Texas Pythian Home

Texas Pythian Home
News Nugget
Providing a safe, stable environment for the children of Texas
is our first priority. Serving Texas families in need since 1909
March 2013
In this issue…
Boys’ Day Out
Halloween
Christmas
Valentines Day
5-Year Pin
Greetings From
The Administrator
March, 2013
Texas Pythian News Nugget
Published biannually by:
Texas Pythian Home, Inc.
Mailing Address
1825 East Bankhead Drive
Weatherford, TX 76086
817.594.4465
Fax 817.596.7776
www.pythianhome.org
A Fraternal Publication
No Advertising
No Bond Holders
No Mortgages
No Security Holders
2012 – 2013
Board of Directors
Chairman:
Gary Dillehay
Longview
V. Chairman:
Jimmy Fears
Longview
Secretary:
Jo Cook
Weatherford
Treasurer:
Ed Talbot
Midlothian
Joe Bennett
Barry Carter
Linda Choate
Longview
N. Richland Hills
Mineral Wells
Bud Hutton
Stephenville
Kevin Norcross
Stephenville
Betty Talbot
Don Whisenhunt
Randall Northcutt
2 • March 2013
Happy Birthday to the Home!! We have
just celebrated 104 years of service to
children in need. March 1, 1909–March
1, 2013.
Mission Statement: The Texas Pythian
Home, Inc. provides a safe, stable environment for children to grow physically,
socially, emotionally and spiritually to
become responsible, independent adults.
Our numbers are at an all-time low!! I
know that all of you reading this know
a family that is in need of some type of help, weather it is large or small.
The Home accepts children age 3–17. We are not equipped to manage
children with severe behavioral problems or who have been in a mental
hospital. Placement in The Texas Pythian Home is voluntary and a parent
or grandparent does NOT lose any of their parental rights when choosing
this option for their children. Children attend Weatherford ISD schools,
are provided the medical and academic attention they need as well as the
love and nurturing they need. They are involved in extracurricular activities of their choice.
Child Protective Service views placement as a positive step for a parent
to make and does NOT view placement as abandonment. The Home does
NOT take court ordered placements and accepts no governmental funding.
We rely on donations from the community.
Placement applications can be downloaded from our website at
www.pythianhome.org please pass one to a family in need. You can contact me at [email protected] or Holly Boyer Assistant Administrator/Director of Childcare at [email protected]
I know that times are hard for everyone in this difficult economy. Our
money does not go as far as it used to. We are always in need of all types
of donations especially the monetary ones. For those of you who give
on a regular basis, I thank you and encourage you to continue. For those
who have not given, I encourage you to consider making a commitment to
give on a regular basis. Remember your support will help us carry out our
mission for years to come.
Lisa Watson
Texas Pythian Home Administrator
Midlothian
Mineral Wells
Longview
www.pythianhome.org
Greetings From
Greetings From
Here we are, almost
through another
year. I trust that
everyone has recovered from the hectic
year end holiday
season. As we start
a new year, winter
gives way to spring.
As nature starts
the celebration of
rebirth, hopefully
so is our Order. We
have actually seen
a slight increase in
our membership. Last month we had the privilege to
put together a rank team, to initiate 10 new knights
for Texas #1. it was quite the experience. Several other
lodges have been bringing in members also. We don’t
need to let up now though. We need to keep the momentum going. I will be looking forward to visiting
with everyone, and making my official visits in March,
and April to our western lodges.
I can not express enough, how lucky we are to have
the administration, staff, and board that we have serving us for our home. They have made my job a pleasure. They are definitely good stewards of our home.
They have addressed many tough issues that have
risen in a very professional, and thoughtful manner.
You might notice little differences in the home on your
next visit. We are addressing possible security issues,
to protect our home, and children. Our administrator,
and board have been, and are working hard to ensure
the present, and future viability of our home.
