2011!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
Happy New Years to everyone, Carrie and I were very low key this weekend.
I did perform one of the final acts as Potentate yesterday when I, along with several members of the Board of Directors, attended the Installation of the Board of Directors of Elf Khurafeh Shriners, our neighbors to the North. They had their installation in Clio, just off of I-75 in Clio, MI.
It was a very nice ceremony, and since the new Potentate likes the color red, every officer wore a dark red tuxedo shirt. I thought that it looked very nice. We share a very close relationship with the Nobles of Elf Khurafeh Shriners, and it was good to be in attendance. Last year we both had our installations on the same day and could not attend their ceremony. There will be large contingent attending our Installation this weekend.
Speaking of which, I am now on the clock, T minus 6 days until my term as Potentate is officially completed. It is a bittersweet feeling. I have tremendously enjoyed serving as a leader of this wonderful organization. I am so proud of all those Nobles who stepped up to the plate and volunteered their time and efforts to the improvement of our beloved Shrine. Carrie and I have been reviewing the events of the last year, and we are so elated over the outcomes. I look back 5 years ago after the completion of my Oriental Guide year, I had written down a list of goals I wanted to attempt to accomplish. In review, the only thing I did not assist in accomplishing is creating a Telemedicine program at Moslem for our patients. However, we are on that path, and the Potentate-elect is very committed to bringing this technology to our Shrine Center and ensuring we maintain and improve the quality of care to our children.
6 days, but we are not done. I will conduct my last Board of Directors meeting this afternoon, and then break out a very special treat for my fellow BoD's. On Thursday we will be having a little appreciation event for all the Event Chairman (i.e. Staff) who really made 2010 a special year.
The office is cleaned out, we have boxes of memorabilia all over the living room, trying to figure out what to do and where to display the items.
Enjoy the week, and I believe that our 3rd Annual Installation of Officers to be held this weekend will be the best yet, and Carrie and I are going to enjoy being on the sidelines applauding the new Officers that will lead our organization into the future.
One note: 5 years ago, I was the only member of the Board of Directors that was employed, the other members all retired. The most often criticism I heard about my being a candidate is that I still work and would not have time. Although, there were many Past Potentates that assured me that in the past, the entire Board used to work and take care of the business of the Temple during the evening, so I should not listen to this criticism. I do not know whether I had anything to do with the type of Nobles that comprise the 2011 Board of Directors, however, 5 of the 7 either own a business or are employed. What a turnaround. I am so happy that the Nobility understand that retirement is not a pre-requisite to serving as a leader of our organization.
The other big news of the week is the embarrassing loss by my beloved Wolverines. I know that everyone in the media, who created this story from the beginning, are calling for the firing of the current coach and his staff. I am not convinced he should be let go, he has a plan, he has a very young team, and we cannot afford to begin anew, especially with the Big Red of Cornhusker Country coming into our division next season. One of the news pieces they are talking about is the top ranked all round running back stating he is thinking about changing his commitment from Michigan to 'Bama, and that enough reason to get rid of Rich Rod. What they are not saying is that Rich Rod is the person who got this kid to commit in the first place, it is the Media that is forcing this kid to rethink his choice. No matter what, I bleed Maize and Blue, this past weekend a little more than usual, but I do not believe that Rich Rod should be let go. I would like to see what the progress of the 8 defensive starting underclassmen next season. Next year is a good year for Michigan, both Nebraska and Ohio State are home games, I dread thinking that an entire new staff would come in and begin again, it is hauntingly very similar to what Notre Dame has done the last 20 years, and we are not the Irish!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, January 3, 2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
December 27, 2010
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!!!!
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!!!!
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.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday November 29, 2010
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
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
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!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Monday Oct. 25, 2010
I just returned from Fargo, ND attending the annual convention of SCAFRA (Shrine Circus and Fundraising Association). First of all, Fargo is the flattest city in the world and the infamous river that crested over 47 feet a couple of years ago, in its normal state, is about 10 feet wide. Fargo is a quaint town, which means pretty uneventful. I asked what I had to see before I left and I was told the Roger Maris Museum. As I hate the Damn Yankees, I passed on this shrine to a mediocre ball player.
Anyway, there were a couple of presentations that gave me some ideas for future fundraising projects for our shrine center. I am going to talk to the board members and perhaps assist in conducting at least one.
I am now back in the place I love, I have been out of town 10 of the last 14 days, and on 6 planes. I am done traveling for a while.
Unfortunately, our Shrine family has lost a couple of loved ones, while some others have suffered serious injuries. They are all in our thoughts.
