Walk a Thon for Shriners Hospitals

To: Area Shriner Members
From: Dawn Schabbing
1289 Dogwood Ave.
Neoga, IL 62447

Hi Gentlemen: I’m a mom of a Shriner kid and I’m an Eastern Illinois University student working slowly towards a master’s degree in communication studies. As a part of a course project on improving the community, I chose to hold a fundraiser for Shriners Hospital for Children. The event will be a short Walk-a-Thon at the Cross County Mall in Mattoon on March 14. Registration begins at 8 a.m. with the walking at 8:30 a.m. The event will end by 11 a.m. Registration will be at the Sears entrance inside the mall.

I’m hopeful some of the area Shriners will come and be a part. My idea is to make you visible and bring awareness to people who may not completely understand what it is your organization provides for so many families, like ours. I’m hopeful that people coming to this walk-a-thon can have any questions answered, and of course, raise money for your cause. Also, this is one way I can give back to the Shriners, for all they’ve done for us. While, I plan to do my best to publicize this event, registration is the day of the event. I have no idea how many people may turn out, but I’m hopeful there’s going to be a significant number.

I’ve asked each participant to try to reach a personal donation goal of $25, and come and walk as many laps as they want inside the mall, “for those who can’t.” Our daughter, Megan, born on Oct. 22, 1994, was diagnosed with tibial hemimelia, either missing, or shortened tibias. She’s an amputee on the left leg, and has had eight surgeries on her right leg, in order to be able walk properly. Her latest surgery was on Dec. 5, and as I write this letter, she’s still in a cast. Her next appointment in St. Louis is on March 2. Maybe, she’ll be able to walk again by this event! I ask that all of this money raised go to the St. Louis hospital, where all of Megan’s care has been provided. Again, I invite you to join in or encourage others to take part in this walk-a-thon starting at 8 a.m. for registration, with walking starting at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 14. The event should be over by 11 a.m. I’ve also set up a P.O. Box for those who want to donate by mail, may do so by mailing it to me, P.O. Box 31, Neoga, IL 62447.

Anyone wanting a registration form may contact me through this e-mail address: shrinerkids2009@gmail.com. Please share this information with anyone who may be interested in taking part.

Sincerely, Dawn Schabbing

3rd Degree at Ogden Lodge March 2

Brethren,

Ogden Lodge #754 would like to announce work on the third degree. We have scheduled one candidate to be raised on Monday, March 2nd at 7:00 pm. Your help would be greatly appreciated. We would also like to thank everyone who has helped us over the last couple weeks. We hope these young men will return and help the fraternity continue to grow. I know Brother Phelps is one proud Grandpa. We look forward to your felowship.

Fraternally, Steve Hooper, Ogden Lodge#754

Events Coming up at Catlin Lodge

Brethren, Catlin Lodge #285 will have a Pancake, Suasage, Biscuit, and Gravy Breakfast on Saturday February 28 from 6 to 11AM at the Lodge located at 107 North Sandusky Street in Catlin. Coffee, Milk and Orange Juice will be available. Suggested donation is $5.00

The Lodge will hold its Annual Past Masters Dinner on Saturday March 7 at 5:00PM. The Lodge will provide Ham, Chicken, Rolls and Drink. Those attending are invited to bring their favorite covered dish. The featured speaker will be Brother Todd E. Creason of Ogden Lodge #754. Todd is the Author of the book "Famous American FreeMasons", which is avaialble for purchase worldwide. Todd has been featured as a speaker at several Masonic functions, and was recently invited to make a presentation at the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge of Missouri. Todd's second book, "Famous American Freemasons Volume 2", is scheduled for release this Summer.

From what I understand, Todd has done some research on Catlin Lodge and has some interesting facts to relay to the audience. Even I, do not know what he has planned! The Dinner is open to anyone, including members of other Lodges, wifes, kids, friends and family. Why not bring a perspective member for our fraternity? Hope to see you all for good fellowship in the very near future.

