The

ArabianVOL. XLIX NO. 02 A.A.O.N.M.S. FEBRUARY 2011

Potentate’s Message

Dear Nobles and Ladies,

Thank you for the honor and privilege you have bestowed upon me by electingme as your Potentate for 2011. My Divan and I have an event filled year plannedto restore participation and regain the pride and enthusiasm among all the Noblesof Arabia Temple and their ladies .

Imperial Sir Jerry Gantt and Illustrious Sir Virgil Wise, along with the Patrol,conducted a most memorable Installation Ceremony, and I thank them for makingthat evening one that I will never forget.

We had our first “Official” visit to NASA Shrine club on January 20 and installedthe new officers. Congratulations to Noble Matt Bell and the other officers forstepping up at the last minute when the President-elect was unable to assume

the office. Our goal for supporting local Shrine Clubs and Units this year is to have Divan representationat every stated meeting and function. I encourage all clubs and units to submit your news for inclusionin the Arabian. The Arabian will be mailed each month shortly before the first of every month (excludingSummer months), so the information will be timely. We are also in the process of reworking the web siteto allow for better communications and real time publication of current events. Facebook and twitter willfollow later in the year.

We do have a small amount of work on the building to put the finishing touches on the ball room, as wellas a few “kinks” that need to be worked out. All Nobles will be proud of the facility when it’s completelyfinished.

I urge all of you to get involved in some or all the activities scheduled for the year, including socials,dances, unit functions and club events. Your membership team will be very active this year and will bedeveloping many new tools to help turn the corner on membership. We have planned two ceremonials,Blood Drives, Poker tournaments, a Barbeque cook-off, themed dances, a pre-TSA “Units on Parade”,as well as other fun filled activities that will be open to Nobles and Masonic guests. Our program chairmanalso plans to have an interesting program at each stated meeting, beginning in February with Dr. DavidHerndon, Chief of Staff at the Galveston Hospital

I welcome any comments, suggestions or other ideas to improve the Shrine, increase membership orany activity that you would enjoy seeing at your Shine Center.

NOTICE OF STATED MEETING

Notice is hereby given that the next regularly scheduled meeting of Arabia Temple will be held Monday,February 17, 2011. Food will be served at 6:00 p.m. Dr. David Herndon, Chief of Staff, Galveston ShrineHospital, along with Mary Jaco, DPCS will be our featured speakers for the evening. Please RSVP toJean by February 13, 2011.

The stated meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m. Business to be conducted will include such business as maycome before the Nobility.

Wear your fez - 2011 dues card required.

Don Slayton John McDonaldRecorder Potentate

ARABIA TEMPLEPO Box 420549

Houston Texas 77242or

10510 Harwin DriveHouston Texas 77036

Telephone: 713-664-3437Fax: 713-664-3439

www.shriners-houston.org

IMPERIAL DIVAN OFFICER

Jerry Gantt, P. P. (Lisa) Imperial Oriental Guide

ARABIA SHRINE CENTER DIVAN

John McDonald (Terri)...….….……........PotentateRobert Sharpe (Linda)..………........Chief RabbanJim Spalding (Ginny)…….……..Assistant RabbanJim McKinney (Linda)..…....High Priest & ProphetDavid Ashley (Melissa)...................Oriental GuideDennie Jackson (Elaine)………..……….TreasurerDon Slayton (Debra)…........................... Recorder

IMPERIAL REPRESENTATIVES

Jerry Gantt, P. P. Imperial Oriental GuideJohn McDonald....….……...................... PotentateRobert Sharpe.......….......................Chief RabbanJim Spalding.………..................Assistant RabbanJim McKinney.…................. High Priest & Prophet

BOARD OF TRUSTEESA. J. DiCaro ........................……….....….2009-2011David Enderli.....................……….......…2009-2011Benny Hernandez…………………….….2010-2012Clyde Edmonds………………….……….2010-2012Phillip Christie………………….…...…….2011-2013Paul W. Easley…………………….…….2011-2013

UNIT ROOMCONSTRUCTION NOTICE!

All units who have rooms in the new buildingare requested to submit plans for bars/sinks toour Building and Maintenance Chairman,James Van Meter at jvanmet9@aol.com orOffice:936-890-2060 or Cell: 936-672-3103.Sinks and bars must comply with therequirements of the A.D.A. We have notpassed the final A.D.A. Inspection and itemswhich do not meet the proper code may requireremoval and replacement with compliant items(at unit expense). James has the specs., soplease check with him before ordering orbuilding your rooms.

