Centennial Memory #49: "Dad" Minich Honored For Service

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.

"Dad" Wilbur L. Minich was a dedicated Advisor of Pilgrim Chapter for many years. In yesterday's post, a page of the program was dedicated to his service, as he passed away shortly before the release of the 50th Anniversary Program. He served as the Chapter Advisor of Pilgrim Chapter for many years and served as a DeMolay District Deputy from 1927 to 1959. He achieved every honor and award known in DeMolay, including the Founder's Cross.

The picture and article below are from a special recognition held at the Harrisburg Scottish Fall Rite Reunion in 1962. "Dad" Minich was recognized by Pilgrim Chapter with a special scroll, while he also earned the Meritorious Service Award from his Consistory. Many DeMolays attended this presentation, as shown in the photo.   

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Centennial Memory #96: Pilgrim Chapter Band

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.

This specific post will be more about sharing pictures than it will be about telling a story.

One of the things that separates DeMolay from other youth organizations is the ability for the youth to plan the activities. In some cases, this included Chapters creating their own groups or teams. Some Chapters had sports teams, while other Chapters formed bands or other extracurricular activities. Below you will see photos from Pilgrim Chapter, and their very own Marching Band. The first picture is from their 10th Anniversary. Thank you Pilgrim Chapter for sharing several memories from the Chapter's history for us to share. 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Meet the Candidates: Sean Reitze for State Master Councilor

Convention is right around the corner, which means that its time to elect our officers for 2018-2019. Here is our second candidate for State Master Councilor, Bro. Sean Reitze from Pilgrim Chapter.

My name is Sean Reitze, and I am running for the office of State Master Councilor for PA DeMolay. I have been a member of Pilgrim Chapter since May 14, 2013. In that time, I have served two terms as Master Councilor, received my PMC-MSA twice, and recently had the honor of receiving the Chevalier. Outside of my DeMolay life, I will be entering my junior year at West Chester University as a Communications major with minors in Computer Science, Spanish, and Leadership. In my free time, I enjoy listening to music, photography, and playing games on my Xbox 360.

If elected, what will your biggest area of focus be?

If elected State Master Councilor, my biggest area of focus would be working to create regular regional events, such as go-karting, bowling, dances, or other fun events. With Chapters working together, it makes it possible to have one awesome event, instead of spreading efforts out too thin. Collaboration is the key to success with our Chapters — everyone within a region has the power to plan and execute something that benefits not only their members, but also bring new friends into our Order.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

My greatest DeMolay experience in recent memory was my second time visiting Venango Chapter — to help obligate their first five members. It marked the start of new beginnings in Oil City, and it was amazing to see all of the hard work from many dedicated individuals come to fruition. I also had a great time meeting and getting to know the new members of Venango Chapter afterwards (even though they beat me in a few games of pool).

What do you see of your DeMolay legacy after serving as State Master Councilor?

After serving as State Master Councilor if elected, I would want my legacy to be looked back on as someone who worked to create unforgettable events, who made a difference, and seen as a team player. While it’s essential that we have memorable programs and events, it’s incredibly important to me that everyone feels valued and has their voices heard. The beauty of DeMolay is the fact that it is an organization for youth, run by youth. Each voice has something new to contribute to the dialogue, and I will acknowledge and respect each member’s voice equally. Following my time as an Active DeMolay, I plan on staying involved with PA DeMolay in the capacity of an Advisor and eventually hope to serve on the state staff. To me, DeMolay is a lifetime commitment — I want to be able to give back to DeMolay what it has given to me.

The registration deadline for Convention is June 10th. Make sure you are there for your chance to vote for your Elected State Officers. See you in Gettysburg! 

Meet the Candidates: Tyler Moyer for State Master Councilor

Convention is right around the corner, which means it will be time to vote for our Elected State Officers to serve for the 2018-2019 year. Here is one of the candidates for the office of State Master Councilor, Bro. Tyler Moyer from Pilgrim Chapter. 

While I’ve been a member of DeMolay for nearly eight years, it has been these last two years as an Elected State Officer and maintaining an active role in my local Chapter, that I’ve learned the most about DeMolay and what it truly means to be a member. As I progressed through the ESO line, I learned that the office of State Master Councilor is designed to give members an ultimate chance to give back to their brothers. My goals are simple, to make sure that each of us leaves the year with an understanding of what it means to be a DeMolay and how to do it. Also, to prepare us so that we can move into the next century running full-steam ahead; prepared to grow and develop our Chapters, but most importantly grow and develop ourselves.

