Georgia DeMolay DeMolay Connections February 2007 Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Today

George Washington’s DeMolay Alumni Chapter off to a great start!

 Grand Master—MWB Eli A. Stafford Assumes DeMolay’s Vows
Grand Master’s Class The FFA-FCCLA Center in Covington, Georgia will host the Georgia DeMolay Spring Jam on May 4—6, 2007. Mark it on your calendars now. Registration forms and details will be available on-line at gademolay.org soon. “Wow,” is the only word that I can think of to describe the kick-off of this program. In our four initial classes there were 128 Masons who became Honorary Senior DeMolays and lifetime members of the DeMolay Alumni Association. There are numerous brothers who I would like to thank for their help and support in this project. First Brother Larry Griggers for his efforts to promote the idea to the Youth Council, for taking the time to travel around the state to help promote this idea at the workshops, and for his suggestions as to how to improve the presentations at the workshops. Second to all the DeMolay Advisors in the various locations who helped promote and sign up Masons to take part in the program, particularly Dad's Jack Hepner and Hugh D'Anna in Savannah where we initiated one of our largest classes of candidates. Thanks also to Dad Bill Carver for taking care of the class in Atlanta. And last but certainly not least to the State Officers and other DeMolays who helped perform the degrees each weekend in January. Most notable are these brothers who participated in every program in January; Geoff Bard—SMC, Todd Stovall—SJC, Peter Bard—SSD, David Wellman - SJD, Donny Robertson—SSS, and Nicholas Bohn—member of Mountain Park Chapter. There were of course many others who gave freely of themselves to make this project the success that is was but time, space and memory don't allow me to mention all of them at this time. Just how successful was the project? In addition to our new Honorary Senior DeMolays, we have had inquiries about new chapters in at least 2 locations thus far, and over 20 men indicated their willingness to serve as advisors for chapters around the state. Further our efforts were recognized by the George Washington Masonic Monument in Alexandria, VA. by the presentation of a certificate presented to Georgia DeMolay. Although the initial phase is over, the program is ongoing and open to any Master Mason or interested adult male who wishes to become an Honorary Senior DeMolay. They may still petition to do so an attend the degrees at any local chapter or any statewide degree such as the Grand Masters Class, Beach Weekend, or other time needed. There will soon a page devoted to information about George Washington’s DeMolay Alumni Chapter on gademolay.org. Click here to get to a petition in pdf format. Participants from the last GLA! Georgia Leader’s Academy The Georgia Leaders’ Academy, sponsored by the Georgia DeMolay Foundation, has been scheduled for February 23-25, 2007, at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Georgia. This program is two and a half days of intensive training for our members and adult volunteers. Dad Bohn facilitates the program and enjoys making the weekend fun for everyone. “We cover a lot of material, but we do it in such a way, that everyone gets a chance to use some of their new leadership skills. The participants really get a chance to absorb the lessons so they can make use of their new skills in their own chapters” says Dad Marc Bohn. Topics include: What makes a leader a good leader Communication skills Conflict management Peer pressure Project planning and budgeting Registration forms are available on-line at gademolay.org or click here to get it now. Don’t miss your chance to attend! Congratulations to these chapters and their new members. Cecil Cheves - Chase Anderson Brad Ciechanowski Samuel Lawrence - David Stowers Albany Chapter - Austin Everson David Tollefsun Peachtree City - Aaron Pogue Georgia DeMolay Initiates 6 in January Spring Jam DeMolays and Advisors playing volleyball at the last Spring Jam.

Photo Credit: Dad Larry Griggers

Class size for each Master’s and Warden’s Workshop:

 

Albany                    -            18

Savannah                -            37

Atlanta                    -            35

Macon                     -            38

  Total                      -          128

Article Credit : Dad Jim Bard
Congratulations to these chapters and their new members. Cecil Cheves - Chase Anderson Brad Ciechanowski Samuel Lawrence - David Stowers Albany Chapter - Austin Everson David Tollefsun Peachtree City - Aaron Pogue Georgia DeMolay Initiates 6 in January Spring Jam Georgia Leader’s Academy The Georgia Leaders’ Academy, sponsored by the Georgia DeMolay Foundation, has been scheduled for February 23-25, 2007, at the Rock Eagle 4-H Center in Eatonton, Georgia. This program is two and a half days of intensive training for our members and adult volunteers. Dad Bohn facilitates the program and enjoys making the weekend fun for everyone. “We cover a lot of material, but we do it in such a way, that everyone gets a chance to use some of their new leadership skills. The participants really get a chance to absorb the lessons so they can make use of their new skills in their own chapters” says Dad Marc Bohn. Topics include: What makes a leader a good leader Communication skills Conflict management Peer pressure Project planning and budgeting Registration forms are available on-line at gademolay.org or click here to get it now. Don’t miss your chance to attend! Spring Jam
Grand Master’s Class The FFA-FCCLA Center in Covington, Georgia will host the Georgia DeMolay Spring Jam on May 4—6, 2007. Mark it on your calendars now. Registration forms and details will be available on-line at gademolay.org soon. Spring Jam Grand Master’s Class Spring Jam DeMolays and Advisors playing volleyball at the last Spring Jam.

The Chevaliers of Georgia are once again sponsoring the Grand Master’s Class on April 14, 2007 at the Atlanta Masonic Center.  The Grand Master will be present to bring greetings.

The Initiatory and DeMolay Degrees will be conferred on candidates for active membership from around the state as well as on Master Masons wishing to become an “Honorary Senior DeMolay” in George Washington’s DeMolay Alumni Chapter.  The Initiatory Degree will be presented by a select team of DeMolays who proved their proficiency at the recent Tournament of Champions.  The DeMolay Degree will be performed by the members of the Leon P. Edmondson and Lester Michels Courts of Chevaliers.  The ritualistic work at this special event will be outstanding.

The itinerary for the day will start with lunch at 12:00 noon.  The Initiatory Degree will begin at 1:00 p.m. followed by the DeMolay Degree which we expect to start at 3:00 p.m.  Dress for the day will be coat and tie. 

Please make it a point to attend this very special occasion.  DeMolay Chapters should double their efforts to find young men to become a part of DeMolay at this extraordinary event.

 NASCAR Project This year’s Grand Master’s Class will be honoring Most Worshipful Brother Eli A. Stafford—Grand Master of Masons in Georgia It’s that time again. Time to get ready to manage 7 of the 10 camping areas that surround Atlanta Motor Speedway. Race weekend is March 16—18, 2007. As before, we need volunteers starting March 10 and going the whole week through the start of the Nextel Cup Race on the 18th. We have a real need for volunteers that can work over-night on Thursday and Friday nights (March 15 and 16) as those are the days that we start providing 24 hour service in our camp areas and these shifts are the toughest to fill due to work and school schedules. Checks from the October race have been distributed to the chapters totaling $2,500. This project continues to be a great fund raiser for the state association as well as the chapters. New information will be coming soon to gademolay.org so please look there regularly for updates and schedules. Click here to contact Dad Stovall and Dad Bohn regarding questions or to volunteer some time towards this worthwhile event.
NASCAR Project It’s that time again. Time to get ready to manage 7 of the 10 camping areas that surround Atlanta Motor Speedway. Race weekend is March 16—18, 2007. As before, we need volunteers starting March 10 and going the whole week through the start of the Nextel Cup Race on the 18th. We have a real need for volunteers that can work over-night on Thursday and Friday nights (March 15 and 16) as those are the days that we start providing 24 hour service in our camp areas and these shifts are the toughest to fill due to work and school schedules. Checks from the October race have been distributed to the chapters totaling $2,500. This project continues to be a great fund raiser for the state association as well as the chapters. New information will be coming soon to gademolay.org so please look there regularly for updates and schedules. Click here to contact Dad Stovall and Dad Bohn regarding questions or to volunteer some time towards this worthwhile event.

Tournament of Champions—Results
ATLANTA, GA - DeMolays from across the state came together to compete in Georgia DeMolay's annual Tournament of Champions Ritual Competition. But, there was much more than ritual competition going on there was camaraderie, learning, and fun. The day began with breakfast provided by the Sweethearts from around the state to raise money for the Jenny Lind Pettys Scholarship fund. Breakfast was followed by a flawless opening session by the State Officer Corps after which, it was time to get to the competitions. This year we saw eight new brothers competing for the coveted Rookie of the Year title, three chapters competing in Chapter Proficiency, and multiple entries in the Public Ceremonies and individual parts competitions. Throughout the day the State Parents Club under the direction of Mom Sue Stovall kept us all well fed and provided refreshments and snacks for the guys. The afternoon's free time, if any, was put to good use by State Junior Councilor Todd Stovall who conducted a Leadership Correspondence Course workshop and in all 21 courses were completed by the DeMolays in attendance. Dinner was catered by Sonny's Barbecue and as dinner approached so did the anticipation of the announcement of the winners of the various events. After Dinner Dad Bard awarded the Traveling Gavel to Peachtree City Chapter for having the highest percentage of their membership in attendance and the Gold Brick to Cecil Cheves Chapter for being the last chapter to register. Following the awards there was the traditional TOC dance that was enjoyed by all. DeMolays, Sweethearts, and Rainbows enjoy the Dance and festivities after the days competition. Shown are SSD Peter Bard and Peachtree City Chapter Sweetheart Krystle Rader Brother Deloe receives “Rookie of the Year” from Dad Marc Bohn and SMC Geoff Bard SMC Geoff Bard starts off the TOC with the opening ceremonies Article Credit—Dad Jim Bard Photo Credit—Dad Larry Griggers Mountain Park Chapter competes in “Chapter Proficiency” The Competition winners were: Chapter Team Event: * Chapter Proficiency, Mountain Park Chapter Individual parts: * Senior Deacon Initiatory Degree - Championship Level, Peter Bard - Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter * Master Inquisitor - Championship Level, Michael Griggers - Clayton Chapter * Orator, DeMolay Degree: Open Level - Michael Griggers - Clayton Chapter Championship Level - Geoffrey Bard - Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter * 3rd Preceptor - Nicholas Bohn - Mountain Park Chapter * 4th Preceptor - Christian Wellman - Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter * 6th Preceptor - Jacob Somers - Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter * 7th Preceptor - Christopher Somers - Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter * All Seven Preceptors - Championship Level, Geoffrey Bard - Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter Public Ceremonies: * Recognition Pin - Championship Level, Peter Bard/David Wellman- Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter * Nine O'Clock Interpolation Open Level—David Wellman/Christopher Somers - Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter Championship Level - Richie Eells/Todd Stovall - Mountain Park Chapter * Ceremony of Light Open Level - Stephen Bohn - Clayton Chapter Championship Level -TIE—Geoffrey Bard- Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter, and Zachary Hollon- Anniston, AL Chapter * Flower Talk Open Level - Zachary Hollon - Anniston, AL Chapter Championship Level - Geoffrey Bard - Samuel S. Lawrence Chapter The Prestigious Rookie of the Year is: * Austin Deloe - Cecil Cheves Chapter

Calendar of Events

Details are available on-line at www.gademolay.org

February

Feb. 16-18: State Officer Bash, State Officers Only

Feb. 23-25:  Georgia Leaders’ Academy, 8 p.m. on Friday till 1 p.m. on Sunday

 

March

Mar. 3: Peachtree City Chapter Installation of Officers and Reception, Detail TBA

Mar. 10-18: NASCAR Race Fundraiser; Details TBA

Mar. 9-11: Annual Clayton Campout; Details TBA

Mar. 16-18: Old South Ritual Tournament; New Orleans, LA; Details TBA

 

April

Apr. 12: SMC Official Visit to Panthersville

Apr. 14: Grand Master's Class, details TBA

Apr. 14: Georgia DeMolay Spring Senate, details TBA

Apr. 14: Miss Rainbow Dance, details TBA

 

May

May 4-6: Spring Jam, FFA/FCCLA Center, Covington

 

June

Jun. 3: SMC Official Visit to Cecil Cheves

Jun. 7: SMC Official Visit to Clayton

Jun. 12: SMC Official Visit to Mountain Park

Jun. 13-17: DeMolay International

Jun. 26: SMC Official Visit to Don R. Roberts

Jun. 28: SMC Official Visit to Middle Georgia

 

July

Jul. 12-15: Rainbow Grand Assembly; Columbus Trade Center, Columbus

Jul. 21: Clayton Chapter Installation of Officers; 3:00PM, Lock-in to follow; Griffin, GA

Jul. 26-29*: Conclave 2007, details TBA
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