Knights of Pythias of New Castle, Indiana

DOKEY INDIANS BUS TRIP IS A BLAST! - About 30 Dokeys, Knights, Sisters and their families and guests jumped on the Star of America bus for the annual jaunt to the Indianapolis Indians ballgame on Sunday, August 22nd. This outing is sponsored by Al Hilal Temple #33. It was a gorgeous weather day at Victory Field! The Indians performed one of their trademark, come from behind exciting games to win 4-2. We saw a home run, stolen bases and a little bit of everything to make it an exciting afternoon. The day was capped with a delicious meal at Golden Corral on the way home. We are already looking forward to next year and more great Pythian Fellowship!

'TIS THE SEASON HEADING TO THE PIKE! - 'Tis The Season Gifts and Sherry Flowers is heading to the Farmer's Pike Festival over the Labor Day weekend once again! We will be taking many of our awesome items from the store out to the pike and loading up our tent with great bargains for your shopping experience! Labor Day is just not complete without taking in a visit to 'the Pike"! Hope to see you there!

GRAND CHANCELLOR'S RECEPTION DRAWS HUGE CROWD! Pythians from all over Indiana met at the Castle Hall of Welcome Lodge #37 on Saturday, July 24th for a reception for our new Grand Chancellor Chad Hartley. The day opened with a delicious meal prepared by the membership of Welcome Lodge #37. A standing room only crowd jammed the lodge room as PSR Ron Murphy welcomed the crowd. Two banners were presented to be hung in the lodge. The first was a new banner that lists all of the Past Grand Chancellors from the lodge. The second was the traditional banner that the lodge has made for their Grand Chancellor's that had GC Hartley's name and his motto "Be THE Better Pythian" on it. GC Hartley opened a few gifts that had been brought and gave a brief talk. The day abounded in Pythian Friendship and Love.

CRESCENS #33 HOLDS ANNUAL PICNIC WITH HUGE CROWD! Crescens Lodge #33 held it's annual lodge picnic at the home of Denny and Maridene Adams on Tuesday, July 20th. A pesky thunderstorm that forced festivities inside could not the dampen spirits of the 46 attendees. A awesome pitch-in meal was enjoyed and fellowship abounded! The evening was started off with some swimming in the Adams' pool and was capped off with the celebration of the lodge's Volunteer of the Year award. Brother Jameson McGrew was named the 7th Annual recipient and was presented with a plaque. His wife, Janet was presented with a corsage from the lodge. In a surprise, Venus Temple #50, Pythian Sisters, presented it's Inaugural Volunteer of the Year award to Sister Verronica Hartley. Grand Chancellor Chad was given a boutonnière. It was certainly a great evening that was shared by Brothers, Sisters and guests from all over central and northern Indiana!
_________________________________________________________________________
ANNUAL GRAND LODGE/GRAND TEMPLE IS HELD - The annual conventions of the Grand Lodge Knights of Pythias of Indiana and the Pythian Sisters of the Grand Jurisdiction of Indiana were held at the Best Western Hotel in Lafayette on July 9 & 10, 2010. Presiding officers were Grand Chancellor Timothy Loughmiller and Grand Chief Verronica Hartley. On Thursday, July 8th, the Knights had their Grand Council meeting while the Sisters had their School of Instruction. The Joint Opening and Memorial Service was held in the evening with the Sisters holding a re-dedication ceremony the very impressive memorial service. Business sessions were held on Friday by both the Knights and Sisters. Friday was highlighted by the joint banquet. Raffle winners were named and special awards were presented. The Sisters announced that Patty Breedlove was named Secretary of the Year while Beverly Deaton was Pythian Sister of the Year. The Knights named Lyle Holman Secretary of the Year and pulled off a big surprise naming Grand Secretary Ralph Willis Pythian of the Year. Several of our scholarship awardees were present and were recognized. It was a very lovely evening and a delicious banquet. Saturday saw the conclusion of business for both the Knights and Sisters and the election and installation of Officers for 2010-2011.
For the Pythian Sisters the new Officers are: SPGC - Verronica Hartley; GC - Shirley Moore; GS - Stephanie McKee; GJ - Stacie Cross; GSec - Ruth Daring; GTreas - Jessica Larson; GM - Shirley Foster; GP - Cathy Kleinknight and GG - Doris Ringler. For the Knights the new Officers are: JPGC - Timothy Loughmiller; GC - Chad Hartley; GVC - Steven Breedlove; GP - GSec - Ralph Willis; GTreas - Lloyd Vencel; GMA - Richard Neal; GIG - Roderick Gardner and GOG - Robert Willis. It was a very successful convention for both the Knights and Sisters.

