E-Connection The Official Publication of Ohio DeMolay April 2012
From the State Master Councilor May is a great +me for focus! May is the month that Seniors focus in on gradua+on and planning for their future lives either in the workforce or in college. High Schoolers all over the country will focus on Prom, deciding who to take, what to wear, where to eat, what flowers to get, etc. Students everywhere will focus on final exams and a strong comple+on of the academic year. In many DeMolay chapters, the focus is on the comple+on of a term, the elec+on of new officers, and an+cipa+on of State, district, and chapter events. Individual DeMolays must focus on registering for O.D.L.E, and Conclave. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING is for all DeMolays to plan on aMending State Devo)onal Day during this month of May. Be mindful of these dates and DO NOT let them pass you by.
Make sure to check out the updated Devo)onal Day flyer! We have an exci+ng program planned. The event for aQer the Devo+onal Service will be especially exci+ng and fun.
With the end of the school year fast approaching it is common to some+mes lose our focus. Many chapters will struggle during the summer if they have not sat down and planned out their summer ac+vi+es. The good weather and gratuitous amounts of free +me offer a wonderful opportunity for awesome DeMolay events. These events could include having an outdoor fundraiser, Going on a chapter campout, Parent’s Day Picnics, 4th of July celebra+on, swimming, fishing, paintballing, and planning for an outdoor portrayal of the Degrees. An ac+ve chapter builds brotherhood and en+ces non-‐members to want to join in on the fun. OQen, Chapter miss the golden opportunity to garner public awareness of all the fun things that DeMolay offers, merely because no
one submits an ar+cle or photo to the local newspaper. This is becoming increasingly simple to do by wri+ng a short ar+cle and digitally submiXng a photo to your local publica+ons. A liMle public rela+ons goes a long way when it comes to community awareness and membership.
A challenge in the summer is effec+vely communica+ng with all the members of the chapter. One quick and easy way to communicate is the use of Facebook and tex+ng. I am willing to bet that 95% or more of the DeMolays and advisors here in Ohio have tex+ng or Facebook or BOTH! Please share your contact info with your SMC-‐CCR so that he can include you in his text messages.
Oh, did I men+on that Devo+onal Day is May 6th at the Springfield Masonic Community star+ng at 10 AM in the Auditorium. We will be enjoying a great service including members of the Masonic Community, and under the auspices of our own State Chaplain AJ Thomas. Immediately aQer the service, we are heading to a great venue for puM-‐puM, baXng cages, driving range, ice cream, and lunch will be provided! You must register at the Devo+onal Day Ceremony to be eligible to aMend the fun event. Check out the event flyer that is aMached for all of the deets! We want to see you there, and to hear about the ac+vi+es your chapter has planned for the summer. Un+l we meet in Springfield……
For God, For Country, For DeMolay!
Bob LaingState Master Councilor 2011-‐2012
From the Desk of the State Scribe - Bro. Bolyard
Greetings Brethren, Advisors, and Faithful Readers,
“First learn the meaning of what you say, and then speak.”- Epictetus
This month in Communication 101, we will be discussing a DeMolay virtue that we can implement into our communicating, which we will call simply by the name, “Courtesy Communicating.”
Courtesy is a very important feature of the human life. Whether we know someone or not, it is important to treat them as a long lost friend. In DeMolay, brethren, there are members all over the world. Upon meeting some brethren from other jurisdictions, we immediately hit things off, because we treated each other as lost brothers.
This courtesy begins strong relationships. For this reason, there are many jurisdictions that will always be special to me. West Virginia, for example, treated me as their brother that they had known for years, even though I had never met them before. That courtesy immediately attached me to them, and I remain in touch with them today. This courtesy encourages people to talk with you, and to communicate with you.
Beyond the common courtesies, it is also important to have courtesy when communicating prior to an event. For example, if an event is being planned four months ahead of schedule, then there is no need to wait until the week before to communicate all of the details. This courtesy allows people to prepare and adjust for the event ahead of schedule.
