We are now a quarter of the way through the calendar year and the Lodge’s degree activity is going into full swing.  Along with the three initiations in March, we have two candidates getting ready to be initiated and two other applications that have been received by the Lodge.  It is certainly turning out to be an exciting year bringing in all these new men, some of which will become the Lodge leaders of the future.  Their enthusiasm is very motivating and is inspiring the Officers to do an outstanding job exemplifying the degrees.     

            It appears I will be back traveling to Australia at the end of April.  I very much look forward to representing our Lodge as the Master and extending our fraternal greetings to any Lodge I am fortunate to visit.  In the past I have always reported back that my experiences while traveling in Australia are truly amazing – with the principles of Freemasonry so apparent in how I am greeted with open arms once the Brethren know I am in fact a Mason.  During these travels I will be in both Sydney and Adelaide (South Australia) and hope to have frequent opportunities to share in fellowship in Lodges and look forward to bringing back many stories of the travels. 

            You will see many pictures in this edition of the Beehive from the Sweethearts Brunch.  You will see many familiar faces at what was a very enjoyable event.  Our next major social event will be the annual Spring Fling which is being planned by our Senior Warden, Brother Nathaniel Stiles.  He is currently working hard on the final arrangements for this event which provides an outstanding opportunity for members, both our long time members and our new members to meet in a casual setting for a weekend of fun activities and sharing of “war stories”.  This is a family event that is open to all members and I hope this year will be looked at as an outstanding event.  As with last year, it will be held in the Camarillo area and more details will be out soon on the event.

            Finally, April will see our Public Schools program as part of our Stated Meeting evening.  On the 9^th of March I took the opportunity to visit the Crescenta Valley Science and Medicine Academy to see the program in action.  It was a truly outstanding experience seeing these motivated, intelligent, and articulate students participating in both their academic and vocational coursework.  They are very proud of their program and I encourage as many people as possible to attend our April program to hear about their program first hand.