We just finished our January 2024 Installation of Officers last Stated Meeting. It was quite different as Potentate Hammack was in a wheelchair with his leg in a full cast. We didn’t see a way we could get all that done with Bill’s injury. But visiting with him he told me he was going to “cowboy up” and be there. So … we did and he was. It really went well all things considered. I do wish Bill all the luck in the world and feel very good about his loyalty and commitment to our great cause. I hope everyone supports our new Potentate’s efforts.
Two days later the Daughters of the Nile had a visit from the Supreme Queen. Our Chief Rabban gave the welcoming speech. The Cooking Unit served a delicious roast beef meal topped with two Jerry Sloan cheese cakes. I do believe she was impressed.
We have dates for the O.G. Trip – February 22-24. We will be staying at Margaritaville. We are securing a bus again. We need to get 30+ paying souls to make this work. Remember, it’s open to any guy, Shriner or not. The cost is $100 each. You get a bus ride there and back, beverages included while on the bus. We will also have a hospitality room with beverages and light snacks. Wheels up at 4pm Thursday the 22nd and returning Sunday
the 25th at 10am sharp. Call Cathy at office to reserve your spot.
We will also have our annual Super Bowl Party, February 11th starting at 3pm. Bring a covered dish if possible. We will have the boards ready. This is also open to anyone, Shriner or not. Want to show off our Temple and this is a good time for it. Kids are welcome as well. Let’s have some fun and win some money!
Our next Stated Meeting will be 2-13-24. We had fifty-two Nobles at Installation. Had several we haven’t seen in years. It was very good to see these faces again. Let’s try to reach that number attending our next Stated Meeting.
This next item was talked about in our last Divan Meeting. There are some Nobles that think it takes $50,000 plus dollars to run for Potentate. This may have been the case in the past BUT I can assure you that is not the case now. We feel that several good potential Potentates may have opted not to get on the Divan because of this. I would have no problem sharing what I spent and didn’t spend if anyone is interested. I’m sure several recent Past Potentates would do the same. This is not a plea for any type of action but we thought the word needed to get out. We are not playing the same game as 50 years ago. The Temple needs good people with good ideas. Again, if you have any questions – ask us.
Last, I’m sure most everyone received a request from Imperial to send money to the East-West All Star Football Game. At our last meeting, P.P. Mark Reed asked me about “passing the hat” and send the proceeds to Imperial as a donation by Maskat. I read the letter to the present Nobles and to our surprise we gathered $669 to support the game to be played at the Cowboy practice field in Frisco, February 1st. Thanks to all, it will show Maskat as a great believer and supporter. Good idea Mark!
Fraternally,
Calvin Carlton
P.P. Recorder
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