Author: Julie Machado

Happy December, all you “odd” people! Check out our 2 NEW Holiday events, below. 

East Bay Symphonic Band’s Open Rehearsal

The East Bay Symphonic Band, which practices weekly at the lodge, invites you to their Open Rehearsal on Monday Dec. 5 at 7:30 pm, in the lodge hall. There will be a holiday flare! Masks and proof of negative test or vaccination is required. See image below or flyer attached.

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December Holiday Outing: Thurs. Dec. 8 at 6:30 pm

This month, after getting into the holiday spirit with music at the EBSB’s Open Rehearsal, we will then take a field trip to get more holiday spirit by seeing the lights on the local Meek Mansion! Hayward Area Historical Society (HAHS) and Hayward Area Recreation District (HARD) are hosting this event on Thurs. Dec. 8 from 5:30-7:30 pm at the Meek Estate Park: 240 Hampton Rd, Hayward, CA 94541. Odd Fellows will meet on the front steps at 6:30 pm. HARD is planning fun activities, hot chocolate, and a self-guided tour through the Victorian-style Meek Mansion decorated festively for the holidays. There is no charge, but a suggested $5 donation at the door is appreciated. See image below or flyer attached.

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Peace & Pizza Fri. Dec. 9 at 7 pm

Peace & Pizza meets monthly on Zoom, always on the second Friday of the moth. They usually feature a discussion, guest speaker or documentary, organized by Sycamore Member Stephania Widger at oceankayak@aol.com

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Social & Business Meeting Mon. Dec. 12 at 6:30/7:30

Our monthly Lodge Social and Business meetingis always on the second Monday of the month – the Social starts at 6:30 and the meeting at 7:30. Alas, we are still doing it via Zoom, although we know that many people are getting tired of the remote stuff. Come visit and say hi for a bit, or stay and find out what is going on at the business meeting. The Zoom link, agenda etc. will be sent out closer to Monday. Let me or Noble Grand Gary Howe or Secretary Laura Brady know if you have an item that you wish the lodge to discuss. I will send out the agenda and all the additional items to members via a separate email on Monday.

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2023 Events being planned

The lodge Special Outing Committee is hoping to have one Special Outing a month in 2023. Here are some of the possible events:

• Tour of the Historic Linekin Building
• Visit to local wine shops 
• Visit to local Art Galleries – Sun Gallery, John O’Lague Galleria
• Visit to Sulphur Creek Nature (if open)    
• Lodge Open House – if there is enough interest, see below
• No-host outdoor lunch at the Castro Valley Marketplace
• Visit to Carlos Bee Park (or other park)
• Hayward Area Historical Society visit
• Visit to the Hayward Shoreline Interpretive Center (if open)
• Visit to the Ghirardelli Outlet and get no-host ice cream
• Japanese Garden visit

If you have a special interest in any of these, or have ideas of outings you would like to participate in, or if you would like to help plan these events, please let the Committee Chair Julie Machado know by replying to this newsletter or emailing her at juliemac@pacbell.net 

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2023 Lodge Open House?

Is there interest in having a lodge Open House in 2023?  It could be a simple or more complicated event, but either way it would require the participation of a number of people to plan and attend the event as lodge members/hosts. If you are willing to help with this, please reply to this newsletter or contact Julie at juliemac@pacbell.net  If there is enough interest, we will schedule one.

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2023 Clean Up Day?

Is there interest in having a lodge clean up day? Much of the lodge has not been used for the last 2 years, and there is some dusting and spiffing up to do. If you are willing to help with this, please reply to this newsletter or contact Julie at juliemac@pacbell.net . If there is enough interest, we will schedule one.

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Report on recent 2022 Lodge Events

Sycamore’s resident big band 3 O’Clock Jump has wrapped up their season playing at the nearby Turf Club outdoor Tikki lounge. They hope to return on Saturday afternoons in the Spring.

