Friends are like a wall,
Sometimes you lean on them,
And sometimes it’s just enough they are there.

Sisters, Brothers, and Friends,
Our April Official Visit meeting was a wonderful gathering of friends and family. We were Honored with a visit from the Worthy Grand Matron, Sister Alice Raymond; Grand Chaplain, Brother Phil Solem, Worthy Patron of Primrose Chapter; and Sister Cathy Solem, Escort to Brother Phil, member of the Board of Trustees of the Eastern Star Homes, and Worthy Matron of Primrose Chapter.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

1. May 10 th Aebleskiver Breakfast is postponed due to the Veterans’ bldg. construction not being completed. We will hopefully be able to announce a June date soon.
2. Sip and Party Night is being organized for the weekend of August 9 the. More information to share in the future.
3. SAVE THE DATE: The 2 nd Annual District Tea will be in memory of Brother Lee. The Theme is “King of Hearts”. This will be a fundraising event for the “O.E.S. Outreach.” Each Chapter will donate a basket for the Silent Auction. Individual donations are welcomed. Remember this event is open to the public. More information will be shared as we get closer to the event. I am also happy to share that the WGM, Sister Alice, spoke of her pleasure in hearing about our activities and community involvement, even our healthy discussions. She was happy to share the progress being made toward
   implementing the new expanded membership eligibility with the new petition and questionnaire forms available soon.

Our Next meeting is May 14 the we will be having our traditional “Cinco de Mayo” Potluck at 6:30 PM.

In Friendship and Respect,
Liz Lorig, Worthy Matron and Larry Nicholson, Worthy Patron

Spring is Springing!  Flowers are blooming! 

Our April 2 meeting was themed “Peanut Butter Jelly Time!” (Thank you, Sister Liz, for playing that song.)  Sisters Peggy and Liz brought ready-made PB&Js and also the fixings if you wanted to make your own!  Thank you, ladies!

Our May 7^th meeting is our Deputy’s O.V.  The theme is “Lost in Space!” in honor of National Space Day.  The attire will be semi-formal.  Please mark your calendar and be sure to attend so we have a quorum and can show off for our Deputy!  Refreshments at 7:00; meeting at 7:30.

June 4 will be our Memorial meeting, our Worth Grand Matron’s Official Visit, and honoring World Bicycle Day.  Those officers participating in the Memorial ceremony should wear white. This will also be a semi-formal occasion.  Refreshments at 6:45; meeting at 7:30.

Having attended the WGM’s O.V.s in both Ferndale and Fortuna, I can tell you that Sister Alice really is looking for a regular meeting and getting to meet our members.  At those meetings, she had the Grand Chaplain and his wife with her, but no huge entourage.  Camellia Star officers, please be sure to put June 4 on your calendar and come to the meeting because we really, really do need a quorum!

July 2 will be Friendship Night (and the rest of what we need to exemplify for our Deputy).  International Joke Day is just the day before the meeting, so in that spirit, we will share our favorite Dad Jokes that evening.  Come armed!  Attire will be casual.

I hope you have put July 20 on your calendar for the first annual Lee Astorino Memorial Tea in Fortuna.  Please remember that each Chapter will be responsible for providing at least one basket for the silent auction.  Other donations for the silent auction are also welcome.  Please note that all food, decorations, items for auction, etc., are to be donated by the individual and/or Chapter to maximize the donation to the Eastern Star outreach program.  We ask that anyone wishing to partake of the tea food and drink pay for a ticket, even if that person is working at the event or has made a donation.  

I have been in touch with Shoshanna at the Humboldt County Library regarding the Summer Reading Program.  The theme this year is “Level Up at Your Library.”  We generally provide 9-12 prizes for the event as well as make a cash donation to the library for books and supplies. 

Thank you all for your help, support, and participation!  Have a truly lovely spring!

Star love,

Joni Hewston, WM

Michael Biesen, WP

Greetings Brethren,

We’ve had a full and rewarding few weeks, and there’s even more on the horizon. Here’s what’s been going on and what we’re looking forward to as spring unfolds.

Remembrance & Renewal in Fortuna

After our lodge’s degree practice on March 17th, several of us traveled to Fortuna at the kind invitation of our Scottish Rite Brethren. We attended their annual Remembrance and Renewal Ceremony, a tradition that honors the memory of our recently departed Brothers. The ceremony not only pays tribute to their lives but also reminds us of our duty to carry the light of Masonry forward in the world with purpose and integrity.

Charity in Action: Scholarships

Tomorrow night, our scholarship committee will be meeting between 5:00 and 7:00 PM to review over twenty scholarship applications from local students. If you’re able, please stop by and lend a hand—even if you arrive late, your presence and input are welcome and appreciated. This is one of the key ways we support and give back to our community, and your participation truly matters.

