district 7 news - wordpress.com · 2019. 1. 15. · editor: wb john gebhart [email protected]...
TRANSCRIPT
Editor: WB John Gebhart [email protected] January 15, 2019
District 7 News
Don’t Fix the Microwave
A few issues ago I wrote about my mentor Larry and his
ability to ask the right question. Great stuff; asking and
remaining focused on the right question is often the key
to a successful result. I was recently reminded of this
while listening to a presentation by a very accomplished
research scientist. With my Accounting degree I didn’t
understand much of what he said until he started
talking about the importance of asking the right
questions.
After the presentation I complimented him and said
that focusing on the right question can be of obvious
importance in research but is also important, and often
lacking, in many general business situations. In his reply
he offered an analogy:
“It’s like going into the lunchroom, taking your lunch
out of the fridge, and popping it into the microwave
only to learn that the microwave doesn’t work. You
start fooling with the microwave, trying a different plug,
maybe calling the Facilities guy and getting a
screwdriver to remove the back panel. You may even
try to find out if the microwave is under warranty. But
you didn’t go to the lunchroom to fix the microwave.
“What you really wanted was lunch.”
WB John Gebhart
District 7 Month-at-a-Glance
January 17 Thursday Myrtle #108 Stated
January 21 Monday West Gate #128 Stated
February 6 Wednesday Unity #198 Stated
February 7 Thursday Mercer Island #297 Stated
February 9 Saturday Falls City #66 Stated
February 11 Monday Lakeside #258 Stated
February 12 Tuesday TBD D7 LOMA
February 14 Thursday Kirkland #150 Stated
DDGM schedule at more-out-there.blogspot.com
The Numbers are In
During 2018 the District 7 Lodges conferred 26 degrees,
about the average annual over the last four years.
However the fourth quarter of 2018 marks the first
quarter since 2014 in which no degrees were conferred.
District 7 Installations
The Kirkland #150 2019 Officers were installed in an
open installation on December 15th, 2018. WB Clubb,
the outgoing Master, installed the incoming Master, WB
Brown installed the elected and appointed officers,
VWB Werner charged the officers and VW Stamper
served as installing Marshal. After the ceremony, VW
Cope delivered an esoteric address to all in attendance.
L to R: WB Clubb (Tyler), Br Visser (SD), Br Quartel (JW), WM DeNosky,
WB Reynar (Sec/Tres), Br Beacham (JD), Br. Carpenter (Marshal).
WM DeNosky’s theme for 2019 will be Pursuing Better –
Living the Degrees. His message to the Kirkland #150
Brethren: “Freemasonry makes Good Men Better and I
challenge each of us to think deeply about and take to
heart all of the symbolism and allegories that have been
entrusted to us through the degrees. Meditate on them
without ceasing, study diligently, meet with your
Brethren to discuss and deepen our understandings so
we may live out everything learned. At each stated
meeting we will be diving into a topic that should help
us achieve this lofty goal.”
On Monday December 17th Renaissance #312
celebrated its officer installation in an open ceremony
let by MWB Warren Schoeben with VWB Doug Stamper
as installing Marshall.
VWB Bill Werner embarked on his seventh term as the
Worshipful Master of Renaissance #312 at the festive
board immediately following the very well attended
installation. It is believed that a record was set for
greatest age-range attending a D7 installation: this was
Baby Malik’s first installation (front row, third from left)
and yet another in the countless number of VWB Dean
Quigley’s (front row, far right).
Saturday January 12th, perhaps best described as the D7
Installation-Palooza, saw three Lodges complete this
annual rite of passage. Starting at 10:00 a.m. WB
Laurence Lance stepped into the east at Myrtle Lodge
#108.
L to R: 1st
row - WB Reece (SD), Br O’Brien (SW), Br Inman (JW), Br
Frease (JD), Br Mounds (Marshall), 2nd
row – WB Thomas (Sec/Treas),
VWB Stamper, 3rd
row – VWB Werner, WM Lance, VWB Ulrich.
