May 2020 Trestle Board
For those of you who may have given up on calendars (like me), this is the May Trestleboard. Because we’re in May already. In fact, it’s the middle of May.
As Phase 1 of the reopening for Virginia begins today, I’m feeling optimistic. There is a light at the end of this tunnel. And while I don’t have any information on when the Lodge will open back up, it can’t be too far away.
I’m going to let you behind the curtain for a minute: My Master’s calendar for the year is shot. This shutdown was not in my grand plans. Frankly, I have no idea what we’re going to do when we get back, but I promise you we’ll have a good time doing it.
When we do return to Lodge, we will all need to be a little flexible and tolerant. Our ritual will be rusty. Some of us (especially me) will need to shake the cobwebs out of our craniums. And I wouldn’t be surprised if some of our physical greetings and proximity are temporarily modified by the Grand Lodge.
In candidate news, Bro. Jim Taromina is still an Entered Apprentice. I assume he and Wor. Bro. Mike will need a couple of weeks to freshen up his EA catechism. And Lord knows the officers and I will need a couple of weeks to refresh ourselves on the Fellowcraft Degree. I’m still hopeful that we’ll get the green light to perform this near the end of June.
On HVAC news, we’ve received over $8,000 in donations. Thank you so much for your generosity. Last year, I advised Wor. Bro. Mike that this Lodge is made up of about 80 men who could be counted on to help if the Lodge gets in trouble. Little did I know, we’d put my theory to the test in my year. I am so grateful that you have answered our call.
I’m still waiting on some final figures from Rt. Wor. Dan as well as other contractor bids solicited by the HVAC committee. I have received advice from some members and reviews of contractors and products – both positive and negative. And I encourage you to call the Treasurer, Secretary, Rt. Wor. Chuck DeRemer, or me to give us your feedback. Supposedly, the 2nd floor air conditioning still works for now. So I am not in a hurry to make decision. We’ll have the committee work make a recommendation and vote on it at a regular state meeting.
Finally, this “social distancing” has been rough for everyone – but I dare say it’s been tougher on Masons. We are guys who dress up in suits and aprons on a random Monday night to perform ceremonies while our neighbors watch TV at home. Masons are a strange breed who actually like to meet and converse with each other. So please call a brother or two over the next few days if for no other reason than to fellowship.
