Kena Hillbilly's

About the Hillbillys:
The Kena Hillbilly Unit was constituted March 24, 1980 under the sponsorship of Illustrious Potentate Fred D. Bridgeman with Noble Robert S. Shifflett as Director and a membership of 7 Nobles.

Since that time the unit has flourished and grown to its present membership of fifty-eight. Of that number, three have served as Potentate: Illustrious Sirs Donald G. Moore (1995), Jerry G. Oliver (1997), and Demetrios A. “Jim” Armenakis (2004). A fourth, Noble Thomas G. Little, the Chief Rabban, aspirestobe Potentate during the Unit’s 30th anniversary in 2010. We also honor a fifth member, Noble Timothy L. Butcher, who would have become Potentate were it not for his untimely death while serving as Assistant Rabban.

The “Hillbillys” were organized as a parade unit, and have received several awards for their appearances in “Ole Cuss” –a 1928 Chevy truck that (along with bib overalls and mountaineer hats) has become our trademark. In 1985, our popularity as a crowd-pleaser was increased by the addition of a Country & Western group –the C-Flat Band.

Aside from parades, the bad has played at temple events, unit, and private functions contributing the donations received to Shriners Hospitals and the Kena Transportation Fund. The Band, as well as the Unit, is a Gold Book honoree at the Philadelphia Hospital and all band members are Permanent Contributing Members to the hospital charitable fund. They are always looking for new musicians and vocalists, male or female.

The Hillbilly Unit is well-known for its warm hospitality and the friendly, “down home” atmosphere at its meetings –our Ladies are always included and are considered our greatest asset. They too, are Gold Book honorees, having generously donated proceeds from their various crafts projects to Shriners Hospitals.

We know how to have fun and we’re proud to be Shriners and Masons. We’re always glad to welcome new families to our fold.

Meetings:
The Hillbilly Unit meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Wives and Sweethearts are welcome to attend. The unit has a potluck dinner in the unit room after every meeting. See the Kena Shriners calendar of events