OMN - 2023 June

The Grand Master’s Message: From My Perspective

Itis June, the time of our Grand Lodge Annual Communication. Your Grand Lodge Officers have just performed the “peculiar art” of voluntarily leaving office, allowing other Brothers to assume new roles for the next year. The air is filled with hope and excited anticipation for the next chapter in the life of our beloved fraternity. Having worked with M.W.B. Craig Sipp for years, I can assure you the leadership of our organization is in good hands.

Reflecting on my year as Grand Master, I am proud of the efforts of my team of Grand Lodge Officers, District Deputies, Committee members, and Deputy Instructors. They have performed admirably and exceeded my expectations in many instances. I wish to publicly thank them for their work to improve Freemasonry in Oregon.

I enjoyed representing the Freemasons of Oregon in other jurisdictions on 12 occasions, including the Conference of Grand Masters of Masons in North America. By far, the most enjoyable part of my experience was visiting constituent Lodges throughout Oregon. I made official visits to 57 Lodges this year and received excellent hospitality and a warm welcome on each occasion. At every Lodge, I found dedicated and motivated Freemasons working to better themselves, their Lodges, and their communities.

I am happy to report membership numbers for the jurisdiction are improving. Were it not for members dropped from the roll for non-payment of dues last year, the fraternity would have grown in numbers. There are many young men looking for the experiences offered by Freemasonry. We must configure our Lodges to meet their needs. The WestGate Experience can help your Lodge in this goal. Please consider adopting all or part of WestGate in your Lodge as soon as possible.

To all Freemasons in Oregon, thank you for allowing me to serve as your Grand Master. I have endeavored to make a positive lasting impact on the trajectory of Freemasonry in Oregon, as all Grand Masters do. I am honored to have been selected for this task. Please accept my best wishes for you personally and for Oregon Freemasonry as a whole.

Sipp expected to be Grand Master-elect

At the 173rd Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon, Craig A. Sipp is expected to be elected as Oregon’s next Grand Master.

Craig was born May 24, 1964, in Baker, Ore., growing up outside of town on Hwy 7 towards Sumpter. He and his brother enjoyed helping his dad, being a grease monkey on the weekends, keeping the log truck running.

Craig earned his spending money working on his grandparents’ ranch. In high school, he was actively involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA). Craig attended and graduated from Blue Mountain Community College in 1984 with an associate degree in Engineering Technology. He then went on to attend the Oregon Institute of Technology (OIT) and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering Technology in 1986. Craig passed the Professional Engineer exam and became a registered Professional Engineer in 1993.

continued on page three

IN THIS ISSUE

1 Grand Master’s Message

1 Meet Craig A. Sipp

3 Partnering to Save Lives

4 Report of the Trustees

5 PGA/OMCF Golf Tournament

6 Life Outside the Apron

7 Reception Honoring Lyle Logan, P.G.M.

8 News from Our Lodges

10 News From the Grand Lodge Office

11 Grand Master’s Itinerary

R.W.B. Craig A. Sipp Deputy Grand Master

Fraternally, M.W.B. Mark L. Posler, Grand Master, The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of Oregon

M.W.B. Mark L. Posler Grand Master

On the Level, On the Square — A Year for the Books

M.W.B. Mark, Thank you for a wonderful year and for showing us what it means to lead Oregon Freemasonry into a bright future!

Partnering to Save Lives

Sipp expected to be Grand Master-elect, continued from page one

Craig was employed with the Oregon Department of Transportation for 36 years. He held many positions, including construction inspector, project design, bridge inspector, project management, and area manager, and retired as regional manager for the Eastern portion of the state.

Anopportunity for Oregon Freemasonry to support the local community presented itself on the anniversary of a life-saving event. Just one year after Zack Keirsey, School Resource Officer, and Brother of Kenton Lodge No. 145, saved the life of a student experiencing a cardiac emergency, a partnership between the Wilsonville School District and Police Department emerged.

W.B. Jay Carey (left) and W.B. Forrest Hatch (right), both retirees of local police departments, joined with Officer Zack Keirsey (center) and Police Chief Robert Duper to present 115 tourniquet kits to the administrative staff, school nurse, and leadership students of Wilsonville High School.

