Penmanship

In addition to trying to blog and keep a record of my time and provide more about my thoughts and opinions electronically, I have also decided to make an effort to improve my penmanship and handwriting and keeping a handwritten journal.  Taking better notes, and keeping track of things on paper when I don't have access to a computer.  At the same time, using a fountain pen instead of a pencil, ballpoint, or rollerball.

I have purchased a couple different pens and will probably purchase more as I use them more.  I purchased a Monteverde Monza with three independent nib types and ink to test the differences.  I also purchased a Cross Beverly and I love the way it feels.  If anyone out there has tips and tricks for improving hand writing for adults, I would love to hear about them.

Happy Writing! 

Fraternally,

Junior Grand Warden - June 2020

It has been awhile!  I am going to try and get back into the blogging again.  As Grand Lecturer I was expanding our ritual competition for Masons because I think good ritual work is a beauty to behold.  I also believe most, if not all, of the lessons we as Masons need to learn and adhere to, can be found in our Standard Work.  Unfortunately, with all the work and preparation that was completed by many of the Brethren in our State, COVID-19 hit and put an end to the competition.  There was a lot of interest and a lot of participation, and hopefully that will carry forward for the new Grand Lecturer.

Elections for the new Grand Lodge Officers was held on June 13, 2020 and I was elected as the new Junior Grand Warden.  With installation later that day, I was also installed in that position.  With all of the Social Distancing, and safety precautions that go along with COVID-19, it was a very small event, with no more than 5 people in a room at a time.  No big installation reception followed and the officers took some photos and went home.  I can't wait to get back out on the road and meet up with my Brothers!

On that note, the biggest topic of discussions as the newest member of the Executive Committee is when do we re-open and how?  We are still working out the details and doing our best to come up with what we think is the best possible course of action for the health and safety or our members.  We are going to continue to be closed for the near future, but hopefully are developing a solid plan to move forward as soon as safety and common sense will allow.  There is no shortage of opinions on how and when we should re-open, you get 10 Masons in a room and you get 22 opinions.  In the end, the decision will be what is determined to make the most sense and least risk with the data and opinions that are provided.

I look forward to seeing you on my travels
Fraternally,

RW Steve C Martin
Junior Grand Warden

Thanks

Quiet time of year for Masonic endeavors.  Well at least for a week or two.  The last post came while I was in our Nation's capital for work.  I am reminded how fortunate I am to live in this country and the opportunities that have been provided to me in my life.  Yes, politically, things seem to be a mess and the gap is getting wider, but we still have so many more freedoms and conveniences than many others in the world.  It reminds me that I want to tell all of our elected officials "we have a good thing, don't f* it up!".   I won't get all political on you, but you can blame whoever you want, republicans, democrats, independents, we ALL share part of the blame and the responsibility to figure out how to fix it.  There are many good people out there talking about civility and the art of compromise and working together, only to turn around and completely dismiss what someone with a differing opinion has to say, how is that helping?  Yes we need to be able to discuss things with civility, but also have to be willing to listen and compromise and relocate that middle ground.

Well onto the travel for the last week...
I returned home from Washington, DC on Friday and spent some time with my sister and family.  On Saturday we attended the remembrance service for MW Chuck McQuery.  It was a very well done service and was well attended.  MW Chuck was the epitome of "Live Respected, and Die Regretted".  He will be missed, but never forgotten.

Lake Washington District of Rainbow official visit of the Grand Worthy Advisor was next on Saturday evening.  It was a great time with a Dr. Suess theme and a couple of new announcements for the year, including the new Grand Confidential Observer!  Congratulations Destiny!

Sunday was Southside Revolution Derby Scrimmage day and taking photos there in the morning.  Then heading back to Monroe and meeting up with John and May to do some "Save the Date" photos.

Another photo shoot on Monday and Tuesday.  Monday was Frank and LaNita who hadn't done photos in many years and just wanted to get some done.  Tuesday was ballet audition photos for Hailey.  I love doing ballet photos, the strength and beauty amazes me.

Thursday was Thanksgiving hosted at Casa Martin and my sister and niece joined Robin, Logan, and I at our house for a great meal and nice to just relax and spend time with family!

Are you all in?

Steve Martin
Grand Lecturer 2019-2020

November Rain

It is November already! 