Fellowship with Job’s Daughters

On March 31st, our fellowship extended to the youth of Job’s Daughters as we shared a lively potluck dinner followed by a friendly cornhole competition. There was no shortage of laughs—or surprises. A special word of warning for future games: don’t underestimate Betsy. She might lull you into a false sense of security with a couple of wild throws, only to follow up with a streak of perfect shots. A stealth champion!

Quiet Acts of Leadership

I also wanted to take a moment to recognize the quiet but powerful leadership shown by our Stewards. After many of us have gone home, they remain behind, rolling up their sleeves to clean and maintain the dining hall. It’s a humble, often unseen part of lodge life—but one that exemplifies the very heart of Masonic service. Thank you, Brothers, for your tireless work.

Looking Ahead: A Week Full of Fellowship and Celebration

We’ve got a special evening coming up on Thursday, April 24th, as we confer the First Degree of Masonry on Mr. Shamus Kistner, the nephew of Brother Doug Brown. It will be a particularly meaningful night, with Bro. Doug sitting in the East for the degree. We invite all local Masons to join us for dinner at 5:30 PM, with the ceremony to follow. Let’s give Shamus a warm and memorable welcome to the Craft.

The next evening, Friday, April 25th at 5:30 PM, we’ll descend upon the Elk’s Club for a casual “Cook Your Own Steak Night.” Bring your appetite and enjoy good food and fellowship in a relaxed setting—these are the moments where bonds are built and strengthened.

And finally, on Saturday, April 26th at 1:30 PM, we’ll gather to honor Worshipful Brother William Lambo as he celebrates an extraordinary milestone: 50 years in both the Shrine and Scottish Rite. It’s a rare and inspiring achievement, and we hope to see many of you there to share in the celebration.

As always, thank you for all that you do—seen and unseen—in upholding the principles and spirit of Masonry. See you at lodge.

Fraternally,

Davin Bowerman, WM

Humboldt Lodge No. 79

The first order of business since the untimely passing of our Worshipful Master, Dan Mc Clelland, was to install our new Master for the balance of the year. Bro Ted Lichti has taken on the responsibility, and was elected and installed in due and ancient form. Our Lodge has been busy this year beginning with the recognition of Bro. Richard Sweet for 50 years as a member of the Eastern Star. Congratulations Rich.
Also we have had another 50 year member of the Masonic Lodge, Bro. Phil Grunert, who joined the 50 year club on January 18th. Congratulations to you also Phil. Brother Johnny Johnson gave an excellent proficiency in the third degree, congratulations to you also on completeing your proficiencies. Several brothers traveled to Ferndale Lodge on the 13th of January to support and enjoy their brotherhood. One of the privileges of Masonry is to be able to visit any Masonic Lodge in the world and enjoy the friendship extended to you. The Trestleboard in again available on line as well as printed. Our inspector, Dan Sarver, conducted a school on instruction on the first degree, and had his official visit to our Lodge on the fifth of March. Our Lodge continues to be benevolent to our community by making a donation of $300.00 to San Demos Lodge to assist in feeding military heros, and a donation of $2,000 was approved as a scholerhsip to Bro. Johnny Johnson Jr, who will be receiveing his second degree next month.

Enough for now, come to Lodge.

Ted Lichti WM.

Greetings Brethren,

In February, we welcomed our Inspector, Robert Pollard to the lodge for a school of instruction on the 1st degree. Then on February 11th Mr. John Miller became Brother Miller in due and ancient form. We are happy to have him, and he’s excited to continue his masonic journey.

Lastly, the members and their sweethearts enjoyed a nice meal at the Blue Lake Hotel and Casino on the 22nd.

Looking forward to March, we have our stated meeting on the 4th with a meal prepared by Heidi Quintrell. Officer practices are every Tuesday, starting at 6:30pm.

Take care and see you at lodge.

Dan Sarver

Master

Six Rivers Lodge No. 106

Brethren, 

Masonic Development, Fellowship, & Charity. It’s what we do.

Our stated meeting on Feb 6th was quite busy. Masonic Development is going well, as we balloted favorably on Mr John Vance & on Mr Travis McBroom. Their initiations are scheduled for March. We know fellowship is strong when we see our brothers choose to spend Super Bowl Sunday together. We were delighted to spend time dining with our ladies at the Sweethearts Night at the Sea Grill. At February’s stated meeting we heard from our Inspector representing Most Worshipful Salazar who invites us to celebrate our commitment to charity by participating in a statewide day of service March 17th followed by a Grand Lodge Festive Board on the 19th. Housekeeping – check.

