Masonic Life Network

My Brothers:

Each year, a "Christmas in July" toy drive is held at Evergreen Lodge in Riverside; always in mid-July. The toys are collected for delivery to the Shriners’ medical center in Pasadena. It will come as no surprise that the event did not happen this July. However, a team of people is putting together an event in December. This will simply be a toy collection at Evergreen Lodge, for the same purpose. There will be no meal, no party, no Santa, and no elves – other than the volunteers who decide to dress up as elves. The drop off will probably take place outside and/or under the front covered patio, permitting social distancing. Only volunteers will be in the building, sanitizing and organizing the donations, then packing them in boxes for the trip to Pasadena.

Naturally, the organizers need assistance, particularly in (1) getting toys and (2) getting the word out. As for toys, the organizers are looking for new toys. Batteries should be provided for toys that require them, so that the toy will be usable immediately once it is given to a child. NO STUFFED ANIMALS ARE TO BE INCLUDED WITH THIS TOY DRIVE.

It is my request that each of the members of Temescal Palms Masonic Lodge (1) get the word out to their friends and family, and (2) prepare to participate by contributing a toy or two.

The toy collection is set for Saturday, December 12, 2020, from 10 AM to 2 PM.

Fraternally,

John G. Dickman, Mastet

In the wake of the devastating forces that pounded Houston and the surrounding areas at the end of August,   Masons and the community in the Riverside area have donated numerous boxes of clothes,  food, hygiene items, toys, and  bedding to go to the victims.    Coupled with the  amazing  generosity of  Riverside Harley-Davidson and  Harley dealerships in Texas who are coordinating the transportation of  these donations to the Red Cross ,   there will be some relief .       More was  added  from  donations thru Orange Valley Lodge .  All was shipped to Texas on   9-11.

Brother Bill Stines passed to the celestial lodge above on August 5. Brother Bill was lodge Secretary of two lodges ( Evergreen and Temescal Palms), a 53 year mason , a Hiram Award recipient, as well as having been honored with 33rd degree Scottish Rite , and an active member of Al Malaikah Shrine.
Masonic service and military honors was held at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, Ca  August 22 at 10 AM followed by a reception at Evergreen Masonic Center at 5801 Chicago Ave, Riverside .

More than 50 attended the funeral . Over half were Masons.  The  service was conducted by John Channon,  Victor Ropac , and  Howard Born.    A  beautiful lunch was provided and enjoyed by all . A video memory of  Bill was  played while friends shared memories over lunch.