If elected, what will be your biggest area of focus?

If elected State Master Councilor, my focus will be to create a positive learning environment for our members to build themselves through focused workshops at weekends and personal development time at our State functions. Our goal will be to see that the individual members and State go through three stages: education, development, and growth. If we receive the education and develop our skills, then we can see the benefits of growth; in ourselves, our chapters and our State. I’d be happy to tell you my exciting 3 step plan for next year, feel free to ask me.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

I think that my greatest DeMolay accomplishment/experience would have to be being the 2016 KeyMan Youth Director. While that position was more of an administrative role, I think that it gave me an insight into what being SMC would be like and what I would want to do with that opportunity. It taught me a lot about how to best balance the learning that is going on throughout the week with the fun that I had planned. Yes, I absolutely believe that our DeMolay program should be full of fun, but I also see the importance of education, and that’s what I hope to make sure we balance throughout the year.

What do you see of your DeMolay legacy after serving as State Master Councilor? 

We all want to be remembered for something. Whether that be as a great ritualist, athlete, or something else. I would love for my legacy to be based on being a motivator of change to help realign the focus of our program for others to build off of and make their legacies.

The registration deadline for Convention is June 10th. Make sure you are there for your chance to vote for your Elected State Officers. See you in Gettysburg! 

Charity: Making a Difference

The following blog post is from Brother Tyler Moyer, Deputy State Master Councilor of PA DeMolay and PMC of Pilgrim Chapter. 

Charity is a principal tenet of Masonry. As DeMolays, we too are taught of its importance. While the installation of Almoner is one not too commonly seen, the lessons it teaches are quite valuable and important for all to know. The following is the part for installing the Almoner, “It is your province to remind us, in the performance of your official duties as Almoner, that charity, not the ostentatious and unmeaning doling out of alms, but the charity which has been translated ‘Brotherly Love,’ is a virtue which all should practice. The cry of need is ever sounding in our ears and to it our ears must never be closed.” My brothers, while we may not directly see the effects that our charitable contributions have on those they go to, we know that there are many who need it nonetheless, and thus our contributions must continue.

For the past 19 years, our State charity has been the Children’s Dyslexia Centers of Pennsylvania. In total there are eight centers scattered around our Commonwealth and they each offer selective services to children who are affected by Dyslexia. These services typically come to an annual total of $6,000, per child. While that may seem like a lot, it’s something that the centers make sure that no family has to pay.

Each year our goal is to see 100% participation from all Chapters, and this year is no different. We currently are at 50%, though there is still time to get your Chapter on board and make a donation to the State Charity. Even the smallest donation will go a long way and there are several opportunities available to make your donation. One of the more popular being Elizabethtown Chapter’s Dodgeball for Dyslexia on May 13th, there’s still time to sign up, donate, and have a fun time playing dodgeball with your brothers. Expect to see more postings on our Facebook page with more programs and opportunities to donate to our State charity. I’d like to leave you with this line from the 9 o’clock interpolation prayer, “We are all brothers of the helpless and suffering and rejoice in every call to the relief of pain or the alleviation of sorrow.” While we may not associate children with dyslexia as suffering or being in pain, there is still a call and an opportunity for us to answer.

Thankful for DeMolay

The following blog post was written by Brother Tyler Moyer, Deputy State Master Councilor for Pennsylvania DeMolay and PMC of Pilgrim Chapter. 

Last Thursday we celebrated Thanksgiving, a day where we reflect on what we’re thankful for. We often take what we have for granted; whether it be the roof over our heads, the food on our plates, or the clothes on our back. One of the biggest things that we take for granted are the opportunities presented to us in our daily lives. We live in a time and place that gives us the opportunity to get an education, be who we want to be, and most especially, grow ourselves to be able to succeed in the world. How many of us take advantage of these opportunities? 

DeMolay affords so many opportunities to each of us; such as a place to find ourselves, develop lasting friendships, try new experiences, all while giving us a welcoming and safe place to hone a variety of skills. Sometimes, instead of recognizing this gift presented to us, we may complain or not participate. I see it all too often. We do our ritual to teach ourselves more about those valuable life lessons that are at the foundation of DeMolay and to improve our public speaking skills. We forget that planning our events, is teaching us about time management, communication and foresight planning. We forget that being a Councilor in our Chapter, develops and strengthens our leadership skills. We forget that bringing in new members, is about sharing the gifts that DeMolay gives each of us with our friends and future brothers. 

