IMAGINE… Local Bankers, Local Decisions. That story can be traced back to the early 1700s when workers laid the foundation stone of an infirmary in Edinburgh, Scotland, says Adam Kendall, the collections manager of the Henry Coil Library and Museum of Freemasonry. Kendall provided a quote from a former lodge master that explains how Masons use the use the ceremony to provide a link between the building and the organization’s mission: “The structures hewn by stonemasons were symbols of a persistent human desire to establish order and harmony in the building of civilization. Inspired by this tradition, Freemasons seek to construct order and harmony within the hearts and minds of mankind, erecting an intangible building’ of brotherly love. The cornerstones of public buildings dedicated by Masons reflect both the fraternity’s history in tangible arts and architecture, and its philosophical root.” The cornerstone ceremony will be a unique honor for the 150bed Veterans Home, says Rob Burroughs, an Iraqi war veteran and chairman of a committee formed to support the $88 million project. “This is a really good opportunity. Masons have been involved with cornerstone ceremonies since the start of the nation, and this is carrying that on for our veterans and the Masons. It’s part of our tradition and heritage.” The ceremony also is a benchmark of sorts for a broader North State effort to care for veterans and acknowledge their contributions and sacrifices, says Burroughs, who serves as president and CEO of the Northern California Veterans Museum & Heritage Center. The museum is planned for a 17-acre parcel adjacent to Redding Municipal Airport. Also in the plan is a relocation of the Veterans Administration clinic from its Hartnell Avenue home to a spot across Knighton Road from the Veterans Home. Taken together, the Northern California Veterans Cemetery in Igo, the Veterans Home, the VA clinic and the Veterans Museum will provide “a complete picture to tell the story of our veterans right here in Northern California,” Burroughs says. “It’s taken a lot of people with a lot of vision. I’m privileged to be part of the trailing end of it, to see that it gets completed. “We’re taking care of our veterans and we’re paying it forward.” • Masonic cornerstone ceremony: 2 pm, April 23 Northern California Veterans Home 3400 Knighton Road, Redding
Jon Lewis has been a writer for the past 31 years, working at newspapers in Woodland, Davis, Vacaville and Redding. A longtime San Francisco Giants fan, his interests include golf, fishing and steering clear of what appears to be a resident cat-cougar hybrid. He has called Redding home for 25 years.
Imagine… Equity in your home Imagine… Home Improvements Imagine… Debt Consolidation Imagine… Travel Call our Home Equity Expert, Jaime Taylor today 530-244-8129. Imagine the possibilities!
$
as G 0 5 rd CaHELOC with proval ap
Dedicated to your dreams becoming reality!
a division of redding bank of commerce
reddingbankofcommerce.com
Customer must complete loan application process. Subject to credit approval. $50 gas card given if home equity line is approved. Limited time offer. See branch for full details. April 2012 Enjoy 59