Welcome to Burbank Masonic Lodge No. 406

Trestleboard Messages for November 2002 From the East  Brethren:       "Freemasonry is not about charity. Freemasonry is about awakening the charitable instinct within us." John Day (2002 California Masonic Symposium)       A visit to Midnight Mission offered us an opportunity to practice our charity and learn more about the community around us. On that day Masons were represented by the members of both Burbank and Magnolia Park Lodges.       As we got closer to Midnight Mission, we were overwhelmed with the makeshift housing stretching along the parking lot fences and the structure walls. Long lines of people were waiting at food distribution centers. Elders, women and children dressed in rags were looking for shelter to hide from the elements of the weather.       We parked our car and walked toward the Mission. We had to pass through waves of homeless people either sleeping on the cold asphalt, leaning against the fence or pacing back and forth near the walls. The look of desperation was intermixed with hope and anticipation of getting a good meal or a place to spend the night.       We made our way through the front doors to meet our host, Stephen Clark. After brief introductions and historical video about the Mission, we were taken to the kitchen to serve the Sunday dinner. During the 1.5 hours in the kitchen, we served over 600 people.       The day ended with the tour of the facilities and explanation of the services the Mission provides. From the storage used for donated goods, to the laundry facilities, to makeshift beds in the parking lot, Midnight Mission can accommodate hundreds of people every night.       The core philosophy at the Mission is built around trust and respect. The food, services, cloths and supplies are available to anyone who needs them. Over 80% of the employees are former Mission residents. They care for themselves, their guests and the place that gave them the opportunity.       At Midnight Mission the charity transforms into trust and respect, the basic necessary ingredients for the rebirth of human dignity. Fraternally, Edward  From the West Brethren!       We were busy in October with the Child ID program once again. Burbank 406 participated in two events, the Red Ribbon Day Festival and Burbank Four Square Church Harvest Festival. Thanks to the Burbank Police Department for thinking of us and keeping us involved in their events.       It recently occurred to me how important Masonry has become to me, and what an important role it plays in my life. It is through Masonry that I have developed the strongest friendships that I have ever had. I have had the opportunity to build strong ties between the Brethren that stretch from young to old. Masonry has allowed me the opportunity to establish true friendships with those who might otherwise have remained at a perpetual distance.       Masonry has taught me important lessons in regards to charity, kindness, and respect towards man. I have strived to become a better father, husband, and son. Through the lessons of Masonry I have learned to be a more patient person as well as a better listener. In a time when a person's word might be questionable, I know that the word of a brother is without question. Thank you all for being a part of my life and allowing me to be a part of yours! Fraternally, Greg  From the South Brethren:       I wanted to thank all the Brethren of Burbank Lodge 406 for sending me to Grand Lodge this year. This annual event is one that I am looking forward to attending in the years that follow me in Masonry.       Worshipful Master Edward Avetisian, Senior Warden Greg Bragg, Senior Deacon Tim Halm, Past Master Ron Cooper, and myself were the attendees from Burbank 406 and we had a great time. The resolutions this year brought some interesting conversation at the various meals we shared. I do hope every Mason in the state of California is proud of the representatives from their lodges, but especially from Burbank.       The month of November brings some events to the Lodge. On November 14th we will either have a Second or Third Degree. Which one will be decided in the next week or two. The same goes for the 21st of November, either a Second or a Third Degree. For all of you who have not made it to Lodge this year, I ask that you attend and show your support. The year is coming to a close for our Master and I know he would appreciate your attendance in lodge. One of the main issues talked about at Grand Lodge was the attendance of current members. There is no other time like the present, so make the most of it.       Please contact the Lodge for times and degree schedules.       As always. Stated Meeting is on the first Thursday of the month, November 7th. Fraternally, Jason  From the Secretary's Desk Brethren,       Today we mourn the passing of an old friend, Common Sense. Common Sense lived a long life, but died in the United States from heart failure on the brink of the new millennium. No one knows how old he was since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He selflessly devoted his life to service in schools, hospitals, homes and factories helping folks get jobs done without fanfare and foolishness. For decades, petty rules, silly laws and frivolous lawsuits held no power over Common Sense.       He was credited with cultivating such valued lessons as to know when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm and that life isn't always fair. Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don't spend more than you earn), reliable parenting strategies (the adults are in charge, not the kids) and it's OK to come in second. A veteran of the Industrial Revolution, the Great Depression and the Technology revolution. Common Sense survived cultural and educational trends including body piercing, whole language and new math. But his health declined when he became infected with the "if-it-only-helps-one-person-it's-worth-it" virus.       In recent decades his waning strength proved no match for the ravages of well intended but overbearing regulations. He watched in pain as good people became ruled by self-seeking individuals. His health rapidly deteriorated when schools endlessly implemented zero-tolerance policies. The reports of a six-year old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, a teen suspended for taking a swig of mouthwash after lunch and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened the conditions. It declined further when schools had to get parental consent to administer aspirin to a student but were ot allowed to inform the parent when a female student was pregnant or wanted an abortion.       Finally, Common Sense lost his will to live as the Ten Commandments became contraband, churches became businesses, criminals received better treatment than victims and Federal judges stuck their noses in everything from Boy Scouts to professional sports. Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust; his wife, Discretion; his daughter, Responsibility; and his son Reason. He is survived by his two stepbrothers; My Rights and Ima Whiner. Not many came to his funeral because so few realized he was gone.                   Author Unkown. Fraternally, Norm Furman, Secretary E:mail Secretary: burbanklodge406@att.net       WEB PAGES:       www.calodges.org/no406 - This web-site       www.freemason.org - Grand Lodge of California       www.masonichome.org - California Masonic Homes  For the Ladies, from the First Lady of 406 From Elizabeth Avetisian:       November marks the beginning of wonderful holiday season that we all cherish. We get into the spirit of decorating and are inspired by all the wonderful holiday decorations we see around us. Appropriately, we have planned a craft event in November dedicated to the fall season. We can all use few more craft ideas and share in the joy of season together. Judy Barnes once again has organized few craft projects for us. Please join us on Thursday, November 7th at 8:00pm for fall crafts that you can use to decorate your home. We will be doing some painting, so feel free to wear casual clothes.       Thanks to all the Ladies who were present at the cake decorating evening in October. I know you all enjoyed the demonstrations and our late evening tea with cake samplings. I hope the cake decorating techniques and tips will prove useful. Don't forget to invite us next time you are baking and decorating your most delicious cake! Sincerely, Elizabeth  A note from the Honored Queen of Job's Daughter's Bethel 97       I would like to start off by saying thank you to everyone who attended our Grand Bethel Girl Reception. It went very well thanks to all of the love and support that our Bethel received. Our first meeting is on Friday, November 1st and the next day, Saturday November 2nd is Bowling with Dad's at Pickwick Bowling Center. We would love it if all of the Secret Dads or any other interested Masons would come with us. We are going to meet at Pickwick at 12:00 PM and bowl until 2:00 PM It costs $3.75 per game and $2.50 for shoes. We hope to see you all there!!! Our second meeting is on a different day than usual. It is on Sunday, November 17th, so please make a note of this change. Saturday the 23rd we are having a Pancake Breakfast from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and tickets are $5.00. We hope that everyone can attend and help support our Bethel. On the 24th of November we are gong on our educational fund trip for the term to the Museum of Tolerance. Thanks again for all the support that our Masonic Family shows to our Bethel! Love, Tammy Roseli Honored Queen, Bethel #97, Burbank