                                                                                     

Don’t just sit back and let DeMolay go by you. Seize the opportunities and share this awesome experience with others. DeMolay is OUR organization and the success of it ten years down the line is dependent upon our efforts today. As has been said in the Ceremony of Light, "each of us holds within our hearts a flame." Has that flame gone out in some of us? If so, then why? And furthermore, what can WE do to get it back?

I hope you are thankful for your time in DeMolay and that you see that there are many opportunities still for you with DeMolay. I hope this motivates you to want to share your experience of DeMolay with others and invite them to a Chapter meeting or event. Show them the opportunities that await them. We've all heard the saying, “You get out of DeMolay what you put into it.” My final question to you is; “What will you do to get the most out of DeMolay?”

Meet the Candidates: Sean Reitze for State Junior Councilor

Convention is just around the corner, so lets take a few minutes to meet the candidates for Elected State Office. Members will get the chance to elect their officers during the Business Session the Saturday morning of Convention. They were all asked to provide a biography and an answer to the three questions below.

Hello Pennsylvania DeMolay! My name is Sean Reitze and I am a member of Pilgrim Chapter. I am 19 years old and a student at West Chester University. I am majoring in Computer Science and minoring in Communication Studies and Spanish. As my major may suggest, I have an interest in technology and hope to bring that interest to PA DeMolay as I am running for the office of State Junior Councilor. Since joining DeMolay in May of 2013, I have earned my PMC-MSA for both terms of office as Master Councilor and I have served as an Appointed State Officer for two years. In my free time, I enjoy photography, travel, socializing, and throwing my free time away on social media and Netflix.

What are your goals if elected to serve as an Elected State Officer?

If elected, one of my goals involves enhancing communication across the State. We cannot be strong without communication between our State Officer Corps, Executive Officer, EO Staff, and all our Chapters. I would also like to utilize technology and social media to our advantage as they are becoming more integral to our lives. Social media can help bring DeMolay to a wider audience: we can help PA DeMolay grow in membership and remain relevant today.

Who are your DeMolay influences and how have they inspired you?

My greatest DeMolay influences include Dad Knapp and Dad Berry. They exemplify dedication to the Order and their support has shaped me to become the DeMolay I am today. I enjoy working with them; they motivate me and push me to be the best I can be.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

After a great deal of thought through all the events I have attended over the past four years, I would have to say that my greatest DeMolay experience would be the 007 Weekend at Patton Campus last term. A brilliant idea manifested into an excellent event with proper execution – this made it my most memorable Patton weekend to-date. 

Meet the Candidates: Tyler Moyer for Deputy State Master Councilor

Convention is just around the corner, so lets take a few minutes to meet the candidates for Elected State Office. Members will get the chance to elect their officers during the Business Session the Saturday morning of Convention. They were all asked to provide a biography and an answer to the three questions below.

For those of you who may not know, my name is Benjamin Tyler Moyer; yes it really is Benjamin. I’ve been a member of DeMolay since KeyMan 2010 and have always thoroughly enjoyed it. During my time, I served as the Master Councilor of my Chapter multiple times, earning my PMC-MSA along the way. Last year I was elected to serve as your State Junior Councilor and over the course of the year I tried to become as active as possible. It was, and still is, my goal to be there as much as I can for our members, because it is through you that DeMolay will prosper.

What are your goals if elected to serve as an Elected State Officer?

If elected, it will be my goal to continue bringing new ideas to the table and to be a very visible State Officer. Coming to as many activities that are held on the Chapter level as possible. When I first became Master Councilor my brother told me that it should be my goal and it is my duty to try to leave the Chapter in better shape than when I joined it. That’s what will be my big goal for the next few years on the State level.

What is your greatest DeMolay experience or accomplishment?

My greatest DeMolay experience actually occurred last November. It was the Regional Game Truck Party that I had planned for my Chapter. I personally feel that it was the best event I’ve ever planned. We had close to 40 attendees; DeMolay’s and prospects. Having that be a success is what has reignited my fire for planning more Regional events in the future.

Who are your DeMolay influences and how have they inspired you?

