A HOLIDAY LETTER FROM NOBLE JOE

A HOLIDAY LETTER FROM NOBLE JOE ALVARADO

Brother Nobles,

We sometimes forget who we are, where we come from, and what we do. We know there are two sides to the Las Vegas Shriners and our wonderful families  – the fun side with funny hats, tassels, clowns making balloon animals and driving tiny cars in parades – and the serious side which helps children with complicated orthopedic or plastic surgery needs. Our primary mission is and always has been to become the best at transforming children’s lives by providing exceptional world class  healthcare to children within a very compassionate, family-centered care environment; provide for the education of healthcare professionals; and conduct research to discover new knowledge that improves the quality of care and quality of life of children and families. This mission is without regard to race, color, creed, sex, disability, origin or ability to pay. Few Las Vegans realize that our Zelzah Shrine Temple and the Shriners Hospitals for Children Los Angeles sponsors  several  outreach clinics for children. Doctors  and staff from the Shriners Hospital for Children Los Angeles travel to Las Vegas to apply world class medical treatment to our communities children. In addition to the clinics, hundreds of children are seen via teleconferencing sessions. You can put a group of ten people together anywhere in the United States and someone has been touched or helped by the Shriners. Presently we have over 400 little souls on our medical care rolls. We don't treat sick people, we fix young lives.

I am proud to remind my Brothers of the good we do and why we should look at each child treated as a personal triumph. Katie is a special one of those to me. We heard about Katie from a Brother Noble who met her family at a church. Katie was about 11 or twelve , Her illness was extremely severe Scoliosis. The original diagnosis was that her body was twisted to 90 degrees. It later turned out to be more than 100 degrees. She could not participate in sports, and as the illness worsened, she was limited in many of the normal functions of everyday life due to the compression on her ribs on her lungs. Katie describes how she was bullied and how the Jocks at her school would  hit her on the Hump for luck before a game.

We found that this young lady had a great amount of courage and a strong will to get better. Our Temple sent Katie and her mother to the Shriners Hospitals for Children in Los Angeles. And after looking her over they sent her and her mother  to Shriners Hospitals’ for Children Sacramento. Katie received treatment and surgery and post-operative care. Within three months, this amazing young lady walked into a room where we had assembled, straight as an Arrow, and told her story of the Life changing metamorphosis that had resulted  from our Shrine’s small part in this wonderful process.

I now have a lifetime friend who after the operation and her recovery who entrusted me with the fact that a boy had asked her on her first date, and then even more important that someone had asked  her to her first dance. My own life took on a change and a feeling of privilege that only comes when someone opens a small window into her little life. We now go to visit schools to talk about the Shriners Hospitals for Children, and she tells her story to amazed crowds. I swell with pride at the amazing person she has become. This young lady, only one of the more than 80,000 children our clinic has seen over its many years, has her own website and has been responsible for motivating other young individuals with the same illness who are hesitant, to proceed with their own operations.

My story is not unique.  it is repeated to each of us as Nobles at special times in our Life as nobles. At this time of year, especially, we are reminded what it means to know that life changing privilege of the title Noble as we proudly labor in this Craft we so love. The work we do and the part that each of us plays, from techs, to drivers, to clowns, is a privilege that leads to a fuller life. As we begin a New Year, we need to strive tell more people - "We are your neighbors - a part of you – let us help.”

Wishing you Best Christmas and New Year

Joe Alvarado

2016 El Zaribah Shrine Golf

Nobles,

The 2016 Shriners Golf Classic, benefiting Shriners Hospitals for Children is set and ready for your registration.  We assure you a good time.  The young ladies from the Cactus Tour will be joining us once again for our Pro Am, set for Saturday morning, April 2^nd and the popular “Bash Before The Clash” will be held in the El Zaribah Auditorium on Friday evening, April 1^st.  Details for everything is on our website, www.Shrinersgolf.com .  Of course golf and the Bash Before the Clash is open to the public.

Pro Am Golf Tournament:  For the last two tournaments we have sold out at least 60 days in advance so we strongly encourage you not to wait and register now.  This past tournament we ended up with 16 people on the waiting list. 

“Bash Before The Clash”:  Moving to the auditorium because we have simply outgrown the Red Fez Room.  This is the night you can mingle with the Pro Golfers from the Cactus Tour as well as any Celebrities that might show up and of course, enjoy food from various restaurants around the Valley and listen to some great entertainment.  Put on your white socks and dancing shoes for our entertainment that evening will be Tommy Price & the Stilettos, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JtRruKfDIo .  Old School American Rock & Roll.  Registered Golfers only are free and all others can purchase a ticket on our website at $15.00 each.

