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On Saturday, September 12th, the 2027 Officer's Line for Orient Lodge was installed at the Norwood Masonic Building. In Masonry, the Installation Night is an open-to-the-public (by RSVP) attended by friends, family and fellow Masonic Brethren. A long-standing tradition of pageantry is performed, followed by a catered dinner in the Lodge's Banquet Hall.  Wor. Nicholas Grow is presented his official gavel by wife Amanda during the Installation Night. Worshipful Master Gary Cullaz stepped down as Master and newly-minted Worshipful Master Nicholas Grow was installed to lead Orient Lodge for this year. Catering was provided by The Family Crest Catering of Weymouth, MA.  The Officers of Orient Lodge for 2027 pose for a group photo. The Officers of Orient Lodge comprises of talented and dedicated Masons who work to support their fellow Brethren and the community-at-large while promoting Freemasonry in Massachusetts and beyond.
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 Members of Orient Lodge were present at yesterday's annual Norwood Day festival. Every year, Lodge Brethren volunteer to staff the booth and enjoy the opportunity to chat with and engage members of the Norwood community about Freemasonry, Orient Lodge and the local happenings in general.
Every year, we enjoy reminiscing with visitors talking about their memories surrounding Orient, such as the annual Children's Holiday Party, Rainbow Girls and DeMolay events, dearly departed relatives who were heavily involved with the Masons in Norwood, candidates for public office, etc. This year we welcomed back Amanda, owner of Regal Princess Parties of Franklin, to provide face-painting to children at Norwood Day who wished to have their faces painted. All kids left the booth ecstatic at having been made up as their favorite story book or movie character. Thank you for stopping in to say hello and we look forward to chatting with you all again at next year's Norwood Day festival. On Sunday, March 8th, Orient Lodge Brethren, along with family and friends, attended the P-Bruins vs. Hershey Bears AHL hockey game in Providence. It was an enjoyable afternoon of ice hockey and all had fun cheering the P-Bruins onto a last minute nail-biter for a 5-4 win! It was also the annual Teddy Bear Toss game, with all bears being donated to local hospitals to be given to children and $20,000 was raised for an in-kind donation to Hasbro Children's Hospital!  The Brethren of Orient Lodge, A.F. & A.M. wish all a very Happy and Healthy New Year!  When you come to give with us on Saturday, October 18th, you’ll receive an $10 Amazon gift card-- just for donating blood!
Scan the QR code above with your phone or call 1-800-RED-CROSS to schedule your donation appointment! Thank you for consideration! Our next blood drive has been scheduled and confirmed: Saturday, October 18th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at the First Congregational Church in Norwood in Pingree Hall. RSVP: www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=NorwoodMA Donating is one of the easiest and quickest ways to make a large impact in the Norwood community. The need for available blood products in the Boston metro area is always great. Please consider donating blood, which is the Gift of Life. The life you save may be family, friends and neighbors. We hope to see you there!   Members of Orient Lodge and their families headed out to C N Farm in East Bridgewater, MA for a fall time picnic and apple picking event. Apples were picked, hamburgers and hotdogs were consumed and we got to enjoy each others' company on a sunny and crisp fall day.         Orient Lodge, A.F. & A.M. is holding our $500 Charity Sweepstakes to kick off our new Masonic year. The sweepstakes debuted at the recently held Norwood Day Festival and is being held through October 1st. Please submit your entries at: https://tinyurl.com/orientoct2025sweep. Submit as many entries as you like. Entries can be made anonymously by omitting your contact information on the entry form. No purchase necessary. Eligible charities must be officially recognized organizations being operated by non-profits, companies, faith-communities and purpose-driven groups. The winning entry will be randomly drawn at Orient Lodge's October monthly meeting on 10/13 and will be announced shortly thereafter. Good luck!  We would like to thank all of those who stopped by our booth at this year's Norwood Day Festival. It never ceases to amaze us at how many incredible and interesting people we meet every year and what they accomplish every day! We hope to see you next year at Norwood Day 2026!  Orient Lodge, A.F. & A.M. will be staffing a booth this year at the Norwood Day Festival 2025 on Saturday, September 6. Our booth will be in front of the old Bank of America branch building, near the intersection of Day and Washington Streets. Be sure to stop by! Our fantastic face painter will be returning to decorate the faces of your little ones. Brethren from Orient Lodge and other Norwood Lodges will be on hand to answer questions about Masonry in Norwood and the fraternity in general. We look forward to seeing you at the festival!    On Friday, May 2nd, Orient Lodge welcomed Norwood educators to the Norwood Masonic Hall for the annual Teacher of the Year Awards Program.
This year, there were 24 nominees from Norwood public, parochial and Montessori schools alike. Two rounds of judging were held (first round judges were comprised of Orient Lodge Masons and the second round was made up of engaged Norwood community members), before the awards ceremony. We were fortunate to be able to welcome the Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts, Most Worshipful George Forrest Hamilton, the Grand Lady Theresa Hamilton (who is a retired educator herself), Right Worshipful Shawn Robichaud (Deputy District Grand Master of the Sixth Masonic District of Massachusetts for Norwood and Westwood) and Right Worshipful John MacLeod (Deputy Grand Master of Masons in Massachusetts) and his wife were in attendance. It was an honor to host the Grand Lodge Suite of Officers. Congratulations are in order, not only for our winner, Moriah Holmes from Norwood High School, but for all finalists and nominees this year. It is evident from the submitted nominations that our educators give everything for their students and their learning endeavors. For that, we thank each and every one. Please visit the main Norwood Teacher of the Year page for event photos and to read a digital copy of the program. Thank you for coming! Enjoy your well deserved summers! Organized annually by the Orient Lodge of Masons, the Norwood Teacher of the Year Awards program recognizes teachers for their dedication and commitment to the education of Norwood students.
This year's nominees are:
The first round of judging is currently being held. The Awards ceremony has been announced: Date: Friday, May 2, 2025 - 5:00 pm Location: Norwood Masonic Building, 76 Day Street, Norwood, MA 02062 Tickets are available for nominees, program participants and members of the general Norwood educational community. Please visit the Awards program page for more complete information and how to obtain tickets to attend: https://www.orientlodge.org/teacher-of-the-year.html Norwood Teacher of the Year Awards is a community program of Orient Lodge A.F. & A. M. This Masonic year has been a productive one for Norwood Masonic Lodges. Together, Orient and Union Lodges held two successful blood donation drives at First Congregational Church in Norwood, our generous venue partner.
The blood drive had 32 confirmed donation appointments and had a 100% attendance rate for those who reserved in advance. We also had two walk-in appointments. Overall, we had 34 total units of blood product donated (whole blood and plasma/platelets combined). This is considered a highly successful result. We hope to be able to expand the number of blood drives in the 2025-26 Masonic year. 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.  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. |
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
September 2026
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