It has been a couple of weeks since the last post, and I hope that everyone had a Merry Christmas, spending time with family and friends.
Carrie and I had a blessed holiday season. We enjoyed an incredible dinner with our fellow Nobles/Ladies of the Board of Directors on Friday December 17 at "Roast" in the Cadillac-Book Hotel.
In previous years, there would be a member of the Board in charge of fining a couple of dollars here and there among the other Board members for not wearing eveything prescribed by the potentate. At the end of the year we would collect the monies and purchase a little trinket for our ladies.
I never really was excited about this and decided for at least one year, there would be no fines. However, at every official Board of Directors Meeting, each member would contribute $5, and the total would be used for a fine dining experience with our wives. Carrie and I dined at Roast, which is a Michael Symon (Iron Chef) restaurant, absolutely delicious with an incredible wine bar and over 60 microbrew beer specials.
We made reservations for the entire Board and our General Chairman and had a fantastic evening. Cost was not a factor, and although restaurant is on the higher end of fine dining, we ate everything and had a real good time. In retrospect, this is exactly how I view this year, having a good time with the majority of the Board of Directors. What a great team, who came together for the Shrine.
Since then we also had a little Office Staff Party on the last day of work, December 23. We usually shut the Shrine Office for the holidays. Our Office Staff has worked hard this year, especially with added responsibilities and we are so very grateful of their efforts.
I did get a couple of days off last week to enjoy the Christmas Holidays, and spent most of time with family. Carrie and I had my sister and brother over for dinner on Christmas Eve, then spent Christmas day with my mom.
This week will be slow, I am going to get down to the Shrine Center a couple of times to begin clearing out the Pote's office, boxing up my personal belongings, getting ready for the Installation on Jan 8.
I have one more Board Meeting next week, followed by a small gathering of the Pote's Staff, and that is IT!!!!!!
Time Flies, Life is Good, and the Shrine is ALIVE!!!!
Monday, December 27, 2010
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Tuesday December 14, 2010
No matter what the calendar says, it is officially winter in SE Michigan. the last 48 hours have been dreadful, which directly led to one of the poorest turnouts in Shrine election history. Only 149 Nobles were able to attend the Annual Elections, due to the severe driving conditions. However, those who braved the icy roads were welcomed by hot delicious pizza and camel's milk to warm them up while awaiting the beginning of the Elections.
I conducted a very brief business meeting and went directly into the Elections. This is the first election in 5 years that I was not running for any office, how do I feel? Relieved? Happy? Sad? I believe that I ran the gamut of emotions last night, however, predominantly Happy to see that new Oriental Guide will join a group of dedicated, unselfish, future Potentates of Moslem and continue the successes from this year.
If you were not aware, our Shrine Temple is one of a very, very few that actually elects an Oriental Guide, who has not been previously appointed to a non-voting Board of Directors (Divan) position. The Imperial By Laws call for 10 Board Members, along with Treasurer/Recorder. The top 5 Board members are the Potentate, Chief Rabban, Asst. Rabban, HP&P and O.G. These are the voting members of the Board, followed by the Appointed non-voting members which are the 1st and 2nd Ceremonial Masters, Marshall, Captain of the Guard and Outer Guard. Many Temples actually have this 10 year line, while the majority have somewhere inbetween. The usual guidelines tend to have the Potentate-elect appoint the lowest member of their line, and that person will have so many years to serve until he reaches the Oriental Guide office, whereby he must then be elected. At that point, after serving at least one year, and possibly up to 5 years, the membership will know whether he is worthy of being an elected leader, and also whether he would want to continue. Sometimes I feel that one of these methods would be better than running for Oriental Guide, it would eliminate electioneering and popularity contests. You may think that a Potentate-elect would just elect a friend, however, from the majority of my counterparts around Shrinedome, this choice becomes their legacy. Therefore, the burden of choosing a Noble that will one day become Potentate is not taken lightly and each Potentate usually reflects a long time prior to choosing. I know that if I had been given that responsibility, I would not be able to make a decision in a short period of time.
Enough of the lesson of the day. Moslem Shriners have a new Potentate-elect, and I cannot be happier. I am so proud of the upcoming future Potentates on the Board, they made me look good and I hope to return the favor by helping them in any manner.
This may be my last post for a while, we are entering the holiday period of the Shrine, awaiting the Installation of Officers on January 9, 2011. The Units and Clubs are ceasing their activities until the new year. I hope that all enjoy the holidays, proving them with the love of family and friends.
