Its a New Year...in Strange Times.

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Happy New Year 2021 to the Masonic Family

A couple of things to note for the new Masonic year:

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  1. Yes, all Masonic functions and appendant bodies are still not allowed to physically meet. No one is happy about this. Grand Lodge has still not figured out what to do. We will let everyone know when we get the green light to meet and eat in person again.

  2. Virtual Installation of 2021 officers is tonight at 7:00pm via Zoom. Our new Worshipful Master will be John Barneson III. If you have not received the Zoom link contact 530-891-6270.

  3. Annual lodge dues of $152.00 are now due. Please consider sending a check to the lodge address C/O the lodge secretary. If you do choose to use the new lodge app please know that Grand Lodge charges a $5.00 service fee and thus our lodge only receives $147. Paying your lodge direct is better for your lodge than using the phone app.

We hope everyone is healthy and in good spirits as we move into this new year. Looking forward to getting back to a normal life with or without the China virus (Covid-19).

Our Lodge Went Virtual!

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For months, most Masons gave the idea of an online "virtual" lodge meeting little more than the hairy eyeball. The notion of "social distancing" is about as far away from the philosophy and practice of Freemasonry as it's possible to get.

But we have been isolated from COVID-19 restrictions for too long, and with continuing Grand Lodge restrictions, desperate times call for desperate measures.

Well we did it! Our first lodge meeting to elect officers for the 2021 Masonic year was successfully conducted December 8th. Sure was good to see old faces and see new faces. 25 Brothers showed up on Zoom to make it work.

25 Chico-Leland Stanford #111 Masons showed up.

25 Chico-Leland Stanford #111 Masons showed up.

For 100 reasons we know or can imagine, as a Lodge that was formed in and for the physical world, and that thrives to stay as such for 100 more years, Chico-Leland Stanford #111 is meant to continue existing as a physical Lodge. But times as the one in which we find ourselves in, may make us think on the possibility of staying close while being away, so here’s to exploring the virtual possibilities of Lodge—while eyeing a future when we all can share fellowship and break bread together!



Lodge Meeting! Via Zoom TUESDAY 7:30pm

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Chico-Leland Stanford Lodge No. 111 is holding its first virtual stated meeting.


Tuesday, December 8th at 7:30PM.

 

Meeting virtually is not ideal, but it will allow brothers who have moved far to see old friends. It also lets you reconnect with your lodge if you've been away for a while. No signs and no rituals until we meet in person again. This is the perfect time to get back in touch with Masonry, your brothers, and your lodge! We are here for each other. 

A Link will be sent via the Lodge Email. Click the link to RSVP for the meeting and get an email reminder. Only lodge members will be allowed to register.

This is important because we’re electing officers for 2021. Tthis will be a very unique experience for us all. Grand Lodge says this is the best we can do given the circumstances. If you have any questions you can contact me.  Likely I won’t know the answer but I can find somebody who does…hopefully.

Sid j. Crane, Secretary

Chico-Leland Stanford Lodge #111

530/893-3171

111secretary@sbcglobal.net

 

Rainbow Girls: Holiday Winter Virtual Fundraiser!

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General Info for all orders:

  • Orders usually arrive right around Thanksgiving – sometimes the week before, sometimes the week after. So you can switch to Christmas right after Thanksgiving!

  • ALL ORDERS MUST BE PLACED AND PAID FOR BY OCTOBER 23RD. No exceptions. 

 Order options:

  • Direct Orders: The assembly will receive approximately $9 in net profits from each item you order. If you order from either of the direct options, you will either need to get a check to me, or send money via venmo or paypal and I’ll write the check instead. Place your order by EMAILING me your choice of item(s) and how you would like pay, as well as a contact phone number in case there’s an issue.

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    • Chico pick-up:  the items shown on the “Chico pickup” pdf will be the least expensive because they are being shipped in bulk to the assembly.  I will then pick up ALL the orders placed through me and hold them at my office (which is near the police station on Humboldt in Chico), and notify you to come by and pick your order up.

