Issued Quarterly by the
California Division of the U.S. Branch

Convener's Corner

Dear House of Gordon S/W Member, If you are wondering what happened to our little local newsletter, well, like everything else in this world, it's changing. But I think you'll agree that it is a change for the good. We have been asked by the HofG Board of Directors to edit a new National newsletter-which is part of what you see here-to inform ALL members across the country the news as we see it ! We consider that quite an honor and will keep the West very much in mind as we write. After all, we are the biggest and you are the best members in this entire Clan!

News that pertains primarily to us will remain in these Western pages. Games schedules and reports will continue and activities that we care about locally will be here. But, as is so often the case, news that originates here soon becomes national news and we will deal with that as it arises.

Please keep an eye out for things we need to cover in either section. Right now, you have a LOT of reading ahead of you. Let us know what you think and we will make adjustments throughout these next few months based upon your feedback. Thanks for remaining steadfast with us and the House of Gordon.

Yours aye,

John Muir Graces CA Quarter

The new California State commemorative quarter will prominently display the image of Scottish Naturist John Muir when it is released early next year. The coin will show Muir looking toward Half Dome Mountain of his beloved Yosemite National Park and a California condor soaring overhead. The quarter is part of a 10-year program begun in 1999 to commemorate all 50 states. Five times a year, a new state quarter is released, in the order in which the states joined the union. California became the 31st state on September 9, 1850.

Eight thousand designs were submitted by members of the public between September and November 2002, including the eventual winner designed by 42-year-old senior print designer Garrett Burke of Marina Del Ray. Burke's wife, Michelle, a coin collector, prompted him to submit an entry. Burke says the message is about Muir, not Garrett Burke, and he hopes it will inspire people to want to know more about Muir's life.

The coin will be minted for only 10 weeks beginning in January but as many as 2 billion could be released, said state Librarian Kevin Starr, chairman of the selection committee. At the coin's design unveiling in Sacramento in March, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said he hoped the design would trigger children's interest in Muir, a naturalist and conservationist whose work launched the National Parks program and other environmental protection programs. "I am proud that these three images will show California's wildlife, our majestic landscape and our commitment to preserving our Golden State for future generations," said the Governor.

John Muir was born in Dunbar, Scotland in 1838 and Muir is an Associated Family name of the Gordons. The Muir family tartan was the basis for the Official California State Tartan approved by the Legislature in 2001.