Hole Sponsorship:  We are offering a special price for El Zaribah Units and Clubs only.  As opposed to the standard rate of $125.00, our own units and clubs can have their 22” x 22” full color sign at the rate of $100.00 per sign.  You can sponsor a hole by logging ontowww.Shrinersgolf.com and clicking on “Sponsorships”.  Scroll to “Tee Box Sponsor” and click, “Add To Cart”.  When you see “Promotional Code”, type in “Unit or Club”, then click on APPLY CODE.  You have your choice of paying by credit or debit card, or if you would rather pay by check, simply click on Download Invoice, print it out and send it to us with your check.

We are asking for your help with this event.  We know we have so much talent amongst our Nobility.  There are many of you out there with so much experience and knowledge in the areas we need help so please, WHO DO YOU KNOW?

1.      What restaurant, golf course, hotel, spa or any other business owner do you know that would donate an item for the auctions that will be held during the Bash Before The Clash?

2.      Who do you know that owns a business and would enjoy becoming a sponsor of what is becoming one of the premier golf tournaments in the Valley?

3.      Who do you know that can help us get live TV coverage for our event?

Questions?  Just give us a call.

Fraternally,

Tom Calvin, Executive Director

Shriners Golf Classic

Email:  tomcalvin@Shrinersgolf.com

The Legacy Golf Resort

April 2, 2016

www.Shrinersgolf.com

Happy Thanksgiving

Washington DC 1923

https://www.loc.gov/item/hec2013002471/

%20letter%20(3).doc

2015 Christmas Train Special

Silver Anniversary

For 25 years BNSF has touched people’s lives by putting together a very special event, the Christmas Train.  This event has spread warmth and kindness to many less fortunate children within the community. 

This year, once again, we are looking for volunteers to help spread BNSF holiday cheer.  We are looking for people who are willing to assist Santa and Mrs. Clause by helping with loading and unloading of passengers, distributing cookies/juice, caroling, set-up, clean-up, and a multitude of other duties related to spreading holiday cheer to hundreds of children.

This year’s train will operate on:

Saturday              12/12/15 (Summit)  

Sunday          12/13/15 (Victorville/Barstow)

Monday         12/14/15 (Victorville/Barstow)   

The trains start and end from San Bernardino and the hours for volunteers typically are from 0700 to 1600.

If you are interested in being a part of this special event and would like to volunteer your time to this worthwhile cause, please send an E-Mail request to OPRDLVol@bnsf.com with:

·      Your name

·      Date (s) you are interested in working

·      Contact information (E-Mail and Phone Number)

One of the Christmas train coordinators will contact you to confirm your assignment. 

Unfortunately, due to a limited number of volunteer positions, we may not be able to guarantee an assignment for everyone that submits a request; however we will do everything we can to accommodate as many as possible in this fun event and we appreciate all those who volunteer. 

Take advantage of the opportunity to be a part of something that is truly rewarding and a long-standing BNSF tradition!

Lews County Shrine Club

LEWIS COUNTY SHRINE CLUB
The friendliest club in shrinedom

Upcoming Events

MORE TO COME:
AFIFI Fall Ceremonial the caravan awaits one and all November 7th, 9:00

November Centralia Elks 6:00 Zen zen Dinner at 7:00

November 13th to 15th AFIFI Portland Hospital Trek to SHRINE HOSPITAL 13th Nov. 4:30-10:00 Hospitality gateway shrine club 14th Nov. 8:30 depart to Hospital, shrine hospital seminar and tour 12:00 lunch 1:00 depart from hospital to Quality Inn 5:30 Hospitality & Banquet at Vancouver Masonic Center, $20.00 per person.

Greetings nobles,

Hello nobles our November meeting will be held at the at the Centralia Elks Thursday the 12th at 1732 South Gold Street, need to RSVP to I>S> Dick Frombgen at 360-736-6716. We are going to have a great dinner Steak, and the Thurston Mason Shrine Club well be joining us. Also the Potentate Ken Kessler with his AFIFI Divan should show up. Social hour at 6:00 for Zen Zen and dinner at 7:00. 

AFIFI Fall Ceremonial at the Oasis Mystic Shrine, the caravan awaits one and all November 7th 2015, 8:30am Candidates and Sponsor report to Recorders Office 9:00 Divan meets to Ballot on Candidate petitions 9:30 First Section ladies & Guests welcome 10:30 Second Section Nobles and Candidates only 12:30 Lunch 1:30 Fezzing of New Nobles & Remarks from Illustrious Sir Ken Keesler 2:00 Hosted 

Reception and Zen Zen. AFIFI Portland Hospital Trek November 13 - 15 schedule of Events Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 4:30pm to 10pm Hospitality room open ( hosted by Gateway S/C) at the Quality Inn & Suites in Hazel Dell,7001 NE HWY 99, Hazel Dell (Vancouver, 78th St Exit off I-5) Wa. (360) 696-0516. Saturday, Nov. 14th 2015 8:30am Depart from motel to Shrine Hospital, 9:00 am Shrine Hospital Seminar and tour, 12:00pm Lunch, 1:00pm Depart from the Hospital to Quality Inn, 5:30 Hospitality & Banquet at Vancouver Masonic Center. Dinner $20.00 per person at the door. 

