Acalanes Fellowship Lodge #480 Free and Accepted Masons Lafayette, California Program Plan 2017-2018 Freemasonry Why we Gather
2018 Lodge Officers and Committee Chairman Master Michael Roberts, PM Senior Warden Bob Strohmeyer Junior Warden Adam Hanin Treasurer David Kreutzinger Secretary Fred Lezak Chaplain Tom Riley, PM Senior Deacon Terry Killgore Junior Deacon John Minagro Senior Steward Open Junior Steward Open Marshal Chan Eason Tiler Pete Peterson Audit Committee Bob Strohmeyer Delinquent Dues Fred Lezak Youth Activities Adam Hanin (JW) Sojourners & Public Schools Mark Williams Masonic Funerals Cary Carlson (PM) Sunshine/Phone Committee Tom Riley PM Constitution Observance David Kreutzinger (Treasurer) Stated Meeting A/V Setup Marion Rogers (PM) Temple Board President Pete Peterson Lodge Dinners & Refreshments Adam Hanin (JW) Transportation Friend to Friend Fred Lezak (Secretary) Music & Guest Speakers Bob Strohmeyer (SW)
Program Leaders Community Service Hi Twelve Social Club Crab Feed Trestleboard Chamber Outreach Masonic Education Masons for Mitts Website John Minagro (JD) Adam Hanin (JW) Bob Strohmeyer (SW) Adam Hanin (JW) Fred Lezak (Secretary) Bob Strohmeyer (SW) Fred Lezak (Secretary) Adam Hanin (JW) Special Committees Dinner Theatre Night Widows Committee Membership Committee Life Membership Fund Tom Riley (PM) Brad Rupert (PM) Terry Killgore (SD) Bill Smith Adam Hanin Senior Warden Harry Burt PM Fred Lezak Secretary Tom Riley PM Ryder Brose Randy Tolerton, (PM)
Welcome Message: I wanted to thank my fellow Brethren for giving me the honor and privilege of serving again as Master of Acalanes Fellowship Lodge #480 in 2018! The theme of my year will be Why we Gather. I want to emphasis this theme so that my fellow brethren and their loved ones will better understand why it is so important that we as men devote so much of our time to our gentle craft. To begin with, we as Masons share a common bond in the experience we received in our initiation into the Fraternity. During our first degree, we are taught about the three great lights of Masonry which are the holy writings, the compass and the square. These tools are constant daily reminders to all Masons. The holy writings are given to us by God as the rule and guide of our faith. The square and compass are Masonic tools that remind us to keep our actions and behaviors in check toward all mankind. Each Mason is then presented with a lamb skin apron which is an emblem of innocence and the badge of a Mason. The Lamb Skin apron is more ancient than the Golden Fleece or the Roman Eagle and more honorable than anything of value or distinction we ever will receive in life. We then receive instruction on the importance of time management using a twenty-four- inch gauge as a guide. Masonry teaches us that to keep a healthy balance in life, we must divide our time into three parts. One part for service to God and a distressed worthy brother and our families, a part for work and a part for rest. The next teaching is about the importance of the Common Gavel. In society, the Common Gavel is seen more as a form of authority. But we as Masons are taught that the Common Gavel is used for breaking apart our old ways and continually building a new and better self internally. Masons gather together not to be seen by the outside world as a secret society whose only mission is to gain wealth and political power. Nothing could be further from the truth. We gather together to focus on our Brothers internal heart and soul. To take good men and make them better through a series of three ritual degrees and ongoing mentoring and fellowship. We gather because our Masonic Community gives us the armor we need as we travel through life s times of joy and times of sorrow. That someday we will join God in his celestial lodge above (forever). We are a support network of friends and brothers who strive to live out the three principal tenets of Masonry which are Brotherly Love, Relief and Truth. To live as Mason, one must have a strong support network in place that can whisper words of encouragement and council whether we want to hear it