19 May Notes from the Iowa District:
Worthy Sir Knights:
Any of you that attended convention were witness to several special people receiving their fourth degree Friday afternoon. We heard from one – Jeff Alt – from Marion, a former Global Ambassador at our banquet that evening as he gave a wonderful reflection on the day’s events. I can tell you I was extremely pleased and proud of our district and these young men and rightly address them as Sir Knights.
This month we have an opportunity to recognize and honor Special Olympians as the 2019 Summer Games open in Ames May 23rd. I cannot attend as I will be traveling for work out of state. I ask your attendance to support person like Jeff Alt in their efforts to overcome and succeed despite the obstacles laid in their path.
To read about other remarkable people that are succeeding in overcoming obstacles see https://www.liveaction.org/news/8-people-syndrome-changing-world/
Michael P. Gaspers
District Master
Special Olympics
As announced at the State Convention two weeks ago, the Fourth Degree Honor Guard will once again take part in the opening ceremonies for the Iowa Special Olympics Summer Games. The event will be held on May 23, 2019 in Ames at Hilton Coliseum – just prior to Memorial Day week-end. A light hospitality lunch will be provided beginning at 5:00 PM. The line up to meet the athletes will begin at 6:35 and the ceremony will start at 7:00 PM. Please come and support these special athletes. It will change your life. For some of you this may be one last opportunity to show your support while wearing the traditional regalia.
Special Olympics Iowa Opening Ceremonies at Hilton Coliseum, Ames, IA.
· Thursday, May 23, 2019:
· Parking – South or North lot of Hilton
· Reception at Johnny’s (east concourse) from 5:00 – 6:30 PM
· Ready to go 6:35 PM – Athlete entrance 7:00 PM
More information on the games may be found at http://www.soiowa.org/competitions/statewide-competitions/summer-games/
Celebration Mass
Notice: The brothers of Council 14987 Cedar Falls UNI Knights to a Mass of celebration and thanksgiving followed by a reception for their own Paul Lee on the eve of his assuming the duties of Iowa State Deputy.
Mass & Reception
· Sunday June 30th 2019
· St Stephens Newman Center on UNI Campus
· Mass at 10:30AM
· Reception to follow
· 4th Degree Honor Guard requested. ** note this will be the last day to officially wear the traditional regalia at a public event.
Exemplification Scheduling
To build a healthy fourth degree district in Iowa we need new Sir Knights in every part of the state. Experience shows that having more exemplifications in all areas of the state make it convenient for busy younger men to join our ranks as Sir Knights. I will be asking various assemblies to consider hosting an exemplification during the coming year. Better yet bring your ideas to convention and volunteer to take the lead in scheduling on in your area.
Assembly Recognition
There are several awards available to recognize assemblies that are engaged in programs supporting the vision and goals of the 4th degree. I encourage each assembly to work toward the Civic Award and the “To Be a Patriot” award.
The Civic Award is a tribute to the spirit of patriotism and national pride exemplified by the assembly’s program of activities. To qualify, the assembly must conduct and report at least four varied patriotic programs held within the fraternal year.
The “To Be a Patriot” Award annually recognizes the three best patriotic programs conducted by Fourth Degree Assemblies each fraternal year. The assembly must submit a report on their single best patriotic activity on form #TBP-2. The deadline has passed for this year but I’d love to hear from assemblies anyway.
The Supreme Council now awards the “Star Assembly Award” It includes the above two distinctions and several other items. I encourage assembly leadership to review the requirements and make them part of your yearly goals.