for WB Newman Conklin in mid march.  WB Jim Larson spoke of some of his memories of WB Newman, and his contributions to our Lodge.  He will be missed.

Bro. Josh Hamlin proved up on the 3rd degree, and was promptly installed as Junior Steward.  He (with the assistance of his father, Jim) did an excellent job.  It was also announced that Bro. Josh, who is the serving Master Councilor for T. H. Little chapter, was honored with the "DeMolay of the Year" award at their annual convention.

The Lodge voted to purchase and ad in the Grand Assembly of Rainbow program.  We also balloted on the petition of Lloyd R. Ogden, and granted the petition.  The First Degree will be held on Tuesday, April 21st, at 7:30 PM at the EMC.

The Moving Committee reported that they visited the Edmonds Temple and found the facility to be adequate for our needs.

WM John again said that he plans to organize a team for the Relay for Life, to be held in June.

3 April:  We made our most recent presentation in the bikes for books program.

3 March:  At Past Masters' Night, 7 Worshipful Brothers (including 1 Very Worshipful) of Robert Burns were in attendance, WB and Secretary Jim Larson, 1968; WB Walt Moody, 1983-84; WB Ernie McCasland, 1992; VWB Bob Nygren, 2002 and 2005; WB Steve Morgan, 2003; WB John Sutton, 2007; and WB Steve Wandel, 2008.  Also in the Lodge room were RWB Santy Lascano, Senior Grand Warden and 12 other Masons.  The Past Masters were introduced by the Junior Warden, and awarded the public grand honors for their efforts in supporting Robert Burns and Freemasonry in general.

A petition was read from Mr. Lloyd Ogden of Lake Stevens; a First Degree may be held on 21 April, if all goes well with the investigation.  WB Steve Wandel and Brothers Jim Hamlin and Mark Goldberg were appointed to be on the investigation committee.  There were some other correspondence read, and the usual bills were presented and paid. 

The Worshipful Master mentioned again his idea to do the Relay for Life as an upcoming charity event.  WB Steve Wandel announced for the Bikes-for-Books committee that the next presentation will probably be the second week of April.  The moving committee has performed an inventory of our items stored at the EMC, and have ascertained how large a space would be needed to store them if they are all kept.  The Sno-King Building Assoc. representatives announced that the new Temple Board has decided to pare back its meetings to once a quarter, pending the sale of the Richmond-Haller Lake building, which is back on the market after the previous sale fell through.

Bro. Josh Hamlin, who has recently been installed as Master Councilor of T. H. Little DeMolay (where it was reported a large number of people were present), gave the name of a lead for the scholarship committee to pursue in the hopes of presenting a scholarship this year. 

It was announced that WB Newman Conklin is ailing, as is Bro. Ed Kellison. 

WB Steve Wandel is collecting information for anyone who may wish to have a RB243 nametag made.  Please contact him if you are in need of one. 

An announcement was made that another member of T. H. Little DeMolay, the most recent past Master Councilor, Grady Carlton, will be initiated at Genesis Lodge this Friday the 6th in Edmonds.  Also, the son of our Brother Jim Moran will be initiated by Edmonds #165 on Thursday the 12th of March, which is also scheduled to be our visit to that lodge. 

To close out the evening, RWB Santy finished with some thoughts from the recent conference of Grand Lodges.  He briefly discussed some of the thoughts from those presentations and how they should affect our actions in the Lodge and out of it.  He received a standing ovation at the end of his talk.

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