Dear Odd Fellows and Pledges,
First a little primer for some of the newer members and pledges.
There are 119 Odd Fellows’ Lodges in California. These 119 Lodges are under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of California. The Grand Lodge of California meets once each year in May in “Grand Lodge Sessions”, primarily to pass legislation to amend the Roberts Code of California Odd Fellow Law (the governing law for California Odd Fellowship), to propose legislation to amend the Code of General Odd Fellow Law (the governing law for all Odd Fellowship), to pass resolutions, and to elect people to Grand Lodge offices and Grand Lodge Boards. The other 51 weeks of the year, Grand Lodge business is conducted by the Grand Master (who has jurisdiction over fraternal matters) and the Grand Lodge Board of Directors (which has jurisdiction over business matters). The Grand Master, the Deputy Grand Master, and the Grand Warden (the three elected Grand Officers) also sit as ex officio voting members of the Grand Lodge Board of Directors. This year, the Grand Lodge Sessions will be held in Modesto, starting on May 13 and continuing through May 16. Our Davis Lodge will have 8 voting representatives at Grand Lodge Sessions. This is more than we have ever had. I still remember attending Grand Lodge Sessions for the first time about 5 years ago as the only voting representative from the Davis Lodge. So, we have come a long way since then. With 8 voting representatives, I’m pleased to say that we will be one of the largest voting contingents at Grand Lodge Sessions. The 8 representing Davis Lodge are: Andrew Skaggs, Bob Bockwinkel, Dave Rosenberg, Dave Reed, Bob Schelen, Lea Rosenberg, Tony Pruitt and Carlos Garcia. (Tony Pruitt and Carlos Garcia are recent transfers into our Davis Lodge, and as Past Grands, are entitled to represent a Lodge and to vote.)
This is an especially interesting Grand Lodge Session for our Lodge since I will be elected and installed as the 163rd Grand Master of California – the first time a Davis Odd Fellow has achieved this position. Also, Lea Rosenberg will be installed as Grand Guardian, one of the seven Grand Lodge appointive officers. Further, Dave Reed is a candidate for the position of Grand Warden, and stands a very good chance of being elected. If he wins the election, he will be installed as Grand Warden of California (this means that he will be automatically elected Deputy Grand Master in 2016, and then Grand Master in 2017).
A number of you have asked me about Grand Lodge Sessions, and I write because there are two events during Sessions which are open to each of you if you wish to attend. Modesto is about 92 miles from Davis and the drive takes about 90 minutes. These events take place at the DoubleTree Hotel in Downtown Modesto. The address of the Hotel is 1150 Ninth Street, Modesto. The Hotel is located just a few blocks from Highway 99, and is visible from the freeway. There is ample parking in a parking garage across the street from the hotel.
(1) There will be a social hour and pizza party on Thursday, May 14, at the Arbor Theater at the DoubleTree Hotel. The event runs for 5 to 7 p.m. This event is organized by me and by Donna Morrison, who will be the incoming President of the Rebekah Assembly (the top officer for the Rebekah Lodges in California). It costs $10 per person, and is all-you-can-eat pizza. There will be a no-host bar, and our own Lodge member, David Hafter, will be there providing musical entertainment. Attire is comfortable and casual, and it is open to all – whether an Odd Fellow or not. We already have over 160 folks who have RSVP’d. And you do have to RSVP to attend. If you wish to attend, please do the following two things: (a) RSVP to Rod Metoyer at tiloyerod@att.net and give Rod the names of who is attending. (b) send your check for $10 per person to Grand Lodge, 14414 Oak Street, Suite B, Saratoga, CA 95070, and write “pizza party” in the memo section of the check.
(2) There will be a public Installation of officers on Saturday, May 16, starting at 7 p.m. in the huge Harvest Hall at the DoubleTree Hotel. As noted, I will be installed as Grand Master of California, and other officers will be installed as well. The event starts at 7 p.m. and ends around 9 p.m. There will be a complimentary ice cream social (hosted by Donna Morrison and me) following the Installation. No RSVP is needed, and the Installation is open to all. You can just walk in and have a seat. Attire ranges from suit and tie, to comfortable slacks and Polo shirts. Actually, a number of our Lodge members are already planning to attend as they have functions to perform at the event – Juelie and Kurt Roggli and Janis Rosenberg will be part of the Installation ceremony, and a number of the members of the Fullerton family will be flag bearers at the start and conclusion of the ceremony.
If you wish to attend, but can only attend one of these two events, I suggest the Installation on Saturday, May 16. The public Installation of Grand Lodge Officers is an “interesting” event.
F – L – T
Dave Rosenberg
Deputy Grand Master