Cinema Grotto

M.O.V.P.E.R.

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  • Our History
    • Past Monarchs – Cinema Grotto
    • Grotto Letter – 1962
    • “The Voice of the Realm” – March 1968
    • Cinema ma ma ma!
    • Cinema Grotto Image Reel
  • Humanitarian Efforts
    • The Dental Program
    • The Enchanted Lantern
  • Officers
    • 2012 – Monarch Chris Plucinski
    • 2013 – Monarch Daniel Hood
    • 2014 – Monarch Joey Lamberti
    • 2015 – Monarch Chad Goertz
    • 2016 – Monarch Levi Quintana
    • 2017 – Monarch Armen AJ
    • 2018 – Monarch Michael Schneider
    • 2019 – Monarch Donald Gibson
  • Media Gallery
    • Events
      • 2012 Installation of Officers Event – December 10, 2011
      • 2013 Installation of Officers Event – January 12, 2013
      • 2014 Installation of Officers Event – December 21, 2013
      • 2015 Installation of Officers Event – December 20, 2014
      • 2016 Installation of Officers event – December 19, 2015
      • First Annual Bowling Extravaganza! March 4, 2012
      • Western Grotto BBQ – April 27, 2013
    • Fellowship
      • Smiles and laughs
      • Scenes from the Lodge room
      • Halloween Shenanigans – October 29, 2014
      • Magic Castle Trips!
      • Cinema Grotto’s 70th Anniversary Extravaganza! December 9, 2015
      • Chi Chi’s Pizza!
      • Little Toni’s!
      • The Return of Trotta! December 26, 2012
    • Humanitarian
      • United Cerebral Palsy BBQ’s – 2012 to 2013
      • UCP BBQ & Birthday Celebration (Dronfield Home) – February 3, 2013
      • UCP Canopy Building Project! August 9, 2014
      • UCP Dronfield BBQ – August 16, 2014
      • UCP Dronfield BBQ – June 20, 2015
      • UCP Dronfield BBQ – September 10, 2016
      • United Cerebral Palsy Xmas Gift & Greet – December 13, 2012
      • United Cerebral Palsy Xmas Gift & Greet – December 18, 2012
      • United Cerebral Palsy Xmas Gift & Greet – December 12, 2013
      • United Cerebral Palsy Xmas Gift & Greet – December 18, 2013
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Taco Tuesday – Grotto Social!

Posted by cinemagrotto on February 25, 2019
Posted in: Events. Leave a comment
Prophets,
It’s time for Tacos, Libations, and Good Fellowship!
When:
Tuesday, February 26, 2019 – 6:45 pm
Where:
Jalapeño Pete’s
11618 Ventura Blvd.
Studio City, CA. 91604
Menu and other info at: www.jalapenopetesla.com/
We hope to see you there!

Donald

Cinema Grotto Monarch

UPDATE: Memorial Service for Mrs. Cynthia Cunningham (02/17/2019)

Posted by cinemagrotto on February 8, 2019
Posted in: Announcements. Leave a comment

Prophets,

After hearing of the passing of our dear friend and supporter of the Grotto, Cynthia Cunningham, the Prophets of Cinema Grotto passed the Fez at our January meeting in order to collect donations in Cynthia and Past Monarch Jim Cunningham’s memory. We raised $250 and purchased five Enchanted Lanterns in their names to be presented to David Cunningham.

I am very proud to be a member of our Grotto and to see our Prophet’s practicing Sympathy and honoring those who have supported us so fervently.

The memorial service for Cynthia Cunningham will be Sunday, February 17th at 3 PM at Old West Lodge.

It is very important that we make every effort to attend the service, Prophets. 

When we practice Sympathy and Good Fellowship, we embody what the M.O.V.P.E.R is all about.

Yours in Good Fellowship,

Donald

SAVE THE DATE – Ceremonial & National Grotto Day (March 23, 2019)

Posted by cinemagrotto on January 30, 2019
Posted in: Announcements. Leave a comment

Greetings Brethren,

On Saturday, March 23, 2019, Grottoes across the country will be celebrating National Grotto Day. You didn’t really think Cinema would be left out of the fun, right?

A full day of fun and fellowships will be held at Old West Masonic Lodge on March 23rd, including a full-form ceremonial.

In the meantime, start inviting your brothers to National Grotto Day at Cinema Grotto where they can also be made Prophets of the Enchanted Realm!

*Please email me (dgipson@cinemagrotto.com) with your RSVP so we can plan accordingly for a day of Good Fellowship* 

Hope to hear from you soon!

