Time marches on!
Schools are now in session and the Olympics are in full swing. I haven’t had time to watch all that much but I did watch a couple of games that caught my attention. It was heartbreaking to see USA’s Mara Abbott lose the women’s cycling road race in the last few seconds – she went from first to fourth and therefore no medal. Then there was the heartwarming story of the track runners Nikki Hamblin of New Zealand and Abbey D’Agostino of the USA lending each other a hand after they both took a spill.
Last week we celebrated our newest Hiram Award winner, Bro. Michael Weis. It was great seeing several of his family members and several of our brothers and other Hiram Award winners present. The salmon dinner provided by Scott and Paula Zimmerman was outstanding.
We have a busy fall in front of us. Our officers are preparing themselves for new positions next year by learning the required proficiencies. Our degree teams are practicing for upcoming degrees. We expect to confer a 1st Degree in September and two 2nd Degrees in October. The 2nd degree for Bro. Terry Killgore is scheduled for October 18 and the 2nd degree for Bro. Jonathan Groetsch is scheduled for October 22 at the Columbia historic lodge. I hope all the brothers can join us for these degrees.
There are a number of social activities coming up. On Saturday, September 17, the Orinda Masonic Lodge is hosting a Masons4Mitts fundraiser from 5 to 9PM. There will be food, fellowship and much more. September 28 is Masonic Night at the home of the San Francisco Giants. This event is in support of our Masons4Mitts program whereby we donate baseball mitts to underprivileged children.
On October 2, the Blackhawk Museum is hosting a fundraiser to benefit the Children’s Education & Transportation Fund. The ticket price includes dinner and admission to the Spirit of the Old West Display. This should be a great evening for a worthy cause.
Lastly, on October 8, the Aahmes Shrine is hosting a Country BBQ and Old Fashioned Barn Dance.