Still some more fun in the future AFIFI Parades Schedule for 2015 Christmas Tree Town Parade Shelton, December 5th and the Festival of lights Parade Montesano, December 12th. Need to check for start time with Afifi Shrine. Thanks for all your Help in this very busy time.

See you at the meeting and Game
Yours in faith Don Varo President LCSC

Marksmen Shrine Club

Then, my brother told us to call the Shriners.

Zwambag: Behind the Fez

The Motherload

BRIANNE ZWAMBAG / ALASKA HIGHWAY NEWS
OCTOBER 29, 2015 08:27 AM

• 
  

Years ago, when I was a staff reporter for Alaska Highway News, I wrote a story that always stuck with me. It was a story about a young boy with a disease that was slowly killing his hip joint and causing him debilitating pain, and about his family’s journey to find the help he so desperately needed. That journey took them to the Shriners Hospital in Portland. I helped to tell the story, but I didn’t get it.

How could I? I wasn’t a parent. I had no frustrations with our healthcare system. I didn’t know what it was like to want to help your child but not be able to. As much as that story really stuck out in my memory from my time at the paper, I’m ashamed to say that when the fun guys with the fez’ and the little go-carts passed us in the parade that year, I still had no idea what they did.

Those guys wearing the rockin’ red fez? They’re Shriners. And they are an amazing group of men who are helping families in big ways every day in our community. I wish I had paid more attention then so I could have found them sooner, so I really hope you all are paying attention so you know they’re there if you ever need them.

You see, they have this huge network of pediatric hospitals that specialize in orthopaedics, spinal cord injuries, cleft lip and palate, and burn care. They take patients in no matter their ability to pay; their only goal is to provide these kids with the care they deserve to live a happy and normal life.

Furthermore, these hospitals are second to none. They have some of the best medical professionals and researchers in the world. Just listening to other families we have travelled with talk about how the prosthetics provided by the hospital are one hundred times more comfortable and natural for their child than what they could have gotten locally, you know that this hospital gets it. These hospitals are the best because they genuinely want these kids to live their best lives.

I’ve spoken in this column about my son’s rather difficult pregnancy and birth, and the experiences that came with having a preemie. But I’ve never really spoken about the fact that he was born with an orthopaedic condition that left us feeling completely lost as parents.

When he was first born, it was quickly evident that something was up with his foot. Our doctor in the NICU told us that he was club-footed on one foot. We were referred to a specialist and told it was easily corrected at that age, and off we went. It quickly became apparent that it wasn’t going to be THAT easy.

As parents, you see your child daily. And you get to know them pretty well. By the time we were seeing this specialist, we had questions. Lots of questions. And we weren’t convinced the diagnosis was correct.

I have a memory of my first meeting with this specialist. He literally didn’t even look at my son’s leg and foot for three seconds. I remember this because I even asked him if he wanted to look again (to which he said no). He just said “clubfoot” and slapped a cast on him. There was no opportunity to ask questions, get clarity or find out about what happens next.

Three castings later, it was overcorrected. Two weeks later, it fully reverted and went back in to a cast. A couple weeks more, he had us in to fit my son for rigid shoes and a special brace that was essentially a giant skateboard. The real kicker? They didn’t even make these shoes for children this young. At this point, we said we were done and begged for a referral to a pediatric orthopaedic specialist in a bigger centre. By this time, we realized that our biggest problem wasn’t his foot. Rather, his leg wasn’t growing properly.

The doctor we saw next was more concerned about his head then his legs and ended our appointment by telling us we’d either start leg lengthening surgeries a few years down the road or we’d damage his growth plates when he was getting close to maturity to hope the smaller leg would catch up. I left that appointment with no answers, but a lot of fear.

We saw other doctors and got a hundred different answers and concerns, but no ways to actually help our son so he wouldn’t limp or have hip and back problems caused by a difference in leg length.

Then, my brother told us to call the Shriners.

Everything simply fell in to place. They booked us an appointment in Portland for three weeks later (the shortest wait we’d ever had to see a specialist). They booked us plane tickets and a hotel. They called and got all his medical records. All we had to do was show up.

The hospital? Beautiful. The staff? Amazing. The nurses and assistants? So great with kids and so compassionate. The doctor? The most knowledgeable person we’d spoken to, and she gave everything to us straight. We walked out of that hospital feeling so relieved, knowing everything was going to be okay.

