Trivia with Fezzy: Week 10!

Each Friday I am posting a PA DeMolay Blog related trivia question. Each active DeMolay from Pennsylania (excluding Elected State Officers) who correctly posts their answer in the comments section of this blog will be placed in a drawing to receive 5 points for the Take Control! program and receive a special "Fezzy" gamer tag over on the points page! All you have to do is leave your answer in the comments section. On Monday morning I will randomly select one of the correct answers and award the person with the points. Answer every week and rack up some major points - it's that easy! Remember, the answer to the question can found right here on the PA DeMolay blog in a previous post. We've had 147 posts so far, but I guarantee you that it's on the blog somewhere!

So, on to the question of the week! This is an easy one!

1. Who was recently nominated to the role of Community and Economic Development Secretary for Pennsylvania by Governor-Elect Tom Corbett?

Get answering!

Frat!-"Dad" Seth "Fezzy" Anthony

Persuasion and You

I've now had two days back in the office and I'm getting back to the grind (only to get ready for the New Year's holiday this weekend. It'll be nice to be back full time!) Anyways, since I'm trying to catch up, you aren't going to be getting a long thoughtful article by "Dad" Anthony today. Instead, I took a trip over to the Art of Manliness and found a great new article posted; Classic Rhetoric 101: the Art of Persuasion.

Whether you realize it or not, you use persuasion everyday. Whether it be with your parents, teachers, friends, or even pets, you try to get them to do what you want using several different strategies. In much the same way, when you are giving talks about DeMolay or running your meetings, you are going to need the skills of persuasion on your side. So, head on over to the Art of Manliness and check it out!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

We're back! Well, sort of!

Fezzy here!

I'm back from holiday stint (which included an awesome auction of old fraternal stuff, a nice Christmas, and a bout with the flu) and we're ready to get back to the work of PA DeMolay!

Check back on Thursday when we resume our regular update schedule!

TTFN!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Creativity and Careful Writing Win Essays Every Time!

Here is the 2010 national winning essay for the 11th grade and above division in the Paul R. Kach DeMolay Essay Contest, written by Bro.  Jonathan T. Webster, from Langhorne, PA.  Jonathan, pictured below in a 2009 photo from the PMYF LifeSkills program, is a College Sophomore, and a PMC of Delaware Valley Chapter, Fairless Hills, PA. He is an Eagle Scout, is an accomplished juggler, and has attended and served on Staff at the LifeSkills Conference for a number of years.  His sister, Kathryn, is a Grand Officer for Pennsylvania Rainbow this year.

Topic:  DeMolay – The Premier Youth Organization

The big day had finally arrived – March 18, 2019. Accompanying me on my pilgrimage were my two young boys, Sam and Connor. My youngest, Connor, who was seven, asked, “Where are we going again?”

“Kansas City, Missouri,” I repeated, “for the DeMolay Centennial celebration.”

“Why Missouri,” he blurted out, not quite pronouncing the state’s name correctly.

“That’s where DeMolay began, son - founded by Frank Land - back in 1919.” Connor cocked his head to one side and shrugged slightly. Obviously, he didn’t fully comprehend what DeMolay was yet. I, on the other hand, had been in DeMolay since I joined as a young boy, back in 2004. Five years later, I was asked to start up a new chapter. I smiled as I thought back to the day I started with just one boy. It had been quite a challenge to grow from just one to over forty boys who were part of the chapter now. But DeMolay had taught me that anything that was worthwhile took time, and that it was the journey that was important rather than the destination. I had remained active as a Senior DeMolay and now served as Chapter Advisor. I had great plans for my two boys, and knew they would eventually join DeMolay when they came of age.

We were finally airborne, and Sam, who had just turned nine, was filled with questions. “So Dad, you want me to be a DeMolay someday, right?” he asked.

“I’d like you to, son. I am the man that I am today because of the values that I learned in DeMolay. DeMolay provided me with countless opportunities to learn about what is important in life. It also gave me the chance to be a leader and to help others along the way. The skills that I use now were developed and refined in DeMolay, and I’d like you to have those opportunities as well.”

