December Dinner: Toy donations and Holiday Music

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The December dinner and stated meeting is here! Come join us tomorrow at 6:30 for as special holiday meal with live music and a unwrapped toy for children will pay for your meal.

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  • Turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Fritz and Sean are going to spoil us!
  • Bring an unwrapped toy to donate to the Catalyst Domestic Violence Services here in Chico. Help children of families affected by domestic violence have a safe and joyful Christmas. Your toy donation is in lieu of your $8 payment for dinner. Bring your Masonic Charity to CHICO!
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  • Accomplished Celtic harpist Susan Crane and her husband Bro. Sid Crane on mandolin will be performing Christmas songs during dinner from around the world.  Susan just released her new holiday CD "Love's Devine Light".

 

Come join us as we end 2017, the 300th anniversary of Freemasonry.  Bring your family and a friend who might be interested in Freemasonry.  Please try to RSVP with the lodge secretary, a simple email to 111secretary@sbcglobal.net is helpful to plan for dinner numbers.

Lodge Openhouse in the News!

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Our lodge was featured in last Sunday's edition of the Chico Enterprise-Record and this weeks edition of the Chico News and Review.  Both articles were written in support of our openhouse celebrating the 300th anniversary of Freemasonry.

Chico ER link: http://www.chicoer.com/article/NA/20171118/NEWS/171119692

Chico News and Review link: https://www.newsreview.com/chico/open-secrets/content?oid=25391408

Here are some photos from the event

 

 

November Dinner and Stated Meeting: Guest Speaker!

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH

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  • DINNER: 6:30PM

  • STATE MEETING: 7:30PM

SPECIAL SPEAKER:

DR. ASA MITTman, CSU CHICO, DEPT. OF ART AND ART HISTORY

"In the Hidden Corners of the World: Medieval Maps and Monsters"

In the Middle Ages, authors and artists took the notion of monsters living at the edges of the world quite seriously. The most influential theologians and historians worked on the subject extensively. In this talk, I will introduce medieval mapping conventions – quite different from modern practices – and then will examine some of the prominent monsters depicted on the periphery.

All Members, their families and interested visitors most Welcome! Bring a friend who may be interested in Freemasonry.

FRITZ'S MENU WITH INSPIRATION FROM STEVE

  • Homemade Lasagna, both vegetarian and meat versions.
  • Toasted garlic sourdough French bread.

  • Mixed green salad with choice of dressing.

  • Homemade brownies with vanilla ice cream 

RSVP: Lodge Secretary @ 893-3171 or111secretary@sbcglobal.net

Junior Grand Warden Visit - October 10th!

Guest Speaker at October Dinner & State Meeting—CA Junior Grand Warden Bro. John Trauner

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 “During dinner Bro. John will present what is happening at grand lodge and what is grand lodge’s future vision for Freemasonry in California. In our stated meeting he will have a fireside chat about lodge evolution, new lodge formats being tried in CA, and in general ways or approaches to evolving stated meetings so that they are more meaningful, especially to the new generation coming in, our future lodge leaders.”

We welcome officers and members of neighboring lodges to participate in this Grand Lodge officer visit.

Come join us for dinner and Octobers stated meeting!

RSVP with the lodge secretary at 111secretary@sbcglobal.net

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Working Tools Group: November Read & General Lodge Progress Discussion

When: Thursday, November 2nd at 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Where: Lodge library.

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What is the Working Tools Group?

We get together on a regular basis in order to help each other become the greatest version of ourselves in our business / work / personal lives. We provide you with an opportunity to discuss challenges you may be facing with ideas on how we can apply Masonic principals, both practical and esoteric. Together we help fulfill a Mason’s mission to be a seeker of knowledge, truth, and Light. Our aim is to make our lodge a better place for all our brothers.

Books to read: "The Meaning of Masonry” By Bro. W.L. Wilmhurst

From Amazon: Although the Freemasons number over six million members worldwide, the general public today thinks of them as a social fraternity like the Rotary Club, but that is hardly the whole truth. By mysterious coincidence, it seems, many Masons have been major figures in modern history. many of the Founding Fathers of the United States—including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere—were Freemasons. Giuseppe Garibaldi, the Italian freedom fighter, was also one, as were the composers Franz Joseph Haydn and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and writers François Voltaire and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The Meaning of Masonry explores the beliefs behind the order, its cryptic rites and symbols, and uncovers its ultimate purpose.

