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- Tommy on Memorial Day Flags at Acacia Memorial Park
- Tommy on Community Service with the Child ID Program
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United States Constitution Observance Night with Dave Diamond
Modesto Lodge 206 celebrated the Constitution of the United States on September 15th 2011. The program featured guest speaker Dave Bowman, aka Dave Diamond, who hosts Afternoons Live with Dave Diamond from 3-6 pm on KFIV AM 1360.
Joining the Navy before he had even graduated from High School, Dave served our Country for 11 years; first as a Ballistic Missile Fire Control Technician aboard the USS Michigan (a TRIDENT missile armed submarine) and later as a US Navy Instructor in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He is a student of History and the Constitution, devoting his Thursday program to explaining the history, reason behind, and interpretation of the amendments to the Constitution of the United States.
During the first half of his presentation, Dave intertwined his fore fathers’ military service to our country with the different events that ended up shaping our country to what it is today. As I glanced around the room, I observed all in attendance enthralled.
For the second half of his presentation, Dave focused on why the Constitution is relevant today. There was some discussion on the reach of the Federal Government. Dave reminded us that we, as citizens, need to take action to voice our concerns. And that because of how our Country was founded, we have the ability to amend the Constitution.
Posted in Education, Events
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Stockton Thunder Hockey Trip – Family and Friends
Fun, Friendship, and Face-Offs
The first Stockton Thunder Hockey get-together was a great success. Long time hockey fanatic, Brother Ray Little, organized the trip for interested Masons, friends, and families. He found a block of premium seats in the end zone for the reasonable rate of $16 a ticket. The group – fondly named the “Hockey Pucks” – all gathered at the Stockton Arena for an evening of hard-hitting hockey action. A few of us arrived early and gathered in the parking garage to enjoy a few reasonably priced beverages before hitting the $8.50 kind. The group was 20 people strong and enjoyed great seats where they were witness to fast paced hockey action and yes . . . the occasional fight!
The first period (Yes, there are three periods in a hockey game.) was evenly matched and well-played. It had one of the two fights as the highlight of the period along with an unwanted Las Vegas Wrangler goal (Boooo). Not only did everyone have great seats but everyone in the group received a free tee shirt as well as a free Stockton Thunder hat – well worth the $16.00 ticket price.
The second period was a slow-paced, uneventful period, but the best was yet to come. The game was decided in the third period during the last 3 minutes, where a total of four goals were scored in a seesaw back and forth battle, with the final winning goal slapped into the net with only 10 seconds left in the game. Stockton Thunder was victorious and a great time was had by all. As a matter of fact, requests have been made to organize another group outing in January. So if you missed this one, not to fear there will be another one happening soon. Stay tuned for details . . .
Thank you Brother Ray for organizing a great event and writing up the report! – Wor. Nick Kellner
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Hiram Award Recipient of 2011 – Michael Arnerich, P.M.
Hiram Award recipient Michael Arnerich PM, with daughter Samantha and wife Gail. Behind, left to right: Bro. Rick Hall, Tommy Farr PM, Crispin Woelfer PM, Jack Helsby PM
On September 30th, 2011, Modesto Lodge #206 conferred the prestigious Hiram Award upon Michael Arnerich, Past Master. The Hiram Award is the highest honor that a Lodge can bestow upon a member, other than electing him Master. The event was well attended and a wonderful dinner was prepared in his honor, preceding the presentation ceremony. Worshipful Jack Helsby, last year’s recipient, introduced Tommy Farr, P.M., who was the Master of Ceremonies. Brother Farr gave an interesting presentation about the history of the award’s namesake and presented biographical information on Brother Arnerich, including his Masonic history and contributions to Modesto Lodge #206. Brother Rick Hall acted as Senior Deacon, attending at the Altar, and Worshipful Crispin Woelfer served as the Marshal for the evening’s event.
Michael was presented with his Hiram Award Certificate from the Grand Lodge of California, his Hiram Award Medallion, a lapel pin and a letter of congratulations from Most Worshipful Frank Loui, Grand Master of Masons of California. Michael’s wife, Gail, and daughter, Samantha pinned on Michael’s lapel pin. Michael presented his wife a bouquet of roses in appreciation of her ongoing support. The recipient made remarks of appreciation to those assembled and the evening closed in peace and harmony. A good time was had by all who came to bestow this honor upon a most deserving honoree.
