How can time fly by this fast. It is almost March, I cannot believe it. Okay, I jinxed all of us, I talked about the pleasant winter and did we take a crushing this week. We shut down the Shrine Center on Monday, due to the 8 inches. We had several meetings scheduled that were important, but alas Old Man Winter had other ideas. I spoke to a couple of Shriners who are supposedly wintering in "Sunny" Florida. They had to buy fall and winter clothes to get through the cold weather, unbelievable. Where is Al Gore? Enough Said!!!!!
The rest of this week was pretty uneventful. I spent Tuesday evening in Southfield, had a finance committee and Board of Directors meeting, and then spent some time with the Highlanders, but it was an early evening.
Wednesday Feb. 24, 2010 No SHRINE NIGHT, this is the annual celebration of the birth of my mother. I purchased a couple of incredible pies from Achatz (4 berry and coconut cream). My sister picked up a platter of middle eastern food and we feasted. Unfortunately, Carrie got stuck in 3 inches of snow leaving Ann Arbor and did not make it, but I, being the great husband, brought her a plate of food. I have to tell you, my mom is one great cook, and although it was her b-day, she made hummus, salad and the best rice pudding in the world. When I first got onto the Divan, we had a financial meeting at the Detroit Athletic Club and for dessert I was told to try the rice pudding, it was a house speciality. Well, if that was considered rice pudding, I think we have to rename my mom's dish, because it could not be the same item. My Mom's recipe is fantastic, of course adding some raisins only bring out the sweet flavors.
Thursday Feb 25, 2010 Well, No Shrine Stuff, I decided to hang out with a few friends and eat some king crab, well, actually a lot of king crab. I Love crab legs, cannot get enough.
Sad News of the week: The Black Camel has taken two of our Good Nobles. Noble Henry "Curly" Baldridge, a member of my unit, and who I had the opportunity to room with at the last out of town ceremonial past away. He was 93, had some severe health issues the last couple of years, but was an very good Noble. He had a southern drawl, and was a very sharp business man, who was very sharp until the day he passed.
Also, Noble Ken Logain, who has lived in California the last few years passed yesterday. He has been ill for several years. When I was a "Probie" in the Director's Staff, Ken would help me set up the camel's milk every week at the old temple. One cold, snowy evening, both our cars were broken into downtown and we waited until 2:00 A.M. for the local law enforcement. After many calls, one of the dispatchers actually said (at least she was honest) that we are the lowest priority due to all the murders in Detroit. We helped eachother tape plastic garbage bags to our broken windows and drove home in the snow.
Both Nobles will be missed, but as many of you know, in our fraternity, we know that this is only one step in a continuing process.
Have a good weekend, we are getting ready for the Poker Progressive Social Party at the Shrine Center Saturday evening. I have heard good tidings from the Unit Members who will have the rooms open. I hope the weather cooperates, but also, I have been touting this event as a way to keep off the winter blues, and have some good, cheap fun with your Nobles and ladies.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
What a Weekend (2-18 thru 2-20)
Where do I begin. If I had hired professional planners and directed them to create a perfect 4 day/3night package with friends, they could not have done a better job than this past weekend.
The Shrine Bus left the garage, fully loaded, at 7:00 A.M. on Thursday. Approximately 7 hours later, after many great conversations, good food and drink, we arrived at the hotel in Rockford, IL. The ride was smooth, the weather beautiful, and barely no traffic/construction (of course we went around Chicago proper).
We checked into the hotel, and they informed us our originially scheduled hospitality suite was changed. Initially we were upset, however, this error turned out to be the stepping stone to Moslem Shriners becoming one of the "hot" spots of the entire weekend. We were relocated to a large suite directly across from the host temple's suite. We all contributed to the set up, and after a brief respite to our individual rooms for a fresh up, sat down for some liquid refreshment. The guests began arriving and the social aspect began. We cut everything short, in order to go out to dinner. We made a brief drive to an incredible italian eatery, where we had the pleasure of a private dining room. Carrie had the tuna and I had the filet, and of course we shared and it was incredible food. The desert was great also, and then fully stuffed, our beloved Chief Rabban, seeing that we had 11 men in the group decided to orchestrate a football offensive scheme of which I was the QB and we took many pictures. Have I mentioned how I LOVE my Shriner Family.
We returned to the hotel room and Carrie and I began a little ritual. We came to an understanding that our hospitality room would not be closed unless we were the last ones out. We were all pretty tired, after the first day and we hit the hay around 11
Friday February 19, 2010:
Great sleep, Carrie had the early day this morning, getting ready for the Ladie's Luncheon. I followed her and ended up in the Hospitality room around 9:00 A.M. Had the opportunity to talk to a lot of other Potentates from around the Midwest. There is a distressing situation that has repeated among some of the temples and the general sentiment is that we all should be proactive and comprehensive in our executive responsibilities when we return. I expect to deliver this message to all the Board at our next meeting.
