07/06/2020
Our July 2020 newsletter:
Brethren and Friends of Parkland-Lakewood Lodge No. 299,
SPECIAL NOTE: POOL PARTY OF AUGUST 22ND IS POSTPONED, DUE TO COVID-19 CONCERNS.
OUR NEXT SPECIAL EVENT IS OUR HALLOWEEN-THEMED SOCK HOP ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23RD, AT 6 PM, AT DRYER MASONIC CENTER.
I hope this mailing finds you doing well, healthy, and safe, including having had a safe and fulfilling Independence Day weekend.
Since that simple expression continues to take on extra meaning as we still find ourselves in the state of Washington, like elsewhere, under a quarantine ordered by the Governor, as well as a Directive issued by our MW Charles Wood, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Washington, and extended by our newly installed MW Grand Master, Chris Coffman, until further notice, effectively cancelling lodge meetings, plus other in-person Masonic activities, for the duration of this Coronavirus crisis. Therefore, we essentially cannot hold our regular stated communication or other gatherings in an in-person fashion. However, other means can be used that comply with the Grand Master’s Directive, i.e., telephone conference calls, on-line audio and video meetings, etc. We are allowed to conduct business such as would be authorized by the Grand Master.
In this newsletter: 1. Note of Thanks. 2. Dates of note coming up. 3. A note about charity in this time of quarantine. 4. New Directive Cancelling In-person Masonic activities and allowing others on-line. 5. Contact form.
Notes of Thanks: Many thanks to the brethren who continue to turn out for meetings and to help with our ongoing painting work parties at Dryer Masonic Center, including to help paint the Rose Room, where we've maintained social distance and comply with other public health guidelines. Thanks to our Secretary Br. Paul DeMuth and WB Chaplain Gene Giegoldt for turning out to undertake this part of the task. Thanks, also, to our Senior Warden, WB Rick Collison, for researching a facility to host our conference calls. Many thanks, too, to our brothers and supporters aiding the state and government more directly, including those working in an essential capacity, including especially the military, medical care, and first responder sectors.
Thanks also to our Grand Lodge team for engaging our lodge leadership in finding ways to work around – in good faith – obstacles placed in our way by this Coronavirus crisis. This crisis therefore prefaces all of our lodge communications, especially as pertains to usual gatherings. As quarantines get extended, we may find that in-person activities currently listed on our calendar below will be subject to prohibitions that may then be in effect. As activities are canceled by Grand Lodge, this means that Past Masters Night and Widows' Night will both be rescheduled as necessary as developments unfold.
Dates of note coming up:
Unless otherwise stated, all meetings or events not subject to cancellation due to Coronavirus quarantine are at Dryer Masonic Center (DMC), 306 - 134th Street South, in Parkland.
To reiterate, our Grand Master has cancelled in-person Masonic meetings until further notice.
July:
All in-person activities are cancelled as stated hereinabove.
(*The following meetings are currently scheduled to take place electronically.)
-- *Monthly Virtual Business Meeting (in lieu of stated communication): Wednesday, July 8, at 7:30 pm: Any Mason is welcome to join us by phone. This will begin as a conference call of Lodge Officers to conduct necessary business, pursuant to Grand Master’s Directive. Education may be provided as would be done in an off-session lodge gathering. Therefore, there will be no in-person, tiled meeting. Specifically, there will be no dinner or other gatherings done in-person. Please do not show up at our building.
Due to security concerns: Those interested in attending this conference call must a request by email to [email protected] in order to acquire the call-in codes. Please try to email your request by 6 pm, Wednesday, July 8/day of meeting.
-- *Lodge Committee Meetings: Details to be determined, including means of meeting electronically:
-- *Fundraising: WB Rick Collison, Br. Tim Jewett, Br. Gene Giegoldt, WB Julian Wheeler -- Next Fundraising Committee meeting to be determined. More Fundraising Committee members are welcome.
-- *Lodge Executive Committee Meeting Conference-Call: Wed., June 24, 5:30 pm; to be followed by DMC Building Association Board meeting at 7 pm. Email [email protected] for call-in codes.
-- Fellow Craft Degree Special Communication for our new brother Masons: To be determined.
-- Master Mason Degree Special Communication for our new brother Masons: To be determined.
-- Long range date and theme planning: These meetings or events will take place either in-person or on-line in the months to come unless otherwise cancelled.
Friday, October 23rd, 6 pm to ???: Sock Hop with an added Halloween Theme. "Real" rock and roll presented by DJ Demuth and adult beverages will be on hand.
A note about charity in this time of quarantine:
If you know of anyone who is facing difficulties due to being laid off, uncertainty over how they'll pay rent, or simply how to pay bills in the coming weeks, please direct them to Washington Masonic Charities at: https://www.wa-masoniccharities.org/program-and-services/masonic-relief/
The process for engaging the request for relief involves coming to one's own lodge first, and thereafter contacting Washington Masonic Charities. This writer encourages everyone to spread the word that Masons are here to help, as Masonry doesn't stop, even in a time of crisis like this.
Continue to stay tuned for pictures from our Installation and Ribbon Cutting.
Thank you for your support.
