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.

Time to Plan for D4D4!

By Kody Anderson, Elizabethtown DeMolay PMC & Tournament Director

“Dad” David A. Glattly, Sovereign Grand Commander of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction , joins the leaders of Elizabethtown Chapter, Order of DeMolay, in encouraging DeMolays, Master Masons, Scottish Rite Masons, and everyone to form a team and register for the 4^th Annual Dodgeball for Dyslexia Tournament, proceeds benefiting the Children’s Dyslexia Centers.

Dodgeball for Dyslexia is a dodgeball tournament that has been driven for the purposes of raising as much money as possible for the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, the State Charity for Pennsylvania DeMolay. Dodgeball for Dyslexia was founded by Brother Evan Crawford of Elizabethtown Chapter, who has now passed the duties of planning this tournament to me, Kody Anderson, a 2017 Past Master Councilor of Elizabethtown Chapter.

Save the date: Dodgeball for Dyslexia will be held on May 12, 2018. The tournament will be held at the Spooky Nook Sports complex in Manheim, PA.

2018 will be the fourth consecutive year for this tournament. In 2017, we raised over $3,000 for the Dyslexia Centers, and we plan to raise even more for 2018! Each and every year, the Dodgeball for Dyslexia tournament has been increasing in participation, with teams coming from all over Pennsylvania and even Virginia. We had 13 teams in 2017, which consisted of many DeMolay chapters and even members from various Masonic Bodies.

We invite anyone who is willing to play dodgeball to make a team and help support and raise money for the Dyslexia Centers. All the money that is donated by teams will go to the Dyslexia Center nearest to them, so grab six to ten of your best players and come out to raise money, and have fun while doing it!  The overall winning team will take home the coveted Gold Dodgeball and have their name engraved on the trophy stand. The team that raises the most money for the Dyslexia Centers will win the Silver Dodgeball; and the team showing the most spirit will be awarded the Bronze Dodgeball.

In order to participate, each team will have a minimum registration fee of $75. The earlier you register, the less the fee.  Here are the dates and the registration fees. Our goal is to have all teams registered by March 1st.

·         By March 1st, $75

·         March 2nd - March 15th, $100

·         March 16th - April 1st, $125.

·         April 2nd - April 15th, $150

·         The absolute deadline to register a team is April 15th!

There are two ways to register: You can fill out the form and send it to our email at etowndodgeball@gmail.com as an attachment, or you can fill out the form and mail it straight to us at Elizabethtown DeMolay, 1244 Bainbridge Road, Elizabethtown PA 17022. Please contact us by via email to request a registration packet or by phoning 727 514 2462.

Remember: Making a team makes a difference, so come out and play dodgeball to raise money all for a great cause!

Meet the Candidates: Mary Lichtenwalner for State Sweetheart

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 members of Pennsylvania DeMolay. My name is Mary Lichtenwalner and I am the current Chapter Sweetheart for Carlisle Chapter, running for the office of State Sweetheart. I will be a Senior at Central Dauphin High School in the fall, where I am a member of the National Honor Society and the school band. In Marching Band, I have been a Co-Section Leader for two years. In Concert Band, I am the 12th Grade Representative and Section

Leader. I am a member of Job's Daughters International, having served as Bethel Honored Queen for Bethel #19 in Mechanicsburg. I am also the current Grand Bethel Guide for Job's Daughters in Pennsylvania.

Why do you want to become State Sweetheart for Pennsylvania DeMolay?

I want to become State Sweetheart because I have enjoyed working with all of the young men I have met to promote the State Charity. I have also loved learning and educating myself on dyslexia and how the Dyslexia Centers tutor students to help them better their quality of life. 

What do you know about the Children's Dyslexia Center?

The Shriners helped to open the Children's Dyslexia Center in 1994 with the Massachusetts General Hospital. These Masons pledged to assist children with dyslexia to learn how to improve their reading levels and how to reach their full potential. Another promise made was to assist these families to help end the frustration, guilt and disruption that may be caused by dyslexia and to assist communities to develop more Children's Dyslexia Centers to help students inside and outside of school. The Dyslexia Center uses a personalized approach for each student that they tutor. The tutors will start with one concept and make sure that the student understands why they need to know the skill, when it will be used, how it will be used, how it is performed and what the skill is actually doing for them. The tutor will not move onto the next lesson until the student understands everything. 

