al azhar shriners
TRANSCRIPT
July 2019 Page 1
FEZ SEZ
Al Azhar Shriners, 5225 – 101 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T3L1S4 Phone: 403-239-0030 Fax: 403-239-4334 Email: [email protected] Website: www.al-azhar.ab.ca
Greetings from the Potentate! The display cases in our main floor hallway have been restored thanks to Carol Francis (my own Lady), Lady Lana Jones and especially Lady Kathy Galbraith. A job well done! The five-year management plan spear-headed by Martin Alcock is nearing completion. It will be updated on an annual basis, to assist the Divan to maintain some continuity in the management of the Shrine. A big “Thank You” to Martin and the other members of his team. Noble Malcolm MacKenzie and I have brain-stormed some fund-raising ideas. Now, I call upon all Nobles and their spouses for more ideas, which can be sent directly to my attention. Our next step is to do an analysis of these ideas to determine what will give us the most “bang for the buck”, and to organize some volunteers to implement the plan we agree on. The Oasis Lounge has had a slate pool table set up, for any Noble & guests to play on, thanks to Divan member Jim Brown. In addition, we have a games table, and a new Dart Board available for use. This “games room” is yours to enjoy. The analysis of the requirements for a security system up-grade, and the eventuality of the replacement of our roof shingles has been handed over to expert consultants. A meeting will be held at some future date to give the Divan more time to come up with their recommendations. Please be sure to set aside September 13th & 14th for the Al Azhar Shrine Ceremonial. Forms will be available shortly.
Neil Webb, Potentate First Lady Carol would also appreciate your help with donations of unwanted jewellery for the Ladies Jewellery Sale at the upcoming Ceremonial. Proceeds will go to the Al Azhar Shrine Hospital Patient Transportation Fund.
P1 Potentate’s Message, P2 Recorders Ramblings, & Black Camel, P3 Chaplain’s Corner and LID P4-5 Membership, P6-11 Picture Gallery, P14 Upcoming Events, P16-23 Unit, Club and other News, P24-Petition for Initiation
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RECORDER’S RAMBLINGS Nobles: Summer has arrived according to the calendar, but Mother Nature has the final say for sure. Living in Calgary we are used to changes and will take on anything that is given to us. We know being plus 20 is better than minus 25. Wishing you all a great summer and safe travels. Now the serious part of these ramblings. It has been 15 weeks as Recorder. I have enjoyed the challenges and serving the Nobility of Al Azhar Shrine. Please contact me if you want to talk, best yet visit the office for a coffee. Without the Nobility we would not have a Shrine in Calgary. Saying this you must remember that you also have a responsibility to Al Azhar Shrine. Dues must be paid on time and any other funds which you owe to the Shrine. We have many ways in which you can pay your funds; please contact the office and figure out what works for you. These funds go a long way towards our income and keeping the Building looking great and maintenance is just one part of the expense. Another responsibility the Nobles have is increasing membership. We are not alone in the decline of membership Many other organizations are suffering the same problem. We are a fraternity as such, we should make sure all Nobles are being looked after. Contact a Noble you have not seen for awhile to make him feel wanted. This stops our demits and nonpayment of dues. Nobles take a moment and remember when it all became “real” for you. You became a Mason with its Tenets and Principles which you practice every day. You then joined the Shrine with its strong Philanthropy “Hospitals for Children.” I am sure you can find a new Mason or Non-Mason who would like to join the Masonic order and the Shrine. Please attend your Lodge and be active. You will be rewarded.