RECORDER’S DESK BY Don Slayton

Nobles All:

We had to suspend a lot of good Nobles at theend of the year for non-payment of dues. Let’sall pull together and try to contact these Noblesand bring them back into our midst. I feel wehave a fine bunch of Nobles as Divan Membersand Staff for 2011 who will do all they can tomove this Temple forward in a positive way. Wedo need your individual support and help. OneLast Thought: SELL CIRCUS!!!

IN MEMORY

John W. DukeEnrique G. GonzalezJames E. JacksonRussell E. Pierce

A Living Memorial Lives OnLest we forget our Hospital Benefit Programs are year round by virtue of their continuing needs. “A LIVINGMEMORIAL” can add meaning to your remembrance for a friend or loved one and will help a physically challengedchild to walk or a burned child to live. “A LIVING MEMORIAL” will answer parents’ prayers. More and more ofour members are taking advantage of the postage paid memorial envelopes for such tributes.

I respectfully ask and urge you to support this portion of our Hospital Benefit Program.

Jim McKinney, High Priest &Prophet 2011 Benefit Chairman

“LIVING MEMORIAL” envelopes can be obtained through the Temple Office.

The following is a list of DONORS:

Anonymous Lee & Mary Briggs DellCason - RickyCasonNancy Kirk Cason Thomas & Carolyn Carpenter Dale & Teresa DickmanCarl & Joyce Ellis Greater Houston Old Car Club Kubena Funeral HomeMissouri City AARP Rachel Naymola Ralph ParkinsonFlorence Sell & Family Bob & Hope Short Wilma & Carole Sue SimonDana Steigerwald Vana Road Boring Services

NEW CANDIDATES

January 5, 2011

James A. Flowers Nathan Riley

January 13, 2011

James Mark Ivey Suzanne Sonny BaumgartenAndrew S. Kohlmeyer Henry M. HughesAndrew R. Marcinkowska William C. RobinsonNichlas L. Rast Thad MinerDavid Travers Waters Mary Ann Thomas PowersAaron Wayne Tyksinski Robert J. Bird

WE CARE CORNERJohn Bentley713-634-0237

WIDOW’S CLUBMEETING

2nd Wednesday10:00 a.m.

Arabia Shrine Center

Super Bowl Party2:00 P.M. - 10 P.M.

Feb. 6 201112

Arabia Shrine Center10510 Harwin Drive, Houston,Tx 77036

713-664-3437

------------------- Free Admission -------------------Members, Family and friendsMasonic friends welcome!!!

Big Screens,Food and RefreshmentsTailgate Party Before the Game

Cooking ContestRefreshments Provided

COLONEL’S CORNERBY: TONY MACIAS

Welcome to a good stream of activities at Arabia Shrine Center for 2011.Congratulations to our 2010 Colonel, Paul Weber, for his dedication and well performed job,and “Best Wishes” on his 2011 position as a District Deputy Grand Master Masonic, District 31 B.

FEBRUARY EVENTS

Super Bowl Party Tailgating and Cook Off at the Arabia Shrine Center Feb. 6th 2011. Shriners,Masons , Friends and Family Invited. Free Admission

46th Annual Go Texan Parade Conroe, Texas Feb. 19, 2011This year’s theme is “Saddle Up for Success”

Visit our web site for more details & informationwww.shriners-houston.org

75TH ANNUAL SHRINE CIRCUS

Fort Bend County Fairgrounds4310 Highway 36 South in Rosenberg

April 27th through May 1st, 2011

Once again the circus draws near and once again itis time for us to put our best foot forward and striveto make this the best Circus ever.

Our Circus meeting schedules for the balance of theyear:

February 19 6:30 pmMarch 16 6:30 pmApril 20 6:30 pm Ladies’ night Turn in and worker sign up

Please join us at any or all of the meetings to learnmore about your Circus.

The money from our Circus is used to help maintainthe day to day expenses needed to operate ourfacility.Chief Rabban Bob Sharpe is dedicated to promotingour Shrine Circus.  His enthusiastic “Let’s get it done”attitude has rubbed off on the office volunteers.Debra, Arlene, Linda, Melissa and others haveworked hard to make this the best circus ever.  OurShriners have been promoting and selling Circusevery day and they too, have a “Let’s get it done”.It makes a person proud to be a part of such awonderful group of hard working people.Because of all of you, this year’s Circus is sure to bea resounding success.