Fun and Fellowship,

Donald Gipson

Cinema Grotto Monarch

Thank you, Mrs. Cynthia Cunningham

Posted by cinemagrotto on January 10, 2019
Posted in: Announcements. Leave a comment

Prophets,

So often in the Grotto we advocate Good Fellowship, but we must not forget the other action to which our attention is called – Sympathy.

A dear, dear friend of the Enchanted Realm, Mrs. Cynthia Cunningham – wife of Past Monarch Jim Cunningham – passed away on January 5, 2019. She was a huge supporter of Cinema Grotto and helped us in so many ways over the years.

I’d like to start a new tradition at Cinema Grotto. When a Prophet or his Lady goes to the Celestial Lodge above, I would encourage us to purchase an Enchanted Lantern in their name to honor them.

* At our Stated Meeting on Jan. 18th, we will pass the Fez around for donations toward an Enchanted Lantern in Cynthia Cunningham’s name. If possible, I’d like to purchase one in Past Monarch Jim Cunningham’s name as well.

At that time, we will open the floor for anybody who would like to share happy memories of the Cunningham’s.

We are blessed at Cinema Grotto to have men and women like the Cunningham’s who have come before us and paved the way for Sympathy and Good Fellowship.

Yours in fellowship,

Donald

Monarch of Cinema Grotto

 

The Monarch’s Message – January 2019

Posted by cinemagrotto on January 4, 2019
Posted in: Monarch's Message. Leave a comment

Happy New Year you Joyful Prophets you!

Our Installation of Officer’s event on December 16th was a mirth-filled occasion! It felt great to laugh and joke around with all the Prophets of the Enchanted Realm. If you missed the installation, you really missed a great opportunity for fun and fellowship.

On December 17th and 18th, a group of our Merriest Prophets visited the United Cerebral Palsy Homes, sang Christmas Carols, and delivered gifts to the residents. Hearing the residents laugh and sing along with us was a rewarding and heartwarming experience for all who attended.

Thank you to the following prophets for making a joyful noise with us at the UCP Homes: David, Dave, Ira, Ralph, Joey, Roger, and Chad. These prophets really know how to Deck the Halls! I appreciate all of you taking the time to really demonstrate what being a prophet is all about; spreading joy! A HUGE THANK YOU to the Job’s Daughters for joining us as well!! It was a great night!!!

After our second night of Caroling, several of us continued the G O O D F E L L O W S H I P at a nearby restaurant. It was a Merry Ole Evening, indeed!

On the evening of Tuesday, January 8th all Prophets are invited to Golden Road Brewery in Glendale to form a team and participate in Trivia Night. *More details posted on our Facebook Event Page*. Should be a blast!

Our next meeting is on Friday, January 18th. I’ll be introducing a new concept at our January Stated called the, ‘Secret Mission Meeting.’ Should be a lot of laughs!

Prior to the Stated Meeting, we’ll be gathering at Dario’s for cocktails and conversation. Join us if you feel so inclined!

Our goal this year is to increase our Fun and Fellowship – but here’s the catch – you have to attend in order for that to happen. When you’re not here, we don’t have as much fun and our fellowship suffers. YOU make Grotto special. Make every effort to be active in our Grotto! You’ll be rewarded with laughter and Good Fellowship that will brighten your week 🙂

Fun & Fellowship!

Donald

Monarch

Prophets having a laugh during our installation!

Prophets, family, and friends make a Joyful Noise at the United Cerebral Palsy Homes!

Grotto Fu = Zero calories burned!

 

Happy Holidays from Cinema Grotto!

Posted by cinemagrotto on December 24, 2018
Posted in: Announcements. Leave a comment

And Now a Word from Our Chief Justice…Donald Gipson!

Posted by cinemagrotto on November 19, 2018
Posted in: And Now a Word from Our Chief Justice. 1 Comment

Prophets,

Thank you so much for electing me to serve as Monarch in 2019!

If you didn’t make it to our November Meeting – you missed out. I can honestly say it was one of the most interestingly impish elections I’ve ever witnessed and I loved every minute of it. We had a ton of laughs!

I have only two goals for Cinema Grotto in 2019:

  1. Multiplying our Fun.
  1. Deepening our Friendships.

Like turkey and dressing on Thanksgiving, it’s always good to have second and third helpings of Fun and Friendship!

That being said, please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any ideas or suggestions to enhance these two aspects of our Grotto. I’d love to have a cornucopia of ideas from all of our Prophets (see what I did there).

This is YOUR Grotto and I want us to improve it together because, you know, it’s more fun that way!

Please make every effort to attend our Installation of Officers at 5pm on Sunday, December 16th. We’ll have food, frivolity, and friendship!

