140 year of Shriners

140 year of Shriners

Friday, December 28, 2012

Hunter on the Rose Parade Float


Utah boy chosen as Shriners Hospital Patient Ambassador



Updated: 12/27 7:31 pm | Published: 12/27 6:42 pm
Reported by: Kimberly Nelson
SYRACUSE, Utah (ABC 4 News) - ShrinersHospitals for Children is participating for the third straight year in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade and, this year, a 13-year-old boy from Utah will be on their float.

Hunter Woodhall is this year’s ShrinersHospital Children Patient Ambassador. Hunter was born with a lower limb deficiency that required surgery to remove both his feet. At just 11 months old, he was fitted with artificial legs at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Tampa and quickly walked on them. Hunter and his family moved to Utah, where he grew to become an accomplished athlete.

Specialists at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Salt Lake City offered several orthopedic options to allow him more flexibility in sports. Hunter excels on the basketball court, football field and wrestling mat, and is an avid runner, skier and swimmer.

Last summer Hunter was selected to be one of two international patient ambassadors for Shriners Hospitals for Children and has spent the last year attending official events and sharing his story around the country.

For more information on Shriners Hospital for Children log on to:http://www.shrinershospitalsforchildren.org/

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Shriners Hospitals Helping Kids Live their Dreams at Rose Parade

Shriners Hospitals for Children sent over the details about their float titled, "Helping Kids Live their Dreams" that will be in this year's Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day.
Riding on the float will be representatives from Shriners International as well as patients who exemplify the hospital's mission and embody the Tournament of Roses' theme, "Oh the Places You'll Go!" The 2013 Shriners Hospitals for Children float was decorated by the riders, as well as patients from Shriners Hospital for Children – Los Angeles. Here are details about two of the participants:
Carrie Holmstrom, age 23, had surgery to remove both her feet and all the fingers on her right hand following a car accident six years ago. She awoke from a medically induced coma and within eight months took her first steps on artificial legs she received at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Springfield (Mass.). Carrie, who lives in Houston, recently ran her first 5K.
Hunter Woodhall, age 13, was born with a lower limb deficiency that required surgery to remove both his feet. At just 11 months old, he was fitted with artificial legs at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Tampa and quickly walked on them. Hunter and his familymoved to Utah, where he grew to become an accomplished athlete. Specialists at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Salt Lake City offered several orthopaedic options to allow him more flexibility in sports. Hunter excels on the basketball court, football field and wrestling mat, and is an avid runner, skier and swimmer.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Toy from Zelzah Shriners


UNIVISION TELEVISION CHANNEL 15 AND RADIO 92.7 FM REMOTE WILL BE ON SITE!!!!                          

                                  WHO
 GREAT ZELZAH SHRINE PUBLIC RELATIONS TOY GIVE AWAY!!!
                                WHEN
  SATURDAY DECEMBER 22. 2012
 @ 2 P M TO 4 P M.
                           WHAT ---\
TOYS WILL BE GIVEN TO DESERVING CHILDREN THAT WILL NOT GET A TOY FOR CHRISTMAS!
                          WHERE
 Noble RICARDO LIMONS PLACE OF BUISNESS( BOTANICA )!!
                        LOCATION =
 #60, 25TH STREET, CORNER EASTERN AND VALLY just a few blocks from the 95 hwy!!
We need every Shriner that can spend 2 hours
Enjoying the Christmas spirit handing out toys to deserving under privileged children !!


For more information call Ricardo limon
@702-285-2617 or Joe Alvarado @ 702-533-1507!!
All clowns and flivers are welcomed . firemen
From burn foundation Will also be there !
Come have some fun again this year !!!

