Shriners fundraising event set for Tour of Calfornia opening weekend in Sacramento
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140 year of Shriners
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Strongperson contest returns for fundraising muscle-fest, Proceeds go to Shriners Hospital for Children
March 30, 2010 — “What would make a strongman competition even more spectacular?” I sometimes ask myself. The answer, my fellow Susanvillians, is strongwomen.
This year’s competition is sure to dazzle the community with a number of new events, weight-class differentiations and yes folks, strongbabes.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 1 and will include some of last year’s challenges, such as the tractor tire flip, keg loading, truck pull and atlas stones. Competitors are asked to show up at 9 a.m. the morning of the event.
New additions include the axle press, which not only sounds way cooler than bench press, but also features an actual truck axle complete with shiny new rims for the competitors to push on.
In addition to the traditional sponsorship from the Susanville Indian Rancheria, Tribal Business Council and the Diamond Mountain Casino and Hotel, the Lassen Shrine Club is slated to co-sponsor the event. Proceeds this year go to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
According to shrinershq.org Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.
There are approximately 350,000 members from 191 temples (chapters) in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Panama.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is an international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs.
Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care at Shriners Hospitals for Children and receive all services at no financial obligation to families.
This year’s strongperson competition is creating a buzz with its addition of a strongwoman competition. With events like a downsized tractor tire flip, a farmer’s walk, a car pull and a loading medley, local wome n are already starting to pump some iron in preparation.
“I have never done anything like this before,” said Diamond Mountain Casino and Hotel’s Marketing Manager Julie James. “I am looking forward to the loading medley the most. The car pull sounds challenging but after seeing the men do it last year I think I will be able to do it.
“I think when the local women find out there are already women signing up for this event,” said James “more will want to come out and participate. It’s all about raising money for children and having fun. It doesn’t matter if you can’t lift one object, it just feels good to support something like this.”
For male competitors 230-pounds and below, a new lightweight division has been created, allowing a more balanced competition. Men 231-pounds and above will be entered into the unlimited class.
Championship belts will be given to winners of each class as well as sculptured trophies for second and third place. Medals will be divvied up among the remaining competitors.
Last year’s co-champions John Kegg and Bob Shaffer plan to step down as competitors and stick to refereeing and emceeing the event.
“It was so hard last year to finish something like atlas stones and then jump onto the microphone to conduct the rest of the event,” Kegg said.
“We had a great turnout last year and we hope this year is even better. It will be held in the spring so it doesn’t interfere with hunting or fishing and any other special events.”
The entry fee for competitors is $50 and admission to the event is by donation only.
“It’s not about win or lose, It’s about raising money for a great cause and having a great time while doing so,” Kegg said.
Call Kegg at 310-6842 for more information.
This year’s competition is sure to dazzle the community with a number of new events, weight-class differentiations and yes folks, strongbabes.
The event is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 1 and will include some of last year’s challenges, such as the tractor tire flip, keg loading, truck pull and atlas stones. Competitors are asked to show up at 9 a.m. the morning of the event.
New additions include the axle press, which not only sounds way cooler than bench press, but also features an actual truck axle complete with shiny new rims for the competitors to push on.
In addition to the traditional sponsorship from the Susanville Indian Rancheria, Tribal Business Council and the Diamond Mountain Casino and Hotel, the Lassen Shrine Club is slated to co-sponsor the event. Proceeds this year go to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
According to shrinershq.org Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief and truth.
There are approximately 350,000 members from 191 temples (chapters) in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Republic of Panama.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is an international health care system of 22 hospitals dedicated to improving the lives of children by providing specialty pediatric care, innovative research and outstanding teaching programs.
Children up to age 18 with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate are eligible for care at Shriners Hospitals for Children and receive all services at no financial obligation to families.
This year’s strongperson competition is creating a buzz with its addition of a strongwoman competition. With events like a downsized tractor tire flip, a farmer’s walk, a car pull and a loading medley, local wome n are already starting to pump some iron in preparation.
“I have never done anything like this before,” said Diamond Mountain Casino and Hotel’s Marketing Manager Julie James. “I am looking forward to the loading medley the most. The car pull sounds challenging but after seeing the men do it last year I think I will be able to do it.
