2010 – 2011 Officers for West Virginia DeMolay:

Michael A. Burge, State Master Councilor

Wesley Stanley, State Senior Councilor

Nate Gonzalez, State Junior Councilor

Mason Winkie, State Scribe

Russell Gillespie, State Treasurer

Kristen Sappington, State Sweetheart

With the WVU vs UK basketball game yet to be played, it was a competitive weekend between the jurisdictions, but brotherhood prevailed (along with the Mountaineers!) Brothers Burge and Combs, already being members in Kentucky’s Priory of Knighthood, held the Squire Commander and Page Commander respectfully during the Knighthood initiation in which many brothers were dubbed as fellow knights and soldiers of Jacques DeMolay.

WV DeMolay was represented well and has been invited back for Kentucky’s summer conclave during July 15 – 18.

It is the hope of the State Association, and of this SMC, that not only will Chapter to Chapter communications and relations improve, but that also Jurisdiction to Jurisdiction communications and relations will follow a similar pattern.

SMC Mitch Combs

Brothers Combs, Thaxton, and Walker were in attendance as well as “Dad” Wilson. The guys were asked to help run the hat/coat check as well as to bus tables after dinner.

After completing their main task they were able to enjoy the festivities, live music, and even some rather interesting discussions with the Shriners.

The name of DeMolay was definitely held high last night as the Potentate called upon the DeMolays and introduced them in front of the entire crowd and thanked them for their excellent work. After which the DeMolays, in particular Brother Walker the Senior Councilor for Capitol Chapter, presented the Potentate with a DeMolay and Shriner Lapel Pin.

Many connections were made and several expressed their interest in the Order as well as getting their family members involved.

With more invitations on the table and several young men wanting to join, it seems Capitol Chapter is finally making progress in leaps and bounds.

Good job guys, keep up the good work, we are very proud of you.

SMC Mitch Combs

Since our last official publication so much has happened for WV DeMolay! Here’s a quick re-cap.

September:
DeMolays and Rainbows from around WV enjoyed in the American past time of baseball sponsored by Moundsville Chapter. Everyone participated in a heated softball competition where the scores piled up as some advisors took a few spills. With a short time to recover everyone headed back to the Moundsville Lodge for Pizza then it was off to the Washington Wildthings game in PA. Sadly the Wildthings lost, but the spirit of DeMolay won through.

A few weeks after the baseball extravaganza the State Association held its annual Honors and Awards Ceremony this time in Parkersburg, WV. The focus was on AJ Paletta and Zach Mace who received the Chevalier, soon to be followed by Ed Taylor and Matt Simmons who received the Legion of Honor.

October:
DeMolays and Rainbows once again joined together for a Halloween dance in Wheeling, WV at the El Tor Grotto. With lively tunes provided courtesy of Buckhannon’s own DJ Salty Dog (“Dad” Saltis) everyone dance the night away.

November and December:
Due to unforeseen circumstances and bad weather both the NY City Trip and the Annual Christmas Ball had to be canceled. Due to the cancellation the State Officers have planned a new weekend event, dubbed the Spring Fling, in order to make up for the lost events. More details will follow shortly.

January:
Despite the snow everyone made the annual trek up the mountain to go skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. With a large cabin and discount rates, DeMolays enjoyed a relatively cheap weekend and plenty of comfy places to sleep. No one was hurt this year, and DeMolays spent most of the time healing their aches in the hot tub after a full day of skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

February:
WV DeMolay officially launched its new website. Finally, after months and months of work, testing, and comments from various DeMolays and advisors the new website is prepared to provide a place that is fully functional, safe, and easy to use.
Check it out at http://www.wvdemolay.com

Well, that’s all (for now) folks. Check back soon for an updated Calendar with all the events for now until Conclave.

It went off without a hitch, except for a cramp in the schedule when it rained Friday morning.  We fixed it with a little creative work, and by Friday night we were back on track.

We are going to update the website soon, but until then check out te Facebook page.

Congratulations Tasha, and we look forward to seeing you at many events this year.

Michael Burge – State Master Councilor

Mitch Combs – State Senior Councilor

Chris Heiskell – State Junior Councilor

William Martin – State Scribe (new elected office)