Anyway, we drove to the Shrine Center (about 2 miles from the hotel), and had a tour. The Shrine Center in Rockford is comprised of about 1300 members and they are situated on 15 acres of land. What a very nice Shrine Center with a large hall, in which we were led to for the opening of the Business Session.
The Business Session had some interesting speakers, including the Deputy Imperial Potentate of Shriners International. The Ladie's joined us briefly, and afterwards we all were driven back to the hotel. We had a few hours before dinner and Carrie and I visited other Temple Rooms for some socialization.
This evening was the station dinner for the Divan. Each Officer and his lady would sit down with their counterparts once a year and have dinner. After contributing financially each year, the Potentates and their Ladies were driven to a private banquet hall and had a meal fit for royality. The endless bowls of Shrimp and appetizers were incredible. The First Rate beverage lineup was unmatched, and we had filet and sea bass for dinner. Since Carrie is allergic to Shrimp, I had to force myself to carry the load for us and double up on the shrimp. I succeeded!!!!!
Now for some really, really bad news. For all that know my beloved bride, she has an unusual infatuation/obession with sock monkies. The banquet hall we dined in this evening also is the same location of the Sock Monkey museum. Yes, Rockford, IL is the home of the Sock Monkey. Everywhere, and really do mean everywhere, you turn there are sock monkies, they even have a special Sock Monkey festival in the Spring. Thank God we brought a large bus, because needless to say, we came back with more Sock Monkeys.
Saturday February 21, 2010
My turn to wake up early, arrived at the Shrine Center around 8:00 AM for breakfast and the meeting resumed at 9:00 AM. Many interesting lectures took place, and then the vote to eliminate the Winter Business Session came up on the agenda. After some very good discussion, the delegation overwhelmingly voted to eliminate the winter meeting. The result is that this is the last Business Session of the Great Lakes Shrine Association. Beginning in 2011 there will be one convention in the Fall, which probably will have an additional day to conduct the business of the GLSA. I am favor of this move, due to the fact it will give us more financial incentives to bring more Nobles to compete and parade.
We had lunch and broke into counterpart groups. The Potentates discussed the financial issues of some temples and the recent concerns. Once again the general sentiment is that the Board of Directors must, MUST be proactive in understanding the finances.
We got back to the hotel and enjoyed some libations. My cousin, well actually Carrie's Cousin, who lives near Rockford, came by. He had another event that evening and did not stay too long, but eventually came back to assist Carrie and I with our mission of being the last ones in the Hospitality room. All I am going to say about his visit, is that after about 6 combined hours with Shriners, I believe that he may have come to a very important decision in his life, especially when he found out that the Shriners from Chicago have a separate unit dedicated to flying (he is a pilot). I had so much fun with him, and I am going to definitely get his information to the Chicago Shriners.
Sunday February 21, 2010
Well we hear that the snow is coming, over 8 inches, we get everybody out and the bus packed, and leave at 9:00 AM Not only did we have a great ride back, without any snow, but made real good time. Our bus driver has been a Shriner for almost 30 years and what a great job he did driving and putting up with our jokes.
We arrived in Downtown Detroit, cleaned out the bus, took our extra food to the shelter across the street, got into our cars and Carrie and I got home around 6:00 P.M.
So many people worked together this weekend, in order to make it a special weekend. We chose a group of people that worked well together and I believe all had a great time.
As this is my last GLSA Winter Convention, I really could not think of ending it any better than this weekend. Life is Good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Shrine Bus left the garage, fully loaded, at 7:00 A.M. on Thursday. Approximately 7 hours later, after many great conversations, good food and drink, we arrived at the hotel in Rockford, IL. The ride was smooth, the weather beautiful, and barely no traffic/construction (of course we went around Chicago proper).
We checked into the hotel, and they informed us our originially scheduled hospitality suite was changed. Initially we were upset, however, this error turned out to be the stepping stone to Moslem Shriners becoming one of the "hot" spots of the entire weekend. We were relocated to a large suite directly across from the host temple's suite. We all contributed to the set up, and after a brief respite to our individual rooms for a fresh up, sat down for some liquid refreshment. The guests began arriving and the social aspect began. We cut everything short, in order to go out to dinner. We made a brief drive to an incredible italian eatery, where we had the pleasure of a private dining room. Carrie had the tuna and I had the filet, and of course we shared and it was incredible food. The desert was great also, and then fully stuffed, our beloved Chief Rabban, seeing that we had 11 men in the group decided to orchestrate a football offensive scheme of which I was the QB and we took many pictures. Have I mentioned how I LOVE my Shriner Family.