    • Direct delivery: the items on the “Direct delivery” pdf will be more expensive, but they are shipped directly to your (or your gift recipient’s) doorstep. Note that the larger 40-inch live tree is only available with direct delivery.  If ordering for direct delivery, I will also need your mail delivery address: no PO boxes allowed as they go FedEx. If you’re ordering a gift, please also include the recipient’s name and an optional personal message that will be delivered with your gift .

  • Online Orders: The assembly will receive approximately $8 in net profits from each item you order. You can order online with a credit card, and the order will ship directly to your doorstep. No mess, no fuss, just a great product that supports a good cause.  To order online, got to www.GiftItForward.com and use fundraising code PARADICA002.

Whether you choose to order or not, THANK YOU for reading and considering this fundraiser.  If you’d like to support these ladies, please feel free to forward this email to your friends, family, co-workers, etc!

 

Tara Campbell

Rainbow Girls Chico-Paradise

530-519-1697

tlynnecmobile@gmail.com

ALL Masonic, Appendant Bodies and Youth Group Activities CANCELED until Notice Given

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Dear Chico Masonic Community,

Grand Lodge has extended social gatherings for ALL Masonic groups and youth groups until:

We Do Not Know!

District inspectors are to work with each lodge to develop plans for reopening. The State has made this difficult for any Lodge to open, and thus Grand Lodge has provided no guidance.

We will let you know soonest when we are All allowed to hold meetings and dinners again.

We hope all of you are keeping well! Remember there will always be light in the darkness!

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New Lodge Phone App for Communication

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Dear Lodge Brothers,

If you have been using the old lodge app on your phone you will note that it ceased working on July 1st. You can now remove that app permanently for communication amongst lodge members.

WELCOME to the new Cellphone App!

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The social media-style lodge app feed is now live, the new web-based member management system that is replacing both iMember and the previous lodge app. The new system works on any web-enabled phone, tablet, or computer, no extra downloads necessary. Check out the system today and start getting familiar with this and other new bells and whistles.

The new platform includes several new features and upgrades, including:

  • A digital dues card

  • Private social feed, replacing the current lodge app

  • Lodge locator for more than 20 jurisdictions, including California

  • Lodge calendars

  • Masonic education resources

Here are the steps:

  1. Go here https://member.freemason.org/membership_registration

  2. Fill in your lodge number (111), your member ID (look at your dues card), and your last name (case sensitive).

  3. Follow the rest of the instructions that follow.

Loading the App on your cellphone:

You will want to be on your Cellphone using your web browser go to this link https://member.freemason.org/public_members/app This will allow you to load the new Cellphone Lodge App (two different procedures Iphone vs. Android devices) which will then link to your iMember2.0 account you registered.

You can then start the App and safely/privately text message lodge members just like the old App. Of course there is much more to this App so look around.

Note: The ability to incorporate our lodge digital web calendar with the app will be made available in August.

With Regret: Masonic Activities Canceled until July 1st

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Dear Chico Masonic Community,

The Grand Lodge of California in consultation with state agencies has decided that there will be a continuation of meeting closures until

July 1st

We know this will be a disappointment as many blue lodge brothers and concordant bodies members were looking forward to meeting again in June to share our wonderful fellowship. We will let you know when we are allowed to hold meetings and dinners again.

We hope all of you are keeping well! Remember there will always be light in the darkness!

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Masonic Center for Youth and Families (MCYAF) Telehealth - Opportunity

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Dear Master and Secretary,

 It is my sincere hope that this letter finds you, your family and fellow Brothers well and healthy. Given the current health crisis we are experiencing, there is an understandable increase in anxiety and stress throughout our homes, lodges, and communities. Please know the skilled counselors at the Masonic Center for Youth and Families (MCYAF) are available to assist Masons and their families during these uncertain times.

