It is an honor to serve this district as a DDGM (District Deputy Grand Master) this year. We have a lot to look forward to.
For those who are newer to the terminology, District 107 includes Bayview Lodge #109, Mountain View Lodge #244, Saratoga Lodge # 428, Volcano Lodge #25, Cupertino Lodge # 70, and True Fellowship Lodge #52.
A DDGM serves as an agent of the Grand Master so that the Grand Master is present throughout the whole state of California. The most visible part of the job to most members is the official visit a deputy conducts to their lodge. I will be visiting each lodge of our district twice each during the one year term.
These official visits will occur during a regular business meeting of your lodge. Prior to the meeting, I will communicate with the Noble Grand and/or secretaries to coordinate. During the visits I will be checking in with your elected officers and available to review questions regarding traditions and code. During the last part of the meeting, I will share a message relating to the good of the order that focuses on news from the Grand Master, promotes his charity projects, and other district-wide resources, projects, Encampment and PM information, or events.
Another visible part of the DDGM’s role is also to lead installation ceremonies to swear in the officers you elect for your lodge and the officers that your incoming Noble Grands and Vice Grands appoint. These ceremonies are usually in January.
This year, our Grand Master’s chosen charity projects are: The Three Links Camp (specifically Amphitheatre Sound System), IOOF/Rebekah’s Rose Float, Rebekah’s Children’s Services (Specifically Air Conditioner for the Gym), and the Andrew Lamphere Foundation. In addition to the support your lodge chooses to donate to them, you can also support them with a purchase of a pin and coin. ($5 and $15 respectively)
— By Debbie Wolf, District 107 DDGM