We returned to the hotel room and Carrie and I began a little ritual. We came to an understanding that our hospitality room would not be closed unless we were the last ones out. We were all pretty tired, after the first day and we hit the hay around 11
Friday February 19, 2010:
Great sleep, Carrie had the early day this morning, getting ready for the Ladie's Luncheon. I followed her and ended up in the Hospitality room around 9:00 A.M. Had the opportunity to talk to a lot of other Potentates from around the Midwest. There is a distressing situation that has repeated among some of the temples and the general sentiment is that we all should be proactive and comprehensive in our executive responsibilities when we return. I expect to deliver this message to all the Board at our next meeting.
Anyway, we drove to the Shrine Center (about 2 miles from the hotel), and had a tour. The Shrine Center in Rockford is comprised of about 1300 members and they are situated on 15 acres of land. What a very nice Shrine Center with a large hall, in which we were led to for the opening of the Business Session.
The Business Session had some interesting speakers, including the Deputy Imperial Potentate of Shriners International. The Ladie's joined us briefly, and afterwards we all were driven back to the hotel. We had a few hours before dinner and Carrie and I visited other Temple Rooms for some socialization.
This evening was the station dinner for the Divan. Each Officer and his lady would sit down with their counterparts once a year and have dinner. After contributing financially each year, the Potentates and their Ladies were driven to a private banquet hall and had a meal fit for royality. The endless bowls of Shrimp and appetizers were incredible. The First Rate beverage lineup was unmatched, and we had filet and sea bass for dinner. Since Carrie is allergic to Shrimp, I had to force myself to carry the load for us and double up on the shrimp. I succeeded!!!!!
Now for some really, really bad news. For all that know my beloved bride, she has an unusual infatuation/obession with sock monkies. The banquet hall we dined in this evening also is the same location of the Sock Monkey museum. Yes, Rockford, IL is the home of the Sock Monkey. Everywhere, and really do mean everywhere, you turn there are sock monkies, they even have a special Sock Monkey festival in the Spring. Thank God we brought a large bus, because needless to say, we came back with more Sock Monkeys.
Saturday February 21, 2010
My turn to wake up early, arrived at the Shrine Center around 8:00 AM for breakfast and the meeting resumed at 9:00 AM. Many interesting lectures took place, and then the vote to eliminate the Winter Business Session came up on the agenda. After some very good discussion, the delegation overwhelmingly voted to eliminate the winter meeting. The result is that this is the last Business Session of the Great Lakes Shrine Association. Beginning in 2011 there will be one convention in the Fall, which probably will have an additional day to conduct the business of the GLSA. I am favor of this move, due to the fact it will give us more financial incentives to bring more Nobles to compete and parade.
We had lunch and broke into counterpart groups. The Potentates discussed the financial issues of some temples and the recent concerns. Once again the general sentiment is that the Board of Directors must, MUST be proactive in understanding the finances.
We got back to the hotel and enjoyed some libations. My cousin, well actually Carrie's Cousin, who lives near Rockford, came by. He had another event that evening and did not stay too long, but eventually came back to assist Carrie and I with our mission of being the last ones in the Hospitality room. All I am going to say about his visit, is that after about 6 combined hours with Shriners, I believe that he may have come to a very important decision in his life, especially when he found out that the Shriners from Chicago have a separate unit dedicated to flying (he is a pilot). I had so much fun with him, and I am going to definitely get his information to the Chicago Shriners.
Sunday February 21, 2010
Well we hear that the snow is coming, over 8 inches, we get everybody out and the bus packed, and leave at 9:00 AM Not only did we have a great ride back, without any snow, but made real good time. Our bus driver has been a Shriner for almost 30 years and what a great job he did driving and putting up with our jokes.
We arrived in Downtown Detroit, cleaned out the bus, took our extra food to the shelter across the street, got into our cars and Carrie and I got home around 6:00 P.M.
So many people worked together this weekend, in order to make it a special weekend. We chose a group of people that worked well together and I believe all had a great time.
As this is my last GLSA Winter Convention, I really could not think of ending it any better than this weekend. Life is Good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Early Thursday Feb. 18, 2010
Woke up at 4:45 AM, showered, packing, priting out a beautiful forecast for Rockford, IL. Going to pack the car, head on to the dowtown garage, board the bus and be on our way to the Great Lakes Shrine Association Winter Meetings within the next hour.
Early Forecast for mid winter in Rockford, IL, most importantly: NO SNOW for the entire time we are travelling.
Carrie and I are excited and happy to get away for a few days.
Talk to you all on the flip side, it is time to party, Rockford-Style.
Have a great weekend.
Early Forecast for mid winter in Rockford, IL, most importantly: NO SNOW for the entire time we are travelling.
Carrie and I are excited and happy to get away for a few days.
Talk to you all on the flip side, it is time to party, Rockford-Style.