However, it is important to be prepared for sudden changes. While utilizing these common courtesies are important, it is also crucial to plan in a manner that gives space, in case of an emergency. For example, if you are driving young men to an event, it is important to be ready for anything thrown at you. Advisors also have busy schedules, so as the young men, it is crucial that we are courteous to them and their schedules. Many Advisors will understand excruciating circumstances, but to procrastinate will often lead to frustration, and will lead to DeMolays being left behind. Therefore, as DeMolays, it is our job to take the initiative to be courteous to the schedules of the Advisors, and to communicate with them in advance.
Here’s an example to better explain: There is a DeMolay event occurring this Saturday. Today is Thursday. At Monday’s meeting, when the event was discussed, the discussion was had about transportation. On that day, you were unsure if you could go or not. Today is the best day to find out! 48 hours will often give the Advisors plenty of time to adjust if they need to. This will also give them time to not be stressed out. After all, the Advisors are volunteering their time for us, and maintain other tasks. Therefore, today is the best day to call (note call and not text) an Advisor and let them know so they can prepare.
However, things go wrong. Sometimes, plans cannot be finalized until the day before. We are all still in school, many of us are involved with extra-curricular activities. Due to this amount of participation, our answer may not be finalized until the night before or even the morning of. Therefore, my advice in these situations is to try and get in contact with your Advisor at least two hours prior to their departure time in order to discuss with them whether or not you will be able to attend, that way they can adjust. Advisors will understand brethren.
These courtesies are important to remember when communicating. Finally, the common courtesies are important. Brethren, we live in a world where miscommunications occur, especially with the overuse of technology. When communicating prior to events, using our “Blanket Communicator” is the most effective form. This form, and our “Most Valuable Communicator,” is a deal breaker. Text messages can be misread, and the tone that you may mean to be sending, may not be the tone that is interpreted. Therefore, calling is always the best way to ensure that the message is received in the manner that we wish it to be perceived.
The best way I can put it, brethren, is to remember what the 3rd Preceptor says during the ceremony of initiation. Utilizing these features that he highlights is important in assuring that the communication chains are never broken, and always strengthened.
Let’s recap:
The “Preliminary Communicator” is: E-MailThe “Most Valuable Communicator” is: Face to Face Interaction
The “Foundation Breaker” is: Clique CommunicationThe “Wheel Communication Technique”: A technique which has only three DeMolays and one Advisor communicate with everyone to assure that the word is spread. This uses e-mail, phone calls, and text messaging. The “Reinforcement Communicator”: FacebookThe “Blanket Communicator”: Phone CallsThe “Game Plan”: The utilizing of the Wheel Communication Technique in order to plan an eventThe “Resource Communicator”: NewslettersThe “Vital Asset”: Communication with Masonic Bodies“Courtesy Communicating”: Manner of conversing and communicating with others while utilizing our Cardinal Viture
Please feel free to contact me for any extra details, questions, or suggestions to these articles. If you have any questions for me on how your Chapter or District can enhance their communication, feel free to e-mail me. My e-mail address is: [email protected]. This year, we will improve our communication and make Ohio DeMolay “Something Worth Remembering.”
-For God, For Country, For DeMolay
Fraternally,
Nicholas A. Bolyard2011-2012 State ScribeOhio DeMolay
From the Desk of the DSMC - Bro Marcus ChongBrethren,
I hope everyone had a great +me at the Road Show. The en+re State Council was thoroughly impressed with the work and progress of each of the districts. Plenty of candidates were ini+ated and there was some great food. There will be awards given out at Conclave this year which concern this event. There will be an individual best ritual for each of the districts. There will also be a best food award, as well as best Ini+atory Degree and DeMolay Degree. I hope we see plenty of people at Conclave so that they may be proud of their awards.
Next on our list of State Events, we have State Devo+onal Day. It will be on May 6th. The start +me is at 10AM, with light refreshments at 9:30. We will start off at the Springfield Masonic home and then, aQer the devo+onal service, head over to Young’s Dairy Farm. We plan on having a great +me with ice cream, baXng cages, and puM-‐puM.
