2012 Potentate’s Messages
December 2012
Greetings Nobles and Ladies,
As I start this article for the December Wildcat, I am just coming off of a very emotional and rewarding Thanksgiving. It is amazing how, as we get older, we realize how many things we have to be thankful for. We have always had friends and family for this occasion but for some reason the opportunity to be with these same people seems to mean more with each passing year. Beyond people, I am thankful for the country in which we happen to live and the freedoms and comforts that most beings can only dream of having. A special thanks to our ancestors and people in uniform who have preserved this freedom.
Speaking of friends and family, Susie and I look forward to the good times we will have with our Shrine family throughout December and the Christmas season. We are looking forward to gatherings such as the Units Christmas Parties, Maskat’s Christmas Dinner, and shopping for and giving toys to the kids at the annual Maskat’s Foster Children’s Christmas Party. Thanks Clown’s Unit and Divan Ladies for making this such a memorable event.
In closing, Susie and I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Season’s Greetings, and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.
Thanks for the honor and privilege of serving of serving the World’s Greatest Philanthropy.
Fraternally
Poney Thompson, Potentate
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NOVEMBER 2012
Greetings Nobles and Ladies,
September and October were busy months for Maskat with the Circus’s (here and in Bowie), Potentate’s Trip to Las Vegas, Provost Guard Fall Invitational, Dead Cow Cook Off, Cowboys Games, Chili Cook Off, and other events. All of these events were well attended and represented many hours of volunteer work by Nobles and their families. A big thank you to all who supported these activities. As I am writing this article, final preparations are underway for the Fall Ceremonial that will be followed by Illustrious Terry Martin’s famous ribs and finishing with Richard Moore and our 1st ever Karaoke experience. I hope the day was as enjoyable as it sounded like it would be. Also coming up on November 9th is Wine And Beer Tasting featuring Llano Wines and craft beers. Thanks Ken Simpson for making the arrangements for what should be a fun time.
A big shout out to the Convee Unit for representing Maskat so well at the numerous parades and home comings that they selflessly donate their time and Cadiallacs. And of course, plans are already in the works for the Christmas Season. More recognition will be expressed at the stated meetings for some individuals who exceeded their fair share of work on these and other Maskat projects. Please bear with me, for I am passionate about recognizing people who go the extra mile for our Fraternity. The Cowboys Games have been well attended. If you have not come out for one yet, we welcome you to join us for the food and fun at all games (with the exception of Thanksgiving Day). Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Thanks for the honor and privilege of serving the World’s Greatest Philanthropy!
Fraternally,
Poney Thompson, Potentate
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OCTOBER 2012
Greetings Nobles and Ladies,
As I am writing this article, we are in final preparations for the Circus. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who volunteered their time to help with this major fundraiser. It is only through the efforts of the many Nobles and their families that we are able to maintain what has become a successful tradition for Maskat. I hope everyone had as good time as Susie and I surely did.
I would also like to thank everyone who attended Stated Meeting last Tuesday and hope you will also be able to make October Stated Meeting. A lot of information goes out at these meetings and is more easily understood whenever there is personal interaction and you can ask questions and get answers.
Susie and I just returned from the Golf Unit’s weekend in Granbury. A good time was had by all, and I got better acquainted with some of our golfers. They are a fun bunch to be around. We were still able to make it back in time for the Cowboys Game at the Temple–Boy did those Cowboys ever let me down!
We are leaving Thursday on the Potentate’s Trip to downtown Las Vegas and are looking forward to good times with good friends. Although we will miss the September 23rd Cowboys Game, thanks to Jeff Gainer , Dickie Dixon and their ladies, the party will still go on in the Oasis as it will for all Cowboys Games this season.
Check your calendars for upcoming activities, i.e., Provost Guard Fall Invitational, September 28th and 29th; Dead Cow Cook Off, October 12th and 13th; etc. Although the year seems to be quickly winding down and the days are getting shorter, there are still many Maskat activities that require your participation to be successful.
On a personal note, it is good to have Donna back from their trip, and we wish Robert a successful operation and quick recovery. As always, we are all pulling for you.
Thanks for the honor and privilege of serving the World’s Greatest Philanthropy!