You like stand up comedy? We’ll have that to! You enjoy magic? There will be magic! Toasts? Oh yes, there will be toasts!

It’s going to be a great time a the ole Grotto that night!

On Tuesday and Wednesday evening of that week (December 18th & 19th @ 7pm) Join us as we go Christmas Caroling at the United Cerebral Palsy Homes in Sylmar.

This is one of my favorite events of the year! Bring your significant other, the kids, your friends and the entire Holiday Squad. We’ll form one mighty Grotto choir to bring in the Holiday Season. *Can’t sing? Not to worry – there will be Kazoos!*

Please RSVP for Installation and Caroling on our Facebook event pages so we can plan accordingly

Have a Happy Thanksgiving you Jive Turkeys,

Donald

Chief Justice

The Monarch’s Message aka “WE DON’T KNOW what WE DON’T KNOW” – July 2018

Posted by cinemagrotto on August 2, 2018
Posted in: Monarch's Message. Leave a comment

Prophets,

I remember back in High School, when Bruce Lee and Chuck Norris were the toughest Martial Artists on the planet (yes, I am that old).  Their movies were very popular; their faces were on lunch boxes and their posters were everywhere.  Like all young men, I believed that once I studied Martial Arts, I too could be physically tough.  I took lessons for years; I became more physically fit, developed better mind-body coordination and gained more confidence.  But much to my surprise it wasn’t my physical toughness that evolved the most.  It was more of a mental realization or awareness that evolved.  I found the more I studied, the more there was to be learned.  That was the first time I recall understanding the idea that only through experience can we truly learn what knowledge is available to us.  Most recently, I had a similar realization while attending the Supreme Council Annual Convention.

The only thing I knew about the Supreme Council was that it was held every year in a different location and I assumed it was available primarily to District Officers, Grotto Association Officers, and National Officers.  The first thing I learned was similar to Blue Lodge, which requires the pillar officers to attend Annual Communication in San Francisco; we as local Grottoes are expected to send our elected officers to Supreme Council.  The registration form has check boxes for Monarch, Chief Justice, and other local offices that are not higher offices.  During the sessions, individual members and local Grottoes are called by name to receive awards for membership and other achievements by the Grand Monarch.  Our Grotto received a new member award suitable for framing, and a check for our membership efforts; I received a personal award as well and was glad that I was there to receive these honors on our behalf.  The rest of the awards will be mailed to you.

The next thing I realized was that many grottoes specialized in certain areas of interest, some of which were for the parade: clown units, bagpipes, swing band, mini bikes, Indian Chiefs, Flintstones re-enactment, antique cars, and more.  I thought how cool it would be for our Grotto being named Cinema and hailing from Los Angeles to be THE Grotto for Entertainment.  I think we are well on our way with Magic Castle, Ceremonial, Leprechaun, Cigar Dogs, Monte Carlo, and upcoming Murder Mystery, UCP Safari Dash, and Halloween Scary Night Costume Competition.  We also, picked up a few ideas from Supreme Council – that of the Feast of Adam’s Rib, which is the Grotto version of a Table Lodge and Order of the Water Buffalo, which is mirrored after the Flintstones.

The last things that were revealed to me that were very impactful were the following three:

1. Jim Jarnagin represents us well as a Grand Officer; he wears an entirely different color jewel and tassel that we never get to see. As you know, red tassels are new or regular prophets, Monarchs and Past Monarchs are represented by purple, Grand Officers wear grey, and Grand Monarchs wear yellow.  Jim knows everyone and everyone knows him.  It was an honor being introduced to the friendly fellow Prophets from around the country.  They all know the name Cinema Grotto.

2.   Every year the Newly-Installed Grand Monarch is crowned with his new fez by a Prophet and his wife from Cinema Grotto. Yes, it is true.  Chris and Michele Rothman Owners of LAFCO        and members of our Grotto proudly represent us to the entire Supreme Council.

3.  Lastly, in the year 1998, exactly twenty years ago, Cinema Grotto Prophet Donald A Horning, Sr. was the Grand Monarch for the Supreme Council.

I hope you were vicariously impressed by the significance of our role with the Supreme Council and the importance of making our best efforts to attend in the future. Every person I met treated me as if I was their best friend. They volunteered to taxi us around town as if we were visiting relatives. They get to reunite every year and reinforce their friendship from all over the nation and Canada. The next Supreme Council will be in Branson, Missouri. All are welcome. Start saving now.

Stay Thirsty,

Michael Schneider, Monarch

 

And Now a Word (of thanks) from Our Chief Justice…Donald Gipson!