Not a Dry Eye in the room


Report of Speech given at Kona – Ice Ribbon cutting ceremony
December 15, 2012
Nobles Ricardo Limon , Joe Alvarado and Shrine Alumni Katelyn Hawkins were present. .
We were invited to give a speech at this organization on Saturday.
This ribbon cutting ceremony had several VIPs, (Senators and Congress persons
And leaders from other organizations in attendance!)
There were 75 to 80 persons in the audience.
We asked one of our Shrine alumni, Katelyn, to be our main speaker!
Joe Alvarado opened the session and closed.
Katelyn related her personal story of suffering from scoliosis.
She spoke of being made fun of and being bullied by other students at school.
They called her hunchback and other cruel names, her athletic activities
Were restricted because of her skeletal 90 degree attitude pushed on her lungs
Making it hard for her to breathe!
Then she related the meeting of the Local Shriners and her treatment at Shriners Hospital Los Angeles by medical personnel.
She related the fact that her condition became so serious that her doctors could not wait to
Operate and she was transferred to Shrine Hospital Sacramento where she was immediately operated to correct her condition.
She praised our Local Shriners and the hospital personnel and Doctors   for their loving treatment of her and her condition!
This fourteen year old young lady spoke of her first boyfriend and her first dance
There was not a dry eye in the room!
I was honored to be present at this eloquent delivery by this young lady!
Applause was loud and long.
After the speech we were swamped with questions and compliments!

Fraternally
Joe Alvarado
Chairman, Zelzah Shrine
Public relations committee

Friday, December 14, 2012

Eureka Masons


Masons install new master

The Times-Standard

Click photo to enlarge
EUREKA -- Keith N. Crossley will be installed at the 159th annual Installation of Officers as Master of Humboldt Masonic Lodge No.79, on Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Humboldt Masonic Hall, 517 G St. Members, family and friends are invited to attend.
Crossley is very active in the community. He is a member of the board of directors of the Rotary Club of Eureka and was chosen Rotarian of the Year for 2008-2009.
He is also a member of the Paul Harris Fellow with Rotary International, Business Network International, and past president of the board of directors of the Boys & Girls Club of the Redwoods. He has volunteered for Adoption Horizons, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, Rainbow for Girls, Community Blood Bank, Redwood Coast Montessori and other local schools.
Crossley worked for Cox Communications from 1993 to 2007 and is now a certified public accountant and present co-owner of Cunningham, Malone & Morton. He and his wife Carole also own The Original Basket Boutique. They have four children, including two adopted from China.
For more information on the lodge, visit humboldtlodge79.org.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Foothill Elementary Wars to Help Shriners Hospital


The choice of which charitable organization to contribute to is traditionally decided by the
 students on the council.  These students contemplated several charitable organizations. 
After careful consideration it was decided that the money raised by the event would be
donated to Shriners Hospital.
Shriners Hospitals are a network of non-profit hospitals throughout North America. 
There is one located in Salt Lake City.  They specialize in helping children with
orthopedic conditions, burns, and spinal cord injuries, regardless of the cost or
the patients’ ability to pay. The student council invited a representative from the
 hospital to come and give a presentation. They also learned that several children
 associated with Foothill had previously received services from the local Shriners
Hospital.  This helped to give personal meaning to the fundraiser.
The student council initially set a goal of raising $500 for this worthy cause but
when all the bills and change finally settled in the collection jars there was a
whopping $1,857.46!  This money was presented to Shriners Hospital in a fun
assembly where a few students were granted the opportunity to “serve” (throw)
large pies at several good-natured members of the Foothill faculty and staff.
A big thank you goes out to the students, parents, faculty and staff of Foothill
Elementary for their generosity and to the student council for a job well done!

Monday, December 10, 2012

Buy a Book Support the SHC


Barnes & Noble Hosts Shopping Day
to Benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children
Online Purchases Made Dec 11 -16 Benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Barnes & Noble booksellers is working this holiday season to support Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California. On Tuesday, Dec. 11, Barnes & Noble stores will donate a portion of its in-store proceeds to Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the national bookseller will allow shoppers to support Shriners Hospitals through online purchases from Dec.  11 – 16.  The fundraising event has been dubbed as the Barnes & Noble Bookfair.

Shoppers can guarantee that a portion of their in-store purchases made on Dec. 11 benefit Shriners Hospitals by Children by referencing the hospital when they make their purchase at the check-out counter.  Those who wish to have a portion of their Barnes & Noble online purchases benefit Shriners Hospitals may do so be entering Bookfair ID 10981470 at checkout.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Landmark decision:Spokane’s historic Masonic Center is for sale.