Fraternally yours,
W.B. Julian F. Wheeler, Worshipful Master
Parkland-Lakewood Lodge # 299
Email: [email protected].
Since the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge on June 13th: A new Directive has been issued, including the following:
"...
Until further notice, all in-person meetings of Lodges in this Jurisdiction shall be cancelled. Further, this Directive encompasses all Masonic Bodies and groups in which a Mason must be in attendance. During this period, the following shall apply:
Payment of Lodge Expenses:
All usual and customary bills for utilities, taxes, fees, and services that are normally acted upon by the Lodge can be approved with the consent of the Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Approval of the payment of bills may be accomplished by telephone, email, video conferencing or other means.
All decisions to pay these usual and customary bills shall be recorded by the Secretary and reported to the Lodge at the next Stated Communication.
Expenditures for charitable purposes shall be considered usual and customary.
Temple Corporations: Temple corporations are encouraged to act in like manner as specified for the payment of Lodge expenses.
Masonic Funerals: Masonic Funerals may be conducted at the request of the family. However, all guidelines issued by Federal, State, and Local health authorities must be satisfied. Brothers who are considered at high-risk should not attend.
I, furthermore, direct:
Washington Masonic Code, Section 14.07 B.L.: Lodges will not be considered to have failed to meet due to neglect if the reason for not meeting was the directives issued by M⸫W⸫ Brother Charles Wood, this Directive, or inclement weather.
Use of Technology: Lodges, Districts and other Masonic bodies are strongly encouraged to use video conferencing and other communication tools to stay in touch with their members, conduct Masonic education and other non-esoteric matters. Many Lodges and Districts have been using these tools and it has been well-received.
Esoteric Matters and the video conferencing:
One on One communications between a Mentor/Coach and a Brother preparing to advance to the next degree is allowed through video conferencing provided that both the Mentor/Coach and Brother have determined that platform is secure and the physical location of each is secure.
One on One communications between Brothers to work on Opening, Closing or other Esoteric work is allowed through video conferencing provided that both Brothers have determined that platform is secure and the physical location of each is secure.
No groups of three or more shall make use of the video conferencing to practice or conduct esoteric work.
Recording of a video conference where esoteric matters are discussed is strictly prohibited. ..."
In light of this Coronavirus crisis, and the events unfolding in its wake, feel free to let me know if you or any brother you know has need of anything of a material nature. We have brothers who have promised to endeavor to meet your needs during this crisis. Please utilize the Contact form below.
Update: As of this writing, the Governor's latest Executive Order -- called "Safe Start" -- has established for each county the ability to reopen as allowed under certain Phases, letting people meet in person in limited numbers. This is from the Pierce County Civicplus email announcement on June 5th:
"...
Pierce County Approved to Move to Phase 2 of Safe Start Order:
Pierce County learned today the county’s application to move to Phase 2 was approved by the state Department of Health. The move to the second phase is effective immediately.
“I’m pleased that our residents’ hard work to social distance and abide by best practices has been recognized,” said Executive Bruce Dammeier. “While we are eager to see some of the restrictions lifted, I urge our community to continue with the practices that protect themselves, their families and our community.”
Activities allowed under Phase 2, with certain restrictions, include restaurants at 50% capacity, in-store retail at 30% capacity and the re-opening of salons, barbers and other personal grooming services.
The County is expected to remain in Phase 2 for at least three weeks and can apply to move to the next phase when prescribed COVID-19 targets have been achieved.
“We’ve spent this week handing out a million masks to our local businesses, nonprofits and houses of worship for just this day,” said Council Chair Doug Richardson. “It’s great to know that they will have the PPE they need in time to safely re-open.”
More information about what is allowed under Phase 2 may be found at governor.wa.gov .
View the Phase 2 Approval Letter.."
Also, the Grand Master's Directive cancelling all in-person Masonic meetings remains in effect until the end of day, Friday, June 12th.
Contact Form:
We invite you to update us on your current contact information. For this special effort, please mail or email your information below to:
Julian F. Wheeler, WM
Parkland-Lakewood Lodge # 299
c/o 6416 Steilacoom BV SW
Lakewood, WA 98499-2669
[email protected]
(Feel free to use this form and mail it to the address given above or use a return envelope if one is provided to you.)
Name of Brother Mason: ________________________________________________________
Mailing Address: ______________________________________________________________
Residence Address (if different from mailing): ________________________________________
Telephone Number: ______________________________________________________________
Email address: ___________________________________________________________________
Spouse: _______________________________________________________
Children: _______________________________________________________
Other family: __________________________________________________
Date of Raising to Master Mason: _________________________________
__ Check here if the brother Mason is deceased.
Notes for Sickness and Distress:
____________________________________________________________________
Anything of note you would like to share with us in this time of Coronavirus crisis? How are you doing? Do you need any provisions?
____________________________________________________________________
Would you like a visit from a Lodge Officer? Circle One: Yes/No.
Page 2.
Masonic Relief How to Obtain Masonic Relief – Masons in good standing, Masonic widows in distress, or members of our Masonic family should please first completes the Request for Masonic Relief form, then reach out to their local Lodge. After seeking assistance from the Lodge, and completing the fo...