I have had to adjust this weeks schedule slightly due to funeral visitations, but basically we are in the final stages of organizing the Fall Ceremonial, and getting ready for the Annual Holiday Party.
It is almost Halloween, which is one of my favorite events. I have passed out the large candy bars since I purchased my house, and I love seeing the smile on the kid's faces when they get to choose.
The World Series begin Wednesday and how happy am I that the Yankees are watching from home, YEAH!!!! I expect a very good series, and cannot wait to see Lincecum pitch game one. I am indifferent as to the winner, just want some good games.
My Wolverines are going to try to recover this Saturday Evening in Happy Valley. Although they have a good history against Penn State, it is going to be prime time in happy valley, and the weather can always play havoc in that part of the country. Yet, I still plug away, GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Anyway, there were a couple of presentations that gave me some ideas for future fundraising projects for our shrine center. I am going to talk to the board members and perhaps assist in conducting at least one.
I am now back in the place I love, I have been out of town 10 of the last 14 days, and on 6 planes. I am done traveling for a while.
Unfortunately, our Shrine family has lost a couple of loved ones, while some others have suffered serious injuries. They are all in our thoughts.
I have had to adjust this weeks schedule slightly due to funeral visitations, but basically we are in the final stages of organizing the Fall Ceremonial, and getting ready for the Annual Holiday Party.
It is almost Halloween, which is one of my favorite events. I have passed out the large candy bars since I purchased my house, and I love seeing the smile on the kid's faces when they get to choose.
The World Series begin Wednesday and how happy am I that the Yankees are watching from home, YEAH!!!! I expect a very good series, and cannot wait to see Lincecum pitch game one. I am indifferent as to the winner, just want some good games.
My Wolverines are going to try to recover this Saturday Evening in Happy Valley. Although they have a good history against Penn State, it is going to be prime time in happy valley, and the weather can always play havoc in that part of the country. Yet, I still plug away, GO BLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Monday October 18, 2010
I know that it has been almost a week since my last blog. I took a little time away from the Shrine to travel to Los Angeles and attend my cousin's wedding over the weekend. Carrie did not travel with me, but she did go to the Oktoberfest party and stated what a great time she had, and all the people. Once again it is proven that affordable, casual social functions will bring our membership together, and only strengthen our bonds. It puts a smile most of the faces of the Board to see this occurr.
It was not a totally shrine-free weekend. I did get a tour of the Al Malikah Shriner Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles, This is the famous auditorium that used to host the Academy Awards. It seats over 6000 people and is beautiful. The temple also a has an entire floor dedicated to a historical museum, that is partitioned into about 15 time periods, exhibiting incredible memorable, uniforms and other prized possessions.
I also had the honor of having breakfast on Sunday morning with 7 members of the Awesome "A" Shrine Club of Al Malikah. This club is the largest club of the Los Angeles area and is comprised of Nobles of middle eastern background. The Illustrious Potentate from Minneapolis, MN, who I met during our travels is also of middle eastern heritage, and told them about my heritage. They contacted me about a month ago and we were able to set up a little get together. It was a very nice gathering, and I had some incredible discussion about Masonry, Shriners and all things fraternal. It is is great to see the fraternity thriving in other areas.
I finally got home about 1:30 A.M. this morning, slept a little and am going over to the Shrine Center this afternoon to hop on the Shrine Coach and attend the Annual Branch County Amish Dinner in Coldwater, MI (perhaps I will get some rest on the coach).
This week is another travel week. I am attending the annual convention of SCAFRA (the Shrine Circus and Fundraising Association). Many Noble have asked what I am planning on doing in the future. I think that some of my talents may lie in the fundraising portion of the fraternity, in order to increase revenues and publicity within the public and decreasing the financial burden on our membership. I hope that I will find some ways to improve our fundraising at this conference.
If you do not hear from me, do not fear, I will be living it up in beautiful, upper 50's and partially sunny Fargo, North Dakota.
MJD
It was not a totally shrine-free weekend. I did get a tour of the Al Malikah Shriner Auditorium in downtown Los Angeles, This is the famous auditorium that used to host the Academy Awards. It seats over 6000 people and is beautiful. The temple also a has an entire floor dedicated to a historical museum, that is partitioned into about 15 time periods, exhibiting incredible memorable, uniforms and other prized possessions.
I also had the honor of having breakfast on Sunday morning with 7 members of the Awesome "A" Shrine Club of Al Malikah. This club is the largest club of the Los Angeles area and is comprised of Nobles of middle eastern background. The Illustrious Potentate from Minneapolis, MN, who I met during our travels is also of middle eastern heritage, and told them about my heritage. They contacted me about a month ago and we were able to set up a little get together. It was a very nice gathering, and I had some incredible discussion about Masonry, Shriners and all things fraternal. It is is great to see the fraternity thriving in other areas.