“How did you get people to join DeMolay?” Sam asked.

I thought back to some of the things that my chapter had done to promote DeMolay as well as some of the changes I had seen over the past decade.

“Let me tell you what we did to make DeMolay a premier organization. Each year on the last Saturday in June, we held a national ‘Civic Pride Day.’ On that day, we did a bike tour called “Bike DeMolay.” We provided bike inspections, safety tips were taught by our local police force, and we led a bike tour of the community. Nonprofit organizations like our local homeless shelter and food pantries and groups like the veterans, the elderly, and the handicapped were invited to set up tables. We told people about the Masonic Learning Centers, the Chip program, and the Shriners Hospitals. A delicious barbecue lunch was served, and local bands provided music. We had a huge banner with our chapter’s name on it. Our local news stations, newspapers, and even our radio station promoted the day and helped us to get our name out.”

Sam thought for a moment and then asked, “You mean just one day a year was enough to let everybody know about DeMolay?”

“No, Sam. We did events throughout the year to let people know that we were service-oriented and wanted to do good things in our community. We held events each month, in addition to our Obligatory days, and always invited community members to join us. For example, we hosted a DeMolay Career Development Day where we invited Masons and Sr. DeMolays to talk about their professions. We offered workshops in resume writing, interviewing skills, and time management skills. These seminars received a lot of publicity and again, helped to let people know about DeMolay. Another way that we promoted our organization was to give presentations at our local Lodges, encouraging our Masonic family to introduce their children and grandchildren to DeMolay.”

I could tell that Sam was trying hard to process all of this information. “So does DeMolay still teach the same things that you learned when you were a boy?” Sam continued.

“The seven values or precepts will never change. But the way you learn them will be different.” I explained how I had just participated in an informal planning meeting via the Internet with webcams and software sharing technology. The current Master Councilor of our chapter was very technologically competent, and he incorporated his skills to further the cause. A day before I left he had explained a new idea to help brothers learn ritual work which included an elaborate light tracking system. I explained to Sam how paths of colored light shone on the carpet showing where each member of the ritual team was to walk. I outlined how we had personalized ritual work for each member, creating the best learning tool for memorization for each boy. One of our boys had learning disabilities but was able to learn visually. We filmed his parts of the ceremony so that he could watch his walking and talking parts over and over again. This encouraged him and he was able to learn and perform his part well. It had been a tremendous confidence builder for him. We also used social networks, which had evolved over the past decade, to send video slideshows of our fun activities out to our friends.

“That sounds amazing… I’m really starting to like DeMolay, Dad.”

“I’m glad, son, and I think you’ll like the event that we’ll be attending as well.”

DeMolay headquarters was crowded. Many had traveled great distances to pay tribute to Dad Land and the organization that he had started a century ago. The Grand Master took the podium and explained the day’s events. Finally, it was time to open the time capsule.

“Now the time has come that you all have been waiting for. This time capsule, which has been sealed for exactly 100 years to this day, will see sunlight once again. Gentlemen, if you please.” A large steel box was lifted out of the ground. Everyone waited in anticipation to see the treasure that lay within. “Now we will see the treasure that Dad Land intended for us to discover.”

The time capsule contained symbols for each of the seven precepts of our Order – a brick decorated in 24k gold leaf representing the foundation of a parent’s love for his or her children or ‘filial love’; a Bible with a cross embroidered on its cover as a symbol of a DeMolay’s reverence for sacred things; and an old parchment with quotes on courtesy from great leaders of the past. The Grand Master paused as he pulled out the fourth object. “This picture,” he said, as tears appeared in his eyes and he struggled to continue, “This picture represents comradeship, and it depicts the first nine members of the Order with Dad Land, the founder of DeMolay.” The last three objects included a sword, which stood for unyielding fidelity; a pure white silk scarf which represented cleanness of mind, body, and spirit; and finally, a symbol of a DeMolay’s patriotism - a flag that was torn and faded. It had been flown during World War I, and it represented all of the men who served our great nation and gave their lives in the ultimate act of sacrifice.

It was time to move on to the rest of the festivities, but I took a moment to reflect on the treasures that we had just witnessed.

