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Community Involvement
By VWB James F. Russell

St. John's Lodge No. 9 is proud to be involved in our community. We support many different types of charitable endeavors as well as providing funding for athletic and scholarly pursuit by the youth of our city. The following is a partial list of what the Lodge is presenty helping to support.

- Click on any heading to read about our involvement with that charity, event, or organization. Or, scroll down to read the entire document.

  1. Masonic Youth

  2. Northwest Little League

  3. Teen Feed

  4. Child Identification Program (CHIP)

  5. Blue Nile Children’s Org.

  6. Thanksgiving/Christmas/Operation Kid’s Smile

  7. University Lion’s Foundation

  8. Diabetes Care Center (UW)

  9. Greenwood Senior Center

  10. Secondary Academy for Success

  11. Seattle Youth Symphony Orchestra (SYSO)

  12. Sea Scout Ship Propeller

  13. Student Scholarships

  14. Accelerated Reader Program/Bikes for Books

  15. Rite Care

  16. City of Hope

  17. Greenwood Food Bank

  18. Masonic Parks

  19. Greenwood Chamber of Commerce

  20. Laying of Wreath at Kane Hall

  21. St. John's Web Site

MASONIC YOUTH

Who are the Masonic Youth?  

Freemasonry has created and supported three principle youth organizations over the years.  They are the International Order of DeMolay for boys, International Order of Rainbow for Girls, and Job’s Daughters International, also for girls.

International Order of DeMolay

DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy, and productive lives. Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21 by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today. DeMolay combines this serious mission with a fun approach that builds important bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide.

Of any 100 young men who join DeMolay, five of those 100 will become Master Councilor of their DeMolay chapters. And at least one of them will later say that he valued that experience above his college degree. Eighty or more of the 100 will go on to complete some form of

post-high school education.

 

Many of the 100 will first be introduced to some form of organized religion by attending some church or temple through a chapter function.

Of any 100 young men who become a DeMolay, thirty will drop out in their first year. Perhaps this may be regarded as a failure. But in later life, most of these will remember that they have been in DeMolay and speak well of the program and the lessons it teaches.

Of any 100 DeMolays, only rarely will one ever appear before a juvenile court judge or be in any trouble with the law.  Each of the 100 will learn something from DeMolay and most all will benefit from their association with the fraternity. A considerable number of the 100 will also go into the Masonic Lodge in later life. Many will serve as a head of one of the Masonic organizations.

A number of the 100 come from single parent families and look to their advisors (Masons) as positive role models. One out of the 100 will be awarded the rank and honor of Chevalier, the highest honor granted to an active DeMolay. Approximately sixteen of the 100 will value their time in DeMolay so much that they will "give back" to DeMolay by serving as an adult volunteer in later life.

Although only one out of every 1,000 young men in the United States , age 13 to 21, will join DeMolay, it is interesting to note that many of this nation's leaders in business, religion, and politics belonged to DeMolay in their teens. In fact, one out of every twelve State Governors is a Senior DeMolay and one out of every ten United States Senators is a Senior DeMolay.

International Order of Job's Daughters

The International Order of Job's Daughters is the ONLY international organization for girls that requires ALL OF ITS MEMBERS to have a relationship to a Master Mason, and while it is no part of the Masonic Fraternity, this pre-requisite ties it closely to the Masonic Order. (A daughter of a Majority Member shall also be eligible for membership.)

  Job's Daughters is an organization of young women between the ages of 11 and 20 who are related to a Master Mason, and share a common bond.  They have groups (called Bethels) in the United States , Canada , Australia , Brazil , and the Philippines .  They enjoy activities such as swimming parties, dances, family picnics, slumber parties, miniature golf, marching in parades, travel . . . well, you get the picture.  By working closely together, they make new friends that last a lifetime. They also help others.  Throughout the year, they perform service projects to help their community, the less fortunate, and other charities. They actively support the Hearing Impaired Kids Endowment (HIKE) Fund, which purchases hearing assistive devices for hearing impaired children.   By holding various offices in Job's Daughters, they gain valuable leadership experience, learn to be a part of a team, and learn democratic principles. Job's Daughters can qualify for various scholarships that are offered on a state-wide and a national level.  Members of a Bethel elect their own officers, decide their own activities, and plan their own events.  In short, Job's Daughters International offers the qualities that today's young women want and need from organizations that earn their commitment . . . fun, friendship, helping others, and the chance to learn organizational and leadership skills.

International Order of the Rainbow for Girls

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls was established in McAlester , Oklahoma in 1922.  The very inception and writing of the first Ritual, and the laws governing the Order, was the work of a 33rd degree Mason.

  A girl will learn many skills as a member of the Rainbow Girls.  The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls emphasizes the following: (1) Effective Leadership; (2) Church Membership and active Participation in the church of your choice; (3) Patriotism; (4) Cooperation with Equals; (5) Love of Home; (6) Loyalty to Family and; (7) Service to Humanity.  The Ritual for the International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is a book of ceremonies used primarily for the Opening, Closing and Initiation of a Rainbow Assembly.  Members of the Order recite from memory the ceremonies contained in the Rainbow Ritual.

The Seven Colors of the Rainbow are represented by seven stations, strategically placed in the shape of a bow.  Each station is represented by a color, and each color teaches one of the seven lessons of Rainbow. 

 The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls helps promote self-esteem and leadership in its members.  As a member, a girl will learn valuable public speaking skills and will attend meetings presided over by girls her own age.  While there are always adult advisors to provide direction, all meetings are conducted by the girls.

The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls is an organization for girls between the ages of 11 and 20.  At the age of 20, or upon marriage, which ever occurs first, girls who are members in good standing are eligible for Majority Membership.  To join, girl must be sponsored by two other girls who are either active members in good standing or a majority member, and at least one adult who must be a member in good standing of either the Masonic Lodge, Order of the Eastern Star, Order of the Amaranth or the White Shrine. 

What Masonic Youth Mean to Masonry

Many members of the Fraternity are Masons because they were first introduced to our Craft by one or more of the youth groups.  Maybe as a boy whose girl friend was a member of Jobies.  Maybe as a boy who joined DeMolay because his sister was in Rainbow.  Perhaps as an adult, whose son or daughter joined one of those Masonic youth organizations.  Many marry a young lady who was a leader in her Rainbow Assembly or Job’s Daughters Bethel.  DeMolay, Job’s Daughters and Rainbow for Girls all have a positive image in their communities as they establish positive influences on their members.  We are known by the company we keep.

History of St. John’s Masonic Youth Support

St. John's Lodge No. 9 arrived late in its association with Masonic youth groups.  While DeMolay has been around since 1918, and Rainbow followed in 1922, we had not supported them financially until around 1980.  Many of our members were former DeMolays.  Sam Harding (PM 1975) was initiated into DeMolay in 1925.  Past Masters Jerry Schuh (1988), Jim Russell (1991) and David Campbell (1992) joined the fraternity and St. John’s because their sons were active in DeMolay.

WBro. Bill Collison , himself a senior DeMolay, was the first to convince members of the lodge to give financial support to Shoreline Chapter.  Later, VWBros. David Campbell and John Houck were instrumental in helping St. John’s to assist local Rainbow and Job’s Daughters groups.

