New Odd Fellows Discover the Cave Degree

For this issue, we invited two new members who participated in the cave degree this year to share their experiences. What do our Odd Fellowship traditions look like for someone experiencing them for the first time? Here to answer that are Prado Sudheer of Bay View 109 and Sunday Donaldson of Mountain View 244. Prado: …

Grand Master Rita Cooper’s Official Visit to True Fellowship 52

It’s the 16th of September and everything is getting ready.  Tomorrow the Grand Master is coming. A delicious dinner of Tri Tip is being prepared, cooked by Ben Shuler and assisting hands. Debbie Shuler is in charge of the dining room with help.  Decorations of Sunflowers and cats to please Rita, you know. Can’t wait …

September Initiatory Degree at Cupertino 70

September 29, 2025 Seven candidates received the Initiatory degree on September 29 at Cupertino Lodge #70. Joey Bennet and Sheryl Stanger travelled from Livermore, accompanied by their noble grand Jason Edgar and Carol Wahrer. From Fremont’s lodge, Mission Peak 114, candidate Alberto Garcia received his degree while Pat McLean and Sharon Vargas supported Alberto from …

The Supreme AMOS Sanctorum in San Antonio Texas

(August 7-10, 2025) Much of what goes on in AMOS meetings is light hearted, and often downright silly. However, some seriousness arises as the few reports, nominations, and voting just happen to occur. The Supreme Sanctorum of the Ancient Mystic Order of Samaritans took place at the historic Menger Hotel (haunted) which is surrounded by …

Mountain View National Honey Bee Day

Mountain View Lodge #244 is very fortunate to be located on the main street of downtown Mountain View, Castro Street, where we put together different windows displays each month. Our August display honors the National Honey Bee Day which occurs on the third weekend in August.   This display is a nod to our siblings, the …

Report of GMC Week at SGL

On Friday, August 15th Debra LaVergne and myself (Debbie Shuler) departed from San Francisco Airport to Chicago O’Hare Airport where we met up with fellow traveler Mel Astrahan.  We all then proceeded to the Airport of Charleston West Virginia after a 5 hour layover.  Luckily Debra and I had United Club passes available. Upon arriving …

August Jane Austen Ball at True Fellowship 52

On August 9, the lodge was filled with color and motion for the Jane Austen dance, co-produced by True Fellowship #52 and the Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS). I, Alan Winston, am a Lodge member and a founder of BAERS, so am the crossover point for the two organizations.    BAERS handled the band, caller …

Sovereign Grand Lodge Sessions

This year I once again had the honor and privilege of representing California at the Sovereign Grand Lodge (SGL) Sessions held in Charleston, WV. Like usual there was much work to be done, but also great opportunities for seeing old friends and making new ones from all around North America and beyond. This convention had …

A New Season of Fellowship: Introducing True Fellowship 52’s Noble Grand

Greetings, Brothers and Sisters of the District. It is with a deep sense of honor and excitement that I introduce myself to you as the new Noble Grand of True Fellowship 52 Lodge. My name is Zandria Elbért, and I step into this role following the departure of our beloved brother, Andrew Crockett, who has …

Visits to Cupertino

August 11th was a memorable day at Cupertino 70.  First, it was the official visit from District Deputy Grand Master Ron Myres.  He was joined by Izzy Mahon, District Deputy Grand Marshal. The lodge welcomed them fondly. In their honor, there was a small reception after the meeting. In addition to the DDGM’s official visit, …