140 year of Shriners

140 year of Shriners

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Disease inspires dad’s run for son


Phillip and Caleb Trost participated in the Nike + Human Race in Beaverton, Ore., on Sunday.

Monday, September 01, 2008 By DAVE KERN, Columbian staff writer

It wasn’t billed as a father-son run, but Phillip Trost and son Caleb decided the Nike + Human Race on Sunday would be just that.

Phillip of Hockinson pushed 3-year-old Caleb in his jog stroller for the 10-kilometer (6.2-mile) race. They finished in 1,063rd place after running 68 minutes. An estimated 2,000 runners participated at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Ore.

Caleb was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy this spring. With each run and with a Web site, Phillip wants to raise awareness of the disease and help others. Sunday marked his second race with Caleb.

The Nike event was staged in more than 25 cities around the globe to celebrate the love of running.

“The overall experience (in Beaverton) was wonderful,” Phillip said. Earlier this summer, he carried Caleb on his back in a 5K race at Nautilus in east Vancouver, where Phillip works. “It’s easier to push than to carry,” Phillip said.

Caleb and his twin sister, Emily, were born four weeks early. Caleb already has had surgeries for a cleft soft palate and for a stomach ailment.

“We’ve spent a lot of time at Doernbecher,” Phillip said, referring to the children’s hospital in Portland. He said he hopes his runs with Caleb result in contributions that can be funneled to Doernbecher and the Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland.

“He sleeps through a lot of the runs, but he likes to pass people. He likes the competition,” Phillip said.

And on Sunday, “We passed a lot of people.”

Other members of Caleb’s family are his mom, Melissa, and sister Samantha, 8.

Melissa says the father-son runs are fantastic for the family.

“Phillip is absolutely inspirational to me, for what he’s doing for Caleb,” Melissa said.

“Maybe in 2009 or 2010 we’ll run the Portland Marathon,” Phillip said. He added: “I do know that with every race, he finishes first in my heart. I only hope he knows how hard I push.”

www.bosshoss.com/shriner/


Check out the link under my links to get more information on winning this bike

Corvettes cruise in Casper for Fun and Shriners Hospital

By MEGAN LEE Star-Tribune staff writer Sunday, August 31, 2008
[oas:casperstartribune.net/news/casper:Middle1]

When he was 14, Gary Boldt decided he wanted a Corvette.

In 1963, his future brother-in-law put him in the back of one of the speedsters and drove around -- fast.

"He went around the corners with me in the back and I decided I should probably have one of those," Boldt said.

And 24 years later, he did. Now the owner of a vintage Corvette and co-owner of a 2002, Boldt is the president of the Central Wyoming Corvette Club.

He and other car fanatics came together at Fort Caspar Saturday morning for comradarie, a contest and a lot of Corvettes.

For the annual Corvette Roundup Show and Shine, the fifth club event to be held over Labor Day weekend, Boldt said a 60-car turnout was better than expected, since gas prices have left some owners unable to attend such gatherings.

About 30 of the cars also signed up for racing today at the Casper Events Center.

Carl Fair will race his polo green 1991 Corvette convertible in the race, and his wife J.D. said their car -- which can travel at speeds over 130 miles per hour -- is a winner.

"It was always my husband's dream to have a Corvette, and I told him he could have one if he could find one in racing green and tan, and he showed up with this," she said. "He wins a lot of these races in it."

When she's in the car, the speed "doesn't go into triple digits too often," so Carl Fair will race without her.

One particularly special car at the show, a "millenium red" version, was the last Corvette to run off the assembly line in Bowling Greene on Sept. 11, 2001 before the plant was shut down for the day, said Amy Olson, the car's owner.

Olson and her brother and sister were all in the military, and her boyfriend's brother is still on active duty.

A display including an American flag, news clippings and medals pays tribute to all of those people who have served or are serving in the military, Olson said.

"We just display it as a dedication to the troops, and with the red [color of the car] I think it really works," she said. "We started out without knowing what we were going to put in the trunk, and we just kind of thought this would be good."

Boldt said the public is welcome to watch today's races, which begin at 9 a.m. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available. All proceeds from the weekend event will go to the Shriners Childrens Travel Fund.

Contact reporter Megan Lee at (307) 266-0589 or megan.lee@trib.com
Come One!!! Come All!!!

KERN COUNTY SHRINE CLUB ANNUAL DEEP PIT B.B.Q
Friday September 5, 2008 Serving 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm
Cost $10.00 each
Children under 6 years are free if with parents
FUND RAISER FOR KERN COUNTY SHRINE CLUB

Noble Park
700 South P Street, Bakersfield, Ca 93304


Further information contact Shrine Office at 805/ 831-4476

Friday, August 29, 2008

Shriners and Fighting 4 Kidz


Ruediger, Kyle, Metcalf and Galvao booked for Saturday's Shriners event
by John Morgan on Aug 29, 2008 at 1:30 pm ET
By pairing with one of the nation's largest charitable organization, MMA's struggle for mainstream acceptance takes another step forward tomorrow night in Santa Monica, Calif.

The Shriners of North America is hosting the first-ever "Fighting 4 Kidz" charity MMA event at Civic Auditorium. The event, featuring notables Gabe Ruediger, Mike Kyle, Jeremiah Metcalf, Andre Galvao and others, will raise money for the Shriners Hospitals for Children -- a network of 22 privately funded orthopedic hospitals throughout North America.

Shriners National Athletic Committee member Jason Weiner discussed how the event was created while a recent guest of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

"I'm actually a Shriner," Weiner said. "And I'm also a huge MMA fan. I've been around the sport for years.

"I thought about this idea to put on an event (and) raise the awareness of Shriners Hospitals and what they do. And also to help get that transition of MMA over to the mainstream sports fan because there is still that perception out there that MMA is just a bunch of guys beating the crap out of each other. And really it's not. It's guys that are educated. It's a sport. These guys are athletes.

"We just put the concept together, and we thought what a great place to start it out here in Santa Monica."

Fighting 4 Kidz's main event will feature highly touted Galvao against Strikeforce, EliteXC and King of the Cage veteran Metcalf.

"Andre Galvao, who is a seven-time world Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world champion, is making his MMA debut," Weiner said. "He was tough to find a fight for. Everyone is talking smack that they'll fight him. When it came time to sign, no one wanted to sign to fight him."

No one except Metcalf.

"Jeremiah, he called us and said, 'I want this fight,'" Weiner said. "Jeremiah is a tough kid. He's a guy who is 9-4, but he's 8-1 at 170 pounds.

"Coming up in his career, he took a couple fights in a higher weight for a good payday on short notice. And he's a guy that is not boring. He's a tough fighter, so this has turned into almost a coin-flip fight."

The opportunity to help the Shriners Hospitals was also enough to encourage the Zuffa-owned WEC to offer up a few of their fighters for the evening.

"We were talking to the WEC, and they said, 'Have [Bryan Baker] fight (Gary) Padilla because if you don't put it on, we'll put it on later in the year,'" Weiner said. " So they threw us a bone, which is great. And they're all going to be at the show."

UFC veterans Kyle and Ruediger will also be in action against local competition.

Weiner said the event could be the first of several organized by the Shriners.

"We're going to become a little bit of a traveling show and doing different cities for the Shriners where they've got good Shrine support or a hospital," Weiner explained. "So we're looking at maybe even three or four a year in different parts of the country."

Tickets are still available for the event and run from $45 to $280. Proceeds go toward the Shriners hospitals.

"[The hospitals] don't take one penny from the government," Weiner said. "They don't take one penny from an insurance company. It's all just done by membership and donations."

The Shriners of North America have approximately 375,000 members in 191 chapters in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Panama. The first hospital was built in 1922. Since that time the group has assisted more than 865,000 children.