Bro. Keirsey shared with the students, “We reached out to a local charitable organization, the Oregon Freemasons... [who] are donating enough tourniquets for our entire staff in the school to use and I’ll be able to train them how to use them so they can keep all of you safe!”

Once unveiled, the tourniquets were passed around and a demonstration was made to highlight the cutting-edge technology these improved tourniquets employ. Assistant Principal Josh Davis commented how appreciative he and the other staff were of the generous donation of these essential tools, considering common injuries due to car accidents or sporting wounds. He impressed that having more staff onsite that are trained in critical, life-saving techniques will enable them to ensure the safety and care of all their students.

Craig met his future wife, Sherri, while attending Blue Mountain Community College. They married on March 22, 1986, and lived in The Dalles from 1986 to 2000. Craig and Sherri then moved to Union, Ore., where they raised their family. They have three grown kids and seven granddaughters. Masonry runs strong in his family. Craig had the special opportunity to raise his son a Master Mason, one of his most cherished and proud moments as a father and Mason. He was instrumental in establishing a Rainbow Assembly in Union, where his daughters were charter members. Some of the most enjoyable and memorable times were watching his daughters grow in Rainbow, and he is proud of their accomplishments of holding several state officer positions. Craig, Sherri, and their daughters are actively engaged in Eastern Star. Craig was Worthy Grand Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star in 2013-2014.

Craig was raised a Master Mason on March 29, 1986, in McEwen Lodge No. 125. He joined Wasco Lodge No. 15 while living in The Dalles. Craig became active as a board member of the Rainbow Assembly and enjoyed being Rainbow Dad for Columbia Assembly. He has been Worshipful Master six times. The first time was in 1995 at Wasco Lodge No. 15. Craig had the honor of having his grandfather Kenneth Miles install him, along with the help of his uncles Myron Miles and Ralph Morgan. He joined Grande Ronde Valley Lodge No. 56 and was Worshipful Master in 2002. Craig has been Worshipful Master of his home Lodge, McEwen No. 125, four times. He is also a member of Blue Mountain Lodge No. 34 and Acacia Lodge No. 118. Craig had the opportunity to be District Deputy for five Grand Masters and a member of several Grand Lodge committees. He held the following Grand Lodge positions: Senior Grand Steward, Grand Chaplain, Senior Grand Deacon, Junior Grand Warden, Senior Grand Warden, and Deputy Grand Master. Craig is a 32-degree Scottish Rite Mason and enjoys participating in the Baker Valley reunions. He is also a member of York Rite and the Shrine.

The shock of a lifetime came when M.W.B. Ronald J. Eggers, P.G.M., asked him to be his Senior Grand Deacon. It was a very humbling and life-changing event. Craig looks forward to his ongoing Masonic journey and hopes to see you along the Masonic Trail sometime.

Report of the Trustees — November 2022 to April 2023

This is the second report on the activities of the Grand Lodge Trustees, covering the months of November 2022 through April 2023.

The monthly meetings have been very productive as the Trustees continue to support the work of the fraternity. It is good to see the great work accomplished by our Lodges and supported by the Grand Lodge Trustees. These include Educational Assistance, Creating A Partnership, and Lodge Restoration and Repair Grants.

Educational Assistance is one of our most important programs. Each application was carefully reviewed by Senior Grand Warden, R.W.B. Tim Best. Once complete, he presented them and his recommendations to the Trustees so they could be acted upon. This year, we provided $72,450 in assistance to qualified Masonic families.

Creating A Partnership is going strong with Lodges engaged in their communities, helping with scholarships, Bikes for Books, STEM school activities, 4-H, FFA, sports, after-school programs, and supporting Veterans, to mention just a few. These requests are administratively reviewed and approved by the Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation (OMCF) Board and reviewed monthly by the Trustees. Lodges are reimbursed at 50 percent. This fiscal year, Lodges have received $67,146, supporting them with their community engagement. In January, the funding for the Creating A Partnership program was transferred to the OMCF, freeing up Grand Lodge funds for other programs.

The Lodge Restoration and Repair Grants program continues to be very popular in supporting Lodge building maintenance. Each Lodge is capped at a $10,000 yearly reimbursement at 100 percent of the project cost. This year, the program expended the total budgeted amount of $150,000.

