Sisters and Brothers 2025 is about to come to a close. I don’t know about you but that was quick! Our October 8th meeting brought elections and a little Halloween fun! (witches and hippies alike). Elected to office were as follows:

Deanna Bay WM

David (Chris) Petersen WP

Leslie Nicholson AM

Larry Nicholson AP

Nancy Bay Secretary

Randy Cady Treasurer

Janessa Bacon Conductress Also DGD District 1

Patti Cady Associate Conductress

all capable members to lead us in 2026. 

We enjoyed homemade pumpkin bread and Clendennen apple cider during fellowship before the meeting. There were 8 members of Ferndale that attended Grand Chapter in Visalia, always fun and informative. Also, we traveled to Arcata chapter and helped initiate their newest member, welcome Crystal! November 12th is our farewell meeting, come help us celebrate the accomplishments of Liz and Larry this year. The meeting will be long form, and the flower is the Chrysanthemum a pretty fall flower. Then on to installations, Ferndale members don’t forget your toys for the community chest.

Camelia Star November 8th 2pm

Ferndale November 15th 2pm

Arcata November 16th2pm

Redding November 22nd 2pm

Rohnerville Redwood November 23rd 

come out and support your district.

May there be in your life a season of Hope.

Hope and anticipation increase when we are surrounded by natural beauty. Never live without flowers and greenery. we need them to nurture our souls,

Elizabeth Carter Lorig WM

Larry Nicholson AP

Sisters and brothers,

 fall is certainly in the air with crisp fresh mornings. We held our monthly meeting in September on the 10th and celebrated our chapters 149th birthday with cake and ice cream. Reports were given on the Nile luncheon and Arcata chapter dinner provided by Ferndale Chapter as fundraisers. Our chapter recognized the office of Warder Diann Christiansen and Sentinel Kirby Bay with some flowers and acknowledgement of the work and service they give to our chapter.  

The budget report and membership reports were also given and approved as submitted. We were reminded about Grand Chapter credentials being due by the 20th of September for those attending. 

Next month our October meeting is on Wednesday the 8th with it being elections, make sure you have your name ready with 2 cosigners if you are vying for an elected office and on the dais before the meeting. I will be in charge of refreshments so expect a little Halloween fun. (Patti). We also always have a flower, and it is the calendula this month. Never heard of it but I’m sure it’s pretty.  Hope to see you all in October!

Elizabeth Carter Lorig WM

Larry Nicholson WP

Greetings sisters and brothers,

We held our August 13th meeting where we recognized our Jobs daughters and Rainbow girls. Each group gave a small presentation, and we intern gave a presentation to them sharing a little about the heroines of our order. The girls all received a small eastern star charm to add to their bracelets. They seemed to enjoy themselves and we certainly enjoyed having them. (see picture below). we kept the meeting short. We discussed the Nile luncheon and the chapter dinner for Arcata, watch for emails with further information. September meeting is the 10th; it’s our Chapter birthday month and budget presentation.  The budget committee will need to get together and do the proposed budget for the September meeting. They are Deanna Bay, Peggy Meecham Carlotti and Helene Nicholson. The flower is forget- me- nots. Please bring school supplies to the meeting to be distributed to a local school.     

 Hope you are all enjoying the beautiful warm weather we have been having.

One of the best things

a person can have up their sleeve is a funny bone.

Elizabeth Carter Lorig WM

Larry Nicholson WP

Sisters and Brothers as we get ready to close out another month let us reflect on our July activities. July 9th meeting was Brothers night, and our WP Larry Nicholson presided over the meeting, except for ritual which was done by PM Patti Cady as our worthy matron Liz was attending to some family matters. We also had our annual aebleskiver breakfast, which was well attended despite the new location. I believe we made around $1500.00 in profit. It was delicious as always! The district also had its annual King of Hearts Lee Astorino Tea on July 20th also well attended by even a few nonmembers. They raised about $1000.00 for the Eastern Star Outreach Program that was near and dear to Brother Lee. Some of the members of District one traveled to San Francisco to attend the DGD Heather Currys honor and Triva Night. Such a fun time! This money was raised for the WGM &WGP Project Bradys K-9 and also there were lots of donations for the pet shelter in her area. ( See picture below.)

Our next meeting is August 13th and will be a short form meeting allowing time for the youth groups to give presentations.

Remember to reach out to your sisters and brothers who might need a kind word, a hug or just a phone call.

Elizabeth Carter Lorig WM
Larry Nicholson WP

Dear sisters and brothers, it is hard to believe that we are already about to enter the month of July but here we go.

Our June meeting was friendship night and memorial. We had a room full of members who came to celebrate the lives of those we have lost this past year and our friendship with our subordinate officers from other chapters. There was also a surprise honor night for DGD Helene Nicholson who didn’t want anything. The officers of all the chapters in District one read an honor ceremony called you are my sunshine and was presented a handmade bicycle made of wood with a clock in the spokes of the back wheel. It was lovingly made by PGP Marton Anderson of Oregon. It is Beautiful. The Northern Stars also presented her with a bouquet of flowers. I think we were successful in pulling off our surprise. On June 14th Flag Day we finally held our long awaited Ableskiver  breakfast at the community center. We fed about 150, which was lower than previous years.  There was also a boutique table with handmade items from our members. Next month July 4th is the annual 4th of July parade we always participate in. The parade starts at noon, but we start assembling around 10 at the Ferndale masonic center. Our meeting is July 9th it is Our brothers night, western wear (Jeans are great). It will be long form and Larkspur and Water Lilys are the flowers of the month. Come see what’s in store. Also, July 20th is the first annual Lee Astorino Tea, there will be a guest speaker there to tell us about the outreach that Lee believed so strongly in. More information at our July meetings.

