Saturday April 3, 2010

It has been a very beautiful week, if the weather keeps up like this what a summer we are going to enjoy.

On Thursday, Carrie and I attended our first ever Red & White Fez Club luncheon. I have spoken about the R&W before, briefly it is a combined social club comprised of Shriners (Red Fezzes) and members of the local caravanserais of the International Order of Al Hambra (White Fezzes). They get together once a month for lunch, and due to work commitments, I have never attended.

It was Ladies day and the room was packed, and we had a delicious lunch. I was presented a R&W club shirt, for being the Potentate this year, and also multiple checks were received from the local caravans for the circus this year. Great luncheon.

Carrie and I then drove to Southfield to take care of some bookkeeping and Potentate's Ball plans with the office staff (mostly Carrie). I did have a conversation with another big city that would like the Shriners to parade this year, after about a 7 year absence. It looks promising. I have pledged to the Units that we would seriously look into more parades for the Units as a group, and it looks like there will be at least 2 additional events on our list.

After Southfield, we went to Ackroyd's Bakery and picked up some good old fashion Scottish items, like pasties, meet pies, blinkies, and of course dessert (I love their shortbread).

When we got home I bbq some chicken and warmed up the bakery items, and Carrie and enjoyed a fine evening home.

Friday April 2, 2010 The USMA (United Street Machine Association) kicked off its Classic Car Show today, which runs through Saturday. Almost 80 classics are being showcased at Gibraltar - Taylor, and there are plenty of members who are also Shriners. We walk around supporting our philanthrophy, and at the end of the event the USMA-sponsored charitable donations are given to the Shriners Hospitals for Children. This is a wonderful event, sponsored by a great non-shrine association. I always felt that the more non-shrine publicity we receive, the better, because our message is being distributed via not only perspective future members, but to a diverse audience who do not necessarily understand our purpose. Carrie baked some treats to donate to the cause, and we will be in attendance all day Saturday.


At this time I would like to acknowledge our Nobles and Ladies of the Jewish faith in celebrating a healthy and joyful Passover, and to our Nobles/Ladies of the Christian faith a Happy Easter. I believe that no matter your beliefs, these special times of the years should emphasize our love for our families and friends, and reflections on what more we each can do individually and collectively to ensure a successful future.