Masonic Books for Bikes Program

Alexis Erickson, a 4th grader at Westside Elementary School, Sidney, was the happy winner of a girl’s bicycle presented by Mike Janeway, Senior Warden, left, and Bob Frank, Past Master of the local Masonic Lodge (Lower Yellowstone #90). Alexis is the daughter of Shawna Watley and Ardel Erickson. Not pictured is Braden Kindopp, winner of the boy’s bike, also a 4th grader. Braden is the son of Bodrey and Debbra Kindopp. The kids were given certificates to Johnson Hardware to choose their bike, and a helmet.

The Masonic Books for Bikes Program provided an extension of February’s “I Love to Read Month”, encouraging children to read. The purpose of the program is to motivate kids to read, to increase their vocabulary and to develop skills that will stay with them the rest of their lives. The child’s name was entered into the drawing once for each book they read. Westside Elementary librarian Dawn Greenwood said she feels the program definitely encouraged the kids to read more, in hopes of winning the bicycle.

The local Masonic Lodge would like to give recognition to all the students who have read books this year because of the contest, and to give recognition to the winners.