Later on in the year, we have our annual Conclave. This year it will be held at Kent State University from July 19th-‐22nd. We will have a great +me, with our annual Installa+on of the State Council. A very important note is that we hold a dance, which is the largest dance Ohio DeMolay has, at Conclave. Plenty of ladies will be there, which is definitely something to look forward to.
As a reminder, the DeMolay Dollars program is s+ll in effect. For every DeMolay that first lines signs a new member, they will receive 25 DeMolay Dollars that can go towards Conclave. Conclave is going to be an excellent +me this year, so I encourage everyone to ini+ate as many members as you can, so that Conclave might even be free for you.
Located in this E-‐Connec+on is a list of the amount of members that your chapter needs to achieve posi+ve membership growth. Please take a look at this so that your chapter can have a goal to push towards.
This year in Ohio DeMolay has been fantas+c. I hope to see everyone at Devo+onal Day and Conclave. If your chapter needs anything, feel free to let me know. My e-‐mail is [email protected] . Please keep me informed of any events going on in your chapter.
A few words from the Executive Officer …
This is an Official Publication of Ohio DeMolay, operating under the authority of DeMolay International whose SEE is in Kansas City, MO. Copyright 2012
Ohio wins Ritual Supremacy Award for the Second Year in a Row: The DeMolays who represented Ohio at the Heartland Ritual Tournament again won the coveted Ritual Supremacy Award, beating out Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. The DeMolays won awards in a number of Individual Competitions as well. My personal thanks to Dad Ken Cohen, for organizing the trip and preparing the Team, and to the Advisors who drove the young men to Illinois for the Tournament.
Ohio DeMolay Conclave 2012: Plans have been finalized for this year’s Conclave, to be held on the campus of Kent State University from July 19th through 22nd. Registration Forms are attached to this month’s eConnection.
Ohio DeMolay Winterfest 2013: Plans are continuing to come together for next year’s Winterfest, to be held at the Kalahari Resort and Conference Center in Sandusky, Ohio from January 11th through 13th, 2013. Mark your calendars now, and look for more details about this exciting event in future issues of the eConnection.
DeMolay International Membership Awards: Congratulations to the following DeMolay who has recently been the First Line Signer on FIVE petitions and has earned a Founder’s Membership Award from DeMolay International:
Brandon Mullen of Medina Chapter
DeMolay International Membership Awards: Congratulations to the following DeMolay who has recently been the First Line Signer on TEN petitions and has earned a Blue Honor Key from DeMolay International:
Tyler Dyer of Darby Valley Chapter
DeMolay Chapter Websites: While Chapter websites are a great way to inform people about what is going on in your Chapter, they must be kept updated on a regular basis. Old, outdated information makes it look like nothing good has happened in your Chapter for awhile. Keep your Chapter website updated regularly. If your Chapter is no longer utilizing its website or has no one to keep it updated, it would be better if the site only contained general information about the Chapter without mentioning specific dates, or perhaps taken down until it can be kept current.
Remember to keep me informed of your events. I'd love to drop by sometime for a visit.
Dad Woodwo!h
2012 Membership Statistics – as of May 1, 2012( as reported on Form 10s to DeMolay International )
Chapter Majorities 2012 Initiates 2012 Growth 2012
Barberton 6 3 - 3
Black Swamp 8 2 - 6
Darby Valley 0 2 + 2
David J. Nye 12 1 - 11
Denbrook 13 1 - 12
Fallen Timbers 3 4 + 1
Frank W. Kiefer 3 4 + 1
Groveport 6 5 - 1
Hamilton 16 4 - 12
Lakewood 3 5 + 2
Linden 3 3 - 2
Medina 11 1 - 10
Moundbuilders 2 3 + 1
Ottawa 3 1 - 2
Painesville 6 1 - 5
R.H. McMillan 6 1 - 5
Selynma 5 0 - 5
Upper Sandusky 7 0 - 7
Van Wert 7 1 - 6
Warren 4 2 - 2
At Large 3 0 - 3
OHIO TOTALS 127 44 - 83
!!!!
