Volume 26, No.2, May 2009 - Al Shamal Shriners

Al Shamal Shriners
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Volume 26, No. 2
May 2009
Meetings and Events
May 22 - 23, 2009
Spring Ceremonial
Athabasca, Alberta
Monday, June 1, 2009
Stated Business Meeting - 5:30 p.m.
General Meeting
Zem Zem - 6:00 p.m.
Dinner - 7:00 p.m.
Meeting - 8:00 p.m.
June 3 - 7, 2009
PNSA - Billings, Montana
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Circus / Auction Appreciation Evening
More details to follow
June 12 - 13, 2009
Grand Lodge - Camrose, Alberta
Saturday, June 27, 2009
BBQ, Dance & Bonfire
Shrine Centre
July 5 - 9, 2009
Imperial - San Antonio, Texas
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Family Picnic
Shrine Centre - 1:00 p.m.
August 7, 2009
Member Fun Night
Shrine Centre - 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Potentate’s Golf Tournament
Belvedere Golf and Country Club
Monday, September 8, 2009
Stated Business Meeting - 5:30 p.m.
General Meeting
Zem Zem - 6:00 p.m.
Dinner - 7:00 p.m.
Meeting - 8:00 p.m.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Ladies Night
Shrine Centre - 6:00 p.m.
Master Warrant Officer Adrian Birch and Emma Birch
with Potentate Barry Gogal
Sahida

“Sahida” a warm and friendly greeting
ELECTED DIVAN
Potentate Ill. Sir Barry Gogal
Chief Rabban Noble Jim Templeton
Assistant Rabban Noble Armand Nesdoly
High Priest and Prophet Noble Bob Thachuk
Oriental Guide Noble Larry Howard
Treasurer Noble Gary Willis
Recorder Noble Ian Skogstad
APPOINTED DIVAN
Director General Ill. Sir Doug Grant
Assistant Director General Ill. Sir Jack Watt
Marshal Noble Barrie Miller
Dir. Of Unif. Units Noble Mahlon Weir
Chaplain Noble Art Jones
Dir. Rit. Cast Noble Bob Cameron
1 st Ceremonial Master Noble Jim Forbes
2 nd Ceremonial Master Noble Bill Martin
Captain of the Guard Noble Ken Williams
Outer Guard Noble Chuck Smit
SHRINE CLUB PRESIDENTS
Al-Wa Noble William Crone
Battle River Noble Rick Forster
Edson Noble Brad Becker
Ft. McMurray Noble Wally Watts
Grande Prairie Noble Rod Barrand
Membership Chairman
Noble Neville Bush
Legal Counsel Noble Bob Matheson
Noble Iain Cameron
Auditor Noble Chris Cameron
Al Shamal Shriners
14510 142 Street
Edmonton AB T6V 1H9
Telephone: (780) 482-6065
Fax: (780) 488-4728
WEB Site http://www.alshamalshriners.org
e-mail shriners@telusplanet.net
Editor Noble Bob Cameron
e-mail bob_nina@telus.net
Photographer Noble Dale Christensen
Phone (780) 476-8492
e-mail daleac@telus.net
Public Relations Chairman Noble Randy Moore
Hospital Chairman Noble Darwin Harrison
Soccer Chairman Noble Godon Harris
This publication is devoted to promoting the best
interests of Al Shamal Shriners in particular and of the
A.A.O.N.M.S. in general together with those of the
Masonic Fraternity and all Affiliated Orders.
POTENTATE’S MESSAGE
Can you imagine, one quarter of the year
has already gone. What an exciting time it
has been for Al Shamal Shriners, Ladies and
the Masonic Family! We said we were going
to make some positive, fun changes this
year and the support we have been
provided has been outstanding.
We had a record attendance for our
February meeting which was devoted to
providing information to our members and
to set out the program for the year. We
rescheduled our Valentine’s Dinner Auction
to a Mother’s Day Dinner Auction, which will
take place on May 7 th , 2009 at the Shaw
Conference Centre. I had to change it due
to the early date set in February which
unfortunately didn’t give our members
enough time after Christmas to make the
function the success required.
Our March 2 nd meeting, again was a record attendance, with a stated business meeting
followed by a Masonic Family Evening which included all concordant bodies of the
fraternity. We had the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Alberta Most Worshipful
Brother John Hart and Lady Marilyn, Miss International Job’s Daughter, Megan
Semaniuk, Alberta Demolay Association Master Councillor, Neil Blue and myself
speaking after dinner with respect to our Masonic Family involvement. What a success!
