Halloween Fundraiser at Cupertino 70

Long ago, the Cupertino Lodge merged with another lodge. Prior to that they celebrated October Fest and Halloween separately. Since the merger, Cupertino has celebrated a combined OctoberFest/Halloween as a members-only event. It was decided that we should set upon a new path, holding a Halloween event as a public fundraiser for a non-profit organization. …

Welcoming Wendell Watson

On Monday, October 27, Golden Gate Encampment #1 met for the purpose of receiving Grand Patriarch Wendell Watson on his official visit. PGM and PGP Peter Sellars prepared a pasta and chicken dinner to enjoy before the meeting in the beautiful Berkeley Odd Fellows Hall. Four members of Barnes Encampment #77 (Katrina Hazen, Jon Hart, …

First Degree at Mountain View 244

On Thursday, October 30th, Mountain View 244 held a first degree ceremony for three candidates. We are proud to announce that Joey Bennett and Sheryl Stanger of Livermore 219, and Alberto Garcia of Mission Peak 114, have received their first degree. Interestingly enough, this time none of the candidates were from district 107, but Mountain …

Hermenia Rebekah’s Annual Craft Fair in Mountain View

We were open nine days, from September 6-14, mostly from 11 to 7:30. In that time, over 2000 people that came in, including 130 kids and 15 dogs. In total, our fundraiser makings were over $3000. My expenses were over $700. My friend gave us 23 jars of honey that we could use to request …

A Cave Degree Weekend

September 5-7, 2025 was only my second time visiting Yreka for the cave degrees. It was interesting being there when some wildfire smoke was afoot, and as COVID rates were continuing to rise. I arrived halfway through the Odd Ball, changed into my dress, and from there the camaraderie and ritual fun continued. Thanks to …

From Orchardists to Odd Fellows:  A Century of Saratoga Spirit

Between 2018 to 2024, we transformed the Saratoga Odd Fellows Lodge into a vibrant community hub, with a stunning meeting hall, a welcoming social area, and an upstairs deck with French doors that seamlessly blend our indoor and outdoor spaces. We crafted a space that’s both stylish and inviting — creating a lively, enjoyable atmosphere.  …

Report on the Volcano Fraternal Expedition

September 20, 2025 had an exciting start at the Volcano Historic Lodge, IOOF in the Gold Rush town of Volcano, California! Approximately 60 Odd Fellows from across the Western United States including myself, Sister Jane Beckman, Brother Charlie Sweeny, & Brother Mason Wolf from True Fellowship Lodge no. 52, IOOF in San José came together …

An “Odd Ball” To Kick Off the Cave Weekend

I was honored to be asked to lead a community dance at the Cave Degree Weekend in Yreka in early September, and delighted to get as many participants as we did.  The weekend was nicknamed “Odd Con”, and of course the dance was the Odd Ball.  There were about 50 people in and out of the …