November started with my home district #8 meeting with the Grand Master.  I enjoy this meeting so much every year.  I love my district and the fact that we can all have fun together and show that Masonry can be fun!  There were presentations of a couple of 50 year pins to some amazing brethren.  WB Dean Bonar was awarded the Grand Master Achievement award.  I then spent the rest of the evening with family.

Sunday, November 3rd was the start of the Southside Revolution Junior Roller Derby scrimmages and photographing some amazing skaters and supporters.  Later in the afternoon we went and did some family portraits for an amazing family that purchased the photoshoot at a charity auction.

It was election day on Tuesday at Sultan-Monroe Lodge #160.  Congratulations to WM Elect Fred Grannan. 

Thursday was a day spent with my sister.  First stop was radiation treatment then back to the house where she took a well needed nap.  Then Lunch out and headed home.  She seemed to have a pretty good day and things were going well for that day.  Ups and downs for sure when dealing with cancer and radiation treatments.

Friday was the Bothell Rainbow Girls Elf Auction dinner hosted at Monroe Lodge.  It was a great dinner and the auction was very successful.  So happy to have the Rainbow Girls at our Lodge.

Saturday, November 9th was the Installation of officers at Damascus Lodge #199.  I was honored to install the WM Bob Carden and all of his officers that were able to attend.  Before the installation we had lunch with MW Warren Schoeben and his lovely lady Mary Joe.

Sunday was another busy day for us, we started the day shooting Roller Derby at Southside Revolution scrimmage, then lunch with the Lorrie and Danielle Brunson where Lorrie presented us with our State Mom and Dad jackets.  They are AMAZING!  Thank you is not enough!  After lunch in Tacoma, we headed over to Bremerton to celebrate a housewarming for Hassib and Eva and also to get the news that they are expecting a Baby!  Congratulations to them both and what an amazing young family that will be.  Finished off the evening at dinner at our very good Friends house, Matt and Cindy Powell.

Monday was our scheduled day off and Veteran's day so of course it was a quiet day....NOT!  We took some time for us and went to the Woodland Park Zoo.  Most of the animals were out and we had a great time taking photos of the animals in the fall colors.  Later that day we met Jake at Bothell Landing and took his senior photos.

Tuesday more senior photos with James at the museum of flight.  This senior has an amazing amount of knowledge in regards to WWII fighter jets.

Wednesday was a visit to Alpha Lodge and another lodge electing officers.  Congratulations WB Pat Marlett on being elected Master again!

Friday I traveled with the Grand Marshal to Verity Lodge in Kent for a Tiled Table Lodge.  This was a great evening and full of good company and fraternalism.  I got to sit and spend the evening with MW Jim Mendoza.  He is a wealth of knowledge and someone I respect greatly.

Saturday the 16th was another busy day.  We got up early and Robin took off to Lacey to spend time with her Mom and Sister, while I took off over the mountain to Quincy for a corner stone ceremony.  We both returned to Monroe to relax for a minute then head out to Everett to install the officers of Peninsular Lodge.  I installed the Master and gave the charge to the Master and the Lodge.  It was a rough night for me as I was more tired than I expected from driving all day and although I knew the parts, I kept doing them out of order.  It was a still a great evening and I am very honored that WB Mike Dulaney asked me to install him.

Sunday was another scimmage at SSR and then another day spent with my sister and niece.  Unexpectedly to me, my mom showed up as well so that was a nice surprise.

Monday I took off and headed to Washington, DC for work.  My flight landed at about 4:15pm and I headed to my hotel, changed, then got an Uber to the House of the Temple so I could attend the Lodge meeting of the Justice-Columbia Lodge #3 and the Official Visit of MW Charbel T Fahed, Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of the District of Columbia.  It was a fun evening and I was asked to march in with the Grand Lodge team.  I was also given the opportunity to speak about the Grand Lodge of Washington and bring fraternal greetings from our Grand Master, Charles Woods.  At the end of the meeting, I was honored to deliver the closing charge from the Grand Lodge of Washington.

I don't have a ton of wisdom to share this week because it is late in Washington DC and I have to go to work tomorrow :D

Fraternally,
VWB Steve Martin
Grand Lecturer

October Finish

Looking back at the calendar and last blog post trying to decide where I left off...