The Trustees, led by M.W.B. Mark Posler and the work of the Long Range Planning Committee, were very excited to provide the WestGate Experience to Lodges. The WestGate approach entails placing a special emphasis on member prospects and newly made Masons to enhance their Masonic experience. Along with this were updates to the “Torchlight” and “Fellows of the Craft” by W.B. Ian Cawley and W.B. Dale Palileo, respectively. These are all very useful tools that can be used to further our Masonic journey.

The Trustees attended several Annual Communications in other jurisdictions. One of the few times a year all the Trustees travel to the same venue is the Conference of Grand Masters. This year it was held in Alexandria, Va. This conference is a great opportunity to learn about other Grand Jurisdictions and join in some wonderful fellowship. Some topics covered included America Cornerstone of Democracy, Best Practices to Transform Your Jurisdiction, and It’s Not a Membership Problem, It’s a Leadership Problem. However, the true highlight of this trip was the opportunity to participate in the rededication of the Memorial Cornerstone at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial. This event included walking in the local parade along with about 1,000 other Brother Masons. The reenactment of the Cornerstone Ceremony was performed by the Grand Master of Virginia, M.W.B. Donald Strehle and his Grand Lodge Officers, using the original cornerstone language used 100 years ago. It was truly an amazing experience.

The Grand Lodge office has seen some personnel changes this year. We welcome some new faces with Elizabeth Peeke at the front desk, Amy Barnhart as the Executive Assistant, and Holly Darling as Publications Manager. Courtney Chun has transitioned over to MasonicAid, supporting Danielle Christopherson. Tammy Vanderzanden retired in May. We wish her the best and thank her for all her 18 years of service to this great fraternity.

The Trustees have a great support team with the Grand Secretary, M.W.B. Jim Morgan, P.G.M.; Grand Treasurer, R.W.B. Gary Ball; and the Grand Lodge staff. All the work we do could not be accomplished without their dedication and commitment to our wonderful Craft — it is very much appreciated.

The Grand Lodge Trustees would like to thank our chairman, M.W.B. Mark Posler, for his dedication and leadership this year and congratulate him on a job well done!

Respectfully submitted,

R.W.B. Craig A. Sipp, Deputy Grand Master

The PGA / OMCF Golf Tou r nament

The PGA / OMCF Golf Tou r nament

The PGA / OMCF Golf Tou r nament

THE PGA / OMCF GOLF TOURNAMENT

July 21, 2023

Stone Creek Golf

July 21, 2023 Stone Creek Golf Course Oregon City, Oregon

Course Oregon City, Oregon

July 21, 2023 Stone Creek Golf Course Oregon City, Oregon

Lunch at 12:00 play at 1:00

Lunch at 12:00 play at 1:00

Lunch at 12:00 play at 1:00

The Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation and the PGA invite you to play and participate in the 19th annual Charitable Tournament to fund the Charities of Oregon Freemasonry. Each dollar of aid given by Lodges to benefit Oregon communities may be matched with funds for the Foundation through the CAP or Creating a Partnership program.

The Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation and the PGA invite you to play and participate in the 19th annual Charitable Tournament to fund the Charities of Oregon

Freemasonry. Each dollar of aid given by Lodges to benefit Oregon communities may be matched with funds for the Foundation through the CAP or Creating a Partnership program.

The Oregon Masonic Charitable Foundation and the PGA invite you to play and participate in the 19th annual Charitable Tournament to fund the Charities of Oregon Freemasonry. Each dollar of aid given by Lodges to benefit Oregon communities may be matched with funds for the Foundation through the CAP or Creating a Partnership program.

This event has raised nearly $400,000 for Masonic Charity in Oregon. We invite you to share these sponsorship opportunities with your members as well. This event is one of Oregon’s largest Masonic charity fundraisers and you are encouraged to donate what you can.

This event has raised nearly $400,000 for Masonic Charity in Oregon. We invite you to share these sponsorship opportunities with your members as well. This event is one of Oregon’s largest Masonic charity fundraisers and you are encouraged to donate what you can.

