There is a lot to cover so let’s get started.
By the time you get this it will be over but our O. G. Trip is happening. March 20th to Shreveport. There will be no bus because of low participation. We had other Temples interested but there was no response from them when to the wire. We will report on the trip later.
Also may be past is the Provost Guard Mid-Winter here March 29 & 30. We are holding this for another Temple. Our Cooking Unit will be involved in a meal for the masses for participants during that time frame, I believe Saturday night.
The Potentate Trip is coming April 10-13 going to The Galveston Hospital for a Red Carpet Tour. Our Potentate has worked hard to get this put together and should be a World Class Tour!! Support him if at all-possible,
Another big one upcoming is the Easter Egg Hunt at the Hatton Rd land April 19th (Saturday). This is again an open event to everyone. Again we would like to get our Blue Lodges out as well as anyone in the community. We have 2,000 eggs to hide for the kids. Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, chips, and cookies will be served free of charge to anyone. This is a good one so grab your children or grandchildren and come out for a good time.
May 2nd is our Shrine Golf Tournament at River Creek. This is always a great time. Gordy and his team really make this one happen. Grab your team and tell some friends and let’s make this a good one. Weather should be good and food after is the best–Street Tacos!! Gordy does need a little help so if you can’t or don’t play please pitch in and give us help putting this on.
Another big one upcoming is the Oil Bowl. Dates are June 4-7 and as always we need help to put on a special event of this size. With football, basketball, and volleyball competition it is a large task. Please stay in touch with Cathy and Yoshi on this. The ladies are not only welcome but needed. Just let us know what you want or can do.
We will have our spring Ceremonial on May 17th, 1 pm at the Temple. We have a sizeable group that haven’t gone thru this so we expect a crowd. We will have more information later.
Best for last, the Temple will have a FREE shrimp and all for fixins Boil April 26. This is again Open to any of our friends. We want to let all Blue Lodges to be informed and invited. There will be a Cash Bar for those interested. We had a great crowd last time. We really want this to be fun for the Nobility, families, and friends. Grab some friends and come enjoy. Again it’s FREE I!!
Fraternally,
PP and Recorder
Calvin Carlton
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Let me start out with the Divan Mid Winter Meeting held on 2-5-25 thru 2-8-25 in San Antonio. The meeting was well attended by the Divan and 5 of 7 Divan Ladies. It was a different format as the business session was one day. But it was a full day. There was a lot of information presented in a short amount of time. I am searching for the presentation on line so that I may share the highlights. It is not on line yet…more coming.
Let me share a little about the Super Bowl Party. There was a ton of very good food with about everything anyone could ask for. I truly mean it was quite a massive spread. We had a lot of Nobles helping on the betting come you missed a good time. Please plan to make it next year if possible. A good time and the cost is free to all with kids and public welcome !I!
We had our Stated Meeting last night (2-11-25), and l thouqht it was well attended. We had 43 Nobles in the House. A lot of good information was shared. I also want to give a little shout out to our Jr. PP Bill Hammack who won the Clown Sneaker Fund last night, when I departed the Oasis last night there was still some Nobles waiting for the cocktail you were to purchase. Hope they are not still there ?? Just say’n.
Maskat’s next Happy Hour is Feb. 20th followed by March 20th. March 20th is also the date we will leave for our O.G. Trip to Shreveport, LA. We have sign up sheets in the office to secure a place on the bus. We also have Hella and Moslah Temples coming with us this year to defer some of the cost. Should be a great time. Hospital tour 3-21-25 at 10AM with golf as well.
Don’t forget the Potentate Ball at the Temple 2-22-25. Let’s get behind this one and support our new Potentate. Call office for any details.
Next Stated Meeting is 3-11-25. Please make plans to attend – would love to see ya !!!
Fraternally,
Calvin Carlton PP Recorder
Let’s start off with the Installation last night. Our officers were installed in their new positions. The Ladies of the Nile sure had a great meal to serve us as well. We had a very good turnout with Nobles and their ladies. I looked at the seating area at the end of the meeting and found that there were only 3 or 4 empty seats. That makes a guy feel good about the way we are heading. It was simply encouraging to see a full house. Hope to see the same next month.
The Divan will be heading to San Antonio for Mid-Winter February 5-8. This is usually a pretty good time seeing counterparts and the Imperials. Everyone is attending with their spouse. It will be a good time to bond together and meet some new Brothers and Ladies. It’s a full agenda as usual. Most of us will return Saturday night so we may attend the Super Bowl Party.
Speaking of the Super Bowl Party – it’s on February ‘9th at the Temple. Boards are made, we need to bring food and a good attitude. This is one of the most fun events we have, not a money maker but fun. In the past we have gifts to be raffled and a 50/50 drawing for cash. This event is open to everyone so please bring the kids, relatives, neighbors, and hopefully someone interested in the SHRINE itself.
Our next Stated Meeting is February 11th. Would like to see a good crowd like we had last night. I am compelled to say one negative thing on these lines I feel one does not have the right to gripe about anything if they can’t tell any of the Divan what they are looking for. If leadership is not what you expect, stand up and run for office. That’s all I’m saying about that.
Our next Happy Hour is in a couple of days on the16th of January. The following will