We had a nice turnout of about a dozen people on Sunday. Oct. 30 to explore the Sycamore cemetery plots in South Hayward. While we were there, we shared a toast to Sycamore’s 156th Anniversary.

We also had about ten people join the Friday Nov. 11 tour of the Hayward Veterans Memorial Building. We worked with Alfredo Rodriguez to open their building to public tours for Veteran’s Day.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 2022 Activities Calendar

Here’s the Events & Activities calendar for the rest of the year on our website here . We are working on the 2023 calendar. 

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Looking for Volunteers to support your Lodge

We are still looking for a few volunteers. We have a few spots where we could use some help in running the lodge, if you are interested in stepping up with a few hours a month. 

We have an elected Trustee position that is opening up: the five Trustees meet usually once a month for an hour and are mainly in charge of deciding on and recommending to the lodge on issues regarding our beautiful lodge building. This would be a 2-3 year position.

Also, we will need people to fill appointed positions such as Inside Guardian, Outside Guardian, Warden, Chaplain, Right Supporter, and Left Supporter, which sometimes involve reading lines at the monthly lodge meeting (and sitting in the big chairs, when we meet in person!); these are yearly positions. 

Also, we re-elect our Noble Grand, Vice Grand, Secretary and Treasurer every year. 

If you are interested or willing to do any of these positions, or want to know more, please contact me (Julie – reply to this newsletter) or our Noble Grand Gary Howe at c)510-427-5596

We will be doing installations for all the positions in January 2023.

As always, Friendship, Love & Truth,

Julie Machado

Sycamore #129

Communications Committee, Chair

Happy October, all you “odd” people! Join us! Check out our activities, below: 3 for October – 1 Zoom and 2 in-person!

I am happy to report that the lodge’s Special Outing Committee has been at work and has 3 NEW Special Outings planned for the rest of this year! We are also aiming for one Special Outing per month for next year! Check them out toward the end of this newsletter and on the calendar.

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Peace & Pizza Fri. Oct. 14 at 7 pm

Peace & Pizza meets monthly on Zoom, always on the second Friday of the moth. They usually feature a discussion, guest speaker or documentary, organized by Sycamore Member Stephania Widger oceankayak@aol.com
As elections are coming up,   we have a person known by many  who is running for Hayward City Council… 

Dr Sherman Lewis..Dr Lewis has many grand plans to make life in Hayward with a  look to the future and healthier.   He will be our guest speaker for this P&P meeting. 

Come listen to the possible future of Hayward.And make sure you Vote!!!

We will be meeting from 7 pm to 8 pm. This will be a shorter meeting due to conflicts. The next meeting will be back to normal length. Please come with questions for Sherman, re his run for city Council.

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Sat. Oct. 15: 30J at the Turf Club

Sycamore’s resident big band 3 O’Clock Jump will play at the nearby Turf Club outdoor Tikki lounge from 1-4 pm (weather permitting). The location is 22519 Main St, Hayward, CA 94541 – right across the parking lot from the lodge building. There is no cover charge, and you can purchase a variety of delicious beverages. This is a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon, folks. Questions? Contact Sycamore member Gus Wedemeyer at guswedemeyer@gmail.com 

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Sunday Oct. 30: Special Outing – Historic Hayward I.O.O.F. Cemetery Visit & 156th Anniversary Toast!

On Sunday Oct. 30 at 2 pm, in the spirit of Halloween and Day of the Dead, everyone is invited to come out and visit our historic Hayward I.O.O.F. Cemetery! And since it is also Sycamore Lodge #129’s 156th Anniversary, we will be providing sparkling cider for everyone to have a toast to Hayward Odd Fellows!

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Fri. Nov. 11 (Holiday) at 11am: Special Outing – Visit the Historic Hayward Veterans Memorial Building for Veterans Day!

We have a rare opportunity to visit and tour the Hayward Veterans Memorial Hall for Veterans Day! Stay tuned for more info.