My DeMolay influences would definitely have to be the State Master Councilors that I came up under. It was and is through their leadership that I learned what a leader is and I learned how I should act and lead as a State Officer. 

Dodgeball for Dyslexia 2017

The following message is a Public Service Announcement from Elizabethtown DeMolay inviting you to the annual Dodgeball for Dyslexia Tournament. 

Look at that - what a shiny new logo! Dodgeball for Dyslexia is new, improved, and better than ever in its third year of existence, just like its logo. Now, you may ask, “Hey, how can a charity dodge-ball tournament that raised nearly $1,000 last year alone get even better?” which is a very keen and flattering question. The answer is easy: it starts with you. We had a total of 7 teams last year, with strong showings from Westmoreland and Pilgrim, but in order for the level of awesomeness to reach maximum capacity, we need more teams. So, if you are not completely convinced of joining this incredible event, let me suggest three solid reasons of why you should participate in Dodgeball for Dyslexia III.

1.)   It is for an awesome cause

Would you like to reap the benefits of donating to a charitable organization and feeling connected to your fellow members of the human race? Then this tournament is for you. All profits from Dodgeball for Dyslexia are given to the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, which provides tutoring at no charge to children from early elementary through high school who have been diagnosed as dyslexic. Children are eligible regardless of economic status or Masonic affiliation. The positive impact of early intervention on the lives of these children and their families is enormous and inspires our commitment to this program.

2.)   Dodgeball is fun

Dodgeball is a sport. Sports are games. Games are fun. With this undeniable logic, it is safe to assume that you will have the time of your life at Dodgeball for Dyslexia. Whether you are experiencing the thrill of joining comrades in the exertion of physical activity or you simply enjoy hitting your advisors with soft, rubber spheres, this activity is always a boatload of fun. Not just a small dinghy of fun, but a Titanic size boat of fun sans the sinking.

3.)   You can win stuff

If the emotional satisfaction of benefiting humanity and enjoying time with friends and brothers isn’t your cup of tea, you can also win the long sought-after gold, silver, and bronze dodgeballs. The gold, of course, goes to the victor of the entire tournament, but just as important is the silver dodgeball, which goes to the team with the most team spirit, and bronze, which is given to the team who raised the most money to the Dyslexia Centers. So, seek victory and claim a few dodge-balls for your home chapter!

As I promised, three solid reasons to participate in the Dodgeball for Dyslexia tournament on May 13, 2017 at the Spooky Nook Sports Complex in Manheim, PA. If you have any inquiries, feel free to contact Brother Evan Crawford at evane2@ptd.net.

Make a team: make a difference. 

Meet the Candidates: Tyler Moyer

Convention is right around the corner, which means it will be time to vote for PA DeMolay's Elected State Officers. This series will introduce you to each candidate as they prepare to run for office. They were all asked to provide a short biography and an answer to the three questions below.

My name is Benjamin Tyler Moyer and I have been a member of Pilgrim Chapter since 2010. Since joining I have served multiple terms as Master Councilor, earning my Past Master Councilor's- Meritorious Service Award along the way. Throughout my years of service, I have also attained many other achievements including my Representative DeMolay Award, Founder's Membership Award, DeMolay Varsity Letter and Lamp of Knowledge. For the past four years I have served as an Appointed State Officer and have attended the Key Man Leadership Conference every year since joining, most recently as a member of the Jurisdictional Officer department. I feel that this year I'm ready to make the jump to serve again, this time as one of your elected state officers.

If you are elected to serve, what do you hope to accomplish?

I plan on bringing many new ideas to the table to help make Pennsylvania DeMolay better and stronger. As a member of Pilgrim Chapter, I always received a ton of support from my members and advisors to peruse different ideas to get new members. If elected, it will be one of my goals to extend that same support to all members. I hope to visit as many chapters as possible and be there for meetings, prospect events and whatever else they would have me at, to extend that same support and offer advice.

           

What is your greatest DeMolay experience?

My greatest experience would actually have to be before I joined DeMolay. About a year before I joined, I attended a prospect party that was held at Key Man where I met so many new people that today I'm able to call my friends. I was able to experience the fun and fellowship that I knew my brother had been having for years and it's one of the things that really made me want to join. 

Who are some of your DeMolay influences?

