We are now one fourth of the way thru the New Year. Things are looking better. We have to stay positive! Last year at this time I was planning on going to Disneyland prior to our Grand Council meeting in Torrance, but things changed on March 16th, the state of California pretty much shut down? Who would have thought we would still be making our way towards the right direction a year later.

On February 13th I was on a “Zoom” meeting with National OSDIA. We were supposed to be meeting in South Carolina, but instead everyone was in thier home. Our National President Nancy has done an excellent job in leading

One month into the New Year, 2021 and we are slowly getting thru this pandemic; at least we are seeing a dim light at the end of the tunnel. Vaccine distribution is on its way, even though slow we are getting close. Keep the positive thoughts there. Just imagine what the people of 1918 were thinking compared to what we have to day. STAY POSITIVE!!

It is nice to hear Lodges are still trying to stay in touch with their members. The drive thru dinners many lodges are doing seem to be successful and even though we do not see that smiling face thru that mask, I am sure it is under there. Many lodges are using Zoom for their get together

First, there was an error on last month’s article, unfortunately my December 2019 article was printed, and that is why you see references to 2020. So I will now post my December 2020 article followed by my January 2021 article. Sorry for the confusion.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your immediate family. This has been a difficult year to say the least, with all the counties in California going in the wrong direction we need to now more than ever, take care of ourselves and listen to our elected officials to beat this pandemic. We may not agree with some of their policies or politics but we have to work together to beat this!!

It was nice to see some lodges able to meet socially distancing themselves. I was excited to see some lodges with their drive thru dinners, even though we are not meeting or gathering it is nice to see some faces even though

First and foremost Andy, please get well, I miss your reminder email that my article is almost late. Take it slow and easy. I know Debbie will do a great job in your absence.

Please keep Andy in our thoughts and prayers as he recuperates!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving with friends and family. Turkey sandwiches for all for the next week. November has flown by, now it is time to hear all the Christmas carols as we walk into the various stores thinking about what to buy for that perfect gift. As I mentioned in my last article,

Okay, what month is this? They keep running together, I am being very optimistic that we will once again, shortly, be able to meet in person. As we enter into the winter months, please everyone stay well and safe. Get you flu shots, and wear that mask. It’s almost second nature for all of us to have that mask when we leave the house, and have extras in the car now. Who would have thought…

We were able to conduct a Grand Council meeting on October 10th virtually. Thank you to all the officers and members who participated. I am still planning on meeting in person for the March Grand Council meeting, fingers and toes crossed.

As lodges begin to elect officers for the new term ahead please review the letter that sent out from our Judiciary Committee. Please send any questions or comments to myself or Al.

Some lodges in various counties have been getting together, practicing social distancing and keeping the quantity of people to a minimum. I have heard some lodges are doing takeout meals for their members and communities. Some are meeting outdoors with everyone bringing their own food & drink. And there are the lodges doing the Zoom meetings / dinners.