Masonic Life Network

Celebrating our countries birthday started early in the day, with breakfast at Temescal Palms Lodge #314, in Corona. Many families enjoyed the large breakfast that included scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits, gravy and pancakes, which was cooked by many of the younger members of the Lodge.

The Jr. Warden, Mike Padilla, provided his truck to pull this year’s float for the Corona parade. The Master, Robert Burger and the Corona Job’s Daughters Bethel, were among those that braved the morning sun to ride in the parade down Ontario Avenue. The Bethel also helped the Lodge man their child I.D. booth at the park, after the parade. They had a great turn out, which even included a Majority Jobs Daughter and Rainbow Girl, who was visiting from New Mexico.

Sonora League does it again. Temescal Palms Lodge #314 and DeMolay Chapter hosted Sonora DeMolay League Sweethearts Ball in Corona June 30, 2012. It was an evening honoring Miss Lerina Galba-Bright of Moreno Valley Chapter – League Sweetheart and Miss Sarah Baker Moreno Valley Chapter Sweetheart. The hall was jammed to capacity with Sweethearts, Princesses and DeMolay’s from all over the Jurisdiction. The pretty young ladies of DeMolay dressed in their formals and tiaras were highlighted as they were escorted by league presidents and Master Councilors to the theme music ‘Titanic’. Our host, Worshipful Master Robert Burger was at the helm in providing music for the event.

The Grand Lodge of Masons in California continues to be a primary supporter of a free, public education for all children. Since 1920 in April, Masons throughout California, through a variety of programs, celebrate the accomplishments of those in public education. The evening of April 24, 2012 brethren and guests gathered at Temescal Palms Lodge #314 in Corona to honor the accomplishments of seven exemplary students, four teachers-of-the-year, and six exemplary adult employees of the Corona-Norco Unified School District. One student from each of the seven comprehensive and alternative high schools was presented their awards and $100 to use to further their education, while the adult honorees received awards recognizing their accomplishments as well. Worshipful Master Robert Burger, with the assistance of Public Schools Observance chairman Dennis J. Brandt, Corona Mayor Eugene Montanez, a representative from the offices of Congressman Ken Calvert and County Supervisor John Tavalgione, presented each honoree proclamations citing their efforts on behalf of each child and adult who work tirelessly in their effort to succeed. Among the guests present were Corona City Councilman Jason Scott, CNUSD School Board members Cathy Sciortino and Dr. Jose Lalas, Grand Lodge Assistant Grand Lecturer Worshipful Frank Lee, and Masters and brethren from the 822^nd Masonic District. During the program the guests were treated to a video presentation of the Grand Lodge Philanthropy for 2012 which Grand Lodge Division 8 has entitled “Operation Literacy”. This program is an effort to raise awareness of the need to support the improvement of child literacy in Kindergarten classrooms in underperforming areas throughout California. Through the efforts of the Grand Lodge of California, Division 8, and their partner “Raising a Reader”, the goal is to increase childhood literacy and give each child and their parents the tools to be successful. The evening closed with a special award presented to Dr. Kent Bechler, Superintendent of the CNUSD, for his exemplary leadership that has vaulted the Corona-Norco Unified School District to state and national prominence. Dr. Bechler will retire at the end of this school year to pursue other educational opportunities. The evening ended with refreshments and fellowship in the Social Hall.

Dennis Brandt

PSAC Committee Member

  Temescal  Palms  Lodge in  Corona held a  special First Degree  on  Friday,  Feb. 24 with approximately 50 masons in attendance including the  Grand Master (who served  as  Senior Deacon)  and  the  Sr. Grand Warden , John Cooper.    The  evening began with some social time and then a roast beef  dinner was served by the Jobs Daughters  of Bethel #140 .    Lodge Master Robert Burger  welcomed everyone  and introductions followed including numerous Past Masters ,   4 Inspectors,  2  Assistant Grand Lecturers,  and  5 Grand Officers.   Burger also announced the  Hiram Award  recipient for the year  would  be  Dan Malinowski   who  has  served the lodge as  cook,  officer, and numerous other duties.      After the formal presentation of the  Grand Master,  the  Past Masters  of Temescal Palms Lodge and  Affiliated Past Masters  took their stations for the degree. 

Wor. Master –  Robert Burger ,     Senior Warden – Dave Stiles  ,  Junior Warden-  Dan Malinowski ,   Treasurer –  Frank Lee ,    Secretary –  Jim Nighswonger ,    Chaplain – Virgil Mink,   Marshal –  Tony Apostol,   Sr. Deacon – M.W. Frank Loui,     Junior Deacon –  John Ferringa,     Senior Steward – Terry O’Barr,    Junior Steward – Bob Barden,   Lecturer –  Walt  McCurry.  

There  were double lines  formed by the brethren in the  degree  –  most  moving & impressive to  see.  What an experience for the  candidate, Mr. Martin Durber,  to  remember.   After  Lodge  closed,     presentations were made to the Grand Master including a setting mall and sounding block crafted by Robert Burger and a promise that the proceeds from the dinner would be presented at the Operation Literacy event in June ,  then  photos   followed by  refreshments  complemented  with  “words of wisdom”  from  numerous  Past Masters and Grand Officers.   John Cooper topped it off with a story about  George Washington.     In all,  an  experience appreciated by all who attended. 

Story submitted by

John Channon,    Inspector 822^nd District, D8 Today