Here are some pictures from our lodge's Christmas Social where 84 brothers/sisters and family and friends attended.

Just a quick reminder that our National Session will be held June 18-21, 2017 at Cacapon State Park in beautiful Berkeley Springs, WV.  The home of our National Councilor Dennis Everett.

Please come enjoy friendship with other brothers and sisters.  Hope to see you.

As Berkeley Springs Council #117 celebrates the completion of another year, the person selected as our Elder Statesman is one who truly celebrates our logo.  It’s the experience people have with an organization that tells the story of the logo of that organization.  None tells the story of our Berkeley Springs Council better than this year’s honoree.
 
     You might find this Brother mowing grass, serving food from our concession trailer, cooking at our monthly breakfast, scrubbing the floors, fixing things or whatever needs to be done around the lodge.  His demeanor is always one of a quiet, friendly personable individual who is always looking to lend a hand with a smile and congenial attitude.  With this attitude, no one has to wonder what organization this brother belongs to and represents with unending pride.  He puts our precepts of Virtue, Liberty and Patriotism out there for all to see.
 
     This Brother has served the local Council by being elected to every position possible within the organization plus he has always found time for his church.  At Highland UMC, he has served in various positions and has always been available when they needed a helping hand.  He is a true humanitarian who is always available if someone is in need in the community.  Whether it is building a ramp, painting a room, fixing a leak or just being there, you can count on him volunteering to help before you even ask.
 
       This Junior is very proud of his five children and seven grandchildren. It can be easily said that fishing is his favorite past time. This hobby occupies all the free time he is allowed by his wife, Gloria, who he readily proclaims is the love of his life.  When he married Gloria, he proudly added two daughters and two more grandsons to his family.
 
       We have only touched the surface of this quiet, gentle soul and how much he has contributed to Berkeley Springs Council #117 for more than 18 years.  He is a definite asset to us, his church and our community.   The lyrics to a song by the Gatlin Brothers says it all – “Greatly Blessed, Highly Favored, Imperfect but Forgiven Child of God”.  It is with great admiration and pride that we honor NELSON ROACH as our Elder Statesman.

As we, here at Berkeley Springs Council #117, administer the obligation of our beloved Order to each new member, we are beginning the introduction process of the principles that the Junior Order was founded on.  These principles of Virtue, Liberty and Patriotism are evident in everything this person undertakes.
 
     It may be holding an office within our organization, volunteering to serve on any committee, opening the building for rentals, or just being available wherever there is a need.  Then, again, it may be helping with breakfasts, washing dishes, selling tickets, decorating a tree or giving out treats to children at our Halloween trick or treat to name a few.  You can bet that she is definitely on the go but always smiling and enjoying every moment.
 
     This Junior is a member of First United Methodist Church where she can be found on Thursday’s helping with their “Go Friends” program.    Her love of children is very obvious; since she spends her day with children at the Warm Springs Middle School each day  and on Sunday, you can find her teaching Sunday School or helping with other church projects.  Her loving, caring and giving attitude is felt by everyone she meets.  This was especially true for those she helped during ministry mission trips.  Volunteering is her nature whether it is with children, elderly residents at a nursing home, family or someone who just needs a friendly smile or hug.
 
      Even with her busy schedule, spending time with her family is a priority.  This includes spoiling her husband of 40 plus years, Carroll, and enjoying time with their son, Jeremy, who is her pride and joy.
 
       We are proud to also recognize ANNA PECK as our other Junior of the Year.

As we here at Berkeley Springs Council #117 celebrate another year, we are proud to announce our Junior of the Year for 2017.   The person we select is one who can be found helping with any project we have whether it is helping with fundraising projects, helping clean, or something that needs done during or at a meeting.
      This year you may find this person serving breakfast, working in the concession stand for the Apple Butter Festival or if we need someone to assist with a project, let’s say we know who to ask.  It is said if you want something done, ask a busy person and it’ll get done.  This is so true of our Junior this year.
      She is a member of First United Methodist Church where she is very active volunteering for their programs.  You will find her there helping to cook and deliver meals for shut-ins in our community.  On Thursdays, you will find her helping with the “Go Friends” program for children.  Next you will find her working at War Memorial where she helped set up the Hospital Auxiliary’s gift shop and now works when needed.  She also now serves as treasurer for the Hospital Auxiliary.
     It can be said that she is the driving force behind her husband Ike’s many projects at the Senior Center and the American Legion over the years.  She is always available to lend a helping hand to her neighbors and friends.  It might be said if you need a ride to doctor appointments, drug store, or whatever just give her a call.  Her caring attitude and winning smile always brightens the day.
      On behalf of Berkeley Springs Council #117, it is our privilege to announce one of this year’s winners, PENNY BOHRER.