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25 Norwood Teachers Honored for Classroom Innovation and Creativity Norwood's Teacher of the Year to be Named May 12; Five Finalists Will be Unveiled in Week Leading Up to Award Twenty-five Norwood teachers are candidates for the 17th annual Norwood Teacher of the Year Award, having been nominated by colleagues, parents and students who have shared stories of the teachers’ exemplary work. Organized annually by the Orient Lodge of Masons, the Norwood Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers for their dedication and commitment to the education of Norwood students. The 2023 nominees are: Balch Elementary: Janice Garrity, Diana Martucci, Ellen Norton, Sandy Qualter, Patricia Wheeler Callahan Elementary: Sara Ryan Cleveland Elementary: Jane Catalano Coakley Middle School: Joshua Bell, Nicole Conway, Angeleen Kelley, Diane Lockwood, Eileen Siegel Norwood High School: Jennifer Orlinski Oldham Elementary: Gina Stevens, Sarah Griffin Prescott Elementary: Christopher Obara, Erica Renaud, Carol Thornton St. Catherine of Siena: Stephanie Cobuccio, Marina Halabi, Kathleen Harrington, Karen Gorman, Kim Walsh Willett Early Childhood Center: Katie Lambrenos, Colleen Reynolds The winner, selected by a jury of parents and educators, will receive a cash award as well as a charitable donation to their school. Five finalists, selected by the Teacher of the Year organizing committee, will each receive a $100 gift card to One Bistro. The five finalists will be revealed across Orient Lodge social channels, one each day, starting Friday, May 5, and continuing throughout the following week. The winner will be unveiled at a reception for all nominated teachers on Friday, May 12. Follow all the Teacher of the Year news on Orient Lodge’s Twitter and Facebook pages using the hashtag #NorwoodTOY. Additionally, everyone is welcome to post their own “Norwood teacher appreciation” video or post on social media, tagging #NorwoodTOY and Orient Lodge’s Twitter handle (@Orient_Norwood) or Facebook page in their post. Nominees are particularly encouraged to share messages for students, parents, and colleagues. Follow-up posts and video shorts featuring the finalists are also planned. Originally conceived by the Exchange Club of Norwood, Orient Lodge now proudly presents the annual program. In 2022, Cleveland School teacher Nora Galvin was honored as Teacher of the Year among 19 nominees. About the Orient Lodge of Masons Founded in 1861, Orient Lodge F. & A.M. is a lodge of Freemasons based in Norwood, Massachusetts and active in many community endeavors. Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity, comprised of adult men of good character. Follow Orient Lodge @Orient_Norwood, or visit www.orientlodge.org for more information. 
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19 Norwood Teachers Honored for Classroom Innovation and Creativity Norwood's Teacher of the Year to be Named May 13; Five Finalists Will be Unveiled in Week Leading Up to Award  Nineteen Norwood teachers are candidates for the 16th annual Norwood Teacher of the Year Award, having been nominated by colleagues, parents and students who have shared stories of the teachers’ exemplary work.
