Masonic Life Network

On Tuesday, April 24th, the Moreno Valley Chapter of DeMolay had a “Fun Night” at the Moreno Valley Lodge.  Generally on the 4th Tuesday of the month, unless there is a degree, the Chapter puts aside ritual and business for light amusement and to just have fun.  Everyone present enjoyed the evening with board games, computer games and pizza. They also played lawn games in the park area behind the Lodge.

The Chapter had many members in attendance including the Master Counselor, Cody Gonzales. Also present were the Chapter Sweetheart, Sarah Elizabeth Baker, advisors Chapter Dad, Allan Solis, J.W. of Artesia Sunrise Lodge # 377, Michael Strader, Moreno Valley Lodge # 804, Ruth Blanco, Star of the Valley # 648 and Manny Blanco, W.M. of Chino Masonic Lodge # 427.

While the Chapter ended the month of April with a Fun Night, May will be an exceptionally busy. Two of the events will include a presentation of the "Flower Talk " given by Richard Baker at the Installation of Officers of the DeMolay Chapter at Artesia Sunrise Lodge # 377 on Saturday, May 19th and a degree on Tuesday, May 29th. Please join us and support Masonic Youth.

DeMolay International is a youth group for young men, between the ages of 12 and 21. DeMolay offers character building, leadership training and life skills development. Please contact Dad Blanco at masontruth.com for more information.  You can also get more information about this worthwhile organization at www.SCJDeMolay.org or  www.DeMolay.org

Manny Blanco

Worshipful Master

Chino Valley Lodge #427

Dear Worshipful Sir and Brothers all:

“No great or important undertaking … .”  Prayer undergirds all we do in Masonry. Every meeting opens and closes with an address to the Throne of Grace.

So it will be on June 20^th when Division 8 presents “Operation Raising a Reader,” Grand Master Louie’s project to enhance the reading skills of disadvantaged children.

Your Lodge is invited to write an opening and closing prayer for this important event. All the Lodges in the division are encouraged to participate and two will be selected from the submissions.

If a prayer is chosen from your Lodge, you or a designee will have the honor of giving it at the June 20^th event.

All submissions must be in the hands of the “Raising a Reader” committee by May 15^th.

You may e-mail your entry to Floyd Orr – frorr@aol.com, Jim Ridley –bbcakessr@aol.com, or Greg Covel – gcovel8@gmail.com

You will be notified by June 1^st, if a prayer from your Lodge is to be used.

Thank you for your consideration! Public education is a bulwark of a free society. “Operation Raising a Reader” is testimony that all masons in Division 8 support this fundamental ideal of democracy.

Fraternally and sincerely,

Floyd Orr

Committee Member “Raising a Reader

On Wednesday April 4, 2012, Blythe/Needles Lodge #473 honored three instructors, for their dedication to education.  Rosalie Ann Campa, Gretchen Nelson, and Opal Kemp have worked for the Riverside County office of Education for a combined total of over 65 years teaching Special Needs children.

Both Rosalie and Gretchen are graduates of our local Palo Verde High School, who have stayed here to help our local children.  Opal transferred to Blythe from Banning in 1992, and has taught here since.

The ceremonies were preceded by the awarding of a Scholarship from the Blythe Social Club, to Kathleen Bell, daughter of our Senior Warden, Bert Bell.  Katie, as she is affectionately known, is planning on attending Cal State San Bernardino.

Wor. Wuertz gave a brief history of Masons and Education, before presenting the awards.

Submitted by

Joe Van Dyke

On Tuesday, April 17, 2012, Fellowship Lodge #668, in Yucaipa, CA had a program honoring several students from the Yucaipa-Calimesa Unified School District. Students and principals from13 schools were represented.  Each school chose one student to be recognized for their outstanding scholastic or personal achievements.  This year’s program was very successful with over 180 people in attendance.

April 16, 2012 Redlands Lodge #300 presented Worshipful Elmer Pfonner with his Golden Veteran Award.  His son, Dwight Pfonner, who is also a Past Master of San Dimas lodge 428, is a Marine currently serving in Iraq.  He took leave to come home to participate in this special ceremony for his father.  Many members, friends, and over 50 family members attended the dinner and ceremony.