I finally got home about 1:30 A.M. this morning, slept a little and am going over to the Shrine Center this afternoon to hop on the Shrine Coach and attend the Annual Branch County Amish Dinner in Coldwater, MI (perhaps I will get some rest on the coach).
This week is another travel week. I am attending the annual convention of SCAFRA (the Shrine Circus and Fundraising Association). Many Noble have asked what I am planning on doing in the future. I think that some of my talents may lie in the fundraising portion of the fraternity, in order to increase revenues and publicity within the public and decreasing the financial burden on our membership. I hope that I will find some ways to improve our fundraising at this conference.
If you do not hear from me, do not fear, I will be living it up in beautiful, upper 50's and partially sunny Fargo, North Dakota.
MJD
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday October 12, 2010
Well the last week went by really, really fast (of course except for the 4 hour period of hell on Saturday afternoon).
I have had a few meetings at the Shrine Center, however, in general it appears that the major remaining events for the year are being covered by the Event Chairmen, and life is running pretty smoothly. The Units are back in full gear until the Fall Ceremonial and it is good to see all the guys back at the Shrine Center.
I was at the Shrine Center last night for Divan Photos. I took my official photo that will eventually be placed on the wall of Past Potentates. I seriously cannot beleve the year is almost complete.
I am really looking forward to see how the nobility and their wives/ladies appreciate this weekend's Oktoberfest. We are having german food, camel's milk and a German band. It is one more affordable, fun-filled social event that many of us beleive is one of the things the Shrine has lacked the last several years.
So far, between the two poker progressives, the Oktoberfest, and next month's annual Trivia Night, we are convinced we are providing our membership with a manner in which to bond with each other and bring the fraternal brotherhood back into the fold.
I also attended the Director's Staff meeting last night, and I am confident that they will be well prepared to introduce our new Nobles into the Shrine during the upcoming Fall Ceremonial.
We are also continuing talks with a possible month long fundraiser during the holidays. If this comes to fruition it will possibly be a long term event and I hope to bring you the news in the near future.
For now, enjoy the beautiful weather, the fall colors and have a cup of fresh apple cider.
Enjoy
Mike
I have had a few meetings at the Shrine Center, however, in general it appears that the major remaining events for the year are being covered by the Event Chairmen, and life is running pretty smoothly. The Units are back in full gear until the Fall Ceremonial and it is good to see all the guys back at the Shrine Center.
I was at the Shrine Center last night for Divan Photos. I took my official photo that will eventually be placed on the wall of Past Potentates. I seriously cannot beleve the year is almost complete.
I am really looking forward to see how the nobility and their wives/ladies appreciate this weekend's Oktoberfest. We are having german food, camel's milk and a German band. It is one more affordable, fun-filled social event that many of us beleive is one of the things the Shrine has lacked the last several years.
So far, between the two poker progressives, the Oktoberfest, and next month's annual Trivia Night, we are convinced we are providing our membership with a manner in which to bond with each other and bring the fraternal brotherhood back into the fold.
I also attended the Director's Staff meeting last night, and I am confident that they will be well prepared to introduce our new Nobles into the Shrine during the upcoming Fall Ceremonial.
We are also continuing talks with a possible month long fundraiser during the holidays. If this comes to fruition it will possibly be a long term event and I hope to bring you the news in the near future.
For now, enjoy the beautiful weather, the fall colors and have a cup of fresh apple cider.
Enjoy
Mike
Monday, October 4, 2010
Monday October 4, 2010
"The weekend in review" - Some Good News, Some Better News, and some challenges
Friday night was a pre-birthday evening with my lovely and talented bride. We cleaned the house, did some shopping and went out to dinner.
Saturday morning was very relaxing. We did go visit my sister to get some delicious chocolate desserts for the evening's Poker Progressive Party.
We watched the first half of the Michigan game (GO BLUE!!!!) and then went to the Shrine Center. This was the 2nd Poker Progressive Party of the year. We had about 5 Unit Rooms open, and over 150 People in attendance. We saw a 100% increase in participation and everything went back in prizes and unit participation. Great food, Great commradarie, great music, GREAT NIGHT. We left around 11:30 P.M. and there were still people partying. This type of affordable, casual fun-filled event is exactly what the Shrine needs in order to bring people our membership out to bond and increase interest. I believe that we have proven that there is a large part of our membership that wants more events like this, where there is no pressure to purchase expensive tickets, wear formal attire, or attend boring meetings. There are other opportunities to do all that, and there is a need for those type of events. However, in order to survive and flourish you have to provide a reason why our members should come out, along with their wives and friends and enjoy themselves. I am so proud of our Chairman of this event and his wife for organizing a successful event. I am grateful to my wife and her co-general chairlady for bringing this event to our attention. If you missed it, I believe that there will be more next year, keep your eyes open.