Fraternally, Sean McBride, SecretaryCatlin Lodge #285

Catlin Lodge Member Donald Bowman Passes

Donald Bowman

CATLIN – Donald J. Bowman, 79, of Catlin passed away at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, 2009, at his home.
Don was born Sept. 13, 1929, to Herb and Mae LaRue Bowman in Burr Oak, Kan. He married Betty Gibson Jan. 24, 1954. She survives, as well as two sons, Brent Bowman of Catlin and Brian (Terry) Bowman of Hendersonville, Tenn.; one sister, Margaret Gerard of Ariz.; and one granddaughter, Lauren Bowman.
He was preceded in death by three brothers.
Don had been a heavy equipment operator, and served in the United Stated Navy. He was a member of the Catlin United Methodist Church, Catlin Masonic Lodge and Danville Consistory, and was a 50-year Mason. He was a member of the Ansar Shrine Eastern Illinois Shrine and had transported children to many Shriners Hospitals over the years. He coached Little League Baseball, and enjoyed fishing with his friend, Benny. Don and Betty enjoyed traveling. His granddaughter, Lauren was his great delight and he always attended any activities she was involved in. Don's family always knew whatever they needed he would be there to help.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Rev. Janet Miller will officiate. Burial in the Songer Cemetery in Tilton.
Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Robison Chapel in Catlin.
Memorials in Don's memory to the Shriners Children's Hospital in care of Robison Chapel.

St. Joseph-Ogden HS Wins Scholastic Bowl Regional

St. Joseph-Ogden High School Scholastic Bowl team won the Regional competition for the Illinois Masonic Bowl Competition. The team will now advance to the state competition that will be held in Springfield, Illinois on February 28 at at Glenwood High School in Chatham (near Springfield) 1501 E. Plummer Blvd., Chatham.

The SJO Scholastic Bowl team is sponsored by St. Joseph Lodge No. 970 and Ogden Lodge No. 754. SJO also won the Regional title in 2007.

Congrats Spartans!

George Washington Visits Catlin Lodge

Presidents Day was Monday February 16 and in a suprise visit RW Brother President George Washington was a guest of honor at Catlin Lodge. Bro. Washington gave an elegant speech on his time in freemasonry and about our country.

A new brother was raised as a Master Mason that night.

Champaign-Urbana York Rite Bodies

Champaign-Urbana York Rite Bodies

Champaign Chapter No. 50, RAM

Urbana Council No. 19, CM

Urbana Commandery No. 16, KT

Wednesday, February 18, 2009 7:00 PM(Early Start)

Council (8th & 9th) Degrees◊

Potluck Dinner at 6:00 PM

Champaign Masonic Temple

14 Bel-Air Court, Champaign

Bradford W. Cronk, HP Sean P. McBride, TIM Robert G. Minton, EC

3rd Degrees at Ogden

Brethren,

Ogden Lodge #754 has scheduled 2 Master Mason degrees for thursday, Feb 19th, beginning at 7:00 pm. We hope, finally, to be able to raise Brian Martin ( grandson of Brother Denver Phelps ). We had him scheduled to receive his 3rd last week but he came down with the flu and was unable to be there. We will be serving a meal before the degree this time and hope to have it ready around 6:00 pm. We hope this will work out for most everyone. As we all know it takes a lot of help to confer the MM degree so if you can make it to Ogden, your help would be greatly appreciated. May the Blessings of Heaven be with you all.

Fraternally,

Steve Hooper

PM, Ogden Lodge #754

3rd Degree at Catlin

Brethren,

Catlin Lodge #285 will have a Third Degree this Monday evening beginning at 7:00PM. We will have 2 candidates. The follwing Monday, February 23, we will have at leat 1 candidate for the Second Degree and possibly more. We have decided to have refreshments before the start of both of these degrees, as opposed to eating at 10 o'clock at night. On both evenings Dinner will be ready to serve at 6:00PM. We are going to try this for awhile to see how it works. This Monday will be having baked ham.