In closing I would like to thank everyone for making this a special year. I am looking forward to seeing
everyone at Grand Lodge. Also remember, our Home
still needs our Love (and support). Please do not forget
to support the Home. When times get tough, it get
really tough for our Charities. The Children’s Home
is the face of our Order. When it looks bad, or does
bad so goes our Order. Also when you are talking
to people, teach them
Continued on page 5
Hello! Can you believe that half of my
year as Grand Chief
of Texas is over? I
have all of my Official Visits behind me,
and had a wonderful
time going to all
Temples, they made
me feel so welcome.
I feel so lucky to
have such wonderful ladies working
with me. The love
and support from
all my Pythian Family is just heartwarming. My year
has gone smoothly. A special thanks to my husband,
Roger, daughter Dawn and my best friend Shirley for
all the help and support.
My project for the Pythian Children’s Home is to
acquire new leather office chairs for the board room.
I am slowly but surely reaching my goal, but still have
a ways to go. Our children’s home is very important
and any donations to the Grand Chief ’s project will go
directly to purchasing the chairs, and any monies left
over will go to the children’s home. Thanks in advance
for any donations made to the Grand Chief ’s project
they will be greatly appreciated.
We had a rainy but wonderful Homecoming, I want
to thank everyone who came and all who helped. We
needed the rain so badly and had no complaints about
having to do everything inside and everyone had
fun. The food was served to us by Catfish on Wheels,
they deserve a special thanks!! There was good food,
games, performances by the children, tours of the
home and just plain good fellowship. If you did not
come you missed a good time.
Christmas was another good time for both adults and
children. Gifts, food and camaraderie in abundance.
Everyone there had a wonderful time, even Santa.
I am looking forward to Grand Temple, June 7, 8 & 9,
2013. Hope all of you will be there.
The Grand Chancellor
www.pythianhome.org
The Grand Chief
Continued on page 5
March 2013 • 3
TEXAS PYTHIAN HOME MISSION
T
The Texas Pythian Home provides a safe, stable,
environment for children to grow physically,
socially, emotionally, and spiritually to become
responsible, independent adults.
he Texas Pythian Home is sponsored
by the Knights of Pythias, a fraternal
order established during the Civil
War. The Pythians put their motto
of Friendship, Charity, and Benevolence into
practice and established the Pythian Home
which opened March 1, 1909 as a home for
widows and orphans of the members of the
Knights of Pythias. The Home has evolved thru
the years and now provides services to children
from families in need.
The Home is located on approximately
164 acres on the east side of Weatherford and
is called the “Castle on the Hill” due to the
architectural style of a castle. The campus
includes a softball field, tennis and volleyball
courts, a swimming pool, various barns, the
main building and the dormitories. The
children live in the dormitories with a husband
and wife team. Residents attend public schools
Calling All
Ex-Students!
Please help update the ex-student roster!
Send home addresses and e-mail addresses to:
Wanda McLin Riley
Virginia Cox Kelley
5025 Heartcrest
1209 Windy Meadow Dr
Garland, TX 75044
Burleson, TX 76028
[email protected] [email protected]
4 • March 2013
and local churches. They also participate in
extracurricular activities.
The Pythian Home accepts children between
the ages of 3-14 who are experiencing family
hardships. We currently have openings for girls
and boys.
If you or someone you know are struggling
with:
• homelessness
• unemployment
• drug/alcohol issues
• incarceration
• grandparents caring for grandchildren
• you are unable to provide day to day
care for your children but still want
contact with them
Please contact Holly Boyer at 817-594-4465
or email [email protected]
to discuss possible placement options.