My greatest DeMolay influences would have to be the Past State Master Councilor’s that I have been a member under or have gotten to know personally through the years. I have always been inspired by the way they lead and what they have brought to the table. I hope in the coming years I can also bring to the table ideas that will inspire others. 

Selling the DeMolay Product

In order for DeMolay to grow, chapters must find ways to sell the organization to the general public. DeMolay is a worldwide organization, however when brought up in conversation with our peers, a lot of people know nothing about us. As members and advisors, it is our job to get the word out to the community. Sometimes that means putting on the salesman hat and selling the organization the best that we can. How do we do that? Here are some examples of how to sell DeMolay, and some examples from chapters in Pennsylvania to prove that these methods work.

Advertise in Publications
One of the best ways to advertise DeMolay is to promote in the local community newspaper. Recently, Elizabethtown Chapter and Chester Pike Chapters have done just that. Chester Pike Chapter advertised their local flea market to the community, while also explaining briefly what DeMolay was in the advertisement. Elizabethtown Chapter publicized the activities they participated in within the community, including the Dodgeball for Dyslexia Tournament and the Chicken Pot Pie Dinner they hosted.

Promote within the local Schools
I've mentioned this example before, but since it deals heavily with the membership growth of Pennsylvania DeMolay, it's worth mentioning again. Friendship-Bray Chapter has recently sent flyers and other information to local school to help promote the organization to the young members of the community. Rob Caroselli, an FBC advisor, is also a Principal of Fox Chase Elementary School, which has helped promote DeMolay to the young men of their school. FBC has brought in 9 members to DeMolay so far this year because of this, and looks to bring in even more in the near future. Since this took place, other chapters across the state have started to put together programs to target local school districts as well.

Get your Government Officials to buy in to the product
This year for DeMolay Month, we had several DeMolay Chapters that received proclamations from local Government Officials. This means that they show support to the program. Congratulations to Allentown, Pilgrim, Friendship-Bray, Chester Pike, Elizabethtown and all the other chapters that have reached out and received support from their local Government Officials.

How did these chapters have so much success in promoting the organization? There are a few factors that go into selling your product:

Know your target audience: Recognize who it is you plan to reach out to, and find the right way to promote to that group. If you're reaching out to youth, you may want to impress upon them the fun activities that we provide. If you're trying to reach out to the parents, you may want to explain to them the scholarship opportunities, honor roll challenges and other activities that will make a parent happy. If you're reaching out to a local Representative, explain the community based activities and offer a helping hand. 

Confidence: This is one of the biggest keys to success. The way the product is presented is important to know whether a person is buying in. If your excited about what you're promoting, a customer will acknowledge that and be more likely to buy in themselves. Remain calm and remembers what drives you in DeMolay.


Keep it simple: The saying "less is more" is very true. Make sure all of the facts are covered, without dragging on for long periods of time. If they seem interested enough to ask questions, that means they are engaged and want to know more. If its a news article that you are writing, keep it to a few paragraphs.

Hopefully this helps give some insight into promoting DeMolay. Go out there and sell DeMolay proudly!

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin
  

Letter in DeMolay!

In 2014, DeMolay International designed a program called the DeMolay Varsity Club. This program allows members, advisors and sweethearts the opportunity to fill out an application so they can "Letter in DeMolay," similar to how an athlete can letter on the High School Varsity level. This achievement relies on a few key elements; leadership, involvement, knowledge and planning.

A member or sweetheart can earn a "letter" by doing all of the following:

• Mentor a new member
• Teach chapter members a new skill
• Serve in a leadership position
• Attend 6 Chapter Meetings and 2 other chapter events
• Plan a new event
• Bring in 1 new member or advisor
• Complete and earn the Representative DeMolay Award
• Complete and pass 1 Leadership Correspondence Course
• A member also must learn 1 new ritual part to perform at a meeting or public event

An advisor can also earn a "letter" by doing the following:

• Recruit a brand new advisor to the advisory council
• Lead and work with chapter members to create and execute a brand new event

A total of 8 people have earned the "letter" in Pennsylvania. Here are the people that have earned it so far:

• Alicia Daniels (Reading Chapter)
• Tyler Moyer (Pilgrim Chapter)
• Eric Dye (Allentown Chapter)
• Andrew Santilli (Chester Pike Chapter)
• Brian Martin (Carlisle Chapter)
• "Dad" Brett Otto (Carlisle Chapter) 
• "Mom" Kelly Otto (Carlisle Chapter)
• Adam Neubauer (Westmoreland Chapter)

The program concludes June 30th, so there is still time to earn yourself a "Letter in DeMolay." Fill out the application and earn yours today! 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin 

 

2016 KMU Youth Director Announcement

The directors of Key Man University are proud to announce that the 2016 Youth Director has been appointed. After the interview process was complete, Tyler Moyer, Past Master Councilor of Pilgrim Chapter, was selected to serve as Youth Director for this year's conference. Here is a message from Tyler himself.