Have a great weekend.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Tuesday Feb. 16, 2010
So we had a great weekend, and you know what I did for my beloved wife on Valentine's Day. I took her to a Reverse Raffle, but it was not for any Shrine related charity, so that should count as a shrine-free night out, right?
Monday Feb. 15, 2010: Had a great Board of Directors meeting at the Shrine Center. We had the opportunity to come to many agreements on the infrastructure of the Shrine. Spent some time afterwards with the Americans, Provost, and Directors Staff.
Tuesday Feb. 16, 2010: met with a parade official from one of the cities we have paraded during the last several years. Very productive meeting and we both left feeling that the Shriners and their City are a good pairing.
The Highlanders meet every Tuesday and it gave me great honor to be the first Potentate to present the Director with a "Highlanders Director" Fez. He has done a great job these past several years. Our job is to bring them the sense of Shrinedom and encourage their participation in the Shrine.
We are getting ready for our mini-convention in Rockford, Il this weekend for the Great Lakes Shrine Association. Things are progressing nicely and our team is ready to go, go, go.
So if I do not get anything posted in the near future, I will as soon as we get back from our convention.
Be Good
Monday Feb. 15, 2010: Had a great Board of Directors meeting at the Shrine Center. We had the opportunity to come to many agreements on the infrastructure of the Shrine. Spent some time afterwards with the Americans, Provost, and Directors Staff.
Tuesday Feb. 16, 2010: met with a parade official from one of the cities we have paraded during the last several years. Very productive meeting and we both left feeling that the Shriners and their City are a good pairing.
The Highlanders meet every Tuesday and it gave me great honor to be the first Potentate to present the Director with a "Highlanders Director" Fez. He has done a great job these past several years. Our job is to bring them the sense of Shrinedom and encourage their participation in the Shrine.
We are getting ready for our mini-convention in Rockford, Il this weekend for the Great Lakes Shrine Association. Things are progressing nicely and our team is ready to go, go, go.
So if I do not get anything posted in the near future, I will as soon as we get back from our convention.
Be Good
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Thursday Feb. 11, 2010
It is about 7:00 P.M. and I am sitting in the Potentate's Office in Southfield. I got here about 4:00 P.M. and the High Priest and Prophet and I reviewed the bills from the last couple of weeks.
This has been a very positive week. On Tuesday evening, I attended the Annual Interfraternal Brotherhood Gala. This group meets once a year for dinner and is comprised of members of 7 Fraternal Organizations: The Shriners, The Elks, The Moose, the Oddfellows, the Al Hambra, The Knights of Columbus and The Knights of St. John.
We also had 6 inches of snow, so many people could not make it, however about 250 in attendance made sure we had a great time. This was also my first opportunity to discuss the Shrine Circus. We finally did it, unfortunately not at the State Fairgournds, however, I am confident we will be able to conduct a very successful event.
Wednesday: I had a Doctor's appointment, for an initial visit to a new primary care physician. My Doctor of 10 years was dropped from my insurance, what a blow to my well being. However, I found a great physician, who believes even more than me in the advantages of herbs and vitamins. I was supposed to attend the Lakeside Shrine Club Valentine's Party, but I did not get out of the Dr's office until 7:00 P.M. We did have representation from the Divan in attendance, and heard it was very nice.
This is going to be a quiet weekend for Carrie and myself, no obligations. We will be working on our Imperial Convention package, and getting ready to attend the Great Lakes Shrine Association Winter Meetings. We leave next Thursday for 4 days to Rockford, IL, with the majority of the Divan. Looking forward to seeing our counterparts from the other 19 Shrine Centers around the Great Lakes who are also members.
So, if I do not post anything for a few days, take that as I am relaxing and enjoying life, as I always am anyway.
Have a great Weekend!!!!
This has been a very positive week. On Tuesday evening, I attended the Annual Interfraternal Brotherhood Gala. This group meets once a year for dinner and is comprised of members of 7 Fraternal Organizations: The Shriners, The Elks, The Moose, the Oddfellows, the Al Hambra, The Knights of Columbus and The Knights of St. John.
We also had 6 inches of snow, so many people could not make it, however about 250 in attendance made sure we had a great time. This was also my first opportunity to discuss the Shrine Circus. We finally did it, unfortunately not at the State Fairgournds, however, I am confident we will be able to conduct a very successful event.
Wednesday: I had a Doctor's appointment, for an initial visit to a new primary care physician. My Doctor of 10 years was dropped from my insurance, what a blow to my well being. However, I found a great physician, who believes even more than me in the advantages of herbs and vitamins. I was supposed to attend the Lakeside Shrine Club Valentine's Party, but I did not get out of the Dr's office until 7:00 P.M. We did have representation from the Divan in attendance, and heard it was very nice.