Wednesday, October 16th was the Official Visit of the Deputy of the Grand Master to Westgate Lodge in Everett.  This was my first time being able to visit the newest lodge in District 8 and I had a great time.  What a great group of brothers that have been added to our district.

Took some personal time and attended the wedding of a close family friend on Saturday.

Sunday was a trip out to Sedro Woolley to attend the Official Visit of the Grand Worthy Advisor to the Northwest Washington District of the Rainbow Girls.  We were the official photographers and it was sure good to see all the Rainbow Girls, I sure do miss them.  The NW girls are growing and put on an excellent official visit.  GWA Victoria talked about her year plans and a great time was had by all.

Tuesday, October 22nd was a pretty incredible night.  Sultan-Monroe, Westgate, and Crystal lodges all joined forces to put on a Fellowcraft degree for 6 candidates.  We rarely get a chance to meet with Crystal lodge because we meet on the same nights, and Westgate is brand new to the district, so it was a great experience to get these three lodges together to provide our new brothers with Masonic light and instruction.

The very next night was the Official Visit of the Deputy to Arlington Lodge and Past Masters night.  Got to see a lot of old friends and catch up with them.  During the evening, VWB Cary Cope and his brother Art, were presented with their 35 year service pins.  They are both moving to Hawaii and we will miss them here in Washington.

Friday morning was time to get back on the road and head to the Eastside.  First stop was Malden for the District 26 meeting.  I am amazed at the beauty of this state when you get a chance to travel around.  The drive to Malden was full of rolling hills and a beautiful sunset.  Distrcit 26 provided a nice meal and spoke about what is going on in the district.  I love that there are good masons doing great work in every part of our state.

Quick drive up to Spokane for the night and then the District 27 meeting.  District 27 meeting was held at the new Scottish Rite building in Downtown Spokane and includes a beautiful Lodge room.  we enjoyed a nice catered lunch then headed in to hear about all of the great things going on in Spokane.  The Rainbow Girls of Lilac assembly were there and our good friend Shannon Smoldt was presented with the Grand Masters Youth award recognition.  The Lilac assembly has gone from 3 girls to 18 in one year!  Way to go!

Saturday night was the annual trek up to Newport and the Logger's dinner and meeting.  We had a great time and several of us left part of our attire at the meeting.  If you ever get a chance to go, word of advice, take a tie you don't have any attachment to...

Sunday was a cooking class for Robin and I and the food and company was great.

As I travel around to the districts and have been given a chance to speak, I have talked about the need to "get back to basics" and build a better foundation in our lodges.  I see Lodges with great programs like Bike for Books, and community events, and special meetings, that are failing.  Regardless of how good or programs are out of the lodge, if we don't build a solid base in our lodge and educate and mentor our newer masons, we will continue to struggle.  One thing that was pointed out very distinctly this week was our need to bridge the gap between Generations.  I think the those of us in Generation X (40 and 50 year olds) need to do a better job of bridging that gap between millennials, generation Z, and boomers.  We have been doing a great job with our Radio and TV ads and they have been reaching a lot of people and doing great work, but the millennials and GenZ are not seeing those messages because the don't watch broadcast TV and don't listen to the Radio.  We can do more.  Social media advertising and promotions need to happen as well.  Then you have the other end of the gap and we need to continue to send regular mail to our baby boomers, many of them don't have social media and don't have any desire to learn it, we can't ignore them and leave them behind.  (As I put this in a blog that many of them will never see...)  We can do better, but it is up to us to make those decisions and provide those solutions.

Enough for this episode, until next time.
Masonry is your pocket aces, be all in

Fraternally,
VWB Steve Martin
Grand Lecturer

Fall is here

Well, Fall is here!  Sure happened fast.  Trying to remember what happened since the last blog and didn't think we were very busy...then looked at the calendar for the last week.  Damascus Lodge visit Tuesday, Family time Wednesday with my sister in Burien, Peninsular OV of the Deputy on Thursday, photoshoot on Friday, District meetings on Saturday, photoshoot on Sunday and drive to Leavenworth, Monday and Tuesday photo excursion in Leavenworth...whew, no wonder I get tired!