 We are available to provide support through Zoom, our secure telehealth platform, which is accessible through smartphones, tablets, or any computer equipped with a camera. Our staff of licensed counselors are available to provide one-on-one, couples, and family support, which can help to manage the stress and concerns we are currently experiencing. Please know that MCYAF services are an added benefit of your membership, and that the first 3 sessions would be provided free of charge.

 Please do not hesitate to reach out for support and to ask any questions about our services. We wish you rest and health during the days and weeks to come.

   

Jodi Mikel, M.A.

Project Coordinator

Masonic Center for Youth and Families

6 Funston Ave.

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San Francisco, CA 94129

415.929.3000 (main phone line)

415.929.3005 (direct phone line)

415.929.3030 (fax)

jmikel@mcyaf.org

Lodge Members: Need Help During 'Stay in Place'?

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Dear Chico-Leland Stanford Lodge and appendent bodies,

Worshipful Master Brad Marr is reaching out to all of you. He would like to offer his help to anyone in need of errands or shopping or prescriptions to be picked up.

He is available most mornings until 10am. If its available in the shops he can pick it up for you.

Please contact him at 530-518-3111 for assistance.


Robert Burns Dinner Raises Money for Local Charities

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The Robert Burns Charity Dinner and Whisky Tasting, hosted by the Butte County Scottish Society and the Chico-Leland Stanford Masonic Lodge No. 111, was held  on February 15 and raised $1,600 each for three local charities.

Pictured from left are: Dean Fairbanks of the Masonic Lodge and dinner co-organizer; Ian Steenson, president of the Butte County Scottish Society and dinner co-organizer; Brad Marr, master of the Masonic Lodge; Caroline Cruz, housing coordinator, and Ann Winters, housing director, both of Catalyst Domestic Violence Services; Paul Moreno, first vice president, Chico Shrine Club; and Emily Bateman, director of 6th Street Center for Youth.

Lodge College Scholarships Available - Chico and Durham Highschools

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Chico Freemasons Offering Scholarships for College-bound High School Seniors

Up to $2,400 for Each Student Available

CHICO, Calif. –The Chico-Leland Stanford Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons No. 111 is accepting applications for scholarships from college-bound high school seniors in Chico and Durham. Each recipient can receive $300 per semester for a total of $2,400.

Applications must be received by Friday, April 24 to be considered. Seniors currently attending Chico Unified or Durham Unified high schools are eligible to apply.

Download Application HERE

Chico Freemasons have offered scholarships for several decades. While financial need is the most important criterion for selection of scholarship recipients, applicants are also evaluated on academic performance, hardship and extracurricular activities.

Each scholar will receive $300 upon proof of full-time enrollment in the first semester of college or $200 for the first trimester or quarter. Recipients need to maintain a 2.5 GPA or better and submit proof of completion each semester, trimester or quarter for subsequent payments of up to $600 each academic year.

For more information, email the lodge secretary at 111secretary@sbcglobal.net  

2nd Degree Ceremony: Bro. Shane Swithenbank

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When: Tuesday, February 4th @ 7:00pm

Come out to support Bro. Shane Swithenbank as he climbs the stairs of the beautiful 2nd degree.

Do you remember your 2nd degree?

Please make time to come out to support this young brother on his progress.

Contact Bro. Sid Crane, Lodge secretary (893-3171 or 111secretary@sbcglobal.net) if you need assistance with transportation. Lodge officers and others can help get you to the degree and home again.

3rd Degree Ceremony: Bro. Gerson Cortes Palacios - January 21st

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Come out to support Bro. Gerson Cortes Palacios as he raised to the sublime degree of Master Mason.

January 21st @ 7:00 p.m.

Do you remember your 3rd degree?

Please make time to come out to support this young brother on his progress.

Contact Bro. Sid Crane, Lodge secretary (893-3171 or 111secretary@sbcglobal.net) if you need assistance with transportation. Lodge officers and others can help get you to the degree and home again.