Volume 28, No.3, September 2011 - Al Shamal Shriners

Al Shamal ShrinersEdmonton, Alberta, CanadaSeptember 2011 Vol. 28 No. 3Events& MeetingsTuesday, September 6, 2011Stated Business MeetingBiff’s Lounge 5:30 pmAl Shamal Ladies Night, Shrine CentreCocktails 6:00 pm. Dinner 7:00 pmTickets $30.00 per personFriday, September 23, 2011TGIF 6:30 pm, Biff’s LoungeSeptember 30 - October 1, 2011Fall CeremonialCommunity Hall, Stettler, ABHonouringNoble Ken White and Lady JoyceMonday, October 3, 2011Dinner Meeting, Shrine CentreZem Zem 6:00 pmDinner 7:00 pmMeeting 8:00 pmFriday, October 28, 2011TGIF 6:30 pm, Biff’s LoungeMonday, November 7, 2011Dinner Meeting, Shrine CentreZem Zem 6:00 pmDinner 7:00 pmMeeting 8:00 pmNoble Ken and Lady Joyce White

sahida“Shid ” a warm and friendly greetingElected DivanPotentate Ill. Sir Armond NesdolyChief Rabban Noble Bob ThachukAssistant Rabban Noble Larry HowardHigh Priest and Prophet Noble Grant GeldartOriental Guide Noble James ButlinTreasurer Noble Francis DrydenRecorder Noble Gary WillisAppointed DivanDirector General Ill. Sir Doug GrantAssistant Director General Ill. Sir Jack WattParade Marshal Noble Barrie MillerDirector Of Uniform Units Noble Greg ChartrandChaplain Noble Bob CoatesDir. Rit. Cast Noble Bob Cameron1 st Ceremonial Master Noble Jim Forbes2 nd Ceremonial Master Noble Bill MartinCaptain of the Guard Noble Dwayne JohnsonOuter Guard Noble Tony LinchetImperial AppointmentsImperial Public Relations Director Ill Sir Bruce HogleCanadian Shriners Hospital Board of Director Ill Sir J. TempletonShrine Club PresidentsAl-Wa Noble Howard BarnsleyBattle River Noble Bob SmithNorthern Lights Noble Tony LinchetFt. McMurray Noble Ted SaundersonGrande Prairie Noble Rod BarrandMembership Chairman Noble Neville BushPhotographer Noble Don AndersonHospital Chairman Noble Darwin HarrisonLegal Counsel Noble Iain CameronAuditor Noble Chris CameronAl Shamal Shriners14511 142 Street NW, Edmonton AB T6V 1H9Telephone: (780) 482-6065 Fax: (780) 488-4728WEB Site http://www.alshamalshriners.orge-mail shriners@telus.netEditor Noble John Frasere-mail jjfraser@telus.netThis publication is devoted to promoting the best interests of Al Shamal Shriners inparticular and of the A.A.O.N.M.S. in general together with those of the MasonicFraternity and all Affiliated Orders.Potentate’s MessageGreetings! On behalf of your Divan, we hope that your Spring andSummer months have been enjoyable, relaxing and healthy.With the exception of MotherNature’s decision to provide excessiverains this Spring, maintenance andimprovements have been progressingat our Shrine Centre. Many thanks goto Noble Ken Williams and ourbuilding committee for a job welldone and for averting a flood disaster,without building an ark!With their usual high standards andcapabilities, Ill Sir Doug Sharkey andLady Gloria, together with their manydedicated volunteers, restored theShrine Centre flower beds, plantednew flowers, trimmed trees and laiddecorative stone. All their hard workhas made our building a home to take pride in!! It is noticed andappreciated by all members. Thank you!The Imperial Sessions in Denver, from July 3rd to the 7th, were veryinformative. Our fraternity was extended to the Europeancontinent, when Germany was granted its charter and a secondapplication for a new temple was received from the Philippines. Acomplete report on the proceedings and motions passed/rejectedwill be presented at our September 6th Stated Business Meeting.Our Annual Family Picnic on July 17th was well attended by bothShrine and Patient families, with a grand time had by all. “HatsOff” to our Oriental Guide Noble Jim Butlin and his manyvolunteers for the organization and success of this event.The Golf Tournament – Fund Raiser held at Belvedere Golf andCountry Club, on August 10th, was a great success. Noble DavidRose, his committee and volunteers did an outstanding job oforganizing a truly entertaining day. All attendees left that day witha smile on their faces and promises to return again next year.Many thanks are extended to all the individuals and companieswho came forth with their generous donations.Finally, thank you to all the units for your participation and supportof the various parades and “move-outs” throughout thecommunities of Northern Alberta, this season. As Potentate, Ireceive many of the compliments, “Thank You” and expressionsof appreciation from the representatives and citizens of thecontinued on page 3page 2 September 2011

