Welcome back, my Brothers!
I hope everyone had a good break these past two months. Although we were quiet for most of the summer, we had quite the ramp-up toward the end of July.
Our Annual Family Picnic on July 23 was a fun time. From the Brothers who showed up early to set up the event to the Brothers who cooked the delicious food to the Brothers who brought their firetruck and ice cream machine to keep the families entertained to the Brothers and families (some from other lodges!) who helped clean up, the picnic would not have been as great without the help of everyone involved. We had Brothers from Sacramento No. 40 and General Douglas McArthur Lodge No. 853 in attendance. Shout out to Worshipful James Wise who brought lumpia! Seeing all of us working together to create such a beautiful experience, reminded me of the beauty that is Freemasonry.
Proficiency Night on July 28 was a display of Masonic excellence. What a great night to be reminded of our sacred rituals through the words of our hardworking Brothers. Congratulations to Brother Moises Gonzalez for his Entered Apprentice proficiency! He has been ready for a long time. I cannot wait to witness your journey. Congratulations Brothers Ramey Packer and Kevin Hall! I cannot help but be excited about your Raising. And congratulations to Brothers Matt Mason and Joseph Wallach! Our future looks bright with our incoming Pillar Officers!
I hope everyone who wanted a steak dinner is ready for our August Stated Meeting dinner! Brother Bob Taylor and the Cordon Bleu Crew will be preparing our welcome-back meal!
We will be back to Masonic work in August. For the first time in three years, we will have a Third Degree!
As mentioned before, Brother Ramey Packer will be raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on August 25. With such an important event coming up, the Officers and Past Masters will be practicing a lot. There will be practices on August 11 and August 18. All Master Masons are welcome to attend the practice to see the work that goes into such a beautiful ritual.
OSI (Officers School of Instruction) also starts up again this month where we’ll be covering the First Degree but in advanced stations. In addition to these official Masonic events, who’s up for some time at Top Golf in Roseville?
We are now selling tickets for the September 10 Rivercats game to raise money for Masons4Mitts. Please contact Brother Creston Whiting-Casey for more information and to purchase.
I can’t have a Trestle Board article without discussing some idea I recently heard as related to pop culture!
On the show Ms. Marvel, the protagonist is speaking to her Sheikh about what mantra she should follow as a person with superpowers. When asked, her Sheikh said,
“Good is not a thing you are, Kamala. It is a thing you do.”
When I heard this, it reminded me that people are not inherently good or bad. It is our actions that define us.
Being a Freemason - and being a part of a Lodge - does not make us inherently good (although some think it makes us bad). It’s what we do with our time both as Brothers and as part of society that defines us.
Take the time to do good not just to show others, but to also prove to yourself that you are.
We members of the line of Officers are looking forward to the month of August for Washington 20.
After our Cordon Bleu team welcomes everyone back with a steak dinner, we are planning to return to our labors, and begin to raise a few Brethren to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason.
One of the more well-known symbols of the Third Degree is that of the Beehive, which you may have seen on a few lapels around the Lodge as it is featured on this year’s Grand Master’s pin.
Our monitorial elaborates that the Beehive is an emblem of industry. At first blush, that’s a peculiar meaning - does that mean we Masons should eschew all things agrarian and look to the factory for our commercial and economic aspirations?
Should we strive to emulate the famous captains of industry, perhaps even our own Brother Henry Ford?
I submit to you that it rather alludes to the idea of industrious cooperation as a wellspring within the individual, in that we like to take the initiative to help when the opportunity presents itself.
There was no greater example than the amazing cooperation seen at our recent picnic. Many Brethren assisted our Worshipful Russell Tomas in the days and weeks prior to the event, while others arrived early to help set up, and others showcased their talents and abilities to really make for a special day.
Our fellow Brethren are relentlessly able to demonstrate the second aspect of the concept of Masonic industry, that is to say that just as children are born hopelessly dependent on their families, so too are we all dependent upon each other in society.
Further, it is a great joy to any Mason to recognize that dependency and help anyone in sincere want or need. I look forward to seeing you all very soon.
Hello, Brethren.
I want to start by sharing with you that yesterday I fell off a 30-foot ladder.