or not. Knowledge of temperance, fortitude, prudence and justice are key elements of our teachings. The reason this is so important is that what we do as Masons in our daily lives at work, at home and at refreshment are a reflection on our lodge and Fraternity so we must continually strive to improve ourselves. I ask again, why do we gather? Masons gather because we as human beings have an internal need for community. The bond we share in Masonry makes us not only friends but Fraternal brothers. Have you not seen or experienced two complete strangers meet and then find that they share the Masonic bond of Masonry and become instant friends? A man that can trusted to be on the level and share similar values and ethics. I personally experience this in my daily life and it s a wonderful thing to know that no matter where I go I will ALWAYS have a friend and brother who will be there for me when I need him. Another reason why we gather is that God who is all seeing and all- knowing desires it to be so. I have been placed in this lodge for a reason and have been called to do so. While Masonry is not a religion, we as Masons are implored to supplement the teachings of the holy writings with the Masonic ritual we teach and implement the lessons through life. I cannot express how many times I have been sitting in a church and heard a sermon on portions of our Masonic ritual and had that revelation moment. It is a beautiful thing when a Mason receives new light supported by biblical scripture written well over 2,000 years ago. Finally, why we gather is because Masonry is as relevant to us today as it was to our three founding Grand Masters Solomon, King of Israel, Hiram, King of Tyre and Hiram Abiff, the Widows son from the tribe of Naphtali. In conclusion, Acalanes Fellowship Lodge will continue to be known as the friendly lodge. Our home away from home. During this Masonic year our home continues to be your home as well. In 2018, we will continue to strive for degree excellence but will create more opportunities for all Masons and their families to better understand our gentle craft through social and Masonic education events, fundraisers and community service projects. I look forward to working with you all and wish you a very happy and prosperous 2018! Fraternally, Michael Roberts PM, Master-Elect Acalanes Fellowship Lodge #480
Acalanes Fellowship Lodge #480 2018 Annual Crab Feed January 27, 2019 Social / Silent Auction: 5:30 PM Dinner 6:30 pm Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary s Road, Lafayette, CA Don t miss our FANTASTIC silent auction prizes, including paintings, sports memorabilia, the wine tree, officers cakes and more! ADULTS: CHILDREN (Age 12 & under): Crab & Clam Chowder $50pp Crab & Clam Chowder $25pp Steak & Clam Chowder $50pp Steak $ Clam Chowder $25pp Crab, Steak & Clam Chowder $60pp Crab, Steak & Chowder $30pp Dinners include Salad, Clam Chowder, Garlic Bread, and Ice Cream Cups Limited tickets are available, so order early! By Check: Make check payable to AFL#480. Send order and payment to Acalanes Fellowship Lodge, PO Box 1, Lafayette, CA 94549 Online: www.acalanesfellowship.org/events Email: RSVP@acalanes.org For more information, contact Bob Strohmeyer
December-January December 9 Saturday Installation of Officers 4:45 PM Officers Photo Session 5:30 PM Installation 7:00 PM Reception 7:30 PM Dinner 12 Tuesday 6:30 PM Officers Planning Meeting 16 Saturday 11:00 AM Sweethearts Luncheon 19 Tuesday 6:30 PM 1st Degree practice January 2 Tuesday Dinner & Stated Meeting 7:00 PM to Program of Interest 11 Thursday 6:30 PM DOSI @ Live Oak 16 Tuesday 6:30 PM 1st Degree Practice 19-21 Friday-Sunday Secretary/Secretary Retreat in San Ramon 23 Tuesday 6:30 PM 1st Degree Conferral 25 Thursday 6:30 PM Monthly Lodge Social/Masonic Education Night (Potluck) 27 Saturday 5:30 PM Annual Crab Feed Lafayette Community Center 30 Tuesday 6:30 PM Planning Meeting (Executive Committee only)
