August 2020 Trestle Board

        The next Stated Communication is Monday, August 10th at 7:30 PM.  There will be no dinner prior to the meeting.

        I think it’s fair to say our first post-lockdown meeting was a great success.  There was a little bit of awkward clumsiness as we worked social distanced versions of the opening and closing, but everyone showed patience and levity.  Most importantly, it was great talking to you all and practicing a bit of normalcy — even though our masks made us look like a room full of comic book henchmen. 

        Here’s what’s going on at the Lodge: 

        We’re still taking bids on the heating system.  Luckily, the air conditioning is working just fine. 

        Thanks to Rt. Wor. Bro. Dan Ford, pews have been donated to replace the old theater seats in our Lodge room.  This opportunity presents two challenges:

1. I need some brethren to help me cut a few of these pews down to an appropriate size.  (I’m told this should be relatively easy, but I’m dubious.
2. We have dozens of theater chairs lined up in our fellowship room looking for a good home.  I have someone contacting the historic society to take a few, but the rest are up for grabs.  So if you’ve always dreamed about a very realistic theater room in your basement, have I got the deal for you! Just send me an email if you’re interested.  

        We have 3 active petitions up for a vote.  So expect even more clumsiness as we work through our first COVID-safe balloting.

        The Grand Lodge will be holding a One-Day Ceremony on either October 3rd or October 10th.  I don’t have any more information yet.   

        After talking to the DDGM, candidates who submit petitions before this meeting could still participate in the October One-Day Ceremony.  So if you have a friend or family member who has been considering Masonry, this is his only opportunity until 2021.  I am absolutely not telling you to recruit, but I am asking you to let potential candidates know about this deadline.  

        Our next practice is this Monday, 8/3 at 7:00 PM.  Whether you are an officer or not, you’re invited to come.  As those at our last practice can attest, we can use the help. 

        As a reminder, here are some of the basic rules we must follow:

1. No dinners or refreshments in the Lodge before or after meetings.
2. Brethren must sit 6ft apart on the sidelines. 
3. There is to be no touching or standing in close proximity.  
4. Wearing a mask is encouraged, but optional. 
5. If you do not feel comfortable coming to the Lodge, please stay home — especially if you or a loved one is a high-risk candidate.
6. If you have any symptoms – even if you think it’s allergies – please do not attend the meeting. 

       Finally, brethren, I want you to know that I’m oddly thankful for serving in the East during this unprecedented year.  Honestly, I can be a pretty lazy guy when left to my own devices.  If I didn’t have this responsibility, social distancing would probably be the excuse I needed to just sit at home and watch TV.  

       So I guess I’m asking you to better than me.  Force yourself to re-activate with the Fraternity on your own.  And if you need an office or a responsibility to push you to get off the couch (like me), I would be happy to give you one.