NEWS FROM THE MASTER
Dear Brethren, Ladies & Friends Of Golden Rule Lodge:
April was a whirlwind of activities, and May looks to be the same! At our Stated Meeting on April 6, we were honored with the Annual Visitation from our Inspector, the Wors Dennis Anastole. He gave a very informative talk, which was enjoyed by all. We also received an Application, which will be balloted on at our May Meeting. (Hint: Be There!) In addition, we Elected a new Sr Warden - Wors Bob Ahrens; and a new Treasurer – Bro James Leggate. Many thanks to these two Brothers who stepped up when their Lodge really needed them. On April 13 and April 20, we had the pleasure of Passing two very fine Brothers to the Degree of Fellow Craft – Bro Steve Wiedlin and Bro Nathan Castillo. Congratulations to these Brothers!! Then, on April 16, Golden Rule joined three other lodges in sponsoring the Annual Family Pizza Feast and Magic Show. Over 120 people were in attendance and had a wonderful family evening!
By the time you receive this, May will be upon us, and we have a full calendar. We have a Special Dinner before the Stated Meeting, outlined in the Jr Warden’s column. Please contact him NOW and make your reservations! The highlight of the evening, for the Brothers, will be Wors George Allen’s presentation of “The Mystic Tie.” This is a most beautiful speech, written by Wors George himself, that he last gave in lodge over 15 years ago. My Brothers - Please attend - and be moved.
On May 11, we will be having, I believe, a FIRST for Golden Rule Lodge. Our Jr Deacon, Bro Tony Sherwood, has organized a FAMILY BOWLING NIGHT at Cambrian Bowl, 14900 Camden Avenue at the corner of Camden and Union in San Jose. Festivities start at 6pm and we will have several lanes reserved for GRL. Bring your family and friends for a few hours of fun and fellowship. Don’t bowl? – come anyway and cheer the bowlers on! Many of you have told me that you wanted more family themed activities this year. Well – here you go!! This will be a great evening, and I hope to see LOTS of you there. And – there’s more to come!!
In March, we sponsored our yearly Pancake B/fast and Kids ID at Edenvale Elementary School, that I
covered in last month’s column. On May 18, we are having our annual Public Schools Night, when we honor the winners of Edenvale’s Annual “Why I Want to Go to College” Essay Contest. There will be a special dinner for all at 6:30pm (its only $5!!) followed by a program, which includes the winners reading their essays. In attendance will be the students, their parents, teachers and faculty.
This has been one of GRL and CA Freemasonry’s biggest community outreach programs every year. GRL has supported and sponsored the Edenvale School for over 25 years, and THIS is the big culmination of each year. Please attend & show these students and their school that Masonry really does care about Public Education!!!
On May 23 we will be having our quarterly Blood Drive at the San Jose Red Cross. See the article elsewhere in the GAUGE and please call Wors Bob Ahrens to reserve your spot NOW!!
Looking ahead to June, we have two really BIG events! On Monday, May 8, we will be celebrating Bro WALTER GADSBY’S 50 Years in Masonry by bestowing upon him the Golden Veteran’s Award! Our Inspector will be here to present the award. This will be a Special Evening and one you don’t want to miss! More details next month.
Lastly – our Annual Lodge Picnic is Sunday, June 14. We were again able to reserve the Peppertree area, where we have had so many great picnics in the past. More details next month, but mark your calendars NOW and plan on a GREAT DAY!!
Fraternally,
Hank Vlcek
Master
NEWS FROM THE WEST
Dear Brethren, Ladies, and Friends of Golden Rule Lodge No. 479,
At the April Stated Meeting, I was elected to serve as Senior Warden for the remaining Masonic year. I wish to thank the Brethren for their vote of confidence in which I will strive to do my best to be worthy of the trust you have bestowed upon me. I am proud to have been able to witness significant progresses in the integrity and efficiency of the Officers team over the years. With such strong, young and dedicated Line of Officers this year (and the following ones!), I foresee a great and successful year 2015 for Golden Rule. My plan is to assist Worshipful Hank in the managing and governing of the Lodge and faithful discharge of the duties of this important trust.
I hope not only to be able to see all of you at our regular and social events, but also that the continued efforts and successes of Golden Rule most actives members, ladies and friends, over the past few years, will encourage you to participate and become more active in all of the great activities and events that have been planned for you this year!
Fraternally,
Robert Ahrens, PM
NEWS FROM THE SOUTH
Brethren,
May 4th Stated Meeting dinner will be catered by Second Harvest and will have a Cinco de Mayo emphasis at our Quatro de Mayo gathering. $10 each. Again - give as much
advanced notice to johncahill@sbcglobal.com so we can ensure there are generous helpings for all. Mexican attire is optional, as is the suggestion that you may bring the makings for Margaritas if you would like to share with others.
The Luau dinner in April was a great success! I encourage all members to bring wives, friends, significant others for the social benefits of having dinner together on May 4th.
Other upcoming events for your calendar:
May 11th – Family Bowling Night at Cambrian Bowl on Camden Avenue.
Brother Tony Sherwood has arranged this special night of Bowling for us all. Come bowl a few games and hang out.Tell the desk staff that you are with Golden Rule Lodge for special pricing for games and shoe rental.
June 14th – GRL Annual Picnic at Vasona Park.
Fun for ALL the Family at our favorite Peppertree spot.
Save the Date and get the family together. Volunteer list is open. BBQ will be fired up by some Brothers. Lots of games for kids of all ages. Bring a side dish or something to share. I will coordinate the list for everyone's benefit.
June 27th - San Jose Giants Night. See Brother Tim Hennessey for tickets and further details.
Fraternally,
John Cahill
Junior Warden,