Fraternally,
Poney Thompson, Potentate
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September 2012
Greetings Nobles and Ladies,
Last month’s article was dedicated to many of the spring and summer activities that keep our fraternity so busy and actively engaged. One major summer event is the Imperial Session. This annual meeting is hosted by the incoming Imperial Potentate and his city. This year’s session was in Charlotte, North Carolina. Joining me as representatives of Maskat were Chief Rabban Mark Reed, Recorder PP John Tunnell, and Galveston Hospital Representative PP Terry Huff. Although meetings were scheduled for most of each day, along with activities in the evening hours, we were still looking forward to the cooler weather of North Carolina. It did not happen! While Wichita Falls was experiencing 102 and 103 degree temperatures, the same was happening in Charlotte. Your Recorder also served as one of the Election Tellers, and I was proud to be an Imperial Captain of the Guard’s Aide. This kept us up close to the action. I was extremely happy that PP Terry Huff had recovered enough to make the trip, but I regret that he had to return home early due to a death in the family. Terry and Janie are such a pleasant couple to be around.
I am happy to announce that William S. Bailey was elected Imperial Outer Guard, and all other officers moved up a step without a hitch. My congratulations to Imperial Sir Alan Madsen on becoming our new Imperial Potentate. There were many proposals at this session–some passed, some failed. One amendment that passed states that in civic and public exhibitions (including parades), Nobles and their immediate family may participate with the approval of the Potentate. One resolution passed was that Shriners International granted a Charter to Agila Shriners U. D., Davao City, Philippines. We are truly becoming an international fraternity where “Shriners” are taking on a diverse mix of cultures, ethnic bacgrounds, languages, and customs. I believe it is becoming possible for our declining numbers to once again increase. It is a goal that everyone needs to embrace.
September is going to be a very busy month for Maskat, starting with Units Counsel meeting on Wednesday, September 5 at 6:30 PM. The meeting will be followed by our first Cowboys regular season game against the Giants at 8:30 at the Temple. Susie will have something planned for the Ladies who come early while the Nobles are in the meeting. Other events include: Stated Meeting, Tuesday, September 11; Shrine Circus, Tuesday and Wednesday, September 18 and 19; Pontentate’s Trip, September 20-23; and Provost Guard Fall Invitational September 28-29.
I will have more to say in next month’s article about the Circus but would still like to recognize the outstanding work that Noble Mike Knox, Circus Chairman, is doing this year, and has done for several years, taking care of the details for this major fund raiser. (Please buy your Noble tickets. All money from Noble tickets stays with Maskat.)
Mike has also taken on the extra responsibility of the ATV Raffle. A big thank you to the Nobles and their Ladies who helped sell raffle tickets at the MPEC during Deerfest and the following weekend at the Gun and Knife Show. We still have some tickets that must be sold. If you can help sell or would like to buy a ticket, call Donna at the office.
I hope that everyone will make every effort to help with (or participate in) as many activities as possible. Thanks for all you have done and continue to do. Susie and I do appreciate it.
Thanks for the honor and privilege of serving the World’s Greatest Philanthropy
Fraternally,
Poney Thompson, Potentate
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August 2012
Greetings Nobles and Ladies,
Well here it is the end of July–almost August–and our typical North Texas Summer weather has finally arrived. I am so glad that the extreme heat waited until after Shrinefest, TSA, and ,especially, the Oil Bowl Football Classic.
Maskat was well represented at TSA in Tyler, Texas. If you missed the hospitality room hosted by the Wild Fez Unit, you missed half the convention. These Nobles and their Ladies went above and beyond expectations, and I am already looking forward to next year’s performance. I am proud of all the units that participated and congratulate all who brought home trophies.
Immediately after returning from TSA, the Oil Bowl activities began in full swing. Chairman, Past Potentate Gary Hill, his crew, and many others, deserve a standing ovation. This was the biggest, best, and most profitable Oil Bowl in many years. Some of you may not know that Imperial Sir Jerry Gant and his Lady Lisa were our special guests for the banquet, tailgate party, queen’s contest, and game. It is really great to have the participation and support of an Imperial Officer. We received a very complementary and grateful thank you note from Jerry and Lisa. Again, my Fez is off to Gary Hill and all who were involved. It was a great day for Maskat when we were able to send such a large check to Shriners Hospitals for Children.
I don’t know about everyone else, but I had a BLAST at the Wild Fez ATV Scavenger Hunt. It appeared that everyone else had as much fun as I did, and there were no injuries. Thanks Wild Fez’s! I can hardly wait to do it again.