This event has raised nearly $400,000 for Masonic Charity in Oregon. We invite you to share these sponsorship opportunities with your members as well. This event is one of Oregon’s largest Masonic charity fundraisers and you are encouraged to donate what you can.

Dinner Sponsor - $2,000 

Dinner Sponsor - $2,000 

Dinner Sponsor - $2,000 

Lunch Sponsor - $1,500 

Lunch Sponsor - $1,500 

Hole Sponsor - $500 

Lunch Sponsor - $1,500 

Hole-in-One - $650 

Hole Sponsor - $500 

Hole Sponsor - $500 

Hole-in-One - $650 

All contest sponsorships are $500

Hole-in-One - $650 

Men's Long Drive 

Ladies Long Drive 

All contest sponsorships are $500

Long Drive 

Men's Putting  Ladies Putting 

Men's Chipping  Ladies Chipping

All contest sponsorships are $500 Men's Long Drive  Ladies Long Drive  Men's Putting 

Marshmallow Drive 

Please call or e-mail: Grant Sharp, OMCF President 503-732-5071 or gisharp@yahoo.com Make

OR 97116

More Than a Mason — Life Outside the Apron

East Gate Lodge No. 155

Oneof our Past Masters once said, “Mike, now you have gratitude in your life; I can see the light.” Gratitude is what I think of when I see our Junior Warden, Bro. Michael Hovey. Mike has been a member of East Gate Lodge No. 155 for almost six years and has continued to be a light in the Lodge.

When Mike first joined the Lodge, I do not think any of us quite appreciated the obstacles he had overcome to get to his current situation. I had seen a few facts on the background check but none of it defined his life experiences.

Mike leapt right into Lodge activities and managed to volunteer with W.B. Rick Okita on one of the hottest days of the summer at the Bite of Parkrose event at Rossi Farms. I remember taking them water but ran away leaving them to speak to the attendees about Masonry at the event! Since then, Mike has been consistent about helping the Lodge and has been pushing forward with his current job.

I knew Mike was dedicated to his work, but now he has received a very prestigious award! The National Council of Wellbeing recently awarded Mike as Peer Specialist of the Year for his lifechanging work at Fora Health Treatment Center.

Mike has a smile that can light up a room, and I think of it as a smile of gratitude. This rough Ashlar has truly smoothed out his rough edges and can be seen as the epitome of doing good work in his community and for many other people of this world. Let’s congratulate Mike on his accomplishments, and look forward to many more in the future!

Read the KGW8 news article about Bro. Mike: https://www.kgw.com/ article/news/local/portland-man-national-recognition-addictionrecoverywork/283-5ad1e477-26c2-407e-8d14-d9daba63235e.

- submitted by Bro. Michael D. Wall

Union Lodge No. 3

The Brothers of Union Lodge No. 3 in McMinnville are proud of one of our own.

Our Worshipful Master is an awardwinning filmmaker and producer. W.B. Jared Brandon-Flande formed his production company, Starstruck, at 16. At age 22, he was chosen to be a director for his first feature film, “The Half-Life of Genius Physicist Raemer Schreiber.” The documentary focuses on the life of Raemer Schreiber, who was recruited into the Manhattan Project during World War II.

W.B. Jared is putting the finishing touches on his newest documentary, “Golden Cornucopia,” about an Old West ghost town in Eastern Oregon.

W.B. Jared is also very passionate about vehicles which is why he is well-known for his ongoing podcast, Joyride

You can keep up on his ongoing productions by visiting his website: starstruckcompany.com.

- submitted by W.B. Johnny J. Edwards

Grand Worthy Advisor Finds Comfort in Chaos

InNovember, Oregon Rainbow had our first statewide initiation of our Grand year. Just one week later, I was involved in a serious car accident. The other car was traveling way too fast and crossed four lanes of the highway before colliding with the car in which I was a passenger.

The interesting thing during this accident is that while the rest of my family was in full panic mode, I was not. If anything, I was happy and at peace. I feel like much of what comforted me came from my service in Rainbow. I got to be a leader in this great organization. Heck, I was the leader for the whole state of Oregon. In that moment, I was surrounded by the things Rainbow represents and teaches. There was Nature and Service, Faith and Hope. I have been able to work alongside amazing adults who work harder than I had ever seen before.

