2011!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy New Years to everyone, Carrie and I were very low key this weekend.
I did perform one of the final acts as Potentate yesterday when I, along with several members of the Board of Directors, attended the Installation of the Board of Directors of Elf Khurafeh Shriners, our neighbors to the North. They had their installation in Clio, just off of I-75 in Clio, MI.
It was a very nice ceremony, and since the new Potentate likes the color red, every officer wore a dark red tuxedo shirt. I thought that it looked very nice. We share a very close relationship with the Nobles of Elf Khurafeh Shriners, and it was good to be in attendance. Last year we both had our installations on the same day and could not attend their ceremony. There will be large contingent attending our Installation this weekend.
Speaking of which, I am now on the clock, T minus 6 days until my term as Potentate is officially completed. It is a bittersweet feeling. I have tremendously enjoyed serving as a leader of this wonderful organization. I am so proud of all those Nobles who stepped up to the plate and volunteered their time and efforts to the improvement of our beloved Shrine. Carrie and I have been reviewing the events of the last year, and we are so elated over the outcomes. I look back 5 years ago after the completion of my Oriental Guide year, I had written down a list of goals I wanted to attempt to accomplish. In review, the only thing I did not assist in accomplishing is creating a Telemedicine program at Moslem for our patients. However, we are on that path, and the Potentate-elect is very committed to bringing this technology to our Shrine Center and ensuring we maintain and improve the quality of care to our children.
6 days, but we are not done. I will conduct my last Board of Directors meeting this afternoon, and then break out a very special treat for my fellow BoD's. On Thursday we will be having a little appreciation event for all the Event Chairman (i.e. Staff) who really made 2010 a special year.
The office is cleaned out, we have boxes of memorabilia all over the living room, trying to figure out what to do and where to display the items.
Enjoy the week, and I believe that our 3rd Annual Installation of Officers to be held this weekend will be the best yet, and Carrie and I are going to enjoy being on the sidelines applauding the new Officers that will lead our organization into the future.
One note: 5 years ago, I was the only member of the Board of Directors that was employed, the other members all retired. The most often criticism I heard about my being a candidate is that I still work and would not have time. Although, there were many Past Potentates that assured me that in the past, the entire Board used to work and take care of the business of the Temple during the evening, so I should not listen to this criticism. I do not know whether I had anything to do with the type of Nobles that comprise the 2011 Board of Directors, however, 5 of the 7 either own a business or are employed. What a turnaround. I am so happy that the Nobility understand that retirement is not a pre-requisite to serving as a leader of our organization.
The other big news of the week is the embarrassing loss by my beloved Wolverines. I know that everyone in the media, who created this story from the beginning, are calling for the firing of the current coach and his staff. I am not convinced he should be let go, he has a plan, he has a very young team, and we cannot afford to begin anew, especially with the Big Red of Cornhusker Country coming into our division next season. One of the news pieces they are talking about is the top ranked all round running back stating he is thinking about changing his commitment from Michigan to 'Bama, and that enough reason to get rid of Rich Rod. What they are not saying is that Rich Rod is the person who got this kid to commit in the first place, it is the Media that is forcing this kid to rethink his choice. No matter what, I bleed Maize and Blue, this past weekend a little more than usual, but I do not believe that Rich Rod should be let go. I would like to see what the progress of the 8 defensive starting underclassmen next season. Next year is a good year for Michigan, both Nebraska and Ohio State are home games, I dread thinking that an entire new staff would come in and begin again, it is hauntingly very similar to what Notre Dame has done the last 20 years, and we are not the Irish!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
December 27, 2010
It has been a couple of weeks since the last post, and I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas, spending time with family and friends.
Carrie and I had a blessed holiday season. We enjoyed an incredible dinner with our fellow Nobles/Ladies of the Board of Directors on Friday December 17 at "Roast" in the Cadillac-Book Hotel.
In previous years, there would be a member of the Board in charge of fining a couple of dollars here and there among the other Board members for not wearing eveything prescribed by the potentate. At the end of the year we would collect the monies and purchase a little trinket for our ladies.
I never really was excited about this and decided for at least one year, there would be no fines. However, at every official Board of Directors Meeting, each member would contribute $5, and the total would be used for a fine dining experience with our wives. Carrie and I dined at Roast, which is a Michael Symon (Iron Chef) restaurant, absolutely delicious with an incredible wine bar and over 60 microbrew beer specials.
We made reservations for the entire Board and our General Chairman and had a fantastic evening. Cost was not a factor, and although restaurant is on the higher end of fine dining, we ate everything and had a real good time. In retrospect, this is exactly how I view this year, having a good time with the majority of the Board of Directors. What a great team, who came together for the Shrine.
Since then we also had a little Office Staff Party on the last day of work, December 23. We usually shut the Shrine Office for the holidays. Our Office Staff has worked hard this year, especially with added responsibilities and we are so very grateful of their efforts.
