June 2018
The 2018 Masonic Homes Scholarship Winner—Written by Kim Hegg,
Community Relations & Event Manager Leader
The New Haven Schools Foundation is a non-profit foundation dedicated to supporting
schools in the New Haven Unified School District. They are committed to providing financial
assistance to students through support from local businesses, foundations, parents, educators,
and civic leaders.
One of these programs is Pathways to Success. The New Haven Schools Foundation
administers the “Pathways to Success” community scholarship program that provides
financial aid to graduating seniors of James Logan High School, Conley-Caraballo High
School, Decoto School for Independent Studies, and New Haven Adult School.
Masonic Homes of California has been a generous donor to this program for the last
several years. The Masonic Homes Scholarship is based on various criteria, including
community service, scholarship focus area, financial need, student essay, and academics.
Of the 47 applications received, Ms. Noor Gill
was selected to receive the 2018 Masonic Homes
Scholarship. Ms. Gill attends James Logan High
School, where she maintains a 4.45 grade point average
and still somehow found time to accumulate over 1,500
hours of community service. Noor is an accomplished
Track & Field athlete, has won awards for public
speaking, and created an Instagram account dedicated
to encouraging optimism and positive thinking.
Many thanks to our scholarship application
review committee – Carole Silva, Carole Boyes, Cheryl
Costa, Sally Hartley, Marion Papay, Jerry Chamberlain,
Jeanne Fershleiser, and our Communications Manager,
Ola Afolabi, for a job well done. Noor Gill, scholarship recipient and Gary Charland, President, Masonic Homes of California
Masonic Homes congratulates Ms. Gill on her success and wishes her all the best in
her future endeavors.
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Messenger—June 2018—Page 2
Quotable
“If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your
government, then you are doomed to live under the
rule of fools—Plato
It is almost halfway through the
year with several happenings. We
must vote for one of the candidates
and decide on the propositions. Here’s
how I do it without any discussions. I
draw a “T” on a blank paper, on the
left I write my most passionate wants.
What is June all about?—Written by Carole Silva
It could be anything - border control, gun control, abortion, whatever, then my “sorta”
passionately want, and under that a third desire. On the right, I write the candidates who
say they believe in two of the three desires. I draw another line under all that for the
propositions. On the right what I am interested in, and on the left what seems to make
sense. With so much on the ballot these days, this helps me make a decision. Voting is an
honor and a privilege.
Next comes Flag Day. Our Red, White & Blue
went through 48 changes to become the one we have
now, with 50 Stars and 13 stripes. Another design has
been proposed by Congress, with 51 stars and 13 stripes,
just in case another state is added. Some of the most
interesting designs involve adding stripes for each state
and having a circle of 13 stars, or putting the stripes in the
upper left corner and placing a circle of 13 stars on the
large part of the flag. As you can imagine, a lot of
committees, congressional and otherwise, were
established to finally decide on the design we have now.
Most are aware of the “don’t tread on me” flag and on the
right are two examples of other designs: the New England
flag and the John Paul Jones flag. Ah! Fathers’ Day came about in 1910 in
Washington State, because Senora Smart Dodd believed
that a father was very important to families. Earlier, in
1909 in West Virginia, Grace Golden Clayton asked her
minister to honor fathers after a mine explosion that
killed 361 men. Thus Fathers’ Day was celebrated on a
casual basis until LBJ, in 1966, declared the 3rd Sunday
in June as Fathers’ Day. It wasn’t until 1972 that Nixon
made it an official holiday. Today, with many gangs,
we can see how important it is to have a father in the
home. *************************************************************
Messenger—June 2018—Page 3
The Chaplain’s Corner By Chaplain Joel Ingram
“Time to scratch your head”
Answers on page 4
This month there is something a little different. It’s a fun little Bible
Quiz! Come on, you can do it! Some questions are about things mentioned
in the Bible. Other questions are about the Bible itself. Do your best.
1. Who was vertically challenged and had to climb up into a Sycamore tree to see Jesus
pass by?
Hint: Name starts with a “Z” ……………………...