“I realize it sounds strange, boys, but all of the items in the box are not really the treasure, you know.” Sam nodded his head thoughtfully as he contemplated what I was saying, but Connor appeared lost and confused.

“I don’t understand, Daddy,” Connor whispered. I bent down on one knee to his level and explained.

“The real treasure lives on in me and will become a part of you and Sam if you choose to join the Order. The seven cardinal virtues of DeMolay, which were represented by each of the items in the time capsule, represent the ultimate truth and cannot be broken. They will last for eternity. By becoming a DeMolay, these truths become a part of the men you will become.” Connor nodded, and I continued to walk.

“Dad, I really want to join DeMolay,” Sam stated. I stopped and reflected on my trip and the journey that Sam would soon embark upon. The bright future for DeMolay beckoned as I saw my sons continue the traditions that had become so much a part of my life. I smiled as I pictured my sons as young men who would preserve the traditions of DeMolay and continue along the path that I had traveled.

“I’m sure you will, Sam,” I smiled, “And I know that you will be an ambassador for DeMolay, just like I was. DeMolay will live on through you and Connor, and its legacy will forever remain as the premier organization for young men.”

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Well, no chicken-- sorry.  But we have a winner!  The Ancient Accept Scottish Rite of the Southern Masonic Jurisdiction sponsors the Paul R. Kach, 33rd Degree DeMolay Essay Contest.  The topic for this year's essay was a broad one, with very little direction at all:  "DeMolay – The Premier Youth Organization!"

The 2010 results are finally in, and PA DeMolay has something to celebrate!  There are 8 Regions in DeMolay International and winners are picked for each Region in two age groups.  The regional winners get $300.  The two national winners each get $1200!

For the Mid-Atlantic Region (2) our own Jonathan T. Webster of Delaware Valley Chapter won the 11th grade and higher division, and received the $300 check by mail.  Then he was informed by the Scottish Rite Valley of Philadelphia that they had been asked to present him with ANOTHER award from the Southern Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, and last week he was presented with the Grand Prize of $1200!  In the photo below, left to right, are Bro. Webster, Robert Taylor, HLOH, Commander in Chief of the Valley of Philadelphia and Russell Baker, HLOH, Active for Pennsylvania, AASR.

CONGRATULATIONS BRO. JONATHAN!

Which brings me to the editorial portion of this blog post... why is it that so few DeMolays actually participate in this contest?  There were only a total of 26 essays submitted from across the entire country!
Region 1 .....2; Region 2.....10; Region 3.....2; Region 4.....6; Region 5.....3; Region 6.....0; Region 7.....1; Region 8.....2.    You will note that in Region 2 (our Region) there were 10 submissions.  Seven (7) of those were from Pennsylvania!  The odds of winning an award are pretty high, especially when you consider that about the submissions were divided between age divisons.  Even if there was only ONE submission for one of the age groups, that means that this year's participants had, at the very worst, a 1 in 25 chance of winning an award.  In OUR Region, 2 out of 10 participants won a $300 Regional prize. In some Regions, it looks like all you had to do was put your name on a page and you could be a winner of a significant prize!

Now, don't get me wrong-- I am not saying this to denigrate Jonathan's essay-- it was a very creative submission, and as soon as I read it I thought it would have a really good chance of being a winner.  He is a very talented writer, and he deserved the prize! 

But I read all of the others from Pennsylvania, and I have to say that I was quite proud of the submissions we sent in.  Many of them were from the Elected State Officers, because I feel that, in order for them to promote the program to other members, they have to participate in it themselves!  (Someone once called that "Leadership By Example." and I don't think it is an old and out-dated concept.)  Additionally, I think it is a good thing to stop and think about our Order, and to put ideas on paper about its effect on our lives, and its prospects for the future. 

The PROCESS of writing the essay is as important as winning a prize... it is, like everything else in DeMolay, an opportunity to grow and learn and become a better son, a better student, a better leader, a better follower, a better thinker, a better brother, a better boyfriend, a better citizen and a better man.