I Want to thank all Nobles who have been active within the Al Azhar Shrine at the Parades in our communities, Club and Unit meetings, all Unit events, Grand Lodge barbeque, Spartan races and the Casino’s etc. Thanking you all for being active in the Shrine. In closing, wishing all Nobles and families a great summer. Please drive carefully while on holidays. Again, Happy Trails to you all. Yours in the Faith Ill. Sir Gordon Brewer Recorder
SUPPORT YOUR CRAFT LODGE … THAT’S WHERE SHRINERS COME FROM
Art Hazle, Calgary Mas Nakamura, Calgary Larry Purdy, Calgary Brian Scott, Calgary Richard Sigurdson, Calgary Bill Smith, Calgary
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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER If you look up the word ‘mentor’ in the dictionary you will find it means an experienced and trusted advisor who advises or trains someone, especially a younger colleague. My father died when I was a year and ten days old from tuberculosis. My mother never re-married so I was raised by her and my twelve-year older sister. I had no male influence in my young life with the exception of a few close family members. From these ‘influences’ I learned many things. Our next-door neighbor when I was growing up, taught me some simple ‘how to’ skills that I have used all of my life. My Dad’s brother would go with me to Wolf Cub father son banquets. He taught me how to dine properly and be a gentleman around others. When I entered the car business in Toronto, I had several mentors that taught me how to sell and be honest in all of my dealings with our clients. In 1975, GM transferred me to Calgary, where I was introduced to a senior gentleman who taught me how to choose my investments and execute my knowledge on the stock market. As I look back on my life, I realize just how important these mentors have been in my personal life. I was told by one of my mentors that I could take as much out of society as I wanted, however I had an obligation to repay significantly more than I received
In my work with the Alzheimer’s Society I re-pay the Care Partners that are dealing with a spouse or partner currently dealing with Dementia. My earlier mentors gave me the tools to carry forward on my journey of dealing with a wife with this disease. In your Blue Lodge you were mentored by the more experienced Brethren who invested their time, without any expectations,so that you would be a better Mason. In the Shrine it is extremely important that we also mentor the newer Nobles and teach them the skills to be a person that repays society more than they have received. Are you a mentor? If you are, be proud because your mentors are looking down on you with favour. In the light of Grace, Noble R. Dean Cowan Chaplain 2019
LOST IN THE DESERT
If you have a current address or
phone number for any of the following
please contact the Recorder’s office
Name Last known location
George Perry Calgary
Your 2019 Divan Potentate Neil Webb H: 403-295-2980 E: [email protected] Chief Rabban Malcolm MacKenzie H: 403-255-2393 E: [email protected] Assistant Rabban Jim Brown H: 403-242-1488 E: [email protected] HP&P Allan Dickson C: 403-608-0707 E: [email protected] Oriental Guide Ken Wigmore H: 403-782-2593 E: [email protected] Treasurer Jim Hendry H: 403-281-3814 E: [email protected] Recorder Gordon Brewer W: 403-241-7713 E: [email protected]
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MEMBERSHIP
Relationships, Recruitment, Retention & Restoration
Below is a list of the newest Nobles who have joined the Al Azhar Shrine this year that includes their Lodge & Sponsors. Be sure to extend the hand of fellowship and introduce yourself if you meet them at Lodge or a Shrine event.
First Name Last Name Email Lodge Sponsor 1 Sponsor 2
January Cold Sands
James Free [email protected] Bow River Allan Dickson Jens Baun
Jeff Irwin [email protected] Bow River Allan Dickson Rob Martin
April Cold Sands
Darwin Durnie [email protected] Drumheller Ken Wigmore Jim Brown
Jason Grant [email protected] Renfrew Kurtis Frederick Al Hannah
Mike Mechrek [email protected] Acme Tony Gize Vaughn Finnson
Michael Rainey [email protected] Bow River James Free Jeff Irwin
Darrel Sundholm [email protected] King George Neil Webb Brian Shimmons
Glen Tubillara [email protected] Innisfail Tim Jackson Allan Dickson
Matthew Walkey [email protected] Crossfield Tony Gize Vaughn Finnson
June Cold Sands by Imperial Sir Jim Cain at the DoN convention in Reno, Nevada John Musselwhite [email protected] Ashlar Allan Dickson Eric Skagen
Our Annual Fall Ceremonial where new candidates & cold sands Nobles walk the hot sands of the desert is September 13 & 14 and will be a joint event with Al Shamal Shriners. It will be held at our Shrine Centre in Calgary
with hotel arrangements available through the Sandman. Be sure to have petitions for new candidates submitted to the office by 30 August 2019. A great website to share with quality candidates is www.beashrinernow.com.
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MEMBERSHIP
Relationships, Recruitment, Retention & Restoration
The Membership Development Team hosted a BBQ, Booze & Cigar event in May for new Nobles and candidates. There were 42 men in attendance including 15 potential candidates for Freemasonry and / or the Shrine. Thank you to Nobles Tony Gize, Robert Allen, Jens Baun, Gord Bristow, Moe El Bast, Tarek Hamida, James Mutzineek and the S.M.I.B BBQ team for all the effort in making this a successful event – and of course the AMP Nobles at the bar and use of their club house! Stay tuned for the next one…
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Thank You!