I did get a couple of days off last week to enjoy the Christmas Holidays, and spent most of time with family. Carrie and I had my sister and brother over for dinner on Christmas Eve, then spent Christmas day with my mom.
This week will be slow, I am going to get down to the Shrine Center a couple of times to begin clearing out the Pote's office, boxing up my personal belongings, getting ready for the Installation on Jan 8.
I have one more Board Meeting next week, followed by a small gathering of the Pote's Staff, and that is IT!!!!!!
Time Flies, Life is Good, and the Shrine is ALIVE!!!!
Carrie and I had a blessed holiday season. We enjoyed an incredible dinner with our fellow Nobles/Ladies of the Board of Directors on Friday December 17 at "Roast" in the Cadillac-Book Hotel.
In previous years, there would be a member of the Board in charge of fining a couple of dollars here and there among the other Board members for not wearing eveything prescribed by the potentate. At the end of the year we would collect the monies and purchase a little trinket for our ladies.
I never really was excited about this and decided for at least one year, there would be no fines. However, at every official Board of Directors Meeting, each member would contribute $5, and the total would be used for a fine dining experience with our wives. Carrie and I dined at Roast, which is a Michael Symon (Iron Chef) restaurant, absolutely delicious with an incredible wine bar and over 60 microbrew beer specials.
We made reservations for the entire Board and our General Chairman and had a fantastic evening. Cost was not a factor, and although restaurant is on the higher end of fine dining, we ate everything and had a real good time. In retrospect, this is exactly how I view this year, having a good time with the majority of the Board of Directors. What a great team, who came together for the Shrine.
Since then we also had a little Office Staff Party on the last day of work, December 23. We usually shut the Shrine Office for the holidays. Our Office Staff has worked hard this year, especially with added responsibilities and we are so very grateful of their efforts.
I did get a couple of days off last week to enjoy the Christmas Holidays, and spent most of time with family. Carrie and I had my sister and brother over for dinner on Christmas Eve, then spent Christmas day with my mom.
This week will be slow, I am going to get down to the Shrine Center a couple of times to begin clearing out the Pote's office, boxing up my personal belongings, getting ready for the Installation on Jan 8.
I have one more Board Meeting next week, followed by a small gathering of the Pote's Staff, and that is IT!!!!!!
Time Flies, Life is Good, and the Shrine is ALIVE!!!!
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday December 14, 2010
No matter what the calendar says, it is officially winter in SE Michigan. the last 48 hours have been dreadful, which directly led to one of the poorest turnouts in Shrine election history. Only 149 Nobles were able to attend the Annual Elections, due to the severe driving conditions. However, those who braved the icy roads were welcomed by hot delicious pizza and camel's milk to warm them up while awaiting the beginning of the Elections.
I conducted a very brief business meeting and went directly into the Elections. This is the first election in 5 years that I was not running for any office, how do I feel? Relieved? Happy? Sad? I believe that I ran the gamut of emotions last night, however, predominantly Happy to see that new Oriental Guide will join a group of dedicated, unselfish, future Potentates of Moslem and continue the successes from this year.
If you were not aware, our Shrine Temple is one of a very, very few that actually elects an Oriental Guide, who has not been previously appointed to a non-voting Board of Directors (Divan) position. The Imperial By Laws call for 10 Board Members, along with Treasurer/Recorder. The top 5 Board members are the Potentate, Chief Rabban, Asst. Rabban, HP&P and O.G. These are the voting members of the Board, followed by the Appointed non-voting members which are the 1st and 2nd Ceremonial Masters, Marshall, Captain of the Guard and Outer Guard. Many Temples actually have this 10 year line, while the majority have somewhere inbetween. The usual guidelines tend to have the Potentate-elect appoint the lowest member of their line, and that person will have so many years to serve until he reaches the Oriental Guide office, whereby he must then be elected. At that point, after serving at least one year, and possibly up to 5 years, the membership will know whether he is worthy of being an elected leader, and also whether he would want to continue. Sometimes I feel that one of these methods would be better than running for Oriental Guide, it would eliminate electioneering and popularity contests. You may think that a Potentate-elect would just elect a friend, however, from the majority of my counterparts around Shrinedome, this choice becomes their legacy. Therefore, the burden of choosing a Noble that will one day become Potentate is not taken lightly and each Potentate usually reflects a long time prior to choosing. I know that if I had been given that responsibility, I would not be able to make a decision in a short period of time.
Enough of the lesson of the day. Moslem Shriners have a new Potentate-elect, and I cannot be happier. I am so proud of the upcoming future Potentates on the Board, they made me look good and I hope to return the favor by helping them in any manner.