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Where to get the Book: Your in luck!  We have a PDF copy on our lodge website in the Education Modules section. Just scroll down to the Entered Apprentice section and you will find the link to click and download.  You can also obtain the hardcopy of the book on Amazon.com at a very reasonable price some copies as low as $1.45. This is a convivial as well as an educational gathering. Even if you choose to not read the book come join the discussion, brotherly support, and a cool fall weather beverage and light snacks. Please RSVP by sending an email to Bro. Dean Fairbanks, dhfairbanks@csuchico.edu

These are among the best discussions you’ll ever have with your Brothers!

We hope to see you there!

Remember September: Knife and Fork Degree, Dinner and Stated Meeting

Tuesday, September 12th

  • Dinner: 6:30pm

  • State Meeting: 7:30pm

Special Speaker: Dr. Jason Nice, CSU Chico, Dept. of History

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"Dr. Nice will discuss the historical climate at the time of the founding of the first united grand lodge of Freemasonry in London in 1717. Focusing upon London, Edinburgh, and Paris, Dr. Nice will explain the religious, political, and intellectual issues and controversies of the time. This year Freemasonry marks its 300th anniversary (1717-2017)."

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All Members, their families and interested visitors most Welcome! Bring a friend who may be interested in Freemasonry.

Fritz's Menu with inspiration from Steve

  • Spaghetti with a hearty meat sauce
  • Toasted garlic bread, (a personal favorite)
  • Green salad with choice of dressings
  • Veggie Tray
  • Dessert: A surprise! (you won't be disappointed..)

RSVP: Lodge Secretary @ 893-3171 or111secretary@sbcglobal.net

A Poem: The Knife and Fork Degree

by A. J. Disbrow

I don't attend the meetings,  for I've not the time to spare. But every time they have a feast, you'll surely find me there. I cannot help with the degrees, for I do not know the work. But I can applaud the speaker, and handle a knife and fork. I'm so rusty in the ritual, that it seems like Greek to me, But practice has made me perfect, in the Knife and Fork degree.

 

The Great American Eclipse - Storymap

2010 Eclipse as seen on Eastern Island

2010 Eclipse as seen on Eastern Island

Check out this great storymap on The Great American Eclipse: https://storymaps.esri.com/stories/2017/great-american-eclipse/index.html

The path touches ONLY the mainland of the United States. The last time this happened was 29 July 436.

In esoteric terms, Bro. Dr. Rudolf Steiner in the early part of the 20th century had this to say:

A solar eclipse is ‘the physical event behind a significant spiritual reality’.  On a normal day when there is no eclipse, the rays of the Sun penetrate down to the earth, meeting and mediating the rays of human will streaming out into the cosmos. At the time of a solar eclipse, since all the ‘unbridled impulses of human will’ are not met by the Sun, they are able to radiate out into the darkness, ‘surging out into universal space in an abnormal way’. An eclipse acts like a ‘safety-valve’ to provide an outlet for human-cultural pressure that has been building up; it is an opportunity to blow off steam- to avert the danger of a more catastrophic explosion. 

Well it can certainly be said that there is a lot of hot air in America right now, and that the pressure is building up. Perhaps we can try to see this as a gift from the cosmos/GAOTU, like the grace an illness can bring to help foster our spiritual growth. It may be wise to view this as good news; that this safety-value is going to help blow off some steam!

Enjoy the Great American Solar Eclipse tomorrow Brothers!