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Social & Business Meeting Mon. Nov. 14 at 6:30/7:30

Our monthly Lodge Social and Business meeting is always on the second Monday of the month – the Social starts at 6:30 and the meeting at 7:30. Alas, we are still doing it via Zoom, although we know that many people are getting tired of the remote stuff. Come visit and say hi for a bit, or stay and find out what is going on at the business meeting. The Zoom link, agenda etc. will be sent out closer to Monday. Let me or Noble Grand Gary Howe or Secretary Laura Brady know if you have an item that you wish the lodge to discuss. I will send out the agenda and all the additional items to members via a separate email on Monday.

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Activities Calendar

Here’s the Events & Activities calendar for the rest of the year. It can also be found on our website here

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Looking for Volunteers to support your Lodge

Since it is October, we are already looking toward next year. We have a few spots where we could use some help in running the lodge, if you are interested in stepping up with a few hours a month. We have an elected Trustee position that is opening up: the five Trustees meet usually once a month for an hour and are mainly in charge of deciding on and recommending to the lodge on issues regarding our beautiful lodge building. Also, we will need people to fill appointed positions such as Inside Guardian, Outside Guardian, Warden, Chaplain, Right Supporter, and Left Supporter, which sometimes involve reading lines at the monthly lodge meeting (and sitting in the big chairs, when we meet in person!); these are yearly positions. Also, we re-elect our Noble Grand, Vice Grand, Secretary and Treasurer every year. If you are interested or willing to do any of these positions, or want to know more, please contact me (Julie – reply to this newsletter) or our Noble Grand Gary Howe at c)510-427-5596

As always, Friendship, Love & Truth,

Julie Machado

Sycamore #129

Communications Committee, Chair

Happy September, all you “odd” people! Join us! Check out our activities, below.

Peace & Pizza Fri. Sept. 9 at 7 pm

Tonight! Peace & Pizza meets monthly on Zoom, always on the second Friday of the moth. They usually feature a discussion, guest speaker or documentary, organized by Sycamore Member Stephania Widger oceankayak@aol.com

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This weekend! Summer Concert Series: Sunday Sept. 11

Our fifth of seven concerts starts at 1 pm this Sunday and features rock and jazzy music by the La Honda All Stars – alumni of the Hayward La Honda Music camp, which has been around over 30 years. http://www.lahondamusiccamp.com  . This is a lovely way to spend Sunday afternoons! We invite all Sycamore members to come and hang out at the Odd Fellows tent, or bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on the lawn.The location is the outdoor amphitheater behind the Hayward Plunge, at Memorial Park, 24176 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544. See Series flyer on our website here or go to the Summer Concert Series Facebook page here or this event on Facebook here

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Social & Business Meeting Mon. Sept. 12 at 6:30/7:30

Our monthly Lodge Social and Business meeting is always on the second Monday of the moth – the Social starts at 6:30 and the meeting at 7:30. Alas, we are still doing it via Zoom, although we know that many people are getting tired of the remote stuff. Come visit and say hi for a bit, or stay and find out what is going on at the business meeting. The Zoom link, agenda etc. will be sent out closer to Monday. Let me or Noble Grand Gary Howe or Secretary Laura Brady know if you have an item that you wish the lodge to discuss.

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Sat. Sept. 17: 30J at the Turf Club

Sycamore’s resident big band 3 O’Clock Jump will play at the nearby Turf Club outdoor Tikki lounge from 1-4 pm (weather permitting). The location is 22519 Main St, Hayward, CA 94541 – right across the parking lot from the lodge building. There is no cover charge, and you can purchase a variety of delicious beverages. This is a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon, folks. Questions? Contact Sycamore member Gus Wedemeyer at guswedemeyer@gmail.com 

Odd Fellows Cabins & Camping at the Russian River (near Guerneville)

As some of you may or may not know, Sycamore members Marion Borst & Jon Dickinson  purchased a cabin up at the Russian River in the OFRC community and joined the Odd Fellows.  It is a small community in a redwood forest with great river access. They say, “Our cabin needs a bit of work which we have planned on the weekends and it is pretty small right now so pretty much have it filled up for the summer, but the area has great campgrounds & small cabins that they rent out.  They have RV and trailer sites with hook ups as well. It is pretty much glamping: there is a building with showers, power & lights at each campsite, there is a cafe, and bar run on the evenings Friday and Saturday that serves lunch or dinner.  There are two beaches, one for dogs and one without.  There are ping pong tables, shuffle board, kids playground, bocci ball, and other activities provided.  