On Tuesday I attended the stated meeting of Damascus Lodge in Granite Falls for their Past Masters night.  The WM shared a historical slide show presentation with some History of Masonry, some history of Granite Falls, and all of the Past Masters for Damascus Lodge, it was very well done and provided an excellent look at the history of Masonry in Granite Falls.  They then held their election of officers and Brother Robert Carden was elected Master for 2020.

Wednesday was a chance to spend time with family.  Family is the most precious thing, don't waste the opportunity.

Thursday was off to Peninsular in Everett to support the lodge and the Deputy of the Grand Master at his official visit.  I had the honor of sitting in the West as the Senior Warden stepped up to the East in the absence of the Worshipful Master.  "Your attendance is essentially necessary, in the absence of the Master, you are to govern the Lodge...".  Brother Mike Dulaney did an outstanding job and was elected Worshipful Master that evening in the Lodges elections.

Friday was a fun photoshoot with Hannah and a pumpkin and some smoke grenades!  We went out to the park in Monroe and had a great time.

Saturday morning was a drive up to Anacortes and the District meeting for District 9.  The Deputy did an amazing job running the meeting and District 9 is very much on the move.  Following that meeting we headed up to Bellingham and District 10.  Another great meeting and very well presented by the District deputy.  I am definitely encouraged as I travel to all of the district meetings.

Sunday we took some personal time and drove up to Leavenworth for a couple of days to capture the beauty of fall.  The colors are so amazing from Lake Wenatchee down the Wenatchee river to Leavenworth.  It was definitely cold for Sunrise on Monday morning, but worth it.  I think it was about 35 degrees when we started, but right before sunrise it dropped very fast to probably around 25 degrees.

Well, that's it for now.  Until next time


Fraternally,
VWB Steve C Martin
Grand Lecturer

District Meetings begin

blink your eyes and three weeks go by...

It was a pretty quiet time for Grand Lodge.  I was able to attend the Reception for the Associate Grand Matron and the Associate Grand Patron at Fort Flagler on September 21st and it was a very nice event.  The location was amazing and we took some photos around the area.  Congratulations to Darlene Wiggins and Bob Wheeler!

On October 27th, we got on a plane for a super secret trip!  We were flying to Oklahoma City, then driving to Lawton to surprise a very deserving young lady.  Rainbow Girl Maddie J, moved from Tacoma to Lawton and with the move, starting Senior year in a new school, medical procedures, and Dad just returning from being deployed in Korea, Senior portraits were wanted, but not in cards.  So we decided we couldn't let that happen and we flew down there to take care of it for them!  Such a great trip and spending time with masonic family wherever you go is always a good time.

The next week was back to normal travel, Sultan-Monroe #160 stated meeting and Centennial Lodge #25 official visit of the District Deputy.

On October 4th, it was the first District meeting of the year in Okanogan and district 22.  Robin and I left early in the morning and drove over Highway 20, N Cascades Hwy because we had the time.  What a great drive.  The district meeting went very well and great discussion.  I had my first opportunity to speak about why I made myself available for the office of Junior Grand Warden.  A little nerve racking, but I got through it.  One great benefit of this meeting, I got fresh apples just off the trees!  Oh, how I miss that!  YUMMO!

After spending the night in Omak, it was off to Deer Park for the District 30 meeting.  We got to partake in a very delicious lunch of Lentil soup with sausage and pulled pork.  There were also an ample supply of homemade pie!  There was apple, cherry, and peach.  I can neither confirm nor deny that I might have tried all three!  Again I was given the opportunity to share my thoughts on the office of Junior Grand Warden.

A short drive back north to Colville for the annual Sow Belly and Beans dinner and a fun weekend was completed.

We returned to Seattle and went to Swedish hospital where my sister had been admitted for pneumonia like symptoms.  My brother, sister in law, sister, niece, and mom were all there so we got so see a lot of family.  As you can imagine, the issue is probably more severe than pneumonia, but I don't want to get into that now because there is still a lot of information I don't have and it is all just speculation for now.  Keep my family in your thoughts and prayers.

Don't forget to compete in the 2019-20 ritual competition.  First time Senior Wardens, 3 person team of any Master Masons that are members of the same lodge, and Apron lecture with Geometry lecture for any Fellowcraft or Master Mason.

That's it for now

Fraternally,
VWB Steve Martin
Grand Lecturer