Trivia with Fezzy

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 122 posts so far, but I guarantee you that it's on the blog somewhere!

On to the question!

Pennsylvania DeMolay is part of Region II, which happens to include the country of Italy as well. Recently, DeMolay Italia opened new Chapters in two other Eastern European Countries. What two countries are they?

Get answering!

Frat!-"Dad" Seth "Fezzy" Anthony

More Membership Ideas

I'm always intrigued by how other organizations handle recruitment. Think about it this way; right here in Elizabethtown we have several civic / fraternal organizations looking for new members. These include the Kiwanis, Rotary, Knights of Columbus, Freemasons, the Moose, and many more. Each of these groups draws from a different segment of society and markets their membership different. Kiwanis and Rotary are both civic groups that tend to pull from the same pool professionals and business leaders. Freemasons and Knights of Columbus are both fraternal, but draw from different religious backgrounds (at least traditionally.) The Moose is a different animal (pun intended) unto itself as it is an organization based around social interaction with a little bit of fraternalism.

In much the same way, young men have several different organizations they can join, only one of which is DeMolay. As with the adult groups, many of these clubs go about membership a little differently. One segment that has seen marked success in the last twenty years has been Greek fraternities at colleges. These groups have an even tighter margin than DeMolay does when it comes to membership. They only have guys for roughly 2 to 3 years before they move on, yet they keep their Chapters running with this high turnover. So, this made me think, what are they doing that helps keep their numbers up?

After a quick search I came across a great resource from Tau Kappa Epsilon called "Recruitment 101." While it is geared at college age / campus recruitment, there are some ideas and thoughts in the article that could really be of value to DeMolays. There are a couple of great sections on attitude, goals, and recruitment events that could benefit us as DeMolays.

Next time you seem to be up against a wall with membership ideas, think outside the box and look to see what other groups are doing to attract members. You never know what you might find!

Frat!~"Dad" Seth Anthony

Dealing with Adults

It's been a busy week here at Patton Campus; between our quarterly Board of Directors meeting, the Grand Lodge of New Jersey being in, and all of the other activities in and around the Masonic Village, campus has been alive with activity. This weekend, on Sunday, I had a practice for degree conferrals for one of the Masonic bodies that I'm a member of. That is where the story begins.

Before the practice I was sitting around talking to some other members of the cast and trying to organize a few things for upcoming weeks. I said hello to one of our older (than me) members and asked him if he was going to go to an event that was coming up. He replied that he was and then lamented that part of the event was going to occur on a Friday afternoon, which meant he would have to get off of work. I said that the Friday afternoon event was optional, but before I could finish he cut me off and said "... I'm going to that (event) whether you like it or not..." after which he stormed away. Everyone around me was suddenly quiet, as was I, because we were not sure what had caused this sudden anger. We went back to our conversations and continued with the practice, but I was still bothered by the episode.

After we finished I approached the fellow in charge of our area (like a District Deputy) who also witnessed the conversation. I brought up that the event made me feel uneasy and that I was unsure of what I did wrong. After some discussion we distilled that part of the problem may have been the age difference between this member and myself. As I have gotten more invovled in the group I have been assigned more responsibility. When you're dealing with a group who's average age is over 70 years old, you have to handle things a bit differently. He reminded me that some members may not take kindly to a 26 year old being given responsibility (and authority.) That was a good point and I now have a strategy for how to handle this situation in the future.

In much the same way, DeMolays have to know how to handle the adults that they work with. This is especially important as we are in the midst of the Take Control! initiative. While we want our members to take a bigger part in the operation of their Chapter, it has to be done in a way that is cooperative and engaging to both members and advisors. If a Master Councilor walks into an Advisory Council meeting and demands that he be allowed to spend down the treasury on a paintball trip, without having done any fundraising, the Advisors are going to balk (and rightfully so.) You can't just demand things because you're in charge. A better way to handle that situation would have been to go to the Advisory Council with a fundraising plan, that was worked on by all three Councilors, that includes a paintball outing. Now the Council is going to be more receptive to your ideas and willing to work with you.