_________________________________________________________________________
ANNUAL RANK OF THE RUSTY SPIKE IS HELD - Brethren from three central Indiana lodges gathered to enjoy the annual Rank of the Rusty Spike which is put on by Crescens Lodge #33 every April. The meeting was proceeded by a pitch-in supper which was enjoyed by all. The regular meeting of Brotherhood Lodge #3-5-7 was conducted before the Rusty Spike portion of the meeting. Some 46 questions were asked of the membership plus other interesting facts and figures were brought to light to further educate the membership about the Pythian Order. At the next meeting, members who completed the evening will be given certificates of accomplishment. It is always a very enjoyable and educational evening where everyone learns something new. Crescens #33, Welcome #37 and Brotherhood #3-5-7 were represented. There were 17 in attendance.

_________________________________________________________________________

PYTHIAN SISTER DISTRICT #3 CONVENTION HELD - The Annual District #3 convention of the Pythian Sisters of the Grand Jurisdiction of Indiana was held in the Temple of Venus Temple #50 on Saturday, April 10th. It was hosted by Muncie Temple #28. There were 38 Sisters and Knights in attendance. During the exemplification of the initiatory work, Ms. Peggy Ankrom was initiated into Venus Temple #50 and the Order along with Sister Knights Chris Adams (Venus #50), Casey Hartley (Muncie #28) and Cecil Moore (Hope #151). It was a very enjoyable day that was enjoyed by all. The convention will be held at Hope Temple in Mooresville in 2011.

_________________________________________________________________________

ANNUAL TABLE LODGE IN HELD - The annual Table Lodge for Crescens Lodge was held on March 23rd. Even though the attendance was a little smaller than normal, the Brothers in attendance enjoyed the uniqueness of the meeting. The meal is served during the meeting followed by several toasts. the odes are sang along with the National Anthem. All in all, it is a very neat meeting to attend and one the membership may schedule again with Brotherhood Lodge #3-5-7 before the end of the year.

_________________________________________________________________________

DOKEYS START EXCITING ATTENDANCE DRAWING! - Your Dokey Temple, Al Hilal #33, at it's last meeting decided to add a little excitement to meetings by offering an attendance drawing. Here is how it works: The Temple has started the drawing at $25. At the May meeting JIM SMITH, JR won $55.00 for attending a Dokey meeting!!!!! Will you be next???? The pot starts over at $25 for the July meeting as there is no June meeting due to the fireworks sales in New Castle. See YOU at the July meeting in Frankton!!