“Campsites/RV Sites are 3 night minimum for the rest of the Season.  Cabins are 6 night minimum unless 30 days prior to check in. To see what sites are available click the link below, and select your designated dates. So far it is super underpopulated.  Last weekend pretty much none of the sites were taken so I don’t think you have worry about crowds except the July 4th weekend. 

“Of course you are welcome to camp there when we are not there as well:)  I thought it might be a nice weekend away for some of us since its all outside you don’t have to worry.

“Let me know if you are interested, unfortunately the grounds are only available through OFRC members so we have to ok you dates with the office.”

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Activities Calendar

Here’s the Events & Activities calendar for the year. It can also be found on our website here

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Looking for Volunteers to support your Lodge

Since it is September, we are already looking toward next year. We have a few spots where we could use some help in running the lodge, if you are interested in stepping up with a few hours a month. We have an elected Trustee position that is opening up: the five Trustees meet usually once a month for an hour (via Zoom) and are mainly in charge of deciding on and recommending to the lodge on issues regarding our beautiful lodge building. Also, we will need people to fill appointed positions such as Inside Guardian, Outside Guardian, Warden, Chaplain, Right Supporter, and Left Supporter, which sometimes involve reading lines at the monthly lodge meeting (and sitting in the big chairs, when we meet in person!); these are yearly positions. Also, we re-elect our Noble Grand, Vice Grand, Secretary and Treasurer every year. If you are interested or willing to do any of these positions, or want to know more, please contact me (Julie – reply to this newsletter) or our Noble Grand Gary Howe at c)510-427-5596

As always, Friendship, Love & Truth,

Julie Machado

Sycamore #129

Communications Committee, Chair

Hi, folks Here’s some fun activities coming up! Hope to see you there!

Sat. July 16: 3OJ at the Turf Club

Sycamore’s resident big band 3 O’Clock Jump will play at the nearby Turf Club outdoor Tikki lounge from 1-4 pm (weather permitting). The location is 22519 Main St, Hayward, CA 94541 – right across the parking lot from the Sycamore lodge building. There is no cover charge, and you can purchase a variety of delicious beverages. This is a lovely way to spend a Saturday afternoon, folks. Questions? Contact Sycamore member Gus Wedemeyer at guswedemeyer@gmail.com 

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Chamber Music requests volunteers

Sycamore’s Annual Youth Chamber Music summer 2-week program will have their first rehearsal at the lodge on Mon.7/25 at 7PM. It’s MWF each week, with a concert at 4PM on Saturday August 6. They have 20 students in five groups: One quintet, 2 String Quartets, one Violin Quartet, and one Violin/Viola trio. 

They are asking for volunteers to help in the following ways:

Sun. 7/24 someone to help me get chairs and stands set up at the proper distance, in the proper rooms at the lodge
Mon. 7/25, first rehearsal: We need volunteers for intake, involving checking vax cards and checking people in. Also, parking is likely to be tight, so 2-3 people outside to direct traffic and guide people to the lodge building
Sat. 8/6 Concert 4PM: Once again, some help with intake since the audience will be new. Check vax cards, testing, etc.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Sycamore Member Ted Seitz 

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Odd Fellows Cabins & Camping at the Russian River (near Guerneville)

As some of you may or may not know, Sycamore members Marion Borst & Jon Dickinson  purchased a cabin up at the Russian River in the OFRC community and joined the Odd Fellows.  It is a small community in a redwood forest with great river access. They say, “Our cabin needs a bit of work which we have planned on the weekends and it is pretty small right now so pretty much have it filled up for the summer, but the area has great campgrounds & small cabins that they rent out.  They have RV and trailer sites with hook ups as well. It is pretty much glamping: there is a building with showers, power & lights at each campsite, there is a cafe, and bar run on the evenings Friday and Saturday that serves lunch or dinner.  There are two beaches, one for dogs and one without.  There are ping pong tables, shuffle board, kids playground, bocci ball, and other activities provided.  