After refreshments at Myrtle Lodge the installation
team of VWBs Werner, Ulrich, and Stamper hastened to
Unity Lodge #198 for the 2:00 p.m. installation of WB
Jonathan Seaton and the 2019 officers.
L to R: Br Bach (Treas), WB Roalkvam (SW), VWB Werner, WM
Seaton, WB Jenner (JW) VWB Ulrich, WB Markley (Sec) VWB
Stamper.
They say things happen in threes, which was true at
7:00 p.m. WB David Hisel started his third consecutive
term in the east for Falls City Lodge #66.
L to R: WB Lance, VWB Fletcher (Treas), VWB Werner, WB Michaud
(Sec), Br Everett (SD), WM Hisel, WB Roalkvam (Chaplain), VWB
Ulrich, VWB Stamper, Br Bushman (JW).
District 7 Meeting
On Friday, January 11th VWB Doug Stamper hosted the
annual District 7 meeting and visit of the Grand Master.
In addition to MWGM Kendall Senior Grand Warden RW
Coffman, Junior Grand Warden RW Bailey, Grand
Secretary RW Brown, other Grand Lodge officers and
committee men, and members of all District 7 Lodges
were in attendance. After opening remarks by VWB
Stamper and introductions the Worshipful Masters (or
their representatives) of each Lodge provided and
update on their Lodge’s activities.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the
Grand Master’s Achievement Award, which this year
very deservedly went to WB Dean Markley.
MWGM Kendall, WB Markley, and RWB Coffman
In presenting the awards VWB Stamper noted that WB
Markley “ … is someone who has tirelessly given of his
time and extra effort to see that no lodge should
function without an experienced brother who is focused
on observing the will and pleasure of the Worshipful
Master…”. WB Markley is currently Secretary the
Eastside Scottish Rite Club and two District 7 Lodges
(Lakeside and Unity), Executive Secretary of the
Masonic Service Bureau, and a Past Master and Mason
of the Year award recipient at Lakeside Lodge. He is
also the Editor of the Washington Masonic Tribune.
The meeting was closed with remarks from the MWGM
Kendall and the Job’s Daughters Closing Cross. Kudos to
VWB Stamper for his considerable efforts in organizing
another District 7 Meeting.
WB Allan Ausman
WB Allan L. Ausman was born on July 21, 1939, in Bellingham, Washington and passed away at the age of 83 on December 12, 2018, at Swedish-Cherry Hill Hospital Seattle, Washington. He was a Washington resident for his entire life. WB Al was married to Sharon L. Ausman and worked as a machinist at Noral. He was an active member of the St. Andrews Lodge #35 in Renton where he held many positions, including Worshipful Master, and was a member and Honorary Past Master at Mercer Island Lodge #297. He was also a York Rite Mason.
He was a faithful Husky Alum and fan. Always willing to lend a hand, tell a joke, bark like a seal, bring a smile to everyone’s face and mentor those around him. He
enjoyed hunting, fishing, working outdoors and traveling with his wife Sharon.
WB Al was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Vera Ausman, his son David Ausman, and his stepson Kenneth Arrington
He is survived by his brother Gary Ausman, and his sisters: Anne Gleason and Nancy Hanson. He is also survived by his daughter Lenita Cruegar, and stepson Bruce (Terri) Arrington. He was a proud grandpa to nine great-grandpa to one.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Lodge, 505 Williams Ave. S, Renton, WA 98057.
Memorial donations may be made to Harborview Medical Center or Royal Arch Masons Children's Heart Foundation – 514 State Ave. #201 Marysville, WA 98270.
Secrets of the Chair
For first-time-Masters, save the date: Saturday, January
26th at 2:00 p.m. The SOTC conferral will take place at
Unity Lodge with WB Jonathan Seaton presiding. For
more information: [email protected].
Washington to Host
2021 Conference of Grand Masters By MWB Jim Mendoza
Since 1870 Grand Masters from throughout North
America have gathered together “to know each other
and to learn how others are meeting and handling the
problems of the Fraternity in their Jurisdictions.”