When visiting the Nobles and Ladies of the Red Deer Shrine Club, Noble Allan Dickson received a donation of $3,000 on behalf of the Divan. (a photo was taken, but not submitted yet!) He was asked to attend Mount Lebanon Lodge #54 in Calgary, where he received a donation of $500 on behalf of Al Azhar Shrine from Worshipful Brother Richard Tumanon Jr. This is the second year in-a-row that they have donated $500 from the Lodge’s annual fun shoot. Maybe this is a great idea to emulate to host a fellowship / fundraising event in the future!? Pictured below are some Nobles from the Lodge who were in attendance at the presentation. L to R: Nobles Richard Tumanon Sr, Dennis Cera, Oliver Mendoza, Segundo Francis Barte III, Allan Dickson, WBro Richard Tumanon Jr, Nobles Manny Tagulao, Ron Beirnes, Gerard Villar and Roy Dait
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19 - 21 July 2019 … Butte, Montana
Al Azhar Shriners has been involved in the Montana East West Shrine Football Game for years! Pictured below with Al Azhar Nobles (& 1 Noble from Algeria Temple) are Tony Spoletini (a co- owner of Spolumbos) and the two high school students who were selected to represent southern Alberta at this prestigious game. For more information on this historic football classic: www.montanaeastwestshrinegame.org
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SHRINE EAST WEST GAME MONTANA 2019 Tony Spoletini and Illustrious Sir Charlie Duffin, P.P. At Spolumbos Fine Food and Deli Tony & Tariq Essa of Ernest Manning with Ill. Sir Neil Webb, Potentate, Ill. Sir Ernie Hilland, P.P. & Ill. Sir Charlie Duffin, P.P. Tariq’s proud parents Tony & Nic Schmeiler of St. Francis
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2019 High River Parade
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AIR CORPS DONATIONS
The Air Corps gave out $15,000 today with the aid of the Potentate and his Chief Rabban. The recipients were The Veterans Food Bank, The Airdrie Boys and Girls Club, The 88 Wing of the Air Cadets, The Kids Cancer Care, and The Boy Scouts each received $3,000. The Presentation was done at Cam Clark Ford in Airdrie.
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LEGION OF HONOR SOCIETY CHEQUE PRESENTATION TO THE VETERANS ASSOCIATION FOOD BANK
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Wild Rose Shrine Club accepts donation from Tap & Vine’s first Brew for the Crew Payout to the Shriners Hospitals for Children
YOUR AD COULD BE HERE Shrine Centre advertising
for printing in our newsletters. Cost is as follows:
Business Card - $40.00 1/4 Page - $60.00 1/2 Page - $100.00 Full Page - $200.00
Articles are to be sent by e-mail to: [email protected],
or sent in on a disk to our mailing address.
For more information call the Shrine Centre at (403) 239-0030
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Upcoming Events
Shrine Classic Golf PNSA - Coos Bay OR Al Azhar Ceremonial SHC Vega Golf August 12, 2019 July 24 – 27, 2019 September 13 & 14, 2019 Sept. 30 – Oct. 6, 2019 Grey Cup Party November 24, 2019
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Unit/Club Meeting Dates & News
Al Azhar Units Al Azhar Shrine Clubs
Air Corps 7:30 p.m. 2nd Wednesday Athletic Club (Rutters) contact the Ramses for dates Clown Unit 7:30 p.m. 1st Thursday Directors Staff 7:30 p.m. 4th Thursday Greeters - as called Legion of Honour – 9:30 am 3rd Saturday (Horton Legion)
Mounted Patrol - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday Oriental Band - 7:30 p.m. Thursday Provost Corps - 9:00 a.m. 4th Saturday Sabre Patrol (Call Swordmaster for date) Shrine Patrol - 7:00 p.m. Mondays Tin Lizzie Corps - 7:30 p.m. 3rd Tuesday Vintage Cars - 7:30 p.m. 3rd Tuesday Medicine Hat Clown Unit – Last Monday of month
Alpine Shrine Club – 4 times/year at the call of President Big Country Shrine Club - 4th Tuesday Foothills Shrine Club - 4th Wednesday Lethbridge Shrine Club - 1st Wednesday Medicine Hat Shrine Club - 3rd Wednesday Red Deer Shrine Club - 3rd Wednesday Wild Rose Shrine Club - 1st Wednesday
MOUNTED PATROL
The ride members of the Mounted Patrol have been practicing every Wednesday evening since April. As in the past a delicious dinner, prepared and served by our Lovely Ladies, is served following ride practices. Thank you, Ladies. The Annual Jigs Dinner was held at the Fez Dome on April 15, 2019. There was a large attendance and Noble Lloyd’s corned beef gets better each year. The AMP are all tacked up and ready to go for another season of parade rides. Unfortunately, due to wet weather they had to cancel Crossfield. The AMP rode at High River and Okotoks are looking forward to attending more parades during the summer season. Due to another wet June 9, 2019 the Annual Townsend School at the Alberta Children’s Hospital had to be cancelled. The “Grad and BBQ” for the Townsend School children has been held at the AMP Grounds for over 3 decades. The BBQ was started by the Jaspo Group and Noble (deceased) Don Wilson and Lady Linda. The endowment set up by Noble Don and Lady Linda will provide for the BBQ, long into the future. The Al Azhar Nobility were saddened to learn of the death of Noble Richard Sigurdson on April 20, 2019. Richard is survived by his wife Ann, children Charles (Tracy), Sherri and RJ (Leanne) as well as five grandchildren. Richard was a long-time member of the Mounted Patrol. A memorial service was held at the Al Azhar Shrine Center on May 11, 2019. Members of the Mounted Patrol formed a guard-of-honour. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sigurdson family during this difficult time. The Annual Father’s Day Ride and BBQ was held at the clubhouse on Sunday, June 16, 2019. An enjoyable afternoon was had by all. In closing I would like to wish all the Nobles, their ladies and family a very healthy, happy and safe summer. Submitted on behalf of Noble President, Lloyd Lawson
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AMP Wrangler Pat Shepherd with the “horse” at Noble Richard’s Memorial. The rider less horse, is a single horse, without rider, and with boots reversed in the stirrups, and the saddle draped in black, is a symbol of a rider who would ride no more.
Noble Richard Sigurdson
1944-2019
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ORIENTAL BAND Al Azhar's favourite Oriental Band continues to be active. While it was determined to be too cold and wet to parade at High River, we did pull the truck and trailer in the parade. In Black Diamond we paraded to enthusiastic crowds. We had a small get together at the local campground after the parade. We are looking forward to the other parades this season - Okotoks, Cochrane, Canmore, Nanton and especially Lacombe when we will play with the Al Shamal Oriental Band. We continue to practice as much as we can (although some music purists insist, we don't need it!) The lads are also keeping busy managing the bar at various events like the Grand Masters BBQ and the Steak and Lobster event. As mentioned in our last update, our new trailer cover is just about ready for its inaugural parade. This will help keep us dry in wet weather and cooler when the sun is beating down! While we like to play, we also like to socialize. Check out the link below for some pictures. Thanks, Noble Chris Tsaros for putting this together. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vWyiKnCN8hqJtoYhR6iV5iVKQynJCZEE/view?usp=drivesdk
We are looking forward to our upcoming parades this season and would like to have YOU with us! Be part of our fun and play the “Sweetest Sounds This Side Of Heaven”! You don't need to know how to read music or play an instrument. Sounds hard to believe yet it is true - just listen to us! Also, there are no membership fees and the uniform and instrument are free! This is too good of a deal to pass up. If you are interested contact our Band Director - Noble Art Laing at 403-931-2572 or [email protected] Yours In The Faith Noble Shayne Eldridge Nobles Dave Mospany and Henry Retzlaff relaxing on the trailer prior to the Black Diamond parade.
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June 2019 Our Editor’s comments: Good Day all, do you own a car? This answer is yes; your unit is caring for them for you. “BUT” we cannot keep all of them going without your support. Parade season is underway so when the unit calls a “garage day” someone needs to give the cars the once over or assist in keeping the Garage clean and ready. Next time we call pick out at least one car, do the servicing and remember the number and then request that car for this year’s parading you may not have paid the price but still have the pride in owning “a” car. What say you? What have we been doing: Where were you in the spring of 2019, we have been all over, Parades in High River, Black Diamond, Beiseker, and Banff. We have also participated in other events Steak and Lobster, ceremonials, Steps for Life, Kids Cancer Care Brunch and are planning Rockyford Lodge BBQ, Inertia BBQ, Probus club dinner, a couple of stated bus meetings at the Shrine. Are you thinking maybe you would like to drive car in a parade, how active is your unit, and then you should consider joining the Tin Lizzie unit? Not only do we keep busy at a number of parades we run a catering unit that will support other Shrine events. Are you Interested please contact current commander Bill Williams at 403-225-0537 or the new officers. We are busy but that does not mean we do not have time for some fun. Here we are serving pancakes and sausages for KCCF.
Many thanks to those who attended this great event, The Kids Cancer Care Foundation were very appreciative and the looks on the faces of those children who got a special “peter” ride was unforgettable. Our thanks again to sponsors, Tins, Patrol, O Band, Mounted Patrol, Neil, JR and Carl Respectfully submitted Tin Lizzie PR, Noble Andrew Fraser
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AL AZHAR SHRINE PATROL 300 CLUB NETS $ 4,170 TO SHRINERS HOSPITALS The Shine Patrol hosted it’s annual 300 CLUB STAG DINNER AND FUN POKER NIGHT on Friday April 5 with 155 guests in attendance for a sumptuous prime rib beef dinner, fellowship with fun poker game, cash prize draws and door prizes. The event resulted in a donation to the SHRINERS HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION FUND of $ 4,170. This from a generous donation of the combined grand cash prize won by 3 guests: Dan Quinn, John Doe and Larry Carr; a further generous donation from the 50-50 prize winner Mr. Quinn Rogers and other private donators. The Shrine Patrol gratefully acknowledges door prize Sponsors: The LIGHTHOUSE PUB in Deer Run, TRIO GAS CALGARY off Hubalta Rd SE, and individuals Mr. Caesar Simon, Ill Sir Charlie Duffin, Ill. Sir Gary Bain, Nobles: David Hochman, John Bradford, Bill Sheppard, Andy Polkolinski, Wayne Capper and Eric Skagen. Further acknowledgement is due to several King Solomon Lodge Brothers for providing guests a ride home option. The Shrine Patrol wish to thank all our guests for making this event a success.
LAST TICKET DRAW WINNERS, L to R: Larry Carr, Dan Quinn, Joe Campesse with the MC Ill. Sir Rick Nixon
50-50 Winner Mr. Quinn Rogers (left)
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AIR CORPS
Good Day Everyone! The Air Corps is having such a great year. 2019 so far has been a year of new faces going places with a motivated Captain and new pilots dawning our legendary planes. As always, we look to our Shrine family and beyond to build our Air Corps up, so you are always welcome to pop in and see what we are up to. Maybe join the crew. The parade season has been eventful and enjoyable thus far. By the time you read this our casino will be almost here, we might still need a little help. Please call Martin Alcock (Casino Coordinator) at 587-889-4730 if you are able to do so. You can always take a look on our website to see the available volunteer opportunities. Our meetings are the 2nd Wednesday each month with July, August and December DARK as those are either busy parade months or Xmas. See you in the skies! Captain Joe Pimlott www.shrineaircorps.org
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Vintage Car Club
It is the season when the Vintage Car Club (VCC) members get out to the parades and show their cars in “Shrining” style. The crowds are always “wowed” by the classic cars, their look, their horns, their music and especially the Shriners driving the vintage vehicles. Our 13th annual car show was held on June 22nd at Century Downs Casino and Racetrack. We were delighted with the turnout. The day started off cool, overcast and windy. The members forged ahead getting setup and ready for the classic cars to arrive. We were pleased when the sun came out and so did the cars. Over 118 cars registered and lined the pavement for review by our dedicated judges, other participants and visitors. The vendors were happy with the turnout and attention their booths were given. The 50/50, silent auction and the bucket draws gained terrific attention and contributed to the overall success of the show. We can’t express our appreciation enough to the Stampede Community Stage crew, our sponsors, and the many VCC members that worked tirelessly throughout the long day. The support given by numerous Nobles and Ladies of Al Azhar over the course of the show was greatly appreciated. Thank you. See you at the next parade. Enjoy your summer Ill Sir Kent Galbraith PP President Vintage Car Club
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Legion of Honor
The Legion of Honor (LOH) continues to meet quarterly at the Royal Canadian Legion #285. At our May 11th meeting Commander J.R. Beauregard arranged to have presentations from the Army, Navy and Sea Cadet Officers. Each division outlined the activities the Cadets are involved with throughout the year. They clarified what activities were government funded and identified the needs and programs of each division that are supported by cadet fundraising projects and donations. Divisions of the Cadets receive donations yearly from the LOH. The LOH membership was most impressed with each presentation. The information will assist on planning future donations and support to be given to our local cadets. If any other units are interest in knowing more about the cadets and their programs, please contact Commander JR Beauregard. He will provide you with detailed information. Parade season is very busy for all Al Azhar Shrine units. The LOH has been actively participating with the appearance of our jeep and trailer driven by Commander JR Beauregard. We thank him for his commitment and dedication to keeping the jeep running and representing the Al Azhar Legion of Honor in the parades. We look forward to seeing you in Medicine Hat, Lacombe and Cochrane. Have a wonderful and safe summer. Submitted on behalf of J.R. Beauregard, Commander
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