We now go every year so they can monitor our son and provide him with whatever he needs, be it a brace, lifts for his shoes… anything. We know he still might face surgery, but the Shriners Hospital performs much less invasive surgery on children like our son than what he would have faced at a more local hospital.

So what do Shriners do? For families like ours, they give us everything we need. Medical care, travel assistance, and the most important thing of all: peace.

So if you don’t know about this amazing organization, I urge you to check out their site or chat them up when you see one of those fezzes out in the community. They’re an organization worth having on your radar, and a group of really great guys.

All I can say is… Thank you. 

 Brianne Zwambag is a full-time boo-boo healer, snack artist, janitor, referee, master storyteller and child stylist in Fort St. John, B.C. who sometimes gets a chance to sit down and write about life, mommyhood and the issues that surround it.

-http://www.alaskahighwaynews.ca/opinion/columnists/zwambag-behind-the-fez-1.2098836#sthash.H5K5g78U.dpuf

High-tech Prostheses

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Children who need braces and artificial limbs are the beneficiaries of a new computer-aided design and manufacturing system at Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California. The high-tech system consists of a camera, scanner, computer-modification software and a 3-Axis Carver, a machine that cuts prosthetic and orthotic molds from pre-sized cylindrical polyurethane foam. Installed in the hospital’s orthotics and prosthetics lab earlier this year, the advanced technology has made the process for making prostheses, braces and burn masks faster, more efficient, less invasive and more effective.

Children are the beneficiaries of advanced technology at Shriners Hospitals for Children - Northern California.

Tweet this

“We no longer need to rely on plaster or fiberglass to make a prosthetic limb or brace for a patient,” says Dan Munoz, manager of the Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) at the Northern California Shriners Hospital. “Now, thanks to scanning technology, we use a hand-held camera and mouse to begin the molding process.”

Under the old system, prostheses and orthoses were molded by hand. To begin the process, a practitioner would make a plaster or fiberglass cast of the patient’s limb or face. Now, patients no longer always need casts made. Instead, Munoz or a colleague scans the patient’s body part with the camera, which instantaneously transmits a three-dimensional image to an adjacent computer screen. Then they modify the image on a computer, which can take as little as 10 minutes. The image is sent to the in-house Carver, which cuts a mold in minutes.

The Canadian firm Vorum installed the cutting-edge technology that was made possible by a $116,000 donation made to the Northern California Shriners Hospital by The Gately Foundation, which supports medical science, education and enrichment of the lives of children in Northern California.

The digitized system promotes collaboration among Shriners Hospitals, making it possible for the Sacramento hospital to fabricate devices for Shriners hospitals in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. It is allowing satellite centers to open, like a recent one at a Shriners hospital in Spokane, which has never had an in-house orthotics and prosthetics lab. Now staff can scan patients and digitally send the images to a Shriners Hospital lab with a Carver for fabrication.

The digitized system also allows POPS to keep an electronic record of every device they make, including about 3,000 devices a year. The comparative data provides information that may promote new research studies and improve patient care.

Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California is one of five Shriners Hospitals nationwide with a Carver. Having a handful of fabrication centers, rather than many hospitals operating independently and making their own devices is a new business model Shriners recently adopted, says Munoz, manager of Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) at Shriners Hospital in Sacramento.

The cost-saving model allows Shriners to serve more patients, give patients a more consistent experience, and reduce the number of days out-of-town families will have to spend in Sacramento.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is devoted to transforming the lives of children through excellence in treatment, teaching and research. Located at 2425 Stockton Boulevard in Sacramento, Shriners Hospitals for Children – Northern California provides care to children with orthopaedic conditions, spinal cord injuries, burns, cleft lip, scars from any cause and other complex surgical needs. There are no barriers to care as admission is based on age and diagnosis. Care is provided regardless of the family’s ability to pay. For further information call (916) 453-2000 or go online towww.shrinerschildrens.org.

Contacts

Shriners Hospitals for Children
Catherine Curran, 916-453-2218
Public Relations
ccurran@shrinenet.org

“Why is a creepy clown a bad idea?”

By: Ron Jaffe

President, Fun World Clown Alley, Orlando, Florida

Halloween. It’s the time of the year when scary clowns are lurking everywhere.  As a variation of P.T. Barnum’s famous quote, “clowns are the pegs on which a circus is hung,” scary clowns are the pegs on which a haunted house is hung. They are frequent choices for costume parties, and unlike the other costumed characters, there is something about a scary clown that leaves lasting impressions on the public. Those impressions can dramatically and negatively affect those who rely upon their makeup and clowning to make a living, and they can also affect those who clown for humanitarian causes.