(Pictured: Jeremiah Metcalf)

This story, written by John Morgan, was produced by TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com) specially for MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com). The show -- which is hosted by fighter/broadcaster Frank Trigg, Gorgeous George and ace producer Goze

Utah 'angels' help burned boy


Jessica Free, who met Marius Dasianu (age 9) in a Romanian... (Paul Fraughton / Salt Lake Tribune)
BYU students head up effort to aid Romanian, 10, whose parents died
By Jennifer W. Sanchez The Salt Lake Tribune,jsanchez@sltrib.com

FARMINGTON - One night in December, 9-year-old Marius Dasianu suddenly awakened in his home in Romania. He was on fire.
He broke his bedroom window and jumped out of the burning house. That's all he remembers. He awoke 10 days later in a hospital about 150 miles from his village. About 75 percent of his body was burned. His parents were dead. He wasn't told until months later.
"I was alone," said Marius, now 10. "It was bad."
This week - after strangers with ties to Brigham Young University helped raise thousands of dollars and persisted through months of paperwork - Marius visited Utah for two fundraising events and to thank his benefactors. He is scheduled in September to start medical treatment at the Los Angeles Shriners Hospital for Children.
It all started with a call for a birthday surprise for Marius.
In January, Jessica Free and Ashley Ludlow were among eight BYU students traveling to Iasi, Romania, as part of an internship to work at an orphanage and children's hospital.
The students heard about Marius' situation and wanted to do something special for him for his Jan. 30 birthday. So they got balloons, made a banner and sang to him.
But, Marius, in deep pain, wasn't interested. His fingers were removed from both hands. His entire face was disfigured - he had no nose. He didn't smile. He didn't want the students to sing or read to him.
"It was hard for him to open up and feel comfortable around us," said Jessica, a 20-year-old BYU junior from Mesa, Ariz.
Jessica and Ashley didn't give up. They continued to visit him. They also told their moms about Marius and discussed how they could help him get better medical attention in the United States.
The women started "Team Marius" and a Web site to drum up support for Marius and his brother, 19-year-old Ionut Dasianu. Ionut was working construction in Italy when the accident happened and returned to Romania to care for his little brother. But money was tight, and the hospital is a four-hour bus ride from their village. He was only able to visit his brother a few times a month.
Ionut, who has custody of Marius and who accompanied him to Utah, said he was skeptical why strangers were so interested in helping.
"I didn't know what to believe at first," he said.
Marius slowly opened up to Jessica and Ashley, who visited him daily. He never asked them for anything.
In the United States, Kristin Free, Jessica's mom in Arizona, and Lynne Woodward, Ashley's mom in San Diego, started collecting donations and sought medical assistance for Marius. The team paid for a native Romanian to help them with Marius' medical records, Ionut's bus rides and medications.
Free, with seven kids of her own, said she got involved to be a voice for Marius' mother and demand that he get the treatment he needed.
"You would hope someone would do that for you," she said.
In March, Marius was accepted by Shriners Hospital in Los Angeles. Jessica and Ashley returned to the United States in April.
Teodora Racoveanu, a Romanian psychologist who unofficially serves as Marius' interpreter and social worker, called the team's efforts "a miracle."
"In Romania, these kinds of surgeries are not possible," she said. "It's his only chance for recovery."
After a few months of dealing with passport and visa paperwork, Marius, Ionut and Teodora traveled to Los Angeles on Aug. 4. The trip cost $6,000 and was covered by the team.
It was the first time Marius put on clothes because of the severity of his wounds.
The foursome and some team members went to Disneyland, Sea World and the beach.
Marius, wearing a Spider-Man cap and cargo shorts, said he didn't even know about Disneyland, but was excited about the trip. Then, before coming to Utah this week, they headed to Jessica's home in Mesa, where Marius and Ionut will be living in between surgeries in Los Angeles. His first operation is Sept. 17.
It could take up to nine years for doctors to finish the treatments Marius needs, Kristin said.
Ionut knows there's nothing he can ever do to show his gratitude to Team Marius.
"They are like angels saving his life," he said.

If you want to help. Donations for Marius Dasianu can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank under the Marius Burn Fund, or go to www.teammarius.org. You also can go to that site to stay updated on his progress.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

Spina bifida doesn’t crimp teen’s lifestlyle

As Posted at: http://westcountyjournal.stltoday.com

By Mary Shapiro August, 2008

David Grassi isn’t fazed by some national recognition he’s getting.

A senior at Marquette High School, David, 17, made a surprise appearance last month at the Shriners’ annual international convention at America’s Center in downtown St. Louis.

David, born with spina bifida, is among local young people featured in the Shriners Hospitals for Children patient success video, called “Defying the Odds,” to be shown across the country.”It felt pretty cool,” said David, who lives in Ballwin. “They were treating me like a celebrity at the convention. It was cool seeing on video what I’ve accomplished in my life.”

That video program was an opportunity for David and others to thank the Shriners for the expert care they receive at Shriners hospitals.

“I’m thankful to Shriners for helping me better my life,” he said. “Without them, I couldn’t do what I’m doing now. Throughout my life, they’ve been there for me.”

Spina bifida is a birth defect affecting the development of the spinal cord. Throughout his lifetime, David has received extensive physical therapy and occupational therapy at the St. Louis Shriners Hospital in Frontenac.

“David went through first or second grade getting that therapy at Shriners, and he’s also had two surgeries there - for club foot at the age of 3, and for preventive hip operation, to keep his hips from turning in, when he was 11 - during which time he received therapy in the hospital for days at a time,” his mother, Sandy, said.

Other than that, David has gone to the clinic at Shriners Hospital every six months to have X-rays taken for signs of scoliosis, which often happens to young people with spina bifida.

Because the hip surgery was successful, David still is able to walk with crutches and braces today. And not just walk, either. He has made a name for himself as a competitive athlete.

David participates in the local Disabled Athlete Sports Association for sled hockey and wheelchair track, and in the St. Louis Wheelchair Athletic Association for competitive wheelchair basketball. He travels across the United States and the world to compete.

In June, David won a bronze medal in the 1,500-meter wheelchair exhibition at the 2008 U.S. Olympics Team Trials in Eugene, Ore.

“They invited the eight fastest wheelchair junior athletes to compete and do an exhibition in front of 24,000 people,” Sandy said. “And David got paid $250 cash in addition to the medal. And they paid for his hotel and airfare.”

He enjoyed being there “because the competition was pretty steep, and I was able to stretch myself.”

David’s family is just as active as he is.

Sandy spends the last Friday of each month at St. Louis Shriners Hospital’s spina bifida clinic, greeting spina bifida patients and their families. And she’s on the local Spina Bifida Association Board of Directors. Sandy provides brochures about the association and answers questions.

“Because I’m a parent of a child with spina bifida, they know they’re talking to someone going through what they are,” she said.

She also works part time for Floral Products and is a vendor who goes to stores throughout the St. Louis area to straighten and order flowers. David’s father, Matt, works as a manager for Hertz Corp. David’s sister, Mandy, 21, is a senior at St. Louis University.

David also has served as a counselor for St. Louis Variety, an organization that buys medical equipment for children with disabilities.

In the past, he volunteered as a junior counselor at St. Louis Variety’s summer camp. Last year, he turned 16 and was paid for being a senior counselor.

After graduation from Marquette, David hopes to attend the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana, a school that has wheelchair track and basketball teams.

“I’m thinking I’d like to go into the field of psychology,” he said. “For now, I just try to be involved in as much as I can.”

Kick Up your Heels for Shriners Hospital for Children

Enjoy the high-energy singing and dancing of A Touch of Gold as they present a "A Night at the Apollo", a benefit concert for Shriners Hospitals for Children - Honolulu.
Join us on Sunday, August 31, at 7:00 p.m. at the historic Hawaii Theatre. All proceeds will go to the new hospital building fund.

Motorcycle Run for Kids


Welcome to ING DIRECT Ride Now Southern California 2008
Sunday, October 5, 2008 From 2 Starting Points:
North - Bartels' Harley-Davidson, Marina Del Rey South - Orange County Harley-Davidson/Buell, Irvine to Long Beach Marina


ALL are welcome, whether you ride a motorcycle, want to support Autism Speaks, or just enjoy a great show!

Join Autism Speaks and ING DIRECT as we ride through Southern California toward a cure for autism! Show your support and dedication by joining us for a day filled with music, food, motorcycle riders, autism supporters and families from across Southern California at our ING DIRECT Ride Now Southern California event!

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Helping youngsters overcome health obstacles




Members of the Olympic Peninsula Shrine Club chapter gather for an annual picnic at the Clark Chambers Bed and Breakfast Inn on Aug. 9. Photos by Ashley Miller
Shriners Hospitals for Children provides free medical care
by ASHLEY MILLER Staff writer Sequim Gazette

It’s been said that Shriners of North America is one of the best-kept secrets in health care.

Bob Clark, a longtime Sequim resident and president of the Olympic Peninsula Shrine Club, is stepping forward to spill the beans.