 

Working Tools Group: Summer Read

When: Thursday, September 7th at 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Where: Bro. Fairbanks house on large front porch, 1096 E. 7th Street, Chico

Books to read: "A Traditional Observance Lodge: One Mason's Journey to Fulfillment” By Bro. Cliff Porter

From Amazon: The author's home lodge is different. They suffer from higher than 100% attendance, men wait periods of longer than a year to get initiated, they have never lost a single Entered Apprentice, they have nobody on the roles who is NPD or has been dropped for NPD. Their dues are high by American standards, the background check is rigorous, and the initiations are solemn and serious. Every lodge meeting is treated as an event and celebrated as such. Dinner is treated as a feast with all its positive connotations. Freemasonry is celebrated in every aspect of the lodge. From the artwork, the furnishings, the set up and the atmosphere; all aspects of the lodge meeting are intentional and meant to create an experience. The Lodge is a Traditional Observance Lodge. Like all labels, the Traditional Observance label has caused fear and fright, anger and frustration, confusion, and edicts. It has also helped to define the practices that make the author's lodge one of the most successful lodges in the United States by any standard one might choose to measure it. This book does not claim to provide a Masonic magic pill for the ailing lodges of the world. Nor does it claim in any fashion or form that the way this author's lodge operates is the only way or the best way to operate. What this book does is explain the Traditional Observance model and encourages ideas in the area of increasing the lodge experience and allowing quality to become the watchword over every aspect of Freemasonry. The writings contains a mixture of personal experiences, practical advice, and real life examples for creating a Traditional Observance lodge or increasing your lodges fulfillment.

However you get that summer reading done, just do it!

However you get that summer reading done, just do it!

Where to get the Book: You can obtain the book on Amazon.com at a very reasonable price some as low as $17. This is a convivial as well as an educational gathering. Even if you choose to not read the book come join the discussion, brotherly support, a cool foamy beverage and light food on the porch. Please RSVP by sending an email to Bro. Dean Fairbanks, dhfairbanks@csuchico.edu

Golden Veterans Award: Bro. Kenneth C. Clayton

Golden Veterans Award

Pictured from left are Darrel Deatherage, inspector of Masonic District 216 and a member of the lodge, and Carolyn and Ken Clayton. The Claytons reside in Texas and Butte Meadows.

Pictured from left are Darrel Deatherage, inspector of Masonic District 216 and a member of the lodge, and Carolyn and Ken Clayton. The Claytons reside in Texas and Butte Meadows.

Brother

Kenneth C. Clayton

Will be receiving his award on July 11th at the stated meeting.

Dinner at 6:30pm with presentation to follow at 7:30pm.

Please come and congratulate Bro. Clayton on his 50 years in Freemasonry!

Thank You on St. John's Tide

Dear Brothers,

Last Saturday we had a very productive work day here at the lodge.  It was pretty warm but not as hot as it had been.  We got a lot accomplished on the west side, limbing those unruly redwoods.  They were no match for Mike Johnson and his chainsaw.  Special thanks to Mike Caprealian for providing a lunch of hot beans and wieners.  Mike also took care of our accumulated brush which was considerable.  As previously stated Rob Peters provided the needed tools and equipment tomake the various jobs easier.  Norville was able to make mincemeat out of the stump thanks to the stump grinder procured by Rob.  While those of us with lesser expertise took care of the grunt work outside Fritz and De’Ondre did an incredible job of cleaning the vents in the banquet rooms.

All in all it was a great day with a very good showing of our membership.  Please give a special thanks to the below listed brothers for their efforts.

Angelo Volpato, Rob Peters, Bob Swithenbank, Norville Weiss, John Barneson,  Fritz Zanker, De’Ondre White, Mike Johnson, Sid Crane, and Mike Caprealian.  We also had a couple of applicants who showed up and helped, Glenn Story and Brett Kimball.  If I forgot to mention somebody, I’m sorry.

Sid Crane

Asst Secretary

Chico-Leland Stanford Lodge No. 111

Lodge Work Day - June 24th!

On the international anniversary of Freemasonry, June 24th St. John's Day, our lodge will have a 8AM-12Noon workday.  Brother Rob Peters, PM has generously offered the use of his tools and equipment (Genie Ez-lift, Bobcat, trailer, etc.) to maximize our efforts.  That being said, it would be unfortunate if Bro. Rob committed these resources and no one showed up to make the most of it!

We will start outside first while it is cool (tree trimming, brush removal, stucco patching, etc.) and then move inside where it is cooler (vacuum ceiling vents, tape and plaster, etc.) . 