It doesn’t matter how talented a clown is with her craft or how exquisite her makeup and costume is or how friendly she is. It only takes one creepy-looking clown and bad experience, movie, or image to re-frame someone’s perspective about clowns, and those who have had those bad experiences don’t keep it to themselves. They reinforce their own bias against clowns by saying “I’m scared of clowns“ over and over, almost as if it’s become fashionable to do so.

In society today, people aren’t exposed to clowns frequently like they were in the first half of the 20th century to know how clowns ‘should’ act, so a single bad encounter could turn the person against clowns and clowning for life.   By the 1950s, the American circus was still a staple of American life, and clowns could be found on cereal boxes, bars of soap, shoe advertisements, soft drink labels, school textbooks, magazines and of course, on television.  But as the American circus began to fade with the proliferation of television and other forms of entertainment, so did our exposure to clowns, and two subsequent events would establish the image of scary clowns in our psyche forever.

In 1978, John Wayne Gacy was arrested for the murder of dozens of young people. Gacy was a clown and images of him in his costume were plastered in print and news media for years until his death in 1994.  In 1990, Stephen King’s “IT” came out in the theater and today, “Pennywise” the clown still haunts the memories of those who first saw the film 25 years ago.  But it’s been the subsequent and growing number of scary clown depictions that are making it so hard for traditional clowns to ply their trade today.

At a nursing home where I clown, the old folks who grew up with clowns appreciate the work we do as caring clowns. It’s actually the young CNAs and staff who are the ones who proclaim, “I’m scared of clowns,” and who literally freeze up when we come through even when wearing minimal makeup. This directly affects our ability to help people who are hurting when we have to tippy-toe around the staff, whom we are also there to help. Well-trained clowns in a hospital environment can greatly improve the mood of a patient and floor staff, but not if the patient and staff are fearful of what they feel clowns might represent.

Traditional clowns today, at least in the United States, are constantly exposed to those who proclaim a fear of clowns. But while “coulrophobia” exists, it’s actually quite rare.  For most, it’s merely a conditioned response to clowns that’s been developed and reinforced over time through imagery and repetitive internal and external  dialogue.

Lastly, it’s important to mention that when we speak against evil and scary clowns, we’re not making judgements about the people in costume, we’re only lamenting on the inevitable long-term affects that scary clowns can have on children and adults.

By: Ron Jaffe
President, Fun World Clown Alley, Orlando, Florida

Las Vegas Outreach clinic 7/11/15

The Best and Worst Charities!

-- WHERE DOES CHARITY MONEY GO??? --

Some interesting stats in this message.

The Terry Fox organization contributes $0.83 for every dollar raised to cancer research.

The Canadian Cancer Society : $0.22 for every dollar raised.

Admin costs for the Terry Fox Run are low because most of the admin costs are paid by its many volunteers. Only $0.17 is used for run promotion and supplies. Every person organizing & managing absorbs all expenses other than the run donor sheets and some signage.

Do you know that the CEO of Shriners’ , the Imperial Potentate, makes $0.00 per year? How about that for a salary? There are 22 hospitals helping kids in Canada , the USA and in Mexico . His salary is matched by the Provincial Potentate’s income which is also $0.00 per year.

So the next time you see a Shriner in a mall, selling whatever, give generously.

Same for the Lions Clubs ---100 per cent of money raised for charity goes to charity. Even Lion's dinner meetings are paid for out of their own pockets.

As you open your pockets for yet another natural disaster, keep the following information in mind.

We have listed the charities from the highest (worst paid offender to the lowest (least paid offender).

The worst offender , for the 11th year in a row is UNICEF ,whose CEO receives $1,200,000 per year, plus a Rolls Royce for his exclusive use wherever he goes, and an expense account that is rumored to be well over $150,000.

Only pennies from the donations go to the UNICEF cause (less than $0.14 per dollar of income).

The second worst offender this year is Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the American Red Cross .

Her salary for the year ending in 2009 was $651,957 plus expenses. She enjoys 6 weeks fully paid holidays including all related expenses during the holiday trip for her and her husband and kids, and 100% fully paid health & dental plan for her and her family….for life!

This means out of every dollar they bring in, about $0.39 goes to charity causes.

The third worst offender, again for the 7th time, was Brian Gallagher, President of the United Way. He receives a $375,000 base salary (US funds), plus so many expense benefits it's hard to keep track as to what it is all worth, including a fully paid lifetime membership at 2 golf courses

(1 in Canada, 1 in the USA), 2 luxury vehicles, a yacht club membership, 3 major company gold credit cards for his personal expenses... and so on….

This equates to about $0.51 per dollar of income going to charity causes.

Fourth worst offender, in the fourth spot for every year since this information has been made available since 1998, is amazingly yet again, World Vision. Its President (Canada) receives $300,000 base salary, plus a home valued in the $700,000 - $800,000 range (completely furnished, all housing expenses, including taxes, water/sewer, telephone/fax, HD/high speed cable, weekly maid service and pool/yard maintenance), fully paid private schooling for his children, upscale automobile, and a $55,000 personal expense account for clothing/food, plus a $125,000 business expense account.