February-March February 6 Tuesday Dinner & Stated Meeting 13 Tuesday 6:30 PM DOSI @ AFL 2nd Degree 17 Saturday 11:00 AM Sweethearts Luncheon (TBD) 20 Tuesday 6:30 PM 2nd Degree Conferral 22 Thursday 6:30 PM Monthly Lodge Social/Masonic Education Night (Potluck) 27 Tuesday 6:30 PM Planning Meeting (Executive Committee only) March (Youth Orders Month) 2-4 Friday-Sunday Master & Wardens Retreat in Monterey 6 Tuesday Dinner & Stated Meeting 5:30 PM Refreshment (Rainbow Girls/Job s Daughters/Demolay) 10 Saturday 4:30 PM Golden Veteran Award Presentations & Dinner 13 Tuesday 6:30 PM 3rd Degree Practice 22 Thursday 6:30 PM DOSI at Live Oak 3rd Degree 27 Tuesday 6:30 PM Planning Meeting (Executive Committee only) 28 Wednesday 5:30 PM Open House with the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce
April-May April (Public Schools Month) 3 Tuesday Dinner & Stated Meeting (Give out 3 Scholarships to local HS Youth) 10 Tuesday 6:30 PM DOSI @ AFL 2nd Degree 17 Tuesday 6:30 PM 2nd Degree Conferral 24 Tuesday 6:30 PM Planning Meeting (Executive Committee only) 26 Thursday 6:30 PM Monthly Lodge Social/Masonic Education Night (Potluck) May 1 Tuesday Dinner & Stated Meeting 5:30 PM Refreshment 8 Tuesday 6:30 PM 3rd Degree Practice 12 Saturday 5:30 PM Sweethearts evening cruise on the San Francisco Bay 17 Thursday 6:30 PM Thursday DOSI at Orinda 22 Tuesday 6:30 PM 3rd Degree Practice 24 Thursday 6:30 PM Monthly Lodge Social Masonic Education Night (Potluck) 29 Tuesday 6:30 PM Planning Meeting (Executive Committee only)
June-July June (Masonic Homes Month) 5 Tuesday Dinner & Stated Meeting 9 Saturday 8:30 AM Outdoor 3rd Degree at Masonic Homes 14 Thursday 6:30 PM DOIS at Live Oak 19 Tuesday 6:30 PM 2nd Degree Practice 26 Tuesday 6:30 PM Planning Meeting (Executive Committee only) 28 Thursday 6:30 PM Monthly Lodge Social/Masonic Education Night (Potluck) July (Support our Masonic Veterans Month) 3 Tuesday Dinner & Stated Meeting 5:30 PM Refreshment 4 Wednesday 10:00 AM 4th of July Parade visitation with Orinda Lodge 10 Tuesday 6:30 PM Officers proficiency practice for advanced stations 14 Saturday 5:30 PM 25 Year Pin Awards-Annual Luau for Acalanes Fellowship Lodge 17 Tuesday 6:30 PM Officers proficiency practice for advanced stations 24 Tuesday 6:30 PM Officers proficiency practice for advanced stations 26 Thursday 6:30 PM Monthly Lodge Social/Masonic Education Night (Potluck) 31 Tuesday 6:30 PM 6:30 PM Planning Meeting (Executive Committee only)
August-September August (Come to lodge Month) 7 Tuesday Dinner & Stated Meeting 14 Tuesday 6:30 PM Officers Practice 1st Degree 18 Saturday 4:30 PM Hiram Award Presentation 21 Tuesday 6:30 PM DOSI at Bay Cities 28 Tuesday 6:30 PM Planning Meeting (Executive Committee only) 30 Thursday 6:30 PM Monthly Lodge Social/Masonic Education Night (Potluck) September (Constitutional Observance Month) 4 Tuesday Dinner & Stated Meeting 5:30 PM Refreshment 11 Tuesday 6:30 PM 2nd Degree Practice 15 Saturday 8:30 PM Past Masters Degree (Monterey CA Travel Degree) 20 Thursday 6:30 PM DOSI at Live Oak 25 Tuesday 6:30 PM Planning Meeting (Executive Committee only) 27 Thursday 6:30 PM Monthly Lodge Social/Masonic Education Night (Potluck)
October-November October (Make a Difference Month) 2 Tuesday Dinner & Stated Meeting 9 Tuesday 6:30 PM Officers Practice Advanced Stations 18 Thursday 6:30 PM DOSI at Orinda 20 Saturday 5:30 PM Theater Night (Social/Fundraiser) 23 Tuesday 6:30 PM Officers Practice Advanced Stations 25 Thursday 6:30 PM Monthly Lodge Social/Masonic Education Night (Potluck) 30 Tuesday 6:30 PM Planning Meeting (Executive Committee only) November 3 Saturday 10 AM Contra Costa Country Food Bank Volunteer Day 6 Tuesday Dinner & Stated Meeting 5:30 PM Refreshment (Election of Officers) 13 Tuesday 6:30 PM Officers Practice for DOSI at Acalanes Fellowship Lodge 20 Tuesday 6:30 PM DOSI at Acalanes Fellowship Lodge 22 Thursday 6:30 PM Monthly Lodge Social/Masonic Education Night (Potluck) 27 Tuesday 6:30 PM Planning Meeting (Executive Committee only)
December December 4 Tuesday Dinner & Stated Meeting 6 Thursday 6:30 PM Installation of Officers Practice 8 Saturday Installation of Officers 4:45 PM Officers Photo Session 5:30 PM Installation 7:00 PM Reception 7:30 PM Dinner 15 Saturday 11:00 AM Sweethearts Luncheon