Brothers and Friends;

Please join the officers and families of Humboldt Lodge No. 79 this Saturday December 7th, 2024 at 2 o’clock for the annual installation of our officers for 2025. We expect to finish by 3pm when we will have light refreshments in the dining room. Our officer’s corp is full of enthusiasm to make the year ahead full of Fellowship, Charity, and a year to better ourselves and our community. All are welcome to this event and we look forward to your support. 

Fraternally yours, 

Davin Bowerman

Greetings brothers.  

Last month was the Annual Communications and with it we welcome our new Grand Master, Most Worshipful Arthur L. Salazar Jr. And with the new grand line of officers we also saw a change in districts for all of California. Humboldt Lodge is now in the 201^st District along with Arcata and Crescent City. Ferndale and Fortuna are now part of the 203^rd district. Both new districts will have separate inspectors and schools of instruction.

As the year winds down, I would like to remind the officers that proficiencies are due. Please make an appointment with your inspector if you haven’t already.

Upcoming events:  

November 7th, Thursday – Stated Meeting at 7:00pm 

November 14th, Thursday – 3^rd Degree Proficiency for Brother Josh Reed at 6:15pm 

Respectfully,  

Dan Sarver  

Master  

Humboldt Lodge No. 79       

Hello, everyone!

At our meeting on October 2, there was some concern for a bit as to whether we would have a quorum, but we made it!  Whew!  Because of the lack of people present for 7:00 refreshments, we held those until after the meeting.  The theme of the evening was “Teddy Bear Picnic,” and nearly everyone brought a plushy friend or two… or three… to share.  We had all sorts of fuzzy friends, including a gopher, an elephant, an owl, LOTS of bears, a German Shepard, and more! Some of the friends were old and dear treasures from childhood, and some were relatively new.  It was fun to get to meet them and hear their stories!  Thanks to all who brought their plushy friends with them!

Please note that there is a bear available for adoption.  Sister Marlene Hover left behind a beautifully dressed bear with a lovely hat.  She is very pretty and needs a new home.  If anyone is interested in adopting this sweet bear, please contact Sister Peggy Mecham-Carlotti.

The ”We’re So Glad You Came” gifts went to Sisters Liz Lorig and Tricia Coombs!  Thank you, ladies, and thanks to everyone who came to the meeting.  And a special thank you to Sisters Lynnie Horrigan who filled in as Associate Conductress and Jean Thomson who filled in as Esther.  Thank you, also, to Sister Tricia for filling both the Associate Matron and Conductress stations!  And, of course, thank you to the seven Camellia Star officers who were present.  

Another highlight of our evening, of course, was elections.  Congratulations to our newly elected officers for 2025:

                Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron

                Michael Biesen, Worthy Patron

                Laird Crandall, Associate Matron

                Liz Lorig, Treasurer

                Peggy Mecham-Carlotti, Secretary

                And – drum roll please –

                Salena Glass, Associate Conductress!

We will have an open installation on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.  Practice will be that morning at 11:00.  It has yet to be decided whether we want some sort of lunch as a group in between practice and installation.  While it was not mentioned in the meeting, please be advised the installation is semi-formal, and the colors are all the colors of the rainbow.  The theme will be something along the lines of “Kindness costs nothing, yet it is a most precious gift.”  There are no other installation details available yet, but think flowers!  There will also be a FOOD DRIVE!  So, if you would like to participate, please bring non-parishable food in non-breakable containers for our Food Drive.  Thank you!

In sadder news, it was announced that a former member of our Chapter, and a many times Past Patron, Wayne Hooper, had passed away very recently, and his memorial was held this past Thursday.  Brother Michael was at the memorial and said it was standing room only.

Looking ahead, the theme for our November 6 meeting is “Marooned Without a Compass,” and Brother Michael has already gotten into the spirit with a little game he has planned.   Attire is … whatever … we’re marooned, right?  So casual attire seems appropriate.  Sister Alice kindly offered to bring refreshments – thank you!  We will try to have refreshments at 7:00, and then the meeting at 7:30.  Meeting will be short form.  I look forward to seeing you all there!

Announcements: 

Congratulations to Helene Nicholson who is the new Deputy Grand Matron for District 1!  I am sure she will shortly be scheduling First Meeting Practices with the various Chapters.

Save the Dates:

                November 6 – “Marooned Without a Compass” – Last meeting of the term for our Chapter

                November 10 – Arcata Chapter Installation

                November 16 – Rohnerville-Redwood Chapter Installation

                November 17 – Camellia Star Chapter Practice and Installation

                November 23 – Ferndale Chapter Installation

                                      Note:  All installations are at 2:00 p.m.

                December 4 – First meeting of the new term for our Chapter – Toy Drive!

                January 1, 2025 – HAPPY NEW YEAR!  No meeting  —  enjoy the holiday with your family and friends!

Thank you, one and all!  I look forward to seeing you soon.

