News
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.
The International Order of the Rainbow for Girls in Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Grotto Association invite you to help us make kids smile, together! Over the next year, we’re asking Rainbow Assemblies and local Grottoes to partner for a Toothbrush Day, sponsored by the Humanitarian Foundation of the Grottoes of North America. The young ladies of Rainbow will help with promotion and the distribution of toothbrushes. In return, the local Grottoes are asked to make a $200 donation to Operation Smile, the state charity for PA Rainbow, which helps children with oral deformities receive treatment.
Together, we can help kids smile across the Commonwealth!
Download the program guide here and start planning your Toothbrush Day today!
The 2013 – 2014 Officers of the PA Grotto Association
The Pennsylavnia Grotto Association held its 2014 Fall Convention the weekend of October 3-5 in Meadville, PA. The Prophets of Kismet Grotto, of Meadville, were excellent hosts as members travelled in from all corners of the Commonwealth to enjoy some sympathy and good fellowship.
The weekend started on Friday night with a giant hospitality suite hosted by Pro. Dave Ingalls, then President, and the members of Kismet Grotto. Good cheer was found all around as friends, both old and new, chatted and and enjoyed time with each other.
The real business of the Association was on Saturday, however. The morning kicked off with a fantatic memorial service led by Pro. Bob Keas, PP, Chaplain. This was Bob’s last memorial service, as he announced his retirement as Chaplain following the event. Everyone in the room applauded Bob for his efforts and thanked him for his service. Following the memorial, the Association conducted business and held elections. The new officers of the Association can be found over on the Officers page. Once the business was completed, the Prophets enjoyed repaste of soup and sandwichs and relaxed for the afternoon.
The evening saw a fine Presidents dinner, with Pro. Ingalls giving his retiring remarks. The room applaued Dave for his excellent year and he was presented with his Past President’s jewel, pinned on by his lady. Following dinner, the Installation of Officers was held and Pro. Seth Anthony, PM, SCDD, of Ubar Grotto, was installed as President. Pro. Anthony announced an ambitious agenda for the year and looks forward to serving the Association.
The next meeting of the PGA will be held on April 17-19, 2015, in Gettysburg, PA, so mark your calendars now!
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.
Pennsylvania Grotto Association 