In 2021, they are coming to Seattle! Events will be held
from February 20th – 23rd at the Westin Hotel in Seattle
and at other venues throughout the area. This portends
to be an exciting opportunity for us to show how we
practice Freemasonry in Washington.
With a current membership consisting of the States of
the United States of America, including the District of
Columbia and Puerto Rico; the Grand Lodges of the
Provinces of Canada; the State of York, Mexico; and the
American-Canadian Grand Lodge of Germany, the
Grand Masters of these jurisdictions represent some
two million Freemasons in North America. Additionally,
Grand Masters outside of North America, heads of
concordant bodies and Masonic organizations, as well
as interested observers from many other affiliated
groups attend.
The Conference has been the genesis of several
programs that have made their way to our Jurisdiction:
Long Range Planning, Bikes for Books, Six Steps to
Initiation, and the Masonic Model Student Assistance
Program come to mind. Additionally, ideas such as the
Lodge Leadership Retreat, Outreach Services, and a
photography archive have made their way from our
Jurisdiction to other Jurisdictions by way of the
Conference. The Conference has also been an
outstanding forum of discussion for topics such as
Millenials & Freemasonry, social media, and improved
public relations.
Additionally, Freemasonry worldwide has benefited
from the Associations/Committees of the Conference.
These include the Child Identification Program (CHIP),
Commission on Information for Recognition, George
Washington National Masonic Memorial Association,
Masonic Renewal Committee, Masonic Service
Association of North America, and the National Masonic
Foundation for Children.
To make this a successful and memorable event, we
are seeking volunteers to be part of the organizing
committee. There will be lots of things to do in the
areas of greeting, transportation, hospitality, docent,
and concierge services – and that’s just for openers. The
plan is to hold our first informational meeting in March
2nd, 2019 3:00 p.m. at the Greenwood Masonic Temple
(this will be prior to the District 4&5 Meeting).
As a bonus for volunteering, throughout the
Conference, you will have the opportunity to interact
with and learn from Masonic leaders throughout the
world of Freemasonry – and we’ll even give you a
special conference polo featuring the above logo. I hope
that you are as excited to welcome the Brethren to our
great state as I am. If you are interested in being part of
the organizing committee, please drop me a line
Your consideration is greatly appreciated, and I look
forward to seeing you on March 2nd.
Unity Lodge #198 Laptops for Students
Our supply of 2009 or later Macintosh laptops has dried up and we are seeking donations of working MacBooks from members of District 7 Lodges. Because of browser requirements of the learning websites we can use only Macintosh models from 2009 or later.
The Lodge provides a free laptop computer to qualified families with school-age children who don't have a computer at home for schoolwork. This program focuses on schools in the Snoqualmie Valley School District and provides a reliable and easy-to-use Macintosh computer for computer-assisted learning.
Brother David Bach ensures that each laptop is fully functional and manages gifting to each student through counselors at the schools.
Unity Lodge's Laptops for Students program of gives youngsters a good start in learning and keeping up with technology for their school work - ultimately so that each will have their highest level of success in their educations and beyond. Since the beginning of the program in 2016 Unity Lodge has gifted 95 laptops. Contact [email protected]
Falls City #66 Annual Masonic Chili Invitational
By WM David Hisel
Saturday, April 13th Set up – 5:00 p.m. Judging – 5:30 p.m. Stated Meeting – 7:30 p.m., libations and cigars after
The 2019 Masonic Chili invitational is right around the corner and YOU are invited to compete or just come out for the great fellowship and festivities. Last year we had a wide representation from the Lodges of District 7 and I encourage you to represent your Lodges again this year. The chili will be judged and the Lodge that enters the chili that is decided as the favorite will receive their name inscribed on the “Ladel” trophy and will have the
honor of having a $50 donation made in the Lodge’s name to a charity of its choice. Dress will be casual and your families are encouraged to participate. I look forward to seeing all of you.
