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August 2005
From the Secretary's Desk
I was nine years old when my father announced we would be moving from our home in Silverton to a place in the desert without trees - flat, hot, and uninviting. Silverton was my birth place. As a child, I knew every inch of the forested hills behind and around our home. I had played so many "cowboys and Indians" with my fellow western riders and shooters among the underbrush and behind the trees that it was impossible not to be familiar with home and my surroundings. (Never mind that nine year-olds don't stray THAT far away from home. It was HOME).
Dad had recently lost his job because the sawmill was forced to close its doors. Dad worked directly for the mill, but it seemed half the town worked for the mill either directly or indirectly, relying on the weekly payroll to support the community. There was no getting around it, a new career path faced the Russell family.
We packed up and headed for Richland, a "brand new" town in Eastern Washington. There, a new opportunity awaited for a fresh start - for Dad and for me and my brother and Mom. I said good-bye to my "old" young chums, and made an effort to find new friends. They could never replace my Oregon pals, but at least they might offer new adventures.
When we arrived in the Tri-Cities, it was an overcast November day. What little foliage nature provided in that part of the country, was long gone due to the season. The nights were cold. Many of the homes were without established lawns. The "city" was seven times the size of the familiar 3,000 we had left behind.
Everyone was young. Or so it seemed. And in a way, they were. This was a government town, initially designed to support the war effort with the production of plutonium. No one lived there who was retired or unemployed. The only ones who were given the opportunity to occupy a home were families who either worked "out on the project," or were in the business management structure. There was a high percentage with college degrees, who knew the value of education and supported the schools, the kids, and their recreational and cultural growth.
I found in no time that I had more friends in my newly adopted home than I ever had in the one left behind. I was able to do a lot more than I had ever thought to do before the big move.
The rest is history - or at least my own personal history, which maybe I'll share another time. But for now, just let me say, as our Lodge appears to be uprooted, with a move that none of us would have chosen, I see the opportunity for growth, for making new friends, for a change for the good.
Greenwood brothers are welcoming us with open arms. Both lodges see the opportunity to advance and link arms with new brothers.
"This is an opportunity I have long sought." Once again its time to play cowboys and Indians.
VW Brother Jim Russell, Secretary
145th Anniversary concludes 22 Years at Scottish Rite
Mark your calendar for our big event of the year, when we host our 145th anniversary dinner at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, Saturday, September 10. A highlight of our evening last year, entertainment featuring the musical talents of Dina Blade will again be featured . Song and dance will follow a special course provided by Upper Crust Catering.
Our Social Hour with bar will begin at 6pm, with dinner following at 7:00.
Bro. Iain Cameron and his lady Angela have planned and prepared an evening to remember. All members of St. John's and their wives are invited to join the festivities. Reservations are a must, and may be made by returning the enclosed card, by email at stjohns9@seattlemasons.org, or calling the secretary at 206 623-0261. All plates will feature a combination of "cedar planked salmon, orange cognac chicken and coffee bean and pepper crusted beef skewer." Those who request all vegetarian lasagna need to do so when making their reservation. All reservations must be received by Saturday, September 3!
Dina Blade has been sharing her vocal talents with audiences for over twenty years, mixing composers like Gershwin, Porter, and Berlin into her jazz standards with a relaxed and swinging vocal style. In addition to her skills as a vocalist, Dina is an accomplished tap dancer and guitarist. She is described as "...light, sassy and fun."
Annual Picnic & Potluck - Sunday - August 14th, 2005
Annual Picnic & Potluck - Sunday - August 14th, 2005
Hosted by St. John's No. 9
This is another chance for your family and friends to enjoy the fun and hospitality of our Masonic Fraternity! Invite tomorrow's Mason today!
Nile Country Club
500 NE 205th
Mountlake Terrace, WA
Picnic Area "B"
POTLUCK
We will furnish steaks, chicken, hot dogs (with buns), chips, coffee and a limited variety of soft drinks.