One thing I have consistently run up against in my career, and in my life, has been the issue of being thought of as "too young." The current generation of DeMolays are going to have this problem as well. Why? It's a complicated issue, but I attribute it to two things. First is the DeMolay program itself. By being involved and active in DeMolay we are being taught skills and abilities that are preparing us for our careers and lives. Most people haven't received this kind of extra "training," which puts us at an advantage when going out into the real world. In many cases, people who are older than us didn't receive this kind of opportunity either, and perhaps they put in several years in "the trenches" before they could get to where they are. When a young person comes in with skills, abilities, and enthusiasm to advance, it can be shock that makes an older generation become defensive and wary. Breaking down that barrier is extremely difficult, and quite frankly, that is why I left my previous job to come the Youth Foundation. It behooves us all to be mindful of this kind of situation in the workforce and in our lives so that we can better understand how some people react to us.

The second part of the equation (at least as I see it) is part of how our generation was raised. I was taught all throughout school that I could do anything I put my mind to; that I was valued as a person and that my opinion mattered. The world was mine for the taking. You know what? It still is, but this has to be tempered by some humility. Sometimes we have to recognize that no matter how bright we think we are, no matter how great we think we've done, we are still young and have a lot to learn. When I was just out of college I was ready to take on the world. In return I took some bumps and bruises on the way as I found out that I needed to sit back and learn from others, because I was never going to have all the answers. One of my jobs involved being the guy that fired people. Let me tell you, when you are 24 years old and you are firing a man who is a 55 year old career professional, it's not easy.  I was called alot of names, was threatened, and more. However, because I had confidence in my abilities I was able to perform my job. The trick is walking that fine line between confidence and arrogance, and it can be a tough one to walk.

The next time that you're having trouble dealing with your parents, your teachers, your Advisors, or your boss, remember that showing a little humility and taking a step back to evalutate the situation may do you more good than plunging in head first. Sometimes the answer isn't about doing, it's about knowing when not to do. Huh. Sounds kind of like being an Advisor, doesn't it?

Frat!~"Dad" Seth Anthony

Trivia with Fezzy: Week 4!

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 119 posts so far, but I guarantee you that it's on the blog somewhere!

On to the question!

The United States actually only has 46 "states"; the other our four call themselves "Commonwealths." What four "states" are actually Commonwealths?

Get answering!

Frat!-"Dad" Seth "Fezzy" Anthony

Jacques the Vote

Last week I found myself in front of a television that was playing the local news. You may ask "Why is that so important?" Well, long story short, I don't have cable. In fact, I only get one channel, which I've never watched. You read that correctly - I don't watch much television.  Now, I have a fairly prodigious DVD collection, but I probably watch less than 10 hours a week of television at a max (including DVD's.) Most weeks I'd say that I watch around 5, tops. So, the fact that I was watching TV was a little out of the ordinary.

The program I was watching was the eleven o'clock news. Without getting on to a soap box, I will say that I abhor what the news has become. It's 17 minutes of a crime report, 4 minutes of weather, and 2 minutes of other stuff. Newspapers aren't much better either. However, this news program wasn't what really irked me that night. It was the commercials, or, more precisely, the campaign advertisements. One of the benefits of not watching TV is that you don't have to put up with these terrible ads. I believe that I can recreate those ads, in my own words, for you right now:

Ad 1:

Candidate number 1 is a terrible person. He votes the way other people do and doesn't listen to you. Also, he beats puppies (jokingly, of course.)In real life it looks something like this.




Ad 2:

Candidate number 2 has no character. He spends money without thinking and doesn't listen to you. Also, he beats kittens. (again, a joke.) In real life it looks something like this.



These sorts of ads played out during every commericial break. Eventually I just turned the TV off (I was in a public waiting room mind you.) To say I was annoyed would be putting a nice polish on the situation. I was very glad that I don't watch more TV than I do, that's for sure.

However, this doesn't mean I won't vote. If I don't vote, I don't get a voice. I may not like either candidate, or what they stand for, but if I don't vote then I don't matter. One of the biggest political challenges for my / our generation is the concept that since we don't vote, we don't care, and if we don't care, we don't matter. I call foul on that concept. We matter. We pay taxes just like the next guy. It may not be as much or as often, but we pay all the same. Therefore, we get a say. However, if we don't vote, then we can't complain.

DeMolay teaches patriotism on all levels. From times of war to times of peace, being a patriot is an important ideal for us as DeMolays. Part of being a patriot is participating in and caring about your country's electoral process. If you haven't registered to vote in this election, then you're too late, but if you have, I encourage you to go out to your polling place and vote. Not just for DeMolay, or your country, but for you, so that your voice can be heard. This election is one where single votes can matter. While it's not as flashy as a presidential election, it certainly is more important to us as Pennsylvanians. We are electing a Senator, several Congressmen, and a Governor. Now, more than ever, your vote is important. Don't just go out and vote for generic Republican A or model Democrat B! Research your candidates and vote for the one that does a better job of reflecting your views. You're not going to agree with them on everything, but the more big issues you can agree with them on, the better.

