140 year of Shriners
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
Friday, December 27, 2013
The art of Santa Claus
For one Saint Nick with nine years experience, Christmas time is a state of mind
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Stan Taub had no idea the minutia involved in becoming Santa Claus.
There’s the hair issue, for example.
During his early experiences, the veteran Santa of nine years used a theatrical hair spray to whiten his hair. But he discovered bleaching through a beautician he met at his grandkid’s school.
“I talked to several Santas,” Taub said as he awaited the directive to go on during a recent Christmas party at the Newhall Community Center. “A lot of guys will bleach it.”
“I met this guy Ron, he told me he would bleach his hair every six weeks. I started doing it. I like it. It was fairly grey when I first started.”
The Winnetka resident made several appearances as Santa Claus in the Santa Clarita Valley this season.Sometimes, he says, his wife portrays Mrs. Claus.
But the career never occurred to him at a younger age, especially as he grew up in a conservative Jewish family.
“I never thought of being a Santa,” Taub mused in a Community Center break room. The opportunity just sort of popped up when a friend asked him to take over because he was too tired to continue.
The event was a holiday party hosted by the Encino Shrine Club and held for a school with students suffering from Down syndrome, autism and cerebral palsy.
After suiting up as Santa, Taub walked up on the stage and read “The Night Before Christmas,” then spoke to the children.
He was hooked.
“It was such a great feeling when I walked in to the auditorium with all of those children sitting there and the response that I got from them, the warm welcome, the coming up to me, the hugging me,” he said.
“It was one of those situations where you never really pay much attention to the Santa community till you get involved with it.”
Taub says his Jewish background doesn’t conflict with his portrayal of the classic Christmas symbol.
“People ask me about portraying Santa being Jewish,” he said. “I don’t think Santa is necessarily a religious symbol of the Christmas holiday. He is a symbol of giving, love and kindness, which I think should be involved with all religions.”
His daughter helped him develop the Christmas character by recommending he join the Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas — a group that holds a Santa reunion and luncheon every January to promote the positive image of real bearded Santas while connecting them to community service organizations.
The fraternity is only one of a dozen different Santa organizations Taub has considered joining.
“Different organizations do different things,” he said. “The one in January is a luncheon. They tell stories on what they did during the season, how to get your name out in the public, how to groom your beard and your hair, and they teach you different things on being Santa. People hold classes on these things.”
One of the things he’s learned, he says, is that being Santa isn’t just a wintertime thing.
During the off season, Taub continues to stay in character. “I dress in red,” he said. “I have my red suspenders that I wear. In the summer, I have shorts and long calf socks that are red and tennis shoes with Santa Claus embroidered on them.”
A die-hard Dodgers fan, Taub even has a red Dodgers hat with the letters “LA” embroidered in green and a white jersey that says “North Pole” with the name “Claus” stitched on the back.
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Thursday, December 26, 2013
Tuesday, December 24, 2013
Ca. Masons and San Jacinto Schools
SAN JACINTO: Masons make holidays meaningful
DECEMBER 24, 2013 BY
Monday, December 23, 2013
United we can get our share of 10million Miles
Please help us maintain our first place position by voting at http://
Voting is easy, just click the link above and roll your mouse over the Shriners Hospital box, then
click on the gold “vote” button. You’ll be asked to enter a security code that is shown on-screen
and your vote is cast.
click on the gold “vote” button. You’ll be asked to enter a security code that is shown on-screen
and your vote is cast.
Remember, you can vote once per day, per device. Be sure to vote daily from all of
your devices. Please share the United voting link with colleagues, family and friends on
your social media channels. Ask them to vote and create a global network of online supporters
for Shriners Hospitals for Children. Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2013.
your devices. Please share the United voting link with colleagues, family and friends on
your social media channels. Ask them to vote and create a global network of online supporters
for Shriners Hospitals for Children. Voting ends at 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2013.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Shriners Hospitals for Children Receives Charity Navigator’s Highest Rating
December 18, 2013
Charity Navigator, America’s premier independent charitable organization evaluator, has awarded Shriners Hospitals for Children® with its prestigious 4-star award. Such distinction recognizes Shriners Hospitals for Children for its sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency. Only 25 percent of the evaluated charities have received the coveted 4-star award, thus signaling that Shriners Hospitals for Children outperforms the majority of charities in America.