This may be my last post for a while, we are entering the holiday period of the Shrine, awaiting the Installation of Officers on January 9, 2011. The Units and Clubs are ceasing their activities until the new year. I hope that all enjoy the holidays, proving them with the love of family and friends.
I hope that this Blog allowed a little glimpse into the time and commitment involved with being Potentate of Moslem Shriners. A lot beleive that it is all bells and whistles, that we just stand and receive accolades and enjoy unlimitless resources. I believe that is the major reason I wanted to begin this blog, to shed light on what the average day, week, and month holds for a Potentate. All in all, I believe that I have relayed the general life that a Potentate leads, the sacrifice of time to external sources, and the joy of perceived successes and sorrows of mistakes. Moslem Shriners is 130 years old and we have had 116 Potentates, out of tens of thousands of members throughout our history. That in itself is an amazing figure, but more importantly one that should provide a sense of pride in membership, honor to serve your organization and above all to teach the lesson that a Potentate serves only for one year, he serves as a Past Potentate the rest of his life. I cannot believe that 5 years have sped by in a blink of an eye. I re-examinied a list of goals that I wrote down while in "Shrine Camp" during the first months of my Oriental Guide year. I am proud to say that many of the goals took shape and succeeded in becoming reality. It is a different Shrine than 5 years ago, and if I had a little to do with assisting in our successful future, I am proud and thank the Supreme Architect with providing that bright light, that illuminated the path for me since my journey began.
Yours in the Faith
I conducted a very brief business meeting and went directly into the Elections. This is the first election in 5 years that I was not running for any office, how do I feel? Relieved? Happy? Sad? I believe that I ran the gamut of emotions last night, however, predominantly Happy to see that new Oriental Guide will join a group of dedicated, unselfish, future Potentates of Moslem and continue the successes from this year.
If you were not aware, our Shrine Temple is one of a very, very few that actually elects an Oriental Guide, who has not been previously appointed to a non-voting Board of Directors (Divan) position. The Imperial By Laws call for 10 Board Members, along with Treasurer/Recorder. The top 5 Board members are the Potentate, Chief Rabban, Asst. Rabban, HP&P and O.G. These are the voting members of the Board, followed by the Appointed non-voting members which are the 1st and 2nd Ceremonial Masters, Marshall, Captain of the Guard and Outer Guard. Many Temples actually have this 10 year line, while the majority have somewhere inbetween. The usual guidelines tend to have the Potentate-elect appoint the lowest member of their line, and that person will have so many years to serve until he reaches the Oriental Guide office, whereby he must then be elected. At that point, after serving at least one year, and possibly up to 5 years, the membership will know whether he is worthy of being an elected leader, and also whether he would want to continue. Sometimes I feel that one of these methods would be better than running for Oriental Guide, it would eliminate electioneering and popularity contests. You may think that a Potentate-elect would just elect a friend, however, from the majority of my counterparts around Shrinedome, this choice becomes their legacy. Therefore, the burden of choosing a Noble that will one day become Potentate is not taken lightly and each Potentate usually reflects a long time prior to choosing. I know that if I had been given that responsibility, I would not be able to make a decision in a short period of time.
Enough of the lesson of the day. Moslem Shriners have a new Potentate-elect, and I cannot be happier. I am so proud of the upcoming future Potentates on the Board, they made me look good and I hope to return the favor by helping them in any manner.
This may be my last post for a while, we are entering the holiday period of the Shrine, awaiting the Installation of Officers on January 9, 2011. The Units and Clubs are ceasing their activities until the new year. I hope that all enjoy the holidays, proving them with the love of family and friends.
I hope that this Blog allowed a little glimpse into the time and commitment involved with being Potentate of Moslem Shriners. A lot beleive that it is all bells and whistles, that we just stand and receive accolades and enjoy unlimitless resources. I believe that is the major reason I wanted to begin this blog, to shed light on what the average day, week, and month holds for a Potentate. All in all, I believe that I have relayed the general life that a Potentate leads, the sacrifice of time to external sources, and the joy of perceived successes and sorrows of mistakes. Moslem Shriners is 130 years old and we have had 116 Potentates, out of tens of thousands of members throughout our history. That in itself is an amazing figure, but more importantly one that should provide a sense of pride in membership, honor to serve your organization and above all to teach the lesson that a Potentate serves only for one year, he serves as a Past Potentate the rest of his life. I cannot believe that 5 years have sped by in a blink of an eye. I re-examinied a list of goals that I wrote down while in "Shrine Camp" during the first months of my Oriental Guide year. I am proud to say that many of the goals took shape and succeeded in becoming reality. It is a different Shrine than 5 years ago, and if I had a little to do with assisting in our successful future, I am proud and thank the Supreme Architect with providing that bright light, that illuminated the path for me since my journey began.
