West Virginia 130th State Session

​Press Release
 
The 130th annual convention of the West Virginia Junior Order United American Mechanics (J.O.U.A.M.)  was held July 19 – 21 2018 at the Flatwoods Conference Center in Flatwoods, WV.  Attending from North Carolina and representing the National Council was Charles Riehs, National Councilor.
 
The convention opened Thursday evening with Past State Councilor and Master of Ceremonies, Chuck Petro.  The invocation was offered by Chaplain David Kendig followed by The Pledge of Allegiance led by PSC Paul Simmons.  Jerry Frye led the assembled group in the singing of the opening ode.
 
The Manager of the conference center, Mr. Rob Pecora, welcomed the group warmly.  There was no athletic report this year due to the fact that there was not a golf tournament.  Chaplain David Kendig led the benediction and the group retired to an adjacent room for fellowship and refreshments.
 
A memorial service was led by Chaplain David Kendig on Friday morning in remembrance of members who passed away in the past year.  Betty Ruppenthal gave a short talk on the topic of prayer and Virgil Ruppenthal played two songs entitled “I’ll Pray for You” and “My Heart Knows.”
 
Friday’s business session opened at 9:30 and was led by State Councilor Gary Vance.  New members were installed and visitors were welcomed.  Fourteen resolutions were presented: thirteen were approved and one was not approved.
 
Friday evening’s banquet was followed by an inspiring address by Charles Riehs encouraging members to lead boldly and mentor the next generation. Past National Councilor Dennis Everett and Jennifer Dailey drew tickets for the Chinese auction and door prizes and all enjoyed the music provided by DJ Phil Chapman. 
 
The state session reconvened on Saturday morning at 8:30.  A revised resolution was presented and approved and new officers were installed.  State Councilor Gary Vance presented his State Councilor’s Program for 2018/2019 and Past State Councilor Dennis Everett encouraged everyone to go back to their councils and promote this program.
 
The session closed at 9:40.