We can now accept these
credit cards by phone at
817-594-4465
ask for Darla.
www.pythianhome.org
Grand Chancellor
Help make a child’s birthday
Continued from page 3
special by sending them a card! about how wonderful our Order
Curtis
February 14, 2005
Amber
June 18, 2002
Juan
March 21,2001
Grace
September 27, 2000
Veronica
April 6, 19998
Makayla
November 9, 2004
Johnathan
May 28, 2000
Tyler
December 14, 2001
Curtis–7
Tyler–12
is, and the good we do. Approach
them about becoming a part of
something special. You might be
surprised how receptive they might
be. Again I hope to see everyone at
Grand Lodge.
God Bless
Gary Dillehay G.C.
Grand Chief
Continued from page 3
Again, I want all of you to know, I
am here for you whatever the time
of day or night. Please call me with
any concerns, problems or just to
talk. I am extremely proud to be a
member of the Pythian Sister’s and
want to do all I can to further the
order. With your help I believe we
can do this.
I look forward to seeing all of you
soon!
In P.L.E. & F.
Sue Fangman
Grand Chief
Five Year Pin
Tammy Simmons received her five
year service award pin in February.
Tammy is the evening and weekend cook. She prepares our children
and staff delicious meals always
served with a smile.
Tammy lives in Weatherford and
is married to Nathan and they have
three sons.
www.pythianhome.org
March 2013 • 5
Boys’ Day Out
6 • March 2013
www.pythianhome.org
Halloween Party
www.pythianhome.org
March 2013 • 7
Christmas at the Castle
8 • March 2013
www.pythianhome.org
Valentine’s Day
www.pythianhome.org
March 2013 • 9
Gifts and Memorials
July – September 2012
* Denotes Multiple Donations
GIFTS
Aledo United Methodist Church
TLC Class
Anonymous
Michael Baldwin*
Louise Blackerby
Rachel Brandon*
Brazos Bail Bonding Co.
Chinn Family LTD Partnership
Elloree Temple #4
Mark & Vicki Fulfur
Erica Hofstetter
James & Caron Hoote
Joe L. Hopper*
Jim & Pat Johnston
Kiwanis Club of Weatherford
Legacy Christian Fellowship
James A. Marples
North Side Baptist Church
NRO Charitable Giving*
Catherine Smith
Jeff Sitten
Robert L. Stahl
Deene Sullivan
Joseph Terrell
Catherine Thomas
Justin & Melissa Wilks*
James Young
K4K TEMPLES &
LODGES
Eleanor Temple #36
Columbian Temple #4*
DOKK El Ekan Temple #269*
La Nana Lodge # 106*
Lonestar Lodge #4*
Knights of Pythias Lodge #212
Nacogdoches Temple #113*
Pythian Lodge # 26*
KASH FOR KIDS
Lester C. St. Andrie*
Glenn Carr*
Mr. & Mrs. Wm. R. Clayton*
Bobby Jennings
Gayle Johnson*
Louis H. Kennedy*
George W. Lockhart*
New Faith Baptist Church*
Dr. Paul Phillips*
Addie Sadberry*
Lee Smith*
Judy Watson*
Lisa Watson*
MEMORIALS
Irene Briles
Gene & Mary Jo Jordan
Mary Frances Fuhrman
Betty Talbot
Lone Star Temple #13
Ricky Alan Jennings
Bobby Jennings
James Kimsey
Steven & Sharon Cotter
John Ryburn Matthews
Pat Bergman
Marvin Browder
Robbie & Donna Collins
Cosmetic & Family Dentistry PC
Lucien Cressionnie
Pam Elliott
Roy & Jeanne Grogan
Charles & Doris Hagler
Patsy Hartnett
Linda Heatly
Sue Helsel
Cathy Lowery
Debra Murray
Janice Smith
Larry Veal
Richard E. May
First Financial Bank
Jack McKee
Fort Worth Lodge #101 K of P
Johnny W. McKee
First National Bank
Clint Mullins
Justin & Melissa Wilks
Donald Keith O’Fallon
David & Trena Wilson
Lillian J. Pool
First Financial Bank
NEWS NUGGET
Grand Temple Pythian Sisters
of Texas
October – December 2012
GIFTS
Johnny Wayne Campbell
Cowtown Reguladores
Aledo United Methodist Church D&D Rockin’ Rods*
TLC Class*
Roger Paul Gandee
Annetta United Methodist
Philip & Brittney Garcia
Church
Ronnie Lynn Garrett
Anonymous
David J. Gibson
Apex Capital Corp.