“I think when the local women find out there are already women signing up for this event,” said James “more will want to come out and participate. It’s all about raising money for children and having fun. It doesn’t matter if you can’t lift one object, it just feels good to support something like this.”
For male competitors 230-pounds and below, a new lightweight division has been created, allowing a more balanced competition. Men 231-pounds and above will be entered into the unlimited class.
Championship belts will be given to winners of each class as well as sculptured trophies for second and third place. Medals will be divvied up among the remaining competitors.
Last year’s co-champions John Kegg and Bob Shaffer plan to step down as competitors and stick to refereeing and emceeing the event.
“It was so hard last year to finish something like atlas stones and then jump onto the microphone to conduct the rest of the event,” Kegg said.
“We had a great turnout last year and we hope this year is even better. It will be held in the spring so it doesn’t interfere with hunting or fishing and any other special events.”
The entry fee for competitors is $50 and admission to the event is by donation only.
“It’s not about win or lose, It’s about raising money for a great cause and having a great time while doing so,” Kegg said.
Call Kegg at 310-6842 for more information.
Monday, March 29, 2010
What's Your Lodges History?
Why would a priest construct a building in downtown Blue Earth,MN.
by Chuck Hunt
It has had its windows covered since I moved here two and a half years ago. That fact alone has always piqued my interest.
I have also been curious as to its history. Local people who have lived here for years have said it was a drug store, and as far as anyone knows, it was a pharmacy from its start until the late 1960s when it became home to Wells Federal Bank.
The drug store business had been purchased by another pharmacy and it moved across the street.
There was another interesting item about this building which I found to be curious.
Walking by it, looking up on the roof, there is a triangle of stone with the inscription “Venn 1890” on it.
I guessed that a man named Venn built the building in 1890.
Turns out I am correct, but there is more to the story than just that fact.
According to local history buff A. B. Russ, Venn refers to Father Venn, a Catholic priest who came to Blue Earth in 1890 and died in 1905.
Now, the question I have, is why would a Catholic priest have a building constructed on the main intersection in downtown Blue Earth?
Russ had no answer to that question, and says he has often wondered about that himself.
Russ has a close association to the building in question. His father, Dr. H. H. Russ, had his office in the back of the Venn building for many, many years.
In fact, at one time there were three doctors and a dentist with offices located off a hallway in the back.
Besides Dr. Russ, there was Dr. Wilson, Dr. Chandler and Dr. Baker (the dentist).
Russ remembers he didn’t much care for his visits to Dr. Baker, as the dentist didn’t believe in the use of novacaine.
Russ also tells about his father’s practice. Dr. Russ only charged $2 for an office call, and no appointment was necessary.
He didn’t have a receptionist, bookkeeper, assistant or nurse. It was just him – and his dog Lady – in a small office/exam room.
And, if Dr. Russ or the other two docs wrote out a prescription, it was pretty easy to get it filled. That’s because there was a door on the other side of the hall which opened into the drug store – and the pharmacy counter was right there.
Because of health issues, Dr. Russ had to quit his practice in 1975. He had developed emphysema, caused by years of heavy cigarette smoking, A. B. Russ says of his father.
There is yet another curious angle to this saga of the pharmacy building.
Before Father Venn passed away in 1905, he was renting the upstairs to the Masons for use as their Masonic Lodge.
And, after Father Venn died, the Masons took over ownership of it, A. B. Russ says.
In fact, the doctors, dentist and the pharmacy were renting their space from the Masons.
This becomes all the more curious when you realize that through history the Masons and the Catholic church were not exactly friendly.
So, why was a Catholic priest renting space to the Masons, and why did he sell the building to them?
Russ doesn’t know. And, he had asked local historian Randall Pemberton those very same questions before Pemberton passed away.
He didn’t have an answer to that curious arrangement either. Maybe no one does.
One more oddity to do with the Venn building. In some old photos the triangle of stone, along with other decorative stone along the roof edge, is visible.
Then it disappears for a number of years as the building facade was modernized.