DeMolays:  when opportunities like the KACH ESSAY present themselves to you, as DeMolays, grab them by the horns and wrestle with them, TAKE CONTROL of your future... in the long run, you will be glad that you did.

Advisors:  when opportunities like the KACH ESSAY present themselves to your DeMolay members, ENCOURAGE them to take a risk and spend an hour or two crafting a good answer to the essay question.  Read it over with them, and, without correcting every little thing, ask them questions to help them clarify their thoughts, and to discover grammatical and stylistic errors.  If you aren't comfortable doing this, find someone in your Advisory Council or Lodge who CAN do that, and create a positive mentoring relationship between young and old.

The topic for the 2011 Paul R. Kach, 33rd Degree DeMolay Essay Contest will be announced soon, and essays will be due just a few months later.  Don't miss out on a fantastic opportunity!

Sincerely and fraternally,

     "Dad" Labagh

Thomas R. Labagh
Executive Officer in PA

Happy Holidays

Just a heads up for everyone...

Fezzy is leaving tomorrow to spend the holiday with his family. He won't be back until after Christmas, but even then posts may be sparse. Look for the blog to resume it's regular schedule in January.

"Dad" Labagh and "Dad" Berry may post some articles in the meantime, but I can't be sure!

Have a great holiday and I'll see you on the flip side!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Trivia with Fezzy: Week 9!

Each Friday I am posting a PA DeMolay Blog related trivia question. Each active DeMolay from Pennsylania (excluding Elected State Officers) who correctly posts their answer in the comments section of this blog will be placed in a drawing to receive 5 points for the Take Control! program and receive a special "Fezzy" gamer tag over on the points page! All you have to do is leave your answer in the comments section. On Monday morning I will randomly select one of the correct answers and award the person with the points. Answer every week and rack up some major points - it's that easy! Remember, the answer to the question can found right here on the PA DeMolay blog in a previous post. We've had 140 posts so far, but I guarantee you that it's on the blog somewhere!

So, on to the question of the week! This is an easy one!

1. Who formally adopted the fez as their main hat in 1826?

Get answering!

Frat!-"Dad" Seth "Fezzy" Anthony

You're so hosed!

Good day DeMolays and Advisors!

I'm afraid I have to admit that I'm not in much of a writing mood today. Having recently finished the editing of the Penn Rainbow, the writing of the Masonic Youth Minutes, and with the Key Cru staring me down, I've had enough linguistic activity lately. So, I turned to my old trusty source, Art of Manliness.

Today, they posted an article on something I didn't know much about and I'm betting most of you have never really thought of as well; socks. Yep. Those things that go on your tootsies. So, check it out at http://artofmanliness.com/2010/12/15/guide-to-socks/

Now, you have NO EXCUSE for wearing white socks with your suit!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Bro. Walker Walks the Walk

On June 18, 1960, a young man by the name of C. Alan Walker was one of one hundred young men in the charter class at the Institution of Clearfield Chapter, Order of DeMolay   

Just last week, that same C. Alan Walker was nominated to serve as Community and Economic Development Secretary for Pennsylvania Governor-Elect Tom Corbett.

Bro. Walker, still a resident of Clearfield, is the president and CEO of Bradford Energy Company, Inc., and serves as a member of the board of directors of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the Pennsylvania Coal Association.  In nominating him to the position, Mr. Corbett noted that Walker “has an impressive record of achievement, in both business and civic arenas.  He will be a valuable resource to the administration as we work to turn our economy around and take Pennsylvania into the future.”

Bro. Walker is a graduate of both Bucknell University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and where he serves as a trustee, and Penn State University, where he earned his master’s in business.  He is a director of the Clearfield YMCA, president of the Bigler Civic and Recreation Association, past president of th Bradford Soccer Association and serves as a director for the Clearfield Hospital Board and the Clearfield Foundation for Health Services.    Among his many honors, he has received the DeMolay International Active Legion of Honor and the “Service to Humanity” Award from Bucknell University.