Always remember it might only take a smile to make someones day!

Elizabeth Carter Lorig WM

Larry Nicholson WP

Hello sisters and brothers,

Spring has finally arrived I hope you are all getting outside to enjoy. We had our May 14th meeting where we started with a Mexican potluck dinner before our meeting. We honored the star point Electa. Our own Deanna Bay former Grand Electa was honored with a flower arrangement and special escort; the worthy matron and worthy patron each read a tribute to the star point. There were no other Electa’s present. Under unfinished business we finalized a date for our Aebleskiver breakfast, which will be June 14th from 8-11 Flag Day at the community Center in Ferndale. Don’t miss this delicious event!  The chapter didn’t have much under new business. The associate matron gave her report, and we then had a corn march and a drawing where Leslie Nicholson won a wreath of red roses for her door. It was announced that there would be the first annual Lee Astorino memorial tea with all proceeds going to the eastern star outreach program that was very important to brother Lee.  I believe it will be in July. Be on the lookout for further information.

Our next meeting will be June 11th and will be friendship night as well as memorial.  The flower of the month is the rose and will be long form. Dress is ladies long white dress or skirt and suits and ties for the gentleman. I think that just about wraps it up for this month, hope to see you in June.

       You are braver than you believe

       Stronger than you seem

       and Smarter than you think

Be good to yourselves.

Elizabeth Carter Lorig WM

Larry Nicholson WP

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

Hello sisters and brothers, here we are launching our first newsletter in a super long time. On March 8th some members traveled to Crescent City to present our sister Jean Galatioto her 50-year pin. The travel is about 100 miles up the coast and she was most appreciative that we came to their Masonic Center to present. She is a member that consolidated with Ferndale chapter from Del Norte. Her daughters were there to present the pin and award the certificate. I was unable to attend but was told it was a beautiful afternoon. We don’t see those members as often as we would like but totally understand.

The 12th of March brought our stated meeting where we honored the Ruths of our district and our DGD Helene Nicholson. Who just happens to be our Ruth. Every month our WM and WP are honoring a star point. We didn’t have much business to attend to, we discussed our WGM and WGP official visit next month. We are very much looking forward to it. Next month we will also be honoring Esther and the flowers Daisy and sweet peas. Dress is business professional. Refreshments at 6:45,
meeting at 7:30

Until Next Time,
Always be Humble and Kind!

Patti Cady PM
Elizabeth Carte-Lorig WM
Larry Nicholson WP

PAWS FOR PURPLE HEARTS helps Veterans and Active Duty Service Members by providing trained service dogs. Community support allows this organization to continue fulfilling their mission. We invite members of our entire Masonic Family to attend this July 14th Afternoon Tea to learn more and help us spread the word. Feel free to invite friends and family as well. We do ask that you please let us know you’ll be attending (see flyer for contact information). Thank you.

Farewell April, Hello May!

Welcome to the new format of the Northcoast Masonic Trestleboard!  While most members will now access the Trestleboard electronically, we want to be sure those who need a printed copy are not left out.  To that end, if you know of a Ferndale Eastern Star member who needs a printed copy, Sister Patti Cady wants to know (707.845.6943).  She is our volunteer who will print and mail the Trestleboard monthly to Ferndale Chapter members who don’t have online access. 

April sunshine was glorious the morning of our hugely successful Aebleskiver Breakfast and we are in high spirits as we spring forward into May.  Before closing out April, though, do mark the 28^th on your calendar.  Brothers of Ferndale Lodge 193 cordially invite Chapter members to a Sweetheart Tea on April 28^th, two o’clock in the afternoon at Ferndale Lodge Hall.  Your presence is greatly appreciated at this annual social event. 

On the calendar for May:

May 2^nd:  Ferndale Chapter members are cooking and serving Arcata Chapter’s pre-meeting dinner.

May 4^th – 11^th:  March of the Penguins bus trip.    

May 8^th – Ferndale’s stated meeting.  A Mexican potluck is planned for 6:30; Sister Janessa and her Grandpa will preside in my absence. Festive, casual attire is perfect.  Theme: “Honoring Mothers and Important Women in our Lives”.  Anticipate short-form opening.  Reminder:  May is the final month of our generous donor’s offer to match funds placed in the coin basket designated for Eastern Star’s Outreach Services Program – the Worthy Grand Matron and Worthy Grand Patron’s internal project for 2024.  These funds are specifically designated to provide assistance to members in need who are not residents of the Senior Living Community. 

Wishing our May Birthday celebrants many blessings in their next year around the sun.  Sisters Linda Morin, May 2^nd; Barbara Kennedy, May 9^th; Sandra Buchanan May 16^th; and JoLynn McCorkle, May 21^st.

May the Lord watch over me and thee while we are absent one from the other!  

With Penguin Love and Husky hugs,

Nancy Bay, WM and Kirby Bay, WP