Greetings Brethren and Friends,

I am Tyler Moyer and this year I have the privilege of serving as KeyMan University's 2016 Youth Director. This year, I’m working to bring several exciting new things to the program, which of course I can't disclose right now. I will be working alongside the Directors and doing everything possible to make this week a memorable experience for everyone.

I joined DeMolay five years ago, actually at a KeyMan Conference. Since then, I've attended each KeyMan, and each time I've had a better experience; making new friends, expanding on my knowledge and much more. Also during those five years, I've served as my chapter's Master Councilor three times, for which I received the Past Master Councilor’s Meritorious Service Award. Along the way I also earned my Representative DeMolay Award and Founder's Membership Award. 

Over the next few months, I’ll post more information about the program. I want to see all of you in Pennsylvania at Key Man this August. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask; you can email me, or Facebook message me and I'll be sure to get a response back to you as soon as possible! 

Ancora Imparo, brothers!

Key Man University will be held at Patton Campus from July 31 to August 6, 2016. We look forward to seeing as many of your members attend the conference.

Big Mike - A Pennsylvania DeMolay

Anyone who has been around PA DeMolay in recent months has surely come across Bro. Mike Curry, of Pilgrim Chapter, in Harrisburg, PA. Mike joined DeMolay in 2010 and is currently serving as Junior Councilor of his Chapter.

He is often referred to as "Big Mike," not just because of his size, but also because of his heart. Mike attended this year's Key Man Conference and earned his Lamp of Knowledge during the week. He's really taken to the DeMolay program and he strives to live life like a DeMolay.

Recently, a local news source did a video about Mike and his time on the football team for Susquehanna Township High School. Check it out!

http://video-embed.pennlive.com/services/player/bcpid1950981438001?bctid=2633369251001&bckey=AQ~~,AAAAQBxUw0E~,DELAM66vw4z-hl01IhycwsWq-6Y4XfEN

Mike is an amazing young man, both an athlete and a DeMolay. Congratulations on this recognition, Brother - it's well deserved!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

One Advisor's Epiphany

This is a special guest post from "Mom" Jan Harms of Pilgrim Chapter. Enjoy!

As a DeMolay Advisor who recently attended Convention, it dawned on me how lucky and blessed I have been to make the choices that I have made to be involved with such a forward thinking and progressive organization for today’s young men.  I was amazed at the talents our members exhibited, both by those in leadership positions and by those who were merely participating.  There was a sense of respect, pride, and dignity exuded by every young man I came in contact with – not only in a formalized setting – but also at the fun parts of the Water Park, paintball, etc.

I can’t think how to better spend my time, personally.  I realize that I am very blessed to see that the young men of today – while they are constantly bombarded by negativity in the media, schools, and society around them – that something good exists in their lives through their participation in DeMolay.  But, what I am even more impressed with, and will NOT take for granted, is that this is an organization that allows our members an opportunity to excel in leadership skills – public speaking, impromptu speaking, leading a group, taking charge, and most importantly – to be independent thinkers! 

The most amazing part of it – it is all allowed and impressed upon the youth by the adults advising these young men – not dictating or doing the jobs that need to be done in this organization for the members. 

I am proud to be an advisor in this organization and hope that my fellow advisors sit back and realize the gifts that we have given in return for the time we give to this organization, and I hope that they  have pride in the young men that join.  We are truly given a gift and should realize it!  It is what motivates me! and makes me proud to be called a “mom” by the members!

Sometimes you just have to show up!

In DeMolay we spend a lot of time talking to members and advisors about getting out into their communities and getting DeMolay to become more recognized. It's often discussed that we should try to get on TV, appear in newspapers, and canvas our local communities with our name. This is all well and good, but sometimes just doing the right thing will get you farther than any of the above methods.