However, it obviously made a return to the roof, as it is clearly visible there now.
It is a building with a curious past, and a cloudy future.
by Chuck Hunt
It has had its windows covered since I moved here two and a half years ago. That fact alone has always piqued my interest.
I have also been curious as to its history. Local people who have lived here for years have said it was a drug store, and as far as anyone knows, it was a pharmacy from its start until the late 1960s when it became home to Wells Federal Bank.
The drug store business had been purchased by another pharmacy and it moved across the street.
There was another interesting item about this building which I found to be curious.
Walking by it, looking up on the roof, there is a triangle of stone with the inscription “Venn 1890” on it.
I guessed that a man named Venn built the building in 1890.
Turns out I am correct, but there is more to the story than just that fact.
According to local history buff A. B. Russ, Venn refers to Father Venn, a Catholic priest who came to Blue Earth in 1890 and died in 1905.
Now, the question I have, is why would a Catholic priest have a building constructed on the main intersection in downtown Blue Earth?
Russ had no answer to that question, and says he has often wondered about that himself.
Russ has a close association to the building in question. His father, Dr. H. H. Russ, had his office in the back of the Venn building for many, many years.
In fact, at one time there were three doctors and a dentist with offices located off a hallway in the back.
Besides Dr. Russ, there was Dr. Wilson, Dr. Chandler and Dr. Baker (the dentist).
Russ remembers he didn’t much care for his visits to Dr. Baker, as the dentist didn’t believe in the use of novacaine.
Russ also tells about his father’s practice. Dr. Russ only charged $2 for an office call, and no appointment was necessary.
He didn’t have a receptionist, bookkeeper, assistant or nurse. It was just him – and his dog Lady – in a small office/exam room.
And, if Dr. Russ or the other two docs wrote out a prescription, it was pretty easy to get it filled. That’s because there was a door on the other side of the hall which opened into the drug store – and the pharmacy counter was right there.
Because of health issues, Dr. Russ had to quit his practice in 1975. He had developed emphysema, caused by years of heavy cigarette smoking, A. B. Russ says of his father.
There is yet another curious angle to this saga of the pharmacy building.
Before Father Venn passed away in 1905, he was renting the upstairs to the Masons for use as their Masonic Lodge.
And, after Father Venn died, the Masons took over ownership of it, A. B. Russ says.
In fact, the doctors, dentist and the pharmacy were renting their space from the Masons.
This becomes all the more curious when you realize that through history the Masons and the Catholic church were not exactly friendly.
So, why was a Catholic priest renting space to the Masons, and why did he sell the building to them?
Russ doesn’t know. And, he had asked local historian Randall Pemberton those very same questions before Pemberton passed away.
He didn’t have an answer to that curious arrangement either. Maybe no one does.
One more oddity to do with the Venn building. In some old photos the triangle of stone, along with other decorative stone along the roof edge, is visible.
Then it disappears for a number of years as the building facade was modernized.
However, it obviously made a return to the roof, as it is clearly visible there now.
It is a building with a curious past, and a cloudy future.
Firefighters have friends in Masons
Morro Bay Fire Chief Mike Pond had a great day last Monday. The Bethlehem Estero Pines Chapter #95 for Masons/Eastern Star organizations surprised him with a donation of $15,000 in the memory of several members affiliated with fire service in San Luis Obispo County.
Current chapter Matron Irene Bougher said her Cambria chapter merged with the Estero Bay membership in 2004 and has since merged with Paso Robles. Ultimately, the Estero Masonic Hall in Morro Bay was sold. Consistent with their nonprofit charter, the members distributed the proceeds. They chose a San Jose Scottish Rite program for children with severe speech problems, Shriners Hospital’s new pediatric intensive-care unit and the Morro Bay Fire Department Friends.
Stunned at their generosity, Pond and Friends’ president and treasurer Keith and Cheryl Taylor accepted the gift.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Pond said. “We have so many needs — communications equipment, defibrillators for the seniors — it will be put to good use, and the connections to past firemen are stories we’ll treasure.”
Event organizer Myrtle Reid said that in 1967, the Rainbow Girls presented a check to Warren Englebeck to purchase the property for the hall on Highway 41 from the Grange after years of spaghetti and abalone dinners at the Cayucos Veterans Hall.
Robert and Bertha Shultz, Jim Crye and son Ed, Roy Johnsrud, Barney Pike and Jim Campbell all helped build the Estero Masonic Hall. The Carneys and Reids, including children Sheila, Kathleen and David, worked daily on the project.
In November 1969, Reid and Robert Shultz were installed. The group enjoyed Christmas in the new building, but the first leaders officially installed were Matron Nellie Cecil and Patron Morris Cecil in 1970.
“We became a family,” Reid said. “We had a wonderful time working together to build the hall.” Carneys and Reids would barbecue for the helpers. The barbecues then became their public fundraisers for years on various holidays.
“I’m so happy we could present this money to the Friends of the Morro Bay Fire Department,” Reid said. “Our daughter Sheila and Stewart were worthy matron and patron when Stewart took ill in May. Stew was a volunteer fireman for 25 years and, like his Masonic and Eastern Star memberships, the department was always near and dear to his heart.”
Reach Judy at 801-1422 or jsalamacha@yahoo.com.
Read more: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2010/03/28/1083771/firefighters-have-friends-in-masons.html#ixzz0janXlRSj
Current chapter Matron Irene Bougher said her Cambria chapter merged with the Estero Bay membership in 2004 and has since merged with Paso Robles. Ultimately, the Estero Masonic Hall in Morro Bay was sold. Consistent with their nonprofit charter, the members distributed the proceeds. They chose a San Jose Scottish Rite program for children with severe speech problems, Shriners Hospital’s new pediatric intensive-care unit and the Morro Bay Fire Department Friends.
Stunned at their generosity, Pond and Friends’ president and treasurer Keith and Cheryl Taylor accepted the gift.
“I’m overwhelmed,” Pond said. “We have so many needs — communications equipment, defibrillators for the seniors — it will be put to good use, and the connections to past firemen are stories we’ll treasure.”
Event organizer Myrtle Reid said that in 1967, the Rainbow Girls presented a check to Warren Englebeck to purchase the property for the hall on Highway 41 from the Grange after years of spaghetti and abalone dinners at the Cayucos Veterans Hall.
Robert and Bertha Shultz, Jim Crye and son Ed, Roy Johnsrud, Barney Pike and Jim Campbell all helped build the Estero Masonic Hall. The Carneys and Reids, including children Sheila, Kathleen and David, worked daily on the project.
In November 1969, Reid and Robert Shultz were installed. The group enjoyed Christmas in the new building, but the first leaders officially installed were Matron Nellie Cecil and Patron Morris Cecil in 1970.
“We became a family,” Reid said. “We had a wonderful time working together to build the hall.” Carneys and Reids would barbecue for the helpers. The barbecues then became their public fundraisers for years on various holidays.
“I’m so happy we could present this money to the Friends of the Morro Bay Fire Department,” Reid said. “Our daughter Sheila and Stewart were worthy matron and patron when Stewart took ill in May. Stew was a volunteer fireman for 25 years and, like his Masonic and Eastern Star memberships, the department was always near and dear to his heart.”
Reach Judy at 801-1422 or jsalamacha@yahoo.com.
Read more: http://www.sanluisobispo.com/2010/03/28/1083771/firefighters-have-friends-in-masons.html#ixzz0janXlRSj
California Outdoor 3rd and BarB-Q
Temecula Catalina Island Lodge # 524 will present their 16Annual Outdoor Degree July 24,2010
Get your tickets early email tom@hafeli.org no walk-ins
Coffee & Pastries for early birds.
Lodge opens at 9AM.for the Jack Liefe Memorial Outdoor 3rd degree
Lunch will be Tri-Tip BBQ stake, baked beans,Corn on the cob,green salad,rolls & Desert, coffee,iced tea, sodas
Get your tickets early email tom@hafeli.org no walk-ins
Coffee & Pastries for early birds.