______________________________________________________________________________________________

RATHBONE CELEBRATION IS HUGE SUCCESS!! The Annual Rathbone Celebration was held Saturday, February 13th in the Castle Hall of Crescens Lodge #33 in New Castle proceeded by a Grand Council meeting in the Grand Lodge office at 11 am. Lodge was called back to order at 1:15 pm and re-opened in the Rank of Page. The following team did the conferral: CC - Denny Adams; VC - Chad Hartley; Pre - Courtley Granger; MA - Richard Neal; IG - Kurtis Clontz; OG - Travis Weik; Pythagoras - Denny Adams; Attendants Andy Johnson and Andy Goldsberry; slides - Jeff Myers. The Rank of Page was conferred upon Casey Hartley (Welcome #37); Cecil Moore (Lizton #342); Wayne "Harold" Williams (Morocco #492); and from Crescens #33 Jamie Belcher, David Belcher, David Austin and William Henry. The lodge was closed in the Rank of Page and opened in the Rank of Esquire. The conferral team consisted of: CC - Denny Adams; VC - Chad Hartley; Prelate - Courtley Granger; MA - Richard Neal; IG - Kurtis Clontz; OG - Travis Weik; 1st Pros- Chad Hartley; 1st Def - James Smith, Jr; 2nd Pros - Dale Baldwin; 2nd Def - Denny Adams; Secretaries - James Smith, Jr & Ralph Willis. The Rank of Esquire was conferred upon Casey Hartley, Harold Williams, Cecil Moore, Jamie Belcher, David Belcher, David Austin and William Henry. The lodge was closed in the Rank of Esquire and opened in the Rank of Knight. The Rank of Knight conferral team was: CC - Denny Adams; VC - Chad Hartley; Pre - Courtley Granger; MA - Richard Neal; King - Denny Adams; Attendants Andy Johnson and Andy Goldsberry; Monitor - James Smith, Jr; Senators: 1) Tim Loughmiller; 2) Jerry Weilenman; 3) Tom Alexander; 4) Ralph Willis; 5) Travis Weik; 6) Evan McGrew; 7) Nic Simmons; 8) Richard Neal; 9) Richard Messer; Slides - Jeff Myers. The newly made Knights had the privilege of taking their obligations upon the Rathbone Bible. Following the conferral of the Ranks, a delicious dinner was served in the lounge. It was prepared by several of the Crescens #33 members.
In attendance were Grand Chancellor Timothy Loughmiller; Grand Vice Chancellor Chad Hartley; Grand Secretary Ralph Willis; Grand Treasurer Lloyd Vencel (PGC); Grand Inner Guard Richard Neal; Grand Trustees LaRue Cross (PSR) and Dennis Adams (SR); Grand Tribunes Larry Bartley (PGC) and Jerry Hutson; Past Grand Chancellors - Dale Baldwin, Carrol Smith, Courtley Granger, Thomas Alexander, James Smith, Jr and Richard Messer. Also in attendance were from (Welcome #37): Mike Maddy and Andy Johnson; (Lizton #342) Gerald Randle and Glendon Griffith; (Morocco #492) Dave Watts; (Crescens #33) Evan McGrew, Dennis Nutter, Jesse Adams, Jerry Weilenman, Andy Goldsberry, Nic Simmons and Jeff Myers. Roll Call of Lodges showed the following attendance: Crescens #33 - 17; Welcome #37 - 5; Frankton #315 - 1; Lizton #342 - 3; Orestes #471 - 3; Morocco #492 - 5 for a total attendance of 34. It was truly a GREAT Rathbone Celebration!!

_________________________________________________________________________

DOKEYS PLAN FUN BUS TRIP TO INDIANAPOLIS INDIANS!! - Your "fun place" Al Hilal Temple, D.O.K.K. is sponsoring a fun outing to the Indianapolis Indians on Sunday afternoon, August 22nd. We have secured Star America again with their comfortable charter bus that takes us right to the gate! We again will be picking up in Muncie at Welcome Lodge and in New Castle at Crescens Lodge. We will again stop at some eatery on the way home for dinner. Cost for the bus ride and the reserved seat at the ballpark is only $30 (that is our cost!). We have 48 seats going on a first come/first served basis. We will take installment payments, out right payments in full or even credit card payments. the choice is yours. We had the largest crowd ever on our last trip and almost sold out. Don't be left at home on this exciting trip to see the Indianapolis Indians baseball team! Bring the whole family! Contact Denny Adams at PO Box 365, New Castle, IN 47362 with reservations or if paying with credit card at dennyvoiceofandersonspeedway@msn.com Remember to send type of card, account number and expiration date as well as the security code off the back. RESERVATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY AUGUST 8TH!!

_________________________________________________________________________

2010 OFFICERS ARE INSTALLED AT DISTRICT #4 CONVENTION! The officers of Crescens Lodge #3, Welcome Lodge #37 and Brotherhood #3-5-7 as well as Al Hilal Temple #33, DOKK were all installed at the Knights of Pythias District #4 convention held in Muncie on Saturday afternoon, January 9th. District Deputy #4 Richard Messer presided over the meeting. Several reports were made and activities of the lodges were discussed. The meeting was capped with some inspirational comments from DDGC Messer and then closed by more inspirational comments from our Grand Chancellor Tim Loughmiller. It was a great day of Pythian friendship and fellowship. A pitch-in meal was enjoyed by the attendees following the meeting. There were 20 in attendance.
A listing of the 2010 officers can be found under the "Officers" button on the website.

