• April Fools Day
• Holidays and Events for April
• From Your State Master Councilor
• From Your State Senior Councilor
• From Your State Junior Councilor
• From Your State Scribe
• From the Executive Officer
• Additional Information

April Fool's Day

The closest point in time that can be identified as the beginning of this tradition was in 1582, in France. Prior to that year, the new year was celebrated for eight days, beginning on March 25. The celebration culminated on April 1. With the reform of the calendar under Charles IX, the Gregorian Calendar was introduced, and New Year's Day was moved to January 1.

However, communications - being what they were in the days when news traveled by foot - many people did not receive the news for several years. Others, the more obstinate crowd, refused to accept the new calendar and continued to celebrate the new year on April 1. These backward folk were labeled as "fools" by the general populace. They were subject to some ridicule, and were often sent on "fools errands" or were made the butt of other practical jokes.

This harassment evolved, over time, into a tradition of prank-playing on the first day of April. The tradition eventually spread to England and Scotland in the eighteenth century. It was later introduced to the American colonies of both the English and French. April Fool's Day thus developed into an international fun fest, so to speak, with different nationalities specializing in their own brand of humor at the expense of their friends and families.

In Scotland, for example, April Fool's Day is actually celebrated for two days. The second day is devoted to pranks involving the posterior region of the body. It is called Taily Day. The origin of the "kick me" sign can be traced to this observance.

Mexico's counterpart of April Fool's Day is actually observed on December 28. Originally, the day was a sad remembrance of the slaughter of the innocent children by King Herod. It eventually evolved into a lighter commemoration involving pranks and trickery.

Pranks performed on April Fool's Day range from the simple, (such as saying, "Your shoe's untied!), to the elaborate. Setting a roommate's alarm clock back an hour is a common gag. Whatever the prank, the trickster usually ends it by yelling to his victim, "April Fool!"

Practical jokes are a common practice on April Fool's Day. Sometimes, elaborate practical jokes are played on friends or relatives that last the entire day. The news media even gets involved. For instance, a British short film once shown on April Fool's Day was a fairly detailed documentary about "spaghetti farmers" and how they harvest their crop from the spaghetti trees.

April Fool's Day is a "for-fun-only" observance. Nobody is expected to buy gifts or to take their "significant other" out to eat in a fancy restaurant. Nobody gets off work or school. It's simply a fun little holiday, but a holiday on which one must remain forever vigilant, for he may be the next April Fool!

~ Courtesy of http://wilstar.com/holidays/aprilfool.htm ~

Holidays and Events for April

SMC'S Comments

My Brothers of Ohio DeMolay,

I'd first like to formally congratulate Miss Alexis Kollay, from Bethel #35 in Niles, on being selected as the "Ohio Miss Job's Daughter" for the 2004-2005 year. I wish her the best of look and am looking forward to working with her during the last quarter of the "See the Need, Meet the Challenge" term.

This month I'd like to talk to you about how the Order of DeMolay can better the lives of those around you. I've had the pleasure of being a member of Youngstown Chapter for over 7 years. I've come to know many great young men in my local DeMolay experiences. During the past year and a half, I've grown close to Brother "Petey" Hayes. He's a hard-working young man and expresses a true love for this Order; a love which carried through to his family, and especially to his little brother Louis.

Louis was five years younger than Petey and was as fervent as his older brother. Louis was also the victim of a crippling disease, leukemia. Through his parents, sister, school, and brother, Louis was able to experience many great things and touch many people. Louis was a good friend of Youngstown DeMolay and attended events with his brother when he could. When Louis turned 12 years old, Petey and Youngstown DeMolay eagerly looked forward to the day when Louis would be well enough to officially become a member. That day never came. Louis's cancer reappeared last fall. After a lengthy bout with the disease and after only 12 years of life, Louis Hayes died the Wednesday before Easter.

Now I'm not writing this column to depress you, I'm writing to inspire you, for what followed made me prouder to be a DeMolay than any other time in my life. The members of Youngstown DeMolay quickly came to their Brother Hayes's need and provided support almost instantaneously. Brethren called, visited, and aided Brother Hayes displaying true DeMolay comradeship. In a time when all seemed dark for Brother Hayes, the members brightly shined the fourth candle upon him. Eight young men of the chapter, including Petey, were honored with duty of pallbearer for Louis. A funeral wreath from Youngstown DeMolay traveled to the resting place as a wish of peace for Louis. The family thanked the chapter heavily for its support and I've been told if it were not for DeMolay, it would have made this event so much harder for all in advance.

So my brothers, look around at those you love. Remember the seven cardinal virtues in all your dealings with them. DeMolay's teachings and members can enhance all your good days and help cushion the hardest moments. Strive to keep your vows, and I promise you that you will love a better, happier, more productive life. When the evening of your life comes you WILL be able to look back upon a long happy journey, filled with the memories of duties well performed.

The SW Regional/RD.LCC sleepover is on May 15 at the Xenia Masonic Temple and State Devotional Day on May 16 at the Ohio Masonic Home in Springfield. More information will be sent out in a special edition of the E-Connection this week. REMEMBER JULY 22-25 is the "See the Need, Meet the Challenge!" Conclave. Start practicing your limbo because there's something tropical blowing your way that weekend!

Yours for a Better Ohio DeMolay,
Murad G. Shorrab
State Master Councilor 2003-2004
"See the Need, Meet the Challenge!"

