Masonic Life Network

On June 5th. 2012 The Chino Masonic Lodge recognized 3 kindergarten teachers for their contributions in education with the lodge’s 1st annual “Teacher of the Year Award.” Recipients were: Mrs. Sheila Sifflet, Mrs. Tina Persoon and Ms. Michelle Sandoval.

In attendance for the ceremony was the Mayor of the City of Chino Dennis Yates, Fire Chief Summers of the Chino Valley Fire District and Lt. Crowley of the Chino Police Department, Assistant Grand Lecturer Franklin R. Lee as well as many of members of the lodge.

This was a very worth while endeavor for our lodge” Said Lodge Master Manny Blanco, “ It’s definitely something we want to do again next year., these ladies work very hard and they are the first person to inspire our children on their road to learning.”

On April 27, 2012 Edwin Rhodes Elementary School in Chino, held its’ annual school fair. In a true show of Brotherly love and unity, Chino Valley Lodge was joined with Brothers from Ontario and Upland/Mt. Baldy Lodges to man a Child I.D. booth.  This program provides a document with a picture of the child, a thumbprint and space for the parent to fill in valuable information, which can be used in case of abduction.

During the event, we had over 130 children receive an I.D. document. Spearheading the program for the second straight year was Chino Valley Lodge's Senior Deacon Brother Jim Duran; who has two of his children attending the school.

Members from the Zula Grotto also had a booth, where they provided free toothbrushes to the children for their “Toothbrush Day”, in order to promote good dental care for all children. They also support the Supreme Council of North America’s humanitarian foundation that provides free dental care to children with developmental disabilities.

This event was a great success, not only for our Lodges but also for the elementary school.

Respectfully submitted and reporting for Division 8………

Brother Philip Stekel

Secretary

Chino Valley Lodge #427

February 29, 2012

Brethren of Chino Valley Lodge today as part of a “Reading Across America” campaign to interest and promote reading to elementary school students visited Edwin Rhodes Elementary School. Edwin Rhodes was the founder of Chino Valley Lodge.

Senior Deacon Brother Jim Duran spearheaded the project and was able to gather the following Brethren in reading to various classes at the school:

Master of the Lodge Worshipful Manny Blanco, PM, Junior Warden Worshipful John Cover Spear PM, Senior Deacon Brother Jim Duran, Junior Steward Brother Stanley Briones, Secretary Brother Philip Stekel and the Assistant Grand Lecturer of Division 8 Worshipful Frank Lee who took time from his busy schedule to participate.

Principal of the school; Mr. Adam Bailey was highly enthusiastic and supportive of the volunteers from the Lodge. "We have developed a close and building relationship with Chino Valley Lodge. A garden was recently planted and now with the great show of support today by the Lodge members, we feel confident that the relationship with continue to flourish".

Reactions from the Brethren who participated were also enthusiastic. "It's not everyday that you get a chance to get involved on this level. It was a truly rewarding experience".

The "Reading Across America Project" is similar to the "Raising A Reader and Project Literacy" programs currently being endorsed by Grand Lodge of California, Division 8 and Chino Valley Lodge #427.

Brother Philip Stekel

Secretary

Chino Valley Lodge #427