Please use the following website to learn more aboutyour Shrine Circus www.arabiashrinecircus.com

CELL, SAIL, SELL, SALE WE DON'T CARE HOWYOU SPELL IT. JUST SELL IT……

THE CIRCUS, THAT IS.Your help is needed and appreciatedDuncan ChapmanCell # 832 212 3181dcc624@yahoo.com

LEGION OF HONOR

By: John E. Metzler, P.S.C.

A delicious meal of Kentucky Fried Chicken, cole slaw,mashed potatoes and gravy, baked beans, corn bread,beverages and Annis Frazier’s famous chocolate brownieswere served prior to our first stated meeting on January11, 2011. It was a great treat and much credit goes toCommander Ed Melberg for making the arrangements.

On Sunday, January 16, 2011 the Legion of Honorpresented the lighting of candles for all of the Arabia ShrineNobles who were visited by the Black Camel in the lastyear. The number of cradles holding the candles t his yearwere only two.

The Texas Association Legions of Honor Mid-WinterConvention will be hosted by Moslah Shrine Center at theCrown Center South, in Fort Worth, Texas on March 3-6,2011.Registrations can be made by contacting: Richard Trimble,TALOH Finance Officer, 5808 Waltham Ave, Fort Worth,TX 76155.

Are you interested in joining the LOH ?

If you have served honorably in the military of mostdemocratic nations; please contact our Commander, EdMelberg, at tel # 281-395-3566.

DANCE - DANCE - DANCENews Flash!!!

Arabia Shriners will offer dancing lessons at nocharge to members and their spouses, beginningin February. We will offer lessons in basic steps,such as Two-step, waltz, swing, country and otherballroom dance steps as time (and the class talent)permits. We have qualified instructors who will holdclasses on the following schedule:

February 9 & 23March 9 & 23April 6 & 13May 11 & 25

There will be no charge for these lessons, but spaceis limited, so I urge all who are interested to callJean at 713-664-3437 to reserve your slots. Wewill accept all names and establish a waiting list ifthe spring class is full. We may repeat the classesin the Fall if there is sufficient interest or offeradvanced classes for those who may haveprogressed beyond the basics (your Potentate notamong them).

ARABIA PATROL –By Norm Bates

It’s February – January and all the festivities are finished. It was busy as usual with the winding up ofthe Christmas Holiday Season and the happenings about the Shrine Center.We had Arabia Installation, with Patrolman John McDonald being installed as Potentate of Arabia ShrineCenter for the Year 2011, the first Circus turn in meeting and, of course, the Inaugural Ball, “A TartanBall” - What a Month! Now is the time to settle in and get 2011 going.

Saturday evening January 15, 2011 is in the history books – the 2011 Past Potentates “Denim andDiamonds” Ball filled the ballroom with friends, fellowship, music and festivities. The Patrol thanks allwho came and participated in this evening dedicated to those Past Potentates who have led our ShrineTemple. We enjoyed a great group of these dedicated Shriners – Thank You.

Now that the Arabia installations have been completed – those of you with Staff Appointments “grabhold” of your responsibilities and let’s roll!!!

The Shrine Center will be hosting a Super Bowl Party on Sunday Afternoon – February 6th – come onout and enjoy the ball game. Free admission, big screens, food and refreshments – even a tail-gateparty before the game. Don’t miss this one!!!!!

The first parade for 2011 will be the Conroe “Go Texan” Parade coming up on the 19th of February.Always a good one with cool “Texas Winter” temperatures and, hopefully, a bright sunshiny day to makeit a bit more pleasant. Plan on coming out for this one – we will have a good time and kick off rodeo!!

A December happening - The Ladies of the Patrol completed their Christmas Project by having a “SantaParty” for the first grade at Ketelsen Elementary School. There were 104 girls and boys who weretreated with a visit from Santa, an individual gift and a sack filled with goodies, fruit and candy – youshould see the look on the faces of these children. What a great feeling!!!!!

Circus is on the horizon!! Let’s all get busy selling and promoting our Shrine Circus in Rosenberg/Ft.Bend County. A great opportunity for everyone to help out – let’s make it another successful project!!!!

