Fri - Sun April 16-18, 2010

Well, I survived what appeared to be 72 straight hours of being at the Shrine Center. We welcomed in some guests from the Imperial Council on Wednesday Afternoon, and they left Friday evening. In between, I guess I spent over 30 hours at the Shrine Center addressing the many issues confronting the Shrine. However, many positive comments were made regarding the current Board of Directors and their commitment to the improvement of Moslem Shriners. I am so proud of this Board of Directors, I know that I have repeated often how we are very close, but I want to emphasize how important our personal bonds is to the future success of the Shrine. We are working as a well-oiled cog, that knows one direction, UP!!!!!!!!

During this time, I also had the opportunity on Friday morning to stop by the downtown garage and see off our drivers, who were going to Chicago. One of our Past Potentates was overseeing the duties that day and we had a wonderful conversation regarding the process. We are extremely proud of the overwhelming response by the Nobility during this transition period, while our futures are being debated by the powers beyond us, our Nobility is stepping up to the plate, especially the Past Potentates, I tip my fez to all of you.

I went home Friday night, finally saw Carrie for a little while before I passed out for the evening.

Saturday April 17, 2010: One of the more fun aspects of being Potentate. I attended, along with the majority of the Board of Directors, the Annual Installation of our local Ladies Oriental Shrine Court. In the past several years, I have forged a very nice relationship with our affiliated ladies organizations and feel that we are taking giant steps to working together for a common cause. This afternoon was very nice, and I can tell that the Ladies of this court take pride and honor on being members of this organization. Following the festivities, since we were in Dearborn, Carrie and I stopped by a couple of mideastern bakeries and picked up some food and dessert for the evening.

Sunday April 18, 2010: One of the least fun and sad aspects of being a Potentate. The Black Camel took away one of our beloved Past Potentates. We conducted a Shrine Walk Through at the Funeral Home, and am proud that we were able to afford our Brother the last rites of Freemasonry/Shrinedom, that of being welcomed into the next stage by his fellow brothers.