
                        CURRENT INTEREST 


Plaque Boosts Center 

   The finishing touches are now complete to the new Scottish 
Rite Language Center located adjacent to the Scottish Rite 
Temple in Richmond, Virginia (shown in photo in published 
version). Named in honor of Ill Earl H. Wicker, 33, whose 
generous initial donation spurred quick completion of this 
center less than a year after initial ground-breaking on June 
25, 1990, the Richmond facility is an outstanding example of 
what can be accomplished in short order when dedicated Brethren 
join in support of a good cause. 

   Upon entering the Richmond Center, one of the first things 
noticed is an innovative cast aluminum plaque (36" x 19") 
modeled on the Scottish Rite Foundation's new logo for the 
Childhood Language Disorders Program. In bold relief against a 
dark, textured background, a young boy and girl burnished in a 
lustrous silver-gold color are represented within the 
sheltering wings of the Scottish Rite eagle. 

   The initial mold and cost for the first plaque, along with 
rights to mold subsequent plaques, were donated to the Richmond 
Scottish Rite by Brother F. Richard Wilton, Jr., 32, a well 
known Richmond builder who, also donating the services of his 
company, constructed the new center at cost. 

   Additionally, Brother Wilton has arranged a proviso: all 
monies generated by distributing the plaque to other Scottish 
Rite Bodies will be donated directly to the Childhood Language 
Center at Richmond, Inc., Endowment Fund. Each plaque is 
available for $1,500 (plus Virginia tax), a cost well below the 
expense of the cast's initial design and casting. All hardware 
for mounting is supplied. Only the plaque's shipping charge (it 
weighs 18 to 20 pounds) is extra. 

   For additional information contact Bro F. Richard Wilton, 
Jr., 32, at 804-264-0400. The new plaque forms a highly 
visible, relevant, and attractive focal point, interior or 
exterior, for any Scottish Rite Childhood center. 

   What a wonderful way to kick off your center's new year! 



6,238 And Counting! 

   Since the inception of its program in September 1987, the 
Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders in 
Washington, DC, has had over 6,000 patient visits! In addition, 
the Valley's recent 1991-92 Winter Bulletin notes that in just 
one year, 2,245 appointments were provided 465 children, over 
400 of them new to the center. This represents a 27 percent 
increase in patient visits over the previous fiscal year and a 
60 percent increase in the number of children served. Special 
features of the center include extensive computer-assisted 
instruction which captures the attention and imagination of the 
facility's young clients while teaching them to think 
sequentially and to have confidence in their abilities. 

   Also, in an effort to address the needs of a culturally 
diverse population, the center has a bilingual staff which 
works not only to remediate language delays but also to 
overcome traumatic backgrounds. 

   Dr. Martin A. Fischer, Director of the Center, points out 
that many of the parents are immigrants from war-ravaged 
Central America. Thus the services of the center speed the 
development of English ability as well as quick adjustment to 
the American environment. Finally, a highly popular software 
program is available for stutterers. 

   Innovative fundraising is necessary to support the varied 
and expanding services of the center in our nation's capital. 
For instance, a new Benefactors Club offering bronze, silver, 
and gold memberships with appropriate cards, lapel pins, and 
plaques in each category, has done much to advance the Scottish 
Rite Center's endowment goal of $2 million. 

   The "state of the art" facilities, dedicated staff, and 
enthusiastic support of the Washington, DC, Brethren assure 
continued success to this flagship center of our nationwide 
Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Program.  


CANINE GREETER 


   "Shep" may not be a trained clinician, but he is certainly 
an asset to the Scottish Rite Clinic for Childhood Language 
Disorders in San Bernardino, California. This friendly canine 
is the clinic's official greeter! As children come for their 
therapy sessions, Shep is always there. He keeps a watch at the 
entrance to the clinic, gives a welcoming bark when someone 
arrives, and then offers escort service to the Temple's door. 
According to Bro Don Stephens, 32, KCCH, Clinic Chairman, 
Shep has been on the job for eight or nine years now, and the 
children coming for treatment look forward nearly as much to 
seeing their canine friend as to sharing in the clinic's game-
like therapy sessions. 

    
New Official Credit Card Boosts Rite 
         
   On February 10, 1992, Grand Commander C. Fred Kleinknecht, 
33, was pleased to announce the disbursement of checks 
totaling $175,000 to 46 Scottish Rite Foundations in 35 Orients 
for use in their Childhood Language Disorders Program. 