Another important point to make here is that I am not advocating a disucssion of politics in your Chapter or in your Lodge. I'm advocating a discussion of the process and it's importance. Politics has no place in the Fraternity, but patriotism in the form of democratic participation does. It's why our country gave you a choice - use it!

Jacques the vote!

Frat!~"Dad" Seth Anthony

A short one today...

Today's post is going to be a short and fairly unsubstantive one. It's been a crazy week here at Patton Campus. From some major computer glitches, to staff not feeling well, to the Flag Football Tournament, and the impending PMYF Board of Directors meeting, life has been hectic. Pile onto that the Key Cru, the Youth Minutes, and the Penn Rainbow that all need to go out (almost 4500 newsletters) and you can see the that the blog has to take a back seat until Thursday.

I do want to hit on a couple of points though.

First I am pleased to announce that Bro. Isaac Holtzer, of Westmoreland Chapter has won the Fezzy Trivia Contest for this week. The correct answer to the question of "Wilbur Chapter, formerly of the Bethlehem, PA area was once prominently featured in Life Magazine. This article went on to cause a lot of trouble for the Chapter, but, more importantly it was also responsible for helping to get DeMolay started in what foreign country?" was "Australia." However, for the second week in a row there has been only one answer to the Fezzy Trivia Question. Are the questions just too hard? Do you not care? What can I do to make it more interesting? Please let me know!

Speaking of fezzes, the Limited Edition DeMolay Fez is still on sale! We are now down to 5 left, but, more importantly, we have decided to lower the price! That's right, you can now own one of these awesome hats for only $75! That's a 25% discount from the original cost! If you want one you better be quick and head over to http://www.pademolay.org/ and get your information to me as soon as possible!

As always, if you are looking for some interesting reading I direct you over to The Art of Manliness blog which has lots of great articles about what it means to be a man in today's society.

Until Thursday - keep on Jacquesing!

Frat!~"Dad" Seth Anthony

Trivia with Fezzy: Week 3!

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 117 posts so far, but I guarantee you that it's on the blog somewhere!

On to the question!

Wilbur Chapter, formerly of the Bethlehem, PA area was once prominently featured in Life Magazine. This article went on to cause a lot of trouble for the Chapter, but, more importantly it was also responsible for helping to get DeMolay started in what foreign country?

Get answering!

Frat!-"Dad" Seth "Fezzy" Anthony

Hey, unplug the jar, would ya?

Westmoreland Chapter, located in Greensburg, PA, has quickly become one of the greatest adopters of the Take Control! and Unplug concepts. The interesting part of their story is that they were initially one of the more skeptical groups out there. I fielded many questions from Westmoreland on just want it meant to "Unplug." They were working with a younger generation of DeMolays (mostly under 15) and weren't quite sure that it was time to cut the proverbial apron strings just yet.

"Dad" Bruce Neubauer and I talked at length about the idea and how best to apply it in his Chapter. Slowly, but surely, the Advisory Council started taking less and less of a role in the stated meetings, but more of a role before and after them. In this way, they were able to help the guys work up their agendas and prepare for what they were going to talk about. They found that the young men were able to run efficient meetings, with less chatter, that lasted shorter than they had in the past. After the meetings the Advisors would debrief the guys on what worked and what didn't, followed by how they could improve in the future. A little constructive criticism goes a long way!

The last part of this equation was finding a way for the Advisors to become more conscious of how they were behaving in the stated meetings. They took an old concept, the money jar, and applied it to this situation. Each time an Advisor speaks at a stated meeting, without being called upon by the Master Councilor, they  have to put $1 in the jar. By the looks of the jar, there isn't much talking going on during the meetings anymore! This is a fabulous way to become more aware of what you are doing within the stated meetings. Most of the time you don't even think about how you could be effecting the situation.

Thanks to the Unplug jar the Advisors of Westmoreland are becoming more conscious of how they help their guys. This in turn has produced visible changes in how their Chapter is run, all for the positive. So, how have you been "Unplugging?" Tell us about it at webmaster@pademolay.org!

