Shriners International: Kena

Organization: Shriners International
Temple: Kena (Manassas)
Period: November 20, 2024 – Present

Roles

  • Kena Klown Club – 2-Year Director
    A structured leadership role within a multi-year progression toward Director, supporting planning, continuity, and club operations.
  • Apple Valley Shrine Club – Founding Member; Parade Coordinator, Secretary

Participate in Shrine activities supporting Shriners Children’s through fundraising and community outreach. Contribute to planning and staffing family-focused events. As a founding member of the Apple Valley Shrine Club, I coordinate parade logistics and public participation for community appearances.

Shriner Service & Involvement

This section documents my involvement within the Shrine, from initiation at Kena Shrine to participation in clubs, events, and leadership roles supporting charitable fundraising and community engagement.

  • Shriners International: Kena Shrine: Induction
    Shriners International: Kena Shrine: Induction

    On November 20, 2024, I took my first step into the world of the Shriners. At the Kena Shrine in Manassas, I found a new way to serve—and discovered that finding a Fez for a “well-proportioned” head is a challenge all its own. Read More

  • ACCA Shrine: Loyal Order of Water Buffalo: Degree
    ACCA Shrine: Loyal Order of Water Buffalo: Degree

    On December 1, 2024, I traveled back to the Stone Age. Dressed as Fred Flintstone, I joined the Loyal Order of Water Buffalo at the ACCA Shrine Center for a day of family, fellowship, and Fruity Pebbles. Read More

  • Kena Klown Club: Probationary Clown, Leonardo
    Kena Klown Club: Probationary Clown, Leonardo

    On December 11, 2024, I fulfilled a longtime dream by joining the Kena Klown Club. From “picking my nose” to learning the secret rules of breaking decorum, I’ve officially started my probationary journey as “Leonardo” the hobo clown. Read More

  • Welcome New Members
    Welcome New Members

    Kenagram: In the January–February 2025 issue, I am listed among six nobles welcomed into the Kena Shriners organization, marking my formal induction and inclusion in the temple’s official membership record as documented in its house publication during early 2025 period. Read More

  • Kena Klown Club: First Dress-Out
    Kena Klown Club: First Dress-Out

    On March 1, 2025, I officially stepped into the oversized shoes of a hobo clown. From the chaos of a packed dressing room to dodging the Kena 500 race cars, my first dress-out was a crash course in the art of the antic. Read More

  • Kena Klown Club: Second Dress-out
    Kena Klown Club: Second Dress-out

    My second dress-out as a clown was nearly derailed by a missing makeup kit. Between a ChatGPT-assisted Walmart run and a record-breaking Virginia heatwave, I learned exactly what it takes to earn the title of a “real” clown. Read More

  • Kena Klown Club: Clown, Dr. Leo
    Kena Klown Club: Clown, Dr. Leo

    On July 9, 2025, I reached two major milestones: I officially graduated to “Permanent Klown” status, and thanks to a bit of academic flair from Abide University, I officially debuted my new persona: Dr. Leo. Read More

  • Kena Klowns
    Kena Klowns

    Kenagram: We appear uncredited in a group photo of Kena Klowns preparing for a parade. While not a named feature, the image documents collective participation in community events and volunteer activities through the organization. Read More

  • Kena Klown Club: 2-Year Director
    Kena Klown Club: 2-Year Director

    On October 9, 2025, I learned a very important lesson about the Kena Klown Club: if you aren’t there to defend yourself, you might just find yourself in the leadership line! Read More

  • Kena Shrine: Grand & Glorious Order of the Hillbilly: Degree
    Kena Shrine: Grand & Glorious Order of the Hillbilly: Degree

    On October 17, 2025, after two missed opportunities and a long wait, I finally made it to the “holler.” I’m proud to announce I’ve officially received the Hillbilly Degree with Clan No. 15 at the Kena Shrine! Read More

  • Kena Shrine: Apple Valley Shrine Club: Founder
    Kena Shrine: Apple Valley Shrine Club: Founder

    On November 14, 2025, I traded my “Grand Poobah” hat for a seat at the organizational table. Helping found the Apple Valley Shrine Club in Front Royal has been a masterclass in nonprofit building—and a beautiful reminder of how our Masonic circles eventually close. Read More

  • Kena Shrine: Apple Valley Shrine Club: Parade Coordinator
    Kena Shrine: Apple Valley Shrine Club: Parade Coordinator

    When founding a new club, you look for the right tools for the job. For the Apple Valley Shrine Club, that meant reaching back into the history books to bring back a classic office—and I’m honored to be the one stepping into it. Read More

  • Virginia Mountaineers Hillbilly Clan 15: Member
    Virginia Mountaineers Hillbilly Clan 15: Member

    January 2026 – Present. Completed Hillbilly Degree and formally joined Clan 15 by remitting lifetime dues. Attended the fifth-Friday meeting and participated in organizational activities, including Turtle Club induction. Membership supports fellowship, tradition, and continued involvement in regional fraternal and community gatherings. Read More