The Caravan would like to extend a warm welcome to the newly elected 2016-2017 Divan officers (board of directors). We especially wish to recognize Patricia Plotkowski, the first Lady Grand Commander of Galicia Caravan No. 77. Thank you for your time and dedication in support of our Order and the intellectually and developmentally disabled children throughout the metropolitan Detroit area which we serve. Keep us ever faithful and strong.

On November 17, 2016 members of Galicia Caravan 77 along with members of the SJA Knights of Columbus hosted their 4th Annual Feather Party to raise money for the Special Religious Education program at St. Joan of Arc parish in St. Clair Shores. Thanks to the efforts of a small group of members the event raised over $4800 for this special program which is run by Mary Cal. The checks were presented in December at the children’s annual Christmas pageant.

This was the first time in almost 25 years that the fishing derby was almost rained out. I said, "almost" because bad weather would never dampen these kids spirits. There’s a core group that really looks forward to this event and we’re not going to let a little rain or wind disappoint them. The biggest fish caught (and released) this year was a 9.5 inch bass but to the child that pulled it in it was huge. Great job everyone.

Member of Sancho Caravan and St. Francis Camp Executive Director, Russ Smith enjoyed an afternoon stroll down Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores in the 2015 Memorial Day Parade. Just goes to show you how the many members of the Alhambra work together to promote each other. Of course, it never hurts to have a pretty woman like Miss Michigan to joke around with as you walk.

This year Galicia prepared a special Christmas delivery for one local family in need. Members and friends of Galicia Caravan delivered food, furniture, Christmas presents and a tree to a young mother and her 6 children (4 of whom have special needs). What a Christmas blessing. Thank you to everyone who has given so much of their time or made donations throughout the year so we are able continue our mission assisting the developmentally disabled.

Galicia Caravan welcomed 300+ special needs individuals and their caregivers to the annual children’s Christmas party. Each child went home with a special carry bag full of treats and presents presented by Santa Claus and his helper elves and clowns. This is one event the kids really look forward to. Special thank you to Grand Scribe Patty Plotkowski, SN Larry and Sue and the Dishman family, and PGC Robert Plotkowski and his family for organizing and charing this event. Great job! With a great turn out of members and friends the party was a huge success.

The members of Galicia Caravan No. 77 came together Wednesday night to celebrate another successful year working together for God’s special children. As always, the naming of an outstanding member of the Order as Ceremonial Class Honoree was the highlight of the evening. This year GC John Mihalic bestowed that honor on PGC Ron Surma. Congratulations Ron!

Once again the men and women of Galicia Caravan joined forces with the St. Clair Shores Optimists to pack and deliver food to needy families for Thanksgiving. The Alhambra selected 10 families each with developmentally disabled children to receive baskets containing more than a weeks worth of groceries.