Yours in the Faith
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday December 12, 2010
I am sitting in the Potentate's Office watching all the snow. I just took a little break from our Child Care Christmas Party. We did things a little different this year in that we invited our patients and families along with our Child Care team. What a wonderful party. Of course the snow this morning provided a beautiful backdrop, but we are done with beauty, and it can stop anytime.
I have not posted anything in a few days, but I have been on the go for the last week.
Last Wednesday I attended the Past Potentate's Annual Dinner. They usually get together once a year in December to have dinner and socialize. There were 14 Past Potentate's in attendance, in addition to myself. After a very, very, very close vote, the Past Potentate's voted to have me join their group. The oldest PP is 86 years old and served in 1982, but still has a very sharp mind and I enjoyed talking to him and everyone else.
Yesterday was a very busy day. I attended the Blue Lodge installation of Walled Lake Lodge. The Worshipful Master is an active member of our Highlanders Unit and I thought it would be a good sign to have a representative from the Shrine in attendance. WM Rick's Dad, also a Shriner, was appointed the Chaplain of the Lodge, and I know how proud he is with seeing his son as WM. I know that it was a great moment when I saw my family members not only be raised as Masons, but when they progressed through the Lodge Officer lines, it was indeed a privelidge to witness.
Following the installation, I left Walled Lake and drove to Ray Township (thank the Great Architect for Google Maps) to attend the Installation of Officers for Utica-Macomb Lodge. The new Worshipful Master is also a Shriner and the lodge is a very Shrine-friendly lodge. It was standing room only and they conducted a very nice installation.
Well, Monday is almost upon us, the Annual Election of Shrine Officers. This will be first time in 6 years that I am not running for any position. I will conduct the meeting, and have a huge smile on my face. I am confident that the Nobles that will be elected will take whatever small improvements from this year and expand upon those ideas and make for a great 2011.
I cannot believe that the year is almost over. Jan. 9 is 27 days away and I am looking forward to seeing the future, and it is bright.
I have to go and get ready to shovel.
Much Love
I have not posted anything in a few days, but I have been on the go for the last week.
Last Wednesday I attended the Past Potentate's Annual Dinner. They usually get together once a year in December to have dinner and socialize. There were 14 Past Potentate's in attendance, in addition to myself. After a very, very, very close vote, the Past Potentate's voted to have me join their group. The oldest PP is 86 years old and served in 1982, but still has a very sharp mind and I enjoyed talking to him and everyone else.
Yesterday was a very busy day. I attended the Blue Lodge installation of Walled Lake Lodge. The Worshipful Master is an active member of our Highlanders Unit and I thought it would be a good sign to have a representative from the Shrine in attendance. WM Rick's Dad, also a Shriner, was appointed the Chaplain of the Lodge, and I know how proud he is with seeing his son as WM. I know that it was a great moment when I saw my family members not only be raised as Masons, but when they progressed through the Lodge Officer lines, it was indeed a privelidge to witness.
Following the installation, I left Walled Lake and drove to Ray Township (thank the Great Architect for Google Maps) to attend the Installation of Officers for Utica-Macomb Lodge. The new Worshipful Master is also a Shriner and the lodge is a very Shrine-friendly lodge. It was standing room only and they conducted a very nice installation.
Well, Monday is almost upon us, the Annual Election of Shrine Officers. This will be first time in 6 years that I am not running for any position. I will conduct the meeting, and have a huge smile on my face. I am confident that the Nobles that will be elected will take whatever small improvements from this year and expand upon those ideas and make for a great 2011.
I cannot believe that the year is almost over. Jan. 9 is 27 days away and I am looking forward to seeing the future, and it is bright.
I have to go and get ready to shovel.
Much Love
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tuesday December 7, 2010
Last evening at our Shrine Center revealed how far we have come in the last 7 years of occupying our building. We had the Directors Staff, Lancers, Arab Patrol, Cycle Patrol and Clowns meeting. I believe there were close to 100 Nobles in attendance at one time or another. It was great to see all the Nobles in a very social and casual atmosphere. One of the goals I set for myself and the Shrine was to increase the participation of our members, making our Shrine Center the basis for coming together.
Anyone present last night would agree that we are well on our way. I should say that the Directors Staff had one new member in attendance, the Cycle Patrol had one new member present, the Lancers welcomed one new member, the Arab Patrol welcomed one new member and The Clowns saw one new member join their meeting, while another "joey" was learning how to put make up on for the first time. Once again, the Shrine is alive and well.
Of course today marks the 69th year following one of the most devastating acts of war against the United States of America. I know that we have members of the Shrine that fought in the European Theatre in WWII, but I do not know whether we have any that left for the Pacific following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Perhaps our Legion of Honor may take charge and attempt to collect data of our membership's service to our country. I will see what I can accomplish.
So far, no snow, yes it's cold, but as long as the snow is minimal I can tolerate a few months of cold weather.
Have a Great Day.