Frat!~"Dad" Seth Anthony

Taking Control of Your Career

The Take Control! campaign is based around video games. I don't know of any young guy who doesn't enjoy playing video games from time to time. Whether it be Halo, Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, or Madden, it seems every guy has played video games to some extent. Most guys also think it would really cool to be a video game designer / programmer for a job once they get out of high school. Lots of young men are looking for that quick break into the video game industry. Sadly, the reality of the industry is much different from the way most young men think about it.

I'm a huge fan of all the work that is done over at The Art of Manliness. Recently they posted a great article called So You Want My Job: Video Game Producer. It does alot to illuminate what it is like to work in the video game industry on a daily basis. Perhaps this is exactly the career path you want, or perhaps not. Either way it offers some  helpful tips on what you should do to prepare yourself if you want to make video games for a living. Check it out, you'll be glad you did!

Frat!~"Dad" Seth Anthony

Trivia with Fezzy: Week 2!

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 (thanks to "Dad" Peter Brusoe for this suggestion.) 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 113 posts so far, but I guarantee you that it's on the blog somewhere!

So, on to the question:

Which Chapter in PA DeMolay has had the most State Master Councilors and how many did they have?

Bonus question (for another five points, to be drawn separately.):

What year was the office of Deputy State Master Councilor established?

What are you waiting for - go answer those questions!

Frat!~"Dad" Seth "Fezzy" Anthony

A Dialogue with the EO

We are always looking for enthusiastic new advisors, but sometimes the excitement is too intense, and the desire to change the Chapter, or change the boys, clouds good judgment. Here is a fictional dialog adapted from real conversations I have had with several Senior DeMolays who want to come back and make things just like they were in the "good old days." I hope you enjoy!

"Dad" Thomas R. Labagh (TRL)
EO in PA


TRL
I'm glad you want to be an advisor, but it won't happen overnight-- the Advisory Council needs to get to know you, and you will need to take DeMolay Advisor Development training and submit to a complete background check.

NewGuy
OK, so how soon can I do the training? I want to get started with these guys right away. They have so much to learn-- they don't even open and close the meeting. They don't know what Preceptors are. They've never worn a degree costume. I mean-- they don't really know what DeMolay is!

TRL
We do the training at least 6 times a year at the Patton Campus, and for new chapters, but we'll set up a local training whenever an Advisory Council can get 10 people to commit to attending.

NewGuy
OK-- I'll get 10 new advisors right away so we can have a training here. Our Advisory Council Chairman can do the training, can't he?

TRL
No. We have a team of trainers who will present the lessons. Nobody from the local Chapter can be your trainer, however. We want to be sure that new and different ideas are shared.

NewGuy
That's why I want to get the training over with right away, so I can get in there and give them new ideas and show them how to be a "real" DeMolay chapter. If they do what I tell them, they'll have a great chapter again in no time!

TRL
First of all-- you should be careful NOT to go into the training like you know it all, and there is nothing you can learn from it.

NewGuy
I didn't mean it that way-- I'm just anxious to get started, and I was told I can't meet with the guys for rehearsals and teach them how to plan better until I am approved.

TRL
Well, that's partially true-- you can't supervise them, but with other advisors present, you can still work with them.

NewGuy
What? Don't you trust me to supervise the guys properly?

TRL
Trust is earned-- never given. It's not me, but the local advisors who need to trust you. But our youth protection rules don't allow us to work with the guys alone. There is always another advisor present.

New Guy
It seems like everyone is now under suspicion of being a child molester.

TRL
NOT AT ALL-- Having other Advisors with you means that you are never put in a position to make an important decision without the benefit of additional adult counsel, or that you are never left alone during an emergency situation.

NewGuy
I never thought of it that way--

TRL
The youth protection rules are much broader for a good reason. The concept of two-deep leadership is for EVERYONE's protection. If something happens, you need to have help. If someone gets injured, one advisor has to be with him, and the other advisors continue to supervise the group.

NewGuy
That really makes sense. So, can I get the training to learn this stuff right away? I've got a lot of plans for this chapter-- we're going to be the best chapter in the state again, soon!

TRL
Patience, my friend. Your plans don't matter much-- the leadership team needs to "buy in" to the course of action to be taken. The boys and the advisors need to agree on the direction the chapter will take.

NewGuy
I keep forgetting-- things are different than when I was active. Back then, the Chapter Advisor made all the decisions. Every Chapter was like that.