Star Light and Love –

Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron

Camellia Star Chapter No. 63

PHOTOS from our Teddy Bear Picnic meeting in October.

Brothers and Friends;

A busy month of September was seen at Six Rivers Lodge, starting with our First Responders Appreciation Dinner on 9/11. A Tri-Tip dinner was catered for the Arcata Fire and Police Departments with everyone having an enjoyable and emotional time. Several attendees had friends or relatives who were there or knew someone who had lost their life. In fact, the Grand Master stated that he hoped we would continue this gathering in years to come. Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to make this event a success. On September 28th, Grand Lodge came to the North Coast for two Cornerstone ceremonies, one at the Eureka High School Gym and the second at the Blue Lake Rancheria Health Center. Both ceremonies were done in the finest Masonic Tradition, rivaling the Capital cornerstone ceremony presided over by President George Washington. If you were not there, you missed an important Masonic Ritual; for no two are ever the same and they are all impressive . Go to Humboldt #79’s Trestleboard to view pictures of the two events.

Our October Stated Meeting went well (less than 50 minutes); Brother Mitch Reid, our newest Brother Mason was also in attendance. Many important items were discussed from the handling of our finances to upcoming events occurring through the end of the year. We will be honoring two of our Brothers for their hard work and commitment to our Lodge. Brother James Irving is our Hiram Award recipient  for 2024 and will be honored on October, 13th at 2PM at the Six Rivers Lodge in Bayside. Brother Jonathan Abidari is our “Mason of the Year” honoree and will be honored at a ceremony at Eel River Lodge in Fortuna on October,  24th at 6:30 PM. Please try and attend and support our worthy Brothers. Hall Association Meeting on October 29th at 6:30 PM, please all come and see the many Lodge improvements which are occurring as I write this missive.

Moving into November, we will honor our Veterans with a dinner and fellowship on November 12th starting at 6:30PM. Some kind of “beef” with sides will be served. On into December, we will finish up my year with our Installation on December 8th at 2PM at Six Rivers Lodge #106 in Bayside.

Thanks,

George Durfee, WM

Greetings brothers. 

We had an incredible month which was highlighted by a Grand Lodge visit and the laying of two cornerstones in one day.

The first was at Eureka High School’s new Jay Willard gymnasium, where Grand Master G. Sean Metroka performed the ceremony to a grateful crowd. After lunch, we traveled to Blue Lake and took part in the second cornerstone ceremony for the new Hula Health Center on the Blue Lake Rancheria. It was exciting to be a part of it all, and everyone seemed to enjoy the fellowship. Thanks again to everyone that participated and helped to make the day a memorable one.

It was also a month of remembrance for the lives of two of our most distinguished brothers.

Worshipful Wayne Cooper and Worshipful Lee Astorino entered into rest and now reside with the Supreme Grand Master of the Universe. They will both be sorely missed. Thank you to all the brothers that attended their services.

Quote of the month: 

Sweet is the memory of distant friends! Like the mellow rays of the departing sun, it falls tenderly, yet sadly, on the heart.  – Washington Irving

Upcoming events: 

October 3^rd, Thursday – Stated Meeting at 7:00pm

October 10^th, Thursday – 2^nd Degree Proficiency for Brother Leo Herrera at 6:00pm

October 17^th, Thursday – 3^rd Degree for Brother Leo Herrera

October 19^th, Saturday – Curtesy 3^rd for Crescent Lodge #45. More details to follow.

October 25^th-27^th – Annual Communications (Grand Lodge)

Respectfully, 

Dan Sarver 
Master 
Humboldt Lodge No. 79      

To whom it may concern,

We are planning on having our Installation of Officers for the ensuing Masonic year on Saturday, December 7th, 2024 at Eel River Empire Lodge #147, at 2 pm. It will be an open event and all are welcome. Refreshers will be served after the installation. Could you please put this on your Masonic calendar.

Thank you,

Mike Flockhart, WM

Thank you to everyone who attended our September 4th meeting.  We had 9 officers present and several guests!  It was so nice to see so many people.  It was also wonderful to see all the school supplies donated for Alice Birney School.  There were items in the East and in the West, plus I received three more bags of donations down at the cars, and more donations the following night.  Thank you to everyone who participated in this project!  You are all so much appreciated!

Along with the school supply drive, refreshments of school lunch type foods were provided prior to the meeting.  The “Thank You for Coming!” gifts went to Sisters Lisa McCombs and JoAnna Matlock!

To back up just a little bit, August 31 was a beautiful reception honoring Grand Electa, Sister Deanna Bay.  The decorations were beautiful, with hand-made gorgeous large paper roses all around the room.  Watching Deanna and her special escort (a gaggle of grandchildren) walking up to the East was adorable!

The following day, September 1, was a brunch reception for our Deputy Grand Matron, Sister Lisa McCombs, and was a lovely event, followed by a LOT of wonderful food for brunch.  Anyone who walked away hungry had only themselves to blame!

