News-bits Shared By Our Caravans
Does your Caravan have something you would like us to share on this page?
If so, please email webnews@orderalhambra.org. You may also Click Here to submit oversized files.
If so, please email webnews@orderalhambra.org. You may also Click Here to submit oversized files.
Council of Viziers Board Meeting
July 19-20, 2024
The Order of Alhambra Council of Viziers met in July in Baton Rouge, LA. SC Cliff Dake led the group in some rousing discussion about the present state of the Order and the importance of growing the membership for the future of the Order. Like many other fraternal organizations, dwindling membership and the introduction of new members is always a growing concern.
A highlight of the meeting, the COV honored our Supreme Chaplain, Fr. Paul Ballien for his 25 years of service to God and His people. SC Cliff Dake and SA Vince Braun presented Fr. with memento and a check to be used for the charity(s) of his choice.
The COV and their families are next looking forward to the Convention being planned for 2025!
Bikes, Helmets and Locks for Special Education Students
June 5, 2024
The members of Galicia Caravan No. 77 brought some immense joy and excitement recently to individuals with special needs at Lake Shore High School. This Metro Detroit area Caravan donated eight bicycles along with helmets and locks for use by the school's Special Education students. "These adaptive bikes not only provide a wonderful opportunity for physical exercise but also help our students develop essential motor skills, build confidence, and foster independence… Your donation has truly transformed our program, giving our students new ways to engage with their peers and participate in activities they might not have experienced otherwise" said Mrs. Cristen Belanger, Adapted Physical Education Teacher at the high school.
Keep up the good work Galicia!
Spring Dinner Dance for Special Olympians
May 1, 2024
Alhamar Caravan No. 4 hosted a dinner dance for Special Olympics bowlers and guests at the Sheehy-Farmer Center on the campus of King's College. Attendees were served a plated dinner with all the trimmings and dessert. Joe Hussey from Jester Entertainment provided some terrific dance music to get everyone on their feet. Donated raffle prizes were given out to each athlete.
About 80 people attended the event including "SHINING star volunteer" Ryan Pettipaw, a junior at King's College who has been a very reliable volunteer on Saturday mornings for Special Olympics bowling. Ryan even went so far as to recruit other King's College students who greeted and escorted guests to the 3rd floor ballroom. Hannah Hess, a junior at King's College majoring in Special Education PK-12 and a direct support professional at a local adult day program also gave of her time to help out. Hannah said, she was so HAPPY to see some of her clients at the event and you could tell the athletes were just as trilled to see her. It was a LOVELY affair. Huge smiles could be seen on our Special Friends.
Alhamar Caravan thanks their corporate sponsors: Bonner Chevrolet in Kingston, PA and Diamond Manufacturing in Wyoming, PA.
ALLEGANY MAGAZINE JULY 2023: Inside the Order of the Alhambra Wamba -- Where there’s more than ‘treats’ the eye
Celebrating Founder's Day
March 10, 2024
Carmona Caravan No. 75 celebrated the founding of the Order of Alhambra with a special mass and social at St. Andrew Abbey in Cleveland, OH. Father Spisak, a member of the Benedictine Order celebrated the Mass and blessed the amazing lunch which followed.
Caravan Hosts A "Peace in the Womb" Pro-Life Christmas Caroling Event
December 17, 2023
Alhamar Caravan No. 4 hosts a Peace in the Womb Pro-Life Christmas Caroling event on the sidewalk of Planned Parenthood in Wilkes-Barre, PA. The Pro-Life Action League organizes these events nationally. Ernie Pappa with Ernie Pappa Music Ministry led the caroling event. Following the event, Ada Magni, Supreme Director for Region 2 invited the carolers for hot chocolate and treats at King's College. The event was attended by 7 members from Alhamar Caravan, 2 student volunteers and a number of other faithful. Not letting the rain dampen their spirits, the group sang Christmas Carols for 1/2 hour.
In the Christmas story, hope enters the world through the birth of a child, in the midst of difficult circumstances.
Editors note: The issue of abortion is a very personal, political and religious hot button issue. As such, the Order of the Alhambra, Inc. does not take a particular stand. Ada's event was concerned with Down Syndrome which is a focus of our charitable works. We have done our best to paraphrase and fact check Ada's comments below.
Ada commented: We shared this Christmas hope where it is needed most: the abortion facility here in our community. This Planned Parenthood center provides women with the abortion pill and according to the latest Pennsylvania Department of Health report, "a total of 757 induced abortions were performed in Luzerne county where the clinic is located in 2021"[1]. Eric Scheidler of the Pro-Life Action League says in an article published in America Family News (an evangelical Christian publication) that currently, in the United States about 67% of preborn babies diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted[2]. Eric's statistics most likely come from a 2012 study[3].
