Message from the Exalted Ruler

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 Members All:

The Melbourne property sale was finalized on August 2, 2023. With a final sale price of 

$575,000 and after expenses, the proceeds have been placed in a three month certificate of 

deposit drawing 5% interest. Thanks and congratulations to Tom Carns and his team for getting this completed.

As we move into September, we have many exciting events planned. Let’s hope the temperatures begin to ease and tropical disturbances remain quiet.

September 8th & 9th we will be hosing FSEA State President Joe Cooper with his wife Allie and 

VPAL Russ Smith with his wife Denise. This is a huge honor for Viera and the SECD. They arrive at the Holiday Inn at 5PM on the 8th to begin the festivities. Friday evening we will have a 

Luau themed Cocktail Party at Cocoa Lodge. Saturday we have a trip to Sebastian Lodge with 

lunch at noon and a Prime Rib dinner at Viera Lodge in the evening. All members are invited to 

attend all events. Times and costs are listed on the bulletin board. Let’s show our State leaders 

a huge Viera welcome.

Later in the month we will have a Low Country Boil by Bill Moss and team with music by 

George Durham. Bill does a great job with the food, and if you haven't seen George Durham 

perform you are missing a huge treat. We will close the month with a formal, elegant dinner 

by our own Kasha Harrell. Menu will be available shortly and music will be provided by Sammy 

Hadaad, another of our great performers. Please don’t forget our Sunday breakfasts and our 

other weekly fare. Dates and times are listed on the calendar.

Our membership continues to improve. We added ten new members last month which was a 

huge boost. Our current membership stands at 544, but our delinquency is still too high at 

23%. Please continue to do what you can to reduce this percentage as well as recruiting new 

members. It’s through all of your efforts that Viera will continue to grow and prosper. 

There is one other item I really need your help with. That is the reporting of charity dollars, 

hours and mileage you do in the community as well as your volunteer hours and expenses for 

our Lodge. You may ask, “why is this important”? The primary reason is that our charity efforts, 

both within the Lodge and in our community support our IRS 501 C (8) not-for-profit designation. Charity hours, miles and dollars are reported monthly to Grand Lodge. Charity report 

forms are in the basket on the door to the Secretary’s office. Please complete and return a 

form for any volunteer charity work you may do. It is important. Your support will be appreciated.

Let’s continue our positive attitude, working together to make Viera Lodge the best it can be.

Wishing each of you a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend.

May God bless each of you, our Military and First Responders.

Bill Orblych, PDDGER

Exalted Ruler