REPORT ON THE FRANK & BETTE PAUL 32° MASONIC LEARNING CENTER FOR CHILDREN - 2007-2008

This year there were 25 children enrolled in the program during the academic year. The Summer Session is currently in full swing.  We have 25 students this summer – 15 returning students and 10 new students.  There are nine certified scholars working this summer and two new trainees.  The Summer Session ends on Thursday, August 7^th.  Our wait list remains at approximately 40 children - it has, in some cases, taken up to two years before an available slot opens up.  The wait list is a problem!

To address the wait-list issue, earlier this year the LC Board of Governors developed a plan and proposal to expand the Rochester Learning Center facilities.  The plan called for the addition of three classrooms, a teacher-resource area, and a larger waiting room for the parents in the space that was vacated when the Consistory Office move across the hall.  The proposal was for brought to the General Committee of the Valley of Rochester, who voted to fund the expansion at a cost of approximately $25,000.  The proposal was then forward to and approved by the Children Learning Center Corporation in Lexington.  Construction will begin in mid-August 2008.  The additional classroom will enable us to add twelve (12) children during the academic year and another twelve (12) during the summer as well.  This will go a long way to reducing the length of our wait list.  Upon completion of the expansion, we will host an open house at the Learning Center so that all may come to see the wonderful work that is being done there.

Also of note, a new DVD containing an update on the Children’s Learning Centers program was recently produced and completed through Lexington.  The Rochester Learning Center, which recently celebrated its 10^th Anniversary, was one of three Learning Centers featured in the update. 

Several changes have recently occurred on the Board of Governors of the Rochester Learning Center.  I have been serving as Chairman of the Board for the past two years, but with the additional duties associated with taking the Commander-in-Chief position in the Valley of Rochester, I felt it necessary to step down as Chairman of the LC Board.  On May 1, 2008, John Paul, son of Frank and Bette Paul, took the helm as Board Chairman, and Robert Hartnett assumes the role as Treasurer for the LC Board.  Other recent additions to the LC Board include:  Joseph Oelgoetz, 32^o and George Nasra, 32^o.  The current members of the LC Board of Governors are:

John W. Paul                                         Chairman

Robert D. Pedersen, 33^o                         Vice-Chairman

            W. King Mix, 33^o                                    Secretary

            Robert L. Hartnett                                  Treasurer

            Rodney R. Rittenhouse, 33^o                    Past Chairman

            Ann L. Kaczka                                       Center Director

            Peggy S. Grupp                                     Member

            Charles O. Hancock, 33^o                        Member

G. Michael Morris, 33^o                            Member

George Nasra, 32^o                                  Member

Joseph F. Oelgoetz, III, 32^o                     Member

John Wihlen, 32^o                                    Member

Harold L. Aldrich, 33^o                              Ex-officio Member, Deputy for New York

Edward R. Trosin, 33^o                             Ex-officio Member, Active Member of Supreme Council

Stephen R. Whittaker, 33^o                      Ex-officio, Deputy’s Representative

Rochester Learning Center Fundraising Events

On Sunday, October 21, 2007, over 80 people joined in the celebration of 10^th anniversary of the Rochester Learning Center for Children at the Casa Larga Vineyards in Fairport, NY.  Good food, good fellowship, nice weather and spectacular views from the Vineyard set the tone for the event. Everyone had a great time!  The program highlighted the accomplishments and the impact that the Learning Center has had on the children in our community.  This impact was really brought home and to heart in the remarks given by Deanna Wihlen, a former student (or shall I say, “Graduate”) of the program, who received a standing ovation.  Her remarks personified what the program is all about – Making a Difference:  On Child at a Time!

Five tutors were honored for their service and dedication to the Learning Center – Ruth Morris (10 years), Karen Savino (7 years), Julie Sattleburg (6 years), Mariella Meinhold (5 years) and Sarah Williams (5 years).  In addition, Ann Kaczka, the Center Director, was recognized for her eight (8) years of dedicated service and leadership at the Learning Center. Each received a plaque and a $100 gift certificate to Tastings Restaurant in Pittsford, NY. 

Everyone particularly enjoyed the live (as well as the silent) auction.  I must say, Sublime Prince Dana Cline, 32^o, who by the way is a professional auctioneer, really brought the celebration to life!  The auction raised approximately $2,000 for the Learning Center.

In addition to the auction, there were numerous contributions made to the Rochester Learning Center from individuals, corporate sponsors, and Masonic groups.  After it was all said and done, the net funds raised by the 10^th Anniversary Celebration totaled over $24,000!

On May 17, 2008, the Learning Center sponsored its annual “WALK to Help Dyslexic Children” along the scenic Erie Canal in Perinton, NY.  There were approximately 45 people who participated in the WALK and the event netted over $4,000.  In addition to the WALK, there were clowns, face-painting, a picnic lunch, and Fairport-Flower City Lodge, No. 476 staffed a Child ID station.

I would like to extend a special note of thanks to Worshipful Brother Dana Cline, and all the Brothers at Seneca Lodge, No. 797, who undertook a special initiative to raise funds for the Rochester Learning Center.  On April 26, 2008, Seneca Lodge, No. 797, sponsored a Golf Tournament and dinner with an auction, with the proceeds to be donated to the Rochester Learning Center.  Through this event, they raised $2,500 for the Rochester Learning Center program.

Lastly, due to the tremendous success of the 10^th Anniversary Celebration and Fundraiser held last Fall, the Learning Center Board has decided to hold an 11^th Anniversary Learning Center Gala and Auction this Fall on Sunday, October 26, 2008, again at the Casa Larga Vineyards in Fairport, NY.  Everyone had an absolutely great time last year, and this year promises to be even better!  In addition to a live and a silent auction, great food, scenery and fellowship, a highlight of this year’s Anniversary Gala will be the raffling of a quilt that was designed and made by the children and tutors of the Rochester Learning Center!  The price of a raffle ticket is $5.  Our goal is to sell 1000 tickets.  Tickets are available through Valley of Rochester office, phone 585-264-1190.

On behalf of the Learning Center Board of Governors, our Center Director and Scholars, and especially our students, I would like to extend a heart-felt “Thank you” to all those who (through their generous donations of time and money) have helped the Frank and Bette Paul Learning Center bring its valuable services to the children in our community.