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
Monday, November 29, 2010
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.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Friday November 12, 2010
Last night was a very good night. Well over a 100 people were in attendance competing for the title of "Shriners Trivia Champions" during the 5th Annual Shrine Trivia Night. Alas, I have a bittersweet emotions. Of course, I was part of the Championship team (for the 4th time, of course I sat out last year). However, I feel for some of the so-called "trivia nerds" who really get depressed by losing. However, in all seriousness, the evening was a great success, just another in a series of fun, casual, affordable social events that have been placed throughout the year to gain people's interest in returning to the Shrine.
It is the weekend,finally, after what seemed to be a very, very long week. As a bonus, I am getting my nephew for an overnight stay. Carrie and I are excited and cannot wait to the festivities to begin. Carrie actually tried to convince me that no matter what we will have time after 8:30 P.M. because that is what time he goes to sleep. Now, I don't like to correct my wife, she is hardly ever wrong, HOWEVER, when you come to Uncle Mike's house, the only rule is you do NOT have to follow your old house rules. Uncle Mike's house has not sleep time, when you are tired, goodnight, that all there is to it!!!! I remember spending nights at my two uncle's houses, and my cousins and I laugh when telling the same stories. It seems that whenever we spent the night at Uncle Ben's house, it was a regimental type of evening. Don't get me wrong, we had great times, but under strict rules. When we spent the night at Uncle J's house, if he didn't offer us a beer as soon as we stepped out of the car, we would be disappointed. I may be exaggerating slightly but there were definitely differences in the two households.
I am really looking forward to the next couple of days, and one of the things about ending this term is I get to spend more time with my nephews and nieces. I have only seen my youngest niece a few times, and I know she does not recognize me, but that will change.
Michigan plays Purdue this weekend, and they should win. That will give them at least 7 wins, and of course am a little disappointed in the progression of the defense, I will continue to support them as long as my blood bleeds maize and blue. I am looking at the future and 2012, which I believe is going to be the culmination of the early Rich Rod years at Michigan. Do you realize we will have almost an entire team of upperclassmen in 2012, with the most difficult schedule in college football. We will begin the season with visits to Dallas, TX to play 'Bama, followed by a visit to South Bend and then end the season with consecutive visits to Lincoln, NE and Columbus, OH. This will definitely direct the future of Michigan, either we will bask in the genius of Rich Rod (of which I am a believer) or we will deconstruct and begin a downward spiral of multiple coaches (i.e. Notre Dame in the last 15 years).
As always, from your heart and soul: GO BLUE!!!!!!!!
It is the weekend,finally, after what seemed to be a very, very long week. As a bonus, I am getting my nephew for an overnight stay. Carrie and I are excited and cannot wait to the festivities to begin. Carrie actually tried to convince me that no matter what we will have time after 8:30 P.M. because that is what time he goes to sleep. Now, I don't like to correct my wife, she is hardly ever wrong, HOWEVER, when you come to Uncle Mike's house, the only rule is you do NOT have to follow your old house rules. Uncle Mike's house has not sleep time, when you are tired, goodnight, that all there is to it!!!! I remember spending nights at my two uncle's houses, and my cousins and I laugh when telling the same stories. It seems that whenever we spent the night at Uncle Ben's house, it was a regimental type of evening. Don't get me wrong, we had great times, but under strict rules. When we spent the night at Uncle J's house, if he didn't offer us a beer as soon as we stepped out of the car, we would be disappointed. I may be exaggerating slightly but there were definitely differences in the two households.
I am really looking forward to the next couple of days, and one of the things about ending this term is I get to spend more time with my nephews and nieces. I have only seen my youngest niece a few times, and I know she does not recognize me, but that will change.