This thing we call Rainbow got me through that moment of impact and the months since. Death could have been my outcome, but it was not. If anything, immortality gave me a hug. It told me that it is okay to cry about a broken leg and process what happened.

So, as I welcome the next six months, the next decade, and the rest of my life, however long it may last, I am going to work harder than I ever have to preserve this organization that saved me. If you want to be a part of my mission and that of many others, please consider becoming an adult volunteer. Your amazing organization can even help change Oregon Rainbow for the better. You could join the advisory board for a local Assembly or make cakes for events. Anything you can offer will help and be welcomed!

Your donations help support Oregon Rainbow, and I sincerely hope we can continue getting girls ready for life for many years to come.

Regards,

Cady Eby, Grand Worthy Advisor, International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in Oregon

A Reception Honoring Lyle Logan, P.G.M.

The Scottish Rite Valley of Klamath Falls and the Orient of Oregon hosted a reception for longtime Klamath Falls resident Lyle C. Logan, a Master Mason and exceptional man. Lyle recently retired as Personal Representative to the Scottish Rite Supreme Council Sovereign Grand Inspectors General and Deputy in Oregon. He has served for the past 21 years as Personal Representative and is a 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason.

Lyle is well-known in the Masonic communities throughout the state. He served as Grand Master of Masons in Oregon in 1993 and is a 57-year member of Freemasonry. In addition to serving as Past Grand Master, Lyle served on the Jurisprudence Committee for 15 years. He has mentored many young Masons and given so freely of his time and talents in support of the organization and the betterment of our community.

Lyle is a Lodge member of Warren No. 10, Holbrook No. 30, Klamath No. 77, and Rogue River No. 226. He was awarded the distinguished Hiram Award in 2003.

Those who attended the reception included members of Lyle’s family: wife, Pat; daughters, Erin and Sarah; and son, Bryce. Visiting dignitary and host of the event was the Deputy to the Supreme Council 33° of the Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction in Oregon, Illustrious Richard C. Komraus 33°.

M.W.B. Mark L. Posler, Grand Master of Masons in Oregon, made the trip along with his Official Visit to Klamath Lodge. In attendance were his District Deputies Billy Thompson and John Rall. The Grand Master and Deputy Komraus offered personal and heartwarming remarks to the large gathering of Masons and their wives. An amazing dinner was prepared by Linda Monfore and Gina Danforth.

The emcee for the event was Brother John Monfore, 32°, KCCH, current Personal Representative for the Klamath Falls Valley.

Please join me in congratulating M.W.B. Lyle Logan on his amazing accomplishments in support of Freemasonry.

- submitted by Frank Drew, General Secretary, Klamath Falls Valley Scottish Rite

Pictured L to R: John D. Monfore 32°, Personal Representative to the SGIG/Deputy in Oregon; Pat Logan; Lyle C. Logan, P.G.M., 33°; and Illustrious Richard C. Komraus 33°, Deputy to the Supreme Council 33° Scottish Rite Southern Jurisdiction in Oregon.

NEWS FROM OUR LODGES —

Willamette Lodge No. 2 and Fairview Lodge No. 92 held a joint meeting for our April Stated Communications. Our Lodges have been helping each other with degrees for years, but since we meet on the same night, we could never visit each other during regular communications. “Why don’t we just meet together?” It was great to share in fellowship and a fun and unique evening!

- submitted by Bro. Grant

Brother Andrew Duncan received his 50-year pins and certificates this year from Whitehorse Masonic Lodge No. 46, Whitehorse, Yukon, Grand Lodge of B.C. and Yukon, and Corvallis Lodge No. 14. It is a rare event to receive two 50-year pins from two countries! Congratulations!

- submitted by W.B. John Spicher

During the Grand Master’s Official Visit to South Umpqua Lodge on May 4, R.W.B. Dave Sherman (left) presented M.W.B. Mark Posler (right) with a $500 check for the Grand Master’s charity, Mt. Hood

- submitted by W.B. Fred Linton

Willamette Lodge No. 2 & Fairview Lodge No. 92

Mobley

Corvallis Lodge No. 14

Tuscan Lodge No. 136

Tuscan Lodge No. 136 sponsors five local elementary schools for our Bikes for Books program, distributing 25 bikes, five to each school.

