The North Carolina Mason

May/June 2017 The North Carolina Mason Page 13 Academy track takes on Grand Lodge e William R. Davie Leader- ship Academy is offering its Track 4, "e District Officer and Grand Lodge Committeemen," in July, August and September in three locations across the state: ■ July 1 at Corinthian #230, Rocky Mount ■ Aug. 5 at Masonic Home for Children, Oxford ■ Sept. 2 at Junaluskee #145, Franklin e class is for North Carolina Masons who want to know more about leadership opportunities through the Grand Lodge, including committees and district offices. Topics include an overview of Grand Lodge boards, commissions and committees; duties and respon- sibilities of committee members; the appointment and election processes; and the duties and responsibilities of District Deputy Grand Masters and District Deputy Grand Lecturers. While the class provides informa- tion on these positions, it is not a prerequisite or qualifier for holding any position in the Grand Lodge. ese appointments are made annually by each incoming Grand Master. Sessions begin at 9 a.m. and end at 3:30 p.m. e cost is $45 in advance, or $60 at door, and includes lunch, all instructional materials and a certificate awarded upon successful completion. Preregister on the Grand Lodge web site. Follow the links to Educa- tion Resources and Davie Academy. e Davie Academy offers prac- tical education on lodge manage- ment and leadership, with classes on North Carolina Masonic history, traditions and structure. Each class is offered in the eastern, central and western regions of the state. e instructors are experienced Masonic leaders specially trained to deliver coursework for maximum impact and efficiency. e Academy replaces the Grand Lodge Wardens Bootcamps and opens Masonic leadership training to a broader range of members in more locations. It does not replace Wilkerson College, an intensive leadership training program taking place over three weekends in Greensboro, Oxford and Raleigh. NCMF adds Blake to development team Kenidee Blake has joined the North Carolina Masonic Foun- dation staff as western region development director, bringing the NCMF's new development team to full-strength. Blake, who goes by "Dee," is a recognized leader in fundraising and development who joins the NCMF after nine years as director of development for Duke HomeCare & Hospice in Durham. She brings 25 years of management experience, including six years as CEO of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Mid South Chapter. She also has extensive experience in staff and volunteer training, and media and marketing. Blake also is the daughter of a Mason, and is a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Blake will oversee development efforts for Masonic charities on the western side of the state, with special focus on WhiteStone: A Masonic and Eastern Star Community in Greensboro. Her work also will benefit the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford and the NC Masonic Foundation itself. She joins Chris Richardson, eastern regional development director based in Oxford, NC., in fundraising activities designed to financially support our Masonic charities for generations to come and create new charitable oppor- tunities to further Masonry and its mission statewide. Both report to foundation Development Director Jeff Hensley. At Duke HomeCare & Hospice, Blake was responsible for building all aspects of a strong devel- opment program, as well as increasing awareness and long- term support for DHCH from individuals, corporations, founda- tions and the community at large. She previously served as execu- tive director of the YWCA of Wake County; director of the Office of Advancement for the University of North Carolina School of Nursing at Chapel Hill; senior vice president of the Triangle United Way and Easter Seals UCP North Carolina; and president of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Memphis, TN. She is a graduate of the University of Hawaii and holds certifications from the University of Indiana's School of Philanthropy. NCMF Board President Mike Faulkenbury called Blake's appointment "a home run for the craft and our charities." "Rarely do you find someone who not only meets every requirement, has great experience, character, a strong work ethic and a track record of success, but also feels a calling to support the mission of our charities," he said. "at's what Dee bring to us." NCMF Chief Develop- ment Officer Jeff Hensley looks forward to working with Dee to raise additional support for our charities. "She uniquely combines an extensive and successful career in fundraising with an eager- ness and entrepreneurial spirit to help build our new fundraising initiative at the Foundation, he said. "Moreover, her OES iden- tity allows her to understand and relate to the Craft and develop new relationships between the Eastern Star and the Founda- tion—this great Masonic family that our Grand Master has been celebrating this year. I'm delighted that she is joining our team!" KERNERSVILLE – Guess who's com- ing to lunch? In late May, several mem- bers of Kernersville #669, led by Mas- ter Brian Anderson (pictured) travelled to the Masonic Home for Children at Oxford to serve lunch to the children, house parents, and staff. After the lunch, the brothers played games with the chil- dren and enjoyed a tour of MHCO.

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