Dearborn Beacon Project Experience

I have to tell you that I was very apprehensive about my
first visit to our Beacon Project school. I really didn't know
what to expect and really could not imagine how I could help.

All I can say is WOW. What a terrific experience. I am
working with a wonderful teacher and her third grade class.
The teacher and I had a very productive conversation. 
They are grateful to have any type of assistance we are willing
to provide. We were able to work out a schedule that will work 
for both of us. I work full-time and it is difficult to devote time 
during the day.

By the way, the children were delightful and very receptive. 
I spent some time describing who the Masons are and what 
the Beacon Project was about.

Dearborn schools are just launching a new project. I was 
fortunate to be in this teacher's classroom to hear the 
announcement. I was extremely surprised to be the recipient
of this award from the teacher.

The story that goes along with this project is very heartwarming.
It basically is a small white card with the words (Hero - I stuck my
neck out for the common good) and a blue ribbon is attached. Each
child will be given one of these to give to someone in their life that
is important to them or has done something nice for them. The 
children, as well as myself, will report back in a week on our selection.

My point here is that if you can donate any time, no matter how small,
you will be providing a wonderful service and it will give you great pride.

Thank you for taking the time to read this message.

Susan M. Fowler

 

Tales from Lake City Elementary

 
One volunteer was helping a little Native American boy who was really having difficulty reading.  The little guy was quite downhearted because he was missing computer class.  Then our coordinator happened along to take their picture.  The little fella perked right up.  He guessed what they were doing was important, too!
 
This is a spin-off of the Little Red Riding Hood story.  One Brother was helping a little boy who said, "Man, what is that thing you got in your ear?"  The Brother said, "That's a hearing aid so I can hear you better."
 
I was talking to a volunteer who said, "Boy, did I learn a lot today!"  He was helping a class studying planets in the galaxy.  He said, "Do you know how many moons Jupiter has?"  (I had forgotten.  Do you remember?)
 
One little girl came by me and was sniffing, sniffing, sniffing.  Finally she said, "You really smell good.  You smell like my grandma." (Maybe all grandmas smell alike.)
 
Grand Master, are you wise?
 
This morning after helping with kindergarten phonics, I was helping kindergarten and first grade in the cafeteria at lunch.
As I was zipping up my 400th coat zipper, this little boy asked me if I was wise.  I told him I tried to be.  A little girl by us asked what "wise" meant.  Before I could answer, the little boy said, "It's an oooold, oooold lady who has survived more than a hundred years."  (Gee whiz!  And I thought I had myself all spruced up for school!)  (I think my last story is best!)
 
I realize we are to observe confidentiality.  If my tales are a breech of that, please let me know.
 
Still laughing in Lake City.  

Love to you all.  Joyce

Plymouth / Canton

Gentlemen,

I want everyone know what a great bunch of men there are at Plymouth Rock
Lodge #47. For some time they have been actively involved in the community
from sponsoring a summer Friday night Concert in the Park to aiding the
area's safe house for battered women and children. They have also continued
to support the Plymouth Canton Clothing Bank for the past seven or eight
years that I am aware of. So when the Beacon Project was first discussed
last year, these gentlemen jumped on the band wagon right away (even before
its official roll out).

I have been volunteering at my daughter's elementary school for the past
three years. When the principal commented that the custodial staff needed
assistance replacing ceiling tiles and repainting the support bars during

February's winter break, he never expected such a response! The brothers
from Plymouth Rock sent in a small army and in two days they had completed
three classrooms! When the teachers and students returned to school a week
later they were amazed at the huge difference the new ceilings made in the
classrooms. Word has spread throughout the district and another elementary
school has requested their assistance for the same thing this summer.

The brothers of Plymouth Rock also had a great time doing it. One of their
members is a teacher in the district and used to teach 5th grade at this
particular school. One of the rooms they did was his old class room. When
the old ceiling tiles were removed, a plastic model of a human skeleton was
found. The brothers being a bunch of practical jokers themselves, couldn't
pass up the opportunity to tease their brother by exclaiming they always
suspected that some of his students never made it out of 5th grade and now
they have proof!!

The elementary school is now preparing for their spring Book Fair to help
raise money for new books in the library. The brothers of Plymouth Rock
have again come through by donating money to assist some of the children who
could not purchase books otherwise. Masonry is definitely making a positive
difference in this school! Staff and students are very appreciative and
many ideas are in the works for future activities.

I write this to you because these fine gentlemen also happen to be rather
timid when it comes to tooting their own horn. I also happen to be the wife
of one of these fine members. I am very proud of Plymouth Rock Lodge and
its members for they are positively a Beacon of light in this school and
community!

Most Sincerely and Gratefully,

Mrs. Amy Spaulding

12/30/02