By Don Slayton

This writing finds us starting on our second half of bowling. The Bi-Polar Rollers led by BennyHernandez was the first half winner. Anyone who likes bowling with a great bunch of people come ondown to Armadilla One Lanes on Preston in Pasadena. Visit with us on Sundays at 5:00 p.m. and youmight just find another club to join. The Arabia Bowlers Club is alive and well, offering fun and fellowshipwith our league bowling and scheduled tournaments. We also work and sell circus.

Greetings from the Baytown Shrine Club

We have a new slate of officers that are ready to start a new year:

J. Paul Tittsworth – PresidentWeston Cotton – 1st Vice PresidentRobert Erwin – 2nd Vice President

Travis Major – SecretaryKenny Sparks – Treasurer

If you missed the New Year’s Eve party, you missed a real fun time. We had a great new band and greateats.

Oysters Oysters Oysters Oysters Oysters

I hope everyone is looking forward to our next Oyster Fry as we are. We hear the Oysters are ready,and so are we. Mark your calendars for February 11. If you need tickets, call anyone from the club.We all have tickets to sell. If you have never been to one of our oyster frys, you have missed a real treat.We will need help in the kitchen from 8am until 8pm and need more help for cleanup at 8am on Saturday.For the last two years the first Oyster Fry has been really good. We need to spread the word and sellsome tickets to insure this one will be a raging success.We will serve from 11am to 2pm and from 4pm until 7pm.

UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS

TEXAS HOLD’EM TOURNAMENT

$25 Buy in, All pool money paid to final table Light Refreshments and snacks furnished

No charge for lessons from Poker “Experts” Free advice on when to “Hold’em and When to Fold’em”

FISHING TRIP

June 18, 2011Galveston Fishing Boat - 4 hours

$25.00Shriners only

Fishing Tackle and Bait includedFree Fishing Lessons from the PotentateDetails and registration information shortly

TOMBALL AREA SHRINE CLUBHOWARD HUGHES, PRESIDENT

Tomball Area Shrine Club had an outstanding meeting on December 16, with 36 Nobles, Ladies, andfriends attending.Santa & Mrs. Claus stopped by and told us that the Tomball Area Shrine Club's  Nobles and Ladieswere on the Nice List because of all the work that Tomball Area Shrine Club has done this yearhelping to benefit our hospital and still having fun.

President-elect Howard Hughes thanked everyone for their hard work on the Wild Well GolfTournament, Christmas in July, and the Tomball Christmas Parade.  He also wanted to thank NobleMike Mantle and Lady Ellen for having us out to their house after the Tomball Parade for great eatsand fellowship, where over 200 members of Arabia and local Lodges attended.

Noble Mike Mantle told everyone that the paperwork was ready for the BBQ teams and to call him ifthey wanted to sign up any BBQ teams.  He also said that tickets for the BBQ raffle were ready tosell.   Once again, the Raffle will be 10 Guns for $10.00 (one ticket equals 10 chances to win One ofTen guns)

Tomball Area Shrine Club Stated Meeting is held on the 4th Thursday of each month at Hilton GardenInn, HWY249 and 1960.Please call Tom Powers @281-758-1851 or Howard Hughes @281-351-6622 for reservations.

Tomball Parade - 2010

Santa came to Tomball

BAR-B-Q Cook –OffYOUR TEAM IS INVITED

Sponsored ByThe Tomball Area Shrine Club

April 15th and 16th, 2011Bring the Whole Family!

                                                                                                                                                  NET PROCEEDS GO TO THE  TOMB ALL  ARE ASHRINE CLUB

Payments are not deductible as Charitable Contributions

Entry FormThe Tomball Area Shrine Club

           15& 16th Annual Bar-B –Que Cook OffSanctioned By I.B.C.A.

($3000.00 GUARANTEED OR 25% OF ENTRY FEE WHICHEVER IS GREATEST!)  BIG TROPHIES

Chief Cook:_____________________________________________________

Chief Cook Signature:___________________ Date:_____________________

Team Name:____________________________________________________

Address:________________________________________________________

Phone Day: ______________________________________________________

Email: ___________________________________________________________

Circle Categories you plan to enter:    Brisket      Pork Spare Ribs   Chicken    BeansEntry Fee: $125.00 paid by:   Check  Cash

ALL checks should be made out to: Tomball Area Shrine Club

By signing below, you have agreed to indemnify and hold harmless Tomball BBQ Center and The Tomball Area ShrineClub against any and all claims for loss, liability or damage, and /or injury or death to persons, caused by or in anywayarising out of or in connection with (i) the services to be rendered and the work to be performed by you, and in connectionwith or arising out of acts or negligent omissions of your agents, servants, employees and licensees, however caused (ii)in connection with or arising out of the use of any of the premises or material; and /or (iii) in connection worth or arisingout of your activities or presence as participants or contestants.

