KSA Membership Appreciation and Awards Dinner

The Knights of St. Andrew added two new names to the distinguished roster of Knights who have been awarded the Dennis P. Samuelson Service Award. Gary Williams, 32° and Kyle Beckner, 32° join 14 Brethren who have received the award since 2012, recognized for their extraordinary service to the KSA and the Valley as well as their leadership. This year marked a new recognition, as Venerable Master Bob Pelletier, 32° honored Amanda Beckner (top right) with the first Lady of the Order of the Thistle award. Bob thanked Amanda for volunteering to bartend, her involvement with KSA and Valley activities, as well as service on the notorious “Chain Gang,” the KSA’s highway clean-up project. Amanda and husband Kyle join his father-in-law Alan Boulter, 32° as a family of members who are active and engaged in Scottish Rite Masonry. Kyle is also Master of Bellevue Lodge #325 this year, and both Gary and Kyle are Line Officers in the Council of Kadosh.

In addition to the awards, Bob Pelletier knighted several new Brethren: Dan Alati, 32° (bottom right), Carroll Peacock, 32°, Tracy McClarnon, 32°, and Terry Winter, 32°.

With so many Brethren volunteering for gigs during the year, the entire KSA was recognized for their service, while T.J. Brumfield, 32° was recognized for volunteering for the most gigs (33).

  • Bob Pelletier listed several major KSA Membership Appreciation Dinner accomplishments of the KSA for the past year.

  • Over $60,000 donated back to the Valley for unmet needs, with $10,000 donated back in 2019.
    In 2019, Knights provided volunteer support for 62 gig events, and did not fail to fulfill a scheduled event.

  • In 2019, KSA members increased volunteer participation from 10% to 36%, with 34 Brothers performing 2 or more gigs this year.

  • In the past year, the KSA set a goal of recruiting 25 new Knights; 36 new Brethren joined the KSA increasing membership to 122 members.

  • At the end of 2019, membership retention was 99%, with only 1 Brethren not paying dues.
    Social activity programs were implemented for the KSA to build stronger bonds and inspire life-long friendships.

  • The KSA began a mentorship program for new members, resulting in higher retention and participation.

To learn more about the Knights of St. Andrew or to join, visit www.scottishriteomaha.org/ksa.