Organized annually by the Orient Lodge of Masons, the Norwood Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers for their dedication and commitment to the education of Norwood students. The 2022 nominees are: Callahan Elementary: Katie Lambrenos, Jill Wood Cleveland Elementary: Marisa Farulla, Shannon Farioli, Nora Galvin, Daniel Quinn Coakley Middle School: Madison Meaney, Sarah Paine Norwood High School: Shelbe Doliner, Jennifer Hartnett, Laurie Mead McGrory, Caitlin Nottebart, Jennifer Rodger Oldham Elementary: Deborah Shook Prescott Elementary: Sadie Bishop, Maureen Condon, Christopher Obara Willett Early Childhood Center: Lynne Doherty, Karen Wilson The winner, selected by a blind jury of parents and educators, will receive a cash award as well as a charitable donation to their school. Five finalists, selected by the Teacher of the Year organizing committee, will each receive a $100 gift card to One Bistro. The five finalists will be revealed across Orient Lodge social channels, one each day, starting Monday, May 9, and continuing throughout the week. The winner will be unveiled at a reception for all nominated teachers on Friday, May 13. Follow all the Teacher of the Year news on Orient Lodge’s Twitter and Facebook pages using the hashtag #NorwoodTOY. Additionally, everyone is welcome to post their own “Norwood teacher appreciation” video or post on social media, tagging #NorwoodTOY and Orient Lodge’s Twitter handle (@Orient_Norwood) or Facebook page in their post. Nominees are particularly encouraged to share messages for students, parents, and colleagues. Follow-up posts and video shorts featuring the finalists are also planned. Originally conceived by the Exchange Club of Norwood, Orient Lodge now proudly presents the annual program. In 2021, Cleveland School teacher Patricia Kelliher was honored as Teacher of the Year among 29 nominees. About the Orient Lodge of Masons Founded in 1861, Orient Lodge F. & A.M. is a lodge of Freemasons based in Norwood, Massachusetts and active in many community endeavors. Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity, comprised of adult men of good character. Follow Orient Lodge @Orient_Norwood, or visit www.orientlodge.org for more information.
Kelliher Selected Among 29 Nominees;
Teachers Honored for Classroom Innovation, Response to Pandemic Challenges
NORWOOD -- June 4, 2021 -- Remote Learning Academy and Cleveland School Teacher Patricia Kelliher was named the 2021 Norwood Teacher of the Year, highlighting a celebration honoring 29 Norwood teachers for their ability to inspire and engage students. Teresa Drummey, the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year, announced the winner on Norwood Community Media this evening.
Organized annually by the Orient Lodge of Masons, the Norwood Teacher of the Year awards recognize teachers for their dedication and commitment to the education of Norwood students. Kelliher received two nominations from parents, both of which underscored the creative ways she kept first graders engaged in an all-remote program, and the extra steps she took to make her students feel special and be excited to learn, from frequent visits to student homes to drop off goody bags on birthdays and holiday to her constant encouraging refrain that her class were the G.O.A.T.s -- the greatest of all time.
“One of the challenges of online learning is that they are in their home setting. It's easy for a child to stay in home mode instead of school mode. Mrs. Kelliher keeps a watchful eye and gently reminds the student that it's school time. When they have specials or class guests the students are reminded of their nickname and they are quick to want to live up to it. It takes skills to keep 20 plus first graders engaged day after day from behind a screen, but the magic of Mrs. Kelliher is that she makes it feel like they're in a class,” said parent Amy Dee. “Everyday there are a million different ways in which Mrs. Kelliher engages the children. She is perceptive to the mood of the class. If it seems the children are losing steam she has them get up and move around or if they appear to need a break from the screen she has them do an activity on paper.” Courtney Rau Rogers, who served as one of the program’s three judges, said, "What struck me about all the nominees this year was how many teachers from the Remote Learning Academy were nominated. Teachers had to build the plane while flying it this year, and all of these essays showed a determination and love of their craft that they were going to teach the kids in front of them. They weren't just boxes on a screen; they were kids who needed