Text Box: Squire Damon Schexnayder is awarded an M.R. Drive participation attachment for the circle's banner from P.S.D. Frank Nigro (left) and S.D. Gary Nelson as State Director Denny Riopel looks on (Photo by F.N. Gene Buehl). From the quill of the Chief Counsellor;

Text Box: Squires Michael (center) and Damon Schexnayder (right) get their candles lighted during the Living Rosary on the first night of the state convention (Photo by F.N. Gene Buehl). Text Box: Squire Marcus Hose receives the "Blood of Christ" from a eucharistic minister/counsellor at the convention's pre-banquet Mass (Photo by F.N. Gene Buehl).The 55th Annual California Squires State Convention took place at Loyola-Marymount University in the Los Angeles area on the weekend of 9-11 June with 110 boys and 40 counsellors representing 15 circles in attendance.  Locally, your Fr. Rosario LoGatto Circle, No. 4449 (eighth year/eighth convention) sent three boys (Squires Marcus Hose and Damon and Michael Schexnayder) and Pope John Paul II Circle, No. 4974, Oceanside (first year/first convention), sent four boys.  Squire Tala Paolo from Oceanside was elected to the state office of arm captain.  During the convention, a resolution was passed honoring "Mr. California Squire," Brother Bob Weber, by renaming one of the annual awards the "Robert John Weber Counsellor of the Year Award."  Brother Bob passed away last year and is missed by many of the older boys, counsellors, state committeemen and State Director Denny Riopel, a friend of many years.

Text Box: Squire Michael Schexnayder "gesticulates" while singing "I'm A Little Teapot" just prior to the Living Rosary at the California Squires State Convention at LMU/LA. It seems he "misplaced" his room/meal card and had to "sing for his supper" (so to speak).State Deputy Gary Nelson was the keynote speaker at the banquet.  Presenting circle banner attachments recognizing participation in the M.R. Drive was Columbian Foundation President, Past State Deputy Frank Nigro.  A representative from the Wheelchair Foundation was also present and he encouraged participation by the squires in their fund-raising program.  Your circle has already donated $150 for Text Box: Standing for the gospel during Mass before the banquet; the altar was set up on the stage to the right behind the head table (Photo by F.N. Gene Buehl). two wheelchairs; their check was presented along with those from Regina Coeli Council and the assembly at the May chapter meeting.

Getting back to the banquet ... About two hours after a sumptuous meal, the boys proceeded to consume forty-five pizzas (yes, 45!) purchased by the adults in thirty minutes flat.  Text Box: "You like pizza? I like pizza!" A squire demonstrates the fine art of removing pizza from the premises (Photo by F.N. Gene Buehl).Talk about appetites!!!

Next year's convention is planned for the weekend of 29-30 June-1 July 2007 at Notre Dame de Namur University in Belmont (near San Francisco), CA.  After the ten hour ride experienced last year, the boys are seriously thinking of flying up to the Frisco area, but this will take money ... lots of it ... and getting started early.  To kick things off, the circle has purchased a chronometer watch to raffle off, so be generous when the boys approach you to buy a ticket.  The boys have also talked about a chili and cornbread fund-raiser dinner when the weather cools, selling Christmas cards or poinsettias and also K of C car magnets.  If you know of any other way for the boys "to make a buck," please let me know.

In closing, the boys and I hope you had a bang-up Independence Day and we pray that you have an enjoyable and safe summer with your families.

Fraternally,

P.F.N. Gene Buehl, Chief Counsellor