2. Three of the four Gospels (books about Jesus’ life) are written in a similar style. They
are called “Synoptic Gospels”. Which three are they?
Hint: They come in order. ………………………….
3. Genesis and Revelation are the first and last books of the Bible. What’s the second and
next-to-last book of the Bible?
Hint: One starts with “E”, the other with “J” …………………………..
4. True or false: The Bible says Jesus had brothers and sisters?
Hint: Sorry – no hints for True and False questions. It’s 50/50 already! …………………..
5. The first printed Bible was the 1611 King James Version. Who printed it?
Hint: His name starts with a “G” …………………………….
6. The Bible is written in three languages. What are they?
Hint: First letters for each are: “H”, “A” and “G” …………………………..
7. Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt. Joshua took over afterwards and led the
nation into Canaan. But, who served as 2nd in charge for both leaders?
Hint: He was a priest and his name starts with an “A” …………………………...
8. Who wrote most of the books in the New Testament?
Hint: His name was changed after an event on the road to Damascus. …………………..
9. What is the name of the first city overthrown by the Israelites when entering the
Promised Land?
Hint: Its walls are said to have fallen down. …………………………...
10. What make of automobile is mentioned in the Bible?
Hint: It gets 28 mpg. ………………………………..
Messenger—June 2018—Page 4
Answers:
(1) Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). (2) Matthew, Mark and Luke. (3) Exodus and Jude. (4)
True. (Mark 6:3) (5) Guttenberg (6) Hebrew, Aramaic & Greek (7) Aaron (8)
Paul (formerly known as Saul) (9) Jericho (10) Honda (Acts 2:1 says, “When the
day of Pentecost came, they were all in one accord”. There were also motorcycles in the
Bible; Triumph Motorcycles to be specific. Proverbs 28:12 says, “When righteous
people triumph, there is great glory…”
Sad, but True—Submitted by Ola Afolabi Forgiving people is not just a good idea.
It’s God’s idea. Actually, more than an idea.
It’s an instruction.
Sad, but true!
How you respond to a situation
Can be more important than the situation.
Sad, but true!
Your ability to overlook an offense
Determines the degree of dominion
You’d exercise over many other things.
Sad, but true!
Wisdom will help you solve problems.
A large heart will help you accommodate people.
You need both.
Sad, but true!
When all is said and done, let the
Fear and the love of the Almighty God
In your heart pour through your daily walk
Sad, but true!
The wise is he who takes lessons
From above, and with them benefit others.
Sad, but true
Some people may think this piece is targeted at them
No. Everyone alive will need one of the points at some point or the other
Sad, but true
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Messenger—June 2018—Page 5
Calvin DeVecchis
Sponsoring Lodge:
Confidence #110
City: Santa Cruz
Moved in on: April 25,
2018
William & Geneva Hornbeck
Sponsoring Lodge: Vesper #84
City: Red Bluff
Moved in on: May 29, 2018
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If you
thought
Dorothy
Hoover,
you
were
right!
Do you know
who this
young
farmer in a
cowboy’s hat
is?
Margaret (Peggy) DeVecchis
Sponsoring Lodge: Confidence
#110
City: Santa Cruz
Moved in on: May 16, 2018
May Guess Who Answer:
John & Monica Webb
Sponsoring Lodge: Ridgewood #146
City: Ukiah
Moved in on: May 24, 2018
Mary Markel
Sponsoring Lodge:
California #1
City: San Francisco
Moved in on: May 29,
2018
Messenger—June 2018—Page 6
The First Masonic Home High Tea—Written by the Recreation Team On Tuesday, April 24, we had our very first High Tea
Celebration. This was a special birthday celebration recognizing
residents who are in their 90’s and 100’s. Guests from the Home’s
Resident Council members, Milt Dykstra & Jim Ward, a
representative from Senator Bob Wieckowski’s office, Carol
Dutra-Vernaci, Mayor of Union City and a representative from
the Union City Police Department were in attendance.
We kicked off this year’s High Tea by celebrating the
residents whose birthdays are between January and April.
We will celebrate May through July birthdays in July and
the Recreation Team looks forward to residents attending this
special event.
Last month we had a chance to go to
many different places in the Bay Area. We
listened to a concert by the Ohlone Community
Band and watched high school students perform
in the NCPA Drum Championship competition.
We also attended Fiddler on the Roof at
Irvington High School, watched Little Women
at Chanticleers, and La Traviata Opera in San
Jose.
April 2018 Fun Recreation Department Outings
We ate out at a crab feed, tasted Chinese food at East Ocean Seafood in Alameda, and, of
course, enjoyed our annual fine dining brought to us by Job Corps students at Treasure Island.
Lastly, we experienced riding in a jeep to tour Safari West in Santa Rosa, and watched the
animals.
To continue experiencing these wonderful outings, please sign-up on the Registration
Sheets that come in the Event Calendar packet you receive monthly in your mailboxes. If you
would like to suggest any places to go or any programs to add, please come to our Recreation
Planning Meeting on the first Thursday of each month at 3:00 pm, or call the Recreation
Department at ext. 6468. As always, we are always grateful for all your suggestions and help.
Messenger—June 2018—Page 7
May Candlelight Dinner
Messenger—June 2018—Page 8
-Written by Chris Gershtein, Director of Quality Management
Since the last update there have been 9 Blue Box Cards Submitted to me as of May
15, 2018. There were 2 compliments! One was for the way that the staff handled the Code
Red in mid-April. The second was for the wonderful Beef Stew served in the Main Dining
Room. It was enjoyed by some recent guests to a resident couple. The compliments were
sent to the appropriate departments/managers so that they can be shared with the staff in
those areas.
There were 7 concerns (some with associated suggestions). Here are the highlights of
how they have been addressed:
1. There was a concern about the two identical “100 Year Anniversary” pictures hung in
the same hallway. One has been removed because as the writer has said, “They are
lovely, but one is enough.”
2. One was another concern about Acacia Creek residents walking their dogs here on our
grass especially without a leash. I have spoken again with Martin Herter, Administrator
at Acacia Creek asking him to remind their residents to use leashes when walking their
dogs here and to always clean up after their animals. He will again address this issue
with their residents.
3. There was a concern about having to move from rooms on the 5th floor of Adams for
remodeling. Soledad Martinez, the Resident Services Administrator, spoke to the
resident who had concerns, discussed the timeline and the reasons for the needed moves.
She would be happy to discuss this issue with any resident who has concerns.
4. There were two concerns about there being no pancakes at breakfast in the Main Dining
Room for a few Tuesdays in a row. I spoke to John Marshall, the Dining Services
Director about this concern. He explained that it was an ordering issue. The person who
usually does the ordering was away, and it was not noticed that there was a need of a
pancake batter mix so it was not ordered. He has assured me that he will obtain some
and that the ordering person should be returning soon.
5. There was a concern about no Apple Crepes at Easter Brunch although they were on the
menu. John explained that there were other items that replaced the Crepes that morning
and he hopes that everyone enjoyed the Easter Brunch. There was also a concern about
eggs getting cold, which he will address.
6. There was a concern about dogs being allowed in the dining room. Gary Charland, the
CEO, has recently discussed the Service and Emotional Support Assistive Animal
policy. These animals are allowed to be at the home and in the Main Dining Room under
the control of their owners. Every effort will be made for reasonable accommodations
for all. Animals in the Dining Room should not be petted, but if you do touch an animal,
please remember to wash or use hand sanitizer before touching utensils, plates, or food.
Thank you.
Thank you very much for continuing to use this communication tool, especially for
any safety related issues. Please keep the cards coming! But also please remember that the
fastest way to get a response may be to speak directly to the manager/director of the
department associated with an issue. They would love to hear from you.
Messenger—June 2018—Page 9
Father Murphy walked into a pub and said to
the first man he met, “Do you want to go to heaven?”
The man replied, “I do Father.” The priest said,
“Then stand over there against the wall.” The priest
asked a second man, “Do you want to go to heaven?”