Anyone present last night would agree that we are well on our way. I should say that the Directors Staff had one new member in attendance, the Cycle Patrol had one new member present, the Lancers welcomed one new member, the Arab Patrol welcomed one new member and The Clowns saw one new member join their meeting, while another "joey" was learning how to put make up on for the first time. Once again, the Shrine is alive and well.
Of course today marks the 69th year following one of the most devastating acts of war against the United States of America. I know that we have members of the Shrine that fought in the European Theatre in WWII, but I do not know whether we have any that left for the Pacific following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Perhaps our Legion of Honor may take charge and attempt to collect data of our membership's service to our country. I will see what I can accomplish.
So far, no snow, yes it's cold, but as long as the snow is minimal I can tolerate a few months of cold weather.
Have a Great Day.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday December 6, 2010
If they say you are only as good as your latest project, I want you to know that the Shriners are GOOD, REAL GOOD!!!!!!!!
The Annual Shriners Holiday Party was held on Saturday at the Shrine Center. Over 320 Nobles, wives, family and friends were in attendance, and I could not be happier over the results. The entire team that worked hard the last several months created a unique event, held in our own home and set the bar for future events. I congratulate them all, especially my wife, Carrie, who envisioned an event and made it a reality.
The Holiday Party is usually the last event of the year, but thankfully we continue with the Shriners Festival of Lights, which is getting more popular every evening.
We are now one week away from the Annual Election of Officers, next Monday the Nobility will choose their leaders for the ensuing year. How important is it to elect a slate of officers that have committed themselves to be unselfish and work as a team for the betterment of our Shrine. I trust that our nobility has seen what teamwork accomplished this year and realize the importance of a cohesive group of men. I look forward to see our future set, and confident of the results.
This week remains busy. This evening I will be attending the Director's Staff X-Mas Party at the Shrine Center.
Tuesday afternoon will see a couple of meetings in the evening.
Wednesday: I have been invited to join the Past Potentates in their annual dinner, perhaps they will see it themselves to "vote" me into their august group.
Thursday and Friday are currently free, can you believe that.
However, Saturday is busy with two Lodge Installations that I will attend, one at Walled Lake Lodge, followed by Utica-Macomb Lodge. Two active Shriners are being installed as Worshipful Masters of these lodges, and I wanted to be able to support the beginning of their terms as Master.
Some Good News: The University of Michigan Wolverines Football Program are celebrating their return to a New Year's Day Bowl Game. The Mississippi State Bulldogs is our challenger in the Gator Bowl and I like the match up. I hate to see our fan base so divided about the future of our program, however, I am a believer in Rich Rod's vision and to finish the year with 8 wins and a bowl victory will alleviate some concerns. GO BLUE!!!!
I usually do not speak about other programs that I do not follow, however, I have to say that I believe that the Michigan State University Spartans were unfairly eliminated from participating in a BCS bowl game. They will settle with a match up against a coach who last took them past 10 wins, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide (ROLL TIDE!!!!). I am a fan of Saban and his success and have always been a fan of the Tide, so I am picking Alabama, because I believe that they are a better team.
However, is it not great to see three Big 10 teams in the BCS top 10 poll. I really beleive that the Big 10 can match up with any SEC team, the so-called elite conference in the NCAA. I am looking forward to the bowl games, there seems to be some real good match ups, but I still steadfast in my belief that a playoff system works better. Can anyone legitimilly argue that an unranked University of Connecticut football program deserve to be in a BCS game, are you kidding me!!!!!!!!!!
Here is to a good week.
The Annual Shriners Holiday Party was held on Saturday at the Shrine Center. Over 320 Nobles, wives, family and friends were in attendance, and I could not be happier over the results. The entire team that worked hard the last several months created a unique event, held in our own home and set the bar for future events. I congratulate them all, especially my wife, Carrie, who envisioned an event and made it a reality.
The Holiday Party is usually the last event of the year, but thankfully we continue with the Shriners Festival of Lights, which is getting more popular every evening.
We are now one week away from the Annual Election of Officers, next Monday the Nobility will choose their leaders for the ensuing year. How important is it to elect a slate of officers that have committed themselves to be unselfish and work as a team for the betterment of our Shrine. I trust that our nobility has seen what teamwork accomplished this year and realize the importance of a cohesive group of men. I look forward to see our future set, and confident of the results.
This week remains busy. This evening I will be attending the Director's Staff X-Mas Party at the Shrine Center.
Tuesday afternoon will see a couple of meetings in the evening.
Wednesday: I have been invited to join the Past Potentates in their annual dinner, perhaps they will see it themselves to "vote" me into their august group.
Thursday and Friday are currently free, can you believe that.
However, Saturday is busy with two Lodge Installations that I will attend, one at Walled Lake Lodge, followed by Utica-Macomb Lodge. Two active Shriners are being installed as Worshipful Masters of these lodges, and I wanted to be able to support the beginning of their terms as Master.