Although you cannot fund-raise on your own, what fundraising ideas could you bring if a chapter asked you for new ideas?

A Chapter can organize raffles and raise money by selling tickets at meetings and to the Masonic Community. Another idea would be to hold a competition between two concepts or between DeMolay members. The voting could take place by either tickets or change, depending on how the chapter wants to organize it. Chapters could also use fundraisers such as movie nights or bake sales in the community, to promote membership as well as service.  

     

EO Conference in NOLA

This past weekend. I had the chance to join our Executive Officer, Thomas R. Labagh, on a trip to the DeMolay International EO Conference, held in New Orleans, Louisiana. When I was first asked to go, I was excited. Yes, New Orleans has always been one of the cities I've wanted to visit, but I also knew that I would be representing PA DeMolay. It was a great feeling to introduce myself as a member of staff in Pennsylvania, and explain some of the programs that we have going on, such as the Bro-Ties, the "DeMolay Goes Hollywood" program, and our new PA DeMolay Advisor Training Seminar.  

I had the chance to meet Executive Officers from across the country, and one who traveled from over seas in Germany. DeMolay is known for its fellowship and brotherhood, so its a nice surprise to see the same fellowship and brotherhood within a group of Executive Officers and staff members. I only knew a total of 6 people before the conference started, and got to know several more before it ended. Since most of the meetings were brainstorming sessions, it was great to hear what other jurisdictions are doing and receive ideas to implement here in Pennsylvania. 

Two guest speakers were asked to address the conference. The first was Mr. Herbert Marks Sr., who is the oldest living Senior DeMolay at 103 years of young. He spoke of his experiences through DeMolay and what it taught him through his life. He also mentioned that he had the chance to meet "Dad" Land. It was inspiring to hear that DeMolay has had the same effect on young men for all these years. The second speaker was Mrs. Jessica Vermilyea, the Director of Disaster Relief for Upbring Disaster Response. She informed us of the recent floods, tornadoes and storms that have left people without homes in the state of Louisiana. Her company focuses on helping aid those in need. It was enlightening to hear stories from someone that looks out for the greater good of others, because that's the same message we try to instill in our youth.

The conference was great, and so was the city of New Orleans. The food was fantastic. If you're into seafood, which unfortunately I am not, then there is no better place to go than New Orleans. The culture was fascinating, especially hearing band music playing right outside of our hotel during the conference dinner. Jazz music was playing everywhere we went, including a three man singing group singing while we were having dinner at a steakhouse. Yes, I did get to Bourbon Street, and all I'll say is that I had a great time with great people. New Orleans is a very historical place, and I hope I get the chance to go back someday. 

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

   

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. 

#Giving Tuesday

Today is Giving Tuesday, a day dedicated to the efforts of giving back to others in a charitable sense. Originally, I thought this was a day DeMolay International created since I've seen it on all of our pages. That was until Facebook told me that they wanted to help give back to a fundraiser as well. From there, I noticed that all charities are supporting Giving Tuesday, and you should too. 

In DeMolay, we have several chances to give back and raise money for charity. We encourage members to raise money for the state charity, which in Pennsylvania is the Children's Dyslexia Center. Chapters and individuals have been known to support multiple other charities as well. I've seen chapters help out with homeless shelters, donate change for the troops, and we all remember the donations made from the Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS two summers ago. 

Today, I encourage all members and advisors to take part in the efforts of Giving Tuesday. Choose a charity or program that you support and make a donation. You can even make a donation to the DeMolay Foundation by going to demolay.org/donate. The important thing is that you make a difference in the life of someone.      

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin

Remember, Remember, the 8th of November

Today marks an important day for the Order of DeMolay, as it is the day that our Founder, Frank S. Land, passed away. "Dad" Land created this great youth organization in 1919, and we are still going strong to this day, nearly celebrating 100 years of existence. His vision for a young men's youth organization has turned into a program that has helped young men grow into better leaders all over the world. 

In DeMolay, November 8th is also known as "Frank S. Land Memorial Day," an obligatory day designed for us to pay tribute to "Dad" Land for giving us this incredible group to be proud of. Chapters are asked to celebrate in two ways: hold a program in memory of "Dad" Land, and donate money to a local or Masonic charity in memory of "Dad" Land. 