The downtown landmark – once one of the city’s foremost entertainment venues – faces an uncertain future, its current owners say.
The nonprofit that manages the facility has decided the five-story building on Riverside Avenue is too expensive to operate. Ron Cunningham, president of the Masonic Temple Association of Spokane, said maintenance costs can’t be covered in a down economy.
The association board hired Spokane realty firm NAI Black to market the building nationwide.
A second factor in the decision, Cunningham noted, is the steady decline in the all-male Masonic membership. There are still more than a dozen area lodges or related groups, including women’s auxiliaries, but their collective membership is steadily falling, he said.
“We have a hard time competing with young men who have families, who have to work two or three jobs,” Cunningham said.
The social goal of the Masons hasn’t changed, however; it continues to be “the betterment of people,” he said.
“But we don’t recruit. People have to come to us to be a member,” he said.
The building’s asking price is $1.75 million. Spokane County lists the assessed value at $1.3 million. This is the first time the building – originally the Masonic Temple – has been for sale.
It’s been continuously occupied throughout its 107-year history, said Carlton Oakes, CEO of the Masonic Temple Association of Spokane.
Opened in 1905, the original, smaller Masonic Temple twice was visited by President Theodore Roosevelt. A member of the Masons, Roosevelt dedicated the 1903 laying of the temple cornerstone.
In 1911, Roosevelt made a return visit and took part in a Masonic ceremony inside the building.
In the 1920s the membership of the nonreligious fraternal group swelled. That led to the decision to enlarge the building to its present size, roughly 110,000 square feet.
Flanked by the former Elks Temple on the west and the original Spokane Chamber of Commerce building on the east, the center’s iconic features are 18 gray stone columns lining the building’s 220-foot-long façade on Riverside Avenue.
In recent years the building has been rented for proms, parties, weddings, fundraisers, company meetings, social events and even boxing matches, Oakes said. But those events have dropped off by 48 percent since last year due to competition from other venues.
“The reason is primarily weddings. We’re not (booking) as many weddings as we did before,” Oakes said.
For more than 20 years the center also has housed the nonprofit RiteCare Spokane clinic. The clinic offers free speech therapy to area youths between 2 and 7 years old. If the building is sold, the RiteCare clinic will relocate and continue to be supported by the Spokane Scottish Rite, one of the area’s Masonic groups, Cunningham said.
To cut costs while the building is on the market, Oakes said he’ll stop renting it to outside groups. The Masonic Temple Association will continue letting area Masonic groups use the building while it’s for sale.
Money to keep the building open comes from outside rentals, from fees paid by the local Masonic groups who meet there, and from an annual stipend by the Spokane Masonic Temple Foundation.
This year’s operating budget so far has been $390,000, Oakes said. If not for the annual support from the Masonic Foundation, the building’s budget would be in the red, he said.
There are two large performance areas in the building: a lower-level auditorium and the 7,000-square-foot ballroom. Several other meeting rooms, such as the Rose Room and the Blue Room, are historically preserved shrines recalling the days when the building hosted Masonic ceremonies, business group gatherings and six-course dinners for Spokane’s rising middle class.
The building is part of the federal Riverside Avenue Historic District. In 1991 it was added to the Spokane Register of Historic Places. Because of that status, changes to the exterior have to be approved by the Spokane Historic Landmarks Commission.
But changes inside the building don’t require that, said Kristen Griffin, the Spokane city/county historic preservation officer.
Ron Wells, a Spokane developer and historic preservation advocate, said he sees potential for the building as a performance and event facility, with a solid marketing campaign to support it.
“I hope someone buys it with the right attitude about preserving and protecting its distinctive history,” Wells said, adding he’s not likely to consider adding the structure to his roster of projects.
The building has been a regular location for Spokane-based film company North by Northwest Productions Inc. Rich Cowan, a company founder, used the Masonic Center for at least four films shot in Spokane.
“It’s historically authentic and has plenty of other rooms so that you can use one area to film and another room to stage and organize stuff,” Cowan said.
A recent North by Northwest film, “Camilla Dickinson,” is set in New York City in the 1940s. Cowan used a number of rooms inside the Masonic Center to evoke a restaurant and other locations.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Car Designed for Wheelchairs/ SHC



 Former Patient Demonstrates World’s First  Factory-Built Car Designed for Wheelchairs 


