Notes from the Northern Light: Spetember - October 2011

GRAND OPENING — New Dyslexia Center Opens

In April, the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Upper Wisconsin was dedicated. Since the establishment of the centers program in 1994, the members of the Valley of Eau Claire have dedicated countless hours in pursuit of creating a safe, clean and worthwhile after-school program to educate the children of Eau Claire and northern Wisconsin who suffer through the difficulties of dealing with dyslexia. They have succeeded in grand fashion through the generous contributions of Mrs. Melba Baehr, the Legacy of Learning Building Donors and Ashley Furniture, which contributed over $10,000 worth of free furniture. The members and families of the Valley of Eau Claire are to be applauded for a job well done.

Following the dedication, a lively reception was held for more than 200 attendees. The weekend’s events culminated with a banquet held to celebrate the opening of the center and the achievements of the Valley.


An Active Active

Ill. Bro. Garry Hageness, an Active Member for Wisconsin, was recognized for the great work he has been doing in his community. In May he received the “Bert Grover Child Advocacy Award,” bestowed by the Wisconsin Association of School District Administrators. He has been active with Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He has officiated youth football games, and he spearheaded a project which resulted in a new sports complex for a local high school.

According to his local newspaper, the Leader Telegram, “The $1,000 check he received with the honor was given to the Eau Claire Dyslexia Center.” Bro. Steve Pekock, director of development for the Supreme Council says about Bro. Hageness, “Garry is an old fashioned kind of guy. He sees a need, rounds up some friends, and gets it done.”


On the International Scene

In May, three members of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library attended the 3rd International Conference on the History of Freemasonry at the George Washington Masonic Memorial in Alexandria, VA. All presented papers on historical research relating to Freemasonry.

This was a great opportunity for promotion of the library and archives as well to see how scholars are currently using library and archival resources in their research. The three-day conference featured more than 80 papers and six keynote addresses delivered by scholars from the United States, Europe, and beyond.

In her paper entitled, “Sparkling through Time: Paul Revere’s Masonic Jewels,” Aimee Newell (director of collections, Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library) used correspondence and lodge minutes to support her historical inquiry. Jeff Croteau and Hilary Anderson Stelling also used archival sources to support their research. The Van Gorden-Williams Library and Archives has the Masonic resources to inspire many more research inquiries of this type.

The Van Gorden-Williams Library & Archives is located on the grounds of Supreme Council headquarters. Reference assistance is provided in person, by phone at 781-457-4109, or by email at [email protected].