Brethren, before I continue any further I want to inform you of the passing or Wor. Harold M Hand. In last month’s Trestle Board I told you he had had a stroke. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter he was called to that Celestial Lodge Above where the Supreme Architect of the Universe forever presides.

        Wor Hand is probably one of the most well known and beloved Masons here in California. He has been an active member of our Lodge since I've been a Mason, and many years before. He was also active within the Scottish Rite, the York Rite, and has been a member of several of the Grand Lodge Families. In addition he was also a very active member of his Church. Masonry in general mourns the loss of this truly distinguished Brother.

        There is a Celebration of his Life at South Pasadena 290 on 29 May, and what a life he had. I, for one couldn't believe how very many things he accomplished over the course of his life. It tired me out just to hear them all. How he did it all in one lifetime is amazing!

        We are finishing our last two second Degree's in May and the Month of June we will be Polishing our Ritual skills for the third degree's we will be conducting *(please see the Meetings Calendar for the dates and times)

        There will be a Cornerstone Ceremony Conducted by Grand Lodge on 14 June at the West Los Angeles Angles Veterans Hospital at 12 noon. Many of us Masons are what I call "Double Brothers" as we belong both to the Masonic Fraternity, as well as to the Fraternity of being Veterans.

        I have read, heard, many stories since I've been a Mason of incidents that have happened over the years during Wartime of Brother Masons on opposing sides of the War, who have crossed over the line of international crisis, and politics to aid one another. How powerful is that!

        I am proud to serve as Master at the same time as our current Grand Master Kenneth Nagel who's "Coming Home Project" is dedicated to Veterans. What an honor!

        This Cornerstone Ceremony will begin the new 395 bed facility dedicated for Veterans, and how wonderful it will be to see all those white aprons sitting in a section reserved for Masons. I encourage you to come out and be a part of this wonderful experience. If you need transportation please contact your Lodge and we will make arrangements. Masons Supporting Veterans up close and personal, complete with Media Coverage, the Governor, and even a few celebrity types I hear. Let’s give them something Masonic to talk about shall we?

        Brethren due to the state of the economy, many Brothers have been hit hard, and as a result are not able to make the trip to Washington DC. This being said I decided to cancel the trip and replace it with a more cost friendly trip to the beautiful Island Paradise of Catalina. The trip will continue to be in August and will be a day trip, with a Banquet, and round trip tickets.

        If you've never been to Catalina, I suggest you come with us, and enjoy a beautiful 45 min boat ride to the Island followed by a bus tour, and free shopping time, dinner, and a moonlit boat ride home. This should be fun for the entire Family, and a memorable experience.

        I would like to introduce you to Brother Evald Johnson. Brother Johnson is your Senior Deacon, the Father of one beautiful little girl, and from what I hear, he has another on the way!!

        Brother Johnson Affiliated with our Lodge Last Year, and has been an active member ever since. Brother Johnson is also a Producer, Director, and Editor. Brother Johnson just had one of his films Premiered, to be released very soon! I hope he remembers us "When he's rich and famous."

        Coming in July, our very Own Mike Diaz will be transforming the Lodge in to a Pacific Islanders Dream. His Co Chairperson is Bernadette Griggs (Wife of Bro Dennis Griggs). Bernadette is a Pacific Islander herself and an incredible Chef. She will be providing us with many wonderful foods from "De Islands" for your enjoyment.

        Sadly I must inform you that Mary Jane Meier, wife of Wor Bob Meier, passed on May 16 after suffering from Congestive Heart Failure. I ask that you keep her in your prayers.  There will be a viewing on Sunday, May 23, from 1-5pm at Forest Lawn-Hollywood Hills Mortuary with the Funeral to be on Monday, May 24, at 12:30pm at the Forest Lawn Church of the Hills with a reception to follow at Marie Callendar's in Glendale at 707 North Pacific Avenue.

        The cost of Stated Meeting Dinners will be increased in June to $8.00 with reservations, and $10.00 without reservations. As usual our Masonic Sweethearts are our guests. I have made this decision, 1) for economic reasons 2) If you're a Brother who comes to eat, then you should also be a Brother who attends the Meeting *Please note if you can't afford the cost of the Dinner please let me know, and arrangements will be made discretely

        I would also like to give a hearty shout out to Bro Jimmy Jones who now resides in Idaho. I had the pleasure of meeting Bro Jones in May while attending Wor Hands Funeral, and look forward to seeing you soon Brother. Next time under more positive circumstances

        I would now like to introduce you to our Masons of the Month for May and June.

        For May, the Masons of the Month is Wor. Mimo Akkari, who is a Past Master of our Lodge,  current Lodge Secretary, and Vice President of one of the Temple Boards. Wor Mimo is, and has always been an integral part of South Pasadena 290 for as long as I can remember. Mimo is always there to offer up a helping hand, take on any roll asked, or offer advise or constructive criticism. He has been an invaluable source of help to me personally.  

        The Mason of the Month for June is Wor Charlie Fisher. Charlie is also a past Master of our Lodge, and as you might know by now the Brother who stepped up to fill the vacancy of Treasurer left when Wor Harold Hand originally became ill. He is the President of South Pasadena Masonic Assoc, which is another position Wor Fisher volunteered for when it became vacant.

        "Stepping up to the plate" is a theme with these two Brothers. I thank you Both, for a job well done!

        Brethren, whether it be a Degree, a Stated Meeting, one of our Events, or at a Saturday Social, I encourage you to come back to your Lodge and enjoy your Fraternity, and your Masonic Family.