This is going to be a quiet weekend for Carrie and myself, no obligations. We will be working on our Imperial Convention package, and getting ready to attend the Great Lakes Shrine Association Winter Meetings. We leave next Thursday for 4 days to Rockford, IL, with the majority of the Divan. Looking forward to seeing our counterparts from the other 19 Shrine Centers around the Great Lakes who are also members.
So, if I do not post anything for a few days, take that as I am relaxing and enjoying life, as I always am anyway.
Have a great Weekend!!!!
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Detroit, we have a Shrine Circus!
As reported by many news stations, we're on!
2010 Detroit Shrine Circus to be at Hazel Park Raceway
By Sherri Welch, Crain's Detroit Business
The Detroit Area Shriners have entered an agreement with the Hazel Park Raceway to be the site of the 2010 Detroit Shrine Circus.
The Shriners plan to erect a large, heated tent on a 20-acre parcel of the property at 10 Mile and Dequindre roads, along with a petting zoo and carnival attractions for the circus scheduled to run March 18-21.
After the state turned down requests to use the mothballed Michigan State Fairgrounds coliseum to house the circus as it has for years, the Detroit Shriners looked at Joe Louis Arena, Cobo Center and Rock Financial Showplace as alternate sites.
But the cost, scheduling and size of those locations presented issues, said Moslem Shriners board member Chuck Baer, who is overseeing the 2010 Detroit Shrine Circus.
Thank you to everyone for the support! You can purchase tickets here: CIRCUS TICKETS
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Feb. 7 - 8, 2010
What a great Super Bowl, I am happy with the Saints. Had a great time with many friends at a party.
Monday we had a Temple Business Meeting. We presented a special "Imperial Ambassador" fez to one of our beloved members who was a Shriners Hospital patient (over 12 surgeries at Chicago). He is truly the definition of an Ambassador for the Shrine, and was so appointed by the Imperial Potentate of Shriners International.
We also created a new Noble, during a short form intitiation, who already joined a local Shrine Club. He is 23 years old and very excited to be a Shriner.
I presented the budgets for 2010, and the General Fund budget was accepted, however, a sad setback in that the budget we use for our Child Care was not accepted by the Nobility. We will have to review and present again next month, hopefully, we will be able to address the needs of the Nobility, although, afterwards in communicating with many members, there seemed to be quite a bit of confusion as to the items. We felt that due to the economic climate, especially in SE Michigan, that reducing many expenses, would benefit our program as a whole, without sacrificing the care we give our Children. Well, we will a month to prepare.
ON a truly fantastic note, this was the second business meeting where the Shrine provided food and refreshments. The Unit rooms were closed and there had to be over a 100 people in our auditorium, who remained afterward and socialized. The Assistant Rabban, who came up with this brilliant idea, and I gave a big high five and just enjoyed watching the brotherhood. We can never lose sight of those lessons taught to every Shriner, remembering from whence we came, that our members share a bond in which no contention, but rather emulation of who best can work and best agree come together on the level.
Monday we had a Temple Business Meeting. We presented a special "Imperial Ambassador" fez to one of our beloved members who was a Shriners Hospital patient (over 12 surgeries at Chicago). He is truly the definition of an Ambassador for the Shrine, and was so appointed by the Imperial Potentate of Shriners International.
We also created a new Noble, during a short form intitiation, who already joined a local Shrine Club. He is 23 years old and very excited to be a Shriner.
I presented the budgets for 2010, and the General Fund budget was accepted, however, a sad setback in that the budget we use for our Child Care was not accepted by the Nobility. We will have to review and present again next month, hopefully, we will be able to address the needs of the Nobility, although, afterwards in communicating with many members, there seemed to be quite a bit of confusion as to the items. We felt that due to the economic climate, especially in SE Michigan, that reducing many expenses, would benefit our program as a whole, without sacrificing the care we give our Children. Well, we will a month to prepare.
ON a truly fantastic note, this was the second business meeting where the Shrine provided food and refreshments. The Unit rooms were closed and there had to be over a 100 people in our auditorium, who remained afterward and socialized. The Assistant Rabban, who came up with this brilliant idea, and I gave a big high five and just enjoyed watching the brotherhood. We can never lose sight of those lessons taught to every Shriner, remembering from whence we came, that our members share a bond in which no contention, but rather emulation of who best can work and best agree come together on the level.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Sat. Feb. 6, 2009
It is about 2:30 P.M. on Saturday and I am sitting in the Potentate's Office in Southfield. The drapes are pulled and I am looking at the back of our property. It is sunny and there is hardly any snow. I heard we are getting some snow on Tuesday evening, so I am not jinxing anything, but how lucky are we in SE Michigan this winter. I am hearing when it is all said and done, 35 inches of snow within 36 hours in Washington D.C. WOW!!!!
