Tuesday January 26, 2010

We had our second Financial Advisory Committe meeting of the new year. This time the entire Board of Directors were present, which I have been encouraging. The Imperial Council By laws (which governs all subsidiary Shrine Centers) state that the Board of Directors are not only mandated, but obligated to approve all financial transactions of the Shrine, and ensure that all budgets are followed. I have always felt that everyone on the Board should be in attendance to understand the financial obligations of all our accounts.

First and foremost, we handle the General Fund, which currently is by far the largest account, and consists of the most bills and revenue. We then have the Moslem Temple Association accounts, which is the incorportation that holds the title/deed to the downtown garage (where the Child Care vehicles are stored and maintained). We also have the Hospital Transportation Fund budget, and multiple other budgets that we may generate in operating our Shrine Center (i.e. Commercial and Capital Budgets).

You can understand that it takes a while to understand all the nuances, and I firmly believe that in order to be an effective leader, you must be proactive in your ability to learn the local system.

Anyway, we had some very good discussion on the bills that were presented, questioned several items, requested further information and ended up with the belief that a commercial budget is probably the best way to proceed, in assisting in our financial picture, since we now run the entire facility.

Of course the night was not strictly business only, in the background (hallways) the melodic sounds of the bagpipes were heard throughout. It is Tuesday and, yes, every Tuesday the Higlanders meet. Did I mention EVERY Tuesday. The Highlanders meet more frequently than any other Unit/Club. Their membership has increased by dozens in the last several years, and they are once again turning into a distinguished pipe and drum band. Our goal (The Board of Directors) is to ensure that the newer members, as well as the Unit Veterans (those with 15 years of membership in the Unit) know all that is going on in the Shrine. The newer members tend to be pipers and drummers from bands around metro-Detroit that are having membership issues, and we are seeing the fortunate results.

I do not think that I have mentioned that one can learn the pipes without any experience. The Highlanders have trained instructors that will sit with you weekly to teach you to play the Recorder (a plastic elongated flute-like instrument), which is a precursor to mastering the bag pipes. I have been enchanted with bagpipes my entire life, and when I first joined the Shrine I visited the Highlanders room and asked about membership. I was still in school at the time and could not commit the time. However, I have been given serious thought to what to do when my commitment to the leadership of the Shrine is completed, and this is one very strong possibility.

By the way, at least twice during the evening I heard different renditions of "The Victors" by several Highlanders. Let me tell you, you have not heard a beautiful version of "The Victors" (although they all are great) until you hear them on the pipes. Go Blue!!!!

Early evening, left around 9:00 P.M. and spent some time with Carrie.

Thanks