Shriners is an international fraternity based on the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth with about 375,000 members in 191 chapters in the U.S., Mexico and the Republic of Panama, Clark explained. Members pay a $5 hospital assessment fee per year and host a variety of community fundraisers and private money raising get-togethers.

Money raised benefits Shriners Hospitals for Children, a one-of-a-kind health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and training programs. Children with orthopedic problems, burns or spinal cord injuries are eligible to receive free medical care up to the age of 18, or 21 in some cases.

Absolutely no money or insurance information is exchanged. In fact, Shriners hospitals don’t even have cash registers, Clark emphasized.

If needed, transportation costs to and from Shriners hospitals and lodging is paid for, too. Medical, travel and lodging expenses are paid by Shriners chapters much like the Olympic Peninsula Shrine Club.

It costs $2.5 million per day to operate all 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Exactly who are the ‘Shriners?’
Shriners come in all shapes, sizes and backgrounds. They are doctors, lawyers, teachers, servicemen, plumbers, stay-at-home fathers, sons and businessmen.

But not just anybody can become a Shriner. In order to become a Shriner, a man first must be a Mason.

The fraternity of Freemasonry is the oldest, largest and most widely known fraternity in the world. The basic unit of Masonry is the Blue Lodge, where members earn the first three Masonic degrees known as the Entered Apprentice, Fellow Craft and Master Mason.

Once a Master Mason, a man can belong to multiple organizations with Masonic roots, including the Shriners of North America.

Women are eligible to join and participate through the ladies auxiliary.

Clark, a father of three and Sequim pioneer, comes from a long line of Shriners. Following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps, Clark takes pride in wearing the “fez,” given to him by his grandfather on the day he joined the lodge.

The fez, traditionally red with a black tassel, is the official Shrine headgear. The stylish hat gets its name from Fez, Morocco, the place where it first was manufactured.

Clark has been on both sides of the Shriners club. He’s helped raise money for Shriners Hospitals for years and one of his cousins was a recipient.

At the age of 2, his cousin was standing on a chair and had a washing machine accident that injured the young child’s arm and resulted in at least a dozen surgeries, Clark said. Though his cousin’s arm never fully matured, Shriners Hospital made it possible for the child to play sports.

Benefiting from Shriners Hospitals for Children
The first patient treated at a Shriners Hospital free of charge was a young girl with a clubfoot who learned how to walk improperly on the top of her foot rather than the sole. Since then, more than 865,000 children have been served.

Shriners Hospitals for Children get support in more ways than one. It’s not uncommon for celebrities to endorse the cause.

Pop-singer and songwriter Justin Timberlake is hosting a special “Justin Timberlake and Friends” concert benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children Oct. 17 at Hollywood Resort and Casino Theatre for Performing Arts. Dodge is introducing and selling a limited edition 2008 Dodge Challenger on eBay Dec. 1-7 to benefit the organization. Racecar driver David Ragan named Shriners Hospitals for Children his official charity of choice July 1.

The nearest Shriners hospital is in Spokane.

Attend a screening clinic and change a child’s life
The Olympic Peninsula Shrine Club participates in the Sequim Irrigation Festival each year, as well as hosting four screening clinics for children. Parents, guardians, grandparents and other family members are invited to bring children with orthopedic, burn or spinal injuries or illnesses to a clinic to be examined by a medical professional and considered for Shriners assistance.

During a routine screening clinic last year in Sequim, a 5-year-old boy from Joyce who lost a leg from the knee down in a riding lawnmower accident was brought in by his mother. The boy was accepted into the Shriners Hospital program and will receive free medical care and prosthesis fittings until he is 21 years old, Clark said.

The next screening clinic is Oct. 4 in Forks, followed by an Oct. 11 clinic in Port Townsend.

“The hardest part is getting parents to bring the children in,” Clark said.

Lance Otis, Olympic Peninsula Shrine Club director, agreed with his friend and fellow Shriner Clark, that it’s critical for parents, guardians and caretakers to bring children to screening clinics and encourages eligible families to take advantage of the services offered by Shriners Hospitals for Children. “These are men from all over the world wanting to help provide care for children,” Otis said. “We are looking for more children to help.”

“There is not a charity on earth that spends more per day than the Shriners,” Otis continued boldly. “You can be rich or you can be poor, it doesn’t matter. We still want to help you.”

For more information about the Olympic Peninsula Shrine Club and upcoming screening clinics, call president Bob Clark at 683-4431.

Shriners Hospitals for Children treat the following conditions free of charge:

* Cerebral palsy
* Scoliosis
* Brittle bone disease
* Head injuries
* Limb deficiencies
* Spina bifida
* Club foot
* Muscular dystrophy
* Burn scars
* Short legs
* Sports injuries to bones, muscles and tendons
* Cleft lip or palate
* Myelodysplasia
* Dislocated hips
* Fractures
* Leeg-Perthes disease
* Rickets
* Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
* Hand, leg and back problems
* Variety of neuromuscular disorders

For more information, call 800-432-8200

Otto and the Spokane indians visit Shriners Hospital for Children

SPOKANE, WA - Don't be surprised if you see the world's only Spokaneasuarous, OTTO the Mascot, and Spokane Indians players cruising through Spokane in the Premera Blue Cross Care-A-Van to visit children at local hospitals. The Care-A-Van will make its second stop of the year today, August 27th, at Shriners Hospital starting at 10:00 a.m.

"It's a great feeling to be able to make a difference in young people's lives," said Indians Senior Vice President Otto Klein. "It's part of our commitment to the community and we love the reaction on the kids' faces."

Not only will the children get to meet and visit with Indians players, but they also receive a Care-A-Van Backpack full of cool Spokane Indians items courtesy of Premera Blue Cross. Later that day, the Indians will host the Premera Care-A-Van Social at Avista Stadium starting at 4 p.m. The social is designed for former Shriners Hospital patients who have now recovered and are living in the area. Invitations for this event were sent out by Shriners Hospital earlier this month.

The Premera Care-A-Van made its first stop earlier this season at Sacred Heart Hospital. The Spokane Indians and Premera Blue Cross have partnered up for over 10 years to bring smiles to the faces of local children.

Tuesday, August 26, 2008


The Ben Ali Shrine Golf Club

Presents the 3rd Annual 2008 GOLF BALL D R O P


September 5, 2008 The Reserve at Spanos Park in Stockton 12:00 Noon

FUN FOR EVERYONE - EVEN NON-GOLFERS - NEED NOT BE PRESENT TO WIN

BENEFITS SACRAMENTO BEN ALI SHRINE CENTER

TEN (10) CASH PRIZES


1st Cash Prize of $1,500.00 * (first ball to drop into the cup, or closest to the Pin), the 2nd through 9th Prizes
(second to ninth closest to the Pin in sequential order) and the tenth (10th) Prize (farthest from the Pin) will
be based on 30% of the Gross Sales. Only the numbered balls sold will be dropped. The amount of the
proceeds will be determined by the number of balls sold by 5:00 pm on Monday, September 1, 2008 or
a maximum of 3000 balls (numbers), whichever comes first. See official rules.

* Based upon an estimated gross sales of at least $15,000.


A Sacramento Sheriff’s Helicopter will release up to 3000 individually numbered golf balls over a designated cup and flag (pin) on
the driving range. The numbers on the golf balls will have a corresponding number on a confirmation card that will be pre-registered.

Find the Facts and Rules and Entry Forms at the Ben Ali Website

http://ben-ali-shriners.org/club_golfclub.htm

For Questions e-mail: golfballdrop@gkproperties.biz

Freemasons defy mystical roots in bid for members

By Alan Burke
Staff writer

Hollywood couldn't concoct a more ominous crowd. All men, they gather to perform odd rituals. Their roots go back so many centuries, no one knows exactly when they started. They recognize one another through secret handshakes and exotic symbols.

And now the Freemasons have startled the world with the ultimate conspiracy — television commercials aimed at attracting new members.

Except, it's not exactly a conspiracy if it's on television.

For that matter, says Charles Austin, a Freemason at the Salem Masonic Temple, they were never all that shadowy to start with. In the past, he scoffs, "people were claiming we were a secretive, satanic cult."

In truth, Austin says, the group has always been welcoming of anyone wanting to join. And if Freemasonry is a conspiracy, it's a conspiracy to do good, to provide scholarships, to donate to the Shriners' Hospital and help fellow Masons in need. (The Shriners are a subgroup of the Masons.)