1. McNary Heights Elementary School, Umatilla, WM Joe Maier with Nicole Coyle, Principal; 2. A.C. Houghton Elementary School, Irrigon, WM Joe Maier with Cindy Turner, Head Secretary; 3. Irrigon Elementary School, Irrigon, WM Joe Maier with Kaira Rysdam, Principal; 4. Sam Boardman Elementary School, Boardman, WM Joe Maier with Jami Cabray, Principal and Laura Winters Vice Principal; 5. Windy River Elementary School, Boardman, WM Joe Maier with Tina Crowell, Student Counselor and Paulina Pena, CARE Coordinator.

- submitted by Bro. Mike Filarski

South Umpqua Lodge No. 72

Kiwanis Club.

OnApril 10, Brothers Ronald Benson and John Glines delivered bikes and scooters to schools in Tillamook County for the Bikes for Books program. Tillamook Lodge had previously only sponsored one school. This year, they expanded to nearly all elementary schools in the county and plan to partner with the remaining few over the next few years.

TheBrothers of the Clatskanie Lodge held their annual 4.0 Lunch in April. The Lodge hosted 86 honor students from Clatskanie Middle/High School and handed out certificates (pictured) of achievement to the attending students who maintained a 4.0 GPA.

- submitted by R.W.B. Gregory A. Hinkelman

Medford Lodge presented 50 and 60year Service Awards at their Stated Meeting dinner. Pictured L to R: W.B. John Lohrfink, Junior Grand Deacon; W.B. James Hinks, 50-year award; R.W.B. Billy Thompson, District Deputy No. 17; Worshipful Master Adam Caffey; and W.B. Lester Wayne Marshall, 60-year award.

-submitted by W.B. Howard Leachman

OnMay 1, Gateway Lodge in Warrenton held their annual awards and scholarship dinner at Warrenton High School, where 14 seniors received $32,000 in scholarships. R.W.B. Greg Hinkelman was the guest speaker, and W.B. Kee and his crew of talented chefs provided an outstanding prime rib dinner.

- submitted by Bro. Kris Torrey

EVENTS AT THE SHRINE

AlKader Shrine will host two events at the Shrine Center in Wilsonville this summer. June 14–16, they will participate in the community garage sale from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. daily. Then, July 14–16, they will host the Wilsonville Music Festival. More information is available on the Al Kader website, www.alkadershriners.org.

Clatskanie Lodge No. 133

Medford Lodge No. 103

Gateway Lodge No. 175

Tillamook Lodge No. 57

- submitted by Bro. Kris Torrey

FRESH FACES AT THE GRAND LODGE OFFICE

r l l i v i n g o u t t h e P N W d r e a m ,

A m y l o o k s f o r w a r d t o s h a r i n g h e r e n t h u s i a s m a n d e n e r g y i n w o r k i n g w i t h t h e c h a r i t a b l e a n d c a r i n g M a s o n i c o r g a n i z a t i o n s

A Fond Farewell

With a combination of happiness for her and sadness for us, Ms. Tammy Vanderzanden, Grand Lodge employee, has retired after 18 years of dedicated service to the fraternity. Ms. Vanderzanden was instrumental in assisting our members with the MESHCare/ MasonicAid Subsidy program as well as the Educational Assistance program.

A g r a p h i c d e s i g n e r a n d a r t i s t f o r 2 0 y e a r s , H o l l y h a s w o r k e d i n m a r k e t i n g a n d a d v e r t i s i n g i n d i f f e r e n t s e c t o r s i n c l u d i n g h i g h e r e d u c a t i o n , p u b l i s h i n g , a n d h o s p i t a l i t y

L L Y D A R L I N G P u b l i c a t i o n s M a n a g e r

S i n c e r e l o c a t i n g f r o m S a c r a m e n t o , C a l i , E l i z a b e t h b r i n g s a n o n - p r o f i t b a c k g r o u n d t o t h e G r a n d L o d g e , s p e c i a l i z i n g i n M e m b e r s h i p a n d C o m m u n i t y / M e m b e r R e l a t i o n s

E L I Z A B E T H P E E K E

A d m i n i s t r a t i v e A s s i s t a n t

“I have very much enjoyed my employment here at the Grand Lodge, as hopefully is shown by the fact that I came back after taking a brief hiatus! I’ll never forget what my mom told me back in 2000 when I told her I got a job here: ‘You will never meet a nicer group of people!’ And she was right! The fact that I have been able to be a part of this fraternity and to coordinate the charitable programs that I have been able to be involved with has been such a great feeling! I will always remember my (18) years with Oregon Freemasonry and the many nice people I have met along the way.”

