Northern Nevada Shriners to roast potentate

By Rhonda Costa, Nevada Appeal Staff Writer

The Kerak Temple of Reno and its Shrine clubs of northern Nevada will gather Friday to roast Potentate Art Gline at 6 p.m. at the Carson Nugget.

In ceremonies dating back more than a century, the club regales the man in the highest position.

Don Proud, president of the Kit Carson Shrine Club, said, “We will roast Art Gline because he’s the number one man within the temple. Emcee will be John Little, a personal friend of Art’s, who has known him for years. He will go into things that have happened during Art’s life. All good incidents, and all in fair play.”

The rumors about the club showing stag films during meetings is just that, a rumor, Proud said. However, word has it a photo of Gline appearing in the nude may be shown on a big screen.

“It’s a baby picture of him,” Proud said.

The Shriners have a membership of about 800, and Proud said new members are always welcome. They must first become a Mason to join.

“A lot of people think we’re a secret organization. We’re not,” Proud said.

Proud said Carson City is one of the clubs within the Reno Temple. It is primarily a men’s organization, but Proud admits they couldn’t accomplish their goals without the women.

The main purpose of the Shriners is to provide health care to children for spinal cord injuries, cleft palates and burns.

“And we do all this for free,” Proud said. “We have 19 hospitals that provide health care. That’s what we’re all about, to take care of these kids. And we hold screening clinics all the time.”

The closest Shriner Hospital is in Sacramento.

“They’re the best in the country,” Proud said.

The Kit Carson Shrine Club meets at 6 p.m. the first Friday of each month at the Carson Nugget.

Cost to attend the roast is $22.50 per person, reservations required. The roast is from 6-9:30 p.m. in the ballroom of the Carson Nugget, 507 N. Carson St.

For reservations or information, call Proud at 882-4544.