Please bring one of the following (suggested by last name):
A-I salad
J-P vegetable dish (hot or cold)
R-Z dessert (cookies, cake, pies, etc.)
Bring a steak knife, special utensils, and any other preferred beverages.
- 11:00 am - Select your table and bring your potluck item to the buffet line. Mix and mingle. HAVE SOME FUN!
- 11:00 am - 2:30pm games - including volleyball, croquet
- 12:00 pm - Steaks, chicken, salmon, and hot dogs from the grill. Each Lodge member should check in with the chef to make any special requests known.
- :00 pm - Clean up. You can stay as long as you wish. Grounds close at 9pm.
Swimming is allowed only with adult supervision. NO Life Guard will be on duty.
( RSVP! We need to know how many will be attending to make sure we have enough food and games for everyone to enjoy. Call Jim Russell 206 623-0261 or email stjohns9@seattlemasons.org by Wednesday, August 3rd.
Your lodge is moving in September
Please remember to take a little time to re-adjust your sights when heading for our stated communication. Our new address is 7910 Greenwood Ave. N. That's just a few blocks south of the main intersection of N. 85th and Greenwood N., on the east side of the street. Off street parking is available at the St. John's elementary school one-half block west.
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TSUNAMI RELIEF UPDATE FEATURED IN AUGUST
Last January St. John's Lodge contributed $10,000 toward relief of those caught up in the giant tsunami in SE Asia. Our contribution was channeled through one of the more respected and effective organizations which stepped in to assist in this giant effort, the Mercy Corps Organization. We are pleased to have Ms Maria Finch, Development Officer for Mercy Corps, to enlighten us prior to our August 3 stated communication on their efforts.
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We Are Moving - Are You?
Your lodge is moving effective in September, so please remember to take a little time to re-adjust your sights when heading for our stated communication. Our new address is 7910 Greenwood Ave. N. That's just a few blocks south of the main intersection of N. 85th and Greenwood N., on the east side of the street.
We're moving - how about you? Please let us know your new address and telephone anytime you make that big move to a new lifestyle or residence. It costs us 70c each time the post office must notify us of the change. For those who pay dues, we keep only $1, the rest goes to Grand Lodge. For those who no longer pay dues, well… you do the math!
WASHINGTON CHIP
What is CHIP? It's a ChildHood Identification Program sponsored by the Masonic Family of Washington. It's a program where pertinent information is gathered to present the families of loved ones additional tools should that loved one become lost or missing. The tools are: a DNA swab, a dental impression with saliva sample, a 3 - 5 minute video and fingerprint. All this and an informational packet are returned to the family for safe keeping - the family keeps the records.
Volunteers are need to help at the Monroe Evergreen State Fair, August 25 - September 5, one day, a part of a day, or more. Call Terry Grove 425 337-7134.
Coming Events
- July 27, 4pm: St. John's Lodge No. 9 Trustees meeting - College Club
- August 3 (6pm) 7:30pm: St. John's 9 (dinner) Stated Scholarship Night
- August 6: Open Air MM Degree at Masonic Park
- August 14 (11am): Lodge picnic at Nile (Sunday)
- September 10 (6pm): St. John's Lodge No. 9 145th Anniversary Celebration@ Scottish Rite
- September 21 (6pm) 7:30pm: St. John's 9 (dinner) Stated (Greenwood!)
Contact Us Here
Worshipful Master: Joseph Lund (425) 271-3173 yosiflund@earthlink.net
Senior Warden: Mark Campbell (425) 398-1398 mark.katherine@verizon.net
Junior Warden: Charles Tupper (206) 406-8670 webmaster@seattlemasons.org
Secretary: Jim Russell (206) 623-0261 stjohns9@seattlemasons.org
Webmaster: Charles Tupper (206) 406-8670 webmaster@seattlemasons.org
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