Our support for these organizations in recent years has been paramount to keeping their doors open in many cases.  Youth groups are extremely vulnerable to dependency on adult leadership for counseling, transportation and organization.  Because the kids, by the nature of membership rules, “graduate” and move on, a constant flow of new blood must be found to continue a Chapter or Bethel’s role in the community.  Leadership training helps to develop programs which then help to attract an influx of new initiates and new adult support.

The Youth Committee Members

Members of the Youth Committee are Dave Campbell, Mark Campbell, Charles Tupper, Jim Russell, and Ryan Stoulil.  Any brother who shows an interest may participate.

Plan of Action

The St. John’s Youth Committee has a commitment to support the DeMolays, Job’s Daughters, and Rainbow Girls in our community.  While we consider our “youth community” to be fairly broad because the local youth groups interact with Chapters, Assemblies, and Bethels throughout the state (and even Idaho ), we want to focus on those which operate within the limits of King County .  It is also our intent to help those who need the most help.  With this in mind, we have recently directed our funding to the following:

DeMolay Chapters:

  •                 Renton

  •                 Bellevue

  •                 Merle E. Luther (Black Diamond

Job’s Daughters Bethels:

  •                 Bethel #5 Edmonds

  •                 Bethel #40 (Burien)

  •                 Bethel #77 (Bothell)

Rainbow Girls:

  •                 Assembly #18 ( West Seattle )

  •                 Assembly #47 (Bothell)

  •                 Assembly #71 (Burien)

  •                 Assembly #97 ( Richmond Highlands )

  •                 Assembly #120 ( Bellevue )

To each of these groups, we annually give $500 or more to assist them with whatever each group determines best fits its purposes.  These checks are hand delivered to the group’s meeting, so that our Masonic presence is felt and we can get a feel for the viability of each program.  Following further examination of each need, the youth committee determines whether or not additional money should be made available.  This determination is based on the adult support, the program, the membership, and any other parameters that may seem appropriate.  These additional funds are contingent on a group’s demonstration that it is viable and has the ability to raise more money through the efforts of its members.  We afford limited “matching” funds to motivate a group’s fund raising efforts.  The committee exercises its flexibility to issue or withhold these additional funds based on each Chapter, Bethel or Assembly needs.  Members and advisors are invited to come to St. John’s to pick up their matching checks.  Often a Chapter, Bethel or Assembly will participate in other events of the lodge.  Merle Luther Chapter recently performed the Arch of Steel ceremony on youth night and the Grand Master of Masons of Mississippi was received through the arch into the Lodge.   At other times, the youngsters assist with serving meals at our monthly dinners.

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NORTHWEST LITTLE LEAGUE

Our sponsorship of the three Northwest Little League teams is going very well. We sponsor teams in the Rookie (7-8 year olds); Minors (9-10 year olds) and Majors (11-12 year olds). Northwest Little League has approximately twenty-six teams (Rookies, Minors, Majors, Junior and Senior Leagues and Softball).   For the past three or four years, our Majors and Minors teams have placed 1st or 2nd in their over-all standings, and have gone on the win the regional championships.   WBro. Ken Lane, Jr. serves as one of the Majors coaches and sits on the Northwest League Board. The competitiveness and coaching of these young men is  teaching excellent team cooperation and leadership qualities  - and hopefully, we’ll gain some future Masons from their ranks. We have found very positive feedback from the parents of the ballplayers.  We are definitely making solid strides in the public relations area by our sponsorship and support of these athletic events.

We have a large sign on display at the baseball field showing St. John's Lodge No. 9 as a proud sponsor of the Northwest Little League.

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TEEN FEED

 

It’s not a pretty part of our society, as homeless youth often go hungry, sell their bodies and souls for food, and struggle to find shelter from the elements each and every day.  In the University District of Seattle, there is a program to address many of the needs of our young people.

University Street Ministry has been dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless and at-risk youth in the University District since 1986. Through its Teen Feed program nutritious meals are provided 5 nights a week from the basements of a consortium of 4 neighborhood churches. Volunteer kitchen teams prepare the meals and trained volunteer advocates dine with the youth. Operating year round and financed entirely by donations from citizens, businesses, and foundations, Teen Feed provided more than 10,000 meals last year.

St. John’s steps in a couple of times each year to relieve the many volunteers who make this program a success.  Around twenty –twenty-five members and their families purchase food, prepare, serve and clean up for after a much appreciative bunch of kids, usually around 40 each night.  One of these kids eventually was awarded a St. John's scholarship for college.  .  The young people are most pleased to receive a rare dinner of steak, mashed potatoes, vegetables and pie for dessert.  We were told at one of our sessions that this was the first meat served in months!

Positive Youth Development?

 

Often times these youth test us; we see a series of bad choices and are convinced that it will only go on. But just about every time we have a doubt, one youth or another approaches to talk about how they haven’t used for more than a month or how they just got into housing. If you think about it for a moment and realize that, over the past few months, we’ve had numerous conversations with this kid and not one seemed positive; his bike was stolen or she had had a bad encounter with an older man and was worried he would find her; and there was nothing we could do but listen and make a poor attempt to console him or her.

 

Getting deeper into this  profession people call social work, you become familiar with a philosophy that goes with it: Positive Youth Development; and this philosophy guides much of what we need to do. It reminds us that our simple presence and open ear in the face of their dumbfounding-ly terrible stories is worth a lot more than we ever thought it could be and calms the desire to reach for any kind of quick fix in this work.

 

Positive Youth Development tells us that individuals develop resiliency when certain individuals provide what are called ‘protective factors.’  This philosophy outlines three in particular: unconditional care and support; high expectations; and the opportunity to participate in something bigger than themselves.

 

The first is quite simple: caring and supportive relationships help to influence one’s decisions in a positive way. We all must work to let these youth know that whatever choices they make, we do not judge them for it.

The second fits right in with this. Individuals live up to the expectations of those around them—you tell a kid he’s worthless, that’s precisely what he’ll think about himself. When, instead of judging these youth for a poor decision, we remind them that we know they are more capable and competent than that, they are a little surprised. There’s a pretty good chance they’re thinking: “Yeah, what was I thinking?”

Finally, the third important protective factor allows room for growth. If a youth is provided an opportunity to participate, to take ownership for the services they rely on or to help create something they better realize that they are actually capable and competent.

 

Each of these protective factors acts as a filter for the decisions they will ultimately make —whether or not to steal something from a local shop, to use drugs or not, to look for a job that day or not — it gives these youth a stable support who will not judge them for their mistakes, the confidence they need to make difficult decisions, and the power to take responsibility for themselves.

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CHILDHOOD IDENTIFICATION PROGRAM (CHIP)

What is CHIP? It's a ChildHood Identification Program sponsored by the Masonic Family of Washington. It's a program where pertinent information is gathered to present the families of loved ones additional tools should that loved one become lost or missing. The tools are: a DNA swab, a dental impression with saliva sample, a 3 - 5 minute video and fingerprint. All this and an informational packet are returned to the family for safe keeping - the family keeps the records.

The CHIP's Program is a National Program - and has the endorsement of the United States Congress; American Dental Association and is highly recommended by the National Association for Missing and Exploited Children. Recently - the program was presented at the Evergreen State Fair in Monroe in 2005 where we processed 1,500 children and another 2,334 in 2006 - through the individual participation/support of Masonic Lodges within the Snohomish County area, DeMolay chapters, Jobs Daughters, Eastern Star, Scottish Rite and Rainbow Girls.  The positive interaction between members of our Washington State Masonic Alliance and the public was extremely successful. Much Masonic literature was given and explained to the non-members within Puget Sound .  Many requests for information on joining our various concordant bodies was provided or distributed.