   These contributions are possible due to the continuing 
success of our Scottish Rite Preferred Credit Card Program. 
Please see page 64 of this issue for details on how to acquire 
a card or exchange your previous Scottish Rite credit card for 
the new official Scottish Rite credit card which features a 
full-color picture of the House of the Temple. The new credit 
card program with First Virginia offers many practical benefits 
(like no annual fee for the first year's use) to its owner as 
well as increased benefits, like this $175,000 disbursement, to 
Scottish Rite. 

   In his letter conveying these funds, Grand Commander 
Kleinknecht extended "Congratulations to you and the `Scottish 
Rite Masons on the Move' in your Orient for helping in this 
worthy philanthropic effort." 

   As more Brethren take advantage of the official Scottish 
Rite Preferred Credit Card Program, even more of America's 
children will be aided to overcome their language and learning 
disorders and so live happier, more productive lives! 


A Visit, With Love 

   Last June, Richard Payne, age 11, made it a point to stop by 
the Guthrie, Oklahoma, Scottish Rite Childhood Language 
Disorders Center. Hugs and a tear or two were in order. Five 
years ago, when he was having trouble in first grade, Richard 
became one of forty clients then being treated at the Guthrie 
clinic. 

   Because he often omitted sounds in words, incorrectly 
sequenced his words and could not make complete sentences, his 
speech was virtually unintelligible. He was frustrated. His 
parents were desperate. 

   Today, after five years and countless hours of therapy, plus 
extensive parent counseling, most of Richard's speech problems 
are eliminated. Frankly, Richard is so eager to speak that he 
will talk your ear off! Not only did the treatment offered at 
the Guthrie facility significantly help Richard, but when the 
family had to move, the center's staff helped his parents know 
what services he needed and how to obtain them at their new 
location. 

   Now Richard has the confidence to meet his problems head-on, 
and he has developed a talent in the very area where he was 
handicapped! Today he loves to tell stories and illustrate 
them; he relishes history and can recite facts by the page; he 
enjoys being a library aid and designing posters for his 
school's halls. 

   Congratulations, Richard! Visit again, soon! 


Lincoln Temple Welcomes Kids 

   Making Scottish Rite visible and helpful to the public in 
every way - these aspects of public relations are central to 
the advancement of our Order and the Scottish Rite Childhood 
Language Disorders Program across the Southern Jurisdiction. 

   For instance, as reported by Ill Warren D. "Duke" Lichty, 
33, SGIG in Nebraska, the Lincoln Scottish Rite Temple 
opened its large auditorium to McPhee Elementary School for a 
winter holiday program. Over 1,000 students, teachers, and 
parents attended! Certainly, the hospitality extended was most 
appreciated. John Zetterman, Principal of McPhee Elementary, 
wrote saying: 

    "The McPhee staff and students would like to extend a 
heartfelt THANKS to our friends at the Scottish Rite Temple for 
the use of their wonderful building for our holiday music 
program. The office staff and custodial staff were friendly, 
helpful, and welcoming. 

    "Not surprisingly, a group that annually opens its heart to 
an outstanding Lincoln public school teacher through the 
Scottish Rite Award has opened its doors to Lincoln's public 
school children. Thank you for your faithful and continued 
support of the Lincoln Public Schools."  



Scottish Rite Film Goes to Europe 

    "On the Wings of Words," the Scottish Rite's new short film 
on the Childhood Language Disorders Program, was recently 
selected by CINE (Council of International Nontheatrical 
Events) for presentation at an international short film 
festival and competition in Oberhausen, Germany. 

    This excellent color film (see front inside cover and page 
62 of this issue) features Ernest Borgnine, 33, GC, as host 
and is winning praise from both Masonic and non-Masonic 
audiences because of its charming blend of real-life sequences 
and animation. In 16mm film version ($150) or VHS videotape 
($10) available from the Scottish Rite Foundation, "On the 
Wings of Words" forms the basis for an informative and 
inspiring program for any fraternal, parent-teacher, or civic 
event. To order, write The Scottish Rite Foundation, 1733 
Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009-3199. 


"Total Involvement Everyone!" 

   On July 5, 1991, the Scottish Rite Foundation of Florida 
dedicated its fifth Childhood Language Disorders Center in Palm 
Beach, the first clinic on the state's east coast. This 
accomplishment was the climax of over three decades of 
commitment and hard work. 

