First Lady Frances Owens Helps Celebrate a Special Anniversary
by Vernon B. Ingraham, 33˚, Executive Secretary, Scottish Rite Foundation of Colorado.

On Saturday, June 7, 2003, at Denver Consistory, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Scottish Rite Foundation of Colorado with a program for the RiteCare kids. As the 70 children entered the building, El Jebel’s Keystone Kops gave each a stuffed animal and the Knights of St. Andrew and El Jebel Clowns gave each a RiteCare cap.

For 40 minutes in the auditorium a magician entertained the children. After inviting them to sit on the floor at the foot of the stage steps along with the clowns, he held their attention from the outset. At one point he brought a 5-year old on stage to participate in a skit. At another he used his six string puppets to dance his way into their hearts and minds. He not only made magic with slight of hand but also turned his unique talent and charisma into totally captivating his audience. We were all smiles in watching him escape with the kids into a land of imagination and make believe.

Our special guest was First Lady Frances Owens. In her 90 minutes with us, the Governor’s wife congratulated the Scottish Rite for its work with childhood language disorders. At a previous awards ceremony held May 1, 2003, she presented the Foundation with the 2003 Frances Owens Communities Helping Young Children Award. On June 7th, as acknowledged by Illustrious and Most Worshipful Dwight Hamilton, 33°, her re-presentation of this award was even more special because the children and their families shared the moment with us.

But the First Lady did something more important. Those of us who observed her interaction with the children in the activity room at the Consistory will always remember the 30 minutes she spent in talking to them, both as a group and one by one. We witnessed not a politician’s wife but a person with a unique ability to communicate with children. These children were in wheel chairs and unable to communicate as you and I do. I will especially remember Frances Owens engaging a young girl who could only nod her head for yes and shake her head for no in response to some great questions. The First Lady’s warmth and charm made the young people feel comfortable and happy.

This was truly a day to remember. During the activities in the auditorium my mind’s eye flashed back to an earlier time when another group of children sat in this same room on a cold and snowy night in November 1952 - a night which resulted in a vote to create the Foundation. For the sake of a widow’s son, we started this work. For the sake of all children with speech-language disorders, we are committed to its never ending mission. Happy anniversary, Scottish Rite Foundation. Thanks to Wayne Arner, 32°, and Bob Elsloo, 32° KCCH, for organizing a celebration that was wonderful for the adults and full of wonder for the children.