The man smoking the cigar is the ancient roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (121 to 181 AD), often referred to as "The Wise" and known for writing his "Meditations"on how to live a good life. He is western history's only example of a Philosopher King in the tradition of Plato.
(Click here for excellent video on Aurelius and his philosophy)
The Greek letters, Gamma and Sigma, on either side of Marcus, represent "G S" for Grind Stone
3 = 3rd chapter of the Grindstone (Grindstone board, Grindstone Club and Grindstone resurrected)
99 = The year the Grindstone history was rediscovered.
Grindstone Club Motto
Logos - Philos - Arete
Reason - Brotherhood - Excellence
Grindstone Club Mission Statement
The Grindstone Club is a historic group made up of men dedicated to the history and development of Shasta County, and to handling all the problems of government—internal, national and global—through erudite discussion on the relevant issues of the time (and of all time) amongst a brotherhood of peers while enjoying some of the finer things in life.
◈•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••◈
Grindstone Club Rules and Traditions
Grindstones - Full membership in the Grindstone requires that you have been tokened.
Gemstones - The significant Ladies in the lives of members of the Grindstone Club. Future functions to be devised by Gamma Sigma will include joint meetings between Grindstones and Gemstones. Gemstones will be encouraged to plan their own functions in order to get to know each other.
Initiates - Former prospects who have passed the initial membership requirements and have been given a mission to earn their token. See Membership page for more info.
Sponsors - Members who choose to invite a Prospect to the Grindstone Club. A Sponsor is expected to vouch for the character, and be accountable for the conduct of, the Prospect. The Prospect should be introduced to Grindstone Club members at each meeting by their Sponsor. The Sponsor should prepared to give an account as to why he thinks the Prospect should be considered for membership, and should prepare the Prospect to be able to meet criteria for becoming an Initiate.
Prospects - Potential members who are men of good character and are interested in becoming a member, and who must be invited and sponsored by an existing member. Nominations should be made to Gamma Sigma, who will then perform an Inquisition. If the Prospect passes the Inquisition, he will become an Initiate and be given an individualized mission in order to earn his token. See Membership Process (below) for more info.
Guests - People invited to visit the Grindstone Club who either do not qualify for membership or have no current intention of joining. Examples would include friends or family members who are visiting from out of town or stopping by for some other reason.
Feeding the Kitty - While dues are not currently required, all members and initiates are encouraged to periodically feed the kitty $5 when attending the Grindstone Club in order to help defray operating costs.
Token challenging - If two or more Grindstones find themselves at a drinking establishment, a Grindstone can challenge the other(s) as to whether they have their token on their person. If the challengee does not, then he owes the challenger a beverage of his choice. However, it is wise to not challenge frivolously, for if the challengee does have his token then the challenger must buy the challengee a beverage. Woe to the Grindstone who challenges another while not having his own token in his possession! Such an act should be reported to Gamma Sigma immediately for deliberation as to what proper penalty shall be meted out! For those of you who were given the small, antique token, remember that the new larger and more convenient to carry tokens are available for $10 at the Grindstone store (a good investment indeed).
Member Number - All tokened members are duly numbered according to chronological order of tokening; all members will be expected to know their number; their number shall be interchangeable with their name for all Grindstone Club communication purposes.
Membership Process as of November 2020
1) The Grindstone Club doesn’t need more members, but there are many men out there who need the Grindstone Club (whether they realize it or not). So we’re not looking for new members, but we’re not closed to new membership either.
2) Members can bring people as a Guest up to three times, then they need, if they want to keep coming, to be proposed and accepted as a Prospect. Please don't sponsor someone to be a Prospect unless you are sure they are very motivated and a strong candidate. Don't waste their time or ours.
Litmus tests: Would you let him date your sister or mother? House sit when you are out of town?. Borrow your car for a weekend?
3) Sponsors will need to propose the potential member to Gamma Sigma as a group (at least 5 present) to request that he become an official Prospect. Sponsors also need to prepare their potential Prospect by helping them become very familiar with our history in preparation for the Inquisition.
4) Once a Prospect is accepted, he has up to one month to undergo an Inquisition. He can do it the same day he is proposed and accepted as a Prospect, if he has been duly prepared by his Sponsor, and both believe he is ready. He should also be considering a topic that he might like to propose as his mission to earn his token, if he passes the Inquisition.
5) Inquisition: Gamma Sigma will grill the Prospect regarding why he is interested in becoming a member, and on his knowledge of our history and the meaning of the symbols on our logo, our motto, and whose image is depicted on the token.
6) If he successfully passes the Inquisition, the Prospect will move to Initiate status and be given a Mission to earn his Token and Number. Initiates will be expected to present their mission within one month.
◈•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••◈