I am completing some last minute updates to the proposed budgets for the Shrine in prepartion for the presetation to the Nobility at the Temple Business Meeting this Monday evening. The High Priest and Prophet and his lady just showed up. She is on a mission to bring some organization to the HP&P's desk, what an insurmountable task, but if anyone can, she will succeed.
Since tomorrow is the Super Bowl, I will be attending a party, without my Lady, so I think I am going to take her out to dinner tonight. What a lucky woman she is, to have such a wonderful husband. Who else can promise their lady a 5 year commitment of time and energy to an organization that she is not a member. Have I mentioned lately how lucky I am to have her agree to marriage.
Anyway, I am rooting for the Saints. I have always been a Drew Brees fan. I still cannot believe every single NFL team passed him up in the draft. I knew from that point he would be something. I watched him at Purdue eat up every Big Ten Defense (except of course the U of Mich, who had the habit of stopping his attacks). You may think I would root for the colts since Mike Hart is the 3rd string running back, but I also have an alterior motive for the Saints winning the championship. For the last 30 years, the only other team we Detroiters could always default to when the Lions faltered were the "Aints". Now the Lions have no excuses, they are the by far the worst team in the last 3 decades.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, THERE ARE ONLY 210 DAYS UNTIL THE MIGHTY UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN WOLVERINES TAKE THE FIELD AGAINST THE HUSKIES OF U CONN AND BEGIN THEIR MARCH TO GLENDALE, AZ TO WIN THE BCS CHAMPIONSHIP. GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am completing some last minute updates to the proposed budgets for the Shrine in prepartion for the presetation to the Nobility at the Temple Business Meeting this Monday evening. The High Priest and Prophet and his lady just showed up. She is on a mission to bring some organization to the HP&P's desk, what an insurmountable task, but if anyone can, she will succeed.
Since tomorrow is the Super Bowl, I will be attending a party, without my Lady, so I think I am going to take her out to dinner tonight. What a lucky woman she is, to have such a wonderful husband. Who else can promise their lady a 5 year commitment of time and energy to an organization that she is not a member. Have I mentioned lately how lucky I am to have her agree to marriage.
Anyway, I am rooting for the Saints. I have always been a Drew Brees fan. I still cannot believe every single NFL team passed him up in the draft. I knew from that point he would be something. I watched him at Purdue eat up every Big Ten Defense (except of course the U of Mich, who had the habit of stopping his attacks). You may think I would root for the colts since Mike Hart is the 3rd string running back, but I also have an alterior motive for the Saints winning the championship. For the last 30 years, the only other team we Detroiters could always default to when the Lions faltered were the "Aints". Now the Lions have no excuses, they are the by far the worst team in the last 3 decades.
MOST IMPORTANTLY, THERE ARE ONLY 210 DAYS UNTIL THE MIGHTY UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN WOLVERINES TAKE THE FIELD AGAINST THE HUSKIES OF U CONN AND BEGIN THEIR MARCH TO GLENDALE, AZ TO WIN THE BCS CHAMPIONSHIP. GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wed. Feb. 3, 2010
My Wife and I kind of traded spots today. Carrie had the day off, and met my General Chairman and her Pote's Ball Chairlady at the Henry Ford Museum to finalize the details of the Potentate's Ball. Then they went to the hotel we will be utilizing for the Pote's Ball. From what I gather, she is extremely happy, and you know my mantra, "A Happy Wife, is a Happy Life"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carrie then met the Divan Ladies for dinner and discuss ways to save the world, hope they have better luck than us.
What did I do. Well I met a Past Potentate at his business prior to closing, picked him up, and drove to Sinbad's Restaurant on the Detroit River. We met the Chief Rabban and a couple of other Nobles, enjoyed succulent, sweet, tender King Crab Legs and some adult beverages. This is the time that I feel saddest for my beloved wife. Carrie is allergic to shellfish, and she will never truly know how increDIBle Crab/Lobster/Shrimp/Scallops taste. Anyway, back to me, did I mention how succulent the King Crab was, it is almost 24 hours since I ate them and I am still yearning for more.
Anyway, we had some real good discussions about the state of affairs and left on a very happy note.
I am writing this on Thursday afternoon, and this evening I am attending my Blue Lodge, Jefferson Lodge No. 553 Free and Accepted Masons, for the first time this year. Due to my schedule, it has been difficult to attend, but Masonry is still the foundation of all I do. I love the tenants of our brotherhood and cherish its lessons. The Brothers of Jefferson Lodge are truly what is to act as Masons should act. I wish I can do more for the lodge, perhaps in the future.
Carrie then met the Divan Ladies for dinner and discuss ways to save the world, hope they have better luck than us.
