- MORNING STAR LODGE HOSTS TEACHERS APPRECIATION DINNER -

It is often said that educators are under appreciated, over worked, and under paid. Morning Star Lodge No. 734 hosted an appreciation dinner for the Canton School District on Sunday, January 17, 2010, in recognition of the hard work the school district personnel carry out on a daily basis. Their efforts help to build the next generation of leaders for our community.

An appreciation dinner was proposed as part of a community-outreach initiative. As a lodge, Morning Star felt it was their privilege to recognize such an extraordinary group of people, especially while state budget cuts are at an all-time-high. The dinner brought approximately 150 members of the community into the lodge. Those in attendance included the local school district superintendent, school board members, teachers, administrative staff, and their guests. School superintendent Roy Webb thanked the Masonic Lodge for hosting such an event and noted he frequently receives calls from parents and community members regarding concerns, but rarely receives calls of a positive nature and appreciated the Masonic Lodge’s effort to recognize and appreciate school personnel.

The evening provided an opportunity for Morning Star Lodge to share information about itself and two of the many community services offered by the Grand Lodge of Illinois. The meal followed the prayer given by W.B. Dean Austin. Lodge introductions were given by R.W. Brother Terry Seward, Deputy Grand Master of the State of Illinois. W.M Troy Seward recognized the officers of Morning Star Lodge. District Superintendant Roy Webb recognized the educational staff and board members. W.B. Lindy Zeigler, past master of T.J. Pickett Lodge No. 307 in Bushnell presented information on the IL CHIP program. The IL CHIP program is a child identification program that compiles information that could be used to assist in the recovery of a missing or exploited child. Sue Rentsch, Director of Programs for the Illinois Masonic Foundation, presented information on the Masonic Student’s Assistance Program. The Masonic Student Assistance program provides training for school personal to assist students in crisis management and recognizing at risk students. Both of these programs are offered at no charge to any individual or group requesting these services. At the conclusion of the evening, guests were invited to tour the lodge. It was noted the line to view the lodge room by guest resembled the buffet line earlier, demonstrating interest in the lodge.

Dinner was prepared by the brethren of Morning Star Lodge. Special thanks is given to the volunteers from Boy Scout troops 104 and the Venture club from troop 124 who assisted with serving the salads and desserts, waiting tables, and cleaning up following the meal.

The local Boy Scout troops have been an extremely reliable asset in community out reach services, always available to volunteer their time and resources. It was truly a community effort by individuals of all ages.

The entire event including the meal was the brain child of one of Morning Star’s newest members Brother Dan’l Lee. He is the one who first proposed it and saw it to completion. A big thank-you goes to Bro Lee from the members of Morning Star Lodge.