I hope that this Blog allowed a little glimpse into the time and commitment involved with being Potentate of Moslem Shriners. A lot beleive that it is all bells and whistles, that we just stand and receive accolades and enjoy unlimitless resources. I believe that is the major reason I wanted to begin this blog, to shed light on what the average day, week, and month holds for a Potentate. All in all, I believe that I have relayed the general life that a Potentate leads, the sacrifice of time to external sources, and the joy of perceived successes and sorrows of mistakes. Moslem Shriners is 130 years old and we have had 116 Potentates, out of tens of thousands of members throughout our history. That in itself is an amazing figure, but more importantly one that should provide a sense of pride in membership, honor to serve your organization and above all to teach the lesson that a Potentate serves only for one year, he serves as a Past Potentate the rest of his life. I cannot believe that 5 years have sped by in a blink of an eye. I re-examinied a list of goals that I wrote down while in "Shrine Camp" during the first months of my Oriental Guide year. I am proud to say that many of the goals took shape and succeeded in becoming reality. It is a different Shrine than 5 years ago, and if I had a little to do with assisting in our successful future, I am proud and thank the Supreme Architect with providing that bright light, that illuminated the path for me since my journey began.
Yours in the Faith
I conducted a very brief business meeting and went directly into the Elections. This is the first election in 5 years that I was not running for any office, how do I feel? Relieved? Happy? Sad? I believe that I ran the gamut of emotions last night, however, predominantly Happy to see that new Oriental Guide will join a group of dedicated, unselfish, future Potentates of Moslem and continue the successes from this year.
If you were not aware, our Shrine Temple is one of a very, very few that actually elects an Oriental Guide, who has not been previously appointed to a non-voting Board of Directors (Divan) position. The Imperial By Laws call for 10 Board Members, along with Treasurer/Recorder. The top 5 Board members are the Potentate, Chief Rabban, Asst. Rabban, HP&P and O.G. These are the voting members of the Board, followed by the Appointed non-voting members which are the 1st and 2nd Ceremonial Masters, Marshall, Captain of the Guard and Outer Guard. Many Temples actually have this 10 year line, while the majority have somewhere inbetween. The usual guidelines tend to have the Potentate-elect appoint the lowest member of their line, and that person will have so many years to serve until he reaches the Oriental Guide office, whereby he must then be elected. At that point, after serving at least one year, and possibly up to 5 years, the membership will know whether he is worthy of being an elected leader, and also whether he would want to continue. Sometimes I feel that one of these methods would be better than running for Oriental Guide, it would eliminate electioneering and popularity contests. You may think that a Potentate-elect would just elect a friend, however, from the majority of my counterparts around Shrinedome, this choice becomes their legacy. Therefore, the burden of choosing a Noble that will one day become Potentate is not taken lightly and each Potentate usually reflects a long time prior to choosing. I know that if I had been given that responsibility, I would not be able to make a decision in a short period of time.
Enough of the lesson of the day. Moslem Shriners have a new Potentate-elect, and I cannot be happier. I am so proud of the upcoming future Potentates on the Board, they made me look good and I hope to return the favor by helping them in any manner.
This may be my last post for a while, we are entering the holiday period of the Shrine, awaiting the Installation of Officers on January 9, 2011. The Units and Clubs are ceasing their activities until the new year. I hope that all enjoy the holidays, proving them with the love of family and friends.
I hope that this Blog allowed a little glimpse into the time and commitment involved with being Potentate of Moslem Shriners. A lot beleive that it is all bells and whistles, that we just stand and receive accolades and enjoy unlimitless resources. I believe that is the major reason I wanted to begin this blog, to shed light on what the average day, week, and month holds for a Potentate. All in all, I believe that I have relayed the general life that a Potentate leads, the sacrifice of time to external sources, and the joy of perceived successes and sorrows of mistakes. Moslem Shriners is 130 years old and we have had 116 Potentates, out of tens of thousands of members throughout our history. That in itself is an amazing figure, but more importantly one that should provide a sense of pride in membership, honor to serve your organization and above all to teach the lesson that a Potentate serves only for one year, he serves as a Past Potentate the rest of his life. I cannot believe that 5 years have sped by in a blink of an eye. I re-examinied a list of goals that I wrote down while in "Shrine Camp" during the first months of my Oriental Guide year. I am proud to say that many of the goals took shape and succeeded in becoming reality. It is a different Shrine than 5 years ago, and if I had a little to do with assisting in our successful future, I am proud and thank the Supreme Architect with providing that bright light, that illuminated the path for me since my journey began.