   1960s:  Ill Frank H. Thompson, 33, then SG IG in 
Florida, establishes the Scottish Rite Foundation of Tampa with 
only $4,000 in the treasury. Today the Foundation in Florida is 
approaching $2 million! 
 
  1970s:  Ill William Mercer Hollis, 33, SG IG in 
Florida, 1966-88, changes the Foundation's name to the Scottish 
Rite Foundation of Florida, U.S.A., eliminating geographical 
limitations and opening the opportunity to establish clinics 
throughout Florida. On October 1, 1975, the first Scottish Rite 
clinic opens in All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg. 
Three short years later, a second center opens in Tampa. 

   1980s:  Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Centers 
open in Sarasota and Panama City. In May of 1988, Ill Robert 
L. Goldsmith, 33, now SGIG in Florida, is appointed Deputy 
of The Supreme Council, 33, and takes as his theme "Total 
Involvement Everyone." In keeping with this motto, he appoints 
a Foundation Trustee from each Valley thereby uniting Orient 
support for the Foundation. 

   1990s:  A fifth center is opened in Palm Beach on July 5, 
1991, and in the same year the Scottish Rite Foundation of 
Florida expands its support of scholarships by 29 percent, 
awarding $343,296 to 43 recipients. 

   The three-decade record of the Foundation demonstrates the 
enthusiasm of the Brethren for this great Scottish Rite 
philanthropy. Undoubtedly, their goal of providing the services 
of a speech-language professional to any Florida child in need 
will be met in the decades to come! 


Fresno Center Groundbreaking 

   On January 3, 1992, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new 
Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Center in Fresno, 
California, demonstrated the dynamic spirit and community 
involvement of these dedicated Brethren. The new Center is the 
twelfth in California and should be ready to receive its first 
clients by May. Due to very inclement weather, Ill H. Douglas 
Lemons, 33, SGIG in California, was unable to attend, but 
a letter of congratulations from him was read to the assembled 
dignitaries and Brethren. Ill Richard Matthews, 33, as Master 
of Ceremonies, reflected the feelings of all attending when he 
said, "We dedicate the Center which shall rise here to the 
useful purposes, the principles and the teachings of 
Freemasonry, and to the service of all children in need of 
assistance to promote their normal childhood development." Such 
quick progress on this large new Center is anticipated that M 
W Stanley M. Cazneaux, 32, KCCH, Grand Master of Masons 
of California, along with his Grand Line Officers, will conduct 
a Cornerstone Laying Ceremony for the Center on Friday, April 
24. After this ceremony, the assembled Brethren and guests will 
enter the new building to witness an official Scottish Rite 
dedication ceremony conducted by Illustrious Lemons and his 
fellow Scottish Rite Officers. What an auspicious beginning for 
this latest addition to our nationwide network of Childhood 
Language Disorders Centers. 

    Using gilded shovels, the following Brethren and 
dignitaries participated in the groundbreaking ceremony on 
January 3, 1992, of the new Scottish Rite Childhood Language 
Disorders Center in Fresno, California: (l. to r.) Richard C. 
Matthews, 33, Master of Ceremonies; the Honorable Deran 
Koligian, Chairman, Fresno County Board of Supervisors; Tom 
Tatum, M.A., CCC-SLP, Director of the center; the Honorable 
Karen Humphrey, Mayor of the City of Fresno; Ill Michael 
Kandarian, the center's Board of Directors; Mike Anderson, AIA, 
architect; James Jolly, Robert Jolly Construction Co., Inc.    


New Logo 

Recently, Ill Thomas M. Boles, 33, Chairman of the new 
Scottish Rite-Masonic Children's Programs Committee, proudly 
unveiled the Committee's beautiful logo (pictured in the 
published artical). 

    Developed in cooperation with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital 
for Children in Dallas, Texas, the new logo will heighten 
fraternal and public awareness of this valuable committee whose 
members are dedicated to raising funds nationwide for the 
Scottish Rite Foundation and its main philanthropy, the 
Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Program. 

    Members of the Committee are: Thomas M. Boles, Chairman 
(CA); M W Fred E. Allen, 33, Grand Master of Masons in 
Texas; Louis W. Prentiss, Jr., 33 (MO); Robert S. Carter, 32 
(DC); John F. Wymer, Jr., 33 (FL); Robert R. Lyons, 33 (VA); 
and Philip Tierney, legal advisor. 


















    