And get this: because it is a "religious based" charity, World Vision pays little or no taxes, can receive government assistance and does not have to declare were the money goes.

Only about $0.52 of earned income per dollar is available for charity causes.

Of the some sixty-odd charities we looked at, the lowest paid President/CEO/Commissioner was heading up a charity group in Canada .. We found, believe it or not, that it was...

Ready for this...?

I think you might be surprised...

It is none other than...

The Salvation Army 's Commissioner Todd Bassett, who receives a salary of only $13,000 per year (plus housing) for managing this $2 billion dollar organization.

Which means about $0.93 per dollar earned, is readily available and goes back out to local charity causes.

Truly amazing…

…and well done, "Sally Ann” and the “ Shriners” LIONS !!!!!!!

No further comment is necessary..

So think twice before selecting the Charity of your choice.

Which one really does the best for the most, or the least for the most, for that matter?????

Remember that charity starts at home.

Let's look after the people of this country.

99% of people probably won't forward this .

I just did!

It is better to be informed than not!!!

Remembering Why I Became A Shriner

By Randy Rudge, Membership Development Director, Shriners International

If you were asked, “What does your Shriner membership mean to you?” How would you respond? 

A few years ago, I was asked to do a Shriner membership presentation. I worked for months preparing what I would say and do. But, the night before the presentation I realized that it was nothing like I wanted it to be. So I decided I wasn’t going to do a presentation at all. I was going to listen. 

At the beginning of each workshop I had each member think about and write down why he became a Shriner. Then, I asked each to write his two proudest moments as a Shriner. I realize that for many it was hard to pick just two, but I wanted the first two memories that came to mind.

What the attendees didn’t know was that each of them was going to share what he had written. That became the most inspirational workshop I have ever participated in. 

What we heard were the true tenants of Freemasonry and the principles of our Shriners Creed. While there were inspiring stories regarding the children we serve in our hospitals, many of the stories dealt with the brotherly love and fellowship that are only achieved by being a member. 

When I think back about my membership, I think about the incredible friends I have made and how they have become my extended family. How they have lent a hand and listened when I was in need, shared a laugh, dedicated their time and made me their friend.

But most of all, I think of my membership as an incredible bond between me and my father. 

I remember the pride he expressed when I became a Shriner, all the responsibilities I took on, and the endless discussions with our mutual friends. And the fun we had together.

My dad passed away four years ago on March 6, after a long illness. During his illness, he had not been out of the house for many months, but he decided to attend a Shriners’ function. At the event, we sat him in a chair and noble after noble came up to him to shake his hand and say hello. 

Dropping him off at his home later that evening, I gave him a hug and said goodnight. I will always remember him looking back at me with tears in his eyes and thanking me. That was the last time he went out in public.

After listening to many stories similar to mine during the workshop, I asked the attendees what they learned from the exercise. What they said was that they experienced a lot of emotion, pride, love and fellowship in that room. 

My message is simple: As Shriners and leaders, it is our responsibility to guide others so that they achieve the same emotion, pride and fellowship we experience as Shriners. When we do, our organization will prosper. 

Now, I ask each of you to write down why you became a Shriner and your two proudest moments as a Shriner. If you would like to share your story, please e-mail me through Feztivities.

Thank you all for being Shriners. 

Great Story- what's in like in you town?

Pardon me, but do you have the time?