“Campsites/RV Sites are 3 night minimum for the rest of the Season.  Cabins are 6 night minimum unless 30 days prior to check in. To see what sites are available click the link below, and select your designated dates. So far it is super underpopulated.  Last weekend pretty much none of the sites were taken so I don’t think you have worry about crowds except the July 4th weekend.  

“Of course you are welcome to camp there when we are not there as well:)  I thought it might be a nice weekend away for some of us since its all outside you don’t have to worry.

“Let me know if you are interested, unfortunately the grounds are only available through OFRC members so we have to ok you dates with the office.”

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Summer Concert Series – Sundays beginning Aug. 7 

Our 12th Annual Summer Concert Series starts August 7. This is a lovely way to spend Sunday afternoons, outdoors in a park, listening to music! I am awaiting the new flyer, but in the meantime, put these dates on your calendar.

The location is the amphitheater behind the Hayward Plunge, at Memorial Park, 24176 Mission Blvd, Hayward, CA 94544

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Social & Business Meeting Mon. Aug. 8 at 6:30/7:30

Finally, our monthly Lodge Social and Business meeting are coming up on Monday July 11 – the Social starts at 6:30 and the meeting at 7:30. Alas, we are still doing it via Zoom, although we know that many people are getting tired of the remote stuff. Come visit and say hi for a bit, or stay and find out what is going on at the business meeting. The Zoom link, agenda etc. will be sent out closer to Monday. Let me or Sycamore Secretary Laura Brady know if you have an item that you wish the lodge to discuss.

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Peace & Pizza Fri. Aug. 12 at 7 pm

Peace & Pizza meets on the 2^nd Friday of the month via Zoom and often features a movie or speaker. Their fabulous pot-lucks have been on hold since Covid, but hope to return in person as soon as it is safe. In the meantime, we are meeting on Zoom. If you are interested contact Sycamore member Stephania Widger at oceankayak@aol.com

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Hayward Lit Hop VideoSycamore Lodge participated in Hayward’s very successful 1st Annual Lit Hop in April 2022. Here’s a YouTube video posted by 

Sycamore Member Carl Gorringe so you can enjoy the fun!

Hayward Lit Hop (April 30, 2022)

Check out this fun video of the very successful Hayward Lit Hop, in which Sycamore Lodge participated!

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2022 Lodge Activities

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2022 Lodge Officers

The 2022 lodge officers this year are: Noble Grand Gary Howe, Vice Grand Ted Seitz, Treasurer Jon Dickinson, Secretary Laura Brady. Thank you to everyone who stepped up! Let’s hear a round of applause for the new officers! We appreciate the hard work that they do to keep us focused and moving forward.

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2022 Lodge Committees

The lodge functions through a number of committees. If you are interested in being on a committee, let us know. Here’s an overview of some of the committees:

Trustees – elected, makes recommendations regarding the lodge, especially the lodge building
Finance Committee aka FinCom – makes recommendations regarding paying bills, lodge budget
Communications Committee aka ComCom – manages lodge communications such as newsletter, the lodge website and the lodge Facebook page
Summer Concert Series Committee – puts together the Summer Concert Series
Frank would like to get the Recording Studio Committee going soon, too
Youth Chamber Music Committee
Special Events Committee
lots of others!

As always, Friendship, Love & Truth,

Julie Machado

Sycamore #129

Communications Committee, Chair