Bro. Walker has also spent a lifetime encouraging young people to be community-spirited and civic-minded.  Let me share with you just two examples with which I am well-acquanted.  We know that he has been supportive of Pennsylvania DeMolay through regular Key Man Scholarship contributions.  He has also donated his Penn State Football Tickets to be used for membership recruitment incentives (just ask Jake Palo, Past State Master Councilor, who was a brand new member of Erie Chapter when he won one of these tickets!)   In addition, I personally benefited from his mentoring and encouraging character when, at a very young age of 24, I decided to run for Clearfield Borough Mayor.  Bro. Walker was one of my earliest supporters, both in encouragement and donation, and was certainly an important part of my early success!

Please join me in congratulating this outstanding Pennsylvania Senior DeMolay as he continues his service to his community and all of Pennsylvania!

Fraternally,

"Dad" David W. Berry, Executive Secretary

Trivia with Fezzy: Week 8!

Each Friday I am posting a PA DeMolay Blog related trivia question. Each active DeMolay from Pennsylania (excluding Elected State Officers) who correctly posts their answer in the comments section of this blog will be placed in a drawing to receive 5 points for the Take Control! program and receive a special "Fezzy" gamer tag over on the points page! All you have to do is leave your answer in the comments section. On Monday morning I will randomly select one of the correct answers and award the person with the points. Answer every week and rack up some major points - it's that easy! Remember, the answer to the question can found right here on the PA DeMolay blog in a previous post. We've had 140 posts so far, but I guarantee you that it's on the blog somewhere!

So, on to the question of the week! This week, we have a three parter!

1. What book was one of the earliest to establish a knightly code? When was it penned and what event preceded it's writing?

Get answering!

Frat!-"Dad" Seth "Fezzy" Anthony

Just what is a fez?

Recently, I've had some people question my obsession with fezzes (along with my sanity.) I honestly cannot explain my fascination with these goofy little hats, other than to say they remind me of a golden age of fraternalism, when every man had his club to go to and other men to call his brothers. To me, it represents a time of social interaction and friendship that we seem to have lost today. However, the fez is an ancient adornment, with quite a history. I decided to dig up some facts and share with you the real deal on the history of the fez.

Let's start with the name. It probably came to be known as a "fes" because the red hue, that the hat so often has, is obtained by dying wool with the juices of the "fes" berry. The name was anglicized to "fez" and is now often thought to denote that the little hat first took root in the city of Fez, in Morocco. There is an oft told myth that the red color and name came from the sacking of the city of Fez by Muslims, which resulted in the subsequent killing of thousands of Christians. The story further claims that the invaders dipped their hats in the blood of those murdered, which gave it the red color. This story is a complete fabrication, however, and has no historical merit.

So, what's the real story? The fez is an innovation of the near east, specifically the cost of eastern Africa and the former Ottoman empire (what is today Turkey and it's surrounding countries.) It started as the inner portion of a turban, which would be wrapped around the outside of the hat, but the wrapping was later dropped. It was formally adopted as the official hat of the Ottoman's in 1826 and became so associated with the empire that even today it is spiritually tied to that part of the world. It's wearing became so entrenched that in 1926 the nation of Turkey banned the wearing of the fez in an effort to force it's population to modernize and come out of the Ottoman era.

The fez fad eventually moved West, into the Balkans, where it became a popular fashion statement, especially with the Slavs and Bozniaks during the occupation by the Ottomans. The hat also moved East along with the Muslims who were exploring the world. It quickly became popular in Sri Lanka and Indonesia, where it still remains associated with the Moorish population to this day.

The fez has had it's fair share of dark days, too. A black fez was the adopted head wear of the Italian Bersaglieri units during the fascist regime in Italy in the 1930's and 40's. Some Nazi units also adopted a red fez, but decorated with the "death's head" symbols used by the SS. The red Nazi fez was most often associated with the archeological wing of the 3rd Reich, who were in search of ancient artifacts that would prove German supremacy. Recently, the black fez has been adopted by Muslim radicals, including Mu'ammar Gaddafi in Libya, where the hat is known as the "checheya." Even with all these rough connotations, the fez is still most often encountered in fun settings, or on the heads of hotel clerks and porters in Middle Eastern tourist cities.