Yours in the Faith
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday December 12, 2010
I am sitting in the Potentate's Office watching all the snow. I just took a little break from our Child Care Christmas Party. We did things a little different this year in that we invited our patients and families along with our Child Care team. What a wonderful party. Of course the snow this morning provided a beautiful backdrop, but we are done with beauty, and it can stop anytime.
I have not posted anything in a few days, but I have been on the go for the last week.
Last Wednesday I attended the Past Potentate's Annual Dinner. They usually get together once a year in December to have dinner and socialize. There were 14 Past Potentate's in attendance, in addition to myself. After a very, very, very close vote, the Past Potentate's voted to have me join their group. The oldest PP is 86 years old and served in 1982, but still has a very sharp mind and I enjoyed talking to him and everyone else.
Yesterday was a very busy day. I attended the Blue Lodge installation of Walled Lake Lodge. The Worshipful Master is an active member of our Highlanders Unit and I thought it would be a good sign to have a representative from the Shrine in attendance. WM Rick's Dad, also a Shriner, was appointed the Chaplain of the Lodge, and I know how proud he is with seeing his son as WM. I know that it was a great moment when I saw my family members not only be raised as Masons, but when they progressed through the Lodge Officer lines, it was indeed a privelidge to witness.
Following the installation, I left Walled Lake and drove to Ray Township (thank the Great Architect for Google Maps) to attend the Installation of Officers for Utica-Macomb Lodge. The new Worshipful Master is also a Shriner and the lodge is a very Shrine-friendly lodge. It was standing room only and they conducted a very nice installation.
Well, Monday is almost upon us, the Annual Election of Shrine Officers. This will be first time in 6 years that I am not running for any position. I will conduct the meeting, and have a huge smile on my face. I am confident that the Nobles that will be elected will take whatever small improvements from this year and expand upon those ideas and make for a great 2011.
I cannot believe that the year is almost over. Jan. 9 is 27 days away and I am looking forward to seeing the future, and it is bright.
I have to go and get ready to shovel.
Much Love
I have not posted anything in a few days, but I have been on the go for the last week.
Last Wednesday I attended the Past Potentate's Annual Dinner. They usually get together once a year in December to have dinner and socialize. There were 14 Past Potentate's in attendance, in addition to myself. After a very, very, very close vote, the Past Potentate's voted to have me join their group. The oldest PP is 86 years old and served in 1982, but still has a very sharp mind and I enjoyed talking to him and everyone else.
Yesterday was a very busy day. I attended the Blue Lodge installation of Walled Lake Lodge. The Worshipful Master is an active member of our Highlanders Unit and I thought it would be a good sign to have a representative from the Shrine in attendance. WM Rick's Dad, also a Shriner, was appointed the Chaplain of the Lodge, and I know how proud he is with seeing his son as WM. I know that it was a great moment when I saw my family members not only be raised as Masons, but when they progressed through the Lodge Officer lines, it was indeed a privelidge to witness.
Following the installation, I left Walled Lake and drove to Ray Township (thank the Great Architect for Google Maps) to attend the Installation of Officers for Utica-Macomb Lodge. The new Worshipful Master is also a Shriner and the lodge is a very Shrine-friendly lodge. It was standing room only and they conducted a very nice installation.
Well, Monday is almost upon us, the Annual Election of Shrine Officers. This will be first time in 6 years that I am not running for any position. I will conduct the meeting, and have a huge smile on my face. I am confident that the Nobles that will be elected will take whatever small improvements from this year and expand upon those ideas and make for a great 2011.
I cannot believe that the year is almost over. Jan. 9 is 27 days away and I am looking forward to seeing the future, and it is bright.
I have to go and get ready to shovel.
Much Love
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Tuesday December 7, 2010
Last evening at our Shrine Center revealed how far we have come in the last 7 years of occupying our building. We had the Directors Staff, Lancers, Arab Patrol, Cycle Patrol and Clowns meeting. I believe there were close to 100 Nobles in attendance at one time or another. It was great to see all the Nobles in a very social and casual atmosphere. One of the goals I set for myself and the Shrine was to increase the participation of our members, making our Shrine Center the basis for coming together.
Anyone present last night would agree that we are well on our way. I should say that the Directors Staff had one new member in attendance, the Cycle Patrol had one new member present, the Lancers welcomed one new member, the Arab Patrol welcomed one new member and The Clowns saw one new member join their meeting, while another "joey" was learning how to put make up on for the first time. Once again, the Shrine is alive and well.