The good news is that I was on the first step! 😊
Now that you either smiled or groaned, let’s jump right into things. August is traditionally the time when several things come together or overlap. Baseball is in full swing (no pun intended), Basketball is in the throes of summer tournaments, and Football is opening the pre-season. But the most important observance that is very near and dear to us, is that August 2 is National Ice Cream Sandwich Day! Wow! Does it get any better than that? Can’t think of a better way to commemorate a hot August night than to enjoy the evening with a nice ice cream sandwich, or two if you are so adventurous.
Celebrations
National Ice Cream Sandwich Day – August 2
National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is celebrated on August 2 of every year. A scoop of ice cream any flavor sandwiched between double layers of cookies, or a bun or cake is an Ice Cream Sandwich. It is a popular day in the US. Several countries have their way of preparing ice cream sandwiches. For instance, in Iran Pistachio or a rose flavor is kept between two layers, in Vietnam, the ice-cream seller sells the stuffed ice cream between two layers.
History of National Ice Cream Sandwich Day
Nobody In the world knows where the special National Ice Cream Sandwich Day is originated from or even the place where it has begun. There are more pictures from 1900 of people eating them without paying anything except the penny. There are different delights in the sandwich, but the original delight is the vanilla flavor which is kept or pressed between two layers of cookies or a bun. The present form of ice cream sandwich is a soft chocolate water glider with some vanilla ice cream. But no issues that begin the ice cream sandwich has been a period of summertime enjoyment for an extended period. Sticky mouth and fingers surrounded by the white ice cream is the real happiness of all children and wanting another one in the soft heat of summer.
How To Celebrate the Day
The real pleasure is eating an ice cream sandwich like a kid, getting an ice cream sandwich, and enjoying sitting down with a child and having it. Run around a little bit, laugh loudly, and ask for another one. Instead of a soft chocolate wafer, just try it as they initially made it, or else sandwich delicious ice cream between two layers. Add some chocolate chips around the edge of the sandwich and try chocolate ice cream between vanilla wafers. Share this delightfully sweet treat with someone who brings a smile to your face, seeing their wonders and awe on theirs.
Milestones
It looks like August has historically been a busy month for Washington 20. We have 19 brethren who celebrate their birthday in August. Three are Past Masters, Worshipful Richard Willard Hixson on the 6th, Worshipful Luis Javier Montero on the 30th, and Worshipful Jared David Masao Yoshiki on the 22nd. A very Happy Birthday to them as well as to the other 16 brethren enjoying their birthdays' celebrations this month.
Celebrating the Masonic Birthday this month, we have 10 brethren in the group. Worshipful Juan Carmelo Faranda on the 29th, Worshipful Frederick Vincent Hardiman on the 27th, and Worshipful Jeret Craig Burnett on the 8th. Finally, a shout out to Heath Jeffrey Hamm who celebrates his 10th Masonic Birthday on the 30th. Congratulations to one and all.
More Exciting Celebrations
International Lefthanders Day – August 13, 2022
Wonder what it’s like to see the world from a “left-handed” point of view? On International Lefthanders Day, August 13, you get to explore that world for a day. Did you know Presidents Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama were all left-handed? Rock out with Paul McCartney or Jimi Hendrix, the world’s greatest left-handed guitarist. (Stevie Ray Vaughan, born right-handed, learned to play a left-handed guitar like his hero, Hendrix). There’s also Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, and Lady Gaga, left-handers all. In baseball, there were the legendary “southpaws" Babe Ruth and Sandy Koufax.
International Lefthanders Day 2021 will be observed on the 13th of August to celebrate the differences and distinctiveness of left-handed individuals.
History of International Lefthanders Day
In a world dominated by right-handers, International Lefthanders Day on August 13 celebrates lefties and raises awareness of the issues faced by left-handers in their daily lives. The day was first observed by the founder of Lefthanders International, Inc. — Dean R. Campbell, in 1976. and has been celebrated every year since. From the 1600s, when left-handed people were thought of as being in cahoots with the devil, to the present day, they continue to face difficulties and challenges in accomplishing tasks.
The Left-Hander’s Club was founded in 1990 with the mission statement to keep members up to date with developments and to serve as a bridge between the views of left-handers and manufacturers. The club also provides help and assistance to those who require it, and they continuously conduct research on left-handedness and new items that can offer lefties increased ease of use. The number of members has been increasing with participants from all over the world since the club’s formation. As of now, the club is highly regarded and revered as a pressure group representing all left-handers.
Continuing the tradition created by Campbell, the Left-Handers Club launched International Lefthanders Day as a part of their organization on August 13, 1992. The aim was to create awareness of the advantages and disadvantages of left-handedness. The holiday is now celebrated worldwide, with 20 regional events taking place in the U.K. alone to commemorate the day, including sports matches and parties. Some of the greatest people in history were/are left-handed, like Mother Teresa, Walt Disney, Bill Gates, Charlie Chaplin, Mark Zuckerberg, and Albert Einstein, to name a few.
By the Numbers
12% – the percentage of the world that is left-handed.
1860 – the year when left-handed people were essentially seen as being in a league with the devil.
0.5% – the percentage of guitarists who play left-handed.
11 times – the higher likelihood for left-handers to suffer from allergies.
94% – the percentage of left-handers with bilateral limb movements.
4–5 months – the time it takes for left-handers to reach puberty later than their peers.
23% – the percentage of more men than women who are left-handed.
70% – the percentage of left-handed people who have left-brain dominance when it comes to language control.
40% – the percentage of the current top tennis players who are lefties.
Just for Smiles
1. What did Jim Carrey say when he wasn’t allowed to have a left-handed baseball player on his team?
Allllllllllll righty then!
2. What's ironic about having a left-handed pen?
It's for righting.
SMILE!! 😊
AUGUST 2022
BIRTHDAYS
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01 Mark Hammer (Entered Apprentice)
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02 Theodore Miller (Master Mason)
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02 Branden Polupan (Entered Apprentice)
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04 Charles Moore Jr. (Master Mason)
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06 Marcus Bole (Master Mason)
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06 Richard Hixson (Past Master)
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07 Carlos Brusel-Casals (Master Mason)
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07 Lance Vayder (Master Mason)
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08 Kamyl Asse (Master Mason)
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09 Anthony Contreras (Entered Apprentice)
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10 James Smith (Master Mason)
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16 Phillip Richards (Master Mason)
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17 Creston Whiting-Casey III (Master Mason)
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22 Jared Yoshiki (Past Master)
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23 Ehsan Ghanizadeh (Entered Apprentice)
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24 Douglas Dern (Master Mason)
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26 Dwight Bradish (Master Mason)
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26 Robert Brooks (Master Mason)
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27 Robert Cameron (Master Mason)
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28 Reaburn Lenau III (Master Mason)
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30 Terry Cooley (Master Mason)
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30 Luis Montero (Past Master)
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31 William Hill (Master Mason)
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31 Ramey Packer (FellowCraft)
MASTER MASON ANNIVERSARY DATES
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08 Jeret Burnett (Past Master) (15 Years)
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13 Stanley Sanders (41 Years)
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14 William Sherrard (23 Years)
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16 Marco Lopez (26 Years)
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20 Ronald Speno (7 Years)
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26 David Huez (12 Years)
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27 Frederick Hardiman (Past Master) (24 Years)
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29 Juan Faranda (Past Master) (44 Years)
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30 Heath Hamm (10 Years)
Washington Lodge No. 20
Mission Statement
To practice and promote a way of life that binds like-minded men in a worldwide
brotherhood that transcends all religious, ethnic, cultural, social and educational differences.
Through Masonic principles and tradition, and by the outward expression of these
through its fellowship and compassion, Washington Lodge No.20 Free & Accepted Masons provides ways in which to serve God, family, country, neighbors, and self in an environment that contributes to the enrichment and betterment of its members, mankind, and its communities.
In Search of Grand Master Hiram:
Understanding Masonic Symbolism
by John R. Heisner, Past Grand Master
Since Abraham visited the mysterious character known as Melchizedek, the King of Salem, the threads of history connected that meeting to the great institution we know today as Freemasonry.
A fraternity - not a religion - Freemasonry communicates what Melchizedek taught Abraham about eternity, the continuation of the human soul and how to better the lives of those around us.
At the heart of those lessons taught today is a fictional character referred to as Grand Master Hiram Abif. The master builder of the edifice known as King Solomon's Temple, Grand Master Hiram symbolizes order, beauty, virtue, and morality.