Sunday: "Challenges" we were about to leave the house to meet Carrie's family, to celebrate her birthday weekend, when I heard her say, in a very loud manner, that the dryer was on fire, then the fire alarm went off. I ran into the laundry room and saw smoke coming out of the bottom of the dryer. I grabbed the fire extinguisher off the wall and went to work. There were no flames, but a lot of smoke and heat. We unplugged everything and removed the dryer from the house. We decided that since the dryer was over 11 years old, it was probably worth looking at a new dryer. We ended up with a great deal at a local depot that sells home products and after a couple of hours of connnecting new gas lines, cleaning out the vents and testing the new dryer, we finally were able to relax. (From the wife: There were flames. I saw them. And I quickly ran away from them-- thinking to myself: This is a job for the Potentate!).
I have to tell you, Carrie and I handled the situation very well, knew what to do and accomplished a lot on a Sunday afternoon. Of course, we bought another fire extinguisher and changed the batteries in the fire alarms. We feel very lucky, because we always run the washer and dryer and leave the house on errands/events. If we left, as we were planning, we can only imagine what may have happenned.
We know that our Treasurer's son's family had a similiar trajedy this weekend, involving their dishwasher, with more extreme damages and some hospitilazation, however, thank the Supreme Architect that everyone turned out to be well, eventhough the house was damaged. Weekend lessons: have Fire alarms, change their batteries regularly, have fire extinguishers, and make sure you have insurance.
Ready for the week.
Friday night was a pre-birthday evening with my lovely and talented bride. We cleaned the house, did some shopping and went out to dinner.
Saturday morning was very relaxing. We did go visit my sister to get some delicious chocolate desserts for the evening's Poker Progressive Party.
We watched the first half of the Michigan game (GO BLUE!!!!) and then went to the Shrine Center. This was the 2nd Poker Progressive Party of the year. We had about 5 Unit Rooms open, and over 150 People in attendance. We saw a 100% increase in participation and everything went back in prizes and unit participation. Great food, Great commradarie, great music, GREAT NIGHT. We left around 11:30 P.M. and there were still people partying. This type of affordable, casual fun-filled event is exactly what the Shrine needs in order to bring people our membership out to bond and increase interest. I believe that we have proven that there is a large part of our membership that wants more events like this, where there is no pressure to purchase expensive tickets, wear formal attire, or attend boring meetings. There are other opportunities to do all that, and there is a need for those type of events. However, in order to survive and flourish you have to provide a reason why our members should come out, along with their wives and friends and enjoy themselves. I am so proud of our Chairman of this event and his wife for organizing a successful event. I am grateful to my wife and her co-general chairlady for bringing this event to our attention. If you missed it, I believe that there will be more next year, keep your eyes open.
Sunday: "Challenges" we were about to leave the house to meet Carrie's family, to celebrate her birthday weekend, when I heard her say, in a very loud manner, that the dryer was on fire, then the fire alarm went off. I ran into the laundry room and saw smoke coming out of the bottom of the dryer. I grabbed the fire extinguisher off the wall and went to work. There were no flames, but a lot of smoke and heat. We unplugged everything and removed the dryer from the house. We decided that since the dryer was over 11 years old, it was probably worth looking at a new dryer. We ended up with a great deal at a local depot that sells home products and after a couple of hours of connnecting new gas lines, cleaning out the vents and testing the new dryer, we finally were able to relax. (From the wife: There were flames. I saw them. And I quickly ran away from them-- thinking to myself: This is a job for the Potentate!).
I have to tell you, Carrie and I handled the situation very well, knew what to do and accomplished a lot on a Sunday afternoon. Of course, we bought another fire extinguisher and changed the batteries in the fire alarms. We feel very lucky, because we always run the washer and dryer and leave the house on errands/events. If we left, as we were planning, we can only imagine what may have happenned.
We know that our Treasurer's son's family had a similiar trajedy this weekend, involving their dishwasher, with more extreme damages and some hospitilazation, however, thank the Supreme Architect that everyone turned out to be well, eventhough the house was damaged. Weekend lessons: have Fire alarms, change their batteries regularly, have fire extinguishers, and make sure you have insurance.
Ready for the week.
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