Cinema Grotto welcomes you!

Posted by cinemagrotto on November 27, 2012
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What is a Grotto? By definition, it is a cave surrounded by water. But, this is not the Grotto your geography teacher told you about. Instead, we are a group of Master Masons that meet on the level for the purpose of fellowship. It’s really as simple as that.

Cinema Grotto has been going strong since 1945. Even after over 70-years as an established Masonic organization, Cinema Grotto has continued to welcome Master Masons on a monthly basis.

Our meetings are held on the 3rd Friday of every month. At 7:30 pm on these nights, you can find us at our home away from home, Old West Masonic Lodge in Newhall, California.

Please feel free to take a stroll through our website, and check out our upcoming events. If you wish to join our band of fellowship attend any of our events, click on the Contact tab and let us know!

The Monarch’s Message – December 2019

Posted by cinemagrotto on December 3, 2019
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Prophets,

Thank you for a great year! We got to celebrate our first National Grotto Day, perform in one of the most unique ceremonials around, enjoy many fun socials (thanks to Prophet Ira Mazer), spend time with residents of the United Cerebral Palsy homes, raise money for dentistry for the handicapped, and buy Enchanted Lanterns in memory of our Prophets and loved ones that have passed on before us. We did all of this while enjoying the Good Fellowship of our Prophets, having some great laughs and spreading the sunshine around the realm. It was a fun year!

Please join us for the Cinema Grotto’s Installation of Officers on Sunday, December 8th. Chief Justice Eduardo will become Monarch Eduardo – all in the twinkling of an eye!

Prophets, remember that the Grotto is what you make it. Make it fun, make it friendly, and make it yours.

Thanks again for a great year,

Donald
Monarch 2019

The Monarch’s Message – September 2019

Posted by cinemagrotto on September 10, 2019
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Prophets,

Thank you for a fun and productive August! Lots of good stuff happening at Cinema that wouldn’t be possible without the help of some outstanding Prophets.

Prophet Captain of the Guard Ira hosted a very fun Monte Carlo night after our August Meeting. We played Poker, Blackjack, and ate some delicious Tri tip all prepared by Prophet Ira. He really did an outstanding job! Thank you for your service, Ira!! You rock.

Prophet Chief Justice Eduardo planned two great BBQs at the United Cerebral Palsy Homes In Sylmar. We had a blast visiting with the residents and watching an incredible magic show performed by Prophet Eric Sharp. Watching the resident’s faces light up and hearing their laughter after each magic trick was a real delight! Big THANK YOU to Eduardo and Eric for making the BBQs so special for the residents.

Great things are happening at Cinema Grotto!

I hope to see you all at our September 20th meeting.

Donald
Monarch
Cinema Grotto

Memorial for Brother (and Prophet) Richard Landon – August 10, 2019

Posted by cinemagrotto on August 3, 2019
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Prophets,

At the request of his wonderful wife, Rita, Brother Landon’s memorial will be held this Saturday, August 10th (begins at 2:00 pm) at Simi Valley Masonic Center (1541 Patricia Avenue).

All masons and spouses are welcome to attend.

Yours in Fellowship,

Jim Jarnagin, PM & Secretary of Cinema Grotto

This picture was taken at a past Grotto event. Richard was always so joyful, and just wonderful to be around.

Important Grotto Business @ August meeting!

Posted by cinemagrotto on July 31, 2019
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Prophets,

At our August 16th meeting, we’ll be discussing and voting on several important business items. This includes:

  1. Increase our dues by $25 to $55 (with prior enchanted lantern purchase) or $56 (without prior enchanted lantern purchase).
  2. MAJOR VOTE – Voting to relocate (as of January 2020) to a couple promising locations much closer to the San Fernando Valley.

Immediately after this vital meeting, stay for a BBQ + Monte Carlo Night!

All Prophets, Ladies and friends are welcome to attend.

Dinner: BBQ Tri Tip, Potato Salad, BBQ beans, Rolls and Butter, Watermelon and Ice Cream Sundaes for dessert. Veggie Burgers will be provided for those who want them.

$20 per person buy-in (Black Jack, Poker, Craps), includes dinner and gaming chips. Additional chips can be purchased for additional donation of $15.

And yes, prizes will be distributed for the big winners.

To ensure we prepare enough food, please RSVP to Brother Ira Neal Mazer – papamazer@gmail.com.

We hope to see you there!

Yours in Fellowship,

Donald Gipson

Monarch

Funeral Services for Richard Landon, PM

Posted by cinemagrotto on July 11, 2019
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Prophets,

Brother Landon’s funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 20th (11:00 am) at Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in Woodland Hills (5700 Rudnick Avenue). All masons and spouses are welcome to attend.

At the request of his lovely wife, Rita, a masonic funeral will be held at Simi Valley Lodge sometime in August. We’ll update you once we have the date and time.

