2008 Murat Divan

El’ Ameen Nabeel
I apologize to one and all for missing last month’s magazine!
I forgot to check to see if I was supposed to write another
article, and I missed the deadline. Oh, well, mea culpa! I was
hoping, too, that Leonard would be back up to speed and ready
to take back his “golden pen”!
Longevity is not the only thing required to join and participate
in El’ Ameen Nabeel. “Dedicated” is also a descriptive word
for the members. Sure, 20 years may seem a long time to newcomers,
but in retrospect “time sure flies when you’re havin’ fun!”
In years past, all Imperial Council Sessions were stag events and
many young, fairly new members of the Shrine were reluctant to
use their vacation time away from the family. In the late sixties
and on through today, the venues and activities at the conventions
were made more attractive and family friendly. Participation
with the entire family became the norm and attaining those five
parades required for membership was simple. Then a guy only
had to wait for the next 15 years to catch up! Some continued to
attend the conventions anyway, and the years just rolled by. It is
common among the members of El’ Ameen to find fellows with
20+ years and 20+ conventions!
Participation was easy and dedication to a particular Unit
became simple, too. Most members went on to leadership positions
in their respective Units. Others’ interests “branched out” to
other Units as well. And, of course, there are those members
who are enthusiastic for a few years, then just sort of fade away,
ESTATE PLANNING • WILLS • ESTATES • TRUSTS
GREG
MILLER
A T T O R N E Y A T L A W
132 E. Main St., Ste. 101
P.O. Box 936
Crawfordsville, IN 47933-0936
P: (765) 362-5755
F: (765) 362-5591
E: millerg@gregmillerlaw.com
Dave Heckman
becoming dues-paying members only. Keeping their interest is
the key to attracting their participation. Making that participation
FUN and interesting is also important. What have you done for
your Unit lately? Do you still work in the background at events?
“You only get out what you put in” is a very true statement. El’
Ameen Nabeel is a way to honor that participation. Are you eligible
for membership? Check with the secretary of your Unit and
see if you qualify. Then contact Earl Moore at (317) 899-2751 or
(317) 946-9786 for an application. The next meeting is April 16
and we would all like to welcome you to membership, too!
As for you new guys to the fraternity, why not set a goal to
become eligible for membership? A good way to start is to plan
now to attend the Imperial Session in St. Louis, MO, June 29 –
July 3. It is close, easy to get to, and there are lots of family activities
and attractions to visit while there. I am sure your Unit could
use you in the parade; if not, or you are not yet in a Unit, contact
Earl Moore and he can help you get involved with the flag
corps or another Unit which might need some help. Pitching in
at hospitality is always a good way to meet other MURAT Nobles
and have fun at the same time, too. There is always room to ride
in one of the antique cars of the Veteran Car Club, walk with the
Patrol, bang the cymbals with the Band, help with the “sag
wagon,” help balance the roller blade skaters of the NexGen, or
whatever. I’m sure you get the idea. “Meet me in St. Louis!”
Jes’ me, Dave.
Brownsburg
Lodge 241
Spring Golf
Outing
Saturday, April 26
Oak Tree Golf Course
Plainfield
Contact golf@brownsburgmasons.org for information
Proceeds benefit Grand Master’s Reception for Past
Potentate Jeff Zaring.
MARCH 2008
17