What did I do. Well I met a Past Potentate at his business prior to closing, picked him up, and drove to Sinbad's Restaurant on the Detroit River. We met the Chief Rabban and a couple of other Nobles, enjoyed succulent, sweet, tender King Crab Legs and some adult beverages. This is the time that I feel saddest for my beloved wife. Carrie is allergic to shellfish, and she will never truly know how increDIBle Crab/Lobster/Shrimp/Scallops taste. Anyway, back to me, did I mention how succulent the King Crab was, it is almost 24 hours since I ate them and I am still yearning for more.
Anyway, we had some real good discussions about the state of affairs and left on a very happy note.
I am writing this on Thursday afternoon, and this evening I am attending my Blue Lodge, Jefferson Lodge No. 553 Free and Accepted Masons, for the first time this year. Due to my schedule, it has been difficult to attend, but Masonry is still the foundation of all I do. I love the tenants of our brotherhood and cherish its lessons. The Brothers of Jefferson Lodge are truly what is to act as Masons should act. I wish I can do more for the lodge, perhaps in the future.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Tuesday Feb. 2, 2010
Groundhog's Day, Phil says six more weeks of winter, by coincedence, so does the calendar.
I arrived at the Shrine Center at 4:00 P.M. and met with the Parade Chairman. He has created a beautiful tri-fold brochure to send to all the cities when we apply for parades. It is this type of pro-active decision making we love to see, our Nobles taking charge for the betterment of our organization.
We went over the main parades for the year and dates. We are going to bring the option for more parades to the Units at the next meeting and see if they are interested. Out of the some 20 Units we have, 18 or so are parade units, in which members join for the main idea of parading. We used to perform in dozens of parades, and we have reduced that number to about 7. Seeing an increase in members in multiple Units, of whom are newer Shriners, it is up to the leadership to provide the parades for them to participate.
Following this meeting, we met with the new Shrine Club Coordinator and layed out plans for a general introductory meeting with reps from all the SC's for the end of Feb. These are the meetings that we can view in the old adage about the cup being half full or half empty. How do we assist the revival of the SC's, what tools/information may we provide, and how to get them to implement the tools in a consistent manner to reach certain goals.
Your answer is as good as mine.
Carrie showed up around 7PM for a meeting regarding one of her ladie's events, and we both ended up leaving around 9:00 P.M.
Of course this is February 2, 2010 and more important than Groundhog's Day, this is the evening of the season premiere of the last season of LOST. We are huge fans of the show and you have to love dvr's because we got home and watched an incredible episode. It is these little breaks that help maintain the extra-Shriner times of life, and keep us rooted in reality.
Of course, I personally love LOST because of all the references to the greatest University in the, well, UNIVERSE. There has been multiple references to the U. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and Great Minds, that how can you not love the show?
I arrived at the Shrine Center at 4:00 P.M. and met with the Parade Chairman. He has created a beautiful tri-fold brochure to send to all the cities when we apply for parades. It is this type of pro-active decision making we love to see, our Nobles taking charge for the betterment of our organization.
We went over the main parades for the year and dates. We are going to bring the option for more parades to the Units at the next meeting and see if they are interested. Out of the some 20 Units we have, 18 or so are parade units, in which members join for the main idea of parading. We used to perform in dozens of parades, and we have reduced that number to about 7. Seeing an increase in members in multiple Units, of whom are newer Shriners, it is up to the leadership to provide the parades for them to participate.
Following this meeting, we met with the new Shrine Club Coordinator and layed out plans for a general introductory meeting with reps from all the SC's for the end of Feb. These are the meetings that we can view in the old adage about the cup being half full or half empty. How do we assist the revival of the SC's, what tools/information may we provide, and how to get them to implement the tools in a consistent manner to reach certain goals.
Your answer is as good as mine.
Carrie showed up around 7PM for a meeting regarding one of her ladie's events, and we both ended up leaving around 9:00 P.M.
Of course this is February 2, 2010 and more important than Groundhog's Day, this is the evening of the season premiere of the last season of LOST. We are huge fans of the show and you have to love dvr's because we got home and watched an incredible episode. It is these little breaks that help maintain the extra-Shriner times of life, and keep us rooted in reality.
Of course, I personally love LOST because of all the references to the greatest University in the, well, UNIVERSE. There has been multiple references to the U. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and Great Minds, that how can you not love the show?
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Monday Feb. 1, 2010
I cannot believe it is February. Since I cannot jinx the month of January anymore, I want to know if it has been the least amount of snow in history. I swear, I do not think that we had more than a few inches. I only used my snowblower once, and that was to clear a path for my bride to walk to her car (I mean I had the honor of clearing a path for my beloved to walk safely to her vehicle).