I would like to thank all the Nobles and Ladies who signed up for our Potentate’s Trip to Las Vegas. Thanks Donna for keeping up with the finances and other paper work associated with the trip. We look forward to the good times we will have with this group.
I hate to talk about membership but I have to say that I have been to way too many funerals since we last met. My heart aches for the families and friends of these departed Nobles. The black camel is a fact of life that we cannot avoid, it “brings home” to all of us the fact that we must continuously work toward getting new members if we are to survive and support the World’s Greatest Philanthropy.
Thanks for the honor and privilege of serving the World’s Greatest Philanthropy
Fraternally
Poney Thompson, Potentate
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(No July Article)
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June 2012
Greetings Nobles and Ladies,
Well it’s June and this will be my last message before the Temple goes dark for July and August, and I must say it’s been a blast so far. We had Shrinefest, chaired by Past Potentate Mark Terry, on Saturday, May 19th, and everyone (workers and attendees) had a great time. The weather was good. The bands were great. The logistics ran smoothly. Unfortunately, the crowd was not sufficient to call it a financial success. I want to express my sincere thanks and recognition to all who were involved in putting on such a time- and labor-consuming event. If its success or failure were based on other than monetary gain, I would classify it a huge success. Again, thanks to all involved.
Next up will be TSA. It looks like Maskat will be well represented, and I wish all units the best of luck in their competitions.
As soon as we get back from TSA, the Oil Bowl Football Classic week will begin on Monday, June 4th–first practice of Oil Bowl Band and coaches’ meeting. Only the many hours of preparation since last year’s game and the intensive hours of work during Oil Bowl Week allows this 4-hour game to operate so smoothly. I would like to thank the many, many people who are involved in all these behind-the-scene activities. Thank you Gary Hill for taking on the huge task of chairing this event. I am expecting nothing less than total success for the 75th year of this Maskat Tradition.
I hope everyone who turned out for the Clown’s Italian Dinner, the Legion of Honor and Clown’s Mother’s Day Brunch, and the Wild Fez ATV Scavenger Hunt had a safe and enjoyable time.
Since there are so many individuals, groups of people, businesses, and companies who went above and beyond the call of duty supporting Maskat functions, I will not attempt to thank you by name because I would surely forget someone. You know who you are (and I know who you are), and I wish to thank you for your contribution whether it be services, materials, time, or money. Every contribution, no matter how large or how small, is very important and greatly appreciated.
I would like to invite all Nobles, their Ladies, and friends to join Lady Susie and me for the Potentate’s Trip to Downtown Las Vegas. (See the invitation flyer and sign-up form in this issue of the Wildcat for details.) If you plan to go, please get your form and deposit to Donna not later than June 19th.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Colleen James and Joe Kirk for helping Donna in the office while Conner was off gallivanting in Louisiana. His trip was planned even before Shrinefest was scheduled so we couldn’t cancel his leave. Also, I want to thank PP Bob Hamblin and Noble Joe Kirk for going (at their own expense) to the Oklahoma Shrines to promote the Oil Bowl.
Thanks for the honor and privilege of serving the World’s Greatest Philanthropy
Fraternally,
Poney Thompson, Potentate
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May 2012
Dear Nobles and Ladies,
So far so good! Going into the months of May, June, and July, Maskat Shrine is truly in high gear. With successful functions and mid-winter activities duly accomplished, there are a number of huge events close at hand.
At the writing of this article, the Hospital Golf Tournament and Calcutta have not occurred, but the excitement of all involved indicates another superb showing by the Maskat family. Many hours in preparation, coupled with the volunteers who came forward to work the day of the tournament, again makes me proud to be associated with such a fine group. Thanks to all who participated in and/or worked at this annual event. Special recognition goes to Illustrious Sir Ronnie James, Hospital Golf Chairman.
Also, I want to thank everyone who supported the Clown’s Italian Dinner. I hope this was a profitable event for the Clowns. They truly deserve our support.
When you get this Wildcat, the OG trip will most likely be history. I hope it was a fun and educational experience for all who were able to participate. More on this next month.
Still to come:
Mother’s Day Brunch – May 13th –
Sponsored by the Legion of Honor. See invitation in this Wildcat edition for details.