Thank you Brother Tommy Farr for the write-up! – Wor. Nick Kellner
Posted in Awards
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Community Service with the Child ID Program
Brothers Adam DeBlasio, Sean Rando, Doug Husted, Bryan Martin, Wor. Nick Kellner, Bob Perrin PM member of Tyrian No. 439
One hundred and ten children were fingerprinted on October 1st by Modesto No. 206
Janet Gould, the secretary for the Masonic Center of Modesto, received a call from a representative of Vintage Faire Mall requesting that the Masons set up a booth to provide free child identification as part of a health fair. It is great to be requested because it is a reminder that the community recognizes us for the good work that we do. Alongside booths for cardiovascular health, convalescent care facilities, and health care info, the lodge set up on a table shared with the heart health group. One hundred and ten children were fingerprinted, and their parents were provided with a form to keep their child’s information in one place to assist the police in locating them if they become lost or abducted.
Eighteen members came to help throughout the day. Jake Van Holland PM, David Garcez PM, Bruce Abanathie PM and wife Kate, Past Honored Queen Kaylee and friends from Bethel No. 263 – and several more long-time members – came for the early morning shift (sorry about the incomplete name list). Also helping were Bros. Doug Husted (coordinator), Sean Rando, Bryan Martin, Peter Ishaya, Adam DeBlasio, Wor. Nick Kellner, and Bob Perrin PM from Tyrian No. 439.
Memorial Day Flags at Acacia Memorial Park
One service event in which our lodge annually participates is the planting of United States flags to honor the veterans buried in the Acacia Memorial Park cemetery.
Memorial Day is the federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May to commemorate U.S. soldiers who died while in military service. Formerly known as Decoration Day, it was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War. In this year, 2011, May 28th, 29th, 30th was Memorial Day Weekend, and a crew of seventeen Masons (twenty-five across all three days) was assembled to plant American flags at regular intervals along the paved pathways throughout the cemetery. The Park also features a Veterans and Families section of 771 graves approximately 90% of which are occupied by veterans.
As our lodge is connected to the Acacia Memorial Park, we work to keep the grounds attractive to maintain the dignity of those interred there. Only three Masonic cemeteries remain in California; through the prudence of the succession of Directors over the last century, ours has survived. Acacia Memorial Park was established in 1872 and incorporated in 1917. Twenty-five thousand graves are in the Park: 17,758 of these are occupied. All Master Masons of Modesto Lodge No. 206 are also members of the association and may vote and elect the directors at the annual steak dinner in January. The Directors are on the premises to help locate graves of loved ones and assist in any other way. The Directors of 2011 include: President Jack Helsby PM, Vice President Jeff LeBeouf, Director Jake VanHolland PM, Secretary Woody Wright PM, and Treasurer Rocky Gould.
In the preceding and following videos, the 238 flags are planted by a crew following a slowly moving Ford-35 tractor. They were pulled from the trailer and put into PVC tubes buried in the ground. Each of these mornings were beautiful – with late spring sunlight beaming nearly horizontally and casting long shadows. The temperatures were slightly chilly, and the trees and grounds were green and full. Such a pleasant backdrop mixed with the coffee, donuts, and good-humored conversation to create a service event which is very enjoyable for all.
Introducing our newest EAs Dr. Jeffrey Levin and Myles Kuikahi
Congratulations to our new Entered Apprentices
Brothers Jeffrey Levin and Myles Kuikahi
On November 17th, these two men were initiated into the Masonic mysteries in Modesto Lodge No. 206. Both of these promising members are a great addition to our fraternity. Be sure to greet them and introduce yourselves to our youngest Entered Apprentices.
Posted in Degrees
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Grand Lodge Annual Communications
On October 23rd and 24th, the brethren of 206 visited Grand Lodge for the Opening and Legislation of Grand Lodge Annual Communications.
On Friday the 23rd, Wor. Nick Kellner and Don Scott PM traveled by BART to San Francisco and decided to hoof it up the steep hill to the Grand Lodge. Don Scott, who had just come from a 5 km walk, performed like a champ going to and coming from Grand Lodge that day. On Friday, the Grand Lodge proceedings observed included Grand Opening and the extensive introductions of resident and visiting dignitaries.
On Saturday, a larger group including Brothers Bruce Abanathie PM, Sean Rando, Eric Kellner, and Wor. Nick Kellner traveled to Knob Hill for the convention. This was the first time Bros. Eric and Sean had visited Grand Lodge. The proceedings included the legislation, floor debate, and voting by the Brethren. Notable legislation included having Stated Meetings opened on the Entered Apprentice degree (carried over), criminal background checks provided by Grand Lodge (passed), and a mandatory closing time at midnight (passed).
Visiting Grand Lodge for Annual Communications is a great chance for fellowship and hopefully our next trip will have eight or more Brothers attending.
Posted in Events, Travelling
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