so much more than ever, and these teachers delivered.” She added, “Mrs. Kelliher found a great balance between the developmental levels of first graders and the challenges of a remote learning environment. Plus, giving them so much positive praise and calling them the G.O.A.T.S. hooked them in from the beginning and held them all year." Juror Shivaun Brenizer said, “I was a bit skeptical of what the field of nominees would look like this year; teaching while not actually being near students, over Zoom, many on computers for the first time, sounds like chaos. But I was so unbelievably impressed by the field of nominations for Teacher of the Year this year. These teachers had to learn a new way of teaching. They not only met but exceeded expectations. I was really impressed with all of the nominees.” Roxanne Shute also served as a program juror. Kelliher receives a $1,000 award and an award plaque. The F.A. Cleveland School will also receive a $1,000 charitable donation and a plaque for the school building. The five finalists also receive a $100 gift card to One Bistro of Norwood in recognition of their achievement. Finalists included Elizabeth Robin, Kim Beaudet, Sterling Blonder, and Jennifer Hartnett. Earlier this year nominations were solicited from the community; each nomination attested to their nominee’s innovation and creativity, ability to inspire a love of learning in their students, and response to the challenges of the pandemic. In all, 38 nominations were submitted on behalf of 29 teachers by students, parents and colleagues. Originally conceived by the Exchange Club of Norwood, Orient Lodge now proudly organizes the annual event. Previous Teacher of the Year Award winners include: 2020 - Teresa Drummey, Norwood High School 2019 - Rachel Siegel, Coakley Middle School 2018 - Joy Hughey, Cleveland Elementary 2017 - Cynthia Derrane, Norwood High School 2016 - Laura Tolman, Willett Early Childhood Center 2015 - Lindsey Bell, Prescott Elementary 2014 - Dr. Michael Crowley, Norwood High School 2013 - Michael Finnerty, Prescott Elementary 2012 - Nora Glynn, Norwood High School 2011 - Scott Maffei, Oldham Elementary 2010 - Laurel Cawley, Prescott Elementary 2009 - Debbie Shook, Oldham Elementary 2008 - Kathryn Benson, Norwood High School 2007 - Sean Richardson, Balch Elementary Follow Orient Lodge @Orient_Norwood, or visit www.orientlodge.org for more information. 29 Norwood Teachers Honored for Classroom Innovation and Creativity Five Finalists to be Unveiled May 27 through June 3 Norwood's Teacher of the Year to be Named June 4 Twenty-nine Norwood teachers are candidates for the 15th annual Norwood Teacher of the Year Award, having been nominated by colleagues, parents and students who have shared stories of the teachers’ exemplary work. Organized annually by the Orient Lodge of Masons, the Norwood Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers for their dedication and commitment to the education of Norwood students. The 2021 nominees are: Balch Elementary: Darlene Follett, Julie Cayer, Laura McColgan Callahan Elementary: Katie Lambrenos Cleveland Elementary: Annemarie Higgins, Mary Brigham, Nancy Landfield Coakley Middle School: Amy Riley, Debra Harding, Joseph Killian, Julie Bayiates, Michael McCarthy, Robert McDonough Little Mustangs Preschool Academy: Kimberly Beaudet, Teresa Aiello Norwood High School: Jennifer Hartnett Prescott Elementary: Janice ElBach, Jillian Rathier Remote Learning Academy: Anne Watson, Diane Kelley, Elizabeth Robin, Jessica Looney, Patricia Kelliher, Sterling Blonder St. Catherine of Siena: Denise Matthews, Karen Gorman, Paula Pelaggi Willett Early Childhood Center: Karen Wilson, Lynne Doherty The winner, selected by a blind jury of parents and educators, will receive a cash award as well as a charitable donation to their school. Five finalists, selected by the Teacher of the Year organizing committee, will each receive a $100 gift card to One Bistro. The five finalists will be revealed across Orient Lodge social channels, one each day, starting Thursday, May 27, and continuing through Thursday, June 3. The winner will be unveiled Friday, June 4. Follow all the Teacher of the Year news on Orient Lodge’s Twitter and Facebook pages using the hashtag #NorwoodTOY. Additionally, everyone is welcome to post their own “Norwood teacher appreciation” video or post on social media, tagging #NorwoodTOY and Orient Lodge’s Twitter handle (@Orient_Norwood) or Facebook page in their post. Nominees are particularly encouraged to share messages for students, parents, and colleagues. Follow-up posts and video shorts featuring the finalists are also planned. Originally conceived by the Exchange Club of Norwood, Orient Lodge now proudly presents the annual program. In 2020, Norwood High School teacher Teresa Drummey was honored as Teacher of the Year among 35 nominees. About the Orient Lodge of Masons Founded in 1861, Orient Lodge F. & A.M. is a lodge of Freemasons based in Norwood, Massachusetts and active in many community endeavors. Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity, comprised of adult men of good character. Follow Orient Lodge @Orient_Norwood, or visit www.orientlodge.org for more information.   Christopher Sales and Eric Shute (left to right) Annual Orient Lodge MGH Blood Drive On for September 12 Despite Cancellation of Norwood Day Activities
Norwood, Mass. - The MGH Bloodmobile comes to Norwood for a community Blood Drive on Saturday, September 12, 2020, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Norwood Elks, 152 Winslow Ave. Appointments are strongly encouraged in order to maintain physical distancing. Walk-ins will be welcomed as capacity allows. Visit orientlodge.org to make an appointment. Sponsored annually by the Orient Lodge of Masons, the drive was initially planned as part of Norwood Day festivities. When the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of Norwood Day, the Masons sought a partner who could help host the bloodmobile and provide accessible space for donor registration to meet pandemic-related physical distancing requirements. “Both the Elks and the Masons enjoy being a big part of Norwood Day, and we’re glad to adjust our plans and help support the Masons’ important work of blood donation collections,” said Christopher Sales, exalted ruler of the Norwood Elks. “Community blood drives are critical to maintaining blood supplies, and the pandemic has forced the cancellation of many community drives this year. We wanted to keep this drive on MGH’s calendar, and the Norwood Elks are helping us do so safely and within physical distancing guidelines,” said Eric Shute, master-elect of Orient Lodge. “We hope Norwood supports us as it always does; we want to fill every appointment to ensure patients in need don’t miss out.” Donors are encouraged to hydrate, eat healthy food, and get a good night’s rest before donating blood. Individuals who are 17 years of age, or 16 years old with parental permission, weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Today the MGH Blood Donor Center provides the approximately 75,000 blood components necessary annually to transfuse patients at Mass General and other nearby medical facilities. In addition to serving the patient population at Mass General, the center also provides blood and blood components to the Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Shriners Burn Institute for Children, the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, and MassGeneral for Children. Blood is supplied by volunteer donors – people who realize the ongoing need for lifesaving blood. Follow Orient Lodge @Orient_Norwood. Visit orientlodge.org for more information, or visit elks.org and click Lodge Locator. Drummey Selected Among 35 Nominees; Teachers Honored for Classroom Innovation and Creativity
NORWOOD -- April 14, 2020 -- Norwood High School English teacher Teresa Drummey was named the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year, highlighting a celebration honoring 35 Norwood teachers for their classroom innovation and creativity. Organized annually by the Orient Lodge of Masons, the Norwood Teacher of the Year awards recognize teachers for their dedication and commitment to the education of Norwood students. Drummey was nominated by students from her 12th grade AP English classes, noting her exceptional ability to bring students deep into challenging texts such as Dante’s Inferno and Shakespeare. Senior Stephen Ailinger noted that many of the literature discussions thread back to the human condition. “This has enabled us to grow as people. I know that we’ve done so much self-reflection as a result of this class. She challenges us to do self-reflection after every major assessment, but also sporadically throughout the term,” he said. He added, “The consistent energy she brings to the classroom is palpable. Her ostensibly strict teaching style is what drives us to be better students. She expects the most of us and does not tolerate laziness and yet we know that she loves us, is there for us, and will support us in all our endeavors." Richard Silverman, who served as one of the program’s three judges, said, "She seems to have developed a deep love of learning among her students, helping them develop the tools to be independent, self-motivated learners. She also appears to be a major contributor to the life of the school, working with colleagues to support the Norwood High School Clothes Closet as well as Genius hours to foster creative and divergent thinking. Impressively, she also serves in the all-consuming role as chairperson of the NEASC Accreditation self-study and site-visit coordination committee. As one of her students said, ‘She’s the kind of teacher every student deserves.’ Shivaun Brenizer and Henry Mahegan also served as program judges. Drummey receives a $1,000 award and an award plaque. Norwood High School will also receive a $1,000 charitable donation and a plaque for the school building. All nominees received a gift certificate for Victoria’s Cafe of Norwood in recognition of their achievement. Earlier this year nominations were solicited from the community; each nomination attested to their nominee’s innovation and creativity, ability to inspire a love of learning in their students, and work on special projects and initiatives. More than 50 nominations were submitted on behalf of 35 teachers by students, parents and colleagues. The Norwood Teacher of the Year committee selected five finalists for a review by the program jury. Originally conceived by the Exchange Club of Norwood, Orient Lodge now proudly organizes the annual event. Previous Teacher of the Year Award winners include: 2019 - Rachel Siegel, Coakley Middle School 2018 - Joy Hughey, Cleveland Elementary 2017 - Cynthia Derrane, Norwood High School 2016 - Laura Tolman, Willett Early Childhood Center 2015 - Lindsey Bell, Prescott Elementary 2014 - Dr. Michael Crowley, Norwood High School 2013 - Michael Finnerty, Prescott Elementary 2012 - Nora Glynn, Norwood High School 2011 - Scott Maffei, Oldham Elementary 2010 - Laurel Cawley, Prescott Elementary 2009 - Debbie Shook, Oldham Elementary 2008 - Kathryn Benson, Norwood High School 2007 - Sean Richardson, Balch Elementary Follow Orient Lodge @Orient_Norwood, or visit www.orientlodge.org for more information. Thirty-five Norwood teachers were nominated for the 14th annual Norwood Teacher of the Year Award, having been put forward by colleagues, parents and students who have shared stories of the teachers’ exemplary work. The winner will be announced Tuesday, April 14. We have announced the five finalists for the award.
Teresa Drummey, Norwood High School The fifth finalist to qualify for the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year Award is Teresa Drummey, Norwood High School English teacher. Nominated by members of her 12th grade AP English classes, her students noted her exceptional ability to bring students deep into challenging texts such as Dante’s Inferno and Shakespeare. Student Stephen Ailinger noted that many of the literature discussions thread back to the human condition. “This has enabled us to grow as people. I know that we’ve done so much self-reflection as a result of this class. She challenges us to do self-reflection after every major assessment, but also sporadically throughout the term,” he said He added, “The consistent energy she brings to the classroom is palpable. Her ostensibly strict teaching style is what drives us to be better students. She expects the most of us and does not tolerate laziness and yet we know that she loves us, is there for us, and will support us in all our endeavors.” The Norwood Teacher of the Year Award winner will be announced on Tuesday, April 14. The winner will receive a cash award as well as a charitable school donation in their name. Jason Andrews, Dr. Philip O. Coakley Middle School Jason Andrews, a seventh-grade language arts teacher at the Dr. Philip O. Coakley Middle School, is the fourth finalist to qualify for the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year Award. School principal Dr. Margo Fraczek noted how Mr. Andrews integrates technology seamlessly to support student learning and brought innovative methods of teaching ELA to teaching practices at the school. These include "No Red Ink," an online tool used to improve student writing and grammar. He also created an African American literature elective at the school and developed schoolwide lessons supporting Martin Luther King Jr. and Black History Month observances. Parent Kathy Langley noted that Mr. Andrews finds ways to use light humor in his teaching to keep students engaged. “I really enjoy seeing that Mr. Andrews uses a variety of methods to help strengthen the students’ ELA skills, whether it’s a short journal entry, answering questions from a story, a longer written piece or other activity. Changing up the