sahidaRecorder’s RamblingsThe summer months or the short day months at the Shrine Centerare here, well some would say so. It didn’t start that way for me. July1st Larry Howard, Ross Cyr, several of the ShrineClowns and I joined the Northern Lights Shrine Clubin Drayton Valley for their Canada Day Parade.The parade route was lined from start to finish with avery enthusiastic crowd viewing the assortment ofentries. The Shrine contingent was well representedand supported, with many of the spectators chanting“Thank you for all you do for our children”. Thespectator support makes me proud to be a Shriner.With this said, I encourage all Shriners new, young and the aged tocome out to the parades. You don’t have to belong to a Unit to rideon a float. The visibility of the Fez helps to remind people of ourphilanthropy.Now back to the reception after the parade. The Masonic Lodge wasopened and everyone was invited back for some tasty burgers and apop. Thank you, Drayton Valley Masons for your hospitality.It’s back home, pack and sleep fast for our trip to the Imperial Sessionsin Denver. This year Illustrious Sir Armond Nesdoly is President ofCAST (Canadian Association of Shrine Temples) and therefore had thepleasure of hosting the CAST Breakfast. He also had the task ofdelegating the workload of arranging the invitations for this event.Thanks to Denise Buhay, this was handled in a most efficient manner.She sent out letters and registrations to all the Canadian Temples,revised the registration form, created tickets and coordinated theseating and headcount for the caterer in Denver; just try that whenyou are hundreds of miles away. And guess what? It all worked outto within one head count.Canada Post didn’t do us any favours, so the inevitable happened.Nobles showed up without tickets, but we had that covered. We hada master list which served as backup. Thanks to Noble Larry Howardfor helping me in the foyer to the room and my wife for keeping mycoffee cup full. He almost missed a meal and I heard about it allweekend. Everyone found a seat and an extra chair was found for aguest of the Imperial Sir George Wilson.The Canadian Ladies were a great help. They looked after decoratingand putting the finishing touches on the decorations for the CASTbreakfast. It was an early morning for them and their help was muchappreciated.For me, I did miss the breakfast as I was off to the Recorders’ Meeting,but did get a muffin and a coffee. Being my first time at these sessions,I was like a sponge trying to soak up everything that was provided.Thanks to the Nobles who attended these sessions. They mentoredme well. They did some tasks for me that I didn’t know I should do.The sessions themselves were exciting and interesting. You don’trealise what the operation of our philanthropy does. Even the bigguys get disciplined, which is something I don’t think we will see veryoften. I managed to take in most all of the sessions and thoroughlyenjoyed them. Don’t let anyone tell you that because you don’t havea vote it isn’t worth it. It is.Back on home turf; who said the summer months were quiet. Theoffice has been jumping with Gaming requests, selling Ladies Nighttickets, PNSA registrations and preparing for the Ceremonial and theGolf tournament. As you will notice in this issue of the Sahida thereare some chairs for sale and with any luck by the time you read thisthe sewage tank on the east side of the building will be gone. Someprogress has been made and will continue to happen until the facilityis in tip top shape.In closing, I would ask the Units and Clubs to make an effort to havesome money making projects and share some of the proceeds withthe Shrine Center. We have had huge expenses this year due to thesewage system which is in use, but there are a few cosmetic issuesthat need to be addressed.There are some dues outstanding. Nobles please look after this issue,but if you are in distress please call me and I will make arrangementsto keep you off the suspended list.We are moving forward and making progress, no matter how slow itseems.Gary Willis, Recorderpage 4 September 2011

