TBDec2009

Trestleboard ASHLER LODGE December 2009

Greetings from the East,

I am honored by the confidence the Brethren of Ashler lodge have placed in me by electing me as Worshipful Master for this year. I will continue to do my best to make the brethren proud of this choice and endeavor to place the welfare of the lodge first and foremost in my actions and deeds. I would also like to thank WB Swasey for his great year as master and all the brothers who have helped and supported me to become ready to follow in these Worshipful Brothers footsteps.

I would like to extend a warm invitation to all members to the Open installation of officers on December 5th, at 2:00 pm, at Ashler Masonic Center.

For those brothers who missed the November meeting, we had a most excellent dinner provided by Bethel #77 followed by a robe talk as well as another amazing program by WB Ronald Swasey. This was a remembrance ceremony that spanned the entire evening and honored our veterans, especially the ones who did not return. It was well received by the veterans and about 80% of the room was recognized, including several WWII veterans. We elected two fine gentlemen to receive the degrees of Masonry, established the Audit committee for 2009 and elected the Lodge Officers for 2010. Bro. Richard Beers was elected WM, Bro. Chris Haynes was elected Senior Warden, and Bro. Darin Velin was elected Junior Warden. Congratulations and thank you to these fine Brothers who are stepping up to provide for the future of Ashler Lodge. We also voted to pass the hat at the November and December stated meetings, have the lodge match the proceeds and donate the entire amount to Hope Link, a local Bothell food bank. It was a busy meeting, but we got a lot done.

I would also like to encourage you to join us for the December stated meeting on Thursday, December 17th with dinner at 6:30pm and our meeting starting promptly at 7:30pm. Copies of the 2010 calendar of events will be available, the 2010 budget will be reviewed, and Mark Lamb, the Mayor of the City of Bothell will be joining us to present his thoughts about the future of Bothell and how Ashler lodge can deepen its ties with the community.

We had 9 brothers turn out for Novembers Breakfast at Steve’s Café and Street Clean up. It was a clear and brisk morning, there was great fellowship and we made short work of cleaning the streets of Bothell.

We will be electing new Temple Board members in January so be sure to contact myself or the Secretary if you are interested in serving on the Temple Board. (Think involvement!)

Masonry is said to be a system of morality, veiled in allegory, and illustrated through symbols. As such it is therefore by definition, a participatory experience. The GM’s theme this year is Inform, Involve, and Inspire. The lodge will endeavor to keep you informed and I hope that you can take this idea to heart and become inspired through your involvement as we engage in the many opportunities for us to labor together. I look forward to seeing you in lodge and at Lodge sponsored events this year; growing our Masonic light by working together.

Finally, I am challenging every member of Ashler Lodge to attend one youth meeting a quarter. Each month, on a rotating basis, I will be promoting one of the youth groups that meet at Ashler Masonic Center. Their meeting schedule will be on the calendar. Please try to make one of their meetings. This month is Job’s Daughters.

The theme for this month’s meeting is Involvement. What does that really mean?

Thank you again for your support. I am looking forward to working with you in the quarry this year.

Fraternally,

Richard Beers

Worshipful Master

rbeers@msn.com

Greetings from the South,

Thank you brethren for your faith in me as you elected me to the South. I am committed to doing my best to continue to help Ashler Lodge #121 grow. I’m proud of our heritage and reputation around the jurisdiction.

We will continue to host Fellowship nights throughout the year, they have been a lot of fun and quite well received. The idea for these nights was brought up by a brother, so if you have an idea for the Lodge please share it with any of the Officers.

Finally I want to echo the GM’s theme of Inform, Involve, and Inspire. I will do my best to Inform you, and I know that I am continually Inspired by the members of our Lodge. I will also continue to push for extended involvement beyond attending the Stated Communications. Degree conferrals are such an important milestone in a Brother’s journey, I want every member of Ashler Lodge #121 to be present to give their brotherly love and support to each EA, FC and MM.

Fraternally,

Darin Velin, Junior Warden

ddvelin@hotmail.com

December Calendar

Thursday, 12/10 - 7:00 pm - Ashler Entered Apprentice Degree Conferral

Saturday, 12/12 - 7:00 pm - Job's Daugheters Bethel #77

Thursday, 12/17 - 7:30 pm - Stated Communication

Saturday, 12/19 - 8:00 am - Breakfast @ Steve’s Café

2:00 pm - Yancy C. Blalock Officer Installation

Tuesday, 12/22 - 7:00 pm - Job's Daughters Bethel #77

Masonic Birthdays for December

Donald P. McKillop - 1950