“On behalf of Shriners Hospitals for Children, we are pleased to receive the 4-star distinction from Charity Navigator,” said John McCabe, executive vice president. “For more than 90 years, it has been a concerted effort to remain a prudent and responsible steward of our mission and charitable contributions.”
Charity Navigator applies data-driven analysis to provide donors with the essential information needed to make educated charitable choices. This unique and highly praised approach takes into account organization spending per dollars raised, program spending versus administrative and fundraising expenditures as well as the organization’s long-term financial health. Based upon the results across the various categories, Charity Navigator will assign the appropriate rating, ranging from one to four.
Douglas E. Maxwell, chairman of the board of trustees remarked, “Receipt of the 4-star award directly compliments our unwavering commitment to providing expert specialty pediatric care across all 22 locations of Shriners Hospitals for Children regardless of the families’ ability to pay for services. This award signifies the continued trust in our mission which has flourished since 1922.”
About Shriners Hospitals for Children
Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our 22 facilities, located in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate.
Shriners Hospitals for Children is changing lives every day through innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education. Our 22 facilities, located in the United States, Canada and Mexico provide advanced care for children with orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate.
About Charity Navigator
Charity Navigator is the most-utilized charity evaluator in America. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health, Accountability and Transparency of nearly 7,000 charities. Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations, nor does it charge the public for this trusted data. As a result, Charity Navigator, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) charity itself, depends on support from individuals, corporations and foundations that believe it provides a much-needed service to America's charitable givers. Charity Navigator, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 139 Harristown Road, Suite 101, Glen Rock, N.J., 07452
Charity Navigator is the most-utilized charity evaluator in America. The organization helps guide intelligent giving by evaluating the Financial Health, Accountability and Transparency of nearly 7,000 charities. Charity Navigator accepts no advertising or donations from the organizations it evaluates, ensuring unbiased evaluations, nor does it charge the public for this trusted data. As a result, Charity Navigator, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) charity itself, depends on support from individuals, corporations and foundations that believe it provides a much-needed service to America's charitable givers. Charity Navigator, can be reached directly by telephone at (201) 818-1288, or by mail at 139 Harristown Road, Suite 101, Glen Rock, N.J., 07452
Shriners Hospitals for Children Media Contact:
Fabiana Lowe | Filowe(at)shrinenet(dot)org | 813-281-7164
Fabiana Lowe | Filowe(at)shrinenet(dot)org | 813-281-7164
Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/1647883#ixzz2nqtw5yx0
Debutante Ball Fundraiser for SHC
• Shriners Hospital for Children. The 2013 Debutante Ball will be Sunday at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento, with festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. More than a perennial holiday event, the Deb Ball serves as a fundraiser for Shriners Hospital for Children. The 2012 ball raised $40,000 for the hospital. The 2013 debs and their university/college sites are: Carolina Marie Brown, Southern Methodist University; Kaitlyn Ford Cozens, University of Michigan; Virginia Anne Doherty, Loyola Marymount University; Ruth Ann Kaplan, Whittier College; Marisa Elena Kolokotronis, Brown University; Payton Catherine Ksidakis, Texas Christian University; Darci Sydney Naftulin, University of Colorado; Marea Newell, Bryn Mawr College; Casey Joy Parish, University of Alabama; Haylee Michelle Rademann, Washington and Lee University; Madelyn Victoria Rollofson, University of Arizona; Lauren Nicole Schaefer, Texas Christian University; Claire Louise Schauer, California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo; Caroline Pauly Stauffer, Academy of Art University in San Francisco; Sophia Jiahn Weber, University of Washington; and Alexandria Meaghen Whaley, St. Mary’s College. Sharing the chair responsibilities are Margaret McKinnon and Christine Skreden. Inquiries may be directed to McKinnon at (916) 765-1060; mckinnon@surewest.net.
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Fremont Shrine Club Raise $ for SHC
Local benefit for the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital with an Oakland Raider player raised $3,000
Accepting the check were, from left, Fremont County Shriners Jim Davis, Kevin Smith and Gerry Yennie. The check was presented by Billy Fabrizius of the Boot Bar and Jerry Bornhoft of Jerry Bornhoft Construction.