Lodge opens at 9AM.for the Jack Liefe Memorial Outdoor 3rd degree
Lunch will be Tri-Tip BBQ stake, baked beans,Corn on the cob,green salad,rolls & Desert, coffee,iced tea, sodas
California Masons
Warden's retreats are coming up in your area
Masters and Brethren alike. If you haven't scheduled members of your Lodges to attend the very important and educations seminars, please consider it. While these are titled SR AND JR RETREATS, the really are about teaching the future leaders of our Lodge to be Master of the Lodge. Valuable, Valuable information as gathered and you will create Masonic Bonds that will last a lifetime.
Masters, please talk to your Wardens, and Sr Deacons and encourage them to attend. Brethren, talk to the Master of your Lodge to see if "this is the year you can attend.
Don't hesitate to make a Date!!
Masters and Brethren alike. If you haven't scheduled members of your Lodges to attend the very important and educations seminars, please consider it. While these are titled SR AND JR RETREATS, the really are about teaching the future leaders of our Lodge to be Master of the Lodge. Valuable, Valuable information as gathered and you will create Masonic Bonds that will last a lifetime.
Masters, please talk to your Wardens, and Sr Deacons and encourage them to attend. Brethren, talk to the Master of your Lodge to see if "this is the year you can attend.
Don't hesitate to make a Date!!
I Hope you get your car washed today
Car wash to benefit burn victim
Trenten Viney’s parents need about $500 a month to stay in California with their 21-month-old son, who was burned in a fire in Fort Collins last week.
They do not know how long their son will be in the Shriner’s Hospital in Sacramento.
And while they are there, neither Josh nor Alex Viney is bringing in an income.
To help, friends will hold a car wash 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Today at Jax Outdoor Gear, 950 E. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland.
Volunteers will wash vehicles for $5 a pop, with all proceeds going to the Viney family. Motorists are welcome to donate more, added family friend Amber Kaiser.
The Shriner’s Hospital is covering Trenten’s medical care, and his parents are staying at the Ronald McDonald House, which costs $20 a day, Kaiser said.
A fund to help the Vineys also has been set up at Home State Bank. Residents can send checks, payable to the bank and marked for the Trenten Viney Fund, to any Home State Bank in Loveland or Fort Collins.
Trenten Viney’s parents need about $500 a month to stay in California with their 21-month-old son, who was burned in a fire in Fort Collins last week.
They do not know how long their son will be in the Shriner’s Hospital in Sacramento.
And while they are there, neither Josh nor Alex Viney is bringing in an income.
To help, friends will hold a car wash 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Today at Jax Outdoor Gear, 950 E. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland.
Volunteers will wash vehicles for $5 a pop, with all proceeds going to the Viney family. Motorists are welcome to donate more, added family friend Amber Kaiser.
The Shriner’s Hospital is covering Trenten’s medical care, and his parents are staying at the Ronald McDonald House, which costs $20 a day, Kaiser said.
A fund to help the Vineys also has been set up at Home State Bank. Residents can send checks, payable to the bank and marked for the Trenten Viney Fund, to any Home State Bank in Loveland or Fort Collins.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Shriners Sponsor Orthopaedic Clinic
Shriners Hospitals for Children – Twin Cities will host a pediatric orthopaedic evaluation clinic from 2 to 5 p.m. April 15 at Fargo’s Ramada Plaza Suites.
Children 17 years old or younger experiencing bone, muscle or joint problems are invited to receive a free examination.
To schedule an appointment, call Lisa Johnson at (701) 235-7521 or (866) 255-7521.
Children 17 years old or younger experiencing bone, muscle or joint problems are invited to receive a free examination.
To schedule an appointment, call Lisa Johnson at (701) 235-7521 or (866) 255-7521.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Acacia Creek/ Masonic Homes
SAN FRANCISCO - (Business Wire) Fitch Ratings affirms its 'AA' long-term rating on approximately $93.6 million series 2008A variable-rate demand bonds issued by the Association of Bay Area Governments (CA) on behalf of Acacia Creek/Masonic Homes of California (MHC). The long-term Rating Outlook is Stable. The bonds also carry a Fitch short-term rating of 'F1+' based on a Bank of America standby bond purchase agreement.
