Masons of Division 8

Dear Brother and Members of the Family of Freemasonry,

Be part of a historical event that will take place on July 27, 2013 at Evergreen Lodge, in Riverside.  The Grand Lecturer, Very Worshipful Jack Rose, the Ritual Committee and members of Division 8 are proud to be producing and filming an instructional DVD that will provide a new tool to the craft, that will educate the public as to our Cornerstone Ceremonies. Eight of our Past Grand Masters will be participating in this filming. This will be a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet and spend a little time with so many of the important leaders of Masonry who have had  great influence on our fraternity, and to be part of an instructional DVD, which we anticipate will be used for many years to come.  We are inviting you, and your family to participate as extras in the audience on our final day of filming.

We look forward to you being a part of this exciting undertaking,
Franklin R. Lee

AGL – Division VIII

In April Mike Sekera, from San Jacinto Lodge, along with Dr. Shari Fox, Superintendent of the San Jacinto School District, accompanied representatives from the Raising A Reader program to the Edward Hyatt Elementary School in San Jacinto.  While visiting the Kindergarten class he was asked to read to the students.  The book that the students chose was “Read and Rise”.

The class also presented to Brother Sekera a collection of pictures and thank you notes, made by the students, thanking the Masons for the Raising A Reader Program that they are participating in.  The pictures were given to the Grand Lodge representatives at the Public Schools Kick Off event on April 12, 2013, that was held at their school.

Mike was very moved by his experience with the children and agrees with the philosophy of the Raising A Reader program, “Reading is the foundation for all other learning. Not only do readers achieve better in school, they also become lifelong learners.”

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.