State Devotional Day
SAVE THE DATE – DETAILS TO FOLLOW Who: The Advisors and Members of-
!!When: May 6, 2012! !Where: Ohio Masonic Home 2655 West National Road: Springfield, OH 45504-3617 (937) 325-1531:
Contacts: A.J. Thomas, State Chaplain
Cell Phone: 419-203-9813 Bob Laing, State Master Councilor- Cell Phone: 419-203-7575 Nick Bolyard, State Scribe-
A
fun filled activity is being planned for after the!
Devotional Day service!
!
Participant Information
Name ___________________________
Chapter __________________________
Birthdate _________________________
Advisor's Name ___________________
Status
DeMolay _____ Advisor _____
Guest of the Executive Officer _______
Both pages of the Registration
Form must be sent with
FULL PAYMENT by JUNE 1st to
YOUR DISTRICT GOVERNOR
(Only Registrations received from
Governors will be accepted.)
Make all checks payable to:
Ohio DeMolay
Governor’s Signature
_________________
Conclave 2012
July 19-22, 2012Kent State University
General Information
• Registration for Ohio DeMolay
Conclave is available through packages
only, and everyone must be pre-
registered through their Governors.
• Registration Packages A and B are
open ONLY to DeMolays, Advisors,
and guests of the Executive Officer.
Package C is open to anyone.
• ALL REGISTRATIONS FOR OHIO
DeMOLAY CONCLAVE MUST BE
APPROVED BY THE DISTRICT
GOVERNOR (with his signature).
• Adults (over 21) and youth (under 21)
may not be housed in the same room. –
NO EXCEPTIONS.
• Only individuals registered for Ohio
DeMolay Conclave may attend events
on Thursday and Friday.
• The Legion of Honor Investiture and
Ohio State Council Installations on
Saturday are open to the public.
• Anyone not registered for Conclave
must pay $5.00 to attend the Grand Ball
on Saturday evening.
Registration Packages
- Package A - $200.00:
- Housing for three nights (2 per room)
Roommate - ________________________
(Unfilled Rooms will be filled by Registration)
- Friday Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Saturday Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Sunday Breakfast
- Admission to ALL Conclave Events
- Package B – $175.00:
- Housing on Fri. & Sat. nights (2/room)
Roommate - ________________________
(Unfilled Rooms will be filled by Registration)
- Friday Lunch & Dinner
- Saturday Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Sunday Breakfast
- Admission to ALL Conclave Events on
Friday through Sunday
- Package C – $45.00:
- NO HOUSING
- Lunch & Dinner on Saturday
- Admission to ALL Conclave Events on
Saturday only.
Health History
Please list any Health Issues that Ohio DeMolay
should be aware of ________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________
Please list any medications that the participant is
currently taking ___________________________
________________________________________________
Please list any foods or medications the
participant is allergic to ____________________
________________________________________________
Health Insurance
Realizing the DeMolay provides only secondary
health insurance on Conclave participants, the
name of, and policy number of my family’s health
insurance carrier is as follows:
Company Name __________________________
Policy/ID Number _________________________
Parental Permission
(Must be completed by ALL DeMolays)
As the parent (or legal guardian) of the DeMolay,
listed on this Registration Form, I hereby give my
permission for the Staff of the Ohio DeMolay
Conclave 2012 to enter the individual listed into a
hospital of their choosing. They may also obtain
medical treatment by a physician or other medical
personnel if, in their opinion, the listed individual
needs medical attention. I also realize that
individuals attending the Conclave may be
engaged in strenuous activities and other physical
activities related to the program. To the best of
my knowledge, there is no reason why the listed
individual should not be permitted to participate
in the Conclave activities.