RATING RATIONALE:
--Strength of the guaranty agreement from Acacia Creek's parent company, MHC. The bonds are secured by an unconditional payment guaranty of principal and interest from MHC. Should there be insufficent funds in the revenue bond account, MHC covenants to transfer funds to the trustee one business day prior to the principal and interest payment dates. Additionally, within 20 days after each quarter, MHC agrees to transfer funds so that Acacia Creek's debt service coverage and days cash on hand (DCOH) are at least 1.1 times (x) and 200 DCOH, respectively. Moreover, MHC may not guaranty debt that amounts to more than 40% of MHC's and Acacia Creek's unrestricted cash and investment balances.
--Ample, but reduced financial resources of MHC. Despite investment losses, MHC maintains $521 million of unrestricted cash and investments as of Jan. 31, 2010. In addition, MHC holds $158 million of restricted funds.
Read more: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/fitch-affirms-acacia-creekmasonic-homes,1207040.shtml#ixzz0iMaCncyR
RATING RATIONALE:
--Strength of the guaranty agreement from Acacia Creek's parent company, MHC. The bonds are secured by an unconditional payment guaranty of principal and interest from MHC. Should there be insufficent funds in the revenue bond account, MHC covenants to transfer funds to the trustee one business day prior to the principal and interest payment dates. Additionally, within 20 days after each quarter, MHC agrees to transfer funds so that Acacia Creek's debt service coverage and days cash on hand (DCOH) are at least 1.1 times (x) and 200 DCOH, respectively. Moreover, MHC may not guaranty debt that amounts to more than 40% of MHC's and Acacia Creek's unrestricted cash and investment balances.
--Ample, but reduced financial resources of MHC. Despite investment losses, MHC maintains $521 million of unrestricted cash and investments as of Jan. 31, 2010. In addition, MHC holds $158 million of restricted funds.
Read more: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/fitch-affirms-acacia-creekmasonic-homes,1207040.shtml#ixzz0iMaCncyR
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Friday, March 5, 2010
Shriners Australasia - Brisbane and Melbourne Ceremonial!
Friday, March 5, 2010
The time has come, details are being finalised for the next Shriners of Australia ceremonial to be held in Brisbane and Melbourne. The dates have been finalised, and has been pencilled in for Brisbane on the 13th of June, and Melbourne on the 20th of June.
Shriners Australasia will be sending a team to conduct the ceremony which will include the Chairman, President, the executive committee and a Delegation from the United States - Shriners International.
For those that don’t know, the Shrine fraternity run 22 children hospitals across North America & the pacific, with patients being admitted from all over the world for high quality, specialised medical care which is totally free of charge.
Shriners International has over 350,000 members around the world, an operating budget in excess of 1 billion AUD, has treated more than 1,000,000 patients, & figures have shown brand recognition of the Shriners is over 75% of the community aged 18 years & above, Freemasonry is a little over 30%! Note: Philippines & Europe are just about to open there own branches!
In addition to that over 20% of all mason that join in the US & Canada join on the basis of becoming a Shriner because of all the positive work they do. This is an appendant body to freemasonry that’s focus is based around 2 things, fun and helping our most important commodity, children.
Due to the success the Sydney Ceremonial in November we already have in excess of 40 founding members. Requirements to become a Shriner is simple, you must hold the degree of master mason!
If you require further information about becoming a Shriner please email mark@shriners.org.au or adam@shriners.org.au
I will finish with this, I have had the privilege to visit 4 of the Shriners Hospitals and can say it was just about the most heart warming experience of my life, The amount of respect shown from patients and their families towards members of the Shriners is simply overwhelming.
Adam Murphy
Chairman Shriners Australasia
The time has come, details are being finalised for the next Shriners of Australia ceremonial to be held in Brisbane and Melbourne. The dates have been finalised, and has been pencilled in for Brisbane on the 13th of June, and Melbourne on the 20th of June.
Shriners Australasia will be sending a team to conduct the ceremony which will include the Chairman, President, the executive committee and a Delegation from the United States - Shriners International.