_________________________________________________________________________

2009 KRIS KRINGLE RUN HUGE SUCCESS - The 19th Annual Kris Kringle 4 Mile Run and 3 Mile Walk was held at New Castle's beautiful Memorial Park on Sunday, December 6th. A sunny, 37 degree day greeted the participants with several walk-ins also attending. This was the third largest event in our history. Mark Rode from Indianapolis captured the Men's run for the second consecutive year while New Castle's Kristina Tabor was the ladies run champion. Russell Fox of Greenwood was the overall walk winner. The participants enjoyed the awards, door prizes and refreshments provided by Crescens Lodge. The event was SPONSORED BY GOODWIN BROTHERS AUTO COMPANY, SR 3 & 38 IN NEW CASTLE. Please keep them in mind for your next new or used vehicle! Below is the official finish:

2009 Kris Kringle 4 Mile Run/3 Mile Walk

December 6, 2009 Memorial Park/New Castle, IN

A Knights of Pythias Holiday Festival Event

Sponsored by Goodwin Brothers Auto Company of New Castle

Cold, partly sunny and 37 degrees - clear surface

Run Official Finish

001 - Mark Rode (28) - 5404 Allero Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46237 20.23

002 - Sam Lewis (17) - 2461 N Raintree Dr, New Castle, IN 47362 23.19

003 - Brad Hancock (42) - 612 S CR 775 E, Greenfield, IN 46140 23.36

004 - Duane Dye (50) - 1891 N Wuthering Dr, New Castle, IN 47362 24.02

005 - Jon Tabor (31) - 212 Red River Rd, New Castle, IN 47362 24.19

006 - Patrick Smith (17) - 8492 Mag Study Rd, Fountain City, IN 47341 25.44

007 - Daniel Chew (28) - PO Box 122, New Lisbon, IN 47366 25.45

008 - Brian Dudley (51) - 6000 E Rick Rd, Muncie, IN 47303 26.09

009 - Kristina Tabor (F) (31) - 212 Red River Rd, New Castle, IN 47362 26.18

010 - Richard Chew (52) - 7422 E CR 500 S, Straughn, IN 47387 27.04

011 - Sherry Robertson (F) (41) - 2245 W Hwy 36, Pendleton, IN 46064 28.09

012 - Pam Mertz (F) (41) - 874 Webster Rd, Richmond, IN 47374 28.23

013 - Burke Smith (38) - 815 W Fairoaks Rd, New Castle, IN 47362 28.49

014 - Mike Shelton (54) - 2470 E CR 100 N, Anderson, In 46012 29.08

015 - Charles P. Bennett (20) - 3818 Middleway Dr, Anderson, IN 46012 30.56

016 - Mitchell Dudley (16) - 6000 E. Rick Rd, Muncie, IN 47303 31.26

017 - Tom Corda (51) - 5529 Harmeson Dr, Anderson, IN 46013 31.36

018 - Aaron Thomason (37) - 629 E 29th St, Anderson, In 46016 31.55

019 - Gene Black (67) - 8563 Eaton-Oxford Rd, Camden, OH 45311 32.21

020 - Natalie Dudley (F) (18) - 6000 E Rick Rd, Muncie, IN 47303 32.35

021 - Chloe Miller (F) (15) - 1417 Winding Way, Anderson, IN 46011 32.47

022 - Mary Whaley (F) (44) - 1408 S Pleasantview Dr, Yorktown, IN 47396 32.48

023 - Michelle Eskew (F) (39) - 803 Isabelle Dr, Anderson, IN 46013 32.57

024 - Dan Richey (56) - 1813 N CR 650 W, New Castle, IN 47362 33.22

025 - Stephanie Garringer (F) (15) - 1713 E McCormick Dr, Muncie, IN 47303 33.43

026 - Mike Kendall (58) - 2023 Round Barn Ct, Anderson, IN 47017 33.48