NOVEMBER 2002 CALENDAR

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Friday, November 1st	Bethel 97 Meeting	7:30 PM
Saturday, November 2nd	Bethel 208 Meeting	8:30 AM
Tuesday, November 5th	Officer’s Practice	7:30 PM
Thursday, November 7th	Stated Meeting Flag reception and Election of Officers (Coat and tie)	8:00 PM
Tuesday, November 12th	DeMolay Meeting	7:00 PM
Wednesday, November 13th	Officer’s School Questions and Answers for Officers Qualification Wisdom Lodge No. 202 Host	7:30 PM
Thursday, November 14th	Third Degree	7:30 PM
Friday, November 15th	Bethel 208 Meeting	7:30 PM
Sunday, November 17th	NOTE DIFFERENT DAY Bethel 97 Meeting	8:30 AM
Sunday, November 17th	Service Bureau Meeting at Pasadena Scottish Rite Annual Midnight Mission Clothing Drive	10:00 AM
Tuesday, November 19th	Thanksgiving Dinner
Saturday, November 17th	Bethel 97 Pancake Breakfast	8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Tuesday, November 26th	DeMolay Meeting	7:00 PM
Thursday, November 21st	Third Degree	7:30 PM
Thursday, December 19th	Christmas Dinner

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FREEMASONRY
THE FOUNDATION FOR THE THIRD MILLENNIUM

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