Coming up, Rohnerville-Redwood Chapter will host a Revelation Night party on Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7:30. Revelation Night is the evening that the 2025 Grand Officers and Deputy Grand Matrons will be revealed. R-R have a big screen in their dining room to stream live the announcements. There will be a Dessert Potluck, so if you have a favorite dessert you would like to share, please bring it.  I plan to attend, so if you need a ride, let me know.  It will be a lot of fun!

Camellia Star’s next meeting will be on October 2 and have a “Teddy Bear Picnic” theme.  Please bring with you to our picnic your stuffed best friend, whether it be a teddy bear, an elephant, a rasta banana, a bat, or whatever is your favorite plushy!  Refreshments will be at 7:00 and the meeting at 7:30.  Attire will be business casual. The meeting will be long-form for the Camellia Star officers.

The October meeting is also elections, so be sure to have your signed paper on the dais before the meeting starts stating what office you aspire to, if you are running for an elected office.  You do not have to be present to run, but I do need a paper you signed, along with two other members of our Chapter who nominate you for the office.

I mentioned at our September meeting that Brother Lee had been tickled by the fact that there is a “Marooned Without a Compass Day” in November and had wanted that theme for the November 6 meeting; however, he did not tell me what he had in mind for that meeting.  So if you have any ideas as to what to do for the “Marooned Without a Compass” theme, please let me know!  Thank you!

Best wishes to one and all –
Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron
Camellia Star Chapter No. 63

PHOTO:  Worthy Matron Joni with some of the many donations for the school supplies drive at Camellia Star’s September meeting

All,

We will be conferring a 3^rd degree upon brother Johnny Johnson Sr. on Wednesday, September 25^th at Eel River Empire Lodge #147. We plan to open at 7 and beginning the degree at 7:30. All Master Masons are welcome.

Fraternally,

Mike Flockhart, WM

Greetings brothers.  

 September is here and we have a few events coming up, including a 3^rd degree for Brother Toland. Please see below for details. 

 Quote of the month:  

Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend. – Theophrastus.   

Upcoming events:    

September 5^th, Thursday – Stated Meeting 

September 8^th, Saturday – Yard cleanup at the Lambos. Brothers, if you are free on the 8^th, please consider visiting with the Lambos starting at 11:30am to help with some yard and garden cleanup. 

September 12^th, Thursday – Brother Toland Proficiency and 3^rd degree practice at 6pm. 

September 14^th, Saturday – Humboldt Lodge Open House at 12pm to 3pm 

September 19^th, Thursday – 3^rd degree for Brother Toland at 6:30pm 

September 26^th, Thursday – Cornerstone Meeting at 6pm. All lodge officers are invited. 

September 28^th, Saturday – Cornerstone ceremony. Grand Lodge opening at Humboldt Lodge No. 79 starting at 9am. 

Respectfully,  

Dan Sarver  
Master
Humboldt Lodge No. 79       

Our meeting on August 7 was a nice one.  We had a potluck that included hot dogs and various side dishes and desserts and enjoyed each others’ company prior to the meeting.  Then we had an ante room meeting to accomplish our business before going our separate ways. 

Reports were made of the successful Afternoon Tea benefiting Paws for Purple Hearts which raised about $1,683, plus a donation from a generous benefactor (who will be missed very much) of another $1,000, and of the delivery of the prizes and monetary donation to the Humboldt County Library for their Summer Reading Program.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, with a “Salute to Teachers!” and a school supply drive.  For your information, this was another service event that was brought up by and supported by Brother Lee.  Refreshments are at 7:00, meeting at 7:30.  Attire is business casual. Please bring school supplies to adorn the East and spill over into the West. The supplies will be donated to Alice Birney School.

In the meantime, I hope you have all RSVP’d and plan to attend the reception for our Grand Electa Deanna Bay on August 31 at 7 p.m. in Loleta and the brunch honoring our Deputy Lisa McCombs on Sunday, September 1, at 11:00 a.m. in Arcata.  Both of these ladies are very special people, and it’d be so great to support them and show them our appreciation and love.

Looking ahead, our meeting on October 2 is a Teddy Bear (and other animals) Picnic with refreshments at 7:00 and meeting at 7:30.  It is also elections night, so if you aspire to any elected office, please remember to have your signed paper on the dais stating what office you aspire to with two signatures by other members of the Chapter nominating you for that position.  You do not have to be there in person, but your paper needs to be present for me to read under elections.  Thank you!

Please remember we are a small Chapter, so it is important to attend the meetings if you are able to ensure we have a quorum so we can conduct business and vote on things. 

Both our September and October meetings will be long form for our officers so we are sure to conform to the OES rules about such things.

Also please check the articles being posted on northcoastmasons.com by our Chapter and other Chapters, by Masonic Lodges, youth groups, etc., to keep up with everything that is going on in our District area. 

I look forward to seeing everyone on September 4.

Take care, and be well, and thank you for being you –

Joni Hewston, Worthy Matron
Camellia Star Chapter No. 63