Ms. Vanderzanden looks forward to moving to McMinnville and spending time with her two sons and new granddaughter. Thank you for 18 years of excellent service to Oregon Freemasonry. We wish you a fantastic retirement life. We will miss you!

H O

GRAND MASTER’S TENTATIVE ITINERARY

June 2023

1 — Grand Lodge of Oregon 173rd Annual Communication, Riverhouse Convention Center, Bend - U and Fellowship Banquet: social hour, 6 p.m.; dinner, 7 p.m. - Casual (Dress like a tourist), L

2 — Grand Lodge of Oregon 173rd Annual Communication, Riverhouse Convention Center, Bend - U and Installation of Grand Lodge Officers 2023-2024, 4 p.m. - U, T, L

3 — MESH/Trustees Meeting: Riverhouse Convention Center, Bend, 8 a.m. - U

3 — Pearl No. 66, Turner, Official Visit: dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m.

- Bib Overalls or SU, L

6 — Blue Mountain No. 34, Baker City, Official Visit; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - SU, L

8-10 Grand Lodge of Washington, Wenatchee - U, T, L

13 — Umatilla No. 40, Echo, Official Visit; Wild Game dinner, 5:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7 p.m. - SU, L

16-21 Grand Chapter, O.E.S., Pendleton Convention Center - U, T, SU, L

21 — Grand Chapter, O.E.S., Installation, 2 p.m. - U, T, L

22-24 Grand Lodge of Montana,

July 2023

22 — Committee Chairman Day; Grand Lodge Headquarters, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. - SU or BC (Masons only)

22 — Leadership Meeting via Zoom, 1-2 p.m.

23 — Masonic Family Picnic & Potluck; Cottage Grove, 12 p.m. - SU, L

26-29 East/West Shrine Football Game, Baker City - SU, L

August 2023

1— Vista Masonic No. 215, Salem, Official Visit; dinner, 6:30 p.m.; Lodge, 7:30 p.m. - SU, L

5 — Open Air 3rd Degree; Masonic Family Park, Granite Falls, WA, 10 a.m. - SU

10 — Acacia No. 118, Ontario, Official Visit; dinner, 6 p.m.; Lodge, 7 p.m.

- SU, L

11-15 MESH & Trustees Retreat, Baker City - SU, L

20-22 Scottish Rite Supreme Council, Biennial Session, Washington, D.C.

- U, T, SU, L

25-27 Robert Burns No. 97 Official Visit & Malheur Cave Degree, Harney County - SU

U = Uniform; L = Ladies; T = Tuxedo; S = Suit; B = Business SU = Summer Uniform; BC = Business Casual Find

OREGON MASONIC NEWS

The Grand Lodge of A.F. & A.M. of OR

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TURNER RANCH OUTDOOR

MASTER MASON DEGREE

Outdoor Master Mason Degree will be held on Saturday, July 15, at 4 p.m.

Jack Turner Ranch 16825 Falls City Road

Dallas, OR 97738

Approximately 10 miles southeast of Dallas

Dinner tickets are available for $10 from any Salem area Master and District Deputies for Districts 9 and 10.

Meal tickets can also be purchased at the Acacia Grove.

Masonic News

The Oregon Masonic News is published monthly (except July and August) by authority of the trustees of The Grand Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Oregon. Editors are the trustees of the Grand Lodge. Deadline for copy is the first of the month preceding the publication date. Example: May 1 for the June issue. High resolution photos, along with story submissions, may be sent electronically to the Grand Secretary. Photos should not be reduced in size. Printed photos are also acceptable. If you scan your own photos, they should be at least 300 dpi. Photocopies are NOT acceptable.

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