Shrinefest- May 19th
This annual music festival involves a great many workers, putting in many hours of volunteer time. I want to express my appreciation ahead of time for the overwhelming enthusiasm of those who are giving their time and talents to pull off such an event. If you would like to volunteer to work and have not yet done so, contact Conner at Maskat.
75th Shrine Oil Bowl Football Classic – June 9th
Meetings are ongoing in preparation of the big game. This is the first year that all net proceeds will go to the Shriners Hopsitals for Children, and we want it to be the best ever! Volunteers are still welcome for this week long (Monday-Saturday) undertaking. If you have not yet volunteered but would like to help, call Conner at 766-4511.
If you are going to TSA and have not yet registered or made room reservations, please call Donna ASAPat 766-4511. We want you to be a part of this fun-filled SHRINERS’ CONVENTION.
There are so many people who need a special “Thank-You” for work above and beyond the call of duty that I will not attempt to name everyone. I do want to send out a special thank you to Illustrious Sir Don Wright for getting the lights working on the Maskat Shrine sign in front of the Temple. Thanks Don, we can always count on you.
Thanks for the honor and privilege of serving the World’s Greatest Philanthropy
Fraternally,
Poney Thompson, Potentate
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April 2012
Greetings Nobles and Ladies,
Well here it is spring already, and life is good at Maskat Shrine.
We’ve already had many activities, ie. Super Bowl Party, Potentate’s Ball, and several Mid-Winters. By the time this issue is out, we will have added Easter Egg Stuffing and Easter Egg Hunt. I want to thank everyone who helped with all of these.
Preparations are underway for the Hospital Golf Tournament, Oil Bowl Football Classic, Shrine Circus, Shrinefest, and many other future events. I hope everyone has their TSA information into Donna. If you have not done this, please take care of it immediately. Thanks Donna! I know this is a lot of work for you.
I would like to share my thoughts on these activities. Some projects are more work than others, some make more money than others, some take more time than others, and some seem more important than others. All of these projects are beneficial and important to who and what Maskat is as a fraternity. These activities are not the reason we come out and work, they are the excuse we use to get together. Everyone involved is important and can sense their worth as an individual and a Shriner; and at the same time enjoy the fellowship and pride in a job well done. This fellowship and pride is what keeps Maskat nobles and their families enthusiastically active.
These projects allow us to “showcase” what Shriners are all about. We need to always be mindful of this when we represent Maskat at our various functions. Remember, when we wear the red Fez, we are being judged by the public–squaring our actions by the square of virtue, while keeping our passions within due bounds.
A special “shout-out” for Larry Brumbelow. When we came in on Monday (after the ball) to clean up, he had already taken care of 90% of the work. Thanks Larry!
Also a big Congratulations! to the Units that brought awards back from their Midwinters.
Thanks for the honor and privilege of serving the World’s Greatest Philanthropy
Fraternally,
Poney Thompson, Potentate
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March 2012
Dear Nobles and Ladies,
February was a very busy month for Maskat. I would like to thank everyone who had anything to do with making the Potentate’s Ball such a great success. Susie and I truly appreciate those who spent many hours in preparation and those who made it enjoyable by their presence. Also, an especially BIG THANKS to PP Bob Hampton, our Master of Ceremonies, and Jeff Gainer for the fine slide presentation on the “big screen.” Thanks Fellas!! If I were to change anything, I would have changed the date so that the Montague bunch could have been there. They are such fun people to be around and their presence was greatly missed.
Speaking of Montague, I went with the ConVee Unit for the big parade in Nocona. Thirteen white Cadillac convertibles made an impressive contribution to what was already a spectacular event. Nocona is really on a roll. Way to go boys!
Another event since my last Wildcat letter was the Super Bowl Party. Again, a big thank you to all who helped with that event. A special shout out to Illustrious Sir Greg and Lady Cathy Stockton for outstanding meals at the Ladies Night Valentine Dinner and the Potentate’s Ball. You guys are the greatest! Also, thank you Illustrious Sir Gary Hill and all nobles who helped with the IHOP Hospital Fundraiser.
Mid-Winters are occurring hot and heavy this time of year. I will try to attend as many of these as I can. Please keep me informed as to when and where your unit’s will take place.
Many meetings are under way in preparation for upcoming events including Mother’s Day Brunch, Oil Bowl, Shrinefest, Hospital Golf Tournament, Circus, Clay Shoot, etc. Please contact the appropriate people to volunteer your talents. Don’t wait to be asked. Some people may not know what you have to offer.