How did the fez come to be seen as the hat of relaxation? Well, that's actually pretty simple. During the occupation of the near and far east by the British, around the Victorian era, it became popular for well to do gentlemen to retire in the evening for a period of refreshment and gamesmanship. This usually involved the donning of the fez and a smoking jacket, part of the local culture picked up by the British aristocracy. The practice soon became popular among the lower classes as well, and eventually made it's way back to ol' Blighty where the tradition took hold. This practice was soon lampooned in cartoons and magazines of the day as well, bringing even more attention to it.

So, how did the fez jump the pond and become such a part of Masonic and fraternal culture? In 1870, a group of Masons were meeting at the Knickerbocker Cottage, in NYC, for lunch once a week. Regular attendees to this group soon began thinking that they should form their own organization, by making the lunch club a more formalized Masonic group. Two of the members took this idea to heart, namely Dr. Walter Fleming and William Florence, an a doctor. These two began to collaborate on what the new club should be like. Florence, having just returned from an acting tour in Europe, described a show he had recently seen where the actors portrayed a middle eastern royal court, which would then engage the audience by making them members of a "secret" club for the evening. The show was getting rave reviews and Florence relished in the idea. Fleming was also intrigued, so, he took the ideas supplied by Florence and molded them into what has become the Ancient Arabic Order of the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, or Shriners.


The first Shrine chartered was Mecca Temple, in NYC, with Fleming as it's first President, known as a "Potentate." Early in it's formation, the Shrine adopted the wearing of a the red fez as a unique distinction for it's members, a practice which has become synonymous with the organization to the present day. As with any good idea, imitators soon followed, and it wasn't long until fraternal groups all over the country began using fezzes as a symbol of their fellowship. DeMolay was one of these adopters as well, with many parade and drill groups in DeMolay taking on the fez as their hat of choice. Fezzes are certainly not new innovations in the fraternal world, that's for sure!

So, there you have it - the curious history of the eccentric little hat, known as a fez!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

They're here!

The Limited Edition PA DeMolay Fezzes arrived at my office today. Whoa! Do they look awesome!

The final order was as follows: 8 Blue Fezzes and 1 Purple Fez. Purple you say? Yes, purple! Part of the perks of being the Grand Fez is getting a purple one – so, that one is reserved for Fezzy himself!

Of the 8 blues, 7 were claimed by individuals, and the 8^th will go on display in Patton Hall.

At some point in the future I intend to make a “PA DeMolay Bearers of the Fez” page for the PA DeMolay website, where I will place a picture of each of the owners in their fez for posterity. 

Thanks to everyone who participated in this program!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Signs of Growth

What a weekend for Pennsylvania DeMolay! Grand Master's Class 2010 was held this past weekend at Patton Campus, in Elizabethtown, and it was quite possibly one of the best events of the whole year! Bro. Alex Rauschenberger, State Senior Councilor, and his team, did a fabulous job of planning and executing this event.

The best part? Thanks to the 13 new members in the class, PA DeMolay has now grown in 2010! This means that we have more members than we started the year with! This is the second straight year of growth, which goes to show that you are out there selling the DeMolay program and asking your friends to join. Keep up the good work!

On Friday, before the class, "Dad" Dave Berry, our Executive Secretary, pointed out something very significant to me. This is the first year in many that we have had major changes in the Outstanding Chapter Competition. In Pennsylvania, this competition is broken down into three categories: small, medium, and large divisions. This way we can compare "apples to apples" when looking at our Chapters. 2010 saw the shift of four Chapters from the "small" Chapter division to the "medium" Chapter division. On the same thought, no Chapters slipped backwards in the divisions. Those facts show that not only is PA DeMolay growing, but it also shows our Chapters are too! It's a great feeling knowing that our Chapters are experiencing a richer and more interesting DeMolay program on the local level while helping our jurisdiction grow!

Congratulations to you PA DeMolay! You've done some outstanding work!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Trivia with Fezzy: Week 7!