At our stated business meeting in March our Nobility approved the purchase of a 15
passenger van, which has been approved by the Alberta Gaming Commission. We
intend on using the van in the promotion of the Shrine and Masonic Family in parades,
children and community involvement. We will be having Masons, Job’s Daughters and
Demolay members with us in the community parades this year throughout Northern
Alberta. We must all take our message to the communities and the public to show what
the World’s Greatest Fraternity and Philanthropy is all about! This is an area that I
believe is long overdue.
We had an outstanding Circus on March 20 th , 21 st and 22 nd . Record attendances,
record novelty sales and over 400 volunteers. Thank you to everyone for making this
event so successful. We continued with our tribute to and support for the Masonic
Family by having everyone involved in making this event the success it was. We will
provide the final details when we get them.
On April 6 th we had our monthly meeting paying tribute to Nobel Bill Trofimuk Emeritus.
This meeting set another record attendance for the month. What an outstanding
member of Al Shamal and the entire community! There were 13 organizations
represented to express their gratitude for this gentleman’s efforts and help.
Make sure you are all there for our May 4 th meeting as we will be having it jointly with
the Daughters of the Nile. It will be great.
As I mentioned our Mothers Day Dinner Auction is May 7 th . We need your HELP with
ticket sales and merchandise.
Get ready for our Spring Ceremonial in Athabasca on May 22 nd and 23 rd . We are
hoping for 40 to 50 candidates. Noble Noel Gauthier and Lady Isabel will be
recognized as the great Shrine family that they are. Register ASAP
before we get over booked. It will be the best ever with your
involvement!
I would like to thank you all. Over and out for now and I look forward to
your continued support.
Barry Gogal
Potentate, Al Shamal Shriners
“Catching Children’s Dreams”
2 Sahida

ROSTER UPDATES
Please check the website for the
most up to date information at
Sahida
www.alshamalshriners.org
SHRINERS ACTIVE IN
MASONIC LODGES
During the last 14 months I have visited over 40 Masonic Lodges
in Northern Alberta introducing the Brethren to the Shrine and in
particular Al Shamal Temple. While visiting these Lodges the
two frequent comments I have heard is: a person joins masonry
strictly to get into the Shrine and also once in the Shrine, a Noble
neglects his Lodge. I emphasize during my Shrine presentation
to the Lodges how I believe this to be a myth.
In fact during my travels I have found just the contrary where the
key personnel in our Masonic Lodges; i.e. the Secretary and the
Treasurer are frequently also Nobles in the Shrine. The best
example of this is my home Lodge, Gratton-Connaught #144 in
Irma. Our Lodge is not big in regards to numbers but of our
active members, over 80% are Shriners, which is well in excess of
the published facts that 24% of Masons are Shriners. And yes,
our long standing Secretary and Treasurer are both Nobles!
We are very proud of the various positions that are being held,
have been held and positions to be held by our small
membership. We have a serving District Deputy Grand Master in
Noble Bob Cameron, a serving Grand District Superintendent,
Royal Arch Mason in Noble Chuck Powell, soon to be Most
Excellent Companion, Royal Arch Mason in Noble Richard
Glasgow and also soon to be Grand Senior Deacon, Grand
Lodge of Alberta in the writer, Noble Illustrious Sir Doug Sharkey
as well as five Past District Deputy Grand Masters.
On a recent visit in April to Beaver Lodge in Castor I noticed
there were a total of nine visitors. Of these visitors, eight of them
were Shriners and 6 of them were wearing the blue apron of
either a District Deputy Grand Master or a Past District Deputy
Grand Master. This is another example of an active Mason being
a Shrine Mason. To the person that says “the only reason a
person wants to join the Masonic Lodge is so he can become a
Shriner”, well, all I can say is “BRING HIM ON” because we will
make him an active Mason.
I am proud to be a Shriner, however, I am prouder to be an active
Shrine Mason!
Doug Sharkey, Past Potentate
Al Shamal Membership Committee
RECORDER’S
RAMBLINGS
The 2009 Circus is now history. This year’s
attendance and novelty sales were
excellent. I want to again thank everyone
who assisted in the bank during the circus.