"We use the mason's tools," says Austin. "The level. Every mason is on the level. The plumb line. Every mason is upright and erect."

"If it was secret," argues John Blaney of the Marblehead lodge, "there wouldn't be a sign outside every town saying 'Philanthropic Lodge of Masons meets every Thursday.'"

Nevertheless, not enough people know about the Masons to keep the membership lists stable.

Fraternal organizations in general have suffered a loss of members in recent years, says Alan Foulds of the Scottish Rite, another Masonic subgroup. The TV commercials feature an actor portraying Freemason Ben Franklin, calling for young men to join.

Over the years a number of lodges across the state have simply disappeared. Membership ranges from as many as 800 men in Salem's two lodges to 200 in Peabody, says Austin. "But if you get 20 percent of those at a meeting, you're doing a good job."

Marblehead, half the size of Salem, is apparently doing a very good job, bucking the trend. The town lists as many as 600 at a lodge founded before the Revolution. Paul Revere signed the charter.

"I just got my pin for 60 years as a member," says Mason Emerson Brown. Becoming a Mason after service in World War II, the 87-year-old sees the organization partly as a social club. "You have a wonderful time here."

More importantly, he adds, "We help a lot of people who need it."

"It's a brotherhood dedicated to helping others," echoes Marblehead Mason Harry Christensen.

With Masons already in his family, he joined after service in Vietnam inspired him to help others.

Centuries of history

Freemasonry goes back at least to the 1600s. Almost any man is eligible — women can join auxiliary organizations. "We have members from all the religions," Christensen says, "Jewish, Moslem, Christian."

Belief in a supreme being is one of the prerequisites of Freemasonry, says Blaney.

He blames the recent declining membership on the time-consuming demands of modern life.

Marblehead with its unique sense of history and community has avoided such pitfalls. Marblehead is very close," explains Austin. "It's a neighborhood."

Moreover, the lodge itself has been careful to retain all the Masonic rituals and ceremonies. These tend to cement an individual's dedication, Blaney believes.

The decision to advertise was not without controversy within Freemasonry. "You may have lost a little bit of the mysticism," says Austin. "One side thought we should have made it more exclusive."

In the past, the Masons have waited for potential members to come to them. In just that way they attracted some impressive people, including presidents George Washington, Harry Truman, and Theodore and Franklin Roosevelt.

On the other hand, the TV commercials have had an impact.

"We've gotten people who wouldn't have thought of it to consider joining," says Austin. Many are young — although one was old enough to comment, "If I'd known about this, I would have joined 41 years ago."

Top of the Line Care and Treatment


Aug 26, 2008 11:00 ET
New Luxury Institute Brand Trust Survey -- Wealthy U.S. Consumers Rate the Most Trusted Non-Profit Organizations: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Shriners Hospitals for Children



Luxury Institute

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - August 26, 2008) - High net-worth consumers rated Children's Hospital of Philadelphia the most trusted non-profit organization in the new 2008 Luxury Brand Trust Index (LBTI) survey from the independent New York City-based Luxury Institute (www.LuxuryInstitute.com).

Respondents who said they trust this non-profit entity say they have "groundbreaking and innovative research," and "provide top-of-the-line care and treatment for sick children." St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Shriners Hospitals for Children rank second and third, respectively.

"Non-profits are accountable to society, their donors, and most importantly, to their constituents," said Milton Pedraza, CEO of the Luxury Institute. "Yet, this industry conducts very little customer satisfaction research, either with donors, or the people they are intending to help, never mind make it publicly available for donors to judge.

"High net-worth consumers are the largest donors, and are expecting, even demanding, measurable results, transparency, lack of conflicts of interest, and fiscal responsibility from non-profits. Our impartial surveys are a barometer of the trustworthiness of these non-profits, not according to conflicted experts, or to committees, but, to the collective voice of high net-worth consumers themselves," added Pedraza.

Monday, August 25, 2008

Boring Oregon Toy Run Dec.2008

MegTheMog's Avatar MegTheMog LXDeathUsher iTrader: (0) May 2008
Location: Boring, Oregon.

MegTheMog .........If I were a chicken, I'd be impeccableMegTheMog .........If I were a chicken, I'd be impeccable
PDX Shriners Toy Run?
Do we have LX toy runs for the NW region?
If we don't....would anyone be interested in going up to Shriners in PDX with me come December?

My kiddo has been going to Shriners since he was 4 months old (he is 6 now)
He was born with club foot. His pediatrician scheduled an appointment for him at Doernbechers..so up we went..
The doctor was in the room long enough to say "Yes...he has club foot. He will have to be casted every 2 weeks...he will have to undergo surgery...and we will most likely be seeing him around every 2 weeks until he is 12 or 13..."
I asked how much each appointment was...and he replied "Between 250 to 350, depending on what we have to do"
I went home and balled my eyes out. How would I ever be able to afford that? It seemed so bleak.
Then I heard about Shriners. I took the kiddo up there...had a sit down with a doctor..and prepared myself for the worst.

My son was in casts for dang near the first 3 years of his life...and when he wasn't in casts...they made him braces. He has had 2 surgeries..and his surgeon is one of the best in the world.

It cost us...nothing. Not a penny.
They are privately funded. No help from the government...just donations from kind people.
They are absolute angels. Godsends, if you will. Around the holidays when the kids go up for appointments or surgeries...they are all given christmas presents...toys, books, arts and crafts materials...to make their stay a bit more awesome.

So back to the original thought (sorry, I get to rambling) is anyone interested in a bit of holiday cheer? If we did it toward the evening time, we could all caravan to PIR for the light display afterwords.
Any takers?

Fight 4 Kids.com

Shriners Hospitals for Children Los Angeles & Sacramento

Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation Awards 2008 Grants

The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation based in Walnut Creek, Calif., has awarded its 2008 charitable grants to outstanding nonprofit agencies in California.

The following organizations received recognition and financial support:
The City of Hope, honoring a 15-year funding relationship with this state-of-the-art hospital and leading edge research facility;
The Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, concluding a three year visionary grant supporting medical research and successful treatments for this children's orphan disease
Leadership Grants were awarded to Shriners Hospitals for Children in Sacramento and Los Angeles.
The Metro YMCA and Los Angeles Salvation Army received special recognition at the 4th Annual Club100 industry gathering. Under the focus area of prevention of child abuse and neglect, the Foundation awarded a series of grants to the following agencies: in Northern California, STAND! Against Domestic Violence and the Child Abuse Prevention Council; and in Southern Californian, Orangewood Children's Foundation.

Chico Shrine Club Dune Buggy's

Corning Olive Parade delights crowd
By GEOFF JOHNSON -DN Staff Writer 08/25/2008

A go-cart from the Chico Shriner's Club tears up Solano Street Friday evening... ( DN-Johnson )



CORNING ­ Go-carts from the Chico Shriners Club revved and backfired, creating a sound like basketball-sized corn kernels popping, almost driving into the audience before swerving away to the tune of Benny Hill music.

A child Elvis beckoned residents to "shake, rattle, and roll." And city council candidate Toni Parkins waved from what may have been the city's largest truck.

Solano Street was packed Friday evening for the Olive Festival Parade and Bed Races, with children, adults and everyone in between jamming the sidewalks to get a look at the floats.

Like any good parade, someone (in this case, Les Schwab) threw candies into the audience, prompting children to run into the street and stop just shy of tripping or scraping their knees.

But there were plenty of treats on the sidelines, where impromptu vendors offered discount root-beer floats, dollar bottled water, hot dogs, soda and fruit salad.

At least a dozen stands and traveling, wagon-pulled choices were available at any given time.

For Corning High School students Shelly Long, 15, and Shae Mesaer, 14, a big part of the fun was seeing people they knew in the parade, they said. For that reason, the "drill team" was their favorite.

But Leticia Rico, cradling 1-year-old Mariela, said she comes for a different reason. For her, the bed races that follow the parade are the best part, where a friendly rivalry was celebrated between Corning PremierWest Bank and the Bell Carter Olive Packing Company.

CFO Pleads Guilty

Former Shriners Hospital CFO, Steven Brodzin, Pleads Guilty

Robert Steven Brodzin pled guilty to a scheme to defraud Shriners Hospital for Children of more than $828,000.