Posted by cinemagrotto on July 27, 2018
Posted in: And Now a Word from Our Chief Justice. Leave a comment

Prophets,

Thank you to everyone who came out to the United Cerebral Palsy BBQ on July 21st. We had a great time!

A Big THANK YOU to Prophet Ed Gonzaga for arriving early and helping me set up for the BBQ. It was a huge help! I hope to see more of our officers following his lead and arriving early at the next one to help.  You rock, Ed!

Thank you for all of those who helped clean up and put everything away. Many hands make light work!

I enjoyed flippin’ burgers and dogs while our good natured prophets chatted it up with the residents and helped to spread good fellowship!

We have our final United Cerebral Palsy BBQ on Saturday, August 18th at the Dronefield House from 11 am – 2 pm (officers please be there at 10:30 to help set up).

Looking forward to seeing you all there,

Donald

 

The Monarch’s Message – June 2018

Posted by cinemagrotto on June 4, 2018
Posted in: Monarch's Message. Leave a comment

Prophets,

Over the years, I have observed the way we as human beings are often quick to judge and slow to forgive.  With politics, we seemingly condemn every statement, with sports we vociferously criticize every error, and with religion we self-righteously consider the hypocrisy of every notion. Now, I’m not a Psychologist so I can’t explain why we do this but I do find it curious. Although, I might personally be one of the first to analyze a situation or discuss a person’s actions, I trust that in my heart I am forgiving.  So what does this have to do with Cinema Grotto? Well, it is the essence of who we are. To truly enjoy ourselves we need to put aside the obstacles in our lives and focus on the vision. We are already half way through the year and we still have much FUN to accomplish.

Starting with our next meeting on Friday, June 15th we will be launching our Cigar Dogs Event. Our Cigar Dog Master will be THE Prophet that on his Grotto Application listed his employment as “Man of Leisure”.  A  Prophet who sometimes drives two hours to attend our meetings and still finds time to smoke a cigar beforehand. Yes, he drinks his milk out of a dirty glass and doesn’t even wipe his mouth. He always stays thirsty, my friend. This Cigar Aficionado is Gary Sturm.  Gary has agreed to bring cigars and teach us novices how to not inhale cigar smoke while ingesting too many hot dogs. Yes, he knows a lot about dogs too.  He has taught old dogs a variety of new tricks. Freemasons strive to learn HIS secret handshake. He is the life of parties that he has never attended. It should be fun. Bring $15, the cost of cigars and hot dogs might be worth it but really the payment is just to meet him.

Some of the most interesting conversations in the world are had with cigars. It is not so much the cigars as it is the conversation. You won’t want to miss this even if you don’t care for cigars. I have been looking forward to this event for quite some time and hope to continue many times in the future. It turns out the Supreme Council is meeting that week and it is my obligation as your Monarch to attend. Rest assured our Worthy Chief Justice has the keys and is prepared to open the door to your Cinema Grotto Enjoyment. If any Prophets have any issues or ideas for me to share with Supreme Council of the Grottoes of North America please contact me.

As Prophets of the Mystic Order of the Veiled Prophets Enchanted Realm, let us continue to turn things upside down by striving to be Slow to judge and Quick to forgive.

Fez, Shirts and Quarters required at all meetings!

Stay Thirsty Prophets,

Michael Schneider

Monarch – Cinema Grotto 2018

Cinema Grotto Calendar – 2018
Date Day Description Notes
15-Jun Fri Stated Meeting Cigars Dogs – Gary Sturm, Donald Acting Monarch
16-Jun Sat NAG Supreme Council Jun 13-18 Indy, Jim Jarnagin Grand Trustee
14-Jul Sat UCP BBQ No. 1 Chief Justice – Donald Gipson
20-Jul Fri Stated Meeting Monte Carlo Night
17-Aug Fri Stated Meeting Donald Gipson – Acting Monarch
18-Aug Sat UCP BBQ No. 2 Chief Justice – Donald Gipson
1-Sep Sat Magic Castle – Houdini Room Pay in advance to Monarch
21-Sep Fri Stated Meeting Ceremonial Practice
19-Oct Fri Stated Meeting Dave Taylor – Acting Monarch – Scary Night
27-Oct Sat WGA Convention Oct 24 – 27th in Laughlin, NV
16-Nov Fri Stated Meeting Elections
1-Dec Sat Grotto Installation Donald Gipson to Plan
       
Dec   Caroling TBD by Chief Justice
    Ceremonial No. 2 TBD by Ritual Director
       
    Optional Ideas Encouraged  
    Brunches  
    Charter Fishing  
    Bowling  
    Masons that Love Beer  
    Food Pantry  
    Combine with other Masonic Bodies  
    Happy Hour Before Some Meetings?

 

 

 

 

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