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

Grand Master Frank Loui has named April Public schools month. As a part of this month long celebration on Monday, April 17, 2012 Chino Masonic Lodge presented the first annual “Excellent Reader Awards.” To the Students of Edwin Rhodes Elementary School in Chino.

In Attendance was AGL for Division 8, Worshipful Frank Lee. From Chino Masonic Lodge: Worshipful Manny Blanco, Worshipful John Cover Spear and Brother Jim Duran.

28 Awards were presented to students from grades Kindergarten through sixth for their efforts in improving their reading skills. In addition, “Most Excellent Reader Awards” where presented to seven students, one from each grade, who over all improved their skills the most.

AGL W. Frank Lee was on hand and personally presented the “Most Excellent Reader Awards” and a book that was hand selected and donated by Barnes and Nobel of Chino Hills. W. Frank Lee enthusiasticly addressed the audience saying:  “I’m very excited to be here! Out of all the ceremonies like this that I have attended, and I have attended a lot, this is the most exciting! I am very proud of each and every student here!”

Dean of Students Mrs. Lewis said, “Wow, What a wonderful thing you guys are doing. We are so happy to have you here.”

Chino Lodge has come a long way having to over come many obstacles. W. Manny Blanco, Master of Chino Lodge said “We are striving to move forward. Here is an opportunity to recognize some students who otherwise may not have received any kind of recognition, here is an opportunity to say “look how hard I’m working to improve myself! This is truly a worthwhile cause for our lodge to be a part of.”

Submitted by James Duran, Lodge Ambassador. Chino Masonic Lodge. No. 427

On February 29^th   six officers of our Lodge, and our Division’s Assistant Grand Lecturer, Frank Lee, participated in the program "Reading Across America", at Edwin Rhodes Elementary School in Chino. Those from Chino Valley Lodge were, Master-Manny Blanco, PM, Jr  Warden-John Cover Spear, PM, Secretary-Phillip Stekel, Sr Deacon-Jim Duran and Sr. Steward-Stanley Briones.

What a very proud and important day this was for our Lodge. We were very excited to participate in this important community event.  From 9:30 to 11:30 AM, each one of the participants went to their assigned rooms to read. Books were provided, or the "readers" could supply their own.  As we each introduced ourselves, we each, in our own way, described the importance of learning to read, both for the student and their families. We each read a story to the class and I found that the book I chose was the perfect book to read for my particular class. The students were so excited to meet us and have a story read to them.   And, from the look I saw on the teacher's face in the room I was in, she was very pleased as well. The students were well behaved and were very attentive to the story being read. The reaction in each room was one of thanks and happiness!

I believe that there were 20 to 25 “readers” who participated in this important program, and I felt really blessed to have had the opportunity to spend this important time with the children.  You could see the happiness in their faces; feel the goodness that emanated from their hearts, as they listened very intently to the readers. I do believe this inspirational and exciting program positively affected many lives.  The members of Chino Valley Lodge were very grateful to have participated in the “Reading Across America” program at the Edwin Rhodes Elementary School.

Submitted by: John Cover Spear, PM, Chino Valley Lodge, D8 Reporter

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