(Riverton, Wyo.) – The Fremont County Shriners received a $3,000 donation Monday afternoon from a benefit that featured Oakland Raiders Football player Rick Ackerman (#97) appearing locally to sign autographs and raise money for the Shriner’s Children Hospital.
The Shriners Hospital for Children is a network of 22 non-profit hospitals across North America that provide orthopedic, burn, spinal cord injury and clift lip and palate care to children under the age of 18 regardless of their ability to pay. The hospitals, owned and operated by Shriners Internation, are known as “The World’s Greatest Philanthropy.” The nearest Shriners Hospital is at Salt Lake City, which specializes in orthopedics, according to the Shriner’s Hospital website.
The benefit was organized by Jerry Channel and the Jared Rodgerson Band. The organizers also wished to thank Linton’s Big R, Kusel’s, Jerry Bornhoft, the Bergs, Herb Welsh and John and Ryan with Big D Construction and to all the folks who purchased tickets.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Al Bedoo Christmas Party
Shriners celebrate Christmas with children
Four year old Ben Herbst plays along with the Al Bedoo Oriental Band at the Shrine Auditorium during a Christmas party for Shriners Hospital patients and their families on Sunday.
As Santa Claus made his entrance at the Al Bedoo Shrine Christmas party Sunday in Billings, dozens of kids cheered and ran to greet him. The kids quickly surrounded the big guy as two children, one holding each of Santa’s hands, escorted him into the room.
The children knew what to do. They formed a line, single file, and patiently waited for their turn on Santa’s lap.
“So Merry Christmas!” Santa Claus said, settling into his chair.
One little boy dressed in blue slacks, a white shirt and a blue vest pointed to Santa’s head. “Nice hat,” he said.
Santa chatted with each child, sometimes two, on his knee, while older children, dressed as elves, handed out presents. Each bag had an apple, an orange, chocolate, erasers and pencils.
The party at the Al Bedoo Shrine auditorium was a chance for children and their parents and guests to celebrate the holidays with games, music and a lunch.
Paul Lechner, the potentate, or leader, of the local chapter, said, “We’re just having fun with our patients. Being a Shriner. Having fun. Helping kids.”
The Christmas party was the 16th annual event sponsored by the Al Bedoo Shrine Hospital Corps. The Shriners provide medical care at no cost to children at Shriners Hospitals for Children. Lechner said the local group supports the Shriners Hospital in Spokane, Wash.
The local Shriners help between 50 to 150 children in the Billings area, oftentimes by providing transportation to out-of-state hospitals, Lechner said.
The big fundraising event is the annual East-West football game that features all-star players from Montana high schools. This year, the event raised $146,000, Lechner said. In 2014, the game will be held in July in Laurel, he said.
About 50 of the Al Bedoo members, most of whom wore their trademark maroon Fezzes, participated in the party. The brass and oriental bands entertained the guests with music, while clowns played with the kids. Other members served a lunch of hot dogs, fried chicken, baked beans and salad.
Face painting was another popular activity.
Corbin Reed, a three-and-a-half-year-old from Columbus, sat on his mother’s lap while a woman painted a candy cane on his cheek.
This was the first year the Reed family has attended the party. Wendy Reed, Corbin’s mother, said the Shriners sent Corbin to a hospital in Sacramento, where he was treated for a hearing condition called microtia, in which his left ear did not fully form and he has no hearing on his left side.
The youngster is being treated with ear reconstruction and was fitted with a bone anchor hearing aid, Wendy Reed said. Corbin can hear normally with his right ear.
Older sister Meaghan held her little sister, Sarah, who also sported a candy cane on her cheek, and watched while it was Corbin’s turn.
They selected candy canes because, she said, “We just thought it would be the simplest.”
Friday, December 13, 2013
El Zaribah Shrine Patients party
This was sent from Dorothy Mather and Ronda Houghton...
Here is the note and the picture to go with it...
Once again, the Michael Finney Foundation came through with pizzas, magicians, and gift cards!! The school band groups were a great addition this year!! Thanks to the Lady clowns doing face painting!! The kids always enjoy the crafts and it looked like the snow globes were a big hit!!
