The North Carolina Mason

Page 8 The North Carolina Mason March/April 2013 Our Journey Begins Ric Car ter photo By Masonic Home for Children Administrator Kevin Otis GL Museum receives gifts RALEIGH — Bill Chancellor, a member of White Stone 155, recently visited the Grand Lodge headquarters to bring gifts for the Grand Lodge Museum. He delivered three of his treasures. There is an engraved silver apron tube containing a lambskin apron. There were also two pieces of hand-woodwork associated with Chancellor's old friend Elmer Burroughs, a well-known member of Doric 568 in New Bern. Elmer was known for his skills in woodworking, gifts of which can be seen in many lodges throughout the country. Chancellor also brought a presentation gavel Burroughs made for Johnny West (Doric 568) in 1981. There is also a magnificent cane hand made for Burroughs by Ferdinand Stewart Jr. in 1989. The pieces are currently on display in the newly restored lobby of the Grand Lodge. Phoenix 8 hosts PHA visitors see JOURNEY, page 6 PAID NON-PROFIT ORG. AUTO U.S. POSTAGE In this issue of The NC Mason ployment opportunities in the community. Connecting our youth with volunteer experiences will also be an option to give a sense of giving back and understanding the responsibility associated with a work assignment. In addition, the vocational counselor will support independent living skill development associated with employability skills, budgeting, and maintaining a positive working relationship. Additional life skill preparation will be incorporated using the Ansel-Casey Life Skill Assessment tool; development of an action plan based on the assessment; and utilization of learning materials provided by the Casey Foundation. These resources are available at no cost due to the Casey Foundation and available to all organizations. The vocational counselor will continue to cultivate employment opportunities and be a liaison for youth to support continued employment and recommend appropriate job assignments. We plan to expand the involvement of residents within the School of Graphic Arts and have made strides in this area already. The School of Graphic Arts and Print Shop are extraordinary assets which have provided a keen education for alumni to further their careers, open businesses, and succeed in printing and other ventures. We expect to develop additional vocational enterprises over time to allow other opportunities for residents to learn how to be successful employees. In discussing the benefits of some of the ideas, Chairman Dan Rice helped put significant perspective on our future plans. I was energized in thinking that some of our potential plans would be prudent for residents becoming successful in working in similar occupations anywhere in the country. Chairman Rice clarified my perspective by suggesting, "What we want to do is teach the residents not only how to be good employees, but how to start their own similar business in the future." Certainly, we want our residents to have the capacity to become pioneers and entrepreneurs of businesses in their future, and Dan's frame is instrumental in defining our curriculum and path as we develop. Future program developments will begin with the collaborative efforts of DSS, Granville County Schools, Cardinal Innovations Health OXFORD, NC 27565 PERMIT NO. 56 FAYETTEVILLE — Interjurisdictional visitation has become popular in the Fayetteville area. AF & AM lodges and Prince Hall lodges have shared in a number of events both private and public. Phoenix 8 hosted a second degree on January 29. What a great turn out — 28 AF & AM Brothers and 22 Prince Hall Affiliation Brothers gathered to see and assist the candidates advance their Masonic careers. Lodge Master Micheal Dodson reported, "It was a great night and an enjoyable time well spent." Phoenix Lodge, one of North Carolina's oldest, has become a state leader in Masonic diversity. — Micheal Dodson The seven months I have been at the Home have felt like seven years and the blink of an eye, dependent on the issues the day has brought. Your Home has a very active schedule and an extremely dedicated, hardworking staff. While we have continued to witness a revolving door of children and youth, at the time of this writing MHCO is home to fifty-seven children. This is the largest census in the past year. We are extremely pleased to see the population increase so more children and youth can experience the loving care and be taught skills to prepare them for a more successful life. Currently we have a shortage of house parents. We would be able to consider more referrals if we had an additional set of house parents. If you know of a couple you think would be appropriate, please encourage them to contact Kristin Morris at (919) 603-3905. Being the beginning of a new year, I believe it is appropriate to shed some light on the path we are preparing to walk down together. Our immediate goal is to increase the population and utilize the current, wonderful resources available at the Home. In reaching this goal, the administrative team in conjunction with the Board has established a marketing plan to better inform the communities regarding the availability of services at the Home. These marketing links will be crucial for announcing events and needs, augmenting programs, and bringing those in need to the various services and programs as they are developed. The best marketing concept I believe is the success of the children and youth currently placed at the Home. Their successes in school, employment, and family show everyone the importance of the "family" associated with the Home. Their success demonstrates how children faced with challenges, often out of their control, can overcome with the genuine care of others; whether house parents, staff, alumni, peers, Masons, donors, or their families. Together we provide an extended family that communicates a sense of care and belonging that is so crucial to the development of children. The next phase of our plan involves the development of additional services and programs to enhance the experience of current residents and provide various program options for others. This year we will begin by adding a vocational counselor mid-year. This role will help seek em- NORTH CAROLINA The Mason page 1 Grimesland Lodge is renovating page 1 NC Mason runs his own Sandy relief On the cover Much of the furniture in Grimesland 475 has been moved and covered to make way for backward progress, restoring the lodge's former beauty. Ric Carter photo CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED Masonic happenings around the Tar Heel State The Grand Lodge of North Carolina, AF&AM 600 College Street Oxford, North Carolina 27565 page 3 The North Carolina Mason Local Mason makes post-Sandy mercy run Saving some history down East MAR/APR 2013

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