Hello, My Brothers All:

To all those Brothers who participated in our annual Flag Day program, thank you! The addition of the Heroes of ‘76 (a part of the National Sojourners) and their “Building the Flag” presentation was well done and added some additional focus on the Flag of our country, which is what Flag Day celebrates.

I would be remiss if I didn’t take just a few minutes and acknowledge the accomplishment that the editor of or eNews recently had bestowed upon him. Brother Ron Blaisdell was recently honored by being presented the 2018 Silver Antelope award. The Silver Antelope is the highest volunteer Scouting award at the Area or Regional level. Only eight are awarded annually within Central Region. Central Region covers thirteen states and contains seven Areas. As an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, Ron has been a part of Southern Shores Field Service Council, works at University of Michigan Health System and currently resides in Great Lakes Field Service Council. He most recently was the Michigan Crossroads Council (MCC) VP of District Operations and serves as an Assistant Council Commissioner for Michigan Crossroads. He has served on staff for several Colleges of Commissioner Science courses, Camp Visitation teams, and the National Commissioner Tools Task Force. He has also been quite active in Southern Region Area 4 (Florida). I would ask any of you reading this eNews article who know Brother Ron, please take a moment and offer to him your congratulations on this honor bestowed upon him, as I am sure it would be appreciated. Congratulations Ron from the Brothers of the Valley of Orlando, job well done!

I am pleased to report that all six modular units have been assembled and leveled, the electrical feed has been installed, but not hooked up yet as there are inspections needed before that occurs. The point being, that we are moving in the right direction and rather quickly. Both Keith and I anticipate that we will be in by mid-July of this year. At that point, our General Secretary, Ill:. Brother Keith will be asking for assistance in unloading our PODS and transferring all our costumes, props and records into our new modular building. When Keith makes the request if you are available your assistance would be greatly appreciated. You know the saying – “many hands make little work!” As soon as the building is ready we will also have a short ribbon cutting ceremony!

Please remember that our June meeting on Friday the 22nd will be a full night with dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by an open meeting where we will officially welcome and receive Ill:. Richard G. Hoover, 33° our Deputy of the Supreme Council in the Orient of Florida. Following this will be our 14° Ring Ceremony to welcome our new Masters of The Royal Secret, and their ladies/families, into our “Family” within the Valley of Orlando. After this, we will be knighting those new Brothers who desire to become a member of the Knights of Saint Andrew.

Many of you have been very generous with your giving to our Foundation this year, but our meeting on the 22nd of June is the last chance to make a donation to the Scottish Rite Foundation USA, Inc. as their fiscal year closes on the 30th of June. This would be a perfect time to give if you have not yet made your donation, or if you would like to give a little more to support the 14 clinics in the Orient of Florida. As I often say, no gift is too small or too large.

Until next time, remember the many things for which you are thankful! Be safe in your travels; “whisper wise counsel in the ear of an erring brother;” and respect the dignity of all, as it makes you and our fraternity stronger one action at a time. Thanks for your continued support and participation; and may the “Spirit of Fraternity” reign supreme within our “Valley of Orlando!”

Fraternally,
Ill:. Chester A. “Chet” King, 33°
Personal Representative

“People forget what you say, and forget what you do, but forever remember how you made them feel!”