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Ohio DeMolay: LEADERS OF EXCELLENCE is for DeMolays and Advisors interested in planning and leadership skills that will help them in their Chapters and for the rest of their lives.
Leadership Training Conference
Craftsmen Park, Akron, Ohio Friday, May 25 – Monday, May 28, 2012
Fee: $110 ($125 for out of Ohio) [includes: housing & facilities for 4 days / 3 nights. 8 meals, snacks, T-shirt, seminar book and materials]
For more information: www.ohiodemolay.org
After May 4 add $20 late fee to the above fees & include with the registration form.
We are offering three tracks of participation at the Ohio DeMolay – Leaders of Excellence Training Conference. The Councilor’s Track, The Veteran’s Track, and Advisor’s Track!
Ohio DeMolay Leaders of Excellence is proud to once again offer the best deal in Ohio DeMolay:
Send two DeMolays to ODLE and the third may attend for FREE
In an effort to continue to reach as many DeMolays as possible,
we are continuing this ODLE special for members of Ohio DeMolay only. This offer may include DeMolays and Advisors and to members of the same
Chapter only. This offer only applies to applications submitted by the deadline. For more information please contact Dad Kita.
Features for 2012: The Veteran’s Seminar is for active DeMolays who have previously attended ODLE. This seminar is especially designed for experienced DeMolays and includes elements of business and life skills training. The Advisor’s Track includes first time participants in the Councilor’s Track and returning participants in the VETERAN Curriculum. Additional enrichment elements are included for Advisors in both tracks.
INFORMATION ON APPLICATIONS, FEES, DUE DATES A. $110 for DeMolays and Advisors from Ohio B. $125 for out of state DeMolays and Advisors C. After May 4 add $20 late fee to above fees and include with application D. FULL FEE MUST ACCOMPANY THE APPLICATION!! E. If you need to photocopy the application, copy both sides F. Signatures are required on both sides of the application G. Applications without full fee will not be accepted and will be returned H. ALL applications and fees are to be postmarked by May 4 I. The 2 paid registrations and the third attends for free Ohio only special ends after May 4 J. NO applications will be accepted after May 11 K. Any appropriate refunds will be made only after the ODLE weekend is completed and will reflect deductions for any costs incurred on behalf of the applicant L. When we receive your completed application, we will send you a packet of information including directions, what to bring, etc. M. It is intended that participants be present for the entire ODLE program which begins Friday at 8:00 p.m. and concludes Monday at 1:00 p.m. Please do not ask to leave early
*DeMolays applying for the Veteran’s Seminar must submit answers to the following questions with their Registration Form:
1. Why do you want to return to ODLE? 2. In what ways are you a positive DeMolay Leader? 3. How is DeMolay Brotherhood important to you?
4. An item or learning from my first ODLE experience that I have used most in my DeMolay Leadership is…
For more information, please contact:
ODLE Conference Director Dad Greg Kita
29612 Grand Boulevard Wickliffe, Ohio 44092 440-516-3092 Cell: 440-364-2278 [email protected]
When downloading this form, adjust margins so application is two pages only.
Ohio DeMolay – Leaders of Excellence Training Conference May 25 - 28, 2012 – Application Page 1 of 2
Please type or print legibly.
First Name Middle Name Last Name First name you usually go by
Street Address City State Zip code
Area Code & Phone Number Age Birth Date Name of your Chapter District
______________________________ Email address
T Shirt Size (circle one): S M L XL XXL XXXL Current office in your Chapter
Please circle all that apply: PMC MSA RD LCC District Officer State Officer
I am registering for the: _____ Councilor’s Track _____ Advisor’s Track _____ Veterans’ Seminar* * (DeMolays applying for the Veterans Seminar must answer the questions on the application information page.)