Puget Sound Masonic Service Bureau
If your Lodge has Masons with a heart of service and
charity then you are encouraged you to consider joining
the service bureau and sending Lodge members as your
representative trustee. Our next meeting will be the last
Saturday of February at 10:00 a.m. followed by
meetings on the last Saturdays of April and October.
Locations to be announced.
Dues: Lodge dues are $1.25 per of the Lodge. (ie. 50
members = $62.50).
Benefits: Your trustee will attend three or four meetings
per year and bring Lodge input into our discussions, as
well as report back to your Lodge on what we have
been accomplishing as benefit to the Fraternity.
The MSB has been providing financial assistance to
Masons and sojourners for over 140 years. We also
provide funeral services for Brothers and memorial
service training to Lodges. We also assist with short-
term, education grants for job retraining.
For further information contact VWB Bill Werner, MSB
President, at [email protected] or 425-894-4410.
Feedback Requested
2019 will be my fifth year as D7N Editor and I would like
the constructive feedback of the readers. I think it’s
clear that I’m enjoying this gig but in the spirit of full
disclosure you should know that I’m making this up as I
go along. Therefore I’d like to know what you like and
don’t like about this newsletter. Is there anything you
think should be added or discontinued? What
information is useful and what’s useless? Going back to
weekly distribution is not an option but is twice a
month the right frequency? Would monthly suffice?
Thank you in advance for sharing your thoughts. And
please do share them (I hope this solicitation brings for
more responses than the typical Masonic RSVP). Please
write to [email protected].
Deadline
Submissions for the January 31th issue of the
District 7 News are due Saturday, January 26, 2019.
Early submission is encouraged.
Letters to the Editor
A Christmas Story (December 15, 2018)
WB Editor:
What a story! Kind of a cross between the classic A
Christmas Story and The Sandlot. As I read the story my
thoughts went from joy to horror to sadness just as
each of the main characters in these two movies
experienced. The Bogie would make a great screenplay.
Memories are very precious, even the sad ones. Telling
a good story speaks volumes about the person, his or
her character, and also offers a teaching or reflective
moment. We all have our Bogies in our personal
history, which makes us who we are today. Something
we as Masons can openly share in the sanctuary of our
lodges and with our brothers with acceptance and
grace, which is a unique gift in itself.
Thank you for sharing.
~WB Dan Taylor
WB Editor:
I just finished re reading “A Christmas Story” by Brother
Ed Gebhart which I found brought back memories of
many past Christmases when I was but a small boy. This
past holiday season was made a little better by the
shared trials and tribulations of the main character and
us all. I was moved by the story and send thanks to you
and the author for sharing it.
~WB Scott Anderson
New Year’s Resolution Reality
Square Meals
Myrtle #108 welcomes Masons and friends to breakfast
at the Gas Lamp in Issaquah every Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
Goose and Gridiron, Nest 0 meets Mondays at noon at
the Odd Fellows Pub, 102 West Main Street, Auburn, on
the corner of Main and “A” Street SW.
Falls City #66 Sticks & Stones meets on the last
Wednesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. at the Lit Cigar
Bar in Snoqualmie Casino. Consumption of solid food at
this “meal” is not customary.
Lincoln Park Lodge #80 Past Masters welcomes Masons
and friends in South King and Pierce counties to
breakfast at Anglea’s Restaurant, 7511 E. Portland Ave,
Tacoma, Saturdays, 8:00 a.m.
District 7 Stated Communications
Lodge Address Meeting Times Contacts
Falls City #66 4304 337th Place Southeast
Fall City, WA 98024
www.fallcitylodge.com
2nd Saturday, 1st Saturday June; dark July & August.
7:30 p.m. except January, 7:00 p.m.