“Stealing money that was meant for special needs children to fund an excessive luxury life style is one of the most egregious type of fraud schemes,” said United States Attorney Catherine L. Hanaway. “Shriners is a great organization that Brodzin took advantage of using his position of trust as CFO. Brodzin’s crime should not stand in the way of future public support for Shriners given the important and vital work they do here and elsewhere.
Shriners has cooperated with the Government’s investigation and strengthened its financial controls after learning of Brodzin’s crimes. Shriners will continue to play a vital role in this community.”

This Info is from www.BackgroundNow.com

Friday, August 22, 2008

Pizen Switch Shrine Club

Reno Gazette-Journal
Pizen Switch Shrine Club News August 22, 2008

On behalf of the Kerak Shriners, it was a pleasure to participate with the Ben Ali Shriners from Sacramento in the Fair and Rodeo Parade as Grand Marshals. Ben Ali came to Yerington with over 100 people this past weekend, including the Ben Ali Clowns, Widdle Wheels, Lions Head, and along with this year Ben Ali Potentate Mike Barta and his elected and appointed Divan. Kerak Shriners from northern Nevada joined in with Ben Ali group.

Yerington Mayor Doug Homestead presented the key to the City to Ben Ali Shrine.

All Shriners and their ladies attended a barbecue at the local park, put on by the Pizen Switch Shrine Club. A big "thank you" goes out to the officers and members who participated in this event.

Ben Ali Shriners, along with other Shriners of North America, support a one-of-a-kind international health care system consisting of 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care innovative research and outstanding teaching programs.

Children up to the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care and receive all services in the family-centered environment at no charge-regardless of financial need.

The local Shrine Club had a booth at the Rodeo Fair this past weekend and would like to thank the local community for its support at this event. The President of the local Shrine Club would also like to thank all the officers and members who worked in the hot weather to set up, man-the-booth, and clean up

Thursday, August 21, 2008

From The Post Independent,Glenwood Springs, Co.

Carbon credits for sale
Since I will be unable to attend the Denver Convention of Democrats, I offer my carbon credits saved to those who are traveling and will need additional credits for transportation and extra environmental expenditures while there.

This offer is open to all individuals, members of the two major parties, as well as those registered in minor parties and independents. Affiliation need not be revealed.

No offer will be refused. Make checks and money orders out to the Shriners’ Hospital for Children in Salt Lake City. Would prefer not to handle cash but, if donated, will be receipted and forwarded.

All contributions are tax deductible but just the warm, fuzzy feeling that you get helping the environment and at the same time the rehabilitation of children, at no cost to their parents or guardians, is all you need to justify this purchase.

Now smile. This is a private fundraising effort and, if politically incorrect, is the fault of the fundraiser.

Jack Blankenship
Battlement Mesa

Guam Golf For Shriners Hospital

Aloha Golf Classic coming up

By Brett Maluwelmeng • Pacific Daily News • August 22, 2008

Local golfers interested in one of the island's biggest golf tournaments might want to check out the 15th Annual Aloha Golf Classic on Aug. 30 and 31. The Hui Aikane Golf Club will hold it at the Starts Guam Golf Resort.

More than 100 golfers are expected to turn out for this year's tournament, with a $10,000 ball drop highlighting the event before Sunday's tee-off.

Three thousand numbered golf balls will be released from a helicopter onto the practice green, and the owner of the raffle ticket with the same number as the ball that falls in the hole will win the prize, club president Tim Lujan said.

"We're also donating 100 percent of the hole sponsorship to the Guam Shriners Club; ... it's the first time we've done this," Lujan said.
Register today

Golfers are encouraged to register today as the fee for the two-day tournament is still $160. The fee will be $165 beginning Aug. 23 until the tournament starts. Golfers interested in registering may call Lujan at 688-8465.

Like last year, the classic will have six flights: Championship, A, B, C, seniors and ladies, with the latter two divided into the gross and net categories. The other flights will follow the medal play, or stroke play, format.

Lujan said a percentage of the proceeds from the event would again go to the Shriners, who have benefited to the tune of about $75,000 over the years from the golf club, whose name is Hawaiian for "gathering of friends."

"Basically we donate to them because of our relationship with them," Lujan said. "We've been approached by the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Red Cross before, but we felt the best option was to donate to the Shriners. I mean, how often do you see people donating to them?" he said, adding that he doesn't anticipate parting from the organization they've supported since inception.

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Speaking of Fairs,Here are some of the Up Comming Fairs where you may find us.

Sept.10 -14













Let us know if your Masonic Lodge of Shrine Club will be at any fairs or parades so we can list them here and on the calendar. Thanks

AVSC GoKarts in Fair Parade this Saturday


The Antelope Valley Shrine Club Go-Karts are turnning up their engines for the Annual Fair Parade Aug.23rd. I hope to have pictures of them soon.

Display of a variety of classic kings of the road supports Shriners Hospitals for Children.


Masons mix charity and cars at show
Wayne Wolfe, left and driver Ron Stearns work on the engine of a fuel-altered drag race car at the Burbank Masonic Lodge's second annual charity car show Saturday. (Tammy Abbott/The Leader)

Display of a variety of classic kings of the road supports Shriners Hospitals for Children.

By Jason Wells

In a city where classic cars and hot rods reign supreme, it’s not uncommon to see a car show sprout up nearly every weekend during the summer in Burbank.

For car enthusiast Jeff Lindstrom, harnessing Burbank’s love of cars for a charitable cause was a no-brainer.

On Saturday, he and his colleagues at the Masonic Lodge on Irving Street held their slightly larger second annual car show to support Shriners Hospitals for Children, an international network of Free Mason-supported medical facilities that offer free specialty care for children.

Between 75 and 100 classic cars and hot rods were expected to fill the lodge’s parking lot as onlookers strolled to live music and admired the shiny hobbies of local enthusiasts.

Lindstrom said he expected to raise a little more than the $1,500 that the event made last year through car registrations. He and other Free Mason volunteers plan to grow the annual event in coming years as word of the show spreads through the motoring community.

Until then, the car show remains a small, community-oriented event, with a single overall competition category.

“As we get bigger, we’ll expand the awards,” Lindstrom said.

Organizers have also deployed enticements to draw more entrants, like free lunch and a goodie bag for registrants.

“We try to give back to them and thank them for their support,” Lindstrom said.

He may also change the date to escape the shadow of the bigger, more competitive car shows. The world-renowned Pebble Beach Concours D’Elegance classic car show was on Sunday, which preempted famed car enthusiast Jay Leno’s attendance at the Masonic Lodge, organizers said.

And hundreds of car collectors are preparing for Burbank’s Be Boppin’ in the Park vintage car show and festival Saturday on Magnolia Avenue. Last year, the event attracted thousands of people from throughout the Southland and more than 200 exhibitors.

Those shows are all well and good, but for those car enthusiasts who just want to meet up and share their hobby, community shows like the one on Saturday is the perfect pitch, participant Steve Gallegos said as he stood by his 1965 Shelby Cobra replica.

“It’s a lot of fun to get out there and talk engines,” he said.

From a polished, vintage Jaguar to a 1953 Chevrolet pickup, the rows of cars parked behind the Masonic Lodge offered people a varied sampling of the local classic car stock.

“I think it’s great that they do this,” said Marsha Nolan, who lives near the lodge.

“I think it’s a great cause, and I love dreaming about my hair blowing in the wind in some of these cars.”

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Aug.23-24: Cornfest and Arts & Crafts Fair

8/23-24: Cornfest and Arts & Crafts Fair

by Kellie Hwang - The Arizona Republic

The local Shriner chapter hosts its annual fall fundraiser this weekend, which means plenty of fresh roasted corn.

The Cornfest and Arts & Crafts Show is now in its 17th year. Visitors can get a meal of sweet corn on the cob, a hot dog, chips and a soda for $8.

The arts-and-crafts fair features more than 60 vendors selling jewelry, chocolate, leather goods, wickless candles and many other items.

An exhibit will portray the organization's philanthropic cause, Shriners Hospitals for Children, which provide free health care for needy kids.


Cornfest and Arts & Crafts Fair

When: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 23-24.

Where: El Zaribah Shrine Center, 552 N. 40th St., Phoenix.

Admission: Free admission, $8 for meal.

