Shriners fundraising event set for Tour of Calfornia opening weekend in Sacramento
Posted using ShareThis
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)