Please let us know if you can make it. Contact Sid Crane or Darrel Hunter in the Secretaries office so a tentative head count can help in the planning.

The lodge should be within the length of many members cable tow. This is just a once a year summons, WM Angelo Volpato appreciates your support.

RSVP

Phone:     (530) 893-3171

email:   111secretary@sbcglobal.net

Three Events this Week to Support!

Thursday 6:30-8pm - Working Tools group

meets at Grana on the patio for beverages and conversation about Millenials (those brothers and potential brothers born since 1980). How can we support their needs in a changing lodge and cultural life? Some of us read a book and we want to share to make our lodge better for everyone!

"Most Millennials have no idea our main purpose is making good men better--making better men, better husbands, better fathers, better leaders, better communities.   We're an institution of learning, of self-improvement and personal growth.  Charity is a part of what we do, but building men is our primary goal.  If that message were getting through to Millennials, we'd see more of them knocking on our doors."

Here are some general trends with Millenials to ponder:

  • 81% donate money, goods and services.

  • 75% see themselves as authentic and are not willing to compromise their personal values.

  • On track to becoming the most educated generation in American history.

  • 61% of millennials are worried about the world we live in and feel personally responsible to make a difference.

  • More tolerant of race, religion, sexuality, and other minority groups than older generations.  

Even if you did not read the book come join us!

Friday 6:30pm - Silver Dollar Speedway--Masonic Night at the Races!

Brother Fritz Zanker has cordially invited us all to watch him ply his skills as he battles for the checkered flag in his No. 66 in the Street Stock category. We all know he can cook but can he drive? Let’s all go out and support Fritz as he will surely make us proud. Check with WM Angelo for some free tickets he has left to handout.

Lodge Open House - Celebrating 300 years of Freemasonry!

Public Open House

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Chico-Leland Stanford Lodge #111 F&AM

“There’s Little Mystery but Lots of History”

Chico’s Masonic lodge is hosting a free public open house to offer information and answer questions from the curious and skeptical.

Freemasonry is the world’s oldest and largest fraternal organization and this year it celebrates 300 years since formal organization in England.

We are opening the lodge to the public to let them know who we are, what we stand for, and what we bring to the community, state and country. Not just for Blue lodge-- Shriners, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, DeMolay, Jobs Daughters and Rainbow for Girls will be represented. Please help participate, come meet with the pubic and tell them about your experiences or your group within the larger Freemasonic Family.

  • Information tables with literature from Shrine, Order of the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, and the youth groups.
  • Tour of the lodge room and viewing of symbols and lodge artifacts.
  • York and Scottish Rites will will have their full display of symbols and artifacts.
  • Shrine mini-cars and van will be on display promoting their work with health and youth.
  • Slide show and short documentaries will be available for viewing.

Saturday, May 13, 2-5 pm

Light refreshments will be served

Invite curious family and friends

For more information contact:  The Lodge Secretary, Worshipful Master or Brother Dean Fairbanks; dhfairbanks@csuchico.edu

Lodge Early Summer Family BBQ

Brotherhood, Benevolence and BBQ!

Celebrating 300 years of

Freemasonry

Lodge Early Summer BBQ

Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Potato Salad, Watermelon...All lodge members and their families are invited to come celebrate 300 years of Freemasonry and 160 years of Chico’s lodge. To begin after our lodge open house on our back covered patio with Chef Bro. Fritz and Bro. John Barneson at the grill.

When: 5-6:30pm, Saturday May 13th

RSVP with the Lodge Secretary!

Chico Shrine Club Hamburger Bean Feed!!

The Chico Shrine Club is hosting a Hamburger and Bean Feed Saturday May 6th st the Chico Masonic Lodge. 100% of every dollar raised goes straight to the hospital, who provides FREE care to children in need. Families are never given a bill for services or transportation. The Chico Shrine Club is dedicated to helping all local children get the FREE care they need.

Tickets are only $8 for a ½-pound burger, beans, salad, bread and a drink.

This is a family-friendly event...bring a friend, bring a neighbor, bring the kids!