027 - Ann Morris (F) (51) - 2500 W CR 1200 N, Muncie, IN 47303 33.52

028* - Cindy Herron (F) (37) - 950 Marylee Dr, New Castle, IN 47362 34.27

029*- Correy Herron (F) (13) - 950 Marylee Dr, New Castle, IN 47362 34.27

030 - Rylan Herron (F) (12) - 950 Marylee dr, New Castle, IN 47362 34.27

031 - Ervin Batt (62) - 10440 SR 67 N, Albany, IN 47320 34.40

032 - Patrick Calvert (12) - 1215 Parkside Dr, New Castle, IN 47362 35.18

033 - Beth McKay (F) (47) - 7770 S CR 560 E, Selma, IN 47383 35.23

034 - Don Smith (63) - 202 Tara Lane, New Castle, IN 47362 35.39

035 - Walter Evans (44) - 7225 E CR 450 N, Mooreland, IN 47360 35.51

036 - Tammy Bennett (F) (44) - 3818 Middleway Dr, Anderson, IN 46012 36.27

037 - Greg Julian (51) - 9137 West Robin Rd, Middletown, IN 47356 36.28

039 - Jill Brand (F) (39) - 8770 S CR 200 W, Muncie, IN 47302 37.16

040 - Mike McIntosh (51) - 111 Red River Rd, New Castle, IN 47362 37.19

041 - J.B. Dulworth (70) - 5532 W CR 700 N, Middletown, IN 47356 37.24

042 - Lana Hendricks (F) (53) - 1459 Kincannon Ln, Indianapolis, IN 46217 38.20

043 - Christine Bohn (F) (55) - 713 W Waid Av, Muncie, IN 47303 38.32

044 - Christine Dudley (F) (44) - 6000 E. Rick Rd, Muncie, IN 47303 39.12

045 - Lisa Hacker (F) (44) - 345 N Clover Dr, New Castle, IN 47362 41.16

046 - Jonathan Schlatter (53) - 535 Kinsmoor, Ft Wayne, IN 46807 42.49

047 - Chad Gullett - (38) - 4931 W CR 200 N, New Castle, IN 47362 43.44

048 - Wally Post (61) - 4311 Brenda Dr, Anderson, IN 46013 44.05

049 - Jim Hoffman (54) - 2319 Oakwood Dr, Anderson, IN 46011 44.06

050 - Billy Sedam (82) - 7121 Buick Dr, Indianapolis, IN 46214 44.39

051 - Aimee Chapman (F) (50) - 6891 N CR 700 W, Carthage, IN 46115 45.31

052 - Gene Chandler (77) - 107 Gregory Dr, Anderson, IN 46016 51.42

053 - Edna West (F) - (80) - 3393 S CR 500 E, Middletown, In 47356 56.07

WALK

101 - Russell Fox (MW) (56)- 1296 Peterson Court, Greenwood, IN 46143 35.51

102 - Tom Simpson (57) - 1208 Diana Court, Rushville, IN 46173

103 - Greg Smith (MW) (59) - 6390 White Oaks Dr, Anderson, IN 46013

104 - George Wilson (MW) (50) - 6991 N Mechanicsburg Rd, Middletown, IN 47356

105 - Robin Michael (MW) (60) - 709 N Mulberry, Muncie, IN 47305

106 - Sue Brown - (FW) (50) - 1473 E Jordan Dr, New Castle, IN 47362

107 - Stephen Hedgecraft (MW) (65) - 2212 LaRita Ln, Anderson, IN 46017

108 - Mysia Brown (FW) (41) - 101 S Cory/PO Box 184, Mooreland, IN 47360

109 - John McGinty (MW) (72) - 4551 Park Av, Indianapolis, IN 46205

110 - Bill Sorrell (MW) (62) - 1870 N CR 200 W, New Castle, IN 47362

113 - WrayJean Cornwell (FW) (49) - 1632 Fletcher St, Anderson, IN 46016

114 - Megan Cornwell (FW) (27) - 1632 Fletcher St, Anderson, IN 46016

115 - Chester Sanders (MW) (82) - 15800 Lamar Dr, Hagerstown, IN 47346

*=finish line personnel failed to give finish tags to these two participants resulting in all runners finishing behind these two to be two positions further back in the official finish.