*************************************************************************************** Health History: Be aware of the following health problems I have experienced: (Circle all that apply.) Sinus Trouble Frequent Colds Ear Trouble Diabetes Fainting Hernia (Rupture) Heart Disease Convulsions Appendicitis Throat Infections Rheumatic Fever Epileptic Seizure Cramps in Water Penicillin Allergy Allergies Other illnesses that DeMolay should be aware of: I am presently taking these medications: I am allergic to these medications
Health Insurance: Realizing that DeMolay provides only limited secondary health insurance on all Leadership Experience participants, the name of, and policy umber of my family's insurance carrier is as follows:
Company Name Policy or ID Number
Parental & Chapter Advisor Permission As the parent (or legal guardian) of the DeMolay named above, I hereby give my permission for the staff of the Ohio DeMolay Leaders of Excellence Training Conference to enter the above person into a hospital of their choosing. They may also obtain medical treatment by a physician or other medical personnel if, in their opinion, the above individual needs medical attention. I also realize that DeMolays attending the Leaders of Excellence Training Conference will be engaged in strenuous outdoor activities and other physical activities related to the program. To the best of my knowledge, there is no reason why the above named DeMolay should not be allowed to participate in the activities of the Leaders of Excellence Training Conference. I also agree that, upon notification from the Director, I will pick up my son or ward if, in the opinion of the Director, it is necessary that he be removed from the site of the Leaders of Excellence Training Conference. In addition, I agree on behalf of my son or ward that his room can be entered or searched if it is deemed necessary by the Director and that the search will be conducted by at least two members of the staff.
Parent/Guardian Signature: Date:
Daytime Phone w/area code: Evening Phone w/area code:
I approve this application to attend the Ohio DeMolay Leaders of Excellence Training Conference. Chapter Advisor (Print) ______________________ Signature ________________________________ Phone: ___________ ************************************************************************************** Registration Fee is $110.00 per participant ($125 out of state) GREGORY M. KITA Deadline for Registration is May 4, 2012. 29612 GRAND BLVD. Send completed applications & entire fee to: WICKLIFFE OH 44092
Ohio DeMolay - Leaders of Excellence Training Conference Application Page 2
Standard Operating Procedures 1. If a medical emergency arises, NOTIFY AN ODLE STAFF MEMBER IMMEDIATELY. 2. Possession of alcoholic beverages, narcotics, or other controlled substances without the proper prescription is prohibited. At a minimum, violators WILL be sent home immediately and may be subject to expulsion from the Order of DeMolay. 3. All private vehicles are to be parked upon arrival to the site and keys turned in to the ODLE Staff for your safety. If you need to get into your vehicle, you may do so through the ODLE Staff. 4. NO ONE may leave the site for ANY reason without the permission of the ODLE Director. 5. Since the use of tobacco is detrimental to one's health, and since the purchase of tobacco by individuals under the age of 18 is against the law, and since Ohio DeMolay activities have been designated ‘smoke free’ areas – the use of tobacco in any form by DeMolays and Staff is not permitted. 6. This is a very full experience; full of the best that Ohio DeMolay has to offer you. You are expected to attend ALL activities and sessions. 7. Hats and sunglasses are NOT to be worn during sessions or meals. Conference T-shirts and nametags are to be worn at all sessions and meals. 8. Please do not walk around the park in bare feet. 9. Cell Phones may only be used during breaks. If the attendee is using the cell phone excessively it will be taken until Monday morning. We are here to learn and make new friends. 10. Accidental damage to the facility may occasionally occur. Please report any damage immediately to your Advisor. 11. There are to be no fireworks of any kind on the site. Violators may be sent home. 12. This is a Masonic park and camp site, owned and maintained by the Masons of Summit County and of the 21st District. Rudeness to any of the staff, volunteers, residents or guests will NOT be tolerated. 13. NO guests or visitors are permitted during this Leadership Training Conference at any time unless prearranged and approved by the ODLE Director. This form must be signed by both the participating DeMolay and a parent and included with the application. I have read, understand, and agree to abide by the above standard operating procedures for the Ohio DeMolay – Leaders of Excellence. _______________________________________ _____________________________________ Signature of Parent or Guardian Signature of DeMolay Attending