Message from the Exalted Ruler

---

Members All:

The month of August brought us a couple of changes in the roll of Officers at the Lodge. Kathi Shotwell is now Lecturing Knight, Chris Ferris is Five-Year Trustee, and Paul Wills is One-Year Trustee. Also DVP Tom Carns has kindly offered to be appointed Lodge Chaplain, while PSP John Harris has consented to be Lodge Esquire “Pro Tem.” I am pleased and proud to announce the appointment of my son and 5th generation Elk Jay Harrington as Presiding Justice. Thank you to all for your commitment and for as-sisting me with the management of the Lodge.

We are sort of in the Summer doldrums, in terms of weather and Covid-19, however the House Committee has been hard at work scheduling events that will surely draw members’ attention while keeping in mind the Social Distancing and Occupancy requirements that are so important. Please check the calendar for upcoming events. Be sure to look for the food specials that are offered on a daily basis as there is some-thing for every taste with our varied menus.

Regarding the follow-up required to maintain the Lodge facilities, I would like to

take a moment to say THANKS to Gail Miller, Suzy McDer-mott, PER Wendy Carns and Chris Ferris for their efforts in keeping the Lodge clean and properly sanitized. Please let them know we appreciate their efforts. These ladies exemplify the efforts of the many who operate behind the scenes to make the Lodge function. THANKS to all of you.

In September, we will be visiting West St. Lucie Lodge on Saturday the 19th with our own DVP Tom Carns and members are encouraged to attend the function and represent Viera Lodge and support Tom and the Southeast Central District. There is a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board. Let’s have a great turnout and enjoy a night of fellowship.

We are growing our membership and initiated a new member last month. Please say hello and welcome to Carol Erwin when you see her at the Lodge. Also, I am happy to report that we have applications for three other new members in various stages of process, and we will be voting on three transfer dimits at the first meeting in September.

Speaking of meetings, at the August 20th initiation, ALL OFFICERS were in attendance

and we had a nice audience in spite of the rain. THANK YOU ALL for supporting the

Lodge. Kudos to Kathi Shotwell for her first run as Lecturing Knight and to Rich Shotwell and his bionic shoulder for coming down to handle the Inner Guard duties.

THANKS to all of you members for your support of our various programs, functions and our Order. Stay safe and healthy until next month.

May God Bless America, and each of you!

Fraternally,

Jerry Harrington,

Exalted Ruler