For cook-off package or more info.Call (281) 382-3563. MIKE MANTLEMail To: 27521 CALVERT RD.  TOMBALL, TX 77377

DONATION TO THE HOSPITAL

Noble Tom Powers presented a check to the 2010 High Priest and Prophet, Jim Spalding from the JohnKier Foundation for $5,000 for the benefit of Shrine Hospitals at the January stated meeting. John Kieris a long time friend and supporter of Shriners Hospitals. Noble Powers stated that John and his wifeDolly were both ill and could not attend the meeting.

You are cordially invited to attend theOpen Installation of Officers of Tabeel Temple No. 88

Daughters of the NileSunday the thirteenth of March

Two thousand elevenat two o’clock in the afternoon

Arabia Shrine Center, Ballroom10510 Harwin Drive, Houston, Texa

When Princess Betty J. WcKinneyPrincess Royal will be crowned Queen

reception immediately following

Queen Princess Recorder

"Catherine “Kitty” Brewer Lynn.A Futch

GALVESTON HOSPITAL NEWS

Virtual Reality Game Studies Effects of Patient Pain ToleranceBy: Caitlin Pearce

Shriners Hospitals for Children-Galveston is currently taking part in a psychological study funded by aNational Institute of Health (NIH) grant and put on by the University of Washington examining the positiveeffects a virtual reality (VR) game, known as SnowWorld, has on a patient’s pain tolerance duringphysical and occupational therapy (PT/OT).

Collectively referred to as rehabilitative therapy, PT/OT is essential to the recovery process ofpatients suffering burn injuries. As the burn heals, the effected area has a tendency to tighten causingconstrictions of the skin, which can often limit mobility. Rehabilitative therapy aims to counteract thisprocess by utilizing exercises that work towards retaining the skin’s elasticity thus minimizing thenumber of surgical procedures, such as releases and skin grafts, needed by the patient.

Therapy exercises naturally stretch the muscles and skin, which can lead to discomfort. Often times,patients report an increase in pain level during the essential therapy process.

Researchers hypothesize that the introduction of SnowWorld into thetherapy process will reduce the level of pain reported by burn patients andincrease the overall success of rehab therapy sessions.

David R. Patterson, a pain expert at the University of Washington, andHunter Hoffman, director of the Virtual Reality Analgesia Research Centerat the University of Washington are two of the front runners pioneering thisone-of-a-kind virtual experiment.

Both researchers have been working with pediatrician and pediatricpsychiatrist Dr. Walter Meyer, Research Associate Bill Russell,Psychologist Dr. Lisa Arceneaux, and Clinical Researcher JordanKampschmidt collecting data on the effects SnowWorld has on thehospital’s pediatric burn patients.

“The most ambitious data to date has been collected at the GalvestonShriners Hospital”, Hoffman said.

Preliminary results of the study have found patients who use virtual reality report less pain duringtherapy than those not participating in the virtual experiment. Additionally, many participants reportedenjoying therapy more when SnowWorld is incorporated into their sessions. Researchers attributethese results to the unique design of their virtual world.

Whereas typical video games have story-lines, characters, and intense action and adventure,SnowWorld is designed to lack almost all of these elements and serve solely as an immersivedistraction, diverting the patient’s attention to their new virtual environment.

“Specific features crafted into the program keep patients calm and relaxed, unlike a conventionalvideo game which serves to excite and enthrall through rapid motion and breakneck speed”, saidJordan Kampschmidt, clinical researcher at Shriners-Galveston.

As the study continues to expand, researchers are hoping to find pediatric patients with burn injuriesare able to complete a more rigorous rehab therapy exercise regiment when Snow World is beingplayed. Ideally, this result would lead to increased mobility amongst burn patients during therehabilitative phase of their injury.

SPRING CEREMONIAL&

NEW NOBLES DANCELine up your candidate now!

Cold Sands

Blood Drive

Hospital Visit

Aloha Dance (Free)

8:00 P.M. – 12:00 P.M.