References
- Health. (n.d.). Birth, death, and other vital statistics. Department of Health. https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/HealthStatistics/VitalStatistics
- Doctors’ attitude about disabilities — a little thing can make a big difference. (2023, April 12). American Family News. https://afn.net/culture/2023/04/12/doctors-attitude-about-disabilities-a-little-thing-can-make-a-big-difference/
- Natoli, J. L., Ackerman, D. L., McDermott, S., & Edwards, J. J. (2012). Prenatal diagnosis of Down syndrome: a systematic review of termination rates (1995–2011). Prenatal Diagnosis, 32(2), 142–153. https://doi.org/10.1002/pd.2910
A Christmas Party with Good Friends
December 16, 2023
Galicia Caravan No. 77 hosted their annual Christmas Party for the many wonderful people they serve. Bringing joy to others lifts the heart and makes this special season come alive.
Pope Francis' Prayer of the Month – December 2023
December 6, 2023
God, our Father.
The throwaway culture that is widespread in our time does not consider the person as something most valueable that must be respected and protected, especially if they are poor or disabled people. We ask you today for the inclusion of all those who have a physical or mental limitation. Help us promote a culture of life that continually affirms the dignity of each person, in particular the defense of people with disabilities. May inclusion be the rock on which civil institutions build programs and initiatives so that no one is left behind.
Amen.
Halloween Trunk or Tricks or Tricks or Treats
October 30, 2023
This Halloween, Alhamar Caravan No. 4 participated in a ghost (the "g" is silent) of Trunk or Trick events which made them hauntingly visible to thousands of trick or treaters and parents throughout their local community. Costumed Caravan members had fun handing out gum and lollipops to the children, and Alhamar's business cards to the parents. Depending on the location of the event, the Caravan either stood alongside an informative table or their aptly decorated red truck. They even used bubble machines to attract attention.
List of spooky appearances for 2023:
October 21st: West Wyoming Trick or Treat, a special time was reserved from 3:30 to 5:30 for those with special needs and autism.
October 22nd: Swoyersville Kiwanis and the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Knights of Columbus Council #12976 Truck or Treat Tailgate Party. Members handed out candy to trick or treaters from noon to 4:00 pm at the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church and school grounds. Fr. Chmil, the parish priest at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton was very supportive of our work.
October 28th: King's College Halloween Dance for Special Olympics bowlers and guests. Pizza, snacks, music, a photo station and dancing made it a memorable night on campus. Fr. Brogan Ryan, Chaplain and director of Campus Ministry hung out with the athletes and was very impressed by all their costumes. Special thank you to Ryan Pettipaw, King's College's student volunteer for coordinating such an amazing occasion. Alhamar members passed out candy bags to everyone at the end of the night.
October 29th: City of Wilkes-Barre Trick or Treat, which ran from noon to 3:00 pm.
October 29th: Wilkes University Trick or Treat, Supreme Director Ada came dressed as a nurse and Maureen a Mariachi band member.
October 30th: Exaltation of the Holy Cross Church Trunk or Treat event which ran from 6:30 to 8:00pm.
Check Presented to St. Anthony School Programs
September 22, 2023
A $1000.00 check from the Order of Alhambra Charity Fund, Inc. was presented at North Catholic High School in Cranberry, PA. by Supreme Director Ada Magni to Korin McMillen, Director of Special Education for St. Anthony School Programs in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. This donation was made to assist St. Anthony’s in purchasing school supplies for students with special needs.
Currently, 10 students with special needs are enrolled in St. Anthony School Programs at North Catholic High School. On the morning of her tour, SD Ada met 3 of the students who were working with teachers in a special resources classroom.
Thank yous to Korin for her graciousness during the visit, to the St. Anthony staff for their warm welcome, to Joe Wilson the President of North Catholic High School who gave a tour of their 10 year old state of the art facility, and to Anthony Beilstein, Director of College & Career Readiness at North Catholic High School for time spent learning more about the Order of Alhambra and the scholarships we provide to college students majoring in special education.
May God continue to bless St. Anthony School Programs, their staff and students.
Detroit Boat Cruise
September 24, 2023
Manresa Caravan No. 217 with 21 volunteers treated approximately 100 special needs individuals and their caregivers to a two hour cruise on the Detroit River aboard the Diamond Jack. The guests were treated to pizza, cookies, snack mix, and sodas. A variety of fun and entertaining music was broadcast over the boat's public address system.
Manresa Caravan would like to say a Special thank you to Julia Sydlowski, and Bob Rogenski, co-chairs for this year's event. Our contributing photographers were Norm Pranger, Janet Kurkie, and Gloria Rzucidlo.
