“Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don’t resist them; that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like.”

― Lao Tzu

Brethren,

Fraternal greetings from the West, my brothers. September gave us the Autumnal Equinox and the change of seasons. As the seasons changed, so did the leadership in our Valley. I would like to personally thank Ill. Richard Wood for his dedicated service to our Valley as the Personal Repre-sentative to the SGIG. I would also like to thank Ill. Robert McNamara for his service to our Valley as General Secretary and Hon. David Price as Asst. to the Personal Representative. Ill. Rick, Ill. Bob, and Hon. Dave have been mentors to me in my Masonic journey and I owe them each a debt of gratitude that I will never be able to repay. I wish them luck and happiness in their next adventure.

The Equinox symbolizes balance. The days and nights are in equilibrium. As masons, we yearn for this same equilibrium. We see that theme so many times in our degrees. As we have lost three leaders, so must we gain three more. Hon. Frankie Rosario is our new Personal Rep. Bro. Jamie Hopkins, our new General Secretary and Ill. David Kussman our new Assistant to the Personal Rep. I am truly excited to see the new ideas and perspectives these clever and capable brothers will bring to our Valley. I am confident that they will continue to build on the solid foundation laid by the previous leaders of our Valley.

I am in the process of working out the plans for the next Masonic year as you read this. My focus will be on clear communication and a focus on returning to fundamentals. I am looking forward to sharing these plans as the new year gets closer. Until then, my brothers, get involved. You won’t regret it!

Fraternally,

Mike Gowder, 32°, KCCH
Senior Warden
Orange County Lodge of Perfection