SSC's Comments

Brethren of Ohio DeMolay,

As spring begins, I hope all of you are doing well in school, and for those of you who are in college, keep going, you're almost done! On the DeMolay side of things, I am looking for those of you who are qualified and interested in being a State Officer this year. So far I haven't received the number I was anticipating, so here is another chance for all of you who yearn to be "collar wearers" to get those letters and applications into me. In this issue of the connection, I am unveiling the 2004-2005 calendar. So, I hope that if you are interested in helping plan the events that are happening next year, that you would consider being a State Officer next year.

Safe Travels and God Bless,
Chris Grinstead
State Senior Councilor

SJC's Comments

Greetings brothers of Ohio DeMolay.

I hope that everyone is enjoying the last few days we have had with NO SNOW!!! The snow being gone can only mean one thing…SOFTBALL!!!! Okay, I guess I am probably the only DeMolay that gets excited about playing softball, but that's ok, because I enjoy it.

The first order of business is to thank everyone who participated at State 3 on 3 Iron Man Basketball. I think everyone there had a blast!!! A special thanks goes out to Dad Hampton, the Second District, and the referees - none of it would have been possible without them. Thank you to everyone else who helped out with everything. It was very much appreciated. Congratulations to all the winners of 3 on 3 Basketball. The 1st place team for the open division consisted of Chris Grinstead, Rob Allen, and Brian Hare. The 2nd place team consisted of Jeff Drescher, Matt Klepacz, and Gary Ross. The 1st team place for the fifteen and under division was John Ross, Bryan Gorton, and Adam Burhenne. The 2nd place team consisted of Nick Oberg, Will Rehnert, and Adam Marshal. Congratulations to these brothers, and all of the guys who participated!

This month's health tip is on how important it is to get a good nights rest. Researchers have found that getting enough sleep each night (8-10 hours) is a more important factor in living longer and staying healthy than either diet or exercise. Here are some benefits of a good night's sleep: The immune system is able to function properly and fight off bacteria, viruses, and cancer. Metabolism is boosted so body fat is burned. Hormone production increases which slows down the aging process. The brain replenishes its supply of neuro-transmitters, the "feel-good" chemicals that increase the ability to cope with stress. Memory improves. Hand-eye coordination increases, resulting in safer driving. These are all important things to have a good day and to live a healthy life. Till next time, everyone take care, travel safe, and have fun.

In DeMolay Service,
Joseph R. Rehnert
State Junior Councilor

SS's Comments

Greetings members and friends of Ohio DeMolay,

WOW is the only word that comes to mind when I think of the performances at this years Heartland ritual competition in Illinois! Many of our participants had word perfect ritual work.

I would like to offer my congratulations to Sean Schuler of Medina chapter, and all of the members of Groveport chapter who "took home the gold" this year. Although many of this year's participants are used to taking home numerous awards, Ohio achieved an award this year that we have never had before. All of the DeMolays worked together to win the Grand Masters Cup. This is awarded to the DeMolay jurisdiction that accumulates the most points throughout the competition.

Again, congratulations to all of those who participated!

Until we meet again,
Scott E. Gay Jr.
State Scribe

Dad Shaw's Comments

Please take time to read the "News and Views" link off the web site on a frequent basis. You'll find out details about many interesting things happening throughout Ohio. Now for the news around the state:

Congratulations to all the winners at the Heartland Ritual competition!

WE WON THE BIG PRIZE~RITUAL SUPREMACY!

Individual and team winners were:
Chapter Proficiency - 1st Groveport
DeMolay Degree Fourth Section - 3rd Groveport
Preceptor Corps - 1st Groveport
Flower Talk - 4th- Scott Gay Canton
Ceremony of Light - 4th John Clark Groveport
Magnificent Seven - 2nd John Clark Groveport
Orator - 1st John Clark Groveport
Initiatory Degree Proficiency - 1st Tyler Crampton Groveport
DeMolay Degree Proficiency - 1st Tyler Crampton Groveport
1st Preceptor - 3rd John Clark Groveport
2nd Preceptor - 3rd John Clark Groveport
3rd Preceptor - 4th Matt Glass Groveport
4th Preceptor - 4th John Ruiz Groveport
5th Preceptor - 3rd Josh LaPenta Groveport
6th Preceptor - 1st John Clark Groveport
7th Preceptor - 1st Sean Shuler Medina

Also this past month, the 2nd and 4th districts officially kicked off their Squires programs with Cleveland holding the 1st ever Squires Installation in Ohio!

Our Membership program is in full swing and per DeMolay International, as of 4/16 here are the leaders in our current Ohio pre One-A-DAY program contest:

Chapter/New Members
Painesville (36089)-4
Medina (36200)- 2
Denbrook (36033)- 2
David J Nye (36049) - 1
Marietta (36074)- 1
Se - Lyn - Ma (36073) - 1
Lakewood (36066)- 1

Grand Totals 12

I have also heard that Canton has 3 new initiates so far but they have not been reported to DeMolay International. (They don't count until they are reported to DI and Dad Laughlin!). We also wish Dad Grady's wife a quick recovery!

Everyone needs to feel challenged to beat Painesville. Remember the Chapter with the most candidates 3/13-6/1 will receive $25 per candidate initiated by their Chapter for the Chapter to spend as they wish.

P.S. we are leading the nation in new members since 8/1/03 but the gap is quickly closing!

In DeMolay Service,
Dad Jeff Shaw

ADDITIONAL INFO

New Address for Dad Lowe

2004-2005 Tentative Term Calendar

2004 State Calendar of Events