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sahidaYes!I WANT TO BE A BOOSTER!Show your support for our award winningpublication and become a Booster. For only $25.00your name(s) will appear in every issue.YESNoble’s Name:Lady’s Name:Signature:Card No.:enclosed is my cheque,VISA, MASTERCARDExpiry Date:Proceeds from this Booster column will help to offset the costs of printingand mailing the SAHIDA. Make your cheque for $25.00 payable toAl Shamal Shriners, 14510 - 142nd Street, Edmonton, AB T6V 1H9.Sahida SupportersAshton, Rene & MarieAustin, Howard & RitaBajc, Frank & KarenBarnsley, Howard & WallieBarton, John & CarolBell, Alan & AliceBembridge, StanBennett, Edward & VivianBerg, Allan & RhondaBlazevich, Jack & MargeButlin, Jim & DianeChomin, Glenn & JenniferEdgar, Jim & JessieForbes, Jim & CarolFuhr, Carl & EllenGinther, Max & Donna LeaGodberson, Chas VGow, BillHeron, Jim & SharonHewko, Lloyd & CecileHoeksema, Ari & KathrynJohnston, GraceKing, Grant & Billielu$25Koch, Murray & KareyLandin, RayLarson, Wayne & SharonLowe, Dai & PaulineMcBurney, Doug & JayMcCuaig, Jack & DorothyMcDonald, SharonMorter, Mort & JeanNesdoly, Armond & DianaPedden, BernieceRobinson, Sandy & JeanRudolph, MarjorieSalloum, Bud & LavernaShaw, Don & EleanoraShumilak, Richard & BeverlySmith, Bob & BerniceStonehouse, Terry & ElaineTarleton, Allan & RobertaThachuk, Bob & PatThompson, BarbaraTrofimuk, William TWild, John & JanWilson, JoLadies AuxiliarySince we last reported, the ladies had a busyJune. The afternoon group held a pot luckluncheon at Olive Heron’s home. A good timewas had by all. Great food as usual and wealways look forward to going to Olive’s. Thanksfor hosting this event Olive.On June 7th the evening group had an evening out at the U of AFaculty Club and as usual a great buffet, good wine and goodcompany was enjoyed by all.Our garage sale was held in June at the home of Irene Barr inSherwood Park. This is the second time Irene has held the sale. Manythanks to both Irene and Marshall, for giving up their garage for overa week. It takes a lot of workers to make this event worthwhile andsuccessful, even if the weather didn’t co-operate fully. Thanks to allwho participated in the setup and with the sales.Our afternoon group meets Wednesday, September 7th at 1:30 pmand our business meeting will be on September 14th at 1:30pm, bothin Biff’s Lounge. Our Pot Luck luncheon for new members and aGeneral Meeting will be held on October 12th at 11:30 am.REMINDER---- Our Cookie Walk, Luncheon and Bazaar will be onSaturday, November 19th at the Shrine Centre. Tickets are $20.00each and are now available from either LaVerne or Isabel. Get yoursearly as last year we sold out quickly.A lot of our ladies were seen supporting our Nobles at various paradesthis summer. Good for us! These move outs are great as we galsknow where all the dress shops are. Do you think they know oursecret?We hope everyone had a good summer and that you are all restedraring to go for a busy fall season.KANS for KIDSPlease bring yourempty recyclablebeverage containers tothe Shrine Center. Allproceeds to local shrineactivities and projects.page 8 September 2011

sahidaAlberta Order of ExcellenceHonours a Dedicated CitizenSix Albertans were selected this year for membership in the AlbertaOrder of Excellence, one of which was Ill. Sir Bruce Hogle. The newmembers for 2011 received the province’s highest honour inrecognition of their longstanding service to a wide range of local,provincial and national endeavours.“These great Albertans truly understand the importance of serviceabove self,” said the Honourable Donald S. Ethell. “They are leadersand innovators who have directed their considerable gifts toward thegoal of strengthening the lives of people both here at home andaround the world.”