As a Chevalier, this date also is the day that we promised "To hold communion with a fellow Chevalier, or Court of Chevaliers, wherever I may be, and should this be impossible, I will break bread with an active DeMolay or a young man in his teens." Chevaliers all over the world will get together to pay tribute to "Dad" Land. Some Chevalier Courts choose to observe this on a day closest to November 8th. My Chevalier Court celebrated at Fogo de Chao in Philadelphia on November 5th.

So thank you "Dad" Land, for giving us a group of friends that we can rely on, a Masonic family that is always there for us, and an extended family that cares about us the same way that our real families do. We salute you on this very special 8th of November.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin 

Meet the Candidates: Caitlin Gresham

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. This time, we take a look at our State Sweetheart Candidates. They were asked for a biography and an answer to the following questions on their application. Here are their responses.

Hello Pennsylvania DeMolay. My name is Caitlin Gresham and I am running for State Sweetheart. I am a former Chapter Sweetheart of Steel City Chapter and will be representing Templar Chapter going into Convention. This September I will be a Freshman at Elizabethtown College where I will be studying Early Childhood Education and Special Education. I currently work for Sewickley Confectionery. I am a member of Rainbow, having served as Worthy Advisor for by home Assembly, as well as the Grand Representative for West Virginia and Missouri. I am also an active candidate for the Grand Cross of Color. Along with my many years in the Masonic Youth Groups, I have also been in the Girl Scouts of America, part of the Quaker Valley Key Club and a volunteer with World Vision. In my free time, I enjoy playing softball, volleyball, tennis and cheering for my school. 

Why do you want to become the State Sweetheart of Pennsylvania DeMolay?

I believe that I can broaden my horizons in terms of service and fellowship, while also connecting and making bonds with people from across this state and potentially the nation. With my background in Rainbow and DeMolay, I have an appreciation for all Masonic bodies, however, I think we can all learn more about what we stand for and the way of life that we all believe in. I also want to help strengthen the bonds between masonic youth through various fun and educational activities while also doing more bonding on a deeper level with people that I would not normally get to spend time with. I strongly believe in the great work that we are all capable of and I want to be one of the role models that younger brothers and sisters can come to for help and guidance. When I first joined, I looked up to the youth leaders so much and I would love to be that person to someone else, while also improving myself. This opportunity to work with these young men will open up so many doors for success in my life and theirs as well. 

Although you cannot fund-raise on your own, what fundraising ideas could you bring if a chapter asked you for new ideas?

Many families have loose change lying around their house, sitting in piggy banks, or in wallets that will not be used any time soon. We could do Penny Wars between chapters across the state. We can have a fundraising race between the chapters, and whoever wins by having the most money raised can have a pizza party. We could do a pie throwing contest at a DeMolay weekend and the boys can bring in money to vote for which Elected State Officer they want pied in the face. They could do a spaghetti dinner, blood drive, pancake breakfast, car washes, 50/50 raffles, hoagie/sandwich sales, selling candy bars, carnivals, bake sale, booths at fairs, autumn days, etc. anything of that fashion usually works well.   

What do you know about the Children's Dyslexia Center?

I know that the Children's Dyslexia Center helps children all across the United States who have been diagnosed with Dyslexia. It is a Scottish Rite Charity which is Masonic affiliated and it is found in 13 states, including Pennsylvania, which has eight centers total. They offer services such as tutoring to families free of charge. They have changed the lives of over 1,200 children. The money we raise in DeMolay goes towards helping and improving the lives of many kids who are in need. They have a comprehensive one-on-one program that can be as long as three years, depending on the needs of the student. It costs roughly $6,000 per year to help one child, and with all of our contributions we have helped so many kids, and we will continue to help for as long as possible. 

Meet the Candidates: Mary Lichtenwalner

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. This time, we take a look at our State Sweetheart Candidates. They were asked for a biography and an answer to the following questions on their application. Here are their responses.

Hello members of Pennsylvania DeMolay. My name is Mary Lichtenwalner and I am representing Carlisle Chapter Order of DeMolay. I will be a Junior at Central Dauphin High School. I am a member of the marching band, concert band, color guard and choir. As of May 3rd, I am also a part of the National Honor Society. I work for Hershey Entertainment and Resorts, exclusively at Hershey Park. I am a member of Job's Daughters, having served as Grand Senior Custodian and recently installed as Senior Princess.

