Centennial Memory #59: International DSA to Kalodner

To celebrate the DeMolay Centennial, PA DeMolay will be counting down 100 memories worth celebrating that took place within the DeMolay Chapters and Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

Yesterday's post, we talked about the Distinguished Service Award, in which a recipient was determined for each jurisdiction. DeMolay International also awarded an International DSA to one of the recipients chosen from each jurisdiction, per term. In 1973, the distinction for the winter term went to a PMC of Chester Chapter, Brother David R. Kalodner.

A summary of his achievements is found in the picture below, which is from the December edition of the DeMolay International Cordon Magazine.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin 

Top Ten: PA DeMolay 2017

We're a little over a week into the new year, but there's always time for reflection on the year that has past. Pit Stop for Leadership Weekend will be the start of the 2018 PA DeMolay programming, but lets take time to remember what we did in 2017.

10. Dodgeball for Dyslexia has grown to be bigger than ever. This year's event, hosted by Elizabethtown Chapter, held 14 teams competing in a friendly tournament for a great cause. Roughly $2,000 was donated to various Children's Dyslexia Centers across Pennsylvania.

9. The Quest for the Holy Grail came to Patton Campus. Movie Mashup Weekend held a quest for members of PA DeMolay to find the Holy Grail. Several fun and creative workshop were held, along with an escape room to find the Holy Grail.

8. The Aliens beat the Cowboys at the Cowboys vs. Aliens Weekend. Several competitions, from trivia to Nerf battles, were held to determine which team was stronger. After the friendly competition, everyone in attendance played Laser Tag at the Laser Dome.

7. PA DeMolay was represented during the election of International Master Councilor. Brother Eric M. Dye ran for the office of International Master Councilor during the DeMolay International Sessions in Buffalo, NY. This was the first time in over 20 years that PA DeMolay had a candidate run for an International office. Although he did not win the election, he represented PA DeMolay proudly.

6. Jacques Lightyear joined the members of PA DeMolay to a trip to the movies. During Action Hero Weekend: Super Hero Training, the members had a special opening weekend view of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2, an adventure that Jacques Lightyear took with the members.   

5. PA DeMolay is on the GO! During the PA DeMolay Convention, newly elected State Master Councilor Jacob Beers introduced his new theme for the year which is centered around racing. It also introduces three important phases: GO GROW, GO LEAD, and GO SPREAD.

4. Brother David Lynam of Riverside Chapter threw out the first pitch at the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs game. One of the features of this year's Convention was a Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs game. David was chosen to throw out the first pitch for bringing in the most members to DeMolay during the year.

3. PA DeMolay honors the Supreme Tall Cedar. This year's winter induction class was held in honor of "Dad" Mark Brumaghim, Supreme Tall Cedar of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon. The degree cast did an excellent job. Thank you "Dad" Brumaghim for allowing PA DeMolay to acknowledge your service.

2. The first ever PA DeMolay draft during Talladega Nights Weekend. The weekend was the long awaited return of Flag Football. This time, the teams were decided with a draft held on Friday night. Unlike the Super Bowl earlier in the year, the Falcons beat the Patriots in the Williamson Bowl.

1. The Distinguished Service Award was applied for and awarded for the first time in 4 years. At the Supreme Tall Cedars Class in December, Executive Officer "Dad" Greg Schaeffer acknowledged two young men as the DSA recipients, Brother Alex Spence from Elizabethtown Chapter and Brother Brandon Whited of Northeast Chapter. Brandon was also informed that he would be entered for a chance at the DeMolay International DSA. Congratulations to both young men.

So there you have it. Some very memorable things took place in 2017. What will 2018 bring? Well, you'll have to stay tuned to find out. 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin             

Make Yourself Feel Distinguished!

Have you done a lot of work for your local community or taken an active role within your church? Do you continue to get good grades in school and help out with responsibilities at home or in DeMolay? Wouldn’t it be nice if there was some type of recognition for all of this hard work? Well there is, and it has always been available for any DeMolay who wants to earn it.

The Distinguished Service Award recognizes outstanding overall service performed by a DeMolay member. The areas of service include religion, community, DeMolay, education and home, among others. A jurisdiction can award two recipients per year, one for each half of the DeMolay year. The award is typically awarded at the annual convention; however it has been awarded at other events at the Executive Officer’s discretion. For example, since I couldn’t make convention, my DSA was awarded to me at the 2008 Basketball Tournament.

This sounds great, but how do I apply? There is no formal application for this award. Rather, the applicant, working with the Advisory Council, will need to assemble a package of materials demonstrating his service in various areas. The Advisory Council generally assists in soliciting recommendations from individuals who have worked with the applicant in various areas of service. The nomination for the Award officially comes from the Advisory Council, though a member may apply for his own nomination through his Advisory Council.

The Distinguished Service Award has not been awarded in Pennsylvania since 2013, meaning for two years no one has applied for this award. If you know someone that is eligible for this award, click here for the list of materials needed to apply.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin