K

From the Desk
of the Potentate
By Illustrious Sir Andrew Skene
NOTICE OF STATED MEETING
All nobles are reminded of the following Stated Meeting:
Thursday, June 20, 2013
7:30 P.M. Sharp
Shrine Activity Room
1155 Wilkes Avenue,
Winnipeg MB R3P 1B9
Agenda:
1. Reports
2. Balloting
3. Other business
Illustrious Sir Andrew Skene, Potentate,
2013, Khartum Shriners
Attest:
Illustrious Sir Andrew Skene, Potentate/CEO
Illustrious Sir Jack Hooper, P. P., Recorder
Fez and current dues card required
Unit Dress or Business Suit Refreshments
he Installation Ceremony was held at the Shrine for — our Shrine kids.
House followed by the Reception. Lady Irene and I My initial thought for my catchphrase was “Shriners Working
Hard to Keep This Chair Empty,” but that was too long
Twill not forget that day and we thank everyone
who was involved in making that day happen. I thank the for a catchphrase. My mind wandered to “Children First”
Honor Guard provided by the Oriental Band and the Flag and “Communication,” both very important, but how do
Patrol. I have always been proud to perform with the Oriental
Band and to carry the Colors with the Patrol. To sit, Milhous Nixon, “Never Look Back, Never Give Up, Look
we get there? I then remembered a quote from Richard
watch, and hear the performances of the Oriental Band, Forward.” And my thought led to “Focus Forward.”
the Fife & Drum Band, the Drum & Bugle Corps, and the We have an opportunity to ensure that we have a viable
Pipes & Drums is a feeling hard to describe. Lady Irene operation to meet the needs of our kids. We have to stabilize
our membership and then increase our numbers. The
and I felt most honored.
Noble Craig Houston is retiring after nineteen years Membership Committee must have the resources to
of dedicated service as Hospital chairman. Noble Craig accomplish their mandate.
has done a formidable job, and is recognized throughout On January 28, six candidates were initiated into
North America for his service to our Shrine children. Illustrious
Sir Don Thomson, P. P., will assume the position of
. . . continued on page 5
Khartum Shrine. We warmly welcome these new nobles.
Hospital chairman.
The Circus chairman this year will be Noble Jack
Goods. I thank Noble Kevin Davis for his work as 2012 Circus
chairman — a good job well done, Bobo.
The theme for this year is “Focus Forward.” It seems
that people have a tendency to focus on what has happened
in the past. Let the past be history and let us focus
on the future.
My initial thoughts were jotted down on a notepad at
the Viscount Gort Hotel following a Shrine meeting. I had
been thinking of past events over the years and listening
to the membership comments that often dealt with internal
politics and personalities and not what we were here
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