activities also helps keep the students’ interest.” The final finalist for the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year Award will be announced on April 9., and the winner will be unveiled Tuesday, April 14. Janet Lynch, F.A. Cleveland Elementary School Janet Lynch, a special education teacher at the F.A. Cleveland Elementary School, is the third finalist to qualify for the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year Award. She was nominated by colleague Marisa Farulla, who recognized Ms. Lynch as a compassionate, collaborative teacher who works in unison with the school’s teachers and staff to engage and teach students. “Janet’s compassion for others is also apparent in her ways of student engagement. She is always willing to help with new creative or strategic ideas. As we all know, student engagement is important, and Janet has this ability to turn everything into a teachable moment to engage her kids to a plethora of subjects.” She was also recognized for creating a highly engaging environment in the school’s sensory room, which includes a PVC pipe tent, trampoline, comfort blanket and more, and for her work in helping students learn outside the classroom, such as a trip to Franklin Park Zoo, where she arrange admission and transportation for students requiring accommodation. Two more finalists for the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year will be announced, one each day, on April 8 and 9. The winner will be announced Tuesday, April 14. Karen Gorman - St. Catherine of Siena School A first grade teacher at St. Catherine of Siena School, Karen Gorman is the second finalist to qualify for the 2020 Norwood Teacher of the Year Award. She was recognized by several parents both for her tireless work in the classroom as well as service projects she leads, such as having her students write out get-well cards for patients at Norwood Hospital. One parent of a former student wrote, “She is compassionate and nurturing even with the most challenging of students. Each and every day she strives to show the children how fun it is to learn, be kind to others and always do their best.” Several nominations from parents noted her ability to reach children in a variety of ways. “She takes extra time to talk with the parents about our concerns and tailors her teaching approach to each child differently as she sees fit to their specific learning style. She truly loves these kids and we feel more than fortunate that she is our son's teacher.” Another parent wrote, “Most importantly, Mrs. Gorman is helping to build confidence in these six and seven-year olds that can’t be matched. She’s laying a foundation of education, compassion, respect and faith they will carry with them for a lifetime.” Christine LaRaia - Norwood High School Several past and present students of Mrs. LaRaia shared their insights in support of her nomination, all of them praising the supportive, safe environment that she creates for students in the school’s therapeutic and academic classroom, TASC. One wrote, “The warmth she brings to that classroom is unbelievable. It's so easy to just let things out and talk. It was so easy to tell her I'm struggling with my work and needed help.” Another added, “She always kept my head up and motivated me to do things that I didn’t want to do.” “On a daily basis she teaches not only a vast number of academic subjects, but also life lessons, conflict resolution, social/emotional learning, empathy, and perseverance,” said Leah Reed, an adjustment counselor at Norwood High School. She added that Mrs. LaRaia continually offers creative projects that keep her students engaged with each other, and highlighted her work to apply successfully for an annual grant to help support TASC. Christine LaRaia is the first of five finalists to be announced for this year's Norwood Teacher of the Year Award. Subsequent finalists will be announced between April 6 through 9. ----- Organized annually by the Orient Lodge of Masons, the Norwood Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers for their dedication and commitment to the education of Norwood students. Follow all the Teacher of the Year news on Orient Lodge’s Twitter and Facebook pages using the hashtag #2020NorwoodTOY. 35 Norwood Teachers Honored for Classroom Innovation and Creativity Five Finalists to be Unveiled Between April 3 and 9, Norwood's Teacher of the Year to be Named April 14 Thirty-five Norwood teachers are candidates for the 14th annual Norwood Teacher of the Year Award, having been nominated by colleagues, parents and students who have shared stories of the teachers’ exemplary work.