This is exactly what happened at Pilgrim Chapter. The young men and their advisors recently attended a Swatara  Township meeting to receive a proclamation for DeMolay Month. Due to some other issues in the community, there were several news agencies present reporting on the meeting. One of the reporters, seeing several well dressed young men, wearing their Chapter shirts, approached the group for more information. After a quick discussion, the reporter took a snap shot and did a write up about Pilgrim in the local paper (which is available below.)

So, by simply participating in DeMolay Month, the Chapter ended up with some great publicity. This goes to show that sometimes you just have to show up!


Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony


Special thanks to "Mom" Jan Harms, Chapter Advisor for Pilgrim Chapter, for supplying the information.

More Adults Unplugging

Recently, I told you about the Advisors of Westmoreland Chapter and their "Unplugged Jar." Today, I have an article from the recent Pilgrim Chapter Newsletter written by "Mom" Jan Harms, Chapter Advisor. Have a read!

Normally I like to have the articles in our newsletter submitted by the members of Pilgrim Chapter. However, recently I have read several articles and blog entries regarding the concept of adults going “unplugged” and letting their members do all the work. I feel the need to share that this is the reason I became motivated to step up to the plate and serve Pilgrim Chapter as Chapter Advisor. After being active in other youth groups, and seeing that the adults do all the work in those groups, this unplugged concept is exactly why I wanted to be involved with DeMolay.

 Pilgrim Chapter is YOUR Chapter. It is about what you want and how you want it. It is your decisions that will drive what activities we do and don’t do, what things we pay for and don’t pay for, and how we grow—or don’t grow. This is YOUR Chapter. You have to make it what you want.
The last meeting, we had 7 members. Each one of them had an opportunity to make a decision on fun activities, whether they wanted to participate in service activities, or even attend the meeting. We need you there to experience that! We need you there to make the decisions that need to happen. We need you to bring in the prospects and applications to grow.

 This Chapter Advisor is unplugged and guaranteeing you that she will work that way with each and everyone of you—but YOU need to be ready to be plugged into Pilgrim Chapter to move us forward! I hope to see you soon!

Wow! "Mom" Harms certainly gets the "Unplugged" idea! So, what is your Chapter doing to Take Control!? And, if you're an advisor, what are you doing to unplug?
 
Frat!~"Dad" Seth Anthony

Whoa Pilgrim!

It seems that the slow march of time is not so slow these days. With the world constantly changing, and forging forward, there are very few stable forces in society today. However, 2010 marks an anniversary for one of those remaining pillars of community strength; Pilgrim Chapter turns 85 this year, and on Saturday, April 17th, they plan to celebrate.

Pilgrim Chapter has been serving the Harrisburg community since 1925, and has produced 5 of Pennsylvania DeMolay's State Master Councilors (Randall (1928); Fenical (1933); Sarvis (1937); Logan (1972); Solano (1995). It is interesting to note that of those PSMC's, three of them came before 1942 (when PA DeMolay closed it's doors until 1951, due to WWII.) That shows that even early in its life, Pilgrim Chapter was a leader among PA DeMolay.

Knowing that the Anniversary was coming, "Mom" Jan Harms and "Dad" Doug Harms dove into the Pilgrim historical files to see what they could dig up. Lo and behold, they found several treasures. Below is a photo of the Pilgrim Chapter Band, taken in 1933 during a Knights Templar Conclave in Allentown. Just think, could your Chapter get that many guys together to have their own band?



Also included was a cord bound volume with a list of the original Chevalier designates of the Harrisburg Court of Chevaliers. In this book were photos of many recognizable persons from PA DeMolay. "Dad" Wilbur Minich, a long time supporter of the program features prominently, especially when you realize that the book was found among papers from his collection. Also within the pages is a biography and some background on "Dad" J. Franklyn Runkle, who was a member of the Supreme Council before his passing.

The other prize found among the pages was a photo of Robert W. Sarvis, who is believed to be the oldest living Past State Master Councilor of PA DeMolay. We here at the office have been unable to locate any information on his whereabouts, or his death, so it is presumed that he is still alive. If you're out there Bro. Sarvis, we'd love to hear from you!

I hope that you are able to attend the banquet being held at Pilgrim Chapter this weekend. Join with them and celebrate 85 years of DeMolay in Central PA! Maybe they'll return the favor when your Chapter turns 85!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony