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!!!!!!!!
Friday, November 12, 2010
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