TRL
That may have been true, but now, we want Chapters to operate as "youth led, adult advised." Our youth protection rules aren't just about sexual abuse or safety-- the "two-deep leadership" rule of having at least two advisors at everything is also about having checks and balances in our ideas and enthusiasm, too.

NewGuy
With all that agreeing, it must take longer to get things done.

TRL
It certainly requires good leadership principles. It also is to make sure that new advisors approach everything with proper "balance" to make sure that neither they, nor the guys, overdose on TOO MUCH DeMolay...

NewGuy
What do you mean, overdose? How can you get too much DeMolay?

TRL
It is easy to get really busy, and really wrapped up in the program, but sometimes that comes at the expense of family, job, friends, and even mental health... so you need to try to expand and change the local program slowly... for your own benefit as well as the Chapter's...

NewGuy
I just went through the process of opening a business; I suppose in a lot of ways I'm approaching this the same. I guess I shouldn't. I appreciate what you are saying. Here, the product I want to sell is the program, and the payoff is the success of the chapter. Or, really, the success of the members themselves. They really ARE in charge of their program-- and being put in charge is part of the product that we are selling!

TRL
You've hit the nail on the head. The guys ARE in charge... it is their chapter, and we are just there to guide them... not propel them... through the program. Some kids want the whole thing... others just want the sports... some, just the friends... and others want the leadership. You have to be able to ride the roller-coaster of what they are able to accept and excel in.

NewGuy
OK, and I get that. I appreciate the changes, but I am deeply concerned about one aspect of it, and that is that the ritual gets lost if the guys choose to lose it. I think the foundation should be in the program. I am not saying I should be able to force them to practice, however.

TRL
Which is why we NEED Masons and Senior DeMolays to provide balance to the input of less experienced parents and other volunteers... and to provide positive views of the ritual training we offer.

NewGuy
That's really important. I'm just trying to understand how to guide them into the ritual work without crossing that line.

TRL
Expectations. Once they get to know you and respect you for letting them be in control, they will want to meet your expectations. They will do it to gain your approval, and support.

NewGuy
I just need a few strong ritual guys who can pave the way for the next wave of kids that I help bring in.

TRL
You will need to compromise your urgent desire to make ritual happen immediately. About the best you can do is relate the concept of ritual excellence to skills you developed that they say they admire. It is a process... and it doesn't happen overnight.

NewGuy
I am starting to see what you mean.

TRL
Recruit the best and brightest and busiest and most ambitious kids you can find... they'll make time to try ritual because it is something they don't get anywhere else...

NewGuy
I'm hoping to have a good group at Key Man next year. it'll be a great chance to really have the new DeMolays experience the whole thing.

TRL
That is ALWAYS a great way to start them off!

NewGuy
It'll be neat for me too... I have fond memories of the Key Man program and my chapter in general, plus I have some of the closest friends in my life from it. I guess I just want my chapter to feel the same way.

TRL
Maybe they already do! Y'know, DeMolay isn't just ritual or sports. Today's members really get the fidelity, toleration and brotherhood lessons of the DeMolay Degree. Most will tell you that is what attracted them to the program, and what keeps them involved.

NewGuy
Hmmmmm... maybe they DO get it, and I was just so focused on ritual that I didn't see it. But, if they don't do the ritual, how do the know about it-- how do they get these lessons?

TRL
It's the PA DeMolay culture. Every Chapter, and every statewide event promotes these virtues, and everyone repeats the obligations at these events when we bring in new members-- so they actually are learning the ritual, and don't even realize it. More importantly, I see them putting their words into practice by the way they accept and treat each other.

NewGuy
I guess that IS the most important thing-- that they understand who we are and what we stand for. But I still want them to learn and perform the ritual.

TRL
To tell you the truth, so do I, and they will, but only if you inspire them to do it. Just remember that you can't force the issue.

NewGuy
Thanks for listening, and thanks for the insight.

TRL
Thanks for your enthusiasm and your commitment! It will be great to have you involved as an Advisor.

Haberdashery: Day 2

Well friends, within twenty four hours of putting our new, limited edition, PA DeMolay fezzes up for sale we have a quarter of them spoken for! Three individuals have expressed their interest in being a part of history and owning one of these fine hats. I mean, it is a fez, how much cooler can you get?

So, what are you waiting for? Get over to pademolay.org and get a fez!

In homage to this momentous occasion I have drafted the following poem (which may or may not have been based on a similar piece that was part of a famous book / movie.)

The One Fez of Power

Three fezzes for the first to buy,
Seven for the rest to wish to own,

Two for those who wait and try,

One for the great Fez alone,

In the land of Elizabethown where the office lies,

One Fez to fuel them all, One Fez to design them,

One Fez to bring them all and in the coolness find them

In the land of Elizabethown where the fezzes lie.

Frat!~"Dad" Seth Anthony

Fezzy was a bear... no, wait. Fezzy was a Jacques!

Some of you may have seen the big news over at pademolay.org – the new DeMolay fez! This item is a limited edition, high quality fez of which there will only ever by 12 produced! That’s it! One dozen and their gone! Ordering information is available over at the fez news story if you’re interested. All proceeds will benefit the PA DeMolay endowment fund. However, I figured the blog would be a good place to tell you the back story how these fine pieces of fraternal headwear were made.

Last fall, at Flag Football, "Dad" David Labagh and I were having a discussion about doing something fun for Halloween for our recently formed trivia team. I guess I should probably explain that the trivia team is composed of a group of friends from the DeMolay world who go play a game show type game each week. If you were at Key Man this year you saw exactly what it is we do.

Anywho, David and I were looking at possible goofy bowling shirts for a uniform. While looking around online I stumbled across Fez-o-Rama. Fez-o-Rama is an independent maker of all things fez. They create and manufacture their own designs using only the highest quality material. In fact, the founder of Fez-o-Rama teaches fashion and clothing design in San Francisco! How cool!

I was immediately smitten. I had to have one of these awesome fezzes. I had a tough time deciding on a design, so I waited for a few months until I bought my first one, but I ordered a simple black felt fez in the meantime. I wore it to trivia for Halloween, which garnered me the nickname “The Fez.” Most people still don’t know my real name at trivia; even the staff only know me as “The Fez,” which I sort of get a kick out of!

My original Fez-o-Rama Fez was No. 45. If you want an explanation of what it stands for you’ll just have to ask me in person! My next purchase was a “Fez” fez. My girlfriend purchased this one for me as it went perfectly with my trivia nickname. My third Fez-o-Rama fez was purchased only recently when they held a sale of their Pirate fezzes in honor of “Talk Like a Pirate Day.” It just so happened that I was getting my costume ready for Knights Night Out II: A Pirate Feast (which is a joint charity even between Elizabethtown DeMolay and Cyrene Commandery No. 34 with the proceeds split 50/50 between DeMolay and the Knights Templar Eye Foundation.) I scooped up a black one just in time for the event and proudly wore it as part of my costume for the evening.

Where did the DeMolay fezzes come from though? I contacted the folks at Fez-o-Rama and told them just how much I loved their products. I knew that they did some commission work and thought to myself “Self, I wonder if they could make a DeMolay related fez for me?” DeMolays used to wear fezzes all the time, especially back in the 1930’s and 40’s. We even have several of them on display right here at Patton Campus! It seemed like a natural idea to create a new DeMolay fez for the current generation.

I sent off lots of artwork to Fez-o-rama and, lo and behold, they came back with an awesome design based upon an early version of the DeMolay logo which was then combined with a fez and moon design. It was great! I knew that we had to offer these to our members and supporters – plus it was just in time for Christmas!

After working out some of the details we settled on creating only twelve of these bad boys and making them limited edition collectables with the sales benefiting the endowment fund. Everything was all set!

That’s the story of the 2010 Limited Edition DeMolay fez. Do you want to be one of the twelve lucky people to own one of these? Head over to pademolay.org and order one today!

Keep on Jacquesing!

Frat!~”Dad” Seth Anthony

Trivia with Fezzy: Week 1!

With the WIIFM Contest now over it seems that Friday's are just a little too dull on this here blog. Therefore, I am resurrecting Fezzy (from trivia with Fezzy and the Brain at Key Man 2010) to bring you a new weekly contest!

Each Friday I will post a DeMolay related trivia question. The first active DeMolay from Pennsylania (excluding Elected State Officers) who correctly posts their answer in the comments section of this blog will receive 5 points for the Take Control! program and receive a special "Fezzy" gamer tag over on the points page! Answer every week and rack up some major points!

So, on to the question:

As the original nine members of DeMolay passed away the pearls in the crown of youth were changed to rubies. What was the name of the last of the original nine DeMolays to die and what year did he pass on? Hint: The answer can be found somewhere on the PA DeMolay blog!