Why do you want to become the State Sweetheart of Pennsylvania DeMolay?

I have thoroughly enjoyed being a Chapter Sweetheart for Carlisle Chapter. I also have a friend who has received help from the Children's Dyslexia Centers. Combining my respect for DeMolay and my belief in the work of the Dyslexia Centers is the perfect way to further represent DeMolay as the State Sweetheart. 

Although you cannot fund-raise on your own, what fundraising ideas could you bring if a chapter asked you for new ideas?

A few of the ideas I would be able to come up with include holding a Chinese Auction, movie nights, raffles and even finding a local restaurant that will allow a fundraiser to take place such as Friendly's or Applebees. 

What do you know about the Children's Dyslexia Center?

It was founded by J. Phillip Berquist (a Freemason) with the help of local Freemasons and the Reading Disabilities Unit from Massachusetts General Hospital. It offers tutoring for any age, economical status or whether they have a Masonic relationship or not. 

This or That: Batman vs. Superman

Pennsylvania DeMolay's State Sweetheart, Miss Sarah Sellers, has put together a program that puts two forms of pop culture reference in a competition against one another. This competition is to help raise money for the Children's Dyslexia Centers, which is PA DeMolay's State Charity. The current competition is a question that is often asked: Batman vs. Superman.

Every fan of comic books has been asked the very same question throughout their life: Who would win in a fight between Batman and Superman? Later this month we may get closer to that answer with the release of “Batman V Superman: Dawn of Justice,” but for now we are asked which one we prefer more than the other. The Dark Knight and the Man of Steel have been permanent fixtures on the world of pop culture with continuous reboots, remakes and reinterpretations. Both have had multiple film series, television shows, animated series and video games made in their tribute.

Batman, known to all of Gotham City as billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne, became the owner of his father’s company, Wayne Enterprises, after both of his parents were killed. At a young age, Bruce left Gotham City to learn the skills it took to protect the city of crime. He studied forensics, criminal psychology and also learned martial arts along the way. The world of the Dark Knight has been around for years in multiple ways. From the Batman TV series featuring Adam West, to the more recent film series featuring Christian Bale, Batman has been portrayed by 8 different people on the big screen. Currently, Ben Affleck will portray Batman in the upcoming Batman V Superman film, while the series “Gotham,” an origin story that follows Officer Jim Gordon and a young Bruce Wayne, airs on FOX television.

Superman, originally known as Kal-El, was sent to Earth by his parents to protect him from the destruction of his home planet, Krypton. On Earth, he finds the Kent family and is known to them as Clark Kent. Clark learned that he has superhuman powers, including strength, speed and flying abilities. Clark becomes a journalist for the Metropolis Newspaper, the Daily Planet, while saving the world as Superman. Like Batman, Superman has been around the world of pop culture in multiple ways. The most notable version of Superman would be the 4 part series starring Christopher Reeve in the title role. An origin story, entitled Smallville, explained the youthful side of Clark Kent before ultimately becoming Superman. In the film coming out later this month, Henry Cavill will portray the Man of Steel.

So, which one is your favorite superhero: The Caped Crusader or the Man of Steel? 

Your chapter has until April 1^st to make a decision between Batman or Superman.

Until next time - "Dad" Joe Pullin          

This or That: Star Trek vs. Star Wars

Pennsylvania DeMolay's State Sweetheart, Miss Sarah Sellers, has put together a program that puts two forms of pop culture reference in a competition against one another. This competition is to help raise money for the Children's Dyslexia Centers, which is PA DeMolay's State Charity. The current competition is Star Trek vs. Star Wars. “Dad” Alex Swift, Chapter Advisor of Northeast Chapter has provided this article to help compare the two franchises.

In the genre of American Science Fiction, there are no two more recognizable brands than Star Wars and Star Trek. Over the last fifty years since Star Trek first debuted in the 1960’s, they have captured the imagination of young and old viewers alike. Even now, almost fifty years later they are still at the forefront of American Cinema and remain in the spotlight of our interest. There are no signs of either of them disappearing into the realms of memory.

Just this past year, "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" broke almost every known box office record known to man, and seemed to resurrect the good reputation of a franchise that had gone astray. Later this year, in 2016, the third Star Trek film in the JJ Abrams series, and twelfth over all, is set to debut. Both franchises seem to be flourishing in ways that even their original creators might not have predicted, and it’s hard to imagine a world in which neither of them exist.

But, as they can both be categorized as Science Fiction, their similarities are few and far between. 

They are fundamentally different: A fact that has seen a proverbial line drawn in the sand between fans of one, or the other. It’s a silly culture war when you really look at it from any objective viewpoint, especially if you’re a fan of both the way I am. But still, it doesn’t stop it from being waged on the internet, at fan conventions, or even on late night TV where, on his show, Conan O’Brien asked Astrophysicist Neil deDrasse Tyson: “Who would win in a fight, the Millennium Falcon or the USS Enterprise?”

Star Trek, the first of the two brands to appear in front of audiences has traditionally focused on the eventual exploration of space. It’s a look into the future, or more appropriately an idea of what the future could look like. The series shows a world devoid of poverty, crime, and greed. It shows a world in which science and technology have allowed humanity to overcome its faults, and ascend out into the greater universe beyond our own sky.

Star Wars, the more financially successful of the two, has always been a modern homage to the old spaghetti westerns, and adventure films of the 1930’s. Instead of our heroes chasing each other on horseback, we see TIE Fighters and X-Wings dueling each other ala the great air battles waged in World War II. These are tales of great evils, and the forces of good standing against them. They are stories of massive battles waged in far off lands, and worlds that are so incredibly foreign to us. It’s more of a recollection of our past than our future, told from a modern and futuristic perspective.

So, now its up to you, do you side with Star Trek or with Star Wars?

As far as which one is better, that is only a matter of personal preference. Both franchises remain strong, so you decide which one you prefer.  

Thank you "Dad" Swift for your contribution to the blog. Which franchise do you prefer: Star Trek or Star Wars? Voting ends February 1st so act quickly. 

Be Different Spotlight: Elizabethtown Chapter

The following post is part of a series entitled the “Be Different Spotlight.” This post will display a chapter’s effort to grasp the concept of the theme for this year. Each chapter was challenged by the State Master Councilor, Adam Pritchard, to “Be Different.” 

Challenge Accepted!  This is the story of how Elizabethtown Chapter embraced that challenge...

Our Chapter proudly accepted the challenge and decided to do something different for our Frank S. Land Memorial Obligatory Day by doing something we have never done before. With the cooperation of family and friends of our members, with some kind and courteous Masonic Village Residents helping, we collected nearly 400 gently used books and presented them to the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Lancaster. We presented the books in support of the center's book give away which was held as a part of the Extraordinary Give in Lancaster County on Friday, Nov. 20^th.  This one day, 24-hours of online giving raised over 6.1 million dollars for over 350 charitable organizations.  The Children’s Dyslexia Center had over $7,000 donated to it in just 24 hours.  The books that were collected and donated were available for pickup by anyone who stopped by the Dyslexia Center on Nov. 20th. 

In addition to donating the books, 8 members of our Chapter willingly donated a total of $225 for the purchase of any other books in support of the book drive that brought donors into the center.  Over the past 15 years Elizabethtown Chapter has raised and have been honored to donate nearly $35,000.00 to the center through various fundraisers, which includes our annual chicken pot pie dinners.  Our Chapter Advisor, Dad Jesse Spence, makes a very good chicken pot pie, and if you haven't had one yet I highly recommend it to you! Our next chicken pot pie dinner and special auction of gifts and passes will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2016. 100% of our profits are donated to the center, our state charity that helps kids get the help they need to overcome dyslexia and succeed in school.

Along with presenting the books, 5 of our chapter members helped prepare and serve a luncheon for the Lancaster Lodge of Perfection. The Lancaster Lodge of Perfection, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite Masons of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction, is the main sponsoring agency of the Children's Dyslexia Center of Lancaster. We thought that supporting the Scottish Rite in this way was especially appropriate since the founder of DeMolay, Frank S. Land, was an employee of the Scottish Rite Valley located in Kansas City. The officers of Elizabethtown DeMolay were happy with the success of the luncheon and donation of the books, and appreciated the support of family members, friends, residents of the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, and our advisors, as without them this would not have been possible. 

From the Officers, Members, and Families of Elizabethtown Chapter, Order of DeMolay we want to wish you a Happy and Safe Holiday Season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

This blog post was written by current Senior Councilor of Elizabethtown Chapter, Blake Anderson. Thank you Brother Blake for your contribution.

Elizabethtown Chapter has completed the challenge to “Be Different.” What has your chapter done in order to change things up a bit? Send in program details or write a post for your chapter and send it to me at JAPullin@pademolay.net.

Be Different and Be Charitable

Today we have a special guest blog post. This post is from Sarah Sellers, Pennsylvania DeMolay's State Sweetheart.

As a DeMolay, you know that the Pennsylvania State Charity is the Children's Dyslexia Centers. You know that throughout the year, you and your brothers strive to raise money to donate to this charity, and after all of your hard work, a check is presented at Convention to the Scottish Rite Representative. You also know that this year, your State Master Councilor, Adam Pritchard, has challenged each chapter to "Be Different," be it in membership recruitment, community service, or chapter events. As your State Sweetheart, I also present the challenge of "Be Different"; however, I challenge you to be different in how you donate to your State Charity. Yes, raising funds throughout the year is still acceptable – in fact, it is highly encouraged – but change up how you raise these funds. You could even change up how you become involved with your local learning center. Be Creative. As long as you are embracing PA DeMolay's theme and are connecting with the Children's Dyslexia Centers, anything goes.

You may be thinking, "Yes, I am ready to 'Be Different!' The thing is, I'm not sure how." If you are
stuck or having doubts, that is perfectly normal. No one is expecting you to come up with these new ideas on your own. For tips or advice, I suggest you use your resources. Ask the members of your chapter what they might think, or look to what other chapters have done in the past. In May, Elizabethtown Chapter organized a dodgeball tournament to raise funds for the State Charity. In October, Pilgrim Chapter donated CD players and $500 in gift cards to their local center. Other chapters have participated in their local Walk for Dyslexia, challenged lodges to raise funds, and have simply visited their local learning center. All of these are wonderful examples as to how chapters have strayed from the expected monetary donations to contribute to the charity. Even though PA DeMolay has been successful in raising funds over the years, do not be afraid to change up how it is done. When it comes to the Children's Dyslexia Centers, do not be afraid to "Be Different."

A Quick Run Down of Masonic Charities

One of the things I often find myself explaining to DeMolays (and Masons) is the number of charities that the fraternity works with. As a point of reference, I'm going to list the charities of the Masonic bodies here in PA. If your Chapter is looking for a new charitable endeavor to get involved with, or if you just want to switch it up, check out these worthy causes!

Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, F&AM

• The Masonic Villages of PA - Retirement care for older Master Masons.
• The Masonic Homes for Children - Provides care for kids and teens who have been displaced from their family home.
• The Masonic Library and Museum - An institution of research and learning, especially related to Freemasonry in Pennsylvania.
• The Masonic Temple Fund - Helps to preserve the Grand Lodge building in Philadelphia, which is registered as a national historic landmark
• The Pennsylvania Masonic Youth Foundation - Provides services to young people, including scholarships, anti-bullying training, and more.

The Scottish Rite

• The Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Scottish Rite, through its individual Valleys, supports the Dyslexic Learning Centers, which help children with Dyslexia learn to read. This charity is also the official state charity of PA DeMolay.

The York Rite

• The Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of PA support the Ronald McDonald House, providing places to stay for families of ill children.
• The Grand Council of Royal and Select Master Masons of PA supports the Special Olympics, which gives athletic opportunities for those with special needs.
• The Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of PA is a generous supporter of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. This program provides funds for researching diseases of the eye. They also sponsor ministers to attend pilgrimages to the Holy Land (Israel and Jerusalem.)

The Order of the Eastern Star

• Eastern Star Chapters in PA donate funds to a wide variety of worthy charities. Some examples are: Multiple Sclerosis, Cancer Research Project, Arthritis Fund, Heart Fund, Knights Templar, Eye Foundation, Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children, orphanages, veterans hospitals, and many other charities within the Grand Jurisdiction of Pennsylvania.

The Order of the Amaranth

• The Order of the Amaranth supports the American Diabetic Association, which helps with diabetes prevention and research.

The Social Bodies

• Shriners International has probably one of the most well known charities, Shriners Hospitals for Children, which gives care to kids who have issues with burns and musculoskeletal problems.
• Tall Cedars of Lebanon of North America has supported the Muscular Dystrophy Association since its earliest days and continues to be a major contributor.
• The Grottoes of North America developed and operates the Humanitarian Foundation, which provides funds for children with disabilities to get much needed dental care.

While this is no where near an exhaustive list, it should give you an idea of some of the charities that the greater Masonic fraternity is supporting. Perhaps something caught your eye and your Chapter can get involved!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Different Day of Comfort Choice

With the Thanksgiving Holiday behind us, we now find ourselves in prime season for one of the DeMolaly Obligatory days - the Day of Comfort. This Obligatory day can be celebrated any time between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so basically the holiday season.

Many Chapters have something they do year and year out to observe this day. My home Chpater, Erie, always rang bells for the Salvation Army. While everyone did their part, after several years, it was hard to get people excited for this program. If your Chapter is in the same boat, why not mix it up a bit?

Here are some great idea that your Chapter could use for your Day of Comfort observance (thanks to Ask.com for some of these ideas):

• Use your in-house talent to stage a charity Christmas Ball with a reception, raffle and prizes
• Decorate a hospital ward, children's ward, or Assisted Living, Nursing Community, or Geriatric Unit with garlands, snowflakes, and holiday cheer. (Use tape and ribbon loops to hang items, not hooks, and non-glass ornaments, so everything is safe even if grabbed later on
• Send performers out for special charity performance appearances at worthy locations like local libraries, community centers, or hospitals, with the addition of raffles or ticket sales benefiting the location recipient
• Donate a Christmas tree to a local charity then show up and decorate it as well!
• With help from your Chapter’s designers or artists, bring the supplies for making holiday cards, ornaments, and holiday decor, and set up a hospital, group home, or children's ward visit where group members pair off with a child or elderly patient to create a pretty and charming ornament, snowflake or holiday card
• Or use your designers’ special skills to create ornaments shaped like dogs and cats, then get your group members to help decorate them, then sell them off in support of your local animal shelter.
• Assemble a group of carolers to visit local hospital wards or nursing homes – and be sure to encourage interaction and sing-alongs!

It sounds cliché, but you are only limited by your ideas for this observance, so think outside the box!

~ Frat! "Dad" Seth Anthony

An Update on Bro. Parker Harley

Brother Parker Harley, a DeMolay, from Lancaster Phoenix Chapter, and member of Ephrata Lodge No. 665, and son of Bro. Jack Harley, PM, has been battling serious health problems for the last two years. He is in need of a liver transplant to fully recover. Hearing of his situation, Pennsylvania DeMolay took up the banner and lead the charge to raise funds for Parker’s health care. 

To date, close to $35,000 has been raised by DeMolay Chapters and members of the Masonic family. Significant donations have come in from the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, the Order of Amaranth, several Lodges, and the Grotto. With our help, we know Parker will get better. Donations are still being accepted - just contact the PA DeMolay office for more information!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

A Brother in Need

Some of you may remember our posts about Bro. Parker Harley, a DeMolay from Lancaster - Phoenix Chapter who has been diagnosed with a serious liver condition. Parker is need of a liver transplant, which is no small feat. The procedure and ensuing medical bills are estimated to cost around $300,000. When PA DeMolay heard of Parker's need, we flew into action.

Mailings were immediately sent out, appealing to friends of the fraternity, asking for donations to help Parker. The fraternity responded in a way that no one could have anticipated! Donations poured in from DeMolay Chapters, Advisors, friends, Masonic Lodges, Eastern Star Chapters, the Scottish Rite, the Grotto, and the Tall Cedars. By December 1st, 2012, the fraternity had raised in excess of $30,000 for Parker.

Parker and his father were on hand at the recent Supreme Tall Cedar's Class to accept a portion of the donations and to address those present. Parker personally thanked everyone for their donations and support and was in great spirits. His father, Jack, kept the mood light, but was obviously deeply touched by the outpouring of charity for his family.

Donations are still being accepted for this cause. Checks can be made payable to the "Parker Harley Transplant Fund" and sent to:

PA DeMolay
1244 Bainbridge Road
Elizabethtown, PA 17022

Thank you to everyone who has helped with this cause! You are ensuring a young man has a bright future!

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony

Helping Bro. Parker Harley

A Pennsylvania DeMolay member needs our help... your help!


Do you remember the night you knelt at the altar of DeMolay and promised to be ever loyal to a brother of the Order... and that you would SEEK to aid him, in time of trouble and need?

Here is another chance to prove that your Obligation as a DeMolay means something to you...

Bro. Parker Harley, of Lancaster-Phoenix Chapter, NEEDS a liver transplant, and I am asking every Chapter, every advisor and every member to consider making a donation, no matter what size, to help a brother in a time of extraordinary need.  


When I say extraordinary need, consider this... the average cost of a liver transplant is quoted on a variety of websites as anywhere between $300,000 and $550,000 in the first year alone.  A detailed description of the costs involved with transplants in general can be found at http://www.transplantliving.org/before-the-transplant/financing-a-transplant/the-costs/.  When faced with incredible costs like this, and the prospects of having to pay out more money than most of us have ever seen at any one time, it could be easy to lose hope.
But, you cannot live without a functioning liver... and so, Parker and his family have no choice in the matter.  The need is there, but there is no telling when the transplant might happen. Tomorrow?  Next month?  Next year?  They have to be ready, and they have medical expenses now, and so they must place their hope in God and in the generosity of family members, neighbors, church members, fraternity members and in the kindness of caring strangers.

Of course, Parker is a member of DeMolay, and his father is a Past Master of Ephrata Lodge 665-- they are a part of our MASONIC FAMILY.  We cannot let this brother and his family down.  Out of state DeMolay families have already contributed to the cause!  To see a photo of Bro. Parker, and his parents, and to learn more about the disease he is fighting, read this story in the Ephrata Review.

Direct contributions can be made to the "Parker Harley Benefit Fund" at Fulton Bank, or, checks payable to the same can be sent to: 

PA DeMolay 

1244 Bainbridge Road, 

Elizabethtown, PA 17022

and we will deliver them to the bank.

Or, you can attend the "Pound it Park!" Benefit Performance of "The Who's-- TOMMY!" on July 18, 2012 at the Ephrata Playhouse. Come on out and see this great show, and help raise money for Bro. Parker!Your $30 ticket includes a Summer Picnic themed Reception at 6:30 PM and Show at 7:30 PM.  100% of the proceeds are going to the "Parker Harley Benefit Fund" at Fulton Bank, thanks to fund-raising partners, Lily's on Main, The Hill Top Inn, deLyns's Gallery and many other wonderful people!  Details can be found at http://www.ephrataplayhouseinthepark.org/


Other benefit programs are being planned to raise funds for Parker's medical care. ANY amount that you can share with this brother and his family would be greatly appreciated.  Please... PLEASE act now!

-"Dad" Thomas R. Labagh, Executive Officer

The Ride of a Lifetime

Pennsylvania DeMolay is proud to support the Children's Dyslexia Centers of the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction. Through advanced teaching methods, children attending the Centers are able to overcome the challenge of Dyslexia, free of cost, thanks to the generosity of Scottish Rite Masons. PA DeMolay adopted this cause as our State Charity because of the impact it has on children and teens just like our members.

Many of Chapters go out and raise funds to donate back to the Learning Centers or perform community service in an effort to raise awareness of the cause. However, one member of the PA Masonic Youth Foundation family is going above and beyond the call of duty to help this worthwhile cause.

"Dad" Larry R. Emigh, a member of the Board of Directors of the PA Masonic Youth Foundation, a retired DeMolay Advisor, and Scottish Rite Mason is riding his bicycle from California to Massachusetts in an effort to tell the story of the Children's Dyslexia Centers. Beginning in May of 2012, "Dad" Emigh will ride 3,415 miles from coast to coast, ending his journey in Lexington, MA, just south of the headquarters of the Scottish Rite in the Northern Jurisdiction. Oh, did we mention "Dad" Emigh is 70 years old?

His ride was recently profiled in the Northern Light, the publication of the AASR, NMJ. We've posted it here for you to read. Just click the image to make it bigger!

You can also view a video of "Dad" Emigh's "training" over on YouTube, follow his journey through his website at http://www.tourfordyslexia.org/, and track his daily progress on Facebook and Twitter.

"Dad" Emigh is putting his sweat and tears into making the Learning Centers better - what can you do to support him and this worthwhile cause?

Frat! ~ "Dad" Seth Anthony