Of course today marks the 69th year following one of the most devastating acts of war against the United States of America. I know that we have members of the Shrine that fought in the European Theatre in WWII, but I do not know whether we have any that left for the Pacific following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Perhaps our Legion of Honor may take charge and attempt to collect data of our membership's service to our country. I will see what I can accomplish.
So far, no snow, yes it's cold, but as long as the snow is minimal I can tolerate a few months of cold weather.
Have a Great Day.
Anyone present last night would agree that we are well on our way. I should say that the Directors Staff had one new member in attendance, the Cycle Patrol had one new member present, the Lancers welcomed one new member, the Arab Patrol welcomed one new member and The Clowns saw one new member join their meeting, while another "joey" was learning how to put make up on for the first time. Once again, the Shrine is alive and well.
Of course today marks the 69th year following one of the most devastating acts of war against the United States of America. I know that we have members of the Shrine that fought in the European Theatre in WWII, but I do not know whether we have any that left for the Pacific following the attack on Pearl Harbor. Perhaps our Legion of Honor may take charge and attempt to collect data of our membership's service to our country. I will see what I can accomplish.
So far, no snow, yes it's cold, but as long as the snow is minimal I can tolerate a few months of cold weather.
Have a Great Day.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday December 6, 2010
If they say you are only as good as your latest project, I want you to know that the Shriners are GOOD, REAL GOOD!!!!!!!!
The Annual Shriners Holiday Party was held on Saturday at the Shrine Center. Over 320 Nobles, wives, family and friends were in attendance, and I could not be happier over the results. The entire team that worked hard the last several months created a unique event, held in our own home and set the bar for future events. I congratulate them all, especially my wife, Carrie, who envisioned an event and made it a reality.
The Holiday Party is usually the last event of the year, but thankfully we continue with the Shriners Festival of Lights, which is getting more popular every evening.
We are now one week away from the Annual Election of Officers, next Monday the Nobility will choose their leaders for the ensuing year. How important is it to elect a slate of officers that have committed themselves to be unselfish and work as a team for the betterment of our Shrine. I trust that our nobility has seen what teamwork accomplished this year and realize the importance of a cohesive group of men. I look forward to see our future set, and confident of the results.
This week remains busy. This evening I will be attending the Director's Staff X-Mas Party at the Shrine Center.
Tuesday afternoon will see a couple of meetings in the evening.
Wednesday: I have been invited to join the Past Potentates in their annual dinner, perhaps they will see it themselves to "vote" me into their august group.
Thursday and Friday are currently free, can you believe that.
However, Saturday is busy with two Lodge Installations that I will attend, one at Walled Lake Lodge, followed by Utica-Macomb Lodge. Two active Shriners are being installed as Worshipful Masters of these lodges, and I wanted to be able to support the beginning of their terms as Master.
Some Good News: The University of Michigan Wolverines Football Program are celebrating their return to a New Year's Day Bowl Game. The Mississippi State Bulldogs is our challenger in the Gator Bowl and I like the match up. I hate to see our fan base so divided about the future of our program, however, I am a believer in Rich Rod's vision and to finish the year with 8 wins and a bowl victory will alleviate some concerns. GO BLUE!!!!
I usually do not speak about other programs that I do not follow, however, I have to say that I believe that the Michigan State University Spartans were unfairly eliminated from participating in a BCS bowl game. They will settle with a match up against a coach who last took them past 10 wins, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide (ROLL TIDE!!!!). I am a fan of Saban and his success and have always been a fan of the Tide, so I am picking Alabama, because I believe that they are a better team.
However, is it not great to see three Big 10 teams in the BCS top 10 poll. I really beleive that the Big 10 can match up with any SEC team, the so-called elite conference in the NCAA. I am looking forward to the bowl games, there seems to be some real good match ups, but I still steadfast in my belief that a playoff system works better. Can anyone legitimilly argue that an unranked University of Connecticut football program deserve to be in a BCS game, are you kidding me!!!!!!!!!!
Here is to a good week.
The Annual Shriners Holiday Party was held on Saturday at the Shrine Center. Over 320 Nobles, wives, family and friends were in attendance, and I could not be happier over the results. The entire team that worked hard the last several months created a unique event, held in our own home and set the bar for future events. I congratulate them all, especially my wife, Carrie, who envisioned an event and made it a reality.
The Holiday Party is usually the last event of the year, but thankfully we continue with the Shriners Festival of Lights, which is getting more popular every evening.
We are now one week away from the Annual Election of Officers, next Monday the Nobility will choose their leaders for the ensuing year. How important is it to elect a slate of officers that have committed themselves to be unselfish and work as a team for the betterment of our Shrine. I trust that our nobility has seen what teamwork accomplished this year and realize the importance of a cohesive group of men. I look forward to see our future set, and confident of the results.