“All Albertans can be proud of the work these remarkable citizenshave accomplished,” said Premier Ed Stelmach. “They deserve to behonoured for their many contributions to our province, along withour sincere thanks for their service as distinguished ambassadors ofthe Alberta spirit.”Northern LightsShrine ClubApproximately 30 Shriners from several units walked & rode theirway along the July 1st 2011 Drayton Valley parade. The streets werelined with enthusiastic town folks and visitors.The contingent included members from the Divan, the NorthernLights Shriners Club (Fez float, e-Z Riderzz and T car) Provost Corpmembers, motorcycles, Al Shamal Shrine van and six clowns withtheir new calliope. Activity Circus and Bullying books were handedout to the many children along the parade route. A wonderful hotlunch, courtesy of Drayton Valley Lodge, was enjoyed by all includingwives and children following the parade at the Masonic Hall, beforewe dismantled the float. All members are looking forward to nextyears parade.The Lieutenant Governor of Alberta serves as Chancellor of theOrder. He presided over the investiture ceremony in Edmonton onWednesday, October 19th 2011. There are now 115 members inthe AOE.Biography of Ill. Sir Bruce Hogle is as follows:Bruce Hogle is an Alberta media and broadcasting pioneer.Throughout his distinguished career, which included 30 years withSunwapta Broadcasting in Edmonton, he served as a passionate andreasoned advocate for positive social change. This includes his highlysuccessful regular feature on CFRN TV, Wednesday’s Child. Over theyears, he has also shared his enthusiasm and leadership strengthswith a number of charitable causes. He is founder of the GoodNeighbour Fund and has served as a booster and volunteer for arange of organizations including the Lifesaving Society, the SalvationArmy, Goodwill, Al Shamal Shrine and Shriners International.CHAIRS FOR SALECOST: $20 Each or 6 for $100These chairs are in good shape and can fill all kinds ofneeds; kitchen, hall, cabin; you name it they will work.The chairs can be seen in Biff’s lounge at the Shrinecentre.If you or someone you know are interested, pleasecontact Gary Willis at the Shrine centre at 780-482-6065.September 2011 page 9

sahidaTLC CorpsNobles and Ladies, as many of you know, Noble Blair Hart is amember of the Canadian Forces and is now posted to Halifax.Blair and his family came to Edmonton in August 2005 from Borden,Ontario. At that time they had a family of 4, and when he leftEdmonton the family was 8.Blair first came to an Al Shamal meeting in September 2005, wherehe sat with Noble Bob Russell and the members of the TLC Corps.The TLC Corps were talking about the up coming Peroghy FestSupper. Blair asked if they needed help. Well, you know the TLCCorps said yes. At the Peroghy Fest, Blair asked Nobles Russell andBush if the TLC Corps had a web site for the TLC Corps, and offeredto do one. Two days later Bob and Neville got an e-mail asking themto have a look at the test site he had created. The TLC Corps likedwhat he had done and went with it.Blair became a member of the TLC in October 2005. He said he wasgetting a Dog instead of building a fire truck because a dog wouldbe easier to get around. Well, at the first parade in Leduc in May2006, the 6-month-old Dacota was the hit of the parade! Blair wasrunning from one side of the street to the other. The kids loved thedog. After a while, Blair and the dog got a ride on Maurice’s unit.Blair said that the dog was tired but the members of the TLC Corpsknew it was actually Blair that was tired - not the dog. Blair endedup building a fire truck two years later.Blair has been a big part of the TLC Corps, being the recorder forlast 4 years. Blair and his family have also been a big help at theCircus and the annual Easter Egg Hunt. He helped as the recorderfor the membership team and is also a member of the LOH.Blair, on behalf of the members of Al Shamal Shriners we would liketo thank you and your family for all the hard work you have done forus and wish you and your family a safe trip. All the best in Halifax.Noble Neville Bush8 th ANNUALPYROGHY FESTWHEN: Saturday September 24, 2011WHERE: Al Shamal Shrine Centre14511-142 StreetMotor CorpsThe Motor Corps is celebrating our 45th year during 2011. Ourcelebrations included a dinner at Biffs on July 15th that was attendedby Ill. Sir Armond Nesdoly, 65 members and ladies. The historicpicture presentation covering 45 years of the Motor Corps wasenjoyed by all present. Motor Corps members and ladies proudlysupported the recent Al Shamal Golf Tournament (8 golfers and avolunteer). Attendance at 9 parades (Edson and Barrhead wererainouts) by our members and their ladies was as strong as it has everbeen. Our annual end of the parade season BBQ was held August6th with approximately 58 members, ladies, Ill. Sir Armond Nesdolyand Lady Diana in attendance. Presently members are practising ourcompetition routine