The final results will be released once the
remainder of outstanding expenses have
been received.
To the nobles who have not paid their 2009 dues, please
forward your payment as soon as possible. The Temple relies
on these dues to keep our organization going forward.
Our centre is quite busy with hall rentals and available dates are
slim pickings however, should you wish to reserve a date for a
meeting or whatever, please contact Denise Buhay at the office.
Please don’t make the assumption that the date will be
available, we need to know ahead of time who will be in the
facility.
The vehicle insurance pink cards are in. Please arrange for
someone from your unit to pick them up at the Shrine Centre.
Join us for lunch on Fridays for a great lunch and great
fellowship.
Ian Skogstad.
2009 Shrine Masonic Night
Illustrious Sir Barry with Miss International Job’s Daughter
Megan Semaniuk, M.W. Bro. John Hart and Master Councillor Neil Blue
3

4 Sahida

In Memoriam
Here are our departed Nobles who have made the Great
Pilgrimage across searing desert sands to the cool Oasis of
Eternal Life. These gentle men were our Friends and
Brethren and the void created by their leaving causes an
ache in our hearts that will not soon go away.
#556 Noble Robert Tredger July 9, 2007
#67 Ill. Sir Bill Boone March 30, 2009
#1206 Noble James Dudley April 10, 2009
#118 Noble Ernie Clark April 25, 2009
#54 Noble Norm McIver, P.G.M. May 4, 2009
HOSPITAL SICK & VISITING
COMMITTEE
Please Contact the Shrine Centre Office or Noble Bill
Trofimuk if you have knowledge of any Noble sick or
hospitalized.
Chairman Emeritus Noble Bill Trofimuk . . . . . 466-7971
Co-Chairman Noble Dr. Herbert DeloRey . . . 482-8924
Noble Walter Bouillon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425-9469
Ill. Sir Ari Hoeksema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421-7776
Noble John Fraser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478-4984
Noble Clayton Elliott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459-8006
Noble Bob Coates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 962-4963
Noble Bill Hite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459-6131
Noble Frank Dove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-2244
Noble John Pratt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436-7651
Noble Bill Harrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456-1612
Noble Fred Such . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430-7936
Noble Bob Disler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469-7188
The following long term members would appreciate a
visit from their Masonic or Shrine Brothers.
HAVE
YOU
OBTAINED A
NEW
MEMBER
Noble Alex Doull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alberta Hospital
Noble Bob Heron . . . . . . . . . . . Kipnes Veterans Centre
Noble Howard Cowan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jubilee Lodge
Noble Dr. Danny Scragg . . . . . Kipnes Veterans Centre
CUSTOM WHEELCHAIR PROJECT
How one of these . . .
Becomes one of these . . .
Little Victorya is challenged by a number of medical conditions. She requires a specially designed
wheelchair to enable her to be mobile. These types of chairs are custom-made and are very
expensive. Your donations of lowly drink can pull-tabs are converted into chairs like the one
Victorya is riding in today. When you drop off pull tabs at our Shrine Centre, they are channelled
through the Stony Plain Legion where eventually they are converted into the cash needed to
construct specialized wheelchairs.
In a letter from 10-year old Victorya, she states, “I would like to thank everyone for their love and support to make my life
easier and make my dreams even closer to reach.” If you are able, please help this worthwhile project by dropping your pull
tabs off at the Al Shamal Shrine office.
Noble Mahlon Weir
Sahida
5

PONOKA FIRE
TRUCK UNIT
On the 23rdof January our Unit hosted our
After Christmas Party. It was well attended
by our members and included Illustrious Sir
Barry Gogal and his Lady, Linda, as well as the Divan and their
Ladies. We want to thank everyone for making the evening
such a success.
Since the inception of the Ponoka Fire Truck Unit, Noble Bob
Ross and his Lady Doreen have presented a miniature Fire Truck
to the incoming Fire Chief. I want to thank them for continuing
with this tradition and also for honouring me with my own
personal truck.
Our real Fire Truck has four (4) new tires to get us safely to all our
events this year. We are also getting an overhaul of our starter.
Noble Eric Ostergard has volunteered to get this done and we all
know that it will be his son whowill responsible for doing the
mechanical work! The Ponoka Fire Department also donated a
Red Beacon and all we need now is for a volunteer to step
forward and mount the Beacon.
We have decided to change our After Christmas Party to a Start-
Up Party and it will be held on the 22ndof April 2009. The
Closing Party and installation of the new Steering Party with our
Ladies will be on the 28th of October 2009 in Ponoka. We will
announce the exact location at a later date.
Noble Phil Derksen, Fire Chief
Ponoka Fire Truck Unit
VINTAGE CARS
Vintage Cars have 8 members and 13 cars. We are planning to
go to Red Deer and meet the Vintage Car Boys from Calgary,
have Coffee and then drive home. We will keep you posted if we
go to their Show and Shrine in June.
That’s all for now.
Phil Derksen & Bob Ross
Yes!
I WANT TO BE A BOOSTER!
Show your support for our award winning
publication and become a Booster. For only $25.00
your name(s) will appear in every issue.
YES enclosed is my cheque, VISA, MASTERCARD
Card No.: Expiry Date:
Signature:
Noble’s Name:
Lady’s Name:
Proceeds from this Booster column will help to offset the
costs of printing and mailing the SAHIDA. Make
your cheque for $25.00 payable to Al Shamal Shriners,
14510 - 142nd Street, Edmonton, AB T6V 1H9.
SAHIDA SUPPORTERS
AFINDSEN, Lorne & Anne
ASHTON, Rene & Marie
BAJC, FrankBARNSLEY, Howard
& Wallie
BARTON, John & Carol
BELL, Alan & Alice
BEMBRIDGE, Stan & Marg
BENGTSON, Oscar & Olive
BENNETT, Edward
CAMERON, Bob
CHOMIN, Glenn & Jen
DEAN, Shirley
EDGAR, Jim & Jessie
FLOTTEN, Herman
FORBES, Jim & Carol
FUHR, Carl & Ellen
GOGAL, Barry & Linda
GOW, Bill
FULFORD, Ken & Patricia
HOGLE, Bruce & Gail
■
SILVER WINGS
$25. 00
JOHNSTON, Grace
KOCH, Murray & Karey
LEDIG, Michael & Deloris
McBURNEY, Doug & Jay
McCUAIG, John & Dorothy
McDONALD, Sharon
MORTER, Mort & Jean
MUDGE, Larry & Mary
NYROOS, Ray & Doreen
PEDDEN, Bernice M.
OSTROM, Ernest
SEARS, Gordon & Lenore
SHUMILAK, Rick & Bev
SKOGSTAD, Ian & Sandy
SMITH, Bob
SMITH, Doug
TEMPLETON, Jim & Laurie
THACHUK, Bob & Pat
WEIR, Mahlon & Eva
The Silver Wings enjoyed a fun evening on Feb. 7th - their
Valentines get together at Biffs Lounge - with a live auction and
a pool tournament along with a great meal put on by Tony and
staff. Our Circus outing went very well with 3 riders on Friday, 4
at both shows on Saturday and 3 on Sunday. We thoroughly
enjoyed working booth 5 and want to thank our volunteers for all
their help running the booth. Are focus is now on April 24th as
Silver Wings host T.G.I.F. and we look forward to the Leduc
parade ..... clear for take off .....
Wingers
6 Sahida

MASTER
MASON
Sahida
AL AMIRA TEMPLE
DAUGHTERS OF THE NILE
Congratulations to the Al Amira Temple 2009-10
Officers who were installed on March 15 and at
the April Stated Session:
Pat and Bob Thachuk, Wendy and Chris Batty
Queen Patricia Thachuk
Princess Royal Hilary Alexander
Princess Tirzah Barbara Thompson
Princess Badoura Victoria Scott
Princess Recorder Diana Nesdoly
Princess Banker Frances Peacock
Princess Marshal Tami Curnew
Princess Chaplain Sharon McDonald
Lady of the Keys Princess Patricia Fulford
Lady of Gates Princess Leona Jamieson
Princess Musician PQ Donna Kramer
Ladies in Waiting:
Princess Nydia Margaret Blue
Princess Zulieka Anastasia Boyd
Princess Zenobia Rosemary Townsend
Princess Zora Margaret Elliott
Princess Zuliema Judy Davis
Attendants:
Princess LaVerne Chartrand
Princess Karen Tomlinson
Other Appointments:
Canadian Flag Bearer Pr. Judy Jacobs
American Flag Bearer Pr. Marion Olyen
Temple Flag Bearer Pr. Tammy Muise
Lady of the Gong Princess Grace Johnston
SHRINER
LADIES
AUXILIARY
The circus was a great success this year, our
thanks to all who contributed their time and energy especially
Mary McHargue who organized the Ladies Auxiliary booth, and
Laverne Chartrand who organized the lost and found.
Our Fashion Show and Tea is early this year so you can find
out what the best dressed ladies will be wearing for summer
2009. Baskets have been prepared for the raffle, table
center pieces lovingly designed, delicious food made, come
and enjoy. Tickets for the event on April 25 th, from 1 to 3
pm, are only $15 and include entry for the door prize. Please
talk to Carol - 780-425-9469.
The Garage Sale last year was so successful another lady has
agreed to host it at 745 Estate Drive, Sherwood Park from
June 18 th to 20 th . Items may be dropped off there from June
15 th to 17 th .
A quick reminder for our members, it’s that time of year again –
please pay your $10 annual dues to Joy Leskewich and she will
give you a new membership contact book.
Shriners ladies who are interested in having fun and contributing
to the welfare of the Children in the Shriners Hospitals are
welcome to come to a general meeting on the 2 nd Wednesday
of the month at 1:30pm or to meet with one of the groups at
7pm the first Tuesday or 1pm the first Wednesday of the month.
JOYS OF
BEING AN EDITOR
Getting out a publication is no picnic
If we print jokes, people say we are silly;
If we don’t, we are too serious.
If we stick close to the office,
We ought to be around hustling material:
If we go out,
We should be on the job in the office.
If we don’t print contributions, we don’t appreciate genius;
And if we do, the paper is filled with junk!
If we edit the other fellow’s write-up, we’re too critical;
If we don’t we’re asleep.
If we clip items from other papers, we are too lazy;
If we don’t we’re stuck with our own stuff!
Now, likely as not, some will say we swiped this from another
magazine!*
*We Did!
Editor’s Pen
7

ARAB PATROL
The Arab Patrol members kept themselves quite
busy at the circus this year. We took over
attempting to control the floor for the animal rides
and that was a task in itself. There must be an
attraction to elephants as it seemed like everyone
wanted to have their children ride on the one lone elephant,
regardless of the length of the line-up! However, we were up to the
task and enjoyed our new responsibility.
Celebrating Pat Brown’s 85th Birthday
How should a Noble celebrate his 85thbirthday Well in the case
of our own Pat BROWN, how about working a bingo On the 16th
of April, the bingo caller at Castledown’s Bingo suspended play
and lead everyone in singing “Happy Birthday” to Pat and sharing
in his birthday cake! It was quite a surprise for Pat and shortly after
cutting the cake, he was back doing his job but he certainly was
wearing a big grin on his face for the remainder of the afternoon!
What are you doing for Mother’s Day this May 10th Have you
considered attending the Arab Patrol Mother’s Day Brunch at the
Shrine Centre We hope to see you there and tickets are available
at the Shrine office.
TLC UNIT
As we quickly approach the start of the
new parade year many TLC members are
starting to work on their riding units to
get them ready for the road. Oil and filter
changes, gas treatments, polish and
chrome cleaner are all being used to
make sure that everything works and looks its best. Of course,
we are always on the look out for new ways to add flashing
lights and sirens so that there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that
the TLC is approaching.
On the membership front, if all goes well we hope to have at least
one new riding member this summer. Rumour also has it that one
of our current members will be unveiling a shiny new souped-up unit
to fill out our fleet. Hopefully it will be ready to join us for PNSA in
Billings where we plan to have a number of units on parade.
At the recent Shrine Circus we had up to five riding units
available, and road worthy, for the opening of each
performance. They were joined by our four legged mascot
Dacota who proved to be a great hit with the children. On
behalf of Dacota a big thank you goes to Noble Trevor Morton
who dog-sat and acted as handler for the openings while Noble
Blair Hart filled out the Fez Head Fred costume. Special thanks
also go out to our Chief, Noble Neville Bush, and his entire crew
in the Novelty Room who worked so hard to ensure that all of the
novelty items were unpacked, inspected and made ready for sale
to our Circus guests. While it was a lot of work, it was also a lot
of fun. Another very special thank you goes to Nobles Doug and
Curtis Magas and their entire team at Table 1. They all did a
wonderful job of coordinating the delivery of stock to the sales
tables and the running of their own table at the main entrance.
It was a toss up as to who had the bigger smiles, the volunteers
or the children coming to the Circus.
Lastly, while you are thinking about it and it’s fresh in your minds,
grab a calendar and mark off the 26th of September. That’s the
date for the TLC’s PyrogyFest 09 being held at the Shrine
Center. We hope to have advance tickets available and once
they are we will let you know. Be sure to get yours early.
Jim Templeton, Noel Gauthier, Pat Brown,
Bob Cameron and Mahlon Weir
for next issue
COPY AND PICTURES
July 15, 2009
LADIES
WITHOUT
SHRINERS
These Ladies are asking for
assistance with everyone saving their
Campbell’s Labels. They are used
for the Campbell’s Labels for
Education program. Please contact
Marjorie Rudolph for further
information at 998-4239.
10 Sahida

A SHORT HISTORY
This is an article that was written by the late Noble Bill Caine who
was President of the Edmonton Shrine Club in 1966. He was ably
assisted by Noble Dan Widney who was at that time Captain of
the Arab Patrol and Chairman of the Edmonton Uniformed Units.
Noble Dan Widney is still active today and is a prominent and
well known member of the Patrol Arabs. This short history has
been published two times, first in the Koran of Al Azhar Temple
in 1966 and again in June of 1982 in the Edmonton Shrine Clubs
Newslitter. So, it is timely to again, some 27 years later, to inform
our newer Shrine / Masons about some of Norther Alberta
Shrinedoms past history.
The Edmonton Shrine Club, from a modest beginning in the year
1916, has progressed to what we like to believe is one of the
most active Clubs in Western Canada.
In 1916 there were about 40 members of the Shrine living in the
City of Edmonton and, with the blessings of Al Azhar Temple,
they formed themselves into a Club, to be known as the
Edmonton Shrine Club. This active group used to meet each
month and for many years met at the premises of the Edmonton
Club. Their big event each year was the Edmonton Shrine Club
Ball held at the Macdonald Hotel on March 17, and we are
informed that this was always a well attended affair, with people
clamoring for tickets to this grand event.
During the depression years, through a lack of finances common
to most everyone, the Edmonton Shrine Club had to curtail its
activities, but it continued to meet each month, although the
membership attendance at these meetings suffered somewhat.
In the year 1932 one of the original members of the Edmonton
Shrine Club was elevated to the highest office in the Temple, that
of Illustrious Potentate, this members being our own Noble Joe
Reed, who had joined the Shrine in 1912.
In 1938, another Edmonton Shrine Club Noble, this being Noble
Archie West, served as Illustrious Potentate of Al Azhar Temple,
followed by Noble H.R. Milner, who held the high office in 1944.
Up until this time, while the Club had been very active, they had
not been able to secure enough candidates to make a
Ceremonial financially possible, all Candidates being processed
through the Temple at Calgary. In 1946, through a concerted
effort by all of the Club, Edmonton was able to hold its own
Ceremonial, with 39 Candidates crossing the hot sands of the
desert. Since that date, Edmonton has been able to hold
Ceremonials at regular intervals.
In 1955, Dr. W.A. Henry of Lacombe, Alberta, and a member of
the Edmonton Shrine Club, became the fourth Illustrious
Potentate. Illustrious Sir Jim Long was the fifth Potentate of the
Al Azhar Temple to be elected from the Edmonton Club in 1958.
By 1951 the Club had grown in sufficient numbers to the point
where it was felt that we could possibly form one or two
Marching Units, and out of this was born the Oriental Band and
the Arab Patrol. Today, we have 75 members active in the
Oriental Band and a total of 65 members in the Patrol Band,
Flags and Marching Units.
As the years progressed, more Units were formed and we now
support a Greeter Unit comprised of 25 Nobles, the Directors
Staff with a membership of 30 Nobles, the Patrol Arabs with a
membership of 25 and a Clown Unit of 30 Nobles, the Motor
Patrol with 30 Nobles and Pipes and Drums with 35. Our total
Club membership as at December 31, 1981, was 575 Nobles,
and in order to keep all these Nobles active and interested we
needed to expand.
In 1961 the Oriental Band and the Marching Units travelled to
Miami, Florida, where they completed in the Marching Displays
at the Imperial Sessions of the Shrine. The Edmonton and
Calgary units were joined for this occasion and we were fortunate
enough to win first place for Al Azhar Temple, competing against
other Shrine Temples from all across the United States and
Canada. We were most proud of this accomplishment as Past
Illustrious Potentate M. Porter from Al Azhar Temple was being
installed as Imperial Potentate on this occasion.
In the year 1966, we saw yet another member of the Edmonton
Shrine Club holding the office of Potentate of Al Azhar Temple,
in the person of Illustrious Potentate Noble Al Ernst, he was one
of the original members of the Edmonton Marching Unit.
In the late seventies and early eighties we find that the
Edmonton Shrine Club seemingly taking a much more active
part in the operation of the Temple, in 1977 Illustrious Sir Bryce
Van Dusen, in 1980 Illustrious Sir Glenn Treacy and in 1982
Illustrious Sir Cy Ward, all of these Nobles, Past Presidents of the
Edmonton Shrine Clubs and all very excellent Potentates.
We look forward to the future with keen anticipation. We are
proud of the accomplishments of the past, and feel that we are
just starting to grow to that stature which will be ours in the years
to come.
P.S. Note that in almost 70 years 1916 – 1985 only nine Nobles
from the Edmonton Shrine Club ever became Potentate of
Al Azhar Shriners.
KANS
for KIDS
PLEASE BRING YOUR EMPTY
RECYCLABLE BEVERAGE
CONTAINERS TO THE SHRINE
CENTER. ALL PROCEEDS TO
LOCAL SHRINE ACTIVITIES AND
PROJECTS.
Sahida
11

CLOWNS
John “Teez” Fraser, Jack “Jjoops” Peacock
and Bob “Tacky” Thachukrecently returned
from Atlanta, Georgia after attending the
International Shrine Clown Association 2009
Mid-Winter meeting and competitions.
After just missing tornado warnings with hail
the size of baseballs and rain coming down
in buckets they settled in for some stiff
competition. Although their competition
success was not great, they enjoyed the
comraderyof other 60 or so clowns registered and the competition
itself by entering in all categories with the exception of the unit
skit. Teez placed in the top 5 for Auguste out of 14 competing.
Tacky, the farmer was so popular that he was invited to take part
in a Unit Skit with five other clowns. Jjoops was a real trouper and
managed to keep the pace clowning and socializing. There were
two highlights on the awards evening: 1) Our three clowns, Teez,
Jjoops and Tacky took 1st place for the 3-5 Man Skit with our
“Little Echo” skit, and 2) Teez received a Finalist Award for 2008
ISCA Clown of the Year.
Teez, Tacky and Jjoops
After another successful year of clowning for the young and old
at various functions we are looking forward to another busy year
of parades and other events.
As usual our clowns were in full form for the annual circus just
completed in Edmonton. Our meet and greet with the adults
and children prior to, at intermission and following the circus was
very much appreciated by both the Young and old in attendance.
We had many positive comments regarding our “Water Cooler”
skit this year and look forward to performing again next year.
~ MEMORIAM~
ILL. SIR BILL BOONE
BOONE, William (Bill)
September 25, 1938 - March
30, 2009 William (Bill) Boone
of St. Albert, passed away
Monday after a valiant battle
with cancer. Bill leaves to mourn
his spouse of thirty-nine years,
Jean; sons, Ronald (Debbie),
Howard (Jan), and daughter
Cynthia (Scott); and nine
grandchildren, Denise, Ryan,
Codie, Bradley, Courtney,
Melanie (Brad), Brandon, Krysta and Dawson; and one
great-grandchild, Daylan. He also leaves behind six
brothers and sisters, Sylvia Bugden, Rita (Terry)
Poulton and Ernest (Linda), of Newfoundland; Shirley
Grandy of Ft. McMurray; June (Stephan) Cooper and
Andrew (Teri) of Calgary. Predeceased by parents
Ernest and Julia Boone, his son Philip Coleman
Boone, and brother Thomas "Boyd". Bill was born in
Clarke's Beach, Newfoundland. At the age of 18 he
joined the R.C.A.F. as a Communications Technician
and retired as a Warrant Officer in the Canadian
Forces after 25 years of loyal service. During his
military career he served in Europe and with the
United Nations in the Middle East. After his
retirement he enjoyed raising rainbow trout for
stocking dugouts throughout Alberta. Bill was
actively involved in many organizations; Balmoral
Lodge, Past Master; Capital City Chapter R.A.M. First
Principal; Preceptory #46 K.T., Preceptor and Past
Provincial Prior for Alberta; Zohar Council (Cryptic
Rite) Past Thrice Illustrious Master and current Grand
Inspector General; York Rite College, Past Governor;
Taylor Conclave #5, Member Red Cross of
Constantine; Past Potentate of Al Shamal Shriners.