Kristina Shepard Rhoades, a former Shriners Hospital patient and the 2005 Ms. Wheelchair California, drove to Shriners Hospitals for Children® – Northern California on Tuesday, Nov. 20, in the world’s first factory-built, wheelchair-accessible automobile. Known as the MV-1, the wheelchair friendly car is manufactured by VPG (Vehicle Production Group). Rhoades, who is spokesperson for the manufacturer, demonstrated the features of the car for patients, guests and the community. 
Rhoades suffered a spinal cord injury when she was 10 months old and has used a wheelchair most of her life. She was a patient at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California from 1997 to 2004. Rhoades now lives in Georgia with her husband and their one-year-old daughter. A graduate of Brenau University in Gainesville, Ga., she worked in radio for many years before becoming spokesperson and manager of social media for VPG. More information about the MV-1 can be found online at www.vpautos.com. 
To learn more about how you can join Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California in building a caring community, please call the Public & Community Relations Office at (916) 453-2018 or send email to ncal.info@shrinenet.org. 
A New Set of Wheels (from top to bottom): Kristina Shepard Rhoades was reunited with Shriners Hospital Nurse Ed Miles when she returned to the Northern California Hospital to demonstrate the MV-1. Local television stations interviewed Rhoades about the car and her experience as a Shriners Hospital patient. The MV-1 has a built-in retractable ramp, and provides plenty of space and headroom for people in wheelchairs. 

Monday, November 26, 2012

EL PASO, Texas – El Maida Shrine Circus


Sgt. Jonathan Thomas
Performers from the George Carden Circus International thank the audience for their attendance during the El Maida Shriner Circus at the El Paso County Coliseum, Nov. 11. In addition to offering families entertainment under the big top, the annual event raises funds for the El Maida Shrine. (Photo by U.S. Army Sgt. Jonathan W. Thomas, 16th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
The 61st annual Shriner Circus packed the El Paso County Coliseum Veterans Day weekend, but on the fourth day, the Shriners took a moment away from the circus atmosphere to honor past and present service members.

“Veterans Day brings a tear to most of our eyes and a little hesitation to our talk, because we do appreciate our veterans, almost all my shriners [here] are veterans,” said John Wood, Shriner marshal for the El Maida Shrine. “Even though we’re out of the military, the military is still in our hearts.”

The George Carden Circus International provided the featured entertainment for the event, with a series of acrobatic feats, death defying stunts and comedy. Hosting the event were the Shriners, an offshoot of the Freemasons, from the El Maida Shrine here.

“The event is an annual celebration that we have,” said Wood. “It commemorates the services and joy we bring to the community through the help we give to those in need.”

In addition to offering Families entertainment under the big top, the annual event raises funds for the El Maida Shrine.

“We’ve had four [sold out] shows in the past four days,” said David Millis, Chief Rabban for the El Maida shrine. “This will help us continue the ongoing operations of our temple so that, in turn, we can help [the community].”

Entertaining and community service are deep-rooted values in the Shriner organization.

“Shriners have two main goals in life: we have fun and we take care of children, that’s what we’re here for,” said Millis. “You can’t believe how much fun this is, this is just flat-out fun. You can go out there and watch the acts and really enjoy yourself. The kids are enjoying it and we’ll be able to maintain our operations for some time to come.”


Read more: http://www.dvidshub.net/news/98312/shriners-raise-money-entertain-honor-veterans#.ULOxnOOe_6Y#ixzz2DM0CkV1u

Friday, November 16, 2012

Shriners Guide to school re-entry


Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California has published a Guide to School Re-entry for teachers, administrators, counselors, nurses and other school personnel who deal with children returning to school with physical limitations that may impact their school experience.

At our Shriners Hospital in Sacramento we care for children whose lives have changed dramatically as a result of a traumatic burn, accidental loss of limb or spinal cord injury.

Some are paralyzed and some are scarred. During their hospital stay, these children attend the Shriners Hospital School where they are taught to be independent in the classroom, says Margaret Kugler, Educational, Vocational & Transition Services Coordinator.

As these children transition back to their communities and home schools, we have found that ongoing communication with their teachers, counselors and administrations is vital to a student's success, Kugler adds.

We organize school re-entry programs for patients to re-introduce them to their teachers and peers.

We believe the Guide to School Re-entry will help foster continued to success by providing an organized and straightforward reference.

The comprehensive guide discusses the role of the teacher in preparing for a student's return and outlines considerations that must be made in dealing with children returning after burn and spinal cord injuries.

Special sections cover  use of adaptive devices in the classroom.

The Shriners Hospital School is a joint project of Shriners Hospitals for Children Northern California and the Sacramento City Unified School District.

The school provides bilingual regular and special education to patients in grades K 12 to ensure that children maintain continuity in their education while in the hospital.

Teachers and school personnel interested in obtaining a Guide to School Re-entry may contact Margaret Kugler by calling 916- 453-2109 or sending email to ncalinfo@shrinenet.org.