This week remains busy. This evening I will be attending the Director's Staff X-Mas Party at the Shrine Center.
Tuesday afternoon will see a couple of meetings in the evening.
Wednesday: I have been invited to join the Past Potentates in their annual dinner, perhaps they will see it themselves to "vote" me into their august group.
Thursday and Friday are currently free, can you believe that.
However, Saturday is busy with two Lodge Installations that I will attend, one at Walled Lake Lodge, followed by Utica-Macomb Lodge. Two active Shriners are being installed as Worshipful Masters of these lodges, and I wanted to be able to support the beginning of their terms as Master.
Some Good News: The University of Michigan Wolverines Football Program are celebrating their return to a New Year's Day Bowl Game. The Mississippi State Bulldogs is our challenger in the Gator Bowl and I like the match up. I hate to see our fan base so divided about the future of our program, however, I am a believer in Rich Rod's vision and to finish the year with 8 wins and a bowl victory will alleviate some concerns. GO BLUE!!!!
I usually do not speak about other programs that I do not follow, however, I have to say that I believe that the Michigan State University Spartans were unfairly eliminated from participating in a BCS bowl game. They will settle with a match up against a coach who last took them past 10 wins, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide (ROLL TIDE!!!!). I am a fan of Saban and his success and have always been a fan of the Tide, so I am picking Alabama, because I believe that they are a better team.
However, is it not great to see three Big 10 teams in the BCS top 10 poll. I really beleive that the Big 10 can match up with any SEC team, the so-called elite conference in the NCAA. I am looking forward to the bowl games, there seems to be some real good match ups, but I still steadfast in my belief that a playoff system works better. Can anyone legitimilly argue that an unranked University of Connecticut football program deserve to be in a BCS game, are you kidding me!!!!!!!!!!
Here is to a good week.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Thursday December 2, 2010
Did you see the title of this post, can you believe that it is December. We are 11 days away from the Elections of a New Potentate and less than 40 days away from the end of my tenure as Potentate.
Well it is definitely not going out like a lamb. This has been a very busy week. I spent Monday and Tuesday evenings at the Shrine Center in a couple of meetings. Last night I went down and manned the booth at the Shriners Festival of Lights Event at the Hazel Park Racetrack. I had a good time, I was surprised by the amount of cars and families attending on a Wednesday night in early December.
This evening I will be attending the Annual Christmas Party for the Past Masters and Reception Units at the Shrine Center. I have been attending this event for quite some time and it is a very nice night because I get to see some old friends from my previous Blue Lodge.
Did I forget to mention that we are 2 days away from the biggest Shrine Party of the year. Things are taking shape very nicely, and Carrie and I will be running errands Friday evening.
I am very excited by The Annual Holiday Party, the first in our Shrine Center, and I know our staff is ready to impress all in attendance.
It looks like we will have a little snow for the weekend, we are overdue, it has been very pleasant this fall.
The only sad part is that we are so busy and were out of town last weekend, that we will not have an opportunity to put up our Christmas Lights this year. I kept believing that I would have the time, but if it does happen it would not be for another couple of weekends and it is not worth it this year. Oh well, I just have to make up for it next year, bigger and better.
See you around.
Well it is definitely not going out like a lamb. This has been a very busy week. I spent Monday and Tuesday evenings at the Shrine Center in a couple of meetings. Last night I went down and manned the booth at the Shriners Festival of Lights Event at the Hazel Park Racetrack. I had a good time, I was surprised by the amount of cars and families attending on a Wednesday night in early December.
This evening I will be attending the Annual Christmas Party for the Past Masters and Reception Units at the Shrine Center. I have been attending this event for quite some time and it is a very nice night because I get to see some old friends from my previous Blue Lodge.
Did I forget to mention that we are 2 days away from the biggest Shrine Party of the year. Things are taking shape very nicely, and Carrie and I will be running errands Friday evening.
I am very excited by The Annual Holiday Party, the first in our Shrine Center, and I know our staff is ready to impress all in attendance.
It looks like we will have a little snow for the weekend, we are overdue, it has been very pleasant this fall.
The only sad part is that we are so busy and were out of town last weekend, that we will not have an opportunity to put up our Christmas Lights this year. I kept believing that I would have the time, but if it does happen it would not be for another couple of weekends and it is not worth it this year. Oh well, I just have to make up for it next year, bigger and better.
See you around.
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