Three of the original five members of the Board of Directors are members of St. John’s.  Presently two of the seven members of the Board are members of our lodge.  Three additional members of the CHIP committee are St. John’s members – MWBro. Sat Tashiro, WBro. Vinny DiGiulio, and WBro. Terry Grove.  CHIP is a 501(c)3 organization.

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BLUE NILE CHILDREN'S ORGANIZATION

The Blue Nile Children’s Organization (BNCO), a non-profit 501c(3) and nongovernmental organization (NGO), represents a grass root effort by concerned residents of Seattle, WA to effectively participate with the people and the Government of Ethiopia in their efforts to alleviate, prevent or control poverty, HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria and other infectious diseases. The BNCO, founded in 2001 by Selamawit Kifle, an Ethiopian immigrant of Seattle, works to address the acute problem of homeless children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and other catastrophes.

St. John's Lodge No. 9 has been a strong supporter of the Blue Nile Children's Organization since around 2000, when it was first brought to our attention by our late  VWBro. Richard Oslund

BNCO’s primary objective is to implement a foster care program where orphaned children are able to live in a family environment, build a clinic to treat our orphaned and the broader community. A foster care program will help the orphaned child assimilate in a healthier and productive manner into the larger community. BNCO also believes that by providing families with access to financial support, and a neighborhood approach to raising orphaned children improves the standards of the community. Currently BNCO has implemented a foster home(s) care program for 48 orphans in Ethiopia .

The Blue Nile Children's Organizational goal is to address the needs of these orphaned children by providing a place of refuge where they will be educated and trained to support themselves and their community when they become adults. In addition, the Blue Nile Children's Organization will work with other local aid organizations to educate the community about the prevention and methods of coping with HIV/AIDS. BNCO believes that our children can one day turn their experiences into an incredibly powerful force in the fight against the spread of the disease.

A long-term objective of the organization is to develop the capacity to assist families suffering from the effects of the disease, whether through medical, material, or emotional support. Our immediate concern, and that of the community in which we will build the campus, is the care of the homeless children left without a support system and means of survival.

Goals of the Blue Nile Children's Organization

The following goals are the guideline for the BNCO efforts. They have been formulated after long investigation, observation, and community discussions. They are not absolute. Nor are they presented in a mandated order. As the need or emphasis in the community changes, so will some of these goals.

  • Provide for at least 100 HIV/AIDS orphaned children with shelter, education, health services, emotional support and an environment designed to cultivate the ability for future self sufficiency.

  • Construct and operate a campus for the children to include housing, education facilities, community clinic, bakery, store, community center, and a farm.

  • Bring the campus to near self-sufficiency within 6-8 years through micro-enterprise and other income generation activities.

  • Improve the health status of beneficiaries (orphaned children and members of the local population) through operation of a community clinic.

  • Reduce incidences related to HIV/AIDS by providing education and training related to HIV/AIDS and communicable diseases.

  • Contribute to the economy and improve the living standard of the local population.

  • Provide education in land management and erosion prevention coupled with reforestation and rejuvenation of the BNCO land and the community land surrounding it.

This year, the Master of St. John’s has given the responsibility to three of our newer brothers to select three new orphans to sponsor.  Bros. James Swift, Kevin Smith and Ryan Stoulil have eagerly accepted this challenge.

Caring for widows and orphans is one of the tenets of our noble institution, and while it is a lengthy cable tow, wrapped half way around the world, it is important that we as Masons be involved in all forms of charity, both at home and abroad. We are giving these people Faith, Hope, and Charity, what better reason can there be?Bottom of Form

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THANKSGIVING/CHRISTMAS/OPERATION KID’S SMILE

Each year at Thanksgiving and Christmas Holiday season, several members of St. John’s solicit a list of families who are in need of a little care and attention.  A few days before Thanksgiving, grocery supplies are purchased and delivered to the homes of these families, located in the Seattle area.  When we visit with them, we have the opportunity to learn who they are and find out a little about the children.  At Christmas time, we again shop for groceries, with an added incentive to find a few gifts that will fit the needs of the children.

“Santa” pays a visit when the Christmas groceries and gifts are delivered.  In Seattle , “Santa” is played by our WBro. Hans Wehl, whose own Jewish faith precedes the Christian era by a few thousand years, but who recognizes that the beams of joy on the faces of the children are timeless.  This scene is also played out at the homes of those on Fort Lewis (Operation Kids Smile), who’s mother or father are deployed overseas on behalf of our country

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CITY OF HOPE

  City of Hope , an innovative biomedical research, treatment and educational institution, is dedicated to the prevention and cure of cancer and other life-threatening diseases, guided by a compassionate patient-centered philosophy, and supported by a national foundation of humanitarian philanthropy.

Golter GateCity of Hope had the most humble of beginnings in 1913 when volunteers raised two tents on 10 acres of land in the Southern California desert offering a haven for those stricken with tuberculosis.  Today, the medical and research center, which stands on a 114-acre campus, is an internationally recognized institution that touches the lives of millions of people everywhere.  City of Hope is recognized as a National Cancer Institute-designated Cancer Center .

The physicians at City of Hope have created treatment programs for many forms of cancer affecting people, including leukemia, breast and prostate cancer, as well as diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses, The research efforts continue to work toward unlocking the secrets of cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and many generic disorders. From the development of synthetic human insulin for treatment of diabetes to the discovery of a hormone that reverses gene activity to prevent disease, City of Hope pioneered many of the procedures used in medical centers throughout the world today.  In 2001, City of Hope celebrated the 25th anniversary of its bone marrow transplantation program one of the Largest and most successful in the world.

Nurse and Patient"There is no profit in curing the body, if in the process, we destroy the soul."

The staff at City of Hope is driven by the belief that healing does not come about by a new treatment or drug alone, but also by the care and compassion that a patient receives.

The philosophy of Hope has inspired the development of programs that focus on treating the whole person-their emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing-in addition to their physical care. It is this combination of patient-centered care, state-of-the-art treatment and groundbreaking research that has made City of Hope a world-renowned leader in the fight against cancer, diabetes HIV/AIDS and other devastating diseases.  

Clinical activity will support the Scientific Vision, enabling where appropriate the use of scientific progress to treat patients.

At the same time, the National Medical Center must succeed in meeting operational and financial goals commensurate with its status as a small hospital in a competitive and heavily managed market.

Drawing on areas of current clinical and scientific excellence and driving toward dominance in its immediate and broader markets, efforts to expand clinical service and competitiveness will be focused primarily in specific areas: leukemia and lymphoma in the Southern California market, and prostate, lung, colorectal, and breast cancers in the primary local market.

And above all else, the medical center is committed to City of Hope 's legacy of safe and compassionate patient care. 

City of Hope Values

 

  • Service to others - City of Hope National Medical Center is in the business of serving others. We are committed to providing excellent service.

  • Seeking the highest good for our patients and colleagues - Our patients deserve the most loving care we can provide. We are committed to seeking the best for our patients and staff despite the challenges we may encounter.

