Brethren,Ah, April is here and the smell of spring is in the air.  Wait……oh, its only cigar smoke I smell. Speaking of smoke we had a red hot visit from our Worshipful Inspector Brother Merritt E. Read at our March Stated Meeting. He stated how pleased he was with the progress of our Lodge and commended the officers and all those who contributed to the cause over the past several months. Hats off to all the Brethren of Solomon’s Staircase Lodge. March was a busy month. Our Masonic Information Night on the 19th was a success and drew many young men interested in learning more about the craft. The Grand Masters reception was also well supported by the Brethren of 357 with over 24 brothers in attendance. As those of you who have been attending Lodge regularly already know, 357 and 207 will be going head-to-head in the annual ritual competition. Brothers Bert Spencer and Aaron Reddoch are ready and waiting to take on the team from Anaheim 207 for District bragging rights. The competition is scheduled for April 30th. Also, as we look forward to April, 357 will again act as host for the annual Inspectors Workshop. We still need volunteers to help with the hospitality on Friday and Saturday April 17th and 18th. Please contact me if you can help. Public Schools Night will be April 23rd so keep this date open as it fulfills one of the few Grand Lodge requirements for our Masonic year. Let’s get out there and show our support for the kids of Buena Park. FLASH – SOLOMON’S STAIRCASE IS GOING GREEN. At the suggestion of Anna Hayes and Pam Reddoch we shall be adopting a new mantra of “Keep 357 GROWING GREEN”. This will include a recycling program and tried and true methods relating to saving our Lodge money while keeping it, the community and planet free form unwanted waste. Way to go girls. Another new event scheduled by the ladies of 357 is Stated Meeting CARD NIGHT! That’s right; Texas Hold’em, Blackjack, Caribbean Poker……..well, maybe more like spades, gin-rummy or hearts. So Brethren, make sure you help your lady to brush up on her wagering skills and get her down to the April stated meeting for Ladies Card Night. See you then! Fraternally,Chuck HayesMaster