DNS - Tyler Cornwell (25) - 1832 Fletcher, Anderson, IN 46016

DNS - Jerall Ross (63) - 6550 S CR 200 W, Muncie, IN 47302

DNS - Bill Miller (69) - 6967 C CR 200 E, Alexandria, IN 46001

DNS - Doug Rose (56) - 11787 Garden Circle E, Fishers, IN 46038

DNS - Chuck Bennett (47) - 3818 Middleway Dr, Anderson, IN 46012

DNS - Raven Gullett (F) (12) - 4931 W CR 200 N, New Castle, IN 47362

DNS - Patricia Miller (F) (67) - 6967 N CR 200 E, Alexandria, IN 46001

NFA - Janet Graham (F) (54) - 2319 Oakwood Dr, Anderson, IN 46011

NFA - Linda Post (FW) (49) - 4311 Brenda Dr, Anderson, IN 46013

NFA - Tonya Sorrell (FW) (56) - 1870 N CR 200 W, New Castle, IN 47362

NFA - Kathy Johnson (F) (44) - 3162 N Mechanicsburg Rd, Shirley, IN 47384

NFA - Kelly Gullett (F) (36) - 4931 W CR 200 N, New Castle, IN 47362

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS PARADE DRAWS THOUSANDS! - An absolutely perfect weather day greeted the 20th edition of the Knights of Pythias All American Christmas Parade held in New Castle on Saturday, November 21st and sponsored by Crescens Lodge #33. Thousands of residents brought out their children to the the official arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus to their headquarters in the Pythian building. The Supreme Lodge was represented by SMA Keith Stooksberry and the Supreme Temple by SC Sheila Stooksberry accompanied by their granddaughter Paige. The Grand Lodge had a full contingent of officers led by Grand Chancellor Tim Loughmiller and the Grand Temple also had a large group led by Grand Senior Shirley Moore. The parade was highlighted by our Grand Marshals Rosemary and Levi Muncy who have been volunteers for the Cancer Society for 50 years and Rosemary is the current President; three marching bands, several floats, 14 giant balloons, several unique entries, firetrucks, horses, and special appearances by "Rowdie" the Indianapolis Indians mascot and the Murat Shrine Clowns, who did a meet and greet at Santa headquarters. It was of course capped off with a horse drawn carriage bringing the Claus's to town! Following the parade, participants and out of town guests were treated to a catered dinner in the lodge room provided by Thompkins BBQ. It was a GREAT day in New Castle!!

FARMER'S PIKE FESTIVAL HUGE SUCCESS! - Again this year, 'Tis the Season went to the local Farmer's Pike Festival over the Labor Day weekend. It is a huge flea market with 400 booths set up where 30,000 people attend over a 4 day stretch. 'Tis takes many of it items out and sells them and adds some additional sales to our sales for the month. This year we rented a tent and took a lot more stock out from the store and it really paid dividends! Plans are already in process for a larger tent for next year so that we can take out even more stock. The funds raised really help with operational costs of the building as 'Tis has become a major player in that role. Thanks to all the Brethren that had a part in the set up, tear down and operation of the stand at the festival! It was a GREAT team effort!
____________________________________________________________________________________________

DANA SATTERFIELD HONORARY THREE RANK DAY HELD - A Three Rank Day honoring Past Grand Chancellor Delbert "Dana" Satterfield was conducted at Welcome lodge #37 in Muncie on Saturday, September 19th. It was proceeded by a Grand Council meeting at 11:00 am.
     We would like to say WELCOME to four new Knights: Steve Loughmiller (son of Grand Chancellor Tim and PGC Lori Loughmiller) and Richard Watts both of Morocco Lodge #492, James Morier of Brownstown Lodge #60 and Kurtis Clontz of Crescens Lodge #33. WELCOME into the Order!
     The rank work was put on by a fine team of ritualists from Welcome Lodge #37, Crescens Lodge #33, Frankton Lodge #315, Orestes Lodge #471, Morocco Lodge #492 and Brownstown lodge #60.
     Grand Lodge officers present were: GC Tim Loughmiller; GVC Chad Hartley; GMA Michael Deaton; Grand Secretary Ralph Willis; Grand Treasurer Lloyd Vencel; Grand Inner Guard Wes Hutson and Grand Outer Guard Richard Neal; Past Grand Chancellors: Dana Satterfield, Thomas Alexander, Ronald Murphy, LaRue Cross, Lloyd Vencel, David Hensel, James Smith, Jr.; Howard Woods, Tom Alexander, Richard Messer, Dennis Adams; Grand Tribune Jerry Hutson; Knights: James Garland, Rod Gardner, Andy Johnson, Jerry Weilenman and Travis Weik.
     Roll Call showed Crescens Lodge #33 - 9; Welcome Lodge #37 - 8; Morocco #492 - 5; Brownstown #60 - 2; Frankton #315 - 2 and Orestes #471 - 1 for a total of 27 in attendance. A delicious rib dinner was enjoyed by all following the work prepared by master chef Brother Bob Casada and assisted by Head Chef LaRue Cross. It was a great day for PGC Dana!