WM: David Hisel [email protected]
Sec: Nick Michaud [email protected]
Myrtle #108
Street Address: 57 West Sunset Way
Issaquah, WA 98027
Mailing Address: PO Box 766
Issaquah, WA 98027 www.myrtlelodge108.org
3rd
Thursday, 7:30 p.m. (The lights stay on in the
Summer months)
WM: Laurence Lance [email protected]
Sec: Brian Thomas [email protected]
West Gate #128 8561 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052
westgatelodge.org
3rd Monday except July, August. 7:30 p.m. WM: Earl Lara [email protected] Sec: Donn Castro - [email protected]
Kirkland #150 702 1/2 Market St.
Kirkland, WA 98033 www.kirkland150.org
2nd Thursday (3rd Thursday June) except July, August.
7:30 p.m. Dinner at 6:30 p.m.
WM: Bryan DeNosky [email protected]
Sec: Bill Reynar [email protected]
Unity #198 119 North Bend Way
North Bend, WA 98045
www.unity198.org
1st Wednesday. If Holiday, 2nd Wednesday except
July, August. 7:30 p.m.
WM: Jonathan Seaton [email protected]
Sec : Dean Markley [email protected]
Lakeside #258
8561 Willows Road NE
Redmond, WA 98052
www.lakeside258.org
2nd Monday, except July & August.
7:30 p.m.
WM: Mike Campbell [email protected]
Sec: Dean Markley [email protected]
Mercer Island #297 1836 72nd Avenue Southeast
Mercer Island, WA 98040
www.mercerislandmasons.org
1st Thursday; 2nd Thursday if Holiday or Grand Lodge, dark July & August
Open bar 6:00 p.m., catered dinner at 6:30 p.m., meeting at 7:30 p.m. RSVP for dinner, $20.
WM: Tomas Aquino [email protected]
Sec: Scott Anderson [email protected]
Renaissance #312
11440 Avondale Road Northeast
Redmond, WA 98052
www.renaissance312.org
Last Monday of February, April, June, August, October
and December; if holiday, next available Monday that
is not a holiday.
Meeting at 6:30 p.m., Table Lodge at 7:30 p.m. RSVP
for dinner, $25.
WM: Bill Werner [email protected] Sec: Joe Oates [email protected]
District 7 Officers District Deputy of the Grand Master: VWB Doug Stamper [email protected], @dstamper
Falls City
#66
Myrtle
#108
West Gate
#128
Kirkland
#150
Unity
#198
Lakeside
#258
Mercer Island
#297*
Renaissance
#312
WM WB David Hisel WB Laurence
Lance WB Earl Lara
WB Bryan
DeNosky
WB Jonathan
Seaton
WB Mike
Campbell
WB Thomas
Aquino VWB Bill Werner
SW WB Frank
Schumacher Br Gerry O’Brien VWB Ray Lavidia Br Steve Preston
WB Matt
Roalkvam WB Todd Pike Br Carl Bronkema VWB Gene Ulrich
JW Br Joshua
Bushman Br Mike Inman
VWB Henry
Fletcher Br Ron Quartel WB Ernest Jenner Br Derk Benisch WB Paul Hoeffer Br. Sheraz Malik
Sec WB Nick Michaud WB Brian Thomas WB Donn Castro WB Bill Reynar WB Dean Markley WB Dean Markley WB Scott
Anderson WB Joe Oates, Jr.
Treas VWB Henry
Fletcher WB Brian Thomas WB Donn Castro WB Bill Reynar Br David Bach VWB Gene Ulrich
WB Scott
Anderson WB Joe Oates, Jr.
SD Br Guy Everett Br Ian Frease WB Nelson
Aquino Br Collin Visser
WB David
Pearson
Br Mihai
Manolache
JD WB Chad Reece WB Henry Castro Br Rod Beacham Br Dane Shaffer WB Brian
Wheeler
Chp WB Matt
Roalkvam WB Jeff Craig
MWB Santy
Lascano
VWB Roger
Barnstead
VWB Homer
Beathe
Mrsh Br Thomas
Mounds Br Arjay Protacio Br Zach Carpenter Br Randy Coggan
Mu WB John Gebhart
SS
JS
T WB Rolando
Herrera WB Brian Clubb
RWB Hellmutt
FIsher
* VWB Dean Quigley is Mentor