Have you ever wondered what ‘Our Ancient Landmarks you are carefully to preserve’ means? I did a bit of poking around, and as with our craft there is a literal (operative) and a metaphorical (speculative) meaning. Reference to ‘landmarks’ goes back to Old Testament bible and refers to what today we would call surveyors’ markings.  In a modern context, the landmarks can be interpreted as a warning against disregarding the boundaries set by previous generations. In 1856, Bro. Albert Mackey wrote what he believed were 25 Ancient Landmarks. My favorite is 22, restated thus:  

The  Equality  of  all  Masons  is  another  Land-mark of  the  Order.  This  equality  has  no  reference to  any  subversion  of  those  gradations  of  rank which  have  been  instituted  by  the  usages  of  society. The  monarch,  the  nobleman  or  the  gentleman  is  entitled  to  all  the  influence,  and  receives  all  the respect  which  rightly  belong  to  his  exalted  position. But  the  doctrine  of  Masonic  equality  implies  that, as  children  of  one  great  Father,  we  meet in  the Lodge  upon  the  level — that  on  that  level  we  are  all traveling  to  one  predestined  goal — that  in  the  Lodge genuine  merit  shall  receive  more  respect  than boundless  wealth,  and  that  virtue  and  knowledge alone  should  be  the  basis  of  all  Masonic  honors,  and be  rewarded  with  preferment. When  the  labors of  the  Lodge  are  over,  and  the  brethren  have  retired from  their  peaceful  retreat,  to  mingle  once  more with  the  world,  each  will  then  again  resume  that social  position,  and  exercise  the  privileges  of  that rank,  to  which  the  customs  of  society  entitle  him.

In the last century, several American Grand Lodges attempted to enumerate the landmarks, ranging from West Virginia (7) and New Jersey (10) to Nevada (39) and Kentucky (54). While brothers may disagree on the speculative meaning of Landmarks I contend, nevertheless, that reading them and contemplating them ourselves is a worthwhile reflection. For those reading this on the website, here is a link to Mackey’s Landmarks.

Davin Bowerman, 

2025 Worshipful Master, Humboldt 79

March is here and Spring is just around the corner!

To begin the year off, the Bethel installed five Daughters pictured below (from left to right: Lily, Carla, Betsy, Logan, and Emily) with a winter wonderland themed installation. We donated our carrying pieces to United Through Reading – an organisation connecting books and deployed military families together. Later in January we took a trip up to Crescent City. We explored the different sights and participated in the installation of officers of Crescent Lodge.

After our business meeting in February, we made Valentine’s Day cards for our adopted grandmothers and for our lodge widows, spreading some Jobie love.  We also had a fun day of watching movies, making crafts, and gearing up for our cornhole game against Humboldt Lodge!

Coming up on March 15th, Job’s Daughters is holding a fundraiser breakfast. We are making an Ulster Fry from 9-11 AM at the Humboldt Masonic center 512 G Street, Eureka.  This breakfast is a traditional meal served at any time of the day in the Ulster region of Northern Ireland.  Tickets are available in advance and at the door.  $10/Adults & $6/kids.  You may also RSVP the Bethel Guardian (Leia Pollard) at 707-845-0992 to help ensure there is enough eggs, sausage, bacon, potato farls, and soda farls to go around.

And finally, on March 31st, we are going to have some friendly competition between Bethel 86 & Humboldt Lodge 79 with a night of cornhole.

Stay tuned for more information about our continuing adventures!

Warm Spring wishes to one and all!
Bethel No. 86 Eureka Job’s Daughters International

Brethren, 

Masonic Development, Fellowship, & Charity. It’s what we do. On January 9th our officers and coach Bill Lambo, PM,  discussed our expectations of each other for ritual practice and development, which is always a good conversation to start the year. If you cannot be at a practice, notify Bill. If you need a substitute for a degree, ask a Past Master at least a week ahead of the night. We are scheduled to confer Bro. Sheyenne “Shiny” Stillinger a 2nd degree on Thursday January 30th. Fellowcrafts and Master masons are welcome to join us for dinner at 5:30pm and Lodge Opening at 6:30pm. 

Thank you brothers who brought 6+ prospects to our Thursday night practice yesterday! It’s our earnest desire to make every Thursday at 5:30pm a Lodge night. We’d like every brother to come grab a bite, enjoy fellowship, and if inclined and eligible watch our officers practice their ritual. 

We hope you’re looking forward to the return of Sushi Night on Saturday, January 18th. Bro Reed has taken steps to ensure that the flaws of last year don’t repeat, this will be a fantastic fellowship event to start the new year. Thank you Josh for your tireless successful efforts. There will be Taiko drummers and Karaoke to round out the sushi feed. Humboldt 79’s Ladies’ Luncheon is scheduled for 26 January at 12pm. 

Charity- The brethren elected to donate $x to the local Special Olympics to soften the blow of the theft of their sports equipment storage. 

See you at Lodge, 

Davin Bowerman, Worshipful Master

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

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.