Friday, August 28, 2015
By Deann R. Wolfe, Linton

Spare Time... Who has that luxury these days?
So, do you have the time?
There are a lot of people that are too busy, genuinely, to donate time away from their young and always busy families. But there are others, who might have some kids moving on to college and out on their own, and suddenly find themselves having some spare time. You can only go to Walmart and Orscheln's and wander around so many times before that becomes pointless.
Volunteering, aside of your job, provides you a sense of purpose, that most don't realize until they experience it. You just have to find something that fits you, and take a swing at it.
I think most would agree, unless you grew up in a home with someone who belonged to a Civic Organization such as the Moose or the Elks, or the Civitan, etc., you really don't know what they are all about. Don't be fooled "if you think the only thing Shriners - those guys in those odd-looking, tasseled, red hats in your local Independence Day Parade - do is ride around in tiny cars, you really need the Shriner Primer," quoted directly from the http://www.kosair.com/shriners.html. But I have read enough articles in our papers to understand that most of these organizations/clubs do wonderful things in the community.
The article about what one local business woman did in a cemetery was awesome! I am so happy to hear about someone coming up with their own community projects. We don't all have the spare time or the courage to create and lead a project, but two hands are better then one. She pulled in several volunteers and made a difference. Thank you for that!
So... there are some weeks where I have many hours of spare time, and some weeks where I don't have enough time to go through my mail even. You get my point? I started volunteering about a year ago for an organization that works with our local children. I wouldn't say I have a lot of spare time. I am a mom with one very active child in high school. I also have one that now lives on his own an hour from home. Ten years ago, my spare time gas tank was always on empty. But recently, I felt a calling to start helping other children out. I find time and donate it and feel good about what little I do. There are others who make my small effort look invisible, but together, we are all getting things accomplished.
And that's all you have to do -- what you can do. Maybe you consider what you do for the local schools volunteering, and yes, that most certainly is. Thank you! But I'm talking about when you're suddenly sitting around and one by one, the kids are moving on and out.. your hands will become idle. And you know what they say about idle hands. One day, it just hit me, what am I going to do with all this spare time?
I was recently surprised when I read in the paper that the Linton Rotary Club disbanded their organization. But because they aren't getting members they found it impossible to continue. Another organization is struggling with membership, the Linton Civitan Club. Saturday they are going to hold their regular meeting to decide how do they go forward, if they do.
Many would probably donate time, if they knew how to, where to, when to and why. The local organizations are so vague to me that I don't even know what to call their local "group," a chapter, an organization, a club? I have no idea what these organizations are and the rules for membership and who they benefit. What they do and how often they do it.
When they shut down the Rotary, that got me thinking. Do you have to own a business to be in Rotary? I thought yes, but I was wrong. I used to work for Angell's Food Center for many years. It was there I first heard of the organization "Rotary." I really never knew the rules of membership, or qualifications. But I googled it and found that they use to do the annual 4-H Hot Dog Cookout, Jonah Fish Fries. They are a worldwide organization.
Then soon after, I heard about Linton Civitan projects. Surely we have all seen, if not can still hear, the bell ringers freezing their bums off, ringing that loud and ear ringing bell around the holidays? That's the Civitan organization. They do Toys for Tots, Clothe a Child program, the Civitan Ham Breakfast at the Firehouse for the 4th of July Parade and many other things. I could go on and on, after I google some more examples, but that's just it, I'm 40ish and I had to google most of these organizations because there are so many here locally and yet I was completely unaware.
Surprises me really, that they aren't maintaining the memberships to keep on going. How can that happen, and why?? Some of us don't have the time, some of us don't know enough about them. Example, I thought you have to live in the city of Linton to be in the Linton Civitan - Ha, I was wrong again. The Civitan might not tickle your fancy, but if you're slightly curious, they meet on Saturday mornings in the Greene County Hospital cafeteria bright and early, 7:30 a.m. for breakfast, meeting at 8 a.m. Maybe just hear what they have to say, I bet you recognize a face or two.
I'm not trying to highlight any one specific organization, or throw shade on the other, but there are so, so many in this county, even off the radar that go anonymously unnoticed. I searched out Linton Civitan in the paper's search engine and along with the Civitan I had a quick review of all the ways we can get involved. Still, I realize we have many stages in life. Some of us work way too much, some of us are raising young families and fight to have the 20 minutes at the supper table every night just to be together. But some of us are at a point where we are tired of watching the reruns of the Andy Griffith Show. By the way, I think I have seen them all. Barney just cracks me up and even Aunt B was involved in Mayberry community projects.
So by the way, do you have the time? I certainly hope so. Find something that interests you and casually swing in for a meeting. If you don't feel the pull, try another one. With all our hands together, we can make many positive changes right here in Greene County.

Shriners In Florida Charity Calendar

Shriners calendar in Florida - What is your Shrine Temple doing for the rest of the year?

• Sept. 4 - 5: Ocala Shrine Rodeo, 7:30 p.m., Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, Ocala, Fla.
• Sept. 19: Those Guys Classic Rock Show, 6 p.m., Englewood Event Center, Englewood, Fla.
• Sept. 24: JMEA Fourth Annual Fun Shoot, Jacksonville Clay Target Sports, Jacksonville, Fla.
• Sept. 26: Tindale Oliver Charity Golf Tournament, noon, Summerfield Crossings Golf Club, Riverview, Fla.
• Sept. 26: 12th Annual Leigh Dittman Shiners Charity Event, 5:30 p.m., India Cultural Center, Tampa, Fla.
• Oct. 3: Shriners Hospitals for Children - Tampa 30th anniversary, 10 a.m., 12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, Fla.
• Oct. 6: Phil Dirt and the Dozers concerts, 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., Savannah Center, The Villages 
• Oct. 7: Clearwater Jazz Holiday partners with Shriners Hospitals at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, 5 p.m., Clearwater, Fla.
• Oct. 18: Walk for Love in Mahi Temple Region
• Oct. 24: C&W Charity Golf Classic, Driving Fore A Cure, 8 a.m., Sanctuary Ridge Golf Club, Clermont, Fla.
• Oct. 26: Camel race - Silver Spring Shores Presbyterian Church, Ocala, Fla.
• Oct. 29: Monster Mash - Shriners Hospital, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.12502 USF Pine Drive, Tampa, Fla.
• Nov. 1: Great Chowder Debate, noon, Conch House Restaurant, St. Augustine, Fla.
• Nov. 7: 15th Annual Ferraris on the Circle, 10 a.m., St Armonds Circle, Sarasota, Fla.
• Nov. 7: Plaza Cadillac/The Villages Shrine Club charity golf tournament,  8:30 a.m., Harbor Hills Country Club, Lady Lake, Fla. 
• Nov. 14: Shootout for Shriners Kids, 2 p.m., Tampa Bay Sporting Clays, Land O' Lakes, Fla.
• Dec. 19 - 20: Railroad Show at Florida Fairgrounds, Tampa, Fla.  (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on 12/19 & 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. on 12/20)