________________________________________________________________________

A MESSAGE FROM SC DAN COWAN - 10/3/09

Recently, I was questioned by some of our Brothers as to where and how our donations are being utilized by the American Cancer Society; and how they were rated by the various media and charity watchdog organizations. The American Cancer Society was kind enough to respond as follows:

The American Cancer Society is happy to address the concerns and questions that have been raised concerning how the Society is rated by the media and charity "watchdog" organizations. In fact, we are SO GLAD YOU ASKED! Because after 95 years of fighting cancer, the Society has much to be proud of and we are anxious to share.

As a supporter of the ACS, the Knights of Pythias are stakeholders in our mission...which is to save lives. You know, of course, that the American Cancer Society is dedicated to saving nearly 11 million lives from cancer by the year 2015. As the world's foremost voluntary health organization, the Society is leading the way in the fight against cancer. As a donor-supported organization, the Society also takes very seriously the investments donors make in our mission.

To deliver on its promise to the public, the Society has adopted the most effective structure for its purpose: a volunteer national governing board, backed up by more than three million volunteers on similar regional boards in communities nationwide. Even with this structure in place, the Society must make targeted investments in internal business systems and supporting infrastructure that, while critical to mission, are not viewed and taken into consideration by the various watchdog groups as program expenses. Some charity rankings focus only on raw financial data, rather than examining whether an organization is effectively carrying out its mission.

When reviewing ratings of charitable organizations, it is important to take program effectiveness into account. The American Cancer Society is the only cancer organization that provides programs and services in more than 5,100 communities nationwide, and is the only cancer organization that has trained cancer information specialists who provide free cancer information by telephone 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

For nearly a century, the American Cancer Society's leadership has worked hard to maximize the impact of every dollar in the context of the fight against cancer. Efficiency is indeed an area of focus, but just as important is efficacy. The professional staff, in collaboration with volunteers - people like yourself - set aggressive goals and regularly monitor and report progress. I encourage you to read the 2007 Strategic Plan Progress Report, which is available in the governance section of our Web site, www.cancer.org, and was recently cited in The Wall Street Journal as an example of the Society's leadership in carefully balancing financial and program management.

As we work to conquer cancer through research, education, advocacy, and community service, we strive to use our resources as wisely as possible. The Society routinely meets or exceeds the standards established by various charity watchdog organizations, and, notably, holds the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance National Charity Seal. The seal provides the most widely recognized, meaningful mechanism by which charities demonstrate continuing commitment to accountability and ethical practices. I also welcome you to visit websites for the Non-Profit Times, Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance, and the Chronicle of Philanthropy as you research.

Some notables that I encourage you to share with your membership:

HISTORY
For 95 years, the Society has focused on fighting cancer through Research, Education, Advocacy and Service. We continue to enjoy saturated levels of general awareness and unprecedented levels of public support (volunteer time and financial contributions). Also, worth noting is that less than 1% of ACS revenues come from government. As a result, it costs more to raise money, but that ensures ACS independence.
STEWARDSHIP: "We are as tough on ourselves as we are on the disease we fight"
We hold ourselves accountable for results - measurable progress against the disease (mission & income dashboards /scorecards). When we raise dollars to fund our mission, we are raising more than funds - we are raising cancer awareness and education (for early detection). We hold favorable ratings with many other ranking organizations, like the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance (give.org) and The Chronicle of Philanthropy.
COMPLEXITY - Global, nationwide and community based
Our organization is unique in that we fight cancer on a global scale. We are a nationwide organization that fights cancer on many fronts in communities across the nation (prevention and early detection, searching for a cure, improving quality of life). We serve 11 million survivors, plus millions more family and friends

Research: As to your question regarding dollars spent on research...this information is freely shared on our website, www.cancer.org. Please go to the link below and you will be able to view, by state, research dollars that were awarded to grantees for FY 2007-2008. In total, there were over 320 research grants awarded to the sum of over $124 million dollars.