Details: 602-231-0300, el-zaribah.org

Research at Shriners Hospital for Children Northern California


To make treatment safer, Sacramento scientist studies stem cells' dark side
By Carrie Peyton Dahlberg - cpeytondahlberg@sacbee.com

Stem cell researcher Paul Knoepfler, center, observes as Natasha Varcakhanova manipulates stem cells at Shriners hospital in Sacramento. Knoepfler, a UC Davis Medical School professor, has been granted $2 million to study what could go wrong in eventual stem cell treatments. RENÉE C. BYER rbyer@sacbee.com Renee C. Byer / rbyer@sacbee.com


In a gleaming lab high within Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California, Paul Knoepfler is waging a different kind of fight against cancer.

His target is a gene that causes tumors – and that can transform adult skin cells into versatile stem cells similar to those in embryos.

Doctors who are hoping to use stem cells to one day cure paralysis and wipe out devastating diseases don't want to give their patients cancer along with the cure.

Knoepfler, who just received a $2 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, is trying in his Sacramento lab to make eventual stem cell treatment safer.

"I'm very optimistic," he said. "I don't think the hurdles we're facing are insurmountable."

The prospects for stem cells, which can grow into every kind of tissue, are dazzling. But while cadres of researchers worldwide are focusing on spinal cord damage, diabetes, heart disease and countless other ills that stem cells might repair, Knoepfler and others are busy looking at what could go wrong.

Stem cells could trigger immune system attacks. They could cause benign tumors in dangerous places. They could cause cancer.

"I think the public thinks you can just inject cells and have the patient feel better," said Dr. Joseph Wu, a Stanford University Medical School professor who is studying stem cells' potential to repair damaged hearts.

He, too, is interested in how stem cell treatments might go wrong.

Wu is one of the authors of a study published online Monday by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that looks at how the immune system might stamp out stem cells before they can work.

"It's just a reality check," he said of the study in mice, which found that healthy immune systems quickly wiped out transplanted embryonic stem cells.

When the mice were given drugs to suppress their immune response, the stem cells lasted longer. But suppressing the immune system in people increases the risk of dangerous infections, so ideally, doctors would want to find another way to make stem cell treatments stick.

"I don't think it's impossible," Wu said. "It just will take us time to figure things out."

Wu worked with human embryonic stem cells, which have long transfixed researchers because they can grow into everything that makes up a human body – bone, blood, nerves, lungs.

If scientists can figure out how to nudge those cells safely toward becoming whatever a patient needs to have repaired, the hope is that the cells will be a powerful medical tool.

Knoepfler, a professor at UC Davis Medical School, is interested in both embryonic stem cells and a promising alternative that can be grown from adults, most commonly from skin cells.

Those cells generally wouldn't be vulnerable to immune system attack, since doctors likely would create them from a patient's own body.

Instead, different problems emerge. Researchers turn adult tissue into these stem cells, called induced pluripotent stem cells, by activating four key genes to change a mature cell's normal behavior.

One of those genes has been linked to cancer for decades.

That's why Knoepfler originally got interested in studying the gene called Myc. He wanted to make headway against tumors, to understand what role Myc plays in creating them, as well as what it does in healthy bodies.

He thinks the gene probably is involved in both helping stem cells divide and helping them remain stem cells before they start down the path of differentiating into blood cells, neurons or anything else.

Given that theory, it's not surprising that the first researchers to reprogram skin cells into stem cells chose Myc as one of their genetic midwives.

"In light of this new technology, Myc has really come into the spotlight. … It's a really hot field," said Meri Firpo, a professor at the University of Minnesota's Stem Cell Institute who has been following Knoepfler's work.

"His expertise suddenly becomes extremely important," she said. She's interested in what Knoepfler learns because of implications for her own research into ways stem cells might combat diabetes.

California's voter-funded stem cell agency is interested, too. Last week the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, or CRIM, granted Knoepfler's lab $2 million over the next five years to study the gene.

"The CRIM award is like a booster rocket," said Knoepfler, and will come close to doubling his lab's budget.

The new money will let him hire more scientists, so ideas can be tested more quickly, and will support the costly, exacting process of growing stem cells.

Knoepfler hopes both to learn more about exactly how the critical Myc gene works, and to search for something better – another gene that could help create stem cells without as much cancer risk. "A goal we have is to find a safe substitute for Myc," he said – and ideally, to have it ready for testing in the next few years.

About the writer:

* Call The Bee's Carrie Peyton Dahlberg, (916) 321-1086.

Monday, August 18, 2008

Welcome to Shriners Hospital for Children, Nor Cal.

A big Welcome to:
Simi Rossi Who has been hired as manager of engineering, safety and security at Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Fight for Shriners Hospital for Children

"TUF" castoff Gabe Ruediger returns at Shriner's Hospital benefit
by John Morgan on Aug 17, 2008 at 9:00 am ET
Gabe Ruediger"The Ultimate Fighter 5" cast member and oft-maligned Gabe Ruediger (11-4) will return from a nine-month layoff on Aug. 30 for a fight with Justin Wilcox (4-2).

The card, entitled "The Beginning," is a fund-raiser for the Shriner's Hospital in Santa Monica, Calif., and will feature Ruediger, Mike Kyle, Brazilian jiu-jitsu world champion Andre Galvao and others.

Ruediger discussed his path back to competition while a guest on a recent edition of TAGG Radio (www.taggradio.com), the official radio partner of MMAjunkie.com (www.mmajunkie.com).

"I'm fighting in a new promotion," Ruediger said. "It's for Fighting4kidz.com. It's a benefit for the Shriner's hospital, which is a children's hospital in California. I'm excited to fight and also to work with a charity like that."

The fight will be contested slightly above Ruediger's normal 155-pound weight class.

The California native previously battled weight issues while on "The Ultimate Fighter." Ruediger was shown undergoing a colonic in his weight-cutting attempts for a bout with Corey Hill before finally giving up and pulling out of the fight. That decision led UFC President Dana White to remove Ruediger from the competition.

Ruediger says the circumstances are different this time.

"This fight's at 160 (pounds)," Ruediger said. "I had neck surgery in January. I've been out of the game for a while. It's been kind of a difficult thing getting everything fine-tuned. I didn't want to do the whole extreme weight-cutting thing just quite yet. I'll do that for my next fight."

Ruediger's neck injury required surgery and an intensive rehab program. The Team Quest fighter feels he is now ready to return to action.

"My C7 vertebrae popped out of place," Ruediger said. "So [the doctors] had to fuse my neck together.

"I'm 100 percent prepared or repaired. I spent three or four months not able to do anything. I'm slowly getting back into it. I've got 100 percent recovery as far as my doctor's concerned and as far as I'm concerned. I'm training like two and three times a day."

Ruediger admitted he's less than knowledgeable about his opponent.

"I don't know too much about him," Ruediger admitted. "Apparently he's a tough guy. He's going to look better than me, guaranteed. He used to be an amateur body-builder. I'm suspecting physically he'll look better than me. I guess he's a wrestler from [American Kickboxing Academy]. But beyond that I don't know too much about him to be honest."

Regardless of the challenges that he may face, Ruediger said the decision to fight on the card took little time to make.

"When I was initially contacted about it, I immediately jumped in," Ruediger said. "Because regardless of how I'm portrayed on TV, when it comes to doing something -- especially for kids -- I'm all for it."

"Fighting 4 Kidz: The Beginning" takes place Aug. 30 at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com and range from $45 to $280.

Ruediger also discussed his training at Team Quest Temecula as well as the advice he gave teammate Jesse Taylor before his ill-fated appearance on "The Ultimate Fighter: Team Rampage vs. Team Forrest." To hear the full interview, download Thursday's edition of "TAGG Radio," available for free in the TAGG Radio Archives. www.fighting4kidz.com

Friday, August 15, 2008

Follow Up on Kerak Clinic for Shriners Hospital for children. Nor Cal



Carson teen finds help at Shriners

BY TAMMY KRIKORIAN • tkrikorian@rgj.com • August 15, 2008

When 15-year-old William went to the school nurse after falling on a piece of equipment in gym class, the results were unexpected.

The Carson Valley Middle School nurse said William's shoulders were uneven and suspected he had scoliosis. A Carson City doctor confirmed the diagnosis and recommended William see a specialist.

But without medical insurance, his parents Donald and Debbie Lockett, of Gardnerville, couldn't afford to take William to a specialist right away.

"It was pretty stressful for a while," Donald said. "I was trying to wait, trying to save up."