  • Maximizing the health of our patients and staff - Only by truly caring for each other will we be able to provide the optimal environ for the healing of our patients.

  • Respecting the dignity of our patients and co-workers - Our patients and our colleagues are worth our respect and best treatment.

  • Providing a safe environment for our patients and staff - Our patients deserve safe health care. This requires that we not only implement optimal therapy plans, but we also deliver this therapy in the safest possible way. This requires teamwork and developing systems that assure accuracy and excellence. We are also committed to creating a safe environment in which our staff can solve the problems and meet the challenges of delivering safe patient care.

  • Achieving excellence - We are committed to excellence in everything that we do: research, education, treatment, and supportive care.

  • Integrity - We are dedicated to the highest ideals of honesty and ethical conduct.

Stewardship - We are dedicated to effectively using our human, financial and capital resources to sustain our viability.

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UNIVERSITY LIONS FOUNDATION

Lions are recognized worldwide for their service to the blind and visually impaired. This service began when Helen Keller challenged the Lions to become "knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness" during the association's 1925 international convention.

Today, in addition to their international SightFirst program, Lions extend their commitment to sight conservation through countless local efforts.

For more than 80 years, individual Lions clubs and districts in the U.S. , Canada and several other countries have collected used eyeglasses for distribution to the needy in developing nations. Since 1996, more than 37 million eyeglasses have been collected, and the number of donations each year continues to grow because of Lions clubs members.

Lions are also involved in a variety of other activities to improve their communities and help people in need, such as assisting the hearing impaired, providing diabetes awareness and education materials, working on environmental projects and developing youth programs.

The University Lions Foundation supports sight and hearing programs for those with deficient vision and ability to hear. Where a person cannot afford glasses and hearing aids the foundation will aid in supplying them. This foundation also owns and makes available to "city kids" and the handicapped a camp on Camano Island ...without charge.  The Lion’s Club supports University food bank, Wallingford Boys and Girls Club, and Listen and Talk...a program for children born without hearing.

If we did not contribute, the program would not die, nor would it be as strong.  If many chose not to contribute...we would all be the lesser for it.

WBro. Bill Collison is an active member of the University Lions Club and their representative to a group of Lions Clubs on the Audit Committee for supplying low-cost-to-free hearing aids.  He devotes a lot of time, energy, and yes, his personal charity decisions.  With each check we have given, St. John’s has been publicly recognized.  The Lions know WBro. Collison is an active Mason and the go-to guy when questions arise about Masonry.

We have given financial aid to this cause for several years, and discarded eyeglasses are always welcome.

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DIABETES CARE CENTER  

     One of our Lodge’s annual charities is a contribution to the UW School of Medicine diabetes patient support program.  This money goes to victims of that debilitating disease who haven’t the safety net of insurance or wealthy family support.

     Diabetes is a disease in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin.  Insulin is a hormone that is needed to convert sugar, starches and other food into energy needed for daily life.  The cause of diabetes continues to be a mystery, although both genetics and environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise appear to play roles.

     Approximately 17 million people in the United States , or 6.2% of the population, have diabetes.  While an estimated 11.1 million have been diagnosed, unfortunately, 5.9 million people (or one-third) are unaware that they have the disease.  Often diabetes goes undiagnosed because many of its symptoms seem so harmless.  Recent studies indicate the early detection and treatment can decrease the chance of developing the complications.

UW Diabetes Care Center  

Photo of UW Medical Center at RooseveltOur contribution keeps us connected to the University of Washington .  It ties us in with our long relationship to the University and with our concern for health issues.  The Diabetes Care Center consists of caring, motivated and highly trained professionals working together to provide comprehensive diabetes care, education, nutrition advice, and support in a friendly atmosphere.

Its board-certified physicians are all specialists in diabetes care and offer an unmatched combination of clinical and research experience.  Staff members are active volunteers for diabetes-related programs in the community as well.  Each year it fields teams for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation "Beat the Bridge" and the American Diabetes Association's " America 's Walk for Diabetes" fund raisers.  Several of the staff members serve as volunteer board members of the ADA at both local and national levels, while others volunteer part of their vacations at ADA camps for children with diabetes.

In June, 2005, Dr. Irl B. Hirsch, Medical Director of the University of Washington Diabetes Care Center, spoke to our lodge.  He said that one of every three babies born in the year 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime!  Diabetes affects an estimated 194 million adults worldwide and over 18 million in the US .  Approximately 90 to 95% of those affected have Type 2 diabetes, when the human body does not produce sufficient insulin and/or the body's cells do not respond normally to insulin.

Diabetes is the fifth leading cause of death by disease in the United States and costs approximately $132 billion per year in direct and indirect medical expenses. It usually occurs in adults older than 40, but is an increasing risk among younger people too.  Type 1 diabetes represents about 10% of all diabetics, but is growing at a faster rate than Type 2.  Type 2 or metabolic syndrome, is commonly associated with heart disease and stroke.  The underlying causes of this syndrome are overweight/obesity, physical inactivity and genetic factors. People with the metabolic syndrome are at increased risk of coronary heart disease, other diseases related to plaque buildups in artery walls (e.g., stroke and peripheral vascular disease) and type II diabetes.

The UW Diabetes Care Center treats patients with diabetes, and fosters its study and research to affect a cure.  At this time, there is no cure – only treatment for this wide-spreading disease.  Dr. Hirsch invited those who qualify to participate in a study to explore new ways to prevent cardiovascular disease in diabetic patients.

If we did not contribute, the Care Center would obviously not struggle, but we would be the losers in severing our meaningful relationship with the University.

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TAPROOT THEATRE  

The Taproot Theatre is a “home grown” theatre that began with a few students that had just graduated from Seattle Pacific University thirty years ago.  They provide great plays for the public.  In addition, a touring company visits schools with plays that include themes of bullying prevention, forming alliances, health choices, substance abuse, and addiction education.

Taproot Theatre exists to create theatre that explores the beauty and questions of life while providing hope to our search for meaning.

Over sixty thousand students and educators cheered their productions last year...because they work.

This Theatre is in our neighborhood, just 5 blocks from the Greenwood Masonic Center. WBro. Bill Collison has been a season ticket holder for over 17 years and

highly commends these productions to St. John’s members for one of our nights out.

We are published in their program on a list of donors shared with ticket holders.   In addition to the $2,000 we contribute annually, we donated some of our Prince Albert coats and morning trousers to this great theatrical group a couple of years ago

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Greenwood Senior Center

Something new for St. John's Lodge is the support of the Greenwood Senior Center.  We envision a long association with this group and hope to help with many of their projects as time passes.

The Greenwood Senior Center is a program of the Phinney Neighborhood Association, a nonprofit community organization whose mission is to build community by providing programs, services and activities aimed at connecting neighbors and fostering civic involvement in our community. GSC has been serving the Greenwood community since 1974. We provide a variety of programs for adults in the areas of fitness, the arts, technology, social opportunities and social services including a daily hot lunch program.

Founded in 1980, the PNA has developed an active community center that not only serves as a focus of the Phinney/Greenwood neighborhood, but offers programs and activities for the whole city, including two cooperative preschools, a before and after school childcare program, two soup kitchen, a well home program (home repair classes, tool    lending,   and   referral    service),   a

community school of regularly scheduled classes, an art gallery, public access computers and a community technology    center, a community newspaper and a service group of neighbors helping neighbors.

  PNA-sponsored outreach events such as neighborhood potlucks, beer and wine tastes, street clean-ups, a Halloween carnival and a neighborhood wide garage sale day promote involvement in the community. The Greenwood Senior Center has been serving the Greenwood community since 1974 as part of Senior Services of Seattle/King County. In 2004, Senior Services dropped GSC as one of their programs, in part because of budget reasons. The PNA served as GSC’s fiscal agent until January 2006, when the Center became a PNA program

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THE SECONDARY ACADEMY FOR SUCCESS

a curricular program for the performing arts

In 2006, St. John’s added the Secondary Academy for Success to its list of organizations warranting our support.  The following letter from the founder of the program explains it best:

 SAS, (formerly the Secondary Alternative School ), has been in existence since 1969. It is housed in downtown Bothell, at the WA Anderson building. During that time, SAS has provided a highly successful high school alternative for "at-risk" kids. Our students have to deal with, and try to overcome, a myriad of problems that complicate and hinder their growth and development. We provide a safe haven and help them build academic and social skills so when they leave us they have the confidence and skills to start being contributing citizens. Most of our kids were given no chance to graduate, but we have sent a few thousand on their way with a high school diploma. Few go on to college. Most enter the work force, go to trade schools or apprenticeship programs and end up living productive lives. Many are very successful in business.

During all this time there has never been a curricular program for the performing arts. There was no theater, dance, band, orchestra or choir. Even though there is a lot of talent in our school, the conventional programs just weren't attractive to them.

So it was a wonderful surprise when I came across "the Pacific Northwest Blues in the Schools" program. Five professional blues musicians (biographies enclosed) came to our school two hours a day for 13 days to teach them the blues. There was a 14-song concert at the end.  Twenty-five students were involved and most did not play a musical instrument when we started, and only a few knew what the blues were. Now they know. As the famous blues artist Willy Dixon once said, "The blues are the real facts of life". Our kids can really relate to that.

The concert was the highlight of a 35-year teaching career. These kids blew everybody away, including themselves, with a performance that left very few dry eyes in the house. They were so proud of what had just happened that they didn't want to leave the stage. I'm sure, for many of them, it was the first time they were acknowledged for any talent. As you well know, a feeling of accomplishment and a positive stroke like this can be the catalyst for a child's turnaround. I know this program has made a difference in their lives.

The school district was able to support us with initial start up money and also will get us some instruments. But unfortunately, I am now left with a situation where the money has run out. I don't think the district will be able to continue funding the program due to budget restraints.

The reason this program was so successful was the tremendous respect our students had for these musicians. We will be able to sustain a partial program with our current staff, but it's not even close to what a team of professional musicians and educators can do when they combine forces. I respect these musicians and want to pay them for their skills, knowledge, time and effort. It is very difficult to develop a solid, consistent educational program if one has to rely on a volunteer effort.

The cost of the startup program was $8,400. The cost of instruments will be paid for by the school district. The total cost of the continuing program I envision will be approximately $18,000 per year and will impact 30-50 students. It will include two 3- week concentrated sessions with PNWBS, in the fall and spring, and 12-15 workshops throughout the year focusing on instruments, vocals and songwriting. The workshop's mission will be to get new students involved as well as develop skills. These workshops will use our staff, volunteers as well as PNWBS staff. I expect that our school district will fund a portion of the cost of this program

My vision is to make this a working model for other schools. I am currently working with PNWBS to develop a blues curriculum that will meet state standards for Fine Arts and possibly English (creative writing) because we also want to develop a blues song writing class ($750 given for this class on 11/15/05 by the district's Teacher Project. Fund).

I am currently applying for grants and donations to keep this dream alive and that's why I have come to you. I am aware of the generosity of the Brothers at. St. John's Lodge No. 9 and hope you will consider this request for help.

 St. John’s stepped forward and contributed $1,500 each of the past three years (2006-07-08).

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SEATTLE YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Since 1975, or so, St. John's Lodge No. 9 has supported the programs of the Seattle Youth Symphonies and this support is prominent in their annual budget figures.   Our Past Master  MWBro. George Bovingdon (1954) was an enthusiastic supporter, sitting on its Board for several years, as well as serving as its president.  As is any sizeable material support of an organization important to the continuation of that organization, so to is the support of St. John's Lodge No. 9's support of the SYSO to them.

Although the lack of support may not materially hurt the SYSO, it would be felt, and may affect a portion of what the organization can accomplish with the youth of our city.

Our support is important to the SYSO.  They have always been responsive to any request that St. John's has made of them and this would not be so apparent were our support not really needed.

The SYSO is an organization that is arts educational for the youth of our area and should be viewed as an educational charity item.  Much the same as our support of the reading programs in three elementary schools.

The musical performance arts are, in many ways, more demanding and educational than the curriculum in our schools.  Those who are drawn to this organization are among our best youth.  The excellence of their dedication and the grades they garner in the schools speak for themselves.  The members of the various orchestras that make up the SYSO are mostly the top ten percent of our student population.

These young people are our best hope for the future of our city, state, and country.  We believe that it is in our best interest to continue to support this organization.

 District No. 5 puts on an annual pizza feed for the members of the orchestras and this is very well received by those young people.

The SYSO has a wide range of supporters and has its own quiet support group.  St. John's Lodge just happens to be one of the oldest and, in the view of the SYSO, more important sources of its income.  Our support is in the mid range of those who support this group.

The SYSO is one of the most famous of the youth symphony orchestra groups in the entire world and its alumni grace the chairs of many famous symphony orchestras around the world.
 

The support of St. John's Lodge No. 9 is well known and is listed on the SYSO website as well as in the programs at the concerts.  The Lodge, in the opinion of many, does many excellent things, but few which give more favorable exposure to those who might want to join our ranks.

Those who are drawn to view the musical performance arts are among those who actually think and wonder about life and the world around them.  All Freemasons do this.  The name “ St. John's Lodge No. 9” listed in the program as a “notable friend” of the organization's is excellent publicity for our Lodge.  Those who view that program cannot do anything other than believe that our Lodge is helping something important to our City.

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CASCADE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

Although the history of our support for Cascade Symphony Orchestra nowhere near matches that of the Seattle      Youth      Symphony

Orchestras, it is no less important and probably has a bigger impact.  They perform in the Edmonds Center for the Arts.  One of our own members, Bro. David Karpilow, is an active player in the Cascade Symphony where he continues to sit as a member of its violin section as he has done for the past 27 years.

 This 46 year old organization is a highly respected, very fine all volunteer orchestra of about 90 musicians. The group greatly enhances the cultural scene in the north end.  Bro. Karpilow participates in five to seven concerts per season and attends weekly rehearsals. He also personally contributes financially to the orchestra as his budget allows. 

Our financial support enables Cascade Symphony to offer children's concerts. They perform one such concert each year, usually in April. However, this season the Children's Concert will be in February of 2008.  They currently admit children under 12 free of charge. The future of the organization depends on the interest and involvement of the younger generation. Many children do not have the opportunity to hear live classical music. It is a challenge to provide a musical experience that will keep the attention of children and help build a desire to become involved.

