Government Day 2017 was a smashing success! The Richardson DeMolay Chapter delegation numbered a staggering eighteen, a number not matched in anyone’s memory. Eight DeMolays attended, plus our Chapter Sweetheart, Jenna Clopp, and nine adults, including five Advisors and four parents.
In alphabetical order by first name, DeMolays who attended Government Day included Aidan Winship, Daniel Brayne, Dylan Bollig, Ethan Medley, Ian Patrick, James Eyre, Philip Eyre, and Reese Johnson. Advisors who attended included Alicia Freeman, Donnye Winship, Lynn Little, Mimi Little, and Richard Gilman. Parents who attended included Jeanette Newland, Laura Eyre, and Lisa and Tim Toner.
Everyone arrived on Friday night. Chapter Dad Winship held a pre-Government Day meeting in the lobby of the Super 8 Hotel to discuss procedures and strategies for debating bills in the House and Senate Chambers. The next morning, all youths took their assigned seats in the House Chamber, except Philip Eyre and Ian Patrick, who were assigned to the Senate. Bills included Lowering the Age of Majority in Texas from 18 to 17, Repealing Curfews, Eliminating Homework, and Naming Batman as the State’s Official Defender, among others.
Our delegation walked to the Texas Chili Parlor for lunch, before reconvening at the Capitol for the afternoon Session. Afterward, we filled up one side of a Chili’s restaurant for dinner and were delighted to be joined by Richardson DeMolay Chapter Past Master Councilor and Chevalier Jon Nelson, who now lives and works in the Austin area.
Saturday night was capped off by a semi-formal dance at the Austin Scottish Rite Temple, with North Texas District Governor Ben Wilson serving as DJ. Everyone wound up their debating of bills at the Sunday morning Session and then headed back home, dreaming of a possible career as a Texas State Legislator!