“Certainly, Father,” was the man’s reply. The priest
said, “Then stand over there against the wall.”
Then Father Murphy walked up to O’Toole
and said, Do you want to go to heaven?” O’Toole
said, “No, I don’t Father.” The priest said, “I don’t
believe this. You meant to tell me that when you die
you don’t want to go to heaven?” O’Toole said, “Oh,
when I die, yes. I thought you were getting a group
together to go right now.”
Old age ain’t no place for Sissies—Submitted by Zelma Campbell
fannye’s funnye’s
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Older women are best.
Because they always think they might be
Doing it for the last time.
So much has been said and sung
Of the beautiful young girls.
Why didn’t somebody
Wake up to the beauty of old women?
I am long on ideas,
But short on time.
I expect to live to be only one hundred
Gray hair is God’s graffiti.
You are the only one
Who is passionately interested in your age.
People have their own troubles.
I will never give in to old age.
Until I become old
And I’m not old yet!
Messenger—June 2018—Page 10
York Rite of Freemasonry at
Siminoff Masonic Center ‘There is no higher degree in Freemasonry than that of Master Mason’
‘The York Rite offers an insight into the degrees of the Craft and the completion of
Ancient Craft Masonry.’
9:30 a.m. Siminoff Daylight Royal Arch Chapter No. 163
11:00 a.m. Sword and Trowel Council No. 65
Lunch is at 12:15 p.m.
2:00 p.m. Morris Siminoff Commandery U.D.
Saturday, June 30, 2018 in the Siminoff Masonic Center
Information: Arthur H. Walton
Tel: 510-441-3913
Email: [email protected]
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Masonic Homes of California has been a longtime supporter of Relay For Life and
this year will be no exception. Residents, staff, and volunteers are encouraged to join the
Masonic Homes Team and walk for loved ones lost, honor survivors, and raise money in the
fight against cancer.
This year, the Relay will be
held at the Newark Community
Center Park, 35501 Cedar Blvd,
Newark, on Saturday, June 23,
starting at 10:00 a.m.
Flyers have been emailed to
staff and have been placed on
bulletin boards for resident sign-ups.
Registration forms are due to Kim
Hegg, Community Relations and
Events Manager, by Friday, June 8.
Hope to see you there!
Written by Kim Hegg,
Community Relations &
Event Manager Leader
Messenger—June 2018—Page 11
SAFETY CORNER
A monthly Reminder from the MH Safety
Committee: Home Fires
Home fires are preventable! Please take
the following precautions in your home: keep
flammable items away from areas that get hot,
replace any frayed wires, and stay in the
kitchen when cooking. To mitigate any harm
to you or others, check your area for clutter
especially by doorways. Exits must be
accessible. If you see any clutter in hallways,
please report it to Facility Services. The best
way to protect yourself and home is to
identify and remove fire hazards.
Life Lesson—Submitted by Ola Afolabi Three university guys avoided exam because
they did not study. They came up with a plan, got
themselves dirty using grease, then went to see the
Professor.
“Sir, we are sorry we couldn’t make it to the
exam. We attended a wedding and on our way back,
the car broke down, thus we became so dirty as you
can see”. The Professor understood and gave them
three days to prepare.
After three days, they went to the Professor
ready for the exam because they have studied. The
Professor put them in three separate classes with only
four questions in the exam paper.
1. Who got married? (25 marks)
2. Where was the reception held? (25 marks)
3. Where exactly did the car breakdown? (25 marks)
4. What type of car broke down? (25 marks)
Marking scheme: Your answers must be the same!!!
They are still in the exam hall as we speak.
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MASONIC HOMES COMMUNITY
BLOOD DRIVE
Friday, June 8, 2018
12:30 p.m.—6:30 p.m.
To schedule your appointment visit
redcrossblood.org and enter sponsor
code: Masonic Homes or call 1-800 RED
CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Streamline your donation experience and
save up to 15 minutes by visiting
RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass to
complete your pre-donation reading and
health history questions on the day of
your appointment. If you have questions
regarding your eligibility to donate blood,
please call 1-866-236-3276. Identification
is required.