Dan Cowan

Supreme Chancellor

Knights of Pythias

adjjcow@pacbell.net

SPECIAL NIGHT FOR SPECIAL HONOREES HELD - Crescens lodge held a special night on December 18th to honor Jessica Huffman, a graduate of Winchester High School who was the 2007 Indiana Knights of Pythias Poster Champion. Jessica was escorted by her instructor, long time friend Dale Hardacre. She received Honorable mention in the Supreme Lodge contest. For her efforts, Jessica received a check for $100 from Supreme Lodge. Also honored this evening was Thomas Alan Hiner. Tom received his 25 year Veteran pin, card and diploma for loyal service to the lodge over the past 1/4 century and still serves as the chairman of the annual Kris Kringle Run. Also slated to be honored that evening were Douglas Hall and Richard Creech, each also to receive their 25 year pins and Arnold Dudley to receive his 50 year Veteran award. They were mailed to them with congratulatory letters from the lodge. Cake and punch were served following the meeting.

CRESCENS LODGE IS PART OF EVENTFUL DAY OF THE OPENING OF THE MAXWELL PLANT TIME CAPSULE!
On June 22, 1907, over 20,000 people came to South 18th Street and I Avenue to witness , what was then, the unveiling of the largest automobile factory in the world. The Maxwell-Briscoe building was dedicated. The Vice-President of the United States addressed the crowd. Mr Maxwell and Mr. Briscoe assisted the Machinist Union and Crescens Lodge #33, Knights of Pythias is laying the time capsule and cornerstone for the building in a giant celebration. One hundred years to the day, "The Vice_President" delivered portions of the same speech, "Mr. Maxwell and Mr. Briscoe" were present and Crescens Lodge members CC Jack Kimble, Trustee Jess Adams and Secretary Dennis Adams were present for the removal of the time capsule from the cornerstone before a standing room only crowd. the artifacts were taken to Baker Park for a five hour showing to the public. The Knights of Pythias of Crescens Lodge #33 and the Pythian Sisters of Venus Temple #50 served a luncheon of bar-b-q, cole slaw, baked beans, potato chips, cookies and drink for $5.00 for a fund raiser. We also received untold amounts of publicity. It was a great day in history for New Castle, Crescens Lodge and the Pythian Order!

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR DINNER/DANCE IS AWESOME!! - The 4th annual Volunteer of the Year Dinner & Dance is now history as it was held on Sunday, April 1, 2007. WE WERE CERTAINLY HONORED TO HAVE SUPREME CHANCELLOR DAVID MEAD AND HIS LOVELY LADY NANCY IN ATTENDANCE!! Some 60 Knights, Sisters and guests attended this gala affair! The tables were adorned with blue, yellow, red & white table covers. They had baskets of flowers in lodge colors and candles burning in lodge colors. PDSC Sir Dennis Adams led the group in a very moving invocation which incorporated thoughts about Palm Sunday and Holy Week. A delicious buffet dinner was spread by Julie Miller Catering and enjoyed by all. PC Karl Gregg played wonderful dinner music during our meal. Following dinner, PDSC Adams introduced Knight and Sister dignitaries as well as the Officers of Crescens Lodge #33. He then introduced the 2004 Volunteer of the Year Sir Jess Adams and the 2005 Volunteer of the Year PGC Richard Messer, who took over as Master of Ceremonies. The lights in the room were extinguished, a spot light came on, and our great country's flag appeared for presentation. A very stirring rendition of the National Anthem, sang by Celeste Bramlett, was played. Following the presentation of the colors, PGC Messer explained how difficult it was to select the Volunteer of the year. Assisting in the selection of the candidate from the crowd was PC Jodi Goff of Venus Temple #50. PC Richard Neal was selected from the crowd and given a standing ovation. He was presented with a beautiful plaque, a balloon bouquet and a special gold coin from Supreme Chancellor David Mead. In a surprise move by the lodge, PDSC Sir Dennis Adams was honored for his many years of service and dedication to the lodge and to the Order. He was presented with a beautiful "Lifetime Volunteerism" plaque and his wife, PGC/GS Maridene with a lovely corsage. Supreme Chancellor David Mead also presented Brother Adams with one of his special gold coins. Both Brothers gave short talks and thanked the lodge for the honors bestowed. But the evening was FAR from over! Supreme Chancellor David Mead addressed the assembly with a very nice talk about Pythianism. He also spoke on his Honor Lodge Program. He then surprised us by naming CRESCENS LODGE #33 as one of his HONOR LODGES FOR THE UNITED STATES!!!!! WOW!!! What an HONOR!!! We were blown away , and at the same time VERY humbled and HONORED! THANK YOU SUPREME CHANCELLOR! Following photo sessions, music and fellowship was enjoyed by all. It was a GREAT evening!!

_______________________________________________________________________________