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To those in the many areas of the south hit so hard by tornadoes, please know you are in the thoughts of Kentucky Colonels around the world.
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LAST CHANCE!
For the past two years, the Honorable Order has offered a free estate planning service for members. Our contract with the provider expires at the end of May and we will discontinue the service at that time. The planning process is done on-line. All of the information you put in is confidential. The program will not ask for social security numbers or bank account numbers. No one will see your entries unless you click submit at the end and ask for help. In that case, a representative of PhilanthroCorp will get in touch. If you decide to talk with PhilanthroCorp, there will be no charge to you. To go to the estate planning page on the Colonels' web site, click the link at the top of this article.
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ScreenSaver UPDATE
Thanks to all who downloaded the new Kentucky Colonel's Screensaver. We don't know the exact number but based on the "clicks" of the link in last month's newsletter it was at least 1,200. We do apologize to those of you who use a virus program that would not permit the download. The file is an "exe" file and some virus programs are set to block such downloads. The free screensaver is still available. To obtain it, go to www.kycolonels.org, click on the "downloads" tab and select screen saver. Click RUN and the screensaver will automatically install.
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Thank you for remembering the Good Works Program in your charitable giving.
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We are getting the newsletter out a couple days early because the first week of May is always an exciting (and busy) time around Headquarters. The tradition of the week dates to 1932 when the first Derby Eve Banquet was held. We no longer hold that event but we have replaced it with others. This year, Colonels representing 29 states will take part in Kentucky Derby festivities sponsored by the Honorable Order. Many others will attend other events related to the Kentucky Derby. And, across the nation many Colonels will stage or attend local parties. The Mint Julep is, of course, part of the Colonels and Derby tradition. Below is a story with a little history of the mint julep.
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Mint Julep
"Julep" is said to be a word meaning "rose water". Mint Julep  is a concoction of bourbon, water, sugar and a sprig of spearmint. The drink is over 200 years old, first referred to in print in the first decade of the 1800's. The book defined the julep as "A dram of spirituous liquor that has mint steeped in it, taken by Virginians of a morning." It is said that Henry Clay of Kentucky introduced the mint julep to Washington, DC. and thus it became famously associated with Kentucky and Kentucky Bourbon. Now and then, someone will decide to replace the bourbon with other alcohol(s). It even happened at the 1945 "Formal dedication of the new National Headquarters of the Honorable Order". It was reported that Colonel William Dunn of Terre Haute, Indiana "showed more than his usual 'alacrity' in helping mix and pass around the mint juleps". At the end of the afternoon long event, described as one of the "gayest" ever given by the Colonels, Colonel Dunn admitted that he "had dared the heresy" of using Southern Comfort rather than bourbon in the Juleps. It just so happened that Colonel Dunn was President of Merchants Distilling Company, a distiller of Southern Comfort. OK, for those holding Derby parties, here's a recipe. There are several but this is our favorite: Take two frosted silver goblets. In the first fill with ice and add a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of water. Then, gently crush a couple mint leaves and place in the ice. In the second goblet pour about 3 fingers of a quality Kentucky Bourbon. Now, pour out the mess in the first goblet and drink from the second. By the way, Churchill Downs uses a bottled mix for the juleps served there on Derby Day. You may be able to find the mix in your local beverage store.
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 2011 Millionaire's Row event invitations will begin going out in late May. |
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Medal of Distinction - The History
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The idea for the Honorable Order's Medal of Distinction originated in late 2003. It was originally intended to adorn Colonels attending the Derby Extravaganza. The medal to the left was used for the 2004 Extravaganza. Reaction to the medal was fantastic and a decision was made to extend the distribution to all Kentucky Colonels who support the Good Works Program at a level of $100 or more. Last year, over 5,800 were awarded. So far, a total of 8 medals have been designed. The 9th is currently being produced. It does feature a return to the use of a ribbon. Below are the additional 7 issued to this point. Beginning with the 2006 Medal, each has the year of issue stamped on the reverse side. These medals are no longer available.