Prizes for best and worst Hawaiian Shirt!

Free Pineapple and Roasted Pig

BYOB – Setups Available

Arabia Motor Corps Unitby Jack Sanchez

The Motor Corps would like to say “THANK YOU”to all the people who put so much time and energyinto getting our Temple up and running. It’s turnedinto a real show place. We, like everyone else areextremely excited about moving into our new UnitRooms. So much has happened that we just don’thave enough space to report on everything theMotor Corps accomplished in 2010. We had 92Motorcycles for the 2nd Annual TOY RUN to theHouston Hospital, many of whom headed forGalveston for the same thing (you can’t beat thesmile on the children’s faces). We had a three Unit(Motor Corp, Knights & Sportsmen) Christmas Partywith 200 plus people attending, enjoying the musicand fellowship. The Lucky winner of the Polaris 50Mini-4-wheeler (donated by Noble Miguel Rocha)was won by Ken Carpenter of the Arabian Knights,a lost weekend gift basket was won by Julie Gallierand a Coach Purse and wallet was won by LadyEllen Mantle.January brought the installation of our new officers.For a complete list and means of contacting theMotor Corps Cadre go to our website:http://arabiamotorcorp.com. All necessaryinformation will be listed there. With January justbeing completed, and the dust from the TartanInaugural Ball settling, we can put away our draftyKILTS, put on our riding leathers because we areheading to Kemah for a warm up parade to get thekinks out of our bodies and machinery, then toConroe for the Go-Texan parade, finally headingSouth to Brownsville for Charro Days.Anyone interested in becoming a member, helping,participating or donating, please contactCommander, Laris Nolan atlaris.nolan@arabiamotorcorp.com or Lt Cmdr DavidJanda at baberuth60714@arabiamotorcorp.com.You don’t need to own a Motorcycle or Red Racerto be a member of the Motor Corp. The onlyrequirement to be a member is “YOU WANT TOHAVE FUN”. If that’s the case, then this is your unit.We travel around the state, browse the differentshops, take in the local culture, food and friendlinessof the people.

Oriental BandBy: John Barron

February looks to be a busy month all aroundthe Temple and with the Oriental Band. First upis the Super Bowl party at the center on the 6th

of February and remember this is open not onlyto Shriners and their families, but to brotherMasons as well. What a great opportunity toshow a brother the fun and fellowship that comesfrom being a Shriner. Close on the heels ofSuper Bowl weekend is the annual Conroe GoTexan Parade. You just never know what theweather is going to do, but the crowds alwayswarm the hearts of the Shrine with their support.Be sure to keep a close eye on all upcomingevents by staying in contact through our web site,which contains all the latest news.

With our officers installed, we are working onmid-winter plans. We will travel to Amarilloduring the first weekend in April. The cost will be$80 per noble and $130 per couple.  The hotelis the Downtown Courtyard by Marriott.  Theroom rate is $99 per night and upgrades areavailable. Contact the band secretary, JohnBarron for more information and forms. Khivawill host this year and plans to provide somegenuine West Texas fun.

In earlier editions of this article we havementioned that the period of 2010-2011 is animportant period of time for the Oriental Band.The band was officially recognized by thePotentate in 1950 and began working as a unitin 1951. We are proud of our 60 years of serviceto Arabia and hope to be an integral part of thisbody for years to come. The band’s membershiphas declined over the past couple of years, butwith our new home and the drive of our officersand members a new page will begin. If you arereading this article for the first time or have beena member of Arabia but not found a unit or clubto be a part of come on down to a meeting orband practice see why we call it organizedconfusion. Our music doesn’t exactly fit somestandards of kind, our costumes are notregulation outfits and members don’t always fitthe description of a polished “professional”musician, but we always have fun doing thingsdifferently with a great deal of craziness. Texasis home to a number of great Oriental Bands,come see why Arabia’s own Oriental Bandshould be a part of your plans.

GREETERS

By: Bob Short

My Lady, Hope, and I wish each and everyone a Happy Healthy and prosperous New Year.

The Greeter Officers-Elect. were installed at our January 6th, 2011 stated meeting by OrientalGuide-Elect, J. David Ashley, who honored us by attending our meeting with his Lady, Melissa.

I am very proud of our officers who have so willingly stepped forward to continue the leadership of our unit.I know we will have a year of personal growth and success with the support of all of our members .