Messenger—June 2018—Page 12
Lorber’s World Travel Week
Written by Janet Castro, SNF Active Living Guide
It's that time of the year again
and Lorber residents and staff are
gearing up for its “Annual World
Travel” week. In the past, we have
done a Mediterranean themed cruise
week and the USA Road Trip. During
this week, we will discuss and learn
about different cultures and traditions
around the world through music, food,
and games as well as celebrating
different festivals around the world. Each day we will be
discussing and learning about the Philippines, Spain, and
Louisiana, U.S.A.
The Philippines has many celebrations throughout the year.
For example, The Giant Lantern Festival is held on the Saturday
before Christmas Eve in San Fernando, Philippines. The festival
has become a competition of giant lanterns that range up to 20 feet
and have thousands of light bulbs. The lanterns each have a
different design with colorful dancing and spinning lights. This
celebration marks the start of the Christmas season and is regarded
as a symbol of unity.
Our next stop will be Spain with its celebration of the
La Tomatina Festival. This festival is held in the small town
of Bunol, Spain and takes place on the last Wednesday of
August. The day of the Tomatina festival, trucks full of
tomatoes will dump around 6 tons of this fruit onto the
streets of the plaza. People will then use the fruit as their
weapon in a giant food fight. Within an hour, the streets and
people are left as red as the tomatoes. This festival is said to
have started in 1945 and has continued all these years as a
way of entertainment for the people of Spain.
Our last stop will be New Orleans,
Louisiana with the Mardi Gras Carnival. Mardi
Gras means, "Fat Tuesday" in French and is
celebrated the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. It
is described as a day of celebration before the
duties of the Lent season. During these festivities
there are several parades with elaborate floats,
masked balls with costumes, food and music.
This week of celebration allows resident and staff to learn about some of the festivals from
around the world without having to leave Lorber.
Messenger—June 2018—Page 13
Updates from Dietary Department—Written by John Marshall, Director of Dining Services
These past few months we have had a
really nice citrus season, which now is at an
end. By the time you are reading this we
should be well into the stone fruit season
with cherries, peaches, nectarines, plums,
etc. Our garden is being readied for
planting as I write. We are putting in a new
irrigation system and should start planting
some of the seedlings shortly. This year we
are growing the usual suspects, tomatoes,
Please welcome the return of our Sous Chef, Manuel “aka Manny” Lopez to our main
kitchen staff. Manny worked here in the past from 2003 until 2012. It’s great to have him back.
basil and peppers, and we are also growing green beans on the fence line. Won’t be long!
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Messenger—June 2018—Page 14
Weekly or Semi-Weekly
Sunday Worship
Sunday, 10:00 a.m.- Siminoff
Ceramics Group Monday, Tuesday & Fridays, 10:00 a.m.
to 4:00 p.m.
2nd Adams Ceramics Room
Bible Study Monday, 10:30 a.m., 4th Lorber
Tuesday, 6:30 p.m.- Meditation Chapel.
Women’s Forum
1st & 3rd Monday, 1:30 p.m.
2nd Adams Living Room
Song & Prayer Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 3rd Lorber
Thursday, 10:30 a.m. - 4th Lorber
Wednesday, 2:30 p.m. - Traditions
FYI The official “Lost and Found” for the
Home is located at the Front Desk in
the Head building. If you’ve lost
something— check there first. If you’ve
found something—take it there first. If
you have further questions, you can find
answers at . . . Front Desk. Please
report losses as soon as possible.