Some Good News: The University of Michigan Wolverines Football Program are celebrating their return to a New Year's Day Bowl Game. The Mississippi State Bulldogs is our challenger in the Gator Bowl and I like the match up. I hate to see our fan base so divided about the future of our program, however, I am a believer in Rich Rod's vision and to finish the year with 8 wins and a bowl victory will alleviate some concerns. GO BLUE!!!!
I usually do not speak about other programs that I do not follow, however, I have to say that I believe that the Michigan State University Spartans were unfairly eliminated from participating in a BCS bowl game. They will settle with a match up against a coach who last took them past 10 wins, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide (ROLL TIDE!!!!). I am a fan of Saban and his success and have always been a fan of the Tide, so I am picking Alabama, because I believe that they are a better team.
However, is it not great to see three Big 10 teams in the BCS top 10 poll. I really beleive that the Big 10 can match up with any SEC team, the so-called elite conference in the NCAA. I am looking forward to the bowl games, there seems to be some real good match ups, but I still steadfast in my belief that a playoff system works better. Can anyone legitimilly argue that an unranked University of Connecticut football program deserve to be in a BCS game, are you kidding me!!!!!!!!!!
Here is to a good week.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thursday December 2, 2010
Did you see the title of this post, can you believe that it is December. We are 11 days away from the Elections of a New Potentate and less than 40 days away from the end of my tenure as Potentate.
Well it is definitely not going out like a lamb. This has been a very busy week. I spent Monday and Tuesday evenings at the Shrine Center in a couple of meetings. Last night I went down and manned the booth at the Shriners Festival of Lights Event at the Hazel Park Racetrack. I had a good time, I was surprised by the amount of cars and families attending on a Wednesday night in early December.
This evening I will be attending the Annual Christmas Party for the Past Masters and Reception Units at the Shrine Center. I have been attending this event for quite some time and it is a very nice night because I get to see some old friends from my previous Blue Lodge.
Did I forget to mention that we are 2 days away from the biggest Shrine Party of the year. Things are taking shape very nicely, and Carrie and I will be running errands Friday evening.
I am very excited by The Annual Holiday Party, the first in our Shrine Center, and I know our staff is ready to impress all in attendance.
It looks like we will have a little snow for the weekend, we are overdue, it has been very pleasant this fall.
The only sad part is that we are so busy and were out of town last weekend, that we will not have an opportunity to put up our Christmas Lights this year. I kept believing that I would have the time, but if it does happen it would not be for another couple of weekends and it is not worth it this year. Oh well, I just have to make up for it next year, bigger and better.
See you around.
Well it is definitely not going out like a lamb. This has been a very busy week. I spent Monday and Tuesday evenings at the Shrine Center in a couple of meetings. Last night I went down and manned the booth at the Shriners Festival of Lights Event at the Hazel Park Racetrack. I had a good time, I was surprised by the amount of cars and families attending on a Wednesday night in early December.
This evening I will be attending the Annual Christmas Party for the Past Masters and Reception Units at the Shrine Center. I have been attending this event for quite some time and it is a very nice night because I get to see some old friends from my previous Blue Lodge.
Did I forget to mention that we are 2 days away from the biggest Shrine Party of the year. Things are taking shape very nicely, and Carrie and I will be running errands Friday evening.
I am very excited by The Annual Holiday Party, the first in our Shrine Center, and I know our staff is ready to impress all in attendance.
It looks like we will have a little snow for the weekend, we are overdue, it has been very pleasant this fall.
The only sad part is that we are so busy and were out of town last weekend, that we will not have an opportunity to put up our Christmas Lights this year. I kept believing that I would have the time, but if it does happen it would not be for another couple of weekends and it is not worth it this year. Oh well, I just have to make up for it next year, bigger and better.
See you around.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday November 29, 2010
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. Carrie and left last Wednesday and spent the entire weekend in beautiful Glen Arbor at the base of the Leelanau Pennisula. It was a little windy, however no snow. We had a very relaxing holiday and weekend. This was actually the first day off work that I took this year that was not shrine related.
We returned Sunday evening, and passed out getting ready for the upcoming week. This will be the busiest week of the remainder of my term in office. I have a Board meeting tonight, a meeting tomorrow for final preparations for the Holiday party. Thursday is the annual Christmas Party of the Past Masters and Reception Units. Then Saturday is the Annual Holiday Party. We are anticipating well over 300 people at the Shrine Center. We are pretty much set, and Carrie and her team along with my Holiday Party Chairman are rocking and rolling, ready to go.
On the only sad note of the weekend, the Mighty (or not so mighty) University of Michigan Woverines were embarrassed by Ohio State. Although, it is projected we will go to the Insight Bowl in Tempe, AZ, we may be able to salvage an 8 win season. It is so very frustrating, however, as opposed to many in the local media, I believe that we must keep Rich Rod. You have to give a college coach at least 4-5 seasons, bring an entire 4 year recruitment class. I do not have an answer for Robinson, the Defensive coordinator, however, I do not believe many coaches would be able to succeed with 6 redshirt freshman/true freshman starting the majority of your games, due to injury. Look at it this way, Ohio State has 25 seniors on their team, I do not know how many are starters, and how their jr classmen are, but I am sure they will not have an easy time next year.
On to the BCS, boy how messed up is it that Michigan State may not get a BCS birth if the University of Connecticut loses this week and West Virginia gets the Big East nod. Do you realize that this is the first time in almost 8 weeks that a team from the Big East has broken into the Top 25 (West Virginia is # 24), yet they get an automatic BCS bid. Anyway, I loved watching every College game on Friday and Saturday, there were some great games. This weekend will just be as good and then get ready for Bowl Season, I anticipate some great matchups.
Have a Great Day
We returned Sunday evening, and passed out getting ready for the upcoming week. This will be the busiest week of the remainder of my term in office. I have a Board meeting tonight, a meeting tomorrow for final preparations for the Holiday party. Thursday is the annual Christmas Party of the Past Masters and Reception Units. Then Saturday is the Annual Holiday Party. We are anticipating well over 300 people at the Shrine Center. We are pretty much set, and Carrie and her team along with my Holiday Party Chairman are rocking and rolling, ready to go.
On the only sad note of the weekend, the Mighty (or not so mighty) University of Michigan Woverines were embarrassed by Ohio State. Although, it is projected we will go to the Insight Bowl in Tempe, AZ, we may be able to salvage an 8 win season. It is so very frustrating, however, as opposed to many in the local media, I believe that we must keep Rich Rod. You have to give a college coach at least 4-5 seasons, bring an entire 4 year recruitment class. I do not have an answer for Robinson, the Defensive coordinator, however, I do not believe many coaches would be able to succeed with 6 redshirt freshman/true freshman starting the majority of your games, due to injury. Look at it this way, Ohio State has 25 seniors on their team, I do not know how many are starters, and how their jr classmen are, but I am sure they will not have an easy time next year.
On to the BCS, boy how messed up is it that Michigan State may not get a BCS birth if the University of Connecticut loses this week and West Virginia gets the Big East nod. Do you realize that this is the first time in almost 8 weeks that a team from the Big East has broken into the Top 25 (West Virginia is # 24), yet they get an automatic BCS bid. Anyway, I loved watching every College game on Friday and Saturday, there were some great games. This weekend will just be as good and then get ready for Bowl Season, I anticipate some great matchups.
Have a Great Day
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Wednesday November 24, 2010
So much going on, not enough time. I feel that the last week has been an unending journey, but all positive.
Since my last blog, I spent last Saturday morning with a group of Nobles, volunteering their time to clean the bus garage. We spent about 3 1/2 hours cleaning and preparing the vehicles for this week's trips. We also did a fall cleaning of the external portion of the garage, cutting down all the weeds and making it look pretty good. I left the garage around noon, had some lunch, enjoying the best wings in detroit at the Sweetwater Tavern (MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM) and then headed up to the Shrine Center.
Carrie had her Ladies Luncheon on Saturday, and by all accounts it was successful and I am very proud of her. Her event staff and herself went all out to conduct a slightly different version of a luncheon. I stayed away awaiting a visit from our Amish partner from Coldwater who was bringing some items to the Shrine Center. He showed up around 5 PM and we had a very nice conversation.
Carrie and I finally left around 7:00 P.M. Tired!!!!
Sunday: Day of Rest
Monday: Went down to the Shrine Center for some quick meetings with some Nobles regarding the final stages of the Festival of Lights show. I also met briefly with the commercial staff regarding holiday decorations of the hall, it should look very nice.
Tuesday: "FEZTASTIC". First of all I went to the Shrine Center after work for a quick finance committee. Then I headed over to the Hazel Park Racetrack to attend the annual christmas tree lighting at the neighboring HP ice arena, conducted by the city. We joined in the celebration, which was followed by the official ribbon cutting ceremony of our first Annual Shriners Festival of Lights. I had the opportunity to meet the parade Marshall, Miss Erin Cummings, of Detroit 187 Fame. She was very pleasant and seemed to have a good time. We were also joined by over a 100 Nobles, Family and friends, and a Clydesdale horse and of course one of our own beautiful Arabian Horses fromt the Shrine Horse Troop.
I had the honor of being one of the first people to drive through the Festival of Lights and I was really impressed by the hard work by our Nobles, the racetrack, and production team. I am very optimistic that this will turn out to be a very successful event. By the amount of cars waiting behind us, it was a really good start to the event.
Following the light show, the Shriners met at a local watering hole to have some food and bonding. Carrie joined us there after her long commute from Ann Arbor, and we had a very good time.
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I cannot begin to list all that I am thankful. I feel that our lives have been blessed by the Supreme Architecht, given the opportunity to give back to an organization like the Shriners, and have the most wonderful woman in the world as my wife. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a great weekend.
Since my last blog, I spent last Saturday morning with a group of Nobles, volunteering their time to clean the bus garage. We spent about 3 1/2 hours cleaning and preparing the vehicles for this week's trips. We also did a fall cleaning of the external portion of the garage, cutting down all the weeds and making it look pretty good. I left the garage around noon, had some lunch, enjoying the best wings in detroit at the Sweetwater Tavern (MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM) and then headed up to the Shrine Center.
Carrie had her Ladies Luncheon on Saturday, and by all accounts it was successful and I am very proud of her. Her event staff and herself went all out to conduct a slightly different version of a luncheon. I stayed away awaiting a visit from our Amish partner from Coldwater who was bringing some items to the Shrine Center. He showed up around 5 PM and we had a very nice conversation.
Carrie and I finally left around 7:00 P.M. Tired!!!!
Sunday: Day of Rest
Monday: Went down to the Shrine Center for some quick meetings with some Nobles regarding the final stages of the Festival of Lights show. I also met briefly with the commercial staff regarding holiday decorations of the hall, it should look very nice.
Tuesday: "FEZTASTIC". First of all I went to the Shrine Center after work for a quick finance committee. Then I headed over to the Hazel Park Racetrack to attend the annual christmas tree lighting at the neighboring HP ice arena, conducted by the city. We joined in the celebration, which was followed by the official ribbon cutting ceremony of our first Annual Shriners Festival of Lights. I had the opportunity to meet the parade Marshall, Miss Erin Cummings, of Detroit 187 Fame. She was very pleasant and seemed to have a good time. We were also joined by over a 100 Nobles, Family and friends, and a Clydesdale horse and of course one of our own beautiful Arabian Horses fromt the Shrine Horse Troop.
I had the honor of being one of the first people to drive through the Festival of Lights and I was really impressed by the hard work by our Nobles, the racetrack, and production team. I am very optimistic that this will turn out to be a very successful event. By the amount of cars waiting behind us, it was a really good start to the event.
Following the light show, the Shriners met at a local watering hole to have some food and bonding. Carrie joined us there after her long commute from Ann Arbor, and we had a very good time.
Thanksgiving is tomorrow and I cannot begin to list all that I am thankful. I feel that our lives have been blessed by the Supreme Architecht, given the opportunity to give back to an organization like the Shriners, and have the most wonderful woman in the world as my wife. I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and a great weekend.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Tuesday November 16, 2010
It is the official beginning of Hunting Season in Michigan. Although I have never hunted, I sure do enjoy the fruits of their labors, mmmmmmmmmm venison.
The weekend was very fun. We had our 7 nephew over and he enjoyed himself tremendously, especially with the kitten. We will be seeing him again over the holiday weekend and I am sure he will tell us of all his stories with the cats.
It was a quiet shrine weekend, although Carrie and I did run some errands and purchase material for her ladies luncheon which is this Saturday.
I was a the Shrine Center Monday evening for a Board Meeting and couple of brief meetings with some Nobles who perhaps may have something interesting for the nobility in the near future.
This week is a busy Shrine Club week. Lakeside Shrine Club will host its annual Feather Party Wednesday, and Downriver Shrine Club will host its Turkey Bingo event on Thursday. I will be at both events. I hear that Downriver already has over a 100 people.
Saturday is the Ladies Luncheon and then a break for a week for Thanksgiving.
Can you beleive that there is about 6 weeks left in 2010. We are less than a month to the Elections of new officers for the Shrine. Unbelievable.
Have a great week.
The weekend was very fun. We had our 7 nephew over and he enjoyed himself tremendously, especially with the kitten. We will be seeing him again over the holiday weekend and I am sure he will tell us of all his stories with the cats.
It was a quiet shrine weekend, although Carrie and I did run some errands and purchase material for her ladies luncheon which is this Saturday.
I was a the Shrine Center Monday evening for a Board Meeting and couple of brief meetings with some Nobles who perhaps may have something interesting for the nobility in the near future.
This week is a busy Shrine Club week. Lakeside Shrine Club will host its annual Feather Party Wednesday, and Downriver Shrine Club will host its Turkey Bingo event on Thursday. I will be at both events. I hear that Downriver already has over a 100 people.
Saturday is the Ladies Luncheon and then a break for a week for Thanksgiving.
Can you beleive that there is about 6 weeks left in 2010. We are less than a month to the Elections of new officers for the Shrine. Unbelievable.
Have a great week.
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