The Greeter Officers' are as follows: Chaplain: Paul G. Stimson: Lt. Colonel: Paul E. Easley: Treasurer:Jerry R. Pelczar: Interim Secretary, Bob Short; Vice President: Howard W. Pittman: Junior PastPresident: Howard W. Pittman and President: Bob J. Short.

I'm here to serve you, the members, and "Thank" each one of you for your vote of confidence in electingme as your Unit President for the fourth time. Plans are in process for a busy year and, at the top of the listwill be getting established in our new Unit Room. Nobles, February 14th. is fast approaching, and thatmeans it’s time for candy, roses, hugs and kisses. All Nobles wish to recognize those for whomwe affectionately refer to as "Our Ladies", and it is spoken with honor and true courtesy of a SouthernGentlemen. It is as it should be, for they are our pillars of strength and work beside us all the time with tirelessdedication and joy, even when they are exhausted. We love them very much, and wish them a HappyValentine’s Day.

WE CARE CORNER:

Lady Carolyn McClain had major surgery at Kingwood Hospital in Mid-January. We will attempt to obtainmore details on her condition. Noble John W. Bentley is presently in Friendswood Health Care Center, 213East Heritage, Friendswood, Texas, 77546, (281)993-5129, and his condition is unknown at thistime.Noble Leo Wroten stated that he bowled 179 today, and that his Lady, Leona was presently in a nursinghome. She has improved to the point he thinks he will be able to bring her home soon.Noble-Frank Hermann is in a health facility, but we have not yet been able to determine exactly whatthe name of the facility is and where it is located. We will advise you when we can.

We have missed each and every one of you, and we wish each of you a speedy recovery. You arein our thoughts and prayers.

Have you ever thought about writing a "Note" to someone? Notes bind us together when writtensincerely. It feels good to express your thoughts, and hearing someone say, "That was a wonderful noteyou sent. It meant a lot to me”, gives a very special boost.

Isn't there someone who would like to hear from you today?May you have the greatest two gifts of all this coming year; someone to love and someone who loves you.

ARABIA SHRINE SPORTSMENBy Rudy Staudt, Secretary/Treasurer

The Sportsmen Unit is proud to announce our elected officers for 2011 . Our President is James VanMeter,Vice President-Chris Staudt and Secretary/Treasurer is Rudy Staudt. We are all committed to making thisa fun year along with holding our Fishing Tournament and the Sporting Clay Tournament that benefits ourHospitals. If you haven’t been to the Shrine Center lately, please come by and check out our new meetingroom. We are presently in the process of building cabinets and a serving bar. When that is complete ournext project is to furnish the room and decorate the walls with various mounted fish and game. If Youwere not at the past Stated Meeting, you may not have heard the results of our Sporting Clay Tournament.Our Unit donated a check to the Galveston Burn Hospital in the amount of $17,296.87. On December 18,the Sportsmen, Knights and Motor Corps held our First Annual Christmas Party in the newly remodeledShrine Ball Room. Over 200 Members and Guests enjoyed the evening with a catered steak or chickendinner and dancing to the music of the Stephen Chadwick Band. We hope to make this an annual eventwith even more Units and Clubs participating. Some of the events we have plans to enjoy this year includethe Willis Chili Cook-off, our Annual Fishing Tournament at Matagorda, the Fairbanks Lodge CatfishTournament on Lake Conroe, trips to Lake Calcasieu in Louisiana, the Annual White Wing Hunt, the AnnualSporting Clay Tournament, fishing in Galveston Bay and a hog hunt.

Our January meeting kicked off with a very tasty catfish dinner cooked by Wesley Nichols. During themeeting a motion was made and passed for our Unit to donate a Benelli Shotgun to be raffled at the ShrineCircus. We have been doing this annually, and it raises a large sum of money for the Circus. We alsovoted and passed a motion to purchase a rifle, trip to Lake Calcasieu and a Shimano rod and reel to beauctioned at our Fishing Tournament. This year’s Tournament will take place on May 21st at MatagordaHarbor Marina.Our new Officers were then sworn into office by David Ashley, Treasurer, Arabia Shrine. All of our guestswere introduced and our Potentate, Mike Ellis, gave a special thank you to James VanMeter for his hardwork helping supervise the Shrine Center remodeling project.If you are a person that enjoys hunting or fishing, you should consider joining the Sportsmen Unit. We stillmeet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 PM. Our plan is to have a meal served prior to the meetingaround 6:30 PM. For more information or an application to join contact one of our Officers. Their numbersare-James (936) 672-3103, Chris (713) 296-9154 and Rudy (713) 828-4075. Our dues remain a verymodest $25.00 a year. Hope to see you at our next meeting.

