The PA Grotto Association held its Spring Meeting on Saturday, April 18, 2015 during the weekend of the joint PA Grotto Association and Colonial Grotto Association event from April 17-19 in Gettysburg, PA. The session was held at the Eisenhower Aspire hotel, complete with bath water warm pool, ridiculous go-karts, haunted farms, corgis galore, and lots of hospitality.

Prophets travelled from six different states to attend this event and it was a great one. The weekend started on Friday afternoon with a mini-golf tournament led by Pro. George Hindson, President of the CGA. Several golfers learned that geometry is hard. The winner of the event was Pro. Mike Tomascin, of Islam Grotto, who earned a green bathrobe. Pro. George Gittens, Monarch of Islam Grotto came in second, garnering a baking dish for his efforts. Rounding out the prize winners was Pro. Bobby Lorenz, Chief Justice of Islam Grotto, who won a piggy bank for his last place score. Members and guests then enjoyed dutch treat dinners at several different restaurants in Gettysburg. Then, the group gathered for a Ghost Tour around town. Several folks said they felt something during the tour, although we suspect there were more shenanigans than hauntings along the way. Friday evening wrapped with lots of hospitality time.

Saturday began bright and early with the meeting of the PA Grotto Association, followed directly by the Colonial Grotto Association. While the usual business was transacted, the real story was the challenge offered by Pro. Dick Faust, Past Grand Monarch and Treasurer of the Humanitarian Foundation. He challenged both groups to see who could donate more. While the PGA admirably donated $1,000 to the cause, the CGA used a sneaky tactic and offered $1,001 to beat them. The CGA also kicked in an extra $50 for an Enchanted Lantern.

With the business done, several Prophets hit the go-kart track, while others enjoyed lunch. At 1:30 PM on Saturday, a memorial service was held at the Masonic Friend to Friend Monument in the Gettysburg Cemetery Annex. Rev. Dr. Pro. Chris Rodkey, Chaplain of the PGA, led the ceremony in fine form with assistance from Pro. David Hinton, First Vice President of the CGA, on his bagpipes. Prophets then dispersed for fun and fellowship until dinner time, when Pro. Faust presented a video on the Humanitarian Foundation, which everyone found quite moving. Saturday evening wrapped up with a poolside cannonball contest, much carousing, and lots of good fellowship.

Thank you everyone for attending and we look forward to seeing you at the annual meeting to be held in Lancaster, PA, October 9-11, 2015.

Pictures from this event can be found on the Colonial Grotto Association Facebook page. 

On April 5, 2014, the PA Grotto Association held its Spring Meeting at the Days Inn, located in Meadville, PA. The host Grotto was Kismet Grotto, of Meadville. President David Ingalls, a member of Kismet Grotto, presided over the meeting. Five officers and 22 members were present. Six of the nine Grottoes in PA were represented, providing a quorum for the day.

Business included reports of the Grottoes present and the approval of holding a special “Dental Care Day” for special needs children in the Meadville area in the next 6 months. Also, the updated by-laws of the Association were approved and can be found by clicking here.

It was an excellent weekend, full of sympathy and good fellowship. Everyone looks forward to returning to the Days Inn in October for the Fall Meeting.