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SEA SCOUTS - SSS Propeller

The Sea Scout program is a co-educational part of the Boy Scouts of America Venturing program for young adults between the ages of 14 and 21. Sea Scouting is organized to promote better citizenship and to improve members' boating skills and knowledge through instruction and practice in water safety, boating skills, outdoor, social and service experiences, and knowledge of our maritime heritage. The sea offers challenges to all who venture upon it. If you are looking for challenges, you will find them here.

Activities are primarily oriented towards boating and the maritime environment, but include other non-maritime activities too. Safety, individual responsibility, leadership, and courtesy are stressed. The particular activities offered depend on the facilities and adult leadership available.

There are several boats and boating crews in the Sea Scout program.  St. John’s has adopted one, the ship Propeller.

The Sea Scout Ship Propeller is little more than a Boy Scout troop with a maritime focus.  They operate a 65' ex-army boat and are 100% responsible for the care and maintenance of the vessel. As with all scout units, they are expected to be self-sufficient.  No funding comes from the Boy Scout of America to individual scout units.

The organization is run entirely by volunteers - none of the staff or committee is paid.  There are administrative expenses:  $2600/year for general liability insurance and $10 for their unit charter with the Boy Scouts of America. These expenses directly benefit the youth members. Without insurance, for example, adult volunteers would be at great risk of personal liability in the event of an accident or injury. It would be difficult or impossible for adults to participate without insurance coverage - so the youth members benefit from this in an indirect way.

St. John's lodge has contributed for the past seven years (2001-2008) and these funds have been VERY helpful. The $500 grant we have given for each of the past few years has allowed the crew to purchase repair parts and supplies. Had these fund not been available the staff would have either deferred a project or been forced to spend more time raising funds and less time working directly with the youth members.  Since the money was in the bank when it was needed, the staff has been able to be more effective in delivering the Sea Scout program to the teenaged crewmembers.

In some years we offered $500 in matching funds. The crew successfully raised in excess of $500 each summer by running just one car wash. The matching funds have then been applied to offset the cost of their summer long cruise. This resulted in a 50-60% reduction in the out of pocket costs for the youth members who participate in their summer "long cruise." Because of this cost reduction, several young people from low-income families were able to participate. In the absence of these funds, it would be much more difficult to include low-income families in this valuable program. Thus, St. John's contributions have made a tremendous difference!

Lee Swanson is  a registered volunteer member and serves as the “ship’s” chief mate.  (FYI - ship is to a sea scout what troop is to a boy scout).  He is one of six adult volunteer staff members.  Another five adults are volunteer members of the Ship's committee.  Lee contributes in just about every way imaginable.  He leads weekly meetings and activities for the youth members, gives many weekend hours leading outings, or boat maintenance projects, and has been the skipper for two 10-day long summer cruises.   Adult leaders also contribute many hours and cash to this program.

All this helps keep the cost of our program manageable for our scouts. A typical outing cost each scout just $15-$18 per day. A typical weekend cruise might cost only $30-$35 for each scout. Still, some of the scouts have trouble with these costs. It’s not uncommon for a sea scout leader to offer a needy scout a job - mowing grass or helping to clean the garage - so that they can earn the money to participate.

Each of the adults in this organization is dedicated, giving and very generous with their time. None of them do this for a living, but are all dedicated to providing a well-run, professional quality program for the benefit of interested Seattle area teenagers.  

Ship Number

62

Ship Name

S.S.S. Propeller

Sponsor

Seattle Propeller Club

Meeting Location

Waterway 18. Lake Union
Sept-May: First meeting of month Seattle Maritime Academy

Meeting Time

Thursday: 1900

Skipper

Al Bruce
barnardbruce@comcast.net
15300 S.E. 344th Street
Auburn , Washington 98092
H: 253-939-6355
C: 253-709-1148

Additional Contact

Robyn Kolke, Kevin Shyne

Vessel Information

65' Army T-Boat, steel, diesel

Vessel Location

Waterway 18, Lake Union

Website

http://www.sss-propeller.org

Scout District

Aurora

  The Sea Scouts’ goal is to make this program available to young people regardless of their parents incomes. This is not easy, but it is worth doing!   A large portion of their funding comes from their chartered partner and from boat charter trips that they sell to other groups. Their youth members work as crewmembers on these trips. In doing so, they earn their keep and learn real skills that they may choose to apply in the future should they decide on a career in the maritime industry.

The Sea Scouts provide an activity-based program for young people. While boating based activities are at the core of their program, ultimately they want to help young adults become better people. Scouting is about building people of high character and high moral standing. This program is well rounded. They try to run at least one overnight outing each month.  Annually, they run a 7-14 day “long cruise” in the summer with an all- volunteer staff.  They also participate in community service projects such as “ship canal clean up” in the fall and Lake Union clean up in the spring.  Time permitting; they participate in the BSA sponsored “scouting for food” event in the early spring (food drive to help needy families). A continued financial contribution from St. John's lodge goes a long way toward helping to maintain and expand this program!

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STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

  The purpose of the scholarship program is to provide to the members of St. John’s lodge, an opportunity to support and foster development of the Liberal Arts and Sciences in our community. Our goal is to “make a difference” in each student’s life by providing financial aid. Working with teachers, counselor and individuals,           we          receive

recommendations and are able to interview students who have demonstrated industry, character and high moral standards. We seek students who, without our assistance, would be unable to continue higher education. Therefore, financial need is an obvious guideline.

The goals of this scholarship program are at least two-fold. Foster and promote principles taught to Masons during the Fellowcraft degree. The final seven steps on the approach to the Middle Chamber of King Solomon’s temple teach the newly obligated Fellowcraft the importance of a rich mental life, specifically an appreciation of the Liberal Arts and Sciences. More practically, the goal of the St. John’s scholarship program is to yearly award academically promising candidates financial assistance during their academic and/or technical training portion of their careers. It is our goal to divide scholarships between people wanting to pursue Arts, Science, and Vocational education.

This program began on a modest level in 1997, and has continued aggressively into 2008, where for the eighth year in a row we have contributed $25,000 toward student scholarships.  Overall, we have contributed over $250,000 since the scholarship program’s inception! 

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ACCELERATED READER PROGRAM

Making a difference in students’ lives!

     For the past eight years, elementary students have also enjoyed the benefits extended by the members of St. John’s .  They are improving their reading skills in large part because the Lodge has been 100% of the support for the “accelerated reader” program at one school and has given a major shot in the arm at two others.  St. John’s has worked with John Rogers Elementary school in northeast Seattle since 1998 to provide books for the accelerated reader program.  At John Rogers, significant improvement in the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) test scores for math and reading are being attributed in part to the accelerated reader program.  Cedar Way Elementary in Mountlake Terrace was added in 2002, and Sacajewea Elementary (Seattle) began the program in 2005.

What on earth is an accelerated reader book?  The elementary school kids know.  “You check out a book from your school library or your teacher and you go home and read it.  Then you go to a school computer, insert the software and the computer asks you questions about the book.  It determines how well you read the book, what you remember, and scores you on your answers.”  The kids get points for each book and a real sense of accomplishment.  They love getting on the computer.  And, along with their parents and teachers, they know the grade level of their reading comprehension.

The students and their parents know where this support is coming from.

Last year we took a page from the Bikes for Books program, and have been providing bicycles to be distributed in a drawing among those students who meet their reading goals.  This program has met with great success in encouraging young people to read more and increase their reading skills.

