Your Learning Center

As the holiday season begins and the children are firmly entrenched in the school year, one can only think of those children suffering from learning disabilities such as dyslexia. As we are all aware, children can be very cruel by teasing and making unpleasant remarks to those children who are suffering from learning disabilities such as dyslexia. These actions cause the affected child to loose self-esteem causing withdrawal and missing school whenever possible. This causes the child to become further behind in their academic work and they become marked as a loner.

It is estimated that 15% of the school age children suffer from dyslexia. What a waste of talent because these children are unable to read and cannot receive the proper help such as that given by our Valley’s Learning Center. There are many famous people, such as Albert Einstein, who suffered from dyslexia and with the proper help, was very successful. We of the Scottish Rite with our great philanthropy can stop these children from falling between the cracks and can return them as a whole functional child back to society as a normal individual with a high self esteem. What a wonderful philanthropy we all represent and we can all be a part of it with our participation.

Upon returning from the Supreme Council Meeting in Pittsburgh which was held September 24-27, 2000, it became apparent what learning disabilities mean to a youngster. At this meeting, a ten year old youngster who was treated at the Learning Center in Pittsburgh, was brought up to the podium where she addressed nearly 2000 brethren as to what the Learning Center meant to her. She read her 10-15 minute remarks and you could have heard a pin drop. Upon completion, she received a standing ovation. The Supreme Council presented her with a $100 check for her participation and she asked “if it would be possible for her to donate the $100 to help another child learn to read?” There was not a dry eye in the auditorium. This proves what learning to read means to a youngster ten years old. God Bless You Ariel for a program none of us will ever forget. Here is a child that has been given back her self esteem and returned to society looking forward to her future.

At our meeting in Pittsburgh, The Supreme Council estimated the cost of treatment for one student in our program to be approximately $4500 for the complete treatment. Wouldn’t it be rewarding if one or more symbolic lodges would band together and be a sponsor for one child in our program. To do this, you may call the Valley of Cleveland office at (216) 432-2370. This would make a good project for your lodge. As of October, we have 26 Leaning Centers operational in the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction and there are 680 children in the program in 15 states. There are more Learning Centers to be on-line before the end of the year.

Why not help support your 32° Masonic Learning Center for Children by donating $100 for a Teddy Bear Club plaque. Red or blue Teddy Bear ties are available for men to purchase along with Teddy Bear scarves for the ladies and Teddy Bears for the kids.

For that someone who has everything, why not purchase one of those items for an unusual Christmas gift. If you need to remember a birthday, anniversary, graduation, etc., why not pick up a donation envelope in your valley office. Your donation will be acknowledged to the recipient with no monetary amount mentioned long with a thank you for yourself. Many people prefer this over flowers., etc.

In closing, the children wish to thank each and everyone who has worked so hard in donating time, hard work and monetary gifts to help make our Learning Center, Valley of Cleveland, the success that it is. While in Pittsburgh, I heard many compliments on our Learning Center from those who were fortunate enough to attend our dedication on July 16th. We also received many accolades as to the way the academic program of our Learning Center has been put together.

The Board of Governors, Director Mary Ann Glasgow, tutors, office staff, and children wish you and your family a Joyous Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.

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Congratulations to our editor, David Mackey, for bringing us a FIRST PLACE AWARD for our Scottish Rite News. Thanks for a job well done.

Meet your Valley of Cleveland 32° Learning Center tutors: Front, Mary Ann Glasgow, Director. Back row: Heather Galbraith, Debbie Sheffler, Candy McCready, and Carol Wade.