He holds within his breast the long-guarded secrets of life passed down by such men as Zoroaster, Pythagoras, and Hermes Trismegistus. Historians have frequently confused him with the messiah - a confusion dispelled within In Search of the Grand Master Hiram.
Revealed in three distinct parts, Grand Master Hiram's lessons about Freemasonry are for everyone - not just Masons and their families. Everyone benefits by learning how to build stronger families, arousing community awareness, reforming governments, and assisting those in need.
Voices from the past speak to us through the legends and mysteries and impart wise and serious truths about how men should embrace tolerance, freedom, and love.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
John R. Heisner (1947-2022) was born in the San Joaquin Valley of California, to parents descended from a long line of Freemasons. His father was Master of a Masonic Lodge and his mother was Worthy Matron of her Eastern Star Chapter. His grandfather was a Freemason and his great-grandfather was Grand Secretary of the Grand Lodge of Nebraska.
A Master Mason since 1969, he has served as Master of a Masonic Lodge, Venerable Master of the Scottish Rite, Grand Orator for the Grand Lodge of California, Inspector for the Grand Lodge of California, Inspector General Honorary of the Scottish Rite as a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, and Grand Master of Masons in California (2016-2017).
Most Worshipful John R. Heisner entered into Rest on June 21, 2022, at the age of 75 years, 1 month, and 9 days.
ISBN-10: 1466424443
ISBN-13: 978-1466424449
GEORGE WASHINGTON
MASTER MASON
AUGUST 4, 1753
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS
AUGUST
• 02 Executive Committee Meeting Tuesday • 06:00 PM (Video Call)
• 04 Social Hour Thursday • 05:30 PM (Club Room)
• 04 Welcome-Back Tomahawk Steak Dinner Thursday • 06:15 PM (Banquet Room) (RSVP)
• 04 Stated Meeting Thursday • 07:30 PM (LR1)
• 04 Family Hour Thursday • 07:30 PM (Club Room)
• 11 Officers' Practice Thursday • 06:00 PM (LR1)
• 17 Officers School of Instruction Wednesday • 07:00 PM (LR3)
Topic: Advanced Stations / 1st Degree
• 18 Officers' Practice Thursday • 06:00 PM (LR1)
• 25 Officers' Practice Thursday • 06:00 PM (LR1)
• 30 Executive Committee Meeting Tuesday • 06:00 PM (Video Call)
SEPTEMBER
• 01 Social Hour Thursday • 05:30 PM (Club Room)
• 01 Stated Meeting Dinner Thursday • 06:15 PM (Banquet Room)
• 01 Stated Meeting Thursday • 07:30 PM (LR1)
• 01 Family Hour Thursday • 07:30 PM (Club Room)
• 08 Constitutional Observance Night Thursday • 07:00 PM (Club Room)
• 15 Officers' Practice Thursday • 06:00 PM (LR1)
• 21 Officers School of Instruction Wednesday • 07:00 PM (LR3)
• 22 Degree Dinner Thursday • 06:00 PM (Banquet Room)
• 22 3rd Degree - Brother Ramey Packer Thursday • 07:00 PM (LR1)
• 29 Degree Dinner Thursday • 06:00 PM (Banquet Room)
• 29 3rd Degree - Brother Brandon Jenkins Thursday • 07:00 PM (LR1)
Washington Lodge No. 20
2022 Officers
Russell Tomas
Master@WLN20.org
(707) 315-6593
Nicholas Johnston
Senior Warden
Mauro Lara
Junior Warden
Eric Hixson (PM)
Treasurer
Francisco Marques (PM)
Richard Wilson (PM)
Chaplain
Prezell Harris
Assistant Secretary
Matthew Mason
Senior Deacon
Joseph Wallach
Junior Deacon
Creston Whiting-Casey III
Marshal
William Workman
Senior Steward
Michael Contreras
Junior Steward
Martin Buff
Organist
Floyd Tritt
Tiler
Francisco Marques (PM)
Junior Past Master
D. Edward Entrican (PM)
Treasurer Emeritus
Jared Yoshiki (PM)
Officers' Coach
Nicholas Johnston
Head Candidates' Coach
Michael Woo (PM)
Inspector 414th District