Then, they learned about the Shriners Hospital of Northern California, which provides no-cost care for children with spinal cord injuries, orthopedic conditions and burns.

"It's everything. It's tremendous," said Debbie. "It's a great thing they do for kids and families."

On Thursday, William had his first appointment with a Shriners Hospital doctor, who traveled to Reno with two nurses for the day to meet with a dozen first-time patients at HAWC Community Health Center.

Until now, children from the Reno-Tahoe area had to travel to Sacramento to the Shriners Hospital for all of their appointments. Thursday was the first time patients were able to have their initial appointments in Reno, but the Shriners plan to continue holding first-time appointments locally twice a year.

Patients will be required to travel to Sacramento for follow-up care, and the transportation is taken care of by the Kerak Shriners of Reno.

All of the medical care, including surgeries, physical therapy and a pharmacy, is done on-site, at the hospital, which is more like a pediatric medical center, hospital spokesman Kobi Sonoyama said. When needed, the hospital also arranges for accommodations for parents and families to stay while their children are admitted.

William, who starts his sophomore year at Douglas High School in a couple weeks, said he's had pain in his back for a couple of years, especially when on a long trip by car or plane or when he lays down too long in bed or on a couch. Until he saw his school nurse, he thought it was normal. Knowing what the problem is, he said, is a relief.

"They might be able to take away the pain, make everything more comfortable," he said.

At his appointment with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Joel Lerman, William was X-rayed and told he has a 35-degree curvature of his spine with a rotation near his pelvis.

Debbie Lockett said typically surgery is done at 50 degrees and the patient is put in a brace at 40 degrees.

William has a follow-up appointment scheduled in Sacramento in December to see if the curvature increases and whether he grows.

"I think there's certainly some relief in the fact that right now he's at 35 and if it was in the 40s or 50-degree range, we'd have some major considerations there," Debbie said. "We kind of have to wait and see what happens when he gets X-rayed in December."

Los Angeles County Fair Masonic Booth


The Rusty Trowel Committee meeting for the volunteers that work our
Masonic Booth at the Pomona Fair will be at the Pomona Masonic Center
Thursday August 21 at 7PM.
This is the night to sign up for shifts to man the booth. The Day
shifts on Sept 5,6,7 are filled and the night shift on sept 28th is
filled.The Fair is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The shifts are as follows: Wed/Thu/Fri Morn 11AM to 5PM; Wed/Thu Night 5PM to 10PM Friday Night 5Pm to MIDNIGHT; Saturday/Sunday Morn 10AM to 5PM
Saturday Night 5PM to MIDNIGHT; Sunday Night 5PM to 10PM.

The booth has to be manned during these HOURS. Please forward this to
anyone you feel that would like to work the booth. Many Lodges have
new members that want to get involved in Promoting Masonry and the
Child ID Program.

We need two or more per shifts and on Friday Night and all day Sat and
Sun four or more to man the Booth. Feel free to bring your wife. If
you can't make the meeting, call me on my cell. 951-315-6451.

At the meeting give instructions what we do at the Booth and where to
pick up your admission Tickets and parking pass for each shift.

Remember that you do not pay to get in the grounds or to park your
car. We suggest that big groups car pool fro Brother Jim's
house after picking up you envelope and computer keys. We sent out
over 200 requests about our Masonic Family last year. Many resulted in
petitions for our different bodies of our Masonic Family. Also please
announce this at your Lodge Meetings.
Thanks Gene Bowman

2nd Annual Big Fish Sept.9th


The Second Annual Charity Fishing Tournament benefiting Shriner's
Hospitals for Children will be a great opportunity to share a day of
spectacular Southern California fishing and help out a terrific charity.

The Annual Fall Classic Charity Fishing Tournament will be a great opportunity to share a day of spectacular Southern California fishing and benefit a terrific charity, the Shriner's Hospitals for Children.

The Tournament will start on Tuesday, September 9th with a Captain's meeting. The meeting will be held at the Marriott Marina at 6:00 p.m. All team Captains are required to attend and review the Tournament rules. Each Team will receive a tote bag filled with T-shirts, hats, and other prizes commemorating this spectacular event.

Fishing will begin at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 10th. Lines out will be at 3:00 p.m. All boats must check-in at one of the weigh stations by 5:00 p.m. The winners will be based on a points system. Trophies to be handed out at the awards dinner.

For more information, please contact info@charityfishing.com

For complete information on this sure to be sold out event,
please go to www.charityfishing.com .
Entry forms, rules, prizes, schedule of events and hotel information are
all available on this site. If you need further assistance, please
contact Jon Dellaria, Director of Development at (213) 368-3394.

Is it hip to be a Shriner?

Is it hip to be a Shriner? 'Old guy groups' stage a comeback

By Jamie Sotonoff

The Northwest suburban Kiwanis club meets online.

Local Shriners maintain a comprehensive Web site and promote their charity
projects on CNN's Comcast Newsmakers segments.

Most of the area's Moose lodges have been converted to nonsmoking "Moose
Family Centers," and more women than men show up for their monthly blackjack
games.

These ain't your daddy's philanthropic organizations ... except, they are.

Groups like the Shriners, Kiwanis International, Elks, Moose and others are
working hard to shed their reputations as old guys who want to march in parades,
drink beer and "escape the missis."

Instead, they're updating their images and extending a welcoming hand to young
men, and, in some cases, women.

While it's still a struggle to recruit young members - because of societal changes,
misperceptions about the clubs and fear of isolating older members -
membership is on the rebound.

Local Moose lodges, for example, saw membership increase last year for the first
time in years, said the Illinois Moose Association's state membership chairman,
Todd Kramer, of Des Plaines.

According to famous trend spotter Marian Salzman, men's clubs are back in
vogue. In the wake of the metrosexual trend - in which heterosexual men openly
embraced their feminine sides - Salzman said men want to return to traditionally
masculine activities, like men's service clubs.

"It's becoming hip to be an Elk," said Dwayne Rumney, past national president of
the Elks.



The challenge

Membership in groups like the Shriners, Moose, Elk and Kiwanis peaked after
World War II. Back then, young men joined these groups for a mix of socializing,
philanthropy and business networking.

At the time, most homes didn't have television sets and women were home with
their children.

The weekly meetings might have been like social gatherings, but the men never
strayed from their mission: to raise money for charitable causes, whether it be
helping a sick child in the community or providing eyeglasses for people in Third
World countries.

As society changed, these groups, for the most part, did not. Membership ebbed
and flowed, but it wasn't until the past decade that it started declining steadily.
And as the numbers fell, it became increasingly difficult to recruit young members.

"You tend to recruit the people you know. And 70-year-old people know 70-yearold
people," Kiwanis International spokesman David Williams said.

Why did young men lose interest in these clubs? It was a mixture of factors,
sociology experts and group leaders say.

The main reason is men's changing role in society. No longer just the
breadwinners, men today work longer hours, commute farther, are more transient
and share in child-rearing and housekeeping duties because their wives also
work.

Being busier than ever leaves little time for meetings or hanging out with the guys.

"Typical male bonding rituals have gradually eroded," says Dr. Scott Haltzman, a
Brown University psychiatry professor who studies men's behavior. "Men haven't
changed. They just aren't behaving the same way they did a generation ago. But
men still need the opportunity to connect with other men and be understood by
other men in their terms. It's a way of communicating that women often can't
appreciate."

Men also don't commit to things the way they did years ago. For example, the
average Kiwanis member used to be active for seven years. Today, it's only four
years, Williams said.

Public perception is another problem. These groups unintentionally developed
reputations as being uninviting "old guy groups" prompting young men to
overlook their philanthropic missions.

Jeff McIlrath of Geneva admits that his initial impression of Shriners was as "the
guys who wore funny hats at parades." But his wife's boss was a Shriner, and
being new to Chicago, he inquired about the group. If nothing else, he thought, it
would be a good place for career networking. So at age 27, he joined. And to
McIlrath's surprise, the group offered networking plus much more.

Now 37, McIlrath's active in the club's Highlanders band (the older members
taught him how to play the bagpipes), brings his wife and children to their many
family-oriented events and has many good friends of varying ages and
backgrounds.

"From a mentoring perspective, I've learned how to become successful from the
Shriners," said McIlrath, who runs an information security department of a large
consulting firm. "You can put your money into a whole lot of charities that do
good work. The reason I like this one is that there are a whole lot of social
aspects, too."

