The Bigfork Masonic Lodge is pleased to announce the re-introduction of its reading incentive program for Bigfork Elementary School, Lakeside Elementary School, and Swan River School. 

In the past, this program was called Bikes for Books where aspiring readers were given an opportunity to win a bicycle based on the number of books they read. Our new program takes a bold leap into the future (for Masons at least) and offers Kindles as the incentive instead of bicycles. Kindles for Kids is co-sponsored by the Montana Masonic Foundation (MMF) with the goal of encouraging young people to explore the fascinating world of reading. 

The goal of Bigfork Lodge and the MMF is to provide the incentive, Kindles, while leaving the administration of the program up to the professional educators in each school. Under this program, we will be providing 6 Kindles to each of the three schools. One for each grade (K - 4, or 1 - 5), plus one for the schoolwide most improved reader. It is our sincere hope that this program will get young people and parents excited about developing critical reading skills at an early age. 

Volunteer members of the Bigfork Masonic Lodge will be working with each school as a liaison. Don Hendrickson will be working with Principal Brenda Clarke at Bigfork Elementary School. LeRoy Lau will be working with Principal John Thies at Lakeside Elementary School. Gary Breylinger will be working with Margaret Goff, Librarian at Swan River School. 

The success of this program depends on the participation of both child and parent. So please, actively encourage your little person to read and participate.

In closing, if you are an inactive Mason, or not yet a Mason but interested in finding out more about this venerable fraternal organization, please feel free to join us for our pre-lodge meal. The next meetings will be Tuesday, December 9, and Tuesday, January 13. Our meal begins at 6:30 p.m. For active Masons in good standing, the stated lodge meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. If you have any questions regarding Bigfork Lodge or joining the Masonic fraternity, please feel free to contact LeRoy Lau, Lodge Secretary, at montanalau@gmail.com.

— Chris Amyes