For those that don’t know, the Shrine fraternity run 22 children hospitals across North America & the pacific, with patients being admitted from all over the world for high quality, specialised medical care which is totally free of charge.
Shriners International has over 350,000 members around the world, an operating budget in excess of 1 billion AUD, has treated more than 1,000,000 patients, & figures have shown brand recognition of the Shriners is over 75% of the community aged 18 years & above, Freemasonry is a little over 30%! Note: Philippines & Europe are just about to open there own branches!
In addition to that over 20% of all mason that join in the US & Canada join on the basis of becoming a Shriner because of all the positive work they do. This is an appendant body to freemasonry that’s focus is based around 2 things, fun and helping our most important commodity, children.
Due to the success the Sydney Ceremonial in November we already have in excess of 40 founding members. Requirements to become a Shriner is simple, you must hold the degree of master mason!
If you require further information about becoming a Shriner please email mark@shriners.org.au or adam@shriners.org.au
I will finish with this, I have had the privilege to visit 4 of the Shriners Hospitals and can say it was just about the most heart warming experience of my life, The amount of respect shown from patients and their families towards members of the Shriners is simply overwhelming.
Adam Murphy
Chairman Shriners Australasia
Masonic Center in S.F. gets OK for upgrade
By: John Coté, Chronicle Staff Writer
(03-04) 23:23 PST SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco's Planning Commission voted late Thursday to let the music play on Nob Hill.
The commission voted 4-to-2 to approve a controversial plan to renovate the Masonic Center into a modern entertainment venue run by a major concert promoter in one of San Francisco's most storied neighborhoods.
It was a hotly disputed issue with undertones of racism and classism that pitted the Masons and promoter Live Nation against about a dozen well-heeled homeowners associations concerned about noise, traffic and crime.
"I'm relieved," Lee Smith, an executive with Live Nation, said after a more than four-hour meeting where backers and opponents filled the commission chamber and spilled into two overflow rooms.
The vote probably won't be the last word on renovating the 52-year-old auditorium and nearly doubling the number of live evening shows there.
The two sides for months had been in negotiations that continued until minutes before Thursday's meeting. After the vote, the commission urged the two sides to continue talking, but an appeal to the Board of Supervisors was assured and a lawsuit possible, opponents said.
"We'll continue to talk," said Stanley Landfair, of the Nob Hill Legal Coalition neighborhood group. "And I'm sure there will be an appeal."
The venue has played host to artists such as Bob Dylan and Van Morrison for more than 50 years. Its operators say they have taken steps to address neighbors' concerns, including agreeing to neighborhood cleanup after shows, ending almost all weeknight shows by 11 p.m. and weekend shows by 11:30 p.m. and not allowing buses or trucks to park overnight on California Street.
Backers say revitalizing the 1950s-era building would reverse the flow of entertainment dollars to renovated mid-size venues outside San Francisco, such as Fox Theater in Oakland.
"They're really taking the shows and the vitality we'd like to see in San Francisco," said Rob Black, a vice president of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.
The Masons want to lease the center long-term to Live Nation, which has been seeking a mid-size venue in San Francisco since it lost the Warfield Theater to promoter AEG Live in 2008. Live Nation has been managing the Masonic for the past 14 months.
The plan calls for about $6 million in renovations, including pulling out some fixed seats and terracing the auditorium floor. A state-of-the-art sound and light system would be added, reducing the amount of equipment necessary to load in and out.
The venue would get a commercial kitchen and eight bar or concession areas. The capacity would increase from 3,282 people to 3,500 during general admission shows. Events would continue to range from concerts to high school graduations to banquets. The exterior would remain as is.
Evening events like concerts and comedy shows would jump from an average of 50 a year to 95 allowed, with a maximum of 70 of those able to be general admission shows.
That increase in frequency was a main concern of neighbors, who worried about traffic, ticket scalping and thousands of potentially drunk people streaming out of a venue across from Grace Cathedral and Huntington Park.
"I don't think any self-respecting city in the world would allow such an inappropriate use," neighbor Bob Dantzler told the commission. "Please use your common sense and your sense of decency."