What about the Shrine: We are in full swing. The Event Chairman are out there working their magic. Although some obstacles are in the road, by our own inactions, and here is that evil word I continuously use, by our own Complacency, we find ourselves breaking down the static hurdles and bringing our organization into the present, thereby forging a path into the dyanamic future. Those two words best describe many organizations and the attitudes of their members: Static vs. Dyanamic. A static, complacenent, stagnant organization eventually finds itself caught in a massive loop of ineptitude, very difficult to implement ideas necessary to succeed. It is the dyanmic, progressive, open-minded organizations that view each day as a new day to increase the success of their group, ensuring the successful future. I can give you statistics all day long on the declining membership year after year, and we can sit around talking about ways to increase the numbers, however, without action (expressing the dyanamic nature), of course you will fail.
In reviewing the last several weeks, I hope that I have shared with you my intent to review every single aspect of the Shriners, making adjustments where necessary to move us in the right direction. Our Board of Directors feel the same way, which makes our discussions not only healthy, but ensuring actions.
On a different subject, I have been asked how can I be the Shrine Leader an work for a living. This old, tired line of thought has persisted since I was elected the Oriental Guide. I do not let it get to me, because I know in speaking to my mentors, that for decades the business of the Shrine was handled by leaders who worked and met in the evenings, and believe it or not, the Shrine survived. That being said, I thought that from now on, I may share with you the amount of hours, in addition to the distances driven, in leading and representing the Shrine.
On Monday, I arrived at the Shrine Center at 4:00 P.M. and left at 11:30 P.M. Almost as long as I spent at work during the day. With the assistance of the Board of Directors, the Event Chairman, the Chief Aide, The General Chairman, and all Shriners, the business of the Shrine was not only conducted, but also mastered. I met with the Unit Directors, but stayed in the background, because the Director of Units conducted a splendid meeting. I met with 4 Units that met this evening, and they were very responsive to the actions of the year. I was able to review the calendar of events with the Chief Aide and the Hungry Five, who are creating their schedules to ensure successful events, when their expertise is required.
What else, oh YEAH, I HAD FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I spent time socializing with the Lancers, Shrine Patrol, Directors Staff, Oriental Band, Clowns, and some Americans. How can you have more fun than with these great group of guys? In between solving the world's problems, we discussed better ways to improve the Shrine and our Child Care, many new ideas I never conceived, but will bring to the table.
THEREFORE, after almost 7 hours, I departed and got home in time for Carrie to express her undying support and love (at least that is how I interpreted her words).
Month Number 2 and the Shrine is still "FEZTASTIC"
Continue the path
What about the Shrine: We are in full swing. The Event Chairman are out there working their magic. Although some obstacles are in the road, by our own inactions, and here is that evil word I continuously use, by our own Complacency, we find ourselves breaking down the static hurdles and bringing our organization into the present, thereby forging a path into the dyanamic future. Those two words best describe many organizations and the attitudes of their members: Static vs. Dyanamic. A static, complacenent, stagnant organization eventually finds itself caught in a massive loop of ineptitude, very difficult to implement ideas necessary to succeed. It is the dyanmic, progressive, open-minded organizations that view each day as a new day to increase the success of their group, ensuring the successful future. I can give you statistics all day long on the declining membership year after year, and we can sit around talking about ways to increase the numbers, however, without action (expressing the dyanamic nature), of course you will fail.
In reviewing the last several weeks, I hope that I have shared with you my intent to review every single aspect of the Shriners, making adjustments where necessary to move us in the right direction. Our Board of Directors feel the same way, which makes our discussions not only healthy, but ensuring actions.
On a different subject, I have been asked how can I be the Shrine Leader an work for a living. This old, tired line of thought has persisted since I was elected the Oriental Guide. I do not let it get to me, because I know in speaking to my mentors, that for decades the business of the Shrine was handled by leaders who worked and met in the evenings, and believe it or not, the Shrine survived. That being said, I thought that from now on, I may share with you the amount of hours, in addition to the distances driven, in leading and representing the Shrine.
On Monday, I arrived at the Shrine Center at 4:00 P.M. and left at 11:30 P.M. Almost as long as I spent at work during the day. With the assistance of the Board of Directors, the Event Chairman, the Chief Aide, The General Chairman, and all Shriners, the business of the Shrine was not only conducted, but also mastered. I met with the Unit Directors, but stayed in the background, because the Director of Units conducted a splendid meeting. I met with 4 Units that met this evening, and they were very responsive to the actions of the year. I was able to review the calendar of events with the Chief Aide and the Hungry Five, who are creating their schedules to ensure successful events, when their expertise is required.
What else, oh YEAH, I HAD FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I spent time socializing with the Lancers, Shrine Patrol, Directors Staff, Oriental Band, Clowns, and some Americans. How can you have more fun than with these great group of guys? In between solving the world's problems, we discussed better ways to improve the Shrine and our Child Care, many new ideas I never conceived, but will bring to the table.
THEREFORE, after almost 7 hours, I departed and got home in time for Carrie to express her undying support and love (at least that is how I interpreted her words).
Month Number 2 and the Shrine is still "FEZTASTIC"
Continue the path
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