We also want to send a special Thank You to: Nobles Daryl Dickey and Chip Hawkins for so capably handling the bartending for the Potentate’s Ball; Noble Jimmy Barnes for emergency plumbing duties–a Noble who helped us out of a bind many times; and Illustrious Sir Greg Stockton and Lady Cathy going above and beyond–cannot remember how many compliments we received on the food quality and presentation(still getting them). In fact, members of India Temple were so impressed they plan to copy idea.
You also need to get your TSA REGISTRATION FORMS, specifically the HOTEL RESERVATION, into Maskat’s Office NLT March 28th. Maskat has only 40 rooms that will be held until March 30th. First-come, first-served. For your information, last year we used 51 rooms in Amarillo. Registration and reservation forms are included in this issue of the Wildcat. They are also available at Maskat Office.
Thanks for the honor and privilege of serving the World’s Greatest Philanthropy
Fraternally,
Poney Thompson, Potentate
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February 2012
Dear Nobles and Ladies,
Greetings. As we start this new adventure, Susie and I would like to thank everyone for granting us the honor of serving as your Potentate and First Lady for 2012. We not only accept this as one of the greatest honors that can be received from our peers; but, at the same time, acknowledge the tremendous responsibilities that accompany this honor. We promise you that we will do our very best to live up to the highest standards of conduct, leadership, and cooperation that have been passed down for over 90 years.
Looking at the pictures on the wall, from Illustrious Sir Terry Martin all the way back to Illustrious Sir Walter Cline, I see a tradition that I am dedicated to uphold. “Thank you” Past Potentates and your Ladies for your support and encouragement through the years and into the future. To the Divan and all the Nobility and your Ladies, I pledge my respect and gratitude for your contributions of time and talent. I look forward to the positive results that will emerge from the collective use of these talents in support of Maskat Shrine.
Susie and I look forward to seeing all of you at the Wine and Roses Potentate’s Ball on Saturday, February 25, at Maskat Shrine Center. Please join us for a fun evening of dining and dancing. Music will be provided by the Joe Harris Band.
Registration for TSA 2012 in Tyler is fast approaching. In next month’s Wildcat, there will be forms for TSA Registration and Hotel Registration. We will also put the forms on the website. Hotel registrations must be made by March 30th if you want to be guaranteed a room. There will be only 40 rooms (entire hotel) available; therefore, first-come, first-served. After April 1, reservations will be on a space-available basis.
A special thanks to Noble Tyler Renick (and his brother) for coming by Maskat and replacing the flag pole light. This is not the first time he has volunteered his expertise. Thanks Again Tyler.
And last but not least, I wish every unit a great and successful year. At the same time, I want to ask that each unit have a representative attend every Units’ Council meeting. Since the February stated meeting is on Valentine’s Day, it will be a ladies night. After dinner, the ladies will gather for fun and fellowship.
Thanks for the honor and privilege of serving the World’s Greatest Philanthropy
Fraternally,
Poney Thompson, Potentate
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January 2012
Dear Nobles and Ladies,
I can’t believe it’s already been five years!! Seems like yesterday that I was voted onto the lineup. I have to say, though, that I welcome being a “has been.” It was great fun while it lasted, but I welcome the slow down. I can’ t say “rest” because shortly we’re going to be gearing up for TSA 2013 and somehow I got caught with “my hand up.” Can you imagine that?. Seriously though, I am looking forward to a different role, and we will all still be “working for the kids.”
I want to thank all Maskat Shriners and Ladies for your tremendous support, especially during the past year–could not have done it without you. Please extend that support to our 2012 Potentate, Illustrious Sir Poney Thompson and his Lady Susie. Roma and I will never forget you or the experience of serving on the Divan and the honor of being Maskat’s Potentate.
A few special thanks. To Donna for keeping us on the right path and making sure we did not overspend. To the DIVAN, thanks for always being there. To all the Nobles who headed up projects (and we had quite a few) an especial thanks! Without your hard work 2010 at Maskat would not have been such a success.
Thanks for all the fun and great memories. Roma and I will treasure them forever. See you at the next function and Thanks from the “Kids.”
Don’t forget, we are doing it for the KIDS. Let’s continue to keep it fun.
Terry Martin, Potentate