Another neighbor, Stephanie Leta, said she usually felt safe walking home at night but not on nights when there were events at the Masonic.
"It's a scary experience coming home when there's an event going on versus when there is not," Leta said. "It's a very different experience."
Commissioner Gwyneth Borden said opposition to the project because it would bring "general admission" audiences to the hilltop neighborhood suggested racism.
"They don't want people like me, who look like me, coming to Nob Hill," said Borden, who is African American. "I'm sorry, but that's the way I see it."
E-mail John Coté at jcote@sfchronicle.com.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/03/05/BA4P1CB4PH.DTL#ixzz0hKQ3ec9W
(03-04) 23:23 PST SAN FRANCISCO -- San Francisco's Planning Commission voted late Thursday to let the music play on Nob Hill.
The commission voted 4-to-2 to approve a controversial plan to renovate the Masonic Center into a modern entertainment venue run by a major concert promoter in one of San Francisco's most storied neighborhoods.
It was a hotly disputed issue with undertones of racism and classism that pitted the Masons and promoter Live Nation against about a dozen well-heeled homeowners associations concerned about noise, traffic and crime.
"I'm relieved," Lee Smith, an executive with Live Nation, said after a more than four-hour meeting where backers and opponents filled the commission chamber and spilled into two overflow rooms.
The vote probably won't be the last word on renovating the 52-year-old auditorium and nearly doubling the number of live evening shows there.
The two sides for months had been in negotiations that continued until minutes before Thursday's meeting. After the vote, the commission urged the two sides to continue talking, but an appeal to the Board of Supervisors was assured and a lawsuit possible, opponents said.
"We'll continue to talk," said Stanley Landfair, of the Nob Hill Legal Coalition neighborhood group. "And I'm sure there will be an appeal."
The venue has played host to artists such as Bob Dylan and Van Morrison for more than 50 years. Its operators say they have taken steps to address neighbors' concerns, including agreeing to neighborhood cleanup after shows, ending almost all weeknight shows by 11 p.m. and weekend shows by 11:30 p.m. and not allowing buses or trucks to park overnight on California Street.
Backers say revitalizing the 1950s-era building would reverse the flow of entertainment dollars to renovated mid-size venues outside San Francisco, such as Fox Theater in Oakland.
"They're really taking the shows and the vitality we'd like to see in San Francisco," said Rob Black, a vice president of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.
The Masons want to lease the center long-term to Live Nation, which has been seeking a mid-size venue in San Francisco since it lost the Warfield Theater to promoter AEG Live in 2008. Live Nation has been managing the Masonic for the past 14 months.
The plan calls for about $6 million in renovations, including pulling out some fixed seats and terracing the auditorium floor. A state-of-the-art sound and light system would be added, reducing the amount of equipment necessary to load in and out.
The venue would get a commercial kitchen and eight bar or concession areas. The capacity would increase from 3,282 people to 3,500 during general admission shows. Events would continue to range from concerts to high school graduations to banquets. The exterior would remain as is.
Evening events like concerts and comedy shows would jump from an average of 50 a year to 95 allowed, with a maximum of 70 of those able to be general admission shows.
That increase in frequency was a main concern of neighbors, who worried about traffic, ticket scalping and thousands of potentially drunk people streaming out of a venue across from Grace Cathedral and Huntington Park.
"I don't think any self-respecting city in the world would allow such an inappropriate use," neighbor Bob Dantzler told the commission. "Please use your common sense and your sense of decency."
Another neighbor, Stephanie Leta, said she usually felt safe walking home at night but not on nights when there were events at the Masonic.
"It's a scary experience coming home when there's an event going on versus when there is not," Leta said. "It's a very different experience."
Commissioner Gwyneth Borden said opposition to the project because it would bring "general admission" audiences to the hilltop neighborhood suggested racism.
"They don't want people like me, who look like me, coming to Nob Hill," said Borden, who is African American. "I'm sorry, but that's the way I see it."
E-mail John Coté at jcote@sfchronicle.com.
Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/03/05/BA4P1CB4PH.DTL#ixzz0hKQ3ec9W
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