California Columbian Squires News
My Brother Knights,
On the weekend of July 11th-13th, seventy-eight Squires and counselors converged on California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) for their 57th Annual State Circle Convention. Led by State Chief Squire (and Sir Knight) Steven Codekas, Friday evening’s convention investiture saw two boys become California’s newest Squires while four counselors and all four members of the opening ceremonies Color Corps were invested as “honorary Squires.” Following this was the traditional “Living Rosary” led by State Director Denny Riopel.
Saturday morning found the boys heavily involved in convention activities in the amphitheater while I was conducting a meeting for the committeemen and counselors in a “sky box” of the Santos Manuel Student Union building. The boys’ work involved acting on and passing two resolutions (a “color corps” for the Squires and a program called “Change for Children, Children for Change”) and nominating those conventioneers who would be elected to fill the eight state officer positions on Saturday afternoon. Following much lunchtime electioneering, the following young men were elected for the 2008-2009 Columbian Year: State Chief Squire Jeff Tice (Buena Park), State Deputy Chief Squire Tala Paulo (Oceanside), State Notary Squire Ricky Arreola (Coachella), State Bursar Squire Allan Franco (Indio), State Marshal Squire Manny Smith (Livermore), State Sentinel Squire Joseph Bisconer (Napa), State Arm Captain Squire Julio Garcia (Escondido) and State Pole Captain Squire Jeremy Valadez (San Bernardino). Following the convention Mass celebrated by San Bernardino Diocese Auxiliary Bishop Rutilio del Riego, the bishop blessed the jewels of office and along with yours truly, the newly elected officers were installed by State Deputy Bob Villalobos.
Following the Mass and Installation of Officers was the convention banquet at which a number of awards were presented by the State Deputy and State Chief Squire. Notable among these were the following: “Fundraiser of the Year” (Orange County Committeeman Mark Refe), “Counselor of The Year” (C.C. Tony Lucero-Livermore), “Circle of the Year” (Livermore Circle, No. 4413) and “Squire of The Year” (S.C.S. Stephen Codekas). Following this sumptuous banquet and as has been a tradition in recent years, fifteen large pizzas were consumed before “lights out” on another successful state convention.
More again next month.
Fraternally,
Gene Buehl, Director
California State Circle
For photos of The California State Squires Convention 2008