What great exposure for a Lodge and Freemasonry!   Helping kids to improve their reading skills will open the door to their future, and help them on the way to a better education.  Some school districts fund this program, but others, short of funds, could use our help.  Let’s be involved with our communities and with our kids.

  The Lodge usually does the drawings for the bicycles at school assemblies or PTSA meetings throughout the year as the bicycles are distributed either by the semester or the quarter at the schools.  The checks for the program are distributed the same way.  What a way to impact a community!

At the beginning of the 2007 - 2008 school year the Edmonds School District directed Cedar Way Elementary school to go a different direction and opt out of the Accelerated Reader program.   This leaves an opening for another public school to take advantage of the opening.  St. John's Lodge No. 9 is now actively looking for that school.

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RITE CARE

In the early 1950s in Colorado, the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry of the Southern Jurisdiction of the United States initiated a program to help children with speech and language disorders. The results obtained from this program led to the establishment of Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders (now known as Rite Care) clinics to provide diagnostic evaluation and treatment of speech and language disorders, as well as learning disabilities.

Today, there are 170 Rite Care clinics and special programs operating or planned for children and therapists located throughout the United States .  Each facility is staffed by speech-language pathologists or other trained personnel.  Through the support of Scottish Rite members, these clinics, centers, and programs continue to increase.  The value of this philanthropy has long been apparent.  Tens of thousands of youngsters across the United States have been helped significantly.  With the good work of dedicated clinicians and parents, the Scottish Rite has achieved successes that could only be imagined a few years back. Children who might have remained educationally handicapped for a lifetime can now talk, read, and lead useful lives.

As a rule, the Rite Care Clinics accept preschool children who have difficulty speaking or understanding the spoken word or school-age children who have difficulty learning to read. Some centers also offer literacy training for adults.

The Scottish Rite Masons in the State of Washington have made a strong commitment to treatment of speech and language disordered children. Centers housed in the Seattle Scottish Rite Masonic Center and the Masonic Temple in Spokane are clinic facilities specially designed for the treatment of language disordered Children.

In each facility, treatment rooms have separate observation areas with one- way windows where therapy can be monitored by parents and other clinic staff. Individual diagnosis and treatment is carried out with up-to-date materials and therapy procedures. Treatment programs are also provided in Kennewick , Vancouver , Wenatchee , and Yakima .

Children are considered for services without regard to family income or Masonic affiliation. Through national endorsement and local efforts, Scottish Rite Masons raise funds to support these centers and programs, whereby services are provided without charge.

St. John’s has been a supporter of the local Rite Care (formerly the Center for Childhood Language Disorders) for many, many years.

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GREENWOOD FOOD BANK

    After many years of support for the Ballard/Magnolia Food Bank,  St. John's Lodge No. 9 has shifted its food bank focus to the Greenwood area – that neighborhood where this lodge conducts its regular business meetings.  The Greenwood Food Bank is operated by the Western Washington Chapter of the Volunteers of America and the Lodge is proud to support this effort.

Never before have there been so many hungry people in our region.  Not during the Depression of the 1930s.  Not during the regional commercial industry strikes of the 1970s.  It is startling how many in our local communities do not have enough food at home, yet it is quite hopeful to know that good people in our communities are helping their neighbors in need.

Many local economic factors contribute to this demand on food bank services, and we find that the vast majority of those in need - children and seniors - come from working households or those on fixed incomes.

 
Volunteers of America operates two food banks, one serving Everett residents and one serving NW Seattle’s Greenwood neighborhood.  Together, they serve almost 200 families per day with a three-day/nine-meal emergency food supply tailored, if needed, with medical, ethnic, and/or infant items.  They also coordinate a fresh produce home-delivery  program  that  delivers  to  over
 

160 isolated seniors each month.  The Greenwood Food Bank is located at 9747 Greenwood Avenue N, Seattle

 

The help the Lodge gives the food bank is a small portion of their needs.  Donations from anyone and everyone are always needed to supply the demand for services.  We live in an area where there are many business and private donors who are always willing to help out when needed.  This makes this food bank special and gives the membership the feeling of helping in an ongoing community effort.

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MASONIC PARKS OF GRANITE FALLS AND MAPLE VALLEY

St. John’s has been supportive of the Masonic Park at Granite Falls for years and years.  We have built shelters, restored roof tops, erected children’s play equipment, purchased mowers, and assisted with just about everything that requires funding or physical labor.

The Granite Falls Masonic Park is located 4.5 miles east of the city of Granite Falls, in Snohomish County , on the “mountain loop” highway.  Directions and other info can be found at www.masonicpark,org.   

The fee is $6 a head per night to camp, children under 12 are free; or $5 per person to picnic for a day.

In 2008, several brothers from St. John’s and their families will spend a weekend of fun at the Masonic Park on the weekend of August 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. .  The kids will enjoy the swings and slides and open lawns and the adults will have a good time enjoying the outdoors.  There will be a shared potluck on Saturday evening.  Tents and RV spaces are available, or just take advantage of covered shelter to accommodate sleeping bags and air mattresses.  An evening campfire will put the finishing touches to a full day of brotherly and family sharing.

Heavy flooding damaged a portion of the park in December, 2006.  In the spring and early summer of 2007, many fraternal brothers and lodges throughout the jurisdiction pitched in to assist with the repairs.  St. John’s was a major benefactor, providing $25,000 for the restoration efforts.

This year the park is in excellent condition and the problems from the flooding are a thing of the past. It is a truly beautiful location for a family camping trip and it offers many different things for the family to enjoy. The swimming hole, excellent stream fishing, and bar-b-ques are always on the top of park visitors and campers list of things to do.

In 2005 and 2006, we replaced failing rooftops to two shelters at the Royal Arch Park in Maple Valley.

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GREENWOOD-PHINNEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Greenwood is where St. John's Lodge No. 9 makes its home. The beauty of Greenwood is in its contrasts. It’s a kind of old-fangled neighborhood with a trendy edge, a place where coffee shops mix with espresso bars, where young families live among senior citizens, and two of the newest additions to the neighborhood are a low-income housing complex and a custom-built home worth $750,000. They sit just blocks apart.

 

In Greenwood, it is still possible to buy a little bungalow on a quiet street without breaking the bank, or open a small business with little more than a dream and watch it thrive in the shadow of chains and superstores.

 

This is a community that comes together for block parties and tree plantings, for holiday caroling and Seafair parades, a neighborhood that is redefining itself as a destination for arts and antique hounds who patronize the growing number of shops, galleries and cafes along the main drags.

 

The local Chamber of Commerce is not far off in dubbing Greenwood “Seattle's hidden treasure.”

St. John’s also shows its commitment to the business community of Greenwood , when, in our first year at our new location, we joined the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce.  The secretary of St. John’s has represented the lodge at a few of the business community meetings this year.  We have participated in the Greenwood Seafair Parade and are considering a presence in the Greenwood Classic Car and Antique Show.

The mission of the Greenwood-Phinney Chamber of Commerce is to stimulate the growth and development of a thriving business community. The Chamber is committed to being a leader in business advocacy, education and development.

To fulfill this mission, the Chamber needs the support of all businesses in our special area of Seattle . The Chamber is what we make of it: everyone's ideas, participation and active membership are needed to help our business community grow and prosper.