San Jacinto Shrine ClubBy Phillip Christie

Once again, San Jacinto Shrine Club is having its Valentine dinner. Dinner will be held on February 10th

at the Republic Grill at the Battleground Golf Course located at 1600 Georgia in Deer Park, at 6:30 p.m.This is the third year in a row for the club to honor our ladies for all that they do for us and the Shrine. Nextyear we might even start calling it an “annual” event!

I would like to extend an invitation to all Shriners to come to our regular stated meetings held the secondThursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Golden Corral on Spencer Hwy. in Pasadena.

BENEFIT CORNER

by Jim McKinney, High Priest & Prophet

We finally opened our Temple in a grandioso way with the Legion of Honor Dance, followed by CircusKickoff. What a fantastic start for a fabulous facility. Now that we have the process of being able to buildout our new Unit Rooms and finally have a home to call home, we hope to see a large amount of eventsin our Center this year. Keep in mind that we are going to have a Super Bowl event with some tailgatingas well. Let’s look forward to getting everybody involved and come out and have some fun in our newCenter this year. I am personally looking forward to seeing a multitude of different folks that haven’tbeen able to participate in previous years.Nobles, as we start a new year refreshed and eager to serve for the children and hospitals, I would likefor us to hit the ground running as we did last year. Jim Spalding did a wonderful job as High Priest andProphet in 2010, leaving big shoes to fill. We are starting off the year with IHOP Days on March 1, 2011;it will be prerequisite by a kickoff dinner in February 19 for all Captains and site leaders, along withIHOP management group. Come out and meet the owners of Houston and surrounding areas andexchange ideas. Looking ahead, March is traditionally a busy month with Rodeo in town that month andthe Willis Cook off, followed by our own Shrine Circus in Rosenberg. TSA will follow and Imperial willbe in Denver this year. Wow, summertime in the mountains in July, isn’t that great. The year will winddown with cook offs and golf tournaments. Each and almost every month we will be having benefits tocontribute to our Hospitals to help an ever increasing demand to help our Children.Some interesting stats from IHOP area directors:

2009 - 1.3 dollars total earnings nationwide, but keep in mind that IHOP areas in the Northern regionscontribute to Children’s Miracle network (it’s all about kids also).

2010 – 2.1 dollars, almost double the previous year.

In the Southern district, which includes Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana,Mississippi, and part of Alabama, a total of $630,000.00 was raised last year by Shriners. This regionhas always led in the United States. The Houston/Galveston/Beaumont area alone raised $88,000.00.

Nobles, if you get a chance to visit the local IHOPS prior to our March 1 on the weekends, please spenda little time wearing your Fez in the heavy hours of 9 AM to 12 Noon. This gives us exposure to thepublic and gives them another view of our work for the Hospitals. Please check with the manager duringyour time and explain that the area IHOP directors (Toni Shoplik and Darrell Wright) have endorsedthis time.

Let’s keep up the outstanding effort and work to lead the Region again this year. Please join me as youhave in the past years to make this another outstanding year. Any questions or suggestions pleasedon’t hesitate to give me a call or email me anytime at (281) 253-5753 or jmckinney16@comcast.net.

Remember: Kick Off meeting on February 19 - 6:00 PM - Refreshments and light meal served.

IHOP Day - Tuesday, March 1 - 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Arabia TemplePO Box 420549

Houston TX 77242Non­Profit Org.

US Postage PaidPermit 53

Houston TexasAddress Service Requested

WORKERS NEEDED!!

Kick Off Meeting - Arabia Shrine CenterFebruary 19, 2011, 6:30 PM

Food servedRSVP to Jean, 713-664-3437

IHOP NATIONAL PANCAKE DAY

MARCH 1, 20117:00 A.M. TO 10:00 P.M.

We need all Nobles and Ladies to work at all local neighborhood IHOP Restaurantsto help collect money. Please sign up on February 19th to work as many hours asyou can to ensure a successful National Pancake Day.

Please contact Jim McKinney, High Priest & Prophet for local assignments anddetails. (281) 253-5753 jmckinney16@comcast.net