Each Friday I am posting a PA DeMolay Blog related trivia question. Each active DeMolay from Pennsylania (excluding Elected State Officers) who correctly posts their answer in the comments section of this blog will be placed in a drawing to receive 5 points for the Take Control! program and receive a special "Fezzy" gamer tag over on the points page! All you have to do is leave your answer in the comments section. On Monday morning I will randomly select one of the correct answers and award the person with the points. Answer every week and rack up some major points - it's that easy! Remember, the answer to the question can found right here on the PA DeMolay blog in a previous post. We've had 132 posts so far, but I guarantee you that it's on the blog somewhere!

I've been negligent about posting questions, so this week is a special five question round! I will chose a different winner for each question if I'm able!

1. What are the three types (meaning different titles) given to members of the Supreme Council of DeMolay International?


2. What are the three main types of lapels found on mens suits?


3. How much money per unit does the Masonic Blood Club offer to a 501(c) charity for each unit collected? How can DeMolay benefit from this?


4. What is the main charity of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon?


5. Where is Convention 2011 going to be held?

Get answering!

Frat!-"Dad" Seth "Fezzy" Anthony

Westmoreland Road Warriors

Today's article is brought to you by "Dad" Bruce Neubauer of Westmoreland Chapter, located in Greensburg, PA.

What do you think about when you hear visitations points? I bet you think about taking a trip to a DeMolay Chapter and getting points for the competition. I don't want to say that this is not important, because it is. When the guys from Westmoreland visit another Chapter we take the visitation form to to get signed and send it in for points. Our members enjoy traveling and want to win the competition. But, how about we think about visitation points in a different way. Instead of points, think about visitation ideas and thoughts.

What I've have learned about visitation points is that it is not just a number on a piece of paper; it is indeed a powerful tool. Our members  at Westmoreland Chapter first started traveling to get "the Judge" (the PA DeMolay travelling gavel.) That might be how we started, but it has grown from there. Now, don’t get the wrong idea. Westmoreland is still dedicated to bringing "the Judge" back to Greensburg. But now we look forward to travelling for other reasons too. As Advisors, we do not talk about the competition. We just say there is an activity coming up and the DeMolays ask at a meeting "...who wants to go?" Fortunately we have the advisors that like to travel and enjoy the events just as much as the young men.

I would like to take my story back to Key Man 2010 for a minute. Key Man proves the idea that in DeMolay, the members and advisors you don't know are just friends that haven't not met yet. We came home from Key Man and a couple months later one of our members said that he wanted to go to an installation at a Chapter that a friend he met at Key Man belonged too. Without asking where the Chapter was, the answer from the transperation advisor was "Sure!" Then we found out the Chapter was North East Chapter in Philadelphia. But you know what, the answer was still "yes."  Our member went on the visit out of friendship and brotherhood. He didn't want to make this visit for points - he wanted to make it personal.

This past Sunday one of our Appointed State Officers from Westmoreland Chapter was asked to help at an installation of officers at Friendship-Bray Chapter. We had three other members ask to come along. At the last minute another office needed filled and one of the guys coming along agreed to fill in. Again this does not sound like a cut-throat points based competition. It sounds like brotherhood. It also sounded like a chance to capture one of the most illusive pictures in PA DeMolay history - a shot of "Dad" Rick Freedman, a long time Philly area resident, wearing what can only be described as a Pittsburgh Steelers collar. Great work!

As I was riding home from Friendship-Bray I started thinking how important it is to support other Chapters. I feel that one of the most important days in a Master Councilor's term is the Installation. It would be great if you could get all the nearby Chapters to show support.

The advisors of Westmoreland DeMolay are very proud of our young men. They have certainly caught the spirit and gotten the meaning of DeMolay.

If you let Westmoreland know when you are having an installation, We might just be there.

"Dad" Bruce Neubauer is the Chairman of Westmoreland Chapter. He has attended the last two Key Man Conferences and is quickly becoming a familiar face around PA DeMolay. He is actively involved in the Tall Cedars of Lebanon, where he serves as a District Deputy Supreme Tall Cedar and was elected to the Board of Directors. He also does a great job explaining how important the funny hat they wearreally is (its called a "pyramid" by the way) . This editor certainly appreciated it and will wear his proudly.