Portland Shriners Hospital for Children Screening in Seaside


Shriners offer free screening for children Saturday


SEASIDE — The Shriners Hospital for Children in Portland is inviting anyone who thinks they know a child who could benefit from orthopedic and burn/scar care to refer them to a free screening clinic.
It is being held 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Providence Seaside Hospital, 725 S. Wahanna Road, Seaside. For information, call 503-791-5482, 503-836-2411 or 503-861-1368.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Rose Parade is near

The Rose Queen and her Court , Al Malaikah Shrine 2012 Potentate Dave Wehmeyer along with our kids show off a picture of the 2013 Shrine Rose Parade float

Monday, November 12, 2012

Child ID & Shriners Booth at AFB


A SPECIAL THANKS TO THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE CHILD I D AND INFORMATION DESK
AT NELLIS A F B  AVIATION NATION

THE FOLLOWING MASONS / SHRINERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
Working together to help our community’s kids
ARE RECOGNIZED FOR VOLUNTEERING TO HELP AT OUR Masonic CHILD I D AND Shriners PUBLIC REALATIONS DEMONSTRATION
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 10 And 11 of November!

Brother Mike Clark, Brother Dick Brisbois’ , Brother Bob Norton

Brother Jerry Eitel , Brother Paul Grandstrom, Brother Bill MCcarty
And his wife Alvita, Brother Frank, Brother Miguel, Brother Tom
(I am sorry I can not remember the last names) Brother Darion Nixon and His lady Jackie. Brother Fred Horn .

Our special guest Brother Howie “Fez Head Fred “Wynia,
Brother Bill Wisenhunt , Brother Clown Jack “ Hi jack “ Berman ,
Clown Reggie “Put – Put “Underwood, Brother Gary Grissett

Brother Joe Alvarado, wife Harriett, Son Mike, and 86 year young mother-in – Law Betty , Mrs. Leslie Acevedo , Her Brother Brian and her son Max .

While the rest of our Masons, Shriners and families were otherwise occupied ,With  Grand Lodge and other official functions ,

The above individuals sacrificed some of their time and effort to accomplish a very successful public relations event and service to our community’s children!!!!
Fraternally

AMR & GPRMF Teams on Donkey's for Charity

THE JOSEPHINE COUNTY SHRINE CLUB WILL BE PUTTING ON A DONKEY BASKETBALL GAME ON THE 18 NOVEMBER 2012 at 2:00 PM. THE EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE JOSEPHINE COUNTY FAIR GROUNDS. SEATING WILL BEGIN AROUND 1:00 PM
 
THE TEAMS COMPETING ARE THE  AMR (AMERICAN MEDICAL RESPONSE) AND GRANTS PASS RURAL METRO FIRE. BOTH ORGANIZATIONS WILL DUEL IN SUPPORT OF THE JOSEPHINE COUNTY SHRINE CLUB--- FOR THE YOUTH GROUPS AND VARIOUS OTHER CHARITABLE PROGRAMS THE SHRINE CLUB SUPPORTS IN THE COMMUNITY. 
 
COME OUT AND CHEER YOUR TEAM ON TO VICTORY


Monday, November 5, 2012

2013 El Zaribah Golf Classic


We are really turning it up for the 2013 Shriners Golf Classic, an El Zaribah event that benefits the El Zaribah General Fund, and we are asking for everyone’s help.  This 16th annual edition of the Classic, which is open to the public, promises to be the biggest one yet. 

We are really making some changes for this tournament beginning with the young ladies of The Cactus Tour (professional women golfers) joining us for the Shriners Golf Classic and some local celebrities and radio shows promoting our tournament and sponsors.  Articles will appear in three popular golf magazines promoting Shriners, our tournament, the Title Sponsor and The Cactus Tour tournament being held the three days following the Shriners Golf Classic.

The format for the Shriners Golf Classic is a four person scramble.  Entrants may submit a three person team and will then be paired with either one of the girls from The Cactus Tour or one of the celebrities by a blind draw.  Entrants may choose to submit their own four person team and elect not to have one of the Cactus Tour Girls or a celebrity.

A new program book is also in the making. get you ad in now.
For more in formation contact: Tom Calvin, Potentate 2011
Chairman, Shriners Golf Classic  El Zaribah Shriners  Phoenix, Arizona