On Monday, March 31st, 6 new brothers and sisters joined the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Cupertino #70. Richard Norris of True Fellowship #52, Kersten Stanley-Jones and Victor Gonsalves of Mountain View #244, Jordan DuVal and Helen Bobias of Cupertino #70, and Joshua Barchant of Bay View #109.
The candidates were conducted by given the full live degree, with music, costumes, props, and lots of enthusiasm. There may have been an interpretive dance in there at some point, but if so, our new members know to keep a secret.
Our degree team was mostly comprised of Cupertino #70 members. In fact, every member of the degree team with a speaking line was a Cupertino #70 member except for the wonderful conductor, Debbie Wolf (and they have certainly offered her an associate membership if she’s interested).
The rest of the team were: Mark Saint-John, Tom Blackburn, Steve Franke, Pam Johnson, Randee Chin, Mason Wolf, Jim Kabage, Annie Cronin, Marvin Carter, Todd White, Steve Koehler, Scott Spence, Michael Greenzeiger, Debra LaVergne, and Ron Myres (who must now answer to the adjective “venerable”).
Since it was also a dinner, (because we do love to eat at Cupertino!) we also appreciate the folks who made and served the food. Marvin, Steve, and Randee served what were essentially build-your-own sausage, egg and cheese mcmuffins for everyone present. YUM!
Finally, I want to acknowledge the Noble Grands of Mountain View 244 and Bay View 109 who came out in support of their candidates – Sally Calpo and Gerald Williams. It’s always nice when a new member has someone they know who can reassure them that, while it might get a little weird, it definitely won’t get too weird when you decide to become a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
–By Mason Wolf
