Visions for Hayward Odd Fellows

The vision of the Sycamore Lodge is that through friendship, love and truth we will create, promote, support, and nurture fine art in Northern California. We will provide venues for the visual and performing arts that will also serve as charitable events for artists in need. We will be a resource to the community to aid in their compassionate and humanitarian efforts. We will be odd fellows.  –Ken Elliott

I would love to see it become a hub of cultural and social outreach venues for Hayward.  A place where the people who care about things (that improve/inspire mankind)  can find like minded people and put together shows/programs and promote them to the general public; hopefully inspiring others to become people who care and get involved.  --Mimi Bauer

I would like to see the core values of the IOOF actualized with the music and art being a vehicle for fund raising and a way to meld the members into a cohesive group.  As for what the activities to support the core values would be I would hope that the various committees would decide that.  Maybe we could have speakers from other lodges expand on what that means and what they are doing.   --Shannon Pederson

My vision of Odd Fellows work would be projects free of politics! I believe the environs could take like minded people to focus on a worthy community need and provide the leadership and work needed to get a jump start on a project and see it to fruition. It could become the fabric of the community. Also a group of people who don't want to forget to have fun!  I think we have an opportunity to make a difference in this venue.  

--Denise Martellacci

I could imagine this group coming together for the common purpose of sharing talents, interests and company with each other. Musicians, artists, dancers and members interested in community culture would be able to use the space in an equitable and responsible manner.  Social events such as dinners and parties would bring together local residents thus fostering a sense of community and friendship with common interests. Long range goals might include charitable programs to assist the needs of our community. The building is beautiful and could be restored to its original glory celebrating our culturally rich and diverse city of Hayward.  --Cathy O’Connor

Sycamore Lodge will provide a place for artists in any discipline to meet in a relaxed atmosphere, share ideas, and support artistic endeavors.   I think the socialization aspects are particularly important because so much of art is a solitary pursuit.  –Genie Lester

Vision:  Building friendships through Friendship, Love and Truth, Sycamore Lodge will bring a sense of vitality to downtown Hayward by stimulating an interest in the Arts throughout the Hayward area. .  –Gail Lundholm

I'm hoping that this fraternal organization I'm becoming a member of is a place where friendship is acquired and fostered through a liked-mindedness in activities and endeavors; where people can gather to discuss these ideas. Focusing on the Arts and Civil aspects of our community, where everyone's voice is heard and reflected upon.  Creativeness & Friendship.  --Chuck Yolland

My vision for the Odd Fellows would encompass all the ideas we've shared---a place for fellowship in all its forms, from hanging out and just having fun, to discussion, to networking, to collaboration on creative and constructive projects, all with an eye not only on our own satisfaction but on what we might offer to the community at large.  The Lodge seems like a great venue for a lot of positive energy, and I hope to contribute my share.   --Dennis Charles

A lot of high school kids play in youth orchestras around here, but the real joy of Classical music is playing in small groups without a Conductor - Chamber Music.  String Quartets are part of this genre.  It teaches cooperation, social skills, negotiation of differences, and hastens technique and mastery of one's instrument.  If the lodge could be involved in something like that, it would be great.  We could recruit and train student groups, and let them perform at the Lodge. The big meeting room seems to have a very flattering sound.  Me or Kathy O'Conner could coach them. It would keep them off the streets, and also deal with the isolation that kids who practice and study a lot sometimes suffer.  –Ted Seitz