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TORCHLIGHT PARADE

Who doesn’t like a parade?  Certainly the Freemasons of Washington do, especially when our own Grand Lodge is represented by a prize-winning float that represents many of our concordant bodies.  The youth groups, the Rites, the Ladies, the Shrine, and of course our Grand Master – all ride the float in a number of parades throughout the state.
 

In Seattle, St. John’s sponsors the entry of our float in the annual Torchlight Parade in late July.  We began this sponsorship in 2007, and plan to do the same for future Seafair Torchlight parades.

 

The Seafair Torchlight Parade is a regular highlight of the Seafair summer festival; a month of more than 40 events and activities around Puget Sound.  The parade has occurred in various incarnations since 1950.  Nowadays it takes about three hours to travel the 2.5-mile route along 4th Avenue in downtown Seattle after starting at the Seattle Center.

 

What with all those standing along the parade path and those tuned in to watch on their televisions at home, this is an excellent opportunity to show off Freemasonry to the Seattle community.

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YOUTH HALLOWEEN PARTY

Every October, it’s time to throw a party for the young people of our community – especially those who participate in DeMolay, Rainbow, and Job’s Daughters.  This event has been sponsored by the Lodge Officer and Members Association of District 5 for the past ten years.  Members of St. John’s assist in the planning, preparation and chaperoning this fun event, which includes games, treats and dancing.

Held at the Scottish Rite for the first several years, it has moved to West Seattle since the loss of the Scottish Rite Masonic Center on Capital Hill.

The Masons of Seattle feel that a chaperoned party for young people of all ages offers a successful and wholesome opportunity to meet and have fun.

A little bit of trivia:  Around the eighth century, the Christian church made November 1 All Saints' Day to honor all of the saints that didn't have a special day of their own. The mass held on All Saints' Day was called All Hallowmas (the mass of all Hallows -- saintly people). The night before was known as All Hallows Eve. Eventually this name became Halloween.

The custom of Halloween was brought to America in the 1840s by Irish immigrants fleeing their country's potato famine. At that time, the favorite pranks in New England included tipping over outhouses and unhinging fence gates.

The custom of trick-or-treating is thought to have originated with a ninth-century European custom called “souling.” On November 2, All Souls Day, early Christians would walk from village to village begging for "soul cakes," made out of square pieces of bread with currants. The more soul cakes the beggars would receive, the more prayers they would promise to say on behalf of the dead relatives of the donors.

Many people view Halloween as a time of innocent fun. Children love to dress up as their favorite characters. They will go door to door saying the infamous words “trick or treat.” Many adults also love Halloween, because it gives them a chance to let loose and act silly.

Well, anyway, St. John’s likes to help the kids have a safe and sane Halloween.

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LAYING OF WREATH AT KANE HALL

Standing at the entrance to the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909, the Statue of George Washington was unveiled on Flag Day, June 14, 1909 . It remained on a temporary base for some time due to lack of funds for a suitable pedestal.

Thanks to the Rainier Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, school children of the state of Washington , and the State Commission of the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Expo, the Statue was mounted on a 24' stone monument base. The base was built by the Works Progress Administration and dedicated on June 14, 1939 . Today, the statue stands on the University of Washington campus next to the building which houses The Henry Art Gallery Store, a cafeteria appropriately called By George, and the Odegaard Undergraduate Library.

Each year in February, in concert with the Daughters of the American Revolution, Masons in our area meet at the University Masonic Center for coffee and donuts, then march to Kane Hall on the campus of the University of Washington to lay a wreath at the feet of the George Washington statue.  This is a fitting event for Freemasons, as it honors the Father of our Country, one of the most well-known Masons of the United States .

This event is co-sponsored by the Lodge Officers and Members Association of District 5.  Members of St. John’s take part in this annual recognition of Bro. President George Washington.

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ST. JOHN’S 9 WEB PAGE

We cannot leave this discussion about our community contact without paying homage to our web site at www.seattlemasons.org.  The site was originally constructed on April 24, 1999 by Bro. Mark Harrison and updated by Mark or Karen Harrison. They maintained it until August of 2001.    WBro. Charles Tupper took over the reins in December of 2001 and immediately shut the site down and did a complete redesign. He had it up and running again on January 3rd of 2002. WBro. Tupper has been the webmaster of the site since that time.  WBro. Tupper is a member of the Operative Webmasons Guild, the International Webmasters Association, the  Association of Internet Professionals, and is a Contributing Member of the Internet Society.   He also serves on the Washington Grand Lodge Technology Committee.

WBro. Tupper devotes many hours to the site each month and keeps it current. The Trestleboard and Minutes as written by our Secretary, VWBro. James F. Russell, are invaluable to our website and are used mostly untouched on the Trestleboard and Stated Communication Report pages. Other articles are mosly written by WBro. Tupper. Occasionally a member will submit one for publication.  WBro. Darrel Womack, along with WBro. Tupper, supplies interesting photos for the benefit of those  visiting the site.   

The site also lists a calendar of events, memorials of departed brothers, “old Tiler’s Tales” and other Masonic reading, as well as a list and description of our charities, an Index of WBro. Tupper's library where active lodge members can check out a book of Masonic interest to read,  a brief history of St. John’s and so much more.  It even provides an electronic means to contact the lodge for anyone wishing to do so with a guarantee of a reply attempt within 24 hours.

This site is designed to be useful to the brothers of St. John’s, as well as to those laymen visiting out of curiosity and/or interest in Freemasonry.  Approximately 20,000 unique visitors are recorded and these users access over 100,000 pages on our site each month.  These numbers have been steadily increasing each year.  The vast majority access from the United States, followed by the United Kingdom, with France third.  The number of pages accessed on average shows that the site contains information of interest.  The most popular page is, of course, the Homepage.  Ignoring games, the next most popular page is the Library Index followed by the welcoming letter, the current Trestleboard, the report of the last stated meeting, the Lodge Activities synopsis, and the Informational Index, all of which show about the same traffic.

The spread of interest shown by accesses of all the different parts of our website shows that St. John's Lodge No. 9 has an ongoing useful and active web presence.  Our webmaster is always adding content as well as new sections of interest to the Lodge and to those who access our website.

A majority of our petitions for the degrees, at this time, come from this medium.

At the 149th annual communication of Grand Lodge, in June of 2006, the St. John’s web site was named as one of the select Washington Masonic sites tied for  Second in the "Best Masonic Website in Washington State" contest. In 2007 at the 150th Annual Communication it was chosen as one of those tied for Best Masonic Website in Washington.

Following two years of ties, In 2008, the website competition in Washington got tougher. The Grand Lodge developed a much more discerning set of criteria for judging websites based on a 100 point system and had four awards for excellence in different facets of web content and design. Among the four "Best All Around" is the first place among all sites designation with "Best Presented" - second, "Best Layout" - third, and "Best Educational Content" as second in that field. No Lodge can win more than one of the awards in the same year.

At the 151st Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge in June, 2008, this website was awarded a certificate stating that we have the "Best All Around Masonic Website" in Washington.

In 2009 the winning sites were chosen on the basis of which Lodge had the best site and three awards were given according to which site was best overall, 1st place through 3rd place. The St. John's Lodge No. 9 website was again chosen as the best Masonic Lodge website in Washington.

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St. John's Lodge No. 9 is always adding to this list and it is up to our membership to guide our helping hands to where they are most needed.  We support those charities that are individually supported by our members.

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