Masonic Life Network

On Wednesday, April 17, 2013, a thirty year tradition continued with Upland-Mt. Baldy and Ontario Lodges hosting their “Schools Night” at the Ontario Lodge. This night recognizes the public schools efforts to educate our children, and recognizes the students who have distinguished themselves through their scholastic achievement and citizenship,  Many officers and members arrived early to set up the Lodge and dining rooms with tables, chairs, and setting out food for the guests. There was a crowd of 186 parents, family, and students who attended.

During the course of the evening many of the District scholars were acknowledged for their successful scholastic and citizenship achievements. The turnout for the event was characterized as “bigger than ever”. The crowd of parents, family, students, and school staff were very appreciative of the support from Masons of both Lodges.

One of the highlights of the evening was a performance of the student Orchestra. They expertly performed a number of classic rock and movie themes, most notably, “Louie, Louie”. All of the students were impressive. The school teachers stories about what has happened in their classrooms were inspiring. It is obvious that the Mountain View School District has worked very hard to build that all important School-Student-Parent team.  The evidence is those children beaming with pride holding their awards for all of their hard work.

After the festivities, all retired to the dining room for snacks and drinks,  Everyone had a great time.

Editor: 

Jim Blum

Before 100-plus Brothers, family members, and guests, Tuesday evening April 23, 2013, Temescal Palms Lodge #314 Free and Accepted Masons honored eight Exemplary Students from seven of the CNUSD high schools, four Teachers of the Year, the Certificated, Classified Administrators of the Year, and the Classified, Confidential, and Site Support Employees of the Year.  Each honoree received Certificates of Recognition from the Lodge represented by Worshipful Master Micheal Padilla; the City of Corona represented by Mayor Jason Scott; Congressman Ken Calvert’s office; and State Senator Richard Roth represented by staffer Tyler Madary. The brethren of the Lodge also presented each student with an honorarium to be used toward future studies. Temescal Palms, in accordance with the Grand Lodge of California, has been conducting this program for over thirty years. In addition to honoring these fine representatives of the Corona-Norco Unified School District, the Lodge also partners with Vicentia Elementary School in Corona by donating to the school’s “Box Top for Education” program, and also collecting “pop top tabs” to donate to the Loma Linda Ronald McDonald House, and recyclable plastic bottles to raise funds for the Grand Master’s Literacy Project. Brother Dennis J. Brandt, Chair of the Public Schools Observance committee, states that this program continues to be one of several important Lodge sponsored public service events.

The Third Degree for  Dave Garner  was  well attended on April 24.  Several members  of  Riverside Lodge as well  as  Moreno Valley were  at Evergreen Lodge for the conferral .  We even had  two brothers  from  Texas  (long -time friends  of Brother Garner)  who  came  all  this  way  to see  his  degree.  Dave was   particularly  impressed by the ritual of the fraternity.  Wor. Greg Covel led  the  first section , and  Wor.  Vic Ropac led  the second.   Pizza and  dessert and  various  presentations  followed in the dining room and  some  "words of wisdom" from each of the past masters .

John Channon

Friday April 12, 2013 was a glorious day for Masonry and the Masons of Division VIII! With guests, many Brethren, Grand Lodge officials, parents, students, and school officials, the Public Schools Advisory Council – Inland Empire hosted the annual Public Schools Kick-Off event at Edward Hyatt Elementary School in the San Jacinto Unified School District.  The second elementary school to have Raising A Reader as an integral and successful part of the education process in the District. Brother Mike Sekera of San Jacinto Lodge coordinated the program which featured glowing comments from school officials, parents, and teachers on the value of the reading program and the Investment in Success scholarship program to which $79000 has been allocated for this year. Campus tours by fifth and sixth grade students were well-received as each classroom visited found students and teachers fully engaged in the learning process which bodes so well for the success of the kids and the school community. Principal De Roberts read several parent tributes about the success of the Raising A Reader program, Dr. Shari Fox, Superintendent, also gave glowing remarks about the program and support given by San Jacinto Lodge and the Masonic Foundation as well. Worshipful John Heisner, the emcee for the program, explained the history and importance of Masonic support for public education followed by the presentation of the check to the PSAC-IE to fund RAR classrooms and upcoming scholarships in the Inland Empire. The PSAC-IE is grateful to Brother Mike Sekera for putting together this absolutely phenomenal program. His knowledge of the community and school district, and his dedication to the cause was above and beyond. Thanks also, to Candler Gibson and Jessica Mausner of the California Masonic Foundation for all their work and support, as well as to Worshipful Frank Lee, AGL of Division VIII, for his tireless support of this and every program, and to all the Brethren of Division VIII who continue to support public schools in their areas and the “Fraternity’s Project”. We are pleased to announce that, in response to your fundraising efforts, the Raising A Reader program will be expanding to other schools in Division VIII. As the most vital parts of education are found in reading and literacy, we must continue our efforts to fund this important effort to improve our society through our children.

Article Submitted by: Dennis J. Brandt

Photos by: Michael J. Sekera

Video by: Franklin R. Lee