Monthly
Monday, June 4
9:00 a.m. Tour Guide - Host & Hostess Meeting /
2nd Adams Crafts Room
1:30 p.m. Women’s Forum— 2nd Adams Living
Room-Guest Speaker, Minnie Imperio, Masonic
Assistance Intake & Resource Coordinator
Tuesday, June 5
9:30 a.m.-Low Vision Support Group—2nd Adams
Living Room
Thursday, June 7
3:00 p.m.— Recreation Planning Meeting—2nd
Adams Dining Room
Wednesday, June 13
2:00 p.m. — Fireside Chat—Auditorium
Wednesday, June 20
9:45 a.m. — Chapel Committee — Meditation
Chapel
10:00 a.m.—Resident Food Advisory Committee—
2nd Adams Living Room
2:30 p.m.—Welcoming Committee — 3rd
Wollenberg Conference Room
Monday, June 25
3:00 p.m.— Special Friends’ meeting 2nd Adams
Living Room—Guest Speaker—Chaplain
Christina Voissem
Wednesday, June 27
2:00 p.m. — Resident Council—Auditorium
2:30 p.m. — Town Hall Meeting—Auditorium
Special Event
Friday, June 1—11:30 AM—Move For
Wellness 2018 Finish Line BBQ Celebration /
for PARTICIPANTS ONLY. You must turn in
your final Tracking Sheet and get a ticket to
the BBQ (Auditorium + Patio)
“GUESS WHO”
Residents, if you have a photo of yourself when
you were younger and you are willing to share,
please bring it to Ola Afolabi at the front desk.
The Messenger Mailing List
If you want the Messenger Newsletter mailed to
a family member every month without postage
charge to you, please see Ola Afolabi to sign up.
Messenger—June 2018—Page 15
Residents Ann. Date Years
Richard & Marla Cummings 6/11 18
Mitch & Juli Franceschini 6/14 54
Barry & Barb Brown 6/18 52
John & Tricia Dahle 6/20 25
Jim & Sharyl Leggate 6/26 36
Hans & Ilse Straub 6/30 62
Resident Birthdays
Gayle Fields 6/1
Kay Hankins
Marilyn Waste
6/3
Helen Burkhead 6/4
Fred Bryan 6/6
Bill Stringfellow 6/8
John Alden 6/9
Eva Abbett (105) 6/10
June Graham
Wyn Selwyn
Ann Shields
6/12
Bill Carn
Dale Cochran
6/13
Jane Washington
Alice Walker
6/16
Pauline Yetter 6/19
Jeanne Fershleiser 6/22
Ken Bentley 6/23
Charmaine Peckinpaugh 6/24
Dodee Hill
Ralph Campbell
6/29
Lois Whitlock (103)
June Barker-Biggs
6/30
In Memoriam
ANNIVERSARIES
Hugh Noble
May 9, 2018
Mason of Windsor #181
Zack Taylor
May 10, 2018
Mason of: Siminoff
#850
Table of Contents — June 2018
The 2018 Masonic ………....…….……....…… 1
What is June/Quotable……..…………...…...….2
Chaplain’s Corner………………...….…………3
Sad But True/Answers to Quiz...……………….4
Guess Who/New Residents……...……..……….5
The First/April 2018 Fun............................……..6
Previous Month’s Activities….......……………..7
Blue Box……………….….………….…………8
Fanny’s Funnye’s/Old Age…...……..…...……..9
York Rite/Relay for Life………..…………..…10
Life Lesson/Blood Drive/Safety..……………...11
Lorber’s World Travel Week………....……….12
Updates from Dietary/Father’s Day Puzzles..…13
Meetings……………………………………….14
Birthdays, Anniversaries, In Memoriam….…...15
You’re Lookin’ At It…………………….…….16
The Messenger is published monthly as a vehicle of
communication and entertainment for the residents
and staff of the Masonic Home at Union City with a
focus on sharing information about residents, Home
activities, and items of interest to the “Masonic
Family.”
Proofreaders: Residents: Fannye Lower, Barbara
Dippel, Marion Papay, Bob & Peggy McCain, Richard &
Marla Cummings
Distribution: Residents: Earl & Sheri Purington
Photography: Joel, Ingram, Recreation Department Staff
and Friends
Editor: Ola Afolabi, UC Communications Manager
Messenger Online: Find us on Facebook: facebook.com/
Masonic Homes of CA
Messenger—June 2018—Page 16
NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT No. 100
Address Service Requested
“Together we create meaningful life experiences that
make a profound difference.”—The MHC Way