Cherise Reneau Graham
Arlington Area Street Rodders
Linwood Hoover
Michael Baldwin*
Joe Hopper*
Carter Brian Biggs
John C. Hoyo
Bill & Lindy Boyle
Garland T. Joseph Jr.
Rachel Brandon*
Wayne Lee Kirby
L.J. & A. S. Brogdon
Kim Kirk
David & Stacia Burnham
Knights of Pythian Lodge #80
10 • March 2013
James & Carol Long
Jason & Bonnie Madoerin
Michael Wayne McCraw
Larry Wayne Mercer
Gary Lee Modgling
JP Morgan Chase & CO
Ronnie Martin
Office Max
Delores A. Mills
Maude Nastos
NRO Charitable Giving*
Pythian Lodge # 26
Marilyn E. Reynolds
Mark Shackleford
Dan R. Shelton
Charlsta M. Smith
SouthWest Ford
Robert W. Spencer, Jr.
Harriette Stormfeltz
Deene Sullivan*
Russell Thimbault, Sr.
Vickie Truelove
Wells Fargo Bank N.A.
Westcliff Holding LP
Bruce & Laura Wiggs
Tambi Kay Williams
www.pythianhome.org
Gifts and Memorials
October – December 2012
KASH FOR KIDS
Lester St. Andrie*
Glenn Carr*
Mr. & Mrs. Wm. R. Clayton*
Gayle Johnson*
Louis H. Kennedy*
George W. Lockhart*
Bobby Jennings*
New Faith Baptist Church*
Dr. Paul Phillips*
Addie Sadberry*
Lee Smith*
Judy Watson*
Lisa Watson*
K4K TEMPLES &
LODGES
Columbian Temple #4
DOKK El Ekan Temple #269*
Eleanor Temple #36
LaNana Lodge #106*
Lonestar Lodge #4*
Nacogdoches Temple #113*
MEMORIALS
Rosalie Butler
William & Imogene Clayton
Tommy Cummings
Ruth Wiley
Bonita Dixon
First Financial Bank
Tim Green
Mark & Cindy Klingler
Bair Hatcher
Jan Keese
William Edward Hall
Willie Alice Hall
Hugo & Lina Horstmann
Wanda Riley
Anonymous
John Leftwich
Eleanor Temple #36
www.pythianhome.org
Chris Paisley
Mark & Cindy Klingler
Merrick Payne
H. Grady Payne, Jr.
Merrick Davis Payne
Gene Glenn Family
H. Grady Payne, Jr.
Edwin H. Magruder, Jr.
Michael & Catherine Oestmann
Billy & Elaine Shock
Gary & Janice Tumlinson
Margaret Pribble
Eleanor Temple #36
Dovie Wright
Gladys & Reed Robinson
David C. Robinson
Sandy Hook Elementary
Children
McAnally Intermediate School
Mr. & Mrs. Albert Stepken
Lella F. Austin
R.B. Shiflet
Dick & Carolyn Choate
Mike & Natalie Griffin
Venus Turner
Eleanor Temple #36*
Herman & Hannah Weber
Anonymous
Shirley Williams
Mr. & Mrs. Wm. R. Clayton
Larry & Diana Doggett
(Weathertex Waterproofing)
Mr & Mrs. Chris Maitin
J. R. Wright
Eleanor Temple #36
ROLL CALL
Sonny Adkisson
Michael Hott-Barham
Thomas E. Barnard
John & Sandra Barnett
Harry E. Barth
Joe Bennett
A. F. Berkley
Al Bingham
Mark Bryant
Judge Jerry Buckner
Jerry W. Camp
Diana Chipman
Mr. & Mrs. Wm. Clayton
Mr. & Mrs Willard Coody
Wayne & Mable Davee
Davis City Pharmacy, Inc.