Yours in Fellowship,

Joey Lamberti, PM Assistant Secretary

In Remembrance of Richard Landon, PM

Posted by cinemagrotto on July 6, 2019
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Prophets,

We’re sorry to announce the passing of our dear brother and Past Monarch, Richard Landon. Richard was Monarch of Cinema Grotto twice – 1996 & 2005 – during a time when the Grotto needed a fine leader most. When he was physically able to attend, Richard showed up to every meeting and met you with a smile on his face, and a warm handshake.

Funeral arrangements will be announced as soon as we hear.

Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Yours in Fellowship,

Joey Lamberti, PM, Assistant Secretary

June Meeting + Annual Dues Update!

Posted by cinemagrotto on June 20, 2019
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Prophets,

Don’t forget about our June meeting on Friday, June 21st! We anticipate a good turnout, and you really don’t want to miss any of the fun!

At the September meeting (September 20, 2019), we will be voting for an increase in our annual dues. The vote will be on increasing the yearly amount to $30 + per capita. This means we will be paying around $55 yearly while allowing us to adjust accordingly as per capita is increased. If you want your voice heard regarding these changes, be sure to attend.

Yours in Fellowship,

Donald

Monarch of Cinema Grotto

The Monarch’s Message – May 2019

Posted by cinemagrotto on May 15, 2019
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Prophets,

It’s the Merry Month of May and I hope our Merry Band of Prophets had a great day celebrating the Mothers of our lives on Mother’s Day!

We had a great time at our April meeting followed by dinner at Dario’s Mexican Restaurant as we listened to the sultry sounds of Friday Night Karaoke drifting in from the bar area. In this ever changing world, we can take solace in knowing that every Rose still has it’s Thorn and a Wayward Son still needs to Carry on!

Please make every effort to attend our May meeting on Friday, May 17th. Shenanigans and Tomfoolery will be in abundance!

I leave you with the 12 Commandments of Grotto as found on the National Grotto Website.

Take some time to contemplate how we can incorporate more of these ideas into our Grotto and bring your thoughts to the Stated Meeting.

 The Twelve Commandments of the Grotto
  1. To draw the Master Masons of different Lodges into close and more friendly relations.
  2. To create and maintain a spirit of fraternity among us.
  3. To discount jealousy, enmity and ill feeling.
  4. To teach us that we are not only members of one Blue Lodge, but belong to the fraternity at large.
  5. That there are good Masons outside of our Blue Lodge and they are worthy friends and companions.
  6. To build up and strengthen the character and individuality of the Mason and to teach, recognize and develop the principles of Masonry outside the Lodge room.
  7. To teach that a Mason is not judged by his actual appearance or worldly wealth.
  8. The Grotto meets all Masons on the level, not figuratively but literally, and teaches that Masons are brothers on the street as well as in the Lodge room.
  9. That Masonry must not be used as a means of advancing the material interest of any man. 
  10. To get out of the rut into which we too often fall.
  11. To forget our cares, for there is good in all of us.
  12. The GROTTO is a social organization for Master Masons.
Yours in Fellowship,

Donald

Monarch

The Monarch’s Message – April 2019

Posted by cinemagrotto on April 3, 2019
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My fellow prophets,

March was a great Month to be a Prophet at Cinema Grotto!

Our March Social was at the Reseda Lodge Pancake Fundraiser for Masonic Youth Orders. It was an honor to cook pancakes for the Brethren and we appreciate all who came out and feasted upon all the Breakfasty Goodness!
Next up, we had our March Madness Meeting of the Grotto where many laughs were had and memories made as we enjoyed a visit from our Supreme Council District Deputy Bobby Thompson followed by G O O D F E L L O W S H I P at Toppers Pizza!
To round the month off, we celebrated National Grotto Day by bringing Five new Prophets into the Enchanted Realm and eating many, many delicious meatballs! Thank you to Captain of the Guard Ira Mazer for cooking up his delicious Memphis Style Barbecue Meatballs. They were great! 

A Huge Thank You to our Master of Ceremonies Joel Castro for organizing and directing our Conferral Cast so that we could bring in the candidates in the most Enchanted Way Possible! 

Lastly, Thank you to Venerable Prophet David Henne for creating the PowerPoint slide show that outlines the rich history of Cinema Grotto! The three of you truly made National Grotto a memorable and special day in the Realm.
A BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Past Monarch Michael Schneider for receiving the Grand Monarch’s Excellence Award for 2018-2019!!! You did so much for our Grotto during your year and your award is well deserved!
It’s a great time to wear the Fez of Black! For our April Social, we’ll be returning to Golden Road Brewery for TRIVIA NIGHT (info to be announced soon on our Facebook page). Hope to see you there!

Be sure to make it to our April Stated Meeting. There’s sure to be shenanigans and good fun!! I hope to see all of our newest Prophets there.

Yours in Goodfellowship,

Donald

Monarch