Labor Day Breakfast

The Nile Shriners present the ultimate haunted house experience this Halloween season with the return of Haunted Nightmare at the Nile

Seattle's Only Haunted Golf Corpse to  Deliver the Screams Again in 2015 MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA, September 02, 2015 / -- Prepare to experience your worst nightmare this October as the Nile Shriners  present their 5th annual haunted attraction, Haunted Nightmare at  the Nile. Screams will be heard across Lake Ballinger at 11 terror-filled  shows, including October 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, 23,24, 29, 30, 31 and  November 1. Shows run from 7 pm to 11 pm on Friday and Saturday  nights and 7 pm to 10 pm on Thursday and Sunday nights.  Tickets are $15 or $20 for a faster VIP line and can be purchased  online or on-site at the box office. Those who survive the various haunted houses will love catching their  breath in the Food and Fear Garden. Exclusive Haunted Nightmare  merchandise and photo-ops will be available as well as plenty of food,  sweets and beverages (including frothy evil elixirs for our guests 21 and over). Mark your calendars for the Nile Halloween Family Funfest on Sunday,  October 25th. From 3 pm to 8 pm, the Haunted Nightmare creatures  retreat to their coffins, caves and crypts, allowing families to enjoy a much  tamer haunted house experience. Admission is just $10. Halloween candy  awaits those children brave enough to experience the various haunted  attractions. Bouncy houses, cotton candy and face painting will entertain  the children while mom and dad enjoy a car show, vendor booths and plenty  of great food. Darkness sets the stage for the return of the ever-popular "Fright Light Night"  on November 1st. On this final night of haunting, the Nile's haunted grounds  go pitch-black, leaving you with only your cunning and a special finger flashlight (available at the box office) to guide the way. Haunted Nightmare at the Nile is a volunteer-driven, non-profit event  benefiting the Nile Shriners. Ongoing needs include actors, airbrush  and SFX makeup artists, set designers and security personnel.  Those interested in joining the haunted attraction Scream Team should  register at http://hauntednightmare.hauntscheduler.com. The haunted house is located adjacent to I-5 off Exit 177 at Nile Shrine  Golf Center - 6601 244th St. SW Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043. For tickets  and info, visithttp://www.HauntedNightmare.com. About Haunted Nightmare The Haunted Nightmare team of volunteers began producing haunted  attractions in 2009 for various charities. The event included locations  in Bothell and Snohomish, leading up to their current partnership with  the Nile Shriners in 2013. They are a proud member of the Haunted  Attraction Association and are C.H.A.O.S. certified (Certified Haunted  Attraction Operator Safety Program). About the Shriners Shriners International is a fraternity based on fun, fellowship and the  Masonic principles of brotherly love, truth and relief. Throughout history,  both the Freemasons and Shriners have had a reputation for secrecy,  but their mission is straightforward. Shriners are committed to: - Being the premier fraternal organization for men of good character. - Providing attractive, quality programs and services for its members,  their families and their friends in a spirit of fun, fellowship and social  camaraderie. - Fostering self-improvement through leadership, education, the  perpetuation of moral values and community involvement. The Nile Shriners first received their charter in 1909. Land for the current  Nile Shrine Center was purchased in 1924 and has evolved into what it is  today, featuring 3,000 feet of choice waterfront on Lake Ballinger, an  18-hole golf course, a lodge featuring a bar & grill and multiple rooms  for private events, multiple warehouses for storage and meeting areas  for various clubs, caretaker and groundskeeper quarters, extensive  picnic areas and more. The Nile Shriners have been a positive influence  in the community for decades, and their units, such as Clowns, Mini Bikes  and Oriental Band, continue to bring smiles at local parades.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/pr/2661515#ixzz3kcB46AHg