Fraternally,

Sean McBride, Secretary

Catlin Lodge #285

Valley of Danville - Executive Secretary Position Job Search

EXECUTIVE SECRETARY CHANGE

Illustrious Jon A. Cole, 33°, has resigned as Executive Secretary of the Valley of Danville. A Search Committee has been appointed and instructed by the Board of Directors to interview and recommend candidates for the position.

The parameters which will be used in evaluating and recommending candidates are the following:

• Management and organizational skills.
• Accounting and financial skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Strong Masonic and Scottish Rite background and commitment.

Those wishing to submit resumes should forward them to the following address no later than February 28, 2009:

Scottish Rite Search Committee

c/o Rex W. Richards, Jr.

15297 Short Road

Danville, IL 61834-5713

3rd Degree at Ogden Lodge

Brethren, Ogden Lodge will have work on the Master Mason degree on Monday evening, Feb 9that 7:00 pm. Please attend if you can as one of the candidates we hope to raise is the grandson of our DDGM, Brother Denver Phelps. I am sure he would love to have as many of his brethren there as possible. Please contact any brethren that you think haven't heard - Thank You Steve Hooper, Sec12th E. Workers Club

8th Eastern District Workers Club

Brethren, This is just a reminder that tomorrow 02/05/09 @ 7:00pm there will be a workers club @ Collison Lodge. Meal will start @ 6:15pm. We will be working on First Degree First Section.
Ryan Irby, President8th Eastern District Workers Club

Past Master of Catlin Lodge Passes

Lyndal W. Arnold of Catlin passed away this week as a result of a train/vehicle accident. He was a member of and Past Master of Catlin Lodge and a member of the Valley of Danville Scottish Rite. The Champaign New-Gazette ran a story about Mr. Arnold:

A lifelong Vermilion County resident, Mr. Arnold grew up on a farm in Fithian, said his wife, Carolyn. He started driving semitrailer trucks, then sold them for 40 years.
"He called himself Honest Abe the Truck Peddler," Carolyn Arnold said, adding he even used the name as his e-mail address. "He had a lot of old-time customers. Whenever they wanted to buy a truck, they'd call him to appraise it. They knew he would always give them an honest opinion."

Mr. Arnold's Obituary:

Lyndal W. Arnold, 70, of Catlin passed away at 4:16 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2009, in rural Fairmount as the result of an automobile-train accident.
He was born July 3, 1938, in Danville, to Loval W. and Eva Donley Arnold. He married Carolyn I. Strange on June 29, 1959, in Danville. She survives.
Also surviving are one son, Larry W. (Jeanette L.) Arnold of Oakwood, and one daughter, Charlotte Arnold Christin of Rockville, Md. Also surviving are three grandchildren, Larry W. Arnold II, Brielle J. Arnold and Nikolai Alexander Christin.
He was preceded in death by one granddaughter, Modisty K. Arnold.
Lyndal had been an International Truck salesman for 40 years, most recently with Prairie International of Champaign. He was a 32nd-degree Mason and a member of the Catlin Masonic Lodge, and a past Master of the lodge. He was a member of Danville United Church of Christ, where he had served as a deacon.
He was an Illini football fan, and enjoyed NASCAR and Indy 500 racing. He was a "great grandpa" and was always "working a deal."
Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Robison Chapel in Catlin. Burial will follow in Sunset Cemetery in Danville.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Robison Chapel.
Memorials may be made to the Danville United Church of Christ or the Arnold family for the grandchildren's education.

Ogden Soup Supper this Saturday

Brethren, At the request of our Senior Warden, Brother Tim Nichols, I would like to remind everyone about our Soup Supper scheduled for this Saturday evening - from 4:30 to 7:00 pm.Your help and fellowship will be greatly appreciated - and please remember to bring a dessert dish. Thanks - Hope to see you all there. Fraternally, Steve Hooper