In addition to the walkers, the volunteer contributions of Loyal Lady Darcel Lacy and others working on the team of Phillip Bennet of the Alzheimers Association of Illinois based in Chicago were extensive. They provided information to all participants and served as spokespersons for the efforts of the association. Great job team. Illinois Council of Deliberation On Thursday October 19, 2023, the Executive Board of the Illinois Council of Deliberation (PHA) met at the Abraham Lincoln-Doubletree Hotel in Springfield, Illinois. The Honorable Melvin Frierson, President of the Board, presided. Officers present were Melvin Frierson, President; Neal Carson, Advisor; and James A. Mitchell, Secretary. Other Board members present were Leroy Barnes, DePlesse Drew, R. C. Brown, Jr., Charles Burns, Gene Chandler, Millard Driskell, Bretton Frierson, Herman Gray, Milton Jackson, Willie Lawler, Jr., Donnie Merritt, John L. Richardson, James R. Thompson, and Clarence Trotter. Those excused were Homer Walton, Daryl Andrews, W.W. Jackson, and Elijah Owens. President Frierson called the Board to Order and after prayer by James R. Thompson, presented greetings and felicitations. The minutes from the previous meeting (2022) were read by the secretary, James A. Mitchell, followed by the financial reports of the secretary and treasurer. The secretary also reported on the Alms Club. No discrepancies were found in the Auditor’s report presented by Ayton Taylor. The president spoke briefly about the Alms Club stating that it “has come a long way since its inception” as a means to help members who are in dire need. He further announced two Educational Assistance Awards (2023-2024) will be named in honor of Willie Lawler, Jr. and Sherwood Edwards because they have consistently made contributions to our Educational Assistance Program. He encouraged other members to do so as well. After receiving remarks from the members of the board, President Frierson thanked the Board Members for their support and adjourned the meeting. On Friday morning, October 20, 2023, the Illinois Council of Deliberation (PHA) held its Annual Health Forum. This year’s presentation
was on Alzheimer’s. Ms. Delia Jervier, the Illinois Alzheimer’s Chapter President. She reported that there are some “medical” breakthroughs in treating the diseases and thanked the ICOD (PHA) for its participation, support, and in-kind services. Certificates of Appreciation were issued to the following ICOD members: SGIG Melvin Frierson, GIG Ray Willis, GIG Frank Jarvis, GIG Ken Page, SGIG Daryl Andrews, GIG Al Haynes, SGIG Millard Driskell, SGIG Donnie Merritt, GIG Ken Wilson, SP Brandon Etheridge, and others. A special presentation was presented by SGIG Daniel Poole, USC Grand Recording Secretary. He reported that the USC is strategically planning to collect and record data garnered from charitable donations, in-kind services, etc. The data could lead to corporate sponsorships, grants, and other funding sources. The 20th Degree, commonly known as the “Prince Hall Degree”, followed and was splendidly displayed and interpreted by the ICOD Degree Team. The Degree Team members were SGIG Millard Driskell (Advisor), GIG Ray Willis, GIG Marshall Coe, GIG Keith Roach, GIG Albert Lott, and GIG Albert Haynes.
On Friday afternoon, the Commanders-of-the Rite held its Annual Meeting with GIG Floyd Woods, State President, presiding. The Secretary and Treasurer distributed and presented their reports which were approved. The reports of the Valley Vice-Presidents, namely, GIG Frank Jarvis, Western #28; GIG Edward Butler, Menelik #49; GIG Paul W. Harris, Tyree #64; GIG Moses Robinson, Tri-City #82; SGIG Donnie Merritt, North Shore #91; GIG George M. Barmore Sr., Balthasar #92; and GIG William J. Robinson, Marquette/Joliet #104, were accepted by consent. President Woods thanked everyone for the “support” over the years and removed his name
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