twice a week as we get ready to attend PNSA insupport of Al Shamal with the hopes of another stunning victory.As a Unit, we had the misfortune of having 4 members sidelined thisyear for medical reasons. Fortunately for Nobles (new candidates orlong serving Nobles), this means we have bikes available. If you havea desire to belong to “The signature Unit”, now is the time tocontact a Motor Corps member and express your interest. You andyour lady will enjoy the special fellowship that is the hallmark ofbeing a member of the Motor Corps.2011 PNSA Competition ResultsResults of our units that competed at the 2011 PNSA held inButte, MN will be included in the next issue.Deadlinefor Next Issue Copy & PicturesMonday,November 14, 2011TIME:6pmCOST: Adults & Youth $20.00Children 5yrs to 12 yrs $10.00Children under 5yrs FreeTickets available from LaVerne Chartrand @ 780-458-0435.Avoid disappointment, don’t delay, get your tickets today, they go quickly!page 10 September 2011

sahidaClownsThe Clowns of Al Shamal have had a very busy year so far and itlooks like we will have a record number of move outs by years end.We are excited about the upcoming ceremonial in Stettler withanticipation that one or more new Nobles would like to join themost popular and rewarding unit of our Temple.We would like to know if there is currently a Noble out there whois able to play either a piano or organ and would like to learn toplay a calliope. We will provide the calliope on which you canpractice and audition for this exciting and rewarding opportunity.If your interested please call either Jim Nichols at 780-458-5494 orRick Shumilak at 780-464-7653.We will have a good turn out for PNSA / PNSCS in Butte as a show ofsupport for Al Shamal, and we fully expect to bring home several awards.HAVE YOUOBTAINED ANEWMEMBER?Daughters of the NileQueen Barbara Thompson and 22 members of Al Amira Temple No.157 attended the Daughters of the Nile 95th Supreme Session inTampa, Florida, June 12 – 16, 2011 where LauraRichardson was installed as Supreme Queen. Thepageantry group performed for the first time atthe Supreme Session. Supreme Queen Laura’sOfficial Visit and Ceremonial was held on Sunday,August 21, 2011, at Al Shamal Shrine Centre. Sixnew members were initiated, followed by Unitperformances and an evening banquet.Our regular sessions (7:00pm) and pre-session dinners (6:00pm) willresume Monday, September 12, 2011 at the Shrine Centre.Upcoming events include: “Shoppers Delight” with crafts, clothing,jewellery and much more on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at AlShamal Shrine Centre from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. On Saturday,October 29, 2011 Al Amira and Al Shamal will be co-hosting anEvening Event.Hope you had a great Summer and wishing you all a gloriousAutumn.MembershipHello Nobles and Ladies. Membership is our Personal Responsibility.It should not come to everyone as a surprise that the most criticalchallenge we face today is increasing our membership. Membershipnumbers are lower than desired and suspended nobles continue togrow. We need to do everything we can to reverse this trend. Apositive approach combined with some ENTHUSIASM can only help.To ensure the future of our fraternity, every member must make apersonal commitment to membership recruitment and retention,BEGINNING right now.Every one of us must realize that increasing membership is our personalresponsibility. How many of you have taken the time to contact afellow Noble you have not seen out for a while. The key to retentionis providing new and existing members with programs and activitiesthey find meaningful. Mentoring new Nobles will help them to becomeactive, and constant communication will help all Nobles stay involved.It is also important that we, as Nobles, do not lose sight of ourphilanthropic mission, Shriners Hospitals for Children.Fraternally,Al Shamal Shriners Membership ChairmanNoble Neville BushSeptember 2011 page 11

Al Shamal’s Membershipt g i fMarkyourcalendars!4th Friday of the month at 6:30 pmAl Shamal Shrine Centre2011 DATES:• May 27 • June 24 •• September 23 • October 28 • November 25 •NO ADMISSION CHARGEMenu and bar service are available at costCome out for some fun & fellowshipBring a friend, a brother or someone thatwants to be a brother or Shriner.page 12 September 2011