Ken Kress Award     

Congratulations to LN Michele Kramarz for being Awarded the PGC Ken Kress Certificate of Appreciation. Michele and her "team" brought a wonderful idea of putting on Winter and Spring Dances for those we serve. The dances allowed us as an Organization to reach young adults through senior adults with an activity that provides fun, love and fellowship! Michele has fostered an environment of love and caring that surrounds our guests at each dance. Her passion and drive to continue these types of activities makes her an obvious choice to recognize her with this award. God bless all that serve those in need. We're looking forward to that next dance Michele! Again, congratulations! 

Congratulations to PGC Ed Peters for being awarded the PGC Ken Kress Certificate of Appreciation. Ed's 50 plus years of service to the Alhambra could fill several books. We are pleased he is a "fixture" with Manresa Caravan!  Well deserved Ed 

Past Supreme Regional Director Richard Sosin is what you call a “Keeper!” His years of service to the International Order of Alhambra as well as multiple Caravans makes him invaluable. Any time I find myself struggling regarding a decision affecting our Caravan, I am not embarrassed to look for sound guidance, Richard is always available to act as a console. What I like most is he doesn’t tell you what to do but gives you the pros and cons and helps “rookies” like myself make the best decisions possible to ensure a strong Caravan. Richard is one of those “Alhambrans” I would have like to known Richard when he was a young man. I’m sure he was a dynamo! Today, he is a friend, a mentor and definitely a “Keeper!” Thanks, Richard, for all you have done for those we serve, and thank you for your friendship and guidance!

SN Norm Pranger is our Caravan’s Historiographer. His skill and attention to detail keeps our website looking fresh and up to date. If you want to know what we’re up to simply visit us at manresa217.org. Norm is always there when called upon. Whether at Canister Drives, or Caravan Events, you can always find Norm helping in some way. If you ask me, I think his real love is documenting the joy we bring to those we serve with his camera, or a close second, handling “disc jockey” duties at one of our dances or while traveling on the Diamond Jack Boat on the Detroit River! Norm, as always, thank you for your efforts in bringing smiles to those we serve!

SN Bill Brang was an easy selection for me. Bill has been one of our Sentinels on the Divan for as long as I can remember. His passion, however, is his ability to do magic. Bill can be found at St. Francis Camp on the Lake throughout the summer entertaining campers. If you run into Bill anywhere, just ask him if he has a magic trick. I guarantee he’ll “pull a rabbit out of somewhere! Bill is also a constant volunteer at our Parish Canister Drives. He is always willing to work multiple Masses. Keep up the GREAT work Bill. one thing that is not a trick is that you’re a member of Manresa, that’s a blessing!

SN Dave Maertens is another one of our “Soldiers” who is willing to do whatever is asked of him. Dave oversees our Canister drives. These drives are instrumental in helping us fund our charitable works. Dave’s ability to work with Pastors and Office staff from several different Parishes is one of his strong suits. Bulletin articles, announcing drives as well as thanking parishioners for their kindness and financial generosity are just a few of the “people skills” Dave processes. Dave is a Past Vice Commander of Manresa Caravan also. Thank you for all you do Dave!