The Kosair YoShi Club welcomed the New Year with a “Kick-Off Party” at Kosair Shrine Center on Saturday, January 5^th.  Nobles, their ladies and children gathered to enjoy fellowship, food and take-in a University of Kentucky basketball game and NFC divisional playoff game.  Chef Corey prepared a great lunch, we entertained visitors and welcomed a new member to the club.

Our January meeting was well attended and the following officers were elected to serve the club for 2008:  B. Shawn Warren, President; Jeffrey Jones, Vice President; Matthew A. Rodgers, Treasurer and Eric Churchill, Secretary.

On Sunday, January 20^th several of our members gathered to watch the NFC title game between the Green Bay Packers and New York Giants.  While the author wasn’t pleased with the outcome of the game, a good time was had nonetheless.

For those not familiar, the term “YoShi” is a bad acronym for “Young Shriner.”  Regular membership is open to Nobles aged 45 and under, with dues being $10 per year.  Associate membership is available to all who are “young at heart” for only $5 per year.  You don’t need an invitation, just come on by.  The Kosair YoShi Club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30pm.

Events already planned for 2008 include:  Family bowling night, President’s “Mystery Tour” (stag), Pegasus Parade, a YoShi Walk, the infamous YoShi Beach Party on September 20^th, a Kosair Charities event in the fall, camping trip and a UofL Football tailgate.  Join us for a great year!  If you have any questions, please call Shawn Warren at 724-4921 or email shawn@fratline.net.

On Sunday, February 10^th a host of young men, Master Masons and family members assembled at Kosair Shrine Center to witness the reinstitution of Gold Fidelity Chapter, Order of DeMolay and the initiation of six new members of the Order.

The groundwork for this momentous undertaking was laid last year under the leadership of Illustrious Sir Bob Frye.  Kosair Shriners is privileged to sponsor a Chapter of DeMolay in Louisville.  Gold Fidelity Chapter was originally instituted in the 1940’s and has since met at Vine Grove and Elizabethtown, Kentucky.  The Chapter has been dormant for a number of years but has been brought to life again due to the commitment of Kosair Shriners.

Members of the Order from northern Kentucky, Lexington and Cherokee Chapter in Louisville were present to confer the Initiatory and DeMolay Degrees on six young men.  Following the degree work, Gold Fidelity Chapter was reinstituted in a ceremony led by M.W. Bro. Patton Hart, Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Kentucky, F. & A.M. and present Grand Master of DeMolay International.  He was assisted by M.W. Bro. William G. Hinton, Past Grand Master of Kentucky and Executive Officer of Kentucky DeMolay.  Following the ceremonies, everyone gathered in the dining room for food and fellowship.

Gold Fidelity Chapter will meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30pm in the YoShi Club room of Kosair Shriners.  Noble Mike Adler will serve as Chapter Dad and Noble B. Shawn Warren will assist as a Chapter Advisor.  Both are senior members of the Order and members of the DeMolay Alumni Association.

DeMolay is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful, happy and productive lives.  Basing its approach on timeless principles and practical, hands-on experience, DeMolay opens doors for young men aged 12 to 21 by developing the civic awareness, personal responsibility and leadership skills so vitally needed in society today.  DeMolay combines this serious mission with a fun approach that builds important bonds of friendship among members in more than 1,000 chapters worldwide.

DeMolay alumni include Walt Disney, John Wayne, Walter Cronkite, football Hall-of-Famer Fran Tarkenton, legendary Nebraska football coach Tom Osborne, news anchor David Goodnow and many others. Each has spoken eloquently of the life-changing benefit gained from their involvement in DeMolay.

If you have a son, grandson or nephew that would be interested in finding out more about the Order of DeMolay, please contact Shawn Warren at 724-4921 or by email, shawn@fratline.net.  You can also visit the Order’s website at www.demolay.org.  We will be sharing more news from Gold Fidelity Chapter at unit and club meetings in the near future.  Thank you for your commitment and support for these young men who are the future of Freemasonry.