He was also a member of the Arab Patrol and Motor
Corps Units. We will always remember Bill for his
gregarious personality, his unique sense of humour,
his love for family and friends, masonic and shriner
associates. Rest in peace Bill, you will be sorely
missed. A Celebration of Bill's Life was held on
Saturday, April 4, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Al Shamal
Shrine Centre, 14510 - 142 Street, Edmonton, AB.
Memorial tributes in Bill's honour may be made
directly to the Patient Financial Assistance Fund, c/o
The Cross Cancer Clinic, 11560 University Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1Z2. Foster and McGarvey
~ St. Albert Funeral Home ~, 9 Muir Drive, St. Albert,
Alberta. 780-458-2222
12 Sahida

Shriners International Positions Itself
for Membership Growth
When people think of the Shriners
organization, they may think of
tradition and the trappings of a
136-year-old fraternity. “Modern”
and “contemporary” aren’t words that
come readily to mind in describing
the Shriners – at least it hasn’t been
the case in the past.
In the last year and a half, a
national marketing and branding
campaign has brought a new
awareness of Shriners Hospitals for
Children, the official philanthropy
of Shriners International, to millions
of people. Now it is the fraternity’s
turn. Shriners of North America,
henceforth known as Shriners
International, is embarking on an
effort to update its look and image,
and the media and general public are
taking notice.
Recently, the Chicago News-
Tribune noted the contemporary
approach the organization is using
to appeal to younger audiences,
citing the Justin Timberlake Shriners
Hospitals for Children Open, the
Las Vegas stop on the PGA TOUR.
The tournament garnered extensive
coverage from major media outlets,
including Fox News, CNN and
Entertainment Tonight, as well as
People, In Style and Las Vegas Golf
magazines.
Shriners International is now
utilizing the iconic fez as its logo
(replacing the scimitar, star and
crescent, which has been used since
1872) to modernize the look of
materials, and is developing strategies
to encourage younger members to
join the organization. The latter
includes partnering with college
fraternities to educate members about
Shriners International. In addition,
temples (chapters) are offering more
family-oriented activities.
Local Shriners are also being
encouraged to create interest groups,
or “units,” that appeal to younger
members. A unique example is
the “Wild Fez” Unit from Maskat
Shriners in Wichita Falls, Texas.
Members of this group, who
are mostly in their 20s and 30s,
raise money for their temple by
organizing an annual concert they
call “ShrineFest.” Units like the Wild
Fezzes are growing increasingly
popular and help the public learn
more about the Shriners fraternity.
These groups also help keep younger
members involved in the organization
and their communities.
The fraternity has also established
a presence within several social
media sites in an effort to engage
younger members and potential
members. Currently, the fraternity
manages a MySpace page at myspace.
com/shrinershq and can be found
on Twitter at twitter.com/shriners.
Participation in other sites, such as
Flickr, is in the works.
The decision to rename the
fraternity Shriners International
was made to more clearly reflect the
worldwide reach and relevance of the
Shriners organization, especially with
members in several countries hoping
to create new Shriners temples in the
near future. While the fraternity is
taking on a new look and attitude, the
mission of its philanthropy remains
the same: to continue to support
Shriners Hospitals for Children.
For information about joining
Al Shamal Shriners
• Visit www.alshamalshriners.org
• Email shriners@telus.net
• Call 780-482-6065
Sahida
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14 Sahida

Sahida
15

AL SHAMAL’S
MEMBERSHIP
TGIF
WHEN: On the 4th Friday of the month
June 26, 2009
TIME: 6:00 p.m.
Dinner, snacks and bar service
are available at a reasonable price
WHERE: Al Shamal Shrine Centre
Open to everybody
NO ADMISSION CHARGE
Nobles, Ladies, Masons
& Our Friends
16 Sahida