A great time was had by all. – Laus Deo
Special Needs Picnic
September 17, 2023
Alhamar Caravan No. 4 resumed their annual special needs picnic at the Plains Polish American Veterans Pavilion on Sunday, September 17 (from 12:00pm to 3:00pm) after a three year hiatus due to Covid. At this year's event we honored (posthumously) life member and Captain of the Body Guard Joseph Pikaitis who passed on April 24, 2023.
The guests were treated to hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, ice cream, cookies and desserts. Plush toys, T-shirts and raffle tickets were given to each special needs individual upon their arrival. Items donated by local businesses and individuals were raffled off. Alhamar Caravan's members and their volunteers WELCOMED St. Joseph's Center and their affiliate locations, Step by Step group homes and Special Olympics athletes, their families, guests and staff with GREAT hospitality and friendliness.
Thank you to all who helped make the day such a success. HAPPY faces were seen everywhere throughout the afternoon.
Some Nice Words from St. Anthony’s
August 1, 2023
"Yes, please send me your newsletter! I am looking forward to reading it. I had a wonderful time at the ladies tea, and it was truly my pleasure to speak with the ladies about St. Anthony School Programs, and all that we do in the Pittsburgh area for students with special needs. Thank you for this beautiful opportunity! And thank you for all that the Order of Alhambra does for individuals with special needs – you all do such tremendous work!
Take good care,
God Bless,
Korin
Korin H. McMillen
Director of Special Education
St. Anthony School Programs
stanthonykids.org
Golf Outing and Scholarship Giveaway
June 14, 2023
Galicia Caravan No. 77 held their 32nd Alhambra Charity Golf Outing at Devil’s Ridge Golf Course in Oxford, Michigan. This year’s honoree was none other than a good friend, spiritual guide and humble supporter of the Caravan, Father Ronald DeHondt (pastor of St. Margaret of Scotland parish in St. Clair Shores and celebrating his 50th year of ordination). The Caravan owes a debt of gratitude to Fr. Ron and all the golfers, donors, volunteers and others who continually turn out in support of the Caravan's mission.
As a special treat for those who came out that day (showing donations at work), a scholarship check was presented to Emily Golenbiewski who is currently earning her masters degree from Grand Valley State University in early childhood endorsement special education. Galicia Caravan uses local donations to support students like Emily who are pursuing degrees in special education in order to work with children with intellectual disabilities and other special needs.
End of Covid Dinner Dance for Special Olympics Bowlers
May 11, 2023
Alhamar Caravan No. 4 hosted an End of Covid Dinner Dance for 31 Special Olympics bowlers, their families, and guests at Fox Hill Country Club in Exeter, PA (A total of 90 guests attended). DJ Joseph Hussey from Jester Entertainment provided the music. Raffle prizes which were donated enhanced the event for the athletes. The scrumptious meal included: penne in red sauce, breaded chicken, mashed potatoes, vegetables, fruit cup, and Ice cream for dessert. The staff at the venue even joined in dancing with God's special people. A FUN time was had by ALL. What a FANTASTIC event that brought HUGE smiles to the bowlers.
Eater Egg Hunt
April, 2023
Oran Caravan 67 is just one of many Alhambra caravans which held a very special Easter party for our good friends. Thank you to all our members and the volunteers who bring happiness and joy to the intellectually disabled people we love so much.
Community Service Award Presentation
March 14, 2023
During the March council meeting in Chesterfield Twp., Michigan, Past Grand Commander Lou Caloia was presented with a community achievement award for his dedication to hosting the annual Life Handicapped Outdoors Fishing Derby in beautiful Brandenburg Park. Lou has been the lead organizer since the events inception, nearly 30 years ago. By the township's own estimation, Louis and his team have directly serviced over 2,500 individuals with special needs and their families. Galicia Caravan 77 is proud of Lou's achievement and grateful to be a co-sponsor of this wonderful event.
Show how much you appreciate the work Lou does by liking the Life Handicapped Outdoors Facebook page.
Plaque Presentation at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church
February 26, 2023
Alamo Caravan No. 269 commemorated Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, San Antonio, TX with an historic plaque.
Alhambra Day at the Shrine Circus
February 9, 2023
The Alhambra Caravans of Region VI and their crew took over 2,000 special friends, their teachers and caregivers to a special performance at the Shrine Circus. The extended crew consisted of Alhambra, Knights of Columbus, Shriners, Stellantis, GM and many volunteer friends of Alhambra. Everyone enjoyed the work of unloading, greeting, seating, preparing food, and serving those in attendance. It warms the heart to see so many smiles and so much excitement on the faces of God’s Special People.