The tricky part of recruiting young members is to not turn off the older, longtime
members, who don't want to meet online, or at 8 p.m., or move the lodge's
ashtrays outdoors.

Implementing change in established organizations is always difficult. When
appearing on Comcast Newsmakers, for example, the younger Shriners had to
convince a few of the older members that it wasn't necessary to wear a suit and
tie on camera.

"It's an internal struggle, because we're changing years and years and years of
thinking," said Shriner Rick Kohn, 60, of Inverness.


What's working

How have these old service clubs successfully wooed young members? Each
one has used a slightly different approach.

The Shriners rely on the Internet and the media to help change their image from
"the guys in funny hats" to "the guys who help sick and needy children."

They also highlight the organization's many sub-clubs for interests ranging from
piloting to clowning. This fall, the Shriners plan to start recruiting young members
at college fraternities.

Hooking them when they're young is how Kiwanis International maintains its
membership base. Starting in kindergarten, they can join K-Kids, which is
followed by a succession of groups through college.

The creation of a Northwest suburban e-Kiwanis Club - one of only a handful of
such groups in the country - helps, too. That allows members like Kathy
Scheuing, 34, of Carol Stream, the mother of 2-year-old twins, to keep an eye on
her kids or eat dinner during meetings.

Knights of Columbus appeals to young Catholic men with their religious or
political activities, such as keeping the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of
Allegiance.

"Our target audience is a little smaller ... but we go after people with the same
values we do," says Don LaJoie, executive secretary of the Illinois Knights of
Columbus State Council.

While the Elks don't have any specific programs to lure young members, they are
working to make their projects more short-term. With everyone so harried today,
long-term commitments scare off potential members.

"They'll say, 'I'll help you clean up the side of the road next Tuesday,' but that's
it," Rumney said.

The Moose attributes its membership rebound to its decision to increase the
number of family programs. They've also relaxed some of their "ritual"
ceremonies, waived the enrollment fee for new members and done subtle
things, like change the name of the weekly fish fry to the "Family Fish Fry."

"We try to have a family function once a month now," Kramer said. "A man's a
father first. He's not going to go spend time at the lodge if it takes away from his
family. So now, if the kids say, 'Hey, daddy, can we go to the Moose?' He's going
to say, 'No problem.'"

If they can get a man to come with his family, and they have a good time, it's
likely he'll want to come back.

As Kramer says, "If you don't schmooze 'em, you lose 'em."


Become a new member of an old group

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Shriners Parade: American Le Mans at Shriners Hospital - Chicago

Shriners Parade: American Le Mans at Shriners Hospital - Chicago

"Shriners golf tourney August 25"


The 14th Annual San Diego Shrine Scramble Charity Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, August 25, at Shadowridge Golf Club, 1980 Gateway Drive, Vista. The winning four-person team wins four memberships to Shadowridge.

The event is limited to the first paid 120 players. Cost ($175 each) includes golf, half cart and an awards meal. Awards meal for non-golfers is $25.

There will be a silent auction and raffles for prizes such as rounds of golf, a Scotty Cameron putter, a Taylormade Kingdom fitting session, weekend getaways, airline tickets, sports memorabilia and much more.

All golfers are welcome. Net proceeds benefit the Shriners Hospitals for Children. For more information, call Al Bahr Shrine Center at (858) 292-0092.

Are you getting ready for the big one? Golf Tournament that is. Check out the link for Katy and Justin under my links at the side of this page.

The Shriner International Team Championship

The Shriner International Team Championship (October 18th and 20th) is being held in conjunction with the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas.
The four person Scramble is open to all at 350.00 per person which includes a maximum of 45 Teams playing TPC Las Vegas on Saturday Oct 18th. We will cut the 45 teams to 22 Teams to Play TPC Summerlin Monday October 20th the day after the final round of the Timberlake Shriners event.
We will play to the same hole locations and with similar conditions the Tour Players played to the day before. A box lunch is included Saturday.

All players will receive a grounds pass for the week at the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. In terms of value the greens fees for TPC Las Vegas are normally 275.00 the box lunch is 15.00 the grounds pass is 75.00. The Monday final at TPC Summerlin Green fees are valued at 350.00. For more information and entry forms see www.shrinersteamgolf.org We are limited to the first 45 teams after 45 we will put you on a wait list for next year.

This post has been edited by Haig Ultra: Yesterday, 05:42 PM

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

MoreOn Tehachapi- from Bakersfield.com

'Once Upon a Mountain,' there is festival in Tehachapi
The Bakersfield Californian | Wednesday, Aug 13 2008

Last Updated: Wednesday, Aug 13 2008 9:15 AM

This weekend’s Tehachapi Mountain Festival is expected to attract some 40,000 fans of a good old-fashioned time (and anyone desperate for a little cool air in mid-summer).

Photo by Casey Christie / The Californian

Joel Sillas watches the 2007 Tehachapi Mountain Festival parade through a different set of eyes.

Photo by Casey Christie / The Californian

Apple Valley Shriners gun their engines along the parade route during the annual Tehachapi Mountain Festival in 2007.

Photo by Matthew Chew / Special to The Californian

Katie Horvath, 9, waits in line to register for the 2007 Tehachapi Mountain Festival Pet Parade with her pygmy goat, Cream.

Where are the Photos? go to Bakersfield.com and take a look!!

It’s the festival’s 45th anniversary and this year’s theme is the whimsical “Once Upon a Mountain,” which will pop up in parade attractions and in the arts and crafts, says Susan Burt of the Greater Tehachapi Chamber of Commerce, which sponsors the event.

The festival features a carnival, fun run, car show and rodeo. It offers unique shopping with more than 100 vendors, Burt adds. And you can’t go wrong with the old-timey food: funnel cakes, hot dogs and barbecue.

“It just draws people from all over, plus our locals look forward to it every year,” Burt says. “It’s the biggest thing in Tehachapi, really.”

THE HIGHLIGHTS:

Thursday

6:30 p.m. Pet parade, Read Park, 490 D St.

Friday

6 to 11 p.m. Carnival, Wells School playground, 300 S. Robinson St.

Saturday

8 a.m. Fun run

10 a.m. Festival parade, F Street

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arts and crafts, Central Park

Noon to 11 p.m. Carnival, Wells School playground

5 p.m. PRCA Rodeo, Tehachapi Rodeo Grounds on Dennison Road

Sunday

9 a.m. to 3 p.m. 11th annual “Thunder on the Mountain” Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show, downtown Tehachapi (Green and F streets).

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Arts and crafts, Central Park

Noon to 8 p.m. Carnival, Wells School playground

1 p.m. PRCA Rodeo, Tehachapi Rodeo Grounds on Dennison Road

4 p.m. Rodeo queen’s coronation, Tehachapi Rodeo Grounds on Dennison Road

For more information, visit tehachapimountainfestival.com or call 822-4180.

Tuesday, August 12, 2008

Shriners to evaluate Reno kids

Reno Gazette Journal August 12, 2008

An orthopedic surgeon at the Sacramento Shriners Hospital will evaluate 12 children with orthopedic conditions on Thursday at the HAWC Community Health Center in Reno. The children will receive follow-up care at the Shriners regional pediatric medical center in Sacramento. Shriners in the Reno area will provide free transportation from the Reno area to the hospital.

Motorcycle road Racer at Shriners Hospital for Children, LA

QUICK TIPS ON WINNING IN LIFE TO BE SHARE WITH YOUNG HOSPITAL PATIENTS BY RYAN REGALADO

10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 14, 2008 SHRINERS HOSPITALS FOR CHILDREN - LOS ANGELES


Racer Who Care spokesracer, Ryan Regalado, a champion motorcycle road racer, is to share his Quick Tips on Winning in Life with young Shriners Hospitals for Children – Los Angeles patients.

In an amazing life-changing turnabout, Regalado is taking a hiatus from racing at the end of August to go to the Philippines for 10 months, where he has family ties, to work on anti-poverty and missionary projects!

His most recent RWC Quick Tips presentation was in July to youngsters at the Hollywood Community Center.

Quick Tips presentations center on key universal truths RWC calls Quick Tips on Winning in Life, applicable to all children and teens regardless of age, cultural background, or life experience: find something to do in life that you really love, study, learn the art of teamwork, find a mentor, take the long view, be flexible with your dreams and goals, avoid the path of least resistance, and more.