And a special Thank you to Santa & Mrs Claus!!!
I also want to thank Dorothy Mather and Sandi Hutson especially for stepping up and getting the job done & their helpers!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Renovating the historic Masonic Temple on Pine
Assemble a squad of restoration all-stars and put them to work on the
Work is nearing completion at the Masonic Temple, which was built in 1903 at 230 Pine Ave. in downtown Long Beach.
It’s a beautiful building inside, full of warm tones from variously stained Douglas fir floors, exposed brick, skylights and large windows.
The real showcase of the building is its 7,100-square-foot main hall where lodge meetings were held more than a century ago. It’s a beautiful room with a raised stage beneath a cast-iron circular sculpture, a massive barrel vaulted ceiling with skylight and, at its rear, a wall decorated with a mystical sunrise mural.
Bringing all of this history back to the future is an all-Long Beach-based group that includes co-owners Kurt Schneiter of Maverick Investments and Scott Hamilton of DOMA Properties as well as project manager Jan Van Dijs, principal architect Jonathan Glasgow and general contractor Jason Stewart. In various combinations, they have been involved with such restoration projects as the Walker Building, the Art Theater, the Fingerprints/Berlin complex, the Psychic Temple, the Arts Building, the Temple Lofts and several residences in the Bluff Park and Rose Park areas.
We asked Stewart if Schneiter was easy to work with.
“No,” he replied. Then added, “But that’s the kind of person you want when you’re doing something of this scale. You want a perfectionist, and he is that.”
As is Hamilton. He and Schneiter stood among the rubble in the alley behind the building and looked at mock-ups of the building’s front and argued a bit about the colors of the temple’s bricked three-bay front and three steeply pitched gables that represent the Masons’ affection for the principal of the Holy Trinity.
In the mock-up, the building’s sign reads “The Masonic,” though that’s still a point of discussion and debate.
And still a matter of discussion and negotiation is who will rent the building’s space and for what use, though Schneiter says there will be a restaurant on the ground floor.
“And there will definitely be some cool events in the main hall. It’s going to be a public place,” he said, soothing our fears that it would be leased by a company that would fill the historic building with health-care workers.
Since work begun about seven months ago, the owners have put more than $1 million into the restoration and structural reinforcement to the building that, despite its brick construction, survived the 1933 earthquake with minimal damage. When it opens sometime in early 2014, it will be the first time the temple’s great hall will be used for events since the Masons left the building in 1951.
The ground floor has been used for retail since it was built. Its occupants have included Barnett’s Booteries and Hardy shoe stores and Brown Book & Stationery Store and, most notably, the arty Z Gallerie furniture store, a tenant that leased the entire building in 1995. Z Gallerie left in 2010 and the building has been vacant since then.
Negotiations with new tenants is underway and an announcement should be made soon.
Contact Tim Grobaty at 562-714-2116, tim.grobaty@presstelegram.com, @grobaty on Twitter.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Air Miles for Shriners Hospital
Between now and Dec. 31, United Airlines is holding their annual campaign to give to a non-profit organization, 10,000,000 miles. Shriners Hospitals for Children is one of the participants. At present they are in third place and almost 1500 votes behind the leader. If they win, the miles will be used to transport patients and their parents to and from the hospitals for treatment.
To help them win, all you need to do is to go to the website whose link is listed below, and click on Shriners to select them, then click on vote. It's that easy. You can vote once per day on every device you own. So if you own a desk top computer, laptop, tablet, and smart phone, you can vote 4 times every day. You can also vote from work if there is a computer available there.
Working together, we helped Shriners win the miles last year. Let's do it again.
Here is the link: 10millioncharitymiles.com
Friday, December 6, 2013
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Red Bluff Masonic Lodge helps community
Masons donate turkeys to Salvation Army
Fran Fazio, Salvation Army, and Vesper Lodge representative Greg Rose. ( Courtesy photo )
For the past three years Vesper has donated 100 turkeys to the Salvation Army. Vesper continues to support many community programs including scholarships, donations, and special local projects like the Salvation Army, Raising A Reader (public schools) Evergreen School Mars program, PAL and various, music and sports programs to name a few.
For a complete history and information on Vesper Masonic Lodge #84, visit www.vesperlodge84.org.
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