Masonic Life Network

ARTICLES BY DATE

NEWS

A Few Words on Celebrities' Favorite Words

March 16, 1997 | DENNIS McLELLAN, TIMES STAFF WRITER

Celebrities are used to being approached by strangers wanting something from them. But what Vick Knight Jr. asked of hundreds of famous people over the past several decades had nothing to do with pictures or autographs: "May I have a word with you? More precisely, may I have a word from you?" The words generated by Knight's unusual request are enough to fill a book. Knight's "My Word!"

KNIGHT, Vick, Jr. 1928 – 2013 Educator and playful, witty rascal. Born Lakewood, Ohio, rooted for many years in Hollywood, California. Attended Gardner St. School, Bancroft Jr. High and Hollywood High. In the forties, he delivered the Hollywood Citizen News and also flowers for Benny the Parisian Florist where he socialized and perfected his gift of gab. Enlisted in US Navy and served with Armed Forces Radio Services in Hollywood during WW 2. With help from the GI Bill, Vick went to USC (their biggest fan!) and was affiliated with Skull & Dagger, Phi Sigma Kappa, Theta Nu Episilon and E Clampus Vitus. Vick's career in California public education dates to 1952 when he first taught sixth grade in Pico Rivera. He taught in Whittier, Placentia and Yorba Linda and also served as Principal, Superintendendent of Schools and University Dean. Vick was named Distinguished Citizen, awarded the Kiwanis International Legion of Merit and one of California's Fine Outstanding Young Men. He was a popular and effortless public speaker and created The West Atwood Yacht Club where he served as Commodore J. Herringbone Tweed. Among his books are Send for Hayam Solomon, My WORD and the irreverent spoof Snakes of Hawaii. After retirement, Vick served Children's Hospital of Orange County as Director of Development. Like fine wine, Vick got better as he aged. He became an Outstanding Old Man, a life-long learner who completed his doctorate and went on to study Ancient Mayan culture at numerous Central American sites, travelling with UCLA, Howard University and New York State University. A new chapter began when he moved to Canyon Lake where he served 13 years on the Lake Elsinore Unified District Board ofTrustees and was elected to the Riverside County School Board in 2004 where he later served as President and retired in 2012. Dr. Knight Founded the Friends of the Library at UC Irvine. Predeceased by his parents Vick and Janice Knight (Hollywood). – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/latimes/obituary.aspx?pid=168386536#sthash.kST23Tg8.dpuf

His father started the March of Dimes.

Randall T. Freeman, PhD

Early Childhood Education

Brother Bob Bequin was honored at Temescal Palms  Lodge in Corona for his 50 years of membership at a  dinner and presentation on  August 6, 2013. His bio was read by the Master of the Lodge, Worshipful Michael Padilla. Many members from the Corona Circle City Shirne Club were also in attendance, supporting their long time member.  Frank Lee, AGL of Division 8, presented Brother Bequin with his 50 year certificate and pin.

Submitted by:

Frank Lee – AGL Division 8

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