Organized annually by the Orient Lodge of Masons, the Norwood Teacher of the Year award recognizes teachers for their dedication and commitment to the education of Norwood students. Given public health concerns regarding Covid-19, the annual spring reception honoring the nominees is not planned for 2020. Rather, a series of social posts highlighting the top nominees is planned for the next two weeks, culminating with a reveal of this year’s winner on April 14. Follow all the Teacher of the Year news on Orient Lodge’s Twitter and Facebook pages using the hashtag #2020NorwoodTOY. Additionally, everyone is welcome to post their own “Norwood teacher appreciation” video or post on social media, tagging #2020NorwoodTOY and Orient Lodge’s Twitter handle (@Orient_Norwood) or Facebook page in their post. Nominees are particularly encouraged to share messages for students, parents, and colleagues. The nominees are: Callahan Elementary: Catherine Breen, Katie Lambrenos, Michele McAvoy, Sara Ryan Cleveland Elementary: Janet Lynch, Nancy Landfield, Susan Barry, Susan Kilduff Coakley Middle School: Jason Andrews, Kerry Silva, Suzanne Ryan Little Mustangs Preschool Academy: Kelli Bailey, Laura Tolman* Norwood High School: Christine LaRaia, Kate Danner, Molly Uppencamp, Rebecca Newman, Taymys Scannell, Teresa Drummey Norwood Public Schools Elementary Fine Arts: Amy Bedard Oldham Elementary: Jennifer D'Amato, Lindsey Bertone Prescott Elementary: Carol Thornton, Janice Elbach, Jennifer Marcotte, Jillian Rathier, Katie Lyons, Laurel Cawley*, Maura Belanger, Maureen Condon, Robert Marshalsea St. Catherine of Siena: Karen Gorman Willett Early Childhood Center: Amy Michienzi, Christina Jenkins, Colleen Reynolds * Past winners are not eligible for award selection. In recognition of their achievement, all nominees will receive a gift certificate to Victoria’s Cafe, redeemable for take out or local delivery through May 31. Details for redemption will be sent to each teacher’s school email address. Five finalists will be selected by the Teacher of the Year organizing committee. The first finalist will be announced on Orient Lodge’s website and social channels on Friday, April 3. Subsequent finalists will be revealed, one each day, from Monday, April 6, through Thursday, April 9. Follow-up posts and video shorts featuring the finalists are also planned. One teacher, selected among the finalists by a jury of educators, will be named Norwood Teacher of the Year and receive a cash award as well as a charitable school donation in their name. The winner will be announced on Tuesday, April 14. Originally conceived by the Exchange Club of Norwood, Orient Lodge now proudly presents the annual program. In 2019, Coakley Middle School teacher Rachel Siegel was honored as Teacher of the Year among more than 50 nominees. About the Orient Lodge of Masons Founded in 1861, Orient Lodge F. & A.M. is a lodge of Freemasons based in Norwood, Massachusetts and active in many community endeavors. Freemasonry is the world's oldest and largest fraternity, comprised of adult men of good character. Follow Orient Lodge @Orient_Norwood, or visit www.orientlodge.org for more information. UPDATED April 10, 2020
The situation and public response to COVID-19 changes by the hour. Public health experts are recommending social distancing as society’s best action to mitigate the impact of hospitals being overwhelmed and greater numbers of people falling seriously ill. Gov. Charlie Baker announced restrictions on public meetings of greater than 25 people, restaurants are closed for table service, and schools and many public services are closed for the time being. We take these public health concerns and the well-being of our members seriously, and as a result, Orient Lodge will cancel its April 13 and May 11 monthly communications, as well as all Masonic activity that was on our calendar between now and then, including officer rehearsals. The district has also cancelled the March 23 and April 27 Lodges of Instruction and the April 11 Easter egg hunts. After announcing a suspension of all Masonic activity in the jurisdiction on March 10, M.W. Maggio rescinded that suspension the next day, allowing Masonic activities within the jurisdiction to resume provided the presiding officer determines it is the prudent and responsible thing to do. It is under this guidance that Orient Lodge’s April and May communications were cancelled, believing it is most prudent to follow the advice of public health officials and continue to respect social distancing practices. Our monthly communication on June 8 is our next scheduled meeting, though we will continue to assess the recommendations of public health officials. We will offer the Master Masons degree for our two candidates at a special communication to occur during the summer. Our Masonic work, however, continues. Several brothers from our lodge are taking seriously the threat that COVID-19 poses to older people and people with compromised immune or respiratory systems. They may find it challenging to shop for groceries, get their prescriptions, or access other services while at home. To that end, we want to connect with every member of Orient Lodge in the coming days, to check in on our brothers and their families and see how we may be of service. Several Masons stand ready to help others with home projects, grocery and pharmacy runs, or anything else you may need. This is in keeping with M.W. Richard Maggio’s request that we contact members and check on their well-being, and particularly look after our elderly brethren and widows to assure they are safe and have enough food and supplies. Please help us get a jump on our work by answering this very short survey, or otherwise responding to this email. Take a minute to let us know how you are, and if you’d like a brother to check in on you or assist you in any way in the coming days and weeks. If you’re available to help, you can also indicate so in our survey. Many of our brothers enjoy coming to lodge for meaningful social connection; to that end, you’ll see an option in the survey asking for regular check-in calls from other brothers. Please let us know if telephone calls would be welcome in lieu of the opportunity to meet at lodge and break bread together. We are also joining with other Masonic lodges and appendant bodies in Norwood to support local efforts to feed local hospital staff and first responders during their shifts. In closing, we are aware that some may be skeptical of the severe, perhaps draconian measures being taken by public officials, but trends in other countries have shown that action can reduce the rate of infection, and inaction may have serious consequences. Let’s support each other during this difficult time. P.S. You may track statements from M.W. Maggio related to Coronavirus at https://massfreemasonry.org/coronavirus-messaging/ COVID-19 updates on Mass.gov: https://www.mass.gov/resource/information-on-the-outbreak-of-coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19 COVID-19 updates from Norwood municipal government: http://www.norwoodma.gov/departments/health/coronavirus_(covid-19).php  NORWOOD - January 20, 2020 - Winners of the 50th annual Ten Outstanding Norwood Youth were unveiled during a dinner reception hosted by Norwood Masons tonight. The TONYs recognize Norwood residents in grades 10-12 who are making significant contributions of time, effort, and talent to volunteerism, church, or other charitable causes. The program seeks to honor these individuals and offer them as positive role models to younger students. Winners were selected by a panel of Norwood residents and receive a savings bond, award, and a citation signed by Gov. Charlie Baker. The winners of the 2020 TONY Awards are Sean Chisholm, Thomas Fehm, Adelene Jeneid, Matthew Malley, Tara O’Brien, Jaden Ryan, Alrina Sharra, Marisa Silk, Raceja Velavan, and Priscilla Zhang. Also nominated for this year’s TONY Awards are Max Angelico, Jhostin Baez Peguero, Hailey Barrows, Joseph Barry, Julia Cropper, Mary Lee, Darya Maldonado, Maeve O’Connor, Juliana O’Neil, Audrey Scarfati, Jared Shea, Liam Slattery, Erinn Wagner, and Robert Wladowski. Marisa Silk also received the annual Father Robert Dwyer Award, given for service to one’s faith. Previously organized by the Norwood Jaycees, the Orient Lodge of Masons has organized the Ten Outstanding Norwood Youth Award for the past 25 years. “It is especially important to us because it recognizes the main tenets of our fraternity; faith, charity and a commitment to our brethren and community. You all should be proud tonight as someone thought enough of you to put your name in for nomination,” said David Laronde, co-chairman of the TONY committee. Former Norwood Jaycee Mary Connolly also serves a committee co-chairman. Photo by Scott Davis. |
Blog AuthorOrient Lodge's blog is written by Officers, Members and other contributors who observe the craft. This blog is used to update our members on upcoming events, past events, meeting recaps or other Masonic endeavors. Please feel free to comment or add to any discussion or even ask a questions about Orient or Freemasonry in general. Archives
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