David Kruger, 33°, S.G.I.G. in Virginia
1733 16th Street, NW, Washington, D.C.

The "Kruger Bear" project was initiated by Ill. William M. Benson, Sr., 33°, Secretary of the Valley of Portsmouth, Virginia, and his wife, Alice. After attending the Virginia Scottish Rite Conference held in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1996, Brother Bill and his wife were inspired to develop a special fund-raiser to benefit the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Program both in Virginia and across the Jurisdiction.

They shared their thoughts with William Benson's sister who mentioned a friend, Helene R. Fagan, who was, similarly, so impressed with the Scottish Rite's philanthropy that she wanted to write a children's book focused on the good work of the Fraternity. Thus, she wrote Loving Hearts, Big and Small, permitting its use, free of royalty, by the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry in support of its main philanthropy. Soon, the story was wedded to the making of a Teddy Bear modeled on an antique stuffed bear in the Bensons' possession. It was fitted out with a Scottish Rite blazer, complete with a double-headed eagle logo.

Then a number of Scottish Rite Masons, too numerous to mention here, added their thoughts and hard work to the effort. Special note, however, should be made of the assistance of Ill. Thomas F. May, 33°, Personal Representative in Portsmouth; Ill. John W. Boettjer, 33°, G.C., Managing Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal; and Bro. Jason A. Naughton, 32°, Desktop Publishing Specialist, office of the Scottish Rite Journal. Ill. Bro. May, with Ill. Benson, worked tirelessly to boost the "Kruger Bear" project, and Brothers Boettjer and Naughton made a creative idea, Mrs. Fagan's delightful story, into a published reality.
The 16-page, all-color, 9" x 6" book on sturdy paper, appropriate to ages 3 to 6, tells the simple tale of a loving bear that comes to the aid of a village where the children do not speak. In a dramatic turn of events, "Kruger Bear" unlocks their prison of silence, and "from that day on, the children laughed and played, the birds chirped, and music filled the air. What had been The Valley of Silence was forever after known as the Valley of Laughter."

On January 21, 2000, Dr. John W. Boettjer, 33°, G.C., Managing Editor of the Scottish Rite Journal, presented his personal "Kruger Bear" stuffed doll (being held by Dr. Robinson in the photo at right) to the Scottish Rite Center for Childhood Language Disorders in Washington, D.C. Pictured (l. to r.) are: Maria Cabrera, Dr. Boettjer, Linck Zingale, clinic client, Dr. Tommie L. Robinson Jr., Director of the D.C. clinic, and Marvin Cabrera–Hernandez, clinic client.

The story is a charming analogy to the Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Program which has helped so many thousands of children learn to overcome a variety of language and learning disabilities. The creation of the "Kruger Bear" handmade stuffed doll (suggested donation of $200) and the publication of Loving Hearts, Big and Small (suggested donation $25.00 or more) are additional steps in continuing this great program in Virginia and, if adopted locally, across the Southern Jurisdiction. All contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.

Aside from being a fine token of appreciation upon receiving a donation, financial or in service, to the Childhood Language Disorders Program, the book makes a nice gift to any young child. It is especially effective when read aloud with the child by a parent or grandparent since sharing the story not only entertains but also assists reading comprehension while teaching a valuable life lesson.

For more information about the nationwide program, please call toll-free 1–800–SR–MASON or write: The Supreme Council, 33°, 1733 Sixteenth Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009–3103.

For information on the Virginia "Kruger Bear" program and how it can be used in your Valley to support your Scottish Rite Childhood Language Disorders Clinic, Center or Program, write to William M. Benson, Sr., A&A Scottish Rite, PO Box 7276, Portsmouth, VA 23707–0276 Voice 757–484–1759 Fax 757–484–3020.

To obtain a single sample copy of Loving Hearts, Big and Small (for fund-raising consideration only, not for personal use), please send a check for $3.00, payable to the Scottish Rite Foundation of Portsmouth to Secretary Benson at the address above.

David Kruger has been very active in a variety of civic causes in Alexandria, Virginia. Among them are the Red Cross, Boy Scouts, United Givers Fund, Kiwanis (President 1960), Salvation Army, Men of All Faiths (one of the group's founders), Alexandria Board of Health (Secretary), and the Alexandria Hospital, Community Welfare Council, Tuberculosis Association, Boys Club, and Family Service. He served as Vice President of Temple Beth El in Alexandria for nine years and was active in the Conference of Christians and Jews. Bro. Kruger, who practices optometry in Alexandria, became a 50-year member of Norfolk Lodge No. 1 in 1996. A Scottish Rite Mason in the Valley of Alexandria since 1946, he is an expert Masonic ritualist and has served in many leadership roles in the Rite, including President of the Scottish Rite Conference of Virginia in 1975. His outstanding service to the Order was recognized early when he was invested with the rank and decoration of K.C.C.H. in 1953 and coroneted an I.G.H. in 1963. Ill. Kruger became S.G.I.G. in Virginia in 1985 and then Grand Secretary General of the Supreme Council in 1989. He is an Honorary Member of the Supreme Council of Canada and the Supreme Council of the International Order of DeMolay. In 1991, the Grand Lodge of Virginia awarded Ill. Kruger one of its highest honors, the John Blair Medal for Distinguished Service. Other awards and honors continue to recognize Ill. Kruger's service to Freemasonry and humankind.