We started September with the Ponderosa fire which was the closest fire yet to threatened our little Lodge. The area of Forbestown was on evacuation alert and our September meeting was cancelled and moved to the next Saturday. Blessings abound! The fire was subdued and the alert eventually lifted, but our meeting had a smaller turnout as there were other obligations already made by many for the 9th.
I had put together the major portion of this trestleboard the end of September focusing on fire as it has affected us all as of late. Little did I realize that we would once again watch with trepidation another battle between the forces of nature and the defiance of man in trying to subdue raging fires. These new and most recent fires were fierce and unrelenting in their consumption of woodland and homes and neighborhoods. Late Sunday night on October 8th the wind had come up at extreme speeds and fires broke out all over California. These areas included both Butte and Yuba counties. The fires were fast moving and many of our friends, neighbors and our Brothers homes were in danger and some people got out with only the clothes on their backs.
Worshipful Master Randy Kelley and his father Bob Kelley P.M. both lost their homes even though they were several miles apart. Destroyed. We were able to visited with Bob and Randy this past Sunday (15th) at Bob's place and see first hand what the fire had taken. Unbelievable. Most amazing, Bob's propane tank. That tank is still there intact and unscorched although the fire had burned underneath it and around it. Amazing.
Bob and Randy were positive and moving forward. They appreciate all the concern and want all to know that they are fully insured, the state is having counties wave fees and such to help with a quick rebuild. The cleanup of their places and all the others who were burned out will be taken care of in a week or two and Bob already had a brand new power pole on his place. They have a place to stay, clothes and all will be well. They thank you for your compassion, concern and offers of assistance!
I had put together the major portion of this trestleboard the end of September focusing on fire as it has affected us all as of late. Little did I realize that we would once again watch with trepidation another battle between the forces of nature and the defiance of man in trying to subdue raging fires. These new and most recent fires were fierce and unrelenting in their consumption of woodland and homes and neighborhoods. Late Sunday night on October 8th the wind had come up at extreme speeds and fires broke out all over California. These areas included both Butte and Yuba counties. The fires were fast moving and many of our friends, neighbors and our Brothers homes were in danger and some people got out with only the clothes on their backs.
Worshipful Master Randy Kelley and his father Bob Kelley P.M. both lost their homes even though they were several miles apart. Destroyed. We were able to visited with Bob and Randy this past Sunday (15th) at Bob's place and see first hand what the fire had taken. Unbelievable. Most amazing, Bob's propane tank. That tank is still there intact and unscorched although the fire had burned underneath it and around it. Amazing.
Bob and Randy were positive and moving forward. They appreciate all the concern and want all to know that they are fully insured, the state is having counties wave fees and such to help with a quick rebuild. The cleanup of their places and all the others who were burned out will be taken care of in a week or two and Bob already had a brand new power pole on his place. They have a place to stay, clothes and all will be well. They thank you for your compassion, concern and offers of assistance!
A busy month for all!
Our first event for the month of September was attending Oroville Lodge's presentation of 25 year pins. Our affiliated Brother Jim Freeman had been looking forward to this event all year. Forbestown Lodge was well represented at the presentation. There were several pins to present and Brother Freeman was the last on the list to receive his. He thanked many people for helping to make his Masonic life possible and much praise was given to him for his dedication to Freemasonry. |
Widow's Dinner - September 16th
The Widow's Dinner was wonderful. The dining hall had been beautifully decorated and the meal was absolutely delicious! After dinner a Masonic Outreach Services presentation was made by a wonderful lady from MOS, her name escapes me for the moment. There was quite a bit of information presented by her. Those of you who missed the presentation and have questions about services for our Senior Masons, their spouses or sweethearts and their families please feel free to contact the Lodge or Masonic Outreach Services. You just might be surprised by the services and help that is available. They can truly help in so many ways and give you peace of mind!
After the MOS presentation we adjourned to the Lodge and were treated to the beautiful "Flower Talk" given by David Ricketts. I have never heard the "Flower Talk" and it was beautifully done!
After the MOS presentation we adjourned to the Lodge and were treated to the beautiful "Flower Talk" given by David Ricketts. I have never heard the "Flower Talk" and it was beautifully done!
Our congratulations to Worshipful Inspector Darrel Deatherage PM who has been named Grand Marshal for 2018!
OTHER EVENTS
Past September Event - some of our Lodge Brothers are also members of Shrine and attended a local event with their ladies at the Barry Kirshner Wildlife Sanctuary on September 30th. The event was hosted by the Paradise and Chico Shrine clubs. We enjoyed the outdoors, critters, BBQ, socializing and messages shared by the Potentate Dave Kubel and his lady Ann. Monetary donations to the Shriner's Children Hospital were presented to the Potentate by both Paradise and Chico Shrine clubs. Very nice event!
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A Shriner Event.
If you have not had a tour of the Shriner's Hospital, I highly recommend attending this event. The facilities are amazing! All masons and their ladies along with the general public are invited to a Social and Information Night hosted by the Nobles of Ben Ali Shrine. This free event will be held on Thursday, October 19, 2017 at the Northern California Shriners Hospital for Children, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento. Hospital tours and Social begin @ 6 p.m. |
Scholarship Fizz Breakfast
November 12, 2017
7:30 - 10:30 a.m.
Masonic Family Center
1200 Sycamore Street, Gridley
Adults $10- Ages 6-12 $5- Under 6 free
Mark your Calendars for June 1st!
There will be a reception for Worshipful Darrel Deatherage held at Chico Leland Stanford Lodge. More details will be available later but this gives you a heads up way in advance!
The History Corner
Forbestown
Current Look
Back in the day-side view and town
Back in the day - front view and no dining hall. (notice the gable on the roof). Hmm.. why was it there and when did it disappear?
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After the recent fires that posed a threat to Forbestown and the Lodge and knowing in the past there had been other fires, I did a little search for articles of fires that were associated with Forbestown. Fires, of course, were fairly common. The town of La Porte burned quite often. Residents often fought fires. Many have memories of family being whisked away to help fight fires even into the 1960's.
August of 1861 - Masonic Hall loss is $400
I believe it was after this fire that the Lodge moved into its current "fire proof" building and has been there ever since.
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