​WV STATE CONVENTION PRESS RELEASE
The 131st annual session of the West Virginia State Council Junior Order United American Mechanics was held August 8-10, 2019 at the quaint Country Inn in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.  National Councilor Rich Beppler and his wife Maryann – from Pennsylvania – were attending and taking active roles during the session.
On Thursday morning, a beautiful day awaited those playing in a golf tournament held at the Woods Golf Course.  In the afternoon, a ‘CORN HOLE’ competition was enjoyed in Berkeley Springs Park.  In the evening, opening ceremonies were held at the Inn, emceed by Past State Councilor Mike Roberts.  A welcome address was given by Corp. Samuel R. Smith of the WV State Police.  Interestingly, he included personal stories in relating his faith, his family, and his years in uniform.  State Councilor Gary Vance – St. Albans #123 – introduced the state and national officers.  Past National Councilor Greg Frye presented golf awards.
Pete Gordon entertained the group with his singing and guitar playing.  Most of his selections were from the 1930’s – 1980’s era and he encouraged all to sing along.  He provided the history of some of the ‘oldies’ music and shared stories of his past musical presentations.
A delicious buffet reception was enjoyed by all as the evening festivities came to a close.
 
 
 
 
On Friday morning, State Chaplain, B.J. Ruppenthal conducted a memorial service for the deceased members of the local councils in the past year.  A carnation for each one was laid on the altar in their memory; Joan Myers provided music.
The business session opened with State Councilor Gary Vance presiding.  Past State Councilor Dan Collis gave a keynote address to ‘spark’ those in attendance to ‘be their best’.  Resolutions were presented for consideration and officers were nominated for the ensuing year.
A Fellowship Banquet was held in the Garden Room of the Inn, with Dick Myers as toastmaster.  The speaker for the evening was Daryl Cowles, representing the 58th District-WV House of Delegates.  He explained that West Virginia is in ‘transition’ and shared statistics and evidence to support his claims.  He reported that a great amount of money has been appropriated for various projects throughout the state, including the many improvements to nearby Cacapon State Park.
A buffet dinner was enjoyed by all.  Afterward, Virgil Ruppenthal - Swingin Virg – shared his DJ talents by playing tunes that all could sing or dance to.  Throughout the evening, Chinese Auction numbers were drawn for merchandise as well as door prize tickets.  National Councilor Rich Beppler conducted a 50/50 raffle, with all proceeds going to support the National Bowling Tournament in Parkersburg, WV.
 
 
 
 
On Saturday morning the business was finalized.  The election of officers was completed and Nat’l Councilor Rich Beppler performed the installation.  The officers for 2019-2020 are:
Gary Vance #123 – Past State Councilor
David Kendig #117 – State Councilor
John Mason #117 – State Vice Councilor
Joyce Everett #117 – State Secretary
Jerry Frye #15 – State Treasurer
Dan Collis #15 – State Chaplain
Dick Myers #117 – State Conductor
Jennifer Dailey #117 – State Warden
David Bailey #15 – State Inside Sentinel
David Dolan #182 – State Outside Sentinel
          Nat’l Reps.
Chuck Petro #182 – 4 yr term
John Ditto #117 – 4 yr term
Jerry Frye #15 – 2 yr term
 
The 2020 State Convention will be held July 16-18 in District 1 – TBA.

At the National Session in June,  the members discussed ways to raise money for the National Council.  

A suggestion was made that a Go Fund Me page should be made for the National Council.

Ms. Jane Fisher, State Secretary of Ohio, volunteered to make this Go Fund Me Page for the National. 
Ms. Jane, working with the National Board,  has now got this page up and running. 
For any member wishing to contribute, below is the link to the account.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/national-junior-order-united-american-mechanics ​

The following is the 2018-2019 State Councilor's Program.

Membership:                          
Membership throughout the organization is maintaining a gradual decline. Each of us should extend an effort to create new membership. Look for some incentive that fits your area and activities which may help toward the enlistment of new members. Find ways to get the newer members involved and ensure they are recognized for their efforts.
Scholarship Program:            
This program continues to be active and a valid representation of our commitment to education. I would like to see more promotion of the Scholarship Program from each council.
Membership Contact:            
One thing the executive committee has come to realize is the need for a good membership database.I have asked each council to submit to our State Secretary a membership list.
 I am going to step it up a notch and ask for the list to include pertinent contact information such as address, telephone number and email if applicable. Target providing our State Secretary with the updated listing at least with the 4th quarter report. (Twice a year would be better if possible)
Galloping Gavel program:     
Encourages Council visitations: most recent exchange between St Albans and Fidelity Councils. This program needs to resurface to promote visitation between councils. 
Promote traveling visitation with other councils. Rotate within your membership the visitation “team”.
Meeting Etiquette:                 
I ask each council to strive to follow our rituals and meeting etiquette during each meeting. Look toward other councils if you have a question. For example, during our session, we have found that the Conductor should salute the flag, then present it with one hand             holding it outward as the Councilor leads us through our Pledge of Allegiance.                                                 

St. Albans has had a busy month.:

We have lost two dear members: Betty Cook and Jerry Halstead.

We have had three Brothers transfer to another council (Fidelity Council) and wish them the best.

We have brought in two new members: Paul Perdue and Chad Wallace

The Council has been busy participating in the preparations fro the State Session and hope all make the trip safely. 
​We look forward to seeing many of our Brothers and Sisters from through out the state

Each year the St. Albans Council expresses their appreciation to the workers of the City Public Works Department. These dedicated employees work long hours, are on call when something goes bad and are always cheerful with the public.
Too often across the nation, dedicated workers like these tend to their "thankless" duties.
To all of you..........We truly THANK YOU!