On the subject of the Installation of Officers, I need to share something with you, particularly those of you who were able to be in attendance. Illustrious Pete Jantz, 33° served as Installing Officer and did a great job as he always does when called upon by his Valley to serve. Hon Robert "Doc" McNamara served as Installing Chaplain and showed well as he does in all that he does for the Valley. I on the other hand owe you an apology. My performance as Installing Master of Ceremonies was far below the level you and our Valley deserve. My floor work was sloppy and if I ever have the privilege of being asked to serve again, I promise a more worthy performance.

We are well into our second year meeting at the El Bekal Shrine Center. I wish to publicly acknowledge our Brothers in the Shrine for their acceptance of us as "tenants" but more importantly as Brother Masons. By the way, if you are not a member of El Bekal Shrine...well, why not?????

Our newly installed Master of Kadosh, Brother Eric Hanan, 32°, along with a gang of hard working and energetic Knights of Saint Andrew and their Ladies, put on a fun filled New Year's Eve celebration at the Shrine Center. For those of you in attendance, THANK YOU for your support. For those of you unable to attend this inaugural event, mark your calendar for 12/31/2010 because rumor has it, it will be even more fun this year! Again, thank you to our Brothers in the Shrine for their support as well.

Please mark your calendars for, I believe, April 18th for the first of probably two Super Breakfast events to be held this year. I'm sure there is additional info in this newsletter and I sure do hope you can attend. The chairman of the event is Brother John Rider 32°. There are many ways in which you can help the Committee so please contact Brother Rider and learn how you can make a difference!

Speaking of making a difference, I received a note recently from Illustrious Brother Wayne Butterbaugh, 33° advising me that he would be stepping down as the head of the Serving Crew at our Stated Meetings. He will certainly be missed and his long service to the Valley is so very much appreciated. Please join with me in thanking Illustrious Wayne and his Lady Flo for all they do for Scottish Rite Freemasonry. They are both worthy examples of those who do make a difference.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge our junior Past Venerable Master, Irv Womack 32° KCCH. He had some pretty tough challenges this year with some health issues. Of course, being the guy that he is, he didn't make a big deal of it but I know it was tough on both he and his Lady Darlene. Irv has always been a trooper and I appreciate his service to our Valley.

Gosh, I am so excited by the opportunities we have this year! The new line of officers appears to be ready, willing and able to lead us through this next phase of our Masonic journey. I do hope you will come along for the ride and have some fun this year.

Get involved, my Brother, like this Brother has, and you too can make a difference!

Ray Godeke, 33°