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.

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Grindstone Club Rules and Traditions 

Membership Pathway

1. Guest Status

  • Guests may visit up to three times when accompanied by a sponsoring member

  • Guests must introduce themselves at every visit: "Hello, I'm [Name], I'm [Sponsor's name]'s guest today"

  • After three visits, guests interested in membership must be proposed as Prospects

2. Prospect Status

  • Requirements to become a Prospect:

    • Must have visited with sponsor at least 3 times during a 2-month period

    • Sponsor must formally present guest to Gamma Sigma for approval

    • Sponsor must have an active relationship with the prospect and vouch for their character

    • Sponsor must ensure prospect understands and agrees to the Code of Conduct

  • Once approved as a Prospect, they have up to one month to undergo an Inquisition

3. Inquisition Process

  • Conducted by Gamma Sigma (requires a quorum of at least 5 members)

  • Prospect will be questioned on:

    • Their motivation for joining the Grindstone Club

    • Knowledge of club history

    • Understanding of logo symbols, club motto, and the image on the token

  • Sponsors should thoroughly prepare their Prospects for this examination

4. Initiate Status

  • Upon passing the Inquisition, Prospects become Initiates

  • Initiate requirements:

    • Must attend at least once per month, minimum 12 times per year

    • Must be accompanied by their Sponsor at all visits

    • Expected to attend most regular activities, the annual gathering, and special events

    • Initiates cannot bring their own guests

    • Must sign in with an "I" next to their name in the sign-in book

  • After 12 months of satisfactory participation, Sponsor may nominate the Initiate to receive a Mission

5. Mission and Full Membership

  • Mission must be approved by the Board (may be proposed by Initiate or assigned by Board)

  • Mission must be completed within six weeks

  • Upon satisfactory presentation of the Mission, Initiate may be elevated to Member status by unanimous vote of members present

Membership Types

  1. Regular Members

  2. Honorary Members

  3. Gamma Sigma (leadership board)

Code of Conduct

Core Principles: Logos, Philos, Arete (Reason, Brotherhood, Excellence)

Logos (Reason)

  • Encourage reasoned discourse and embrace philosophical diversity

  • Seek understanding before action

  • Speak well to others and maintain thoughtful decorum

Philos (Brotherhood)

  • Treat members and their families as you'd treat yourself

  • Encourage respectful comportment

  • Uphold the interests of members and their families

Arete (Excellence)

  • Seek excellence in all things and encourage others to do the same

  • Fearlessly defend your brothers and ensure Gemstones feel safe and respected at all times

Grindstone Decorum

  • Shake hands with all members and guests when you arrive

  • Promptly sign-in at all functions

  • Introduce guests to all members

  • Share libation and leaf without hesitation

  • Donate to the Club's needs

  • Clean up before you leave

  • Wear the stone with dignity when earned

Compliance

  • If a member demonstrates a consistent conflict with the Code of Conduct, Gamma Sigma may intervene

  • The member's Sponsor will be expected to lead the pursuit of remedy

  • Where remedy cannot be satisfied, membership may be forfeit

  • If membership is revoked, the ex-member must return his token(s) and cease public use of branded materials

Member Responsibilities

  • New members cannot sponsor Prospects during their first 12 months

  • Members can only sponsor one Prospect at a time

  • Members must adhere to the Code of Conduct

  • Members may bring up to 3 visiting family members or friends (maximum 2 times per year)

Sponsor Responsibilities

  • Must be an active member who attends at least 12 times per year

  • Must have an established relationship with their Guest/Prospect

  • Must vouch for their Guest/Prospect's character

  • Responsible for guiding their Initiate through the entire membership process

  • Responsible for educating their Prospect on club history and traditions

Token Challenge Tradition

  • Grindstones may challenge other members to produce their token

  • If the challenged member cannot produce their token, they owe the challenger a beverage

  • If the challenged member does have their token, the challenger owes them a beverage

  • Token must be in direct possession (on person or within arm's reach)

  • Each challenge can only target one person at a time

  • Multiple challenges must be specifically declared

Member Identification

  • All tokened members are assigned a number based on chronological order of tokening

  • Members are expected to know their number

  • Member numbers are interchangeable with names for all club communication

Special Terms

  • Grindstones: Full members who have been tokened

  • Gemstones: The significant ladies in the lives of members

  • Feeding the Kitty: Members are encouraged to periodically contribute $5 to help defray operating costs

The Grindstone Club values its historical legacy and maintains these traditions to honor the original Grindstone Board (Shasta) and Grindstone Club (Redding) that flourished in Shasta County's history.


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