Mr. & Mrs. David Deison
Gary Dillahey
Roger Fangman
James Fears
Fort Worth Lodge #101
George Fox
Claude Freeman
Mark Fuller
Phil Garrett
Mr. & Mrs Wade Gilliam
Robert Graham
Kevin Gregory
Roy Grogan
Cecil & Carolyn Holifield
Steve & Sharon Holland
Le Roy Hott
David V. Hughes
Glenn & Beverly Hutton
Nick Ireland
John Tarleton Lodge #227
Knights of Pythias Lodge #212
Joseph Knox
Tom W. Landers
LaNana Lodge #106
Lonestar Lodge #4
Longview Temple #26
Mr. & Mrs. Martin
Jackie Matthews
Edwin McKee
Robert Mehalick*
Vernon Moore
Nacogdoches Temple #113
Randall Northcutt
Oak Cliff #22
Michael Patrick
Cathy Patton
Robert Paty
Pythian Lodge #26
Dennis & Carol Rigney
Steve Rose
Donald & Shirlie Smelley
Bradley Spears
Lowell & Joann Sullivan, Jr.
Ed & Belinda Talbot
Bill Thompson
S. L. & La Juana Wehunt
Bryan Williams
CHRISTMAS
Elloree Temple #4
Arlene Ford
Godley Western Fellowship
Kiwanis Club of Weatherford
Nacogdoches Temple #113
Hazel West
HOMECOMING
Ethlyn Breland
Mr. & Mrs. Raymond L. Brown, Jr.
Diana Chipman
Dawn Fourman
FRS Technologies, Inc.
John & Sue Gilbert
Greenville Banner Lodge #86
V.W. Hutton
LaNana Lodge #106
Longview Temple #26
Oak Cliff Temple #22
Nacogdoches Temple #113
Pythian Lodge #26
Wanda Riley
Betty Talbot
Hazel West
NEWS NUGGET
Grand Temple Pythian Sisters
of Texas
March 2013 • 11
Texas Pythian Home, Inc.
1825 E. Bankhead Dr.
Weatherford, TX 76086
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
FT. WORTH, TX
PERMIT#1509
Phone: 817.594.4465
Fax: 817.596.7776
www.pythianhome.org
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Save the Dates!
March
May
March 4-8
Pythian Home Week
May 12
Mother’s Day
March 11-15
Spring Break
May 27
Memorial Day
March 23
District School of
Instruction
March 31
Easter Party
June
June 7–9
Grand Lodge/Grand
Temple
June 16
Father’s Day
July
July 4
Independence Day
July 20
Board Meeting
Grand Council Meeting
April
April 20
Board Meeting
Grand Council Meeting
Texas Pythian Home
Wish List
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Vacuum cleaners with attachments
Laundry soap- for HE machines
Paper towels
Toilet paper
Pledge furniture polish
Toilet bowl cleaner
Pine-Sol cleaner scented
Leather gloves (appropriate for yard work)
Bottled Water
Snack Foods
Pex Water line (3/4”)
Outside Water faucet spigots
Sherwin Williams paint; Sand Dollar-satin-5 gallon
Trim paint; white enamel-gloss
2 x 4 Lay In Lights T8 3 bulb fixtures
Banquet tables; round and long-seating for 120
Folding chairs; seating for 120
Money for dorm furniture project
Money for Mini-split A/C heating units for
3 guest rooms
• Gift cards: Walmart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond,
Home Depot, Lowe’s, City Lights Movie Theater,
Movie Tavern, Maverick All-Star, Braum’s, Yogurt
Story, any restaruant or fast food establishment in
Weatherford