Michigan plays Purdue this weekend, and they should win. That will give them at least 7 wins, and of course am a little disappointed in the progression of the defense, I will continue to support them as long as my blood bleeds maize and blue. I am looking at the future and 2012, which I believe is going to be the culmination of the early Rich Rod years at Michigan. Do you realize we will have almost an entire team of upperclassmen in 2012, with the most difficult schedule in college football. We will begin the season with visits to Dallas, TX to play 'Bama, followed by a visit to South Bend and then end the season with consecutive visits to Lincoln, NE and Columbus, OH. This will definitely direct the future of Michigan, either we will bask in the genius of Rich Rod (of which I am a believer) or we will deconstruct and begin a downward spiral of multiple coaches (i.e. Notre Dame in the last 15 years).
As always, from your heart and soul: GO BLUE!!!!!!!!
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Thursday November 11. 2010
Before we begin, I want to thank all the United States Military Veterans who have played a major role in providing my family, friends and myself to live the lives we are leading. It sounds cheesy to say "Happy Veteran's Day", instead I will say THANK YOU.
This has been a very busy week, I have not been home at all. Last night I attended a wild game dinner held at a golf country club in Commerce Township. I had the honor of sitting with Mr. Jim Brandstatter, the Voice of Michigan Football. He was also the keynote speaker for the event, and I had the opportunity to ask many questions regarding the Maize and Blue. I did not know there was someone else who bled more maize and blue than me, however, I think that I found that person. Also, anyone who has ever listened to his broadcasts or shows with the Michigan coaches, understands he holds nothing back. It was refreshing to hear someone on the "inside" share the same feelings regarding our beloved program. We talked about how the program is building up for the 2012 season, where we open up in Dallas against Alabama, followed by a visit to South Bend to play the Irish, and close out the regular Big 10 Season with visits to Lincoln, NE and Columbus, OH.
For those of us who love College Football, can you imagine a full Senior Class of players with 3-5 years under their belt, playing what will probably be the toughest schedule in the FBS. I have patience, and understand the 4-5 years it takes to build a program from scratch.
Well off my Maize/Blue soapbox. Thursday evening is our 5th Annual Shriner's Trivia Night. Carrie and I will join "The Intellectuals", the 8 person team that will bring the championship back to its natural home. This event is one of the most fun in Shrinedome. Very laid back, inexpensive, family oriented fun. It is actually our last of our many "Shrine Social Events" we planed for 2010 and in review, Carrie and I are so blessed to see the great response.
Once again, my eternal thanks go out to all our veterans. I am a first generation American on my mother's side and third generation American on my father's side. My family originally came to the United States in 1908 to partially escape the persecution of Christians by the Ottoman Empire, from Syria. WE were taught and brought up to never, EVER, take for granted what the opportunity that living in the United States of American has provided. We were brought up to understand that none of this was possible without our soldiers. Thank you
This has been a very busy week, I have not been home at all. Last night I attended a wild game dinner held at a golf country club in Commerce Township. I had the honor of sitting with Mr. Jim Brandstatter, the Voice of Michigan Football. He was also the keynote speaker for the event, and I had the opportunity to ask many questions regarding the Maize and Blue. I did not know there was someone else who bled more maize and blue than me, however, I think that I found that person. Also, anyone who has ever listened to his broadcasts or shows with the Michigan coaches, understands he holds nothing back. It was refreshing to hear someone on the "inside" share the same feelings regarding our beloved program. We talked about how the program is building up for the 2012 season, where we open up in Dallas against Alabama, followed by a visit to South Bend to play the Irish, and close out the regular Big 10 Season with visits to Lincoln, NE and Columbus, OH.
For those of us who love College Football, can you imagine a full Senior Class of players with 3-5 years under their belt, playing what will probably be the toughest schedule in the FBS. I have patience, and understand the 4-5 years it takes to build a program from scratch.
Well off my Maize/Blue soapbox. Thursday evening is our 5th Annual Shriner's Trivia Night. Carrie and I will join "The Intellectuals", the 8 person team that will bring the championship back to its natural home. This event is one of the most fun in Shrinedome. Very laid back, inexpensive, family oriented fun. It is actually our last of our many "Shrine Social Events" we planed for 2010 and in review, Carrie and I are so blessed to see the great response.
Once again, my eternal thanks go out to all our veterans. I am a first generation American on my mother's side and third generation American on my father's side. My family originally came to the United States in 1908 to partially escape the persecution of Christians by the Ottoman Empire, from Syria. WE were taught and brought up to never, EVER, take for granted what the opportunity that living in the United States of American has provided. We were brought up to understand that none of this was possible without our soldiers. Thank you
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Tuesday November 9. 2010
It has been a while since my last posting. We have been very busy preparing to conduct this past weekend's Fall Ceremonial. You may be wondering how it went, well let me tell you, 56 new Nobles. That is right, 56 new Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. We have not had a class like this in over 10 years. In addition, the 2nd Ladies Ambassador program consisted of about 15 wives of the new Nobles, and by all accounts, this was a very successful program.
Carrie and I arrived around 7:30 A.M. and left the Shrine Center around 8:00 P.M. In between we hosted well over 400 people at the Shrine Center through out the day. We could not be happier with the results. Our Class Honoree had his entire family and friends in attendance, and I hope that he had a wonderful time. The New Nobles and their ladies seemed to appreciate the efforts of all the groups involved in preparing the event. And you could feel the excitement among the nobility in attendance, they were very enthused to see how well our membership program has accomplished their goals for the year.
All in all, I could not be happier for our beloved organization. Sure there were a few minor complaints. I tell people that when I first attended "Shrine Camp" as an Oriental Guide, one of the first lessons they taught that you will never, NEVER make everyone happy. There will be a very small percentage of any organization that exudes negativity and criticizes success. You can let it bog you down, or you can avoid it and concentrate on what is real important, the success and happiness of the vast majority of your membership. FEZTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carrie and I did nothing on Sunday, went out to breakfast and caught up on some dvr shows.
Last evening the Americans and Directors Staff met and there were another 100 Nobles in the building. It is truly a great site to see so many members enjoy the camaraderie of each other.
The rest of the week is very busy. This evening is a finance meeting. Wednesday is an annual Wild Game Dinner, with proceeds benefit ting the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Thursday is our 5th Annual Shrine Trivia Night. And we are well into the implementation of our Festival of Light Show which should kick off on November 23 at the Hazel Park Racetrack. The Committee is hard at work, and this should be a great spectacle.
The Shrine is Alive in Southeast Michigan, you better jump on board!!!!!!!!!!
Carrie and I arrived around 7:30 A.M. and left the Shrine Center around 8:00 P.M. In between we hosted well over 400 people at the Shrine Center through out the day. We could not be happier with the results. Our Class Honoree had his entire family and friends in attendance, and I hope that he had a wonderful time. The New Nobles and their ladies seemed to appreciate the efforts of all the groups involved in preparing the event. And you could feel the excitement among the nobility in attendance, they were very enthused to see how well our membership program has accomplished their goals for the year.
All in all, I could not be happier for our beloved organization. Sure there were a few minor complaints. I tell people that when I first attended "Shrine Camp" as an Oriental Guide, one of the first lessons they taught that you will never, NEVER make everyone happy. There will be a very small percentage of any organization that exudes negativity and criticizes success. You can let it bog you down, or you can avoid it and concentrate on what is real important, the success and happiness of the vast majority of your membership. FEZTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Carrie and I did nothing on Sunday, went out to breakfast and caught up on some dvr shows.
Last evening the Americans and Directors Staff met and there were another 100 Nobles in the building. It is truly a great site to see so many members enjoy the camaraderie of each other.
The rest of the week is very busy. This evening is a finance meeting. Wednesday is an annual Wild Game Dinner, with proceeds benefit ting the Shriners Hospitals for Children. Thursday is our 5th Annual Shrine Trivia Night. And we are well into the implementation of our Festival of Light Show which should kick off on November 23 at the Hazel Park Racetrack. The Committee is hard at work, and this should be a great spectacle.
The Shrine is Alive in Southeast Michigan, you better jump on board!!!!!!!!!!
Friday, November 5, 2010
Friday November 5, 2010
Less than 24 hours from one of the largest Ceremonial Classes in over 10 years. Then numbers keep increasin, I would not be surprised if we are close to 60 new candidates.
All the committees and units are ready to go. The ladie's are ready and excited. We are just in a little holding pattern.
Thursday evening I decided to go to my Blue Lodge's annual election of officers. There were over 50 Brothers in attendance, and not because it was election time, but because they were truly happy to be at lodge. I truly beleive that we are on a verge of something great in our fraternity, a time where men want to once again be a part of a community, and Freemasonry provides for those needs.
My uncle was elected to serve as the next Senior Warden (i.e. Vice President) of the Lodge and I am so proud. He was raised a Master Mason less than 10 years ago and I know it is a great dream of his to follow in the footsteps of his dad and brother (my father). I cannot wait to be on the sidelines the day he becomes the Master.
Right after work this afternoon I am headed to Southfield to assist the Directors Staff and Dramatic Corp in setting up their areas for the ceremonial. Probably will be an early evening, seeing that Carrie and I are attempting to be at the Shrine Center around 7:00 A.M. tomorrow.
Have a Feztastic Weekend, we sure will!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All the committees and units are ready to go. The ladie's are ready and excited. We are just in a little holding pattern.
Thursday evening I decided to go to my Blue Lodge's annual election of officers. There were over 50 Brothers in attendance, and not because it was election time, but because they were truly happy to be at lodge. I truly beleive that we are on a verge of something great in our fraternity, a time where men want to once again be a part of a community, and Freemasonry provides for those needs.
My uncle was elected to serve as the next Senior Warden (i.e. Vice President) of the Lodge and I am so proud. He was raised a Master Mason less than 10 years ago and I know it is a great dream of his to follow in the footsteps of his dad and brother (my father). I cannot wait to be on the sidelines the day he becomes the Master.
Right after work this afternoon I am headed to Southfield to assist the Directors Staff and Dramatic Corp in setting up their areas for the ceremonial. Probably will be an early evening, seeing that Carrie and I are attempting to be at the Shrine Center around 7:00 A.M. tomorrow.
Have a Feztastic Weekend, we sure will!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Wed. November 3, 2010
We are up to 49 candidates for this weekend's Fall Ceremonial. This is going to be the largest class since we had a special statewide one day masonic membership class in 2003. We are so very excited about welcoming into our great fraternity these fine gentleman and their ladies.
I was at the Shrine Center last night, finalizing the script for the ceremonial. The Dramatic Corp showed up to practice, and although I was not present in the room during their practice, I heard much singing and laughing. I am not going to ask any questions, but will await with anticipation.
As this year winds down for the 2010 leadership team, it is full steam ahead for the 2011 leadership team. I am confident that we are on the verge of a renaissance in the Shrine. It is great to see that our future leaders are not resting on their laurels, but communicating with each other and planning ahead of time to ensure success. In reviewing the past 5 years, I feel that this is the biggest change in our leadership. The first several years I served on the Board of Directors, I did just that, sit around and listen to one person. I am not blaming any single individual, it was the environment and culture of our Shrine, whereby the Potentate had exclusive authority. Our Imperial Leadership saw the detrimental affect of this attitude around Shrinedom and began issuing new rules/guidelines and amending the by laws to transition a "Divan" to a "Board of Directors". That plan has now been implemented and the current leadership has bought into this model. Let me tell you how effective it is to have elected leaders speaking openly to each other offering advice, suggestions, criticisms, those feelings that they have to better our fraternity without retribution or negative feedback. In the past, the all-mighty Potentate would not even listen to the "lesser" Divan members. It is no wonder that progress has been not only very slow in the past 20 years, but in decline.
Presently, you have to give credit to the new attitude with the new revitalization of the Shrine, our membership, our lady's involvement, and of course the increase in new members. I believe that it is a direct relationship. When our nobility see their elected leaders in agreement and united to better our organization, they are more inclined to participate.
Sorry for the rant, however, I truly believe in teamwork, and am proud that we have that now, more than ever.
I was at the Shrine Center last night, finalizing the script for the ceremonial. The Dramatic Corp showed up to practice, and although I was not present in the room during their practice, I heard much singing and laughing. I am not going to ask any questions, but will await with anticipation.
As this year winds down for the 2010 leadership team, it is full steam ahead for the 2011 leadership team. I am confident that we are on the verge of a renaissance in the Shrine. It is great to see that our future leaders are not resting on their laurels, but communicating with each other and planning ahead of time to ensure success. In reviewing the past 5 years, I feel that this is the biggest change in our leadership. The first several years I served on the Board of Directors, I did just that, sit around and listen to one person. I am not blaming any single individual, it was the environment and culture of our Shrine, whereby the Potentate had exclusive authority. Our Imperial Leadership saw the detrimental affect of this attitude around Shrinedom and began issuing new rules/guidelines and amending the by laws to transition a "Divan" to a "Board of Directors". That plan has now been implemented and the current leadership has bought into this model. Let me tell you how effective it is to have elected leaders speaking openly to each other offering advice, suggestions, criticisms, those feelings that they have to better our fraternity without retribution or negative feedback. In the past, the all-mighty Potentate would not even listen to the "lesser" Divan members. It is no wonder that progress has been not only very slow in the past 20 years, but in decline.
Presently, you have to give credit to the new attitude with the new revitalization of the Shrine, our membership, our lady's involvement, and of course the increase in new members. I believe that it is a direct relationship. When our nobility see their elected leaders in agreement and united to better our organization, they are more inclined to participate.
Sorry for the rant, however, I truly believe in teamwork, and am proud that we have that now, more than ever.
Monday, November 1, 2010
Monday November 1, 2010
I am not even going to begin telling you my feelings about today being the first day of November (WOW!!!!!).
It appears that I spent most of October on the road, but a lot was accomplished.
This is a big week for the Shrine, we are conducting our Fall Ceremonial this Saturday and it appears we will have about 50 new members. I am excited over the prospects. Great, Great things are happening in the Shrine.
I spent most of the weekend at home, finally working outside getting things ready for winter. Put away all the deck furniture, that I believe we used a total of once this entire season, cut down some overgrown plants and trees and cleaned the garage.
We had 90+ kids come by for Halloween, a pretty average year. My Uncle stopped by with my 8 year old cousin, Mary, who was adorable. I cannot beleive how tall and beautiful she is, she looks at least 13. They also brought by our goddaughter, Mya, who was dressed up as a honeybee, how gorgeous. Our two neighbors and us got together afterwards for a potluck dinner, consisting of split pea soup, salad, pasty pie and cupcakes (with some great wine inbetween each course).
I will be at the Shrine Center most of this week preparing for the ceremonial.
My Wolverines have NO DEFENSE!!!!! It is so very frustrating. I am hesitant about Greg Robinson as our Defense Coordinator, and I know that these kids are mostly underclassmen, but come on, cover someone. We are in familiar territory, similiar to last year, but I hope we can pick up some wins and get to a good Bowl. Keeping the faith, GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!
It appears that I spent most of October on the road, but a lot was accomplished.
This is a big week for the Shrine, we are conducting our Fall Ceremonial this Saturday and it appears we will have about 50 new members. I am excited over the prospects. Great, Great things are happening in the Shrine.
I spent most of the weekend at home, finally working outside getting things ready for
We had 90+ kids come by for Halloween, a pretty average year. My Uncle stopped by with my 8 year old cousin, Mary, who was adorable. I cannot beleive how tall and beautiful she is, she looks at least 13. They also brought by our goddaughter, Mya, who was dressed up as a honeybee, how gorgeous. Our two neighbors and us got together afterwards for a potluck dinner, consisting of split pea soup, salad, pasty pie and cupcakes (with some great wine inbetween each course).
I will be at the Shrine Center most of this week preparing for the ceremonial.
My Wolverines have NO DEFENSE!!!!! It is so very frustrating. I am hesitant about Greg Robinson as our Defense Coordinator, and I know that these kids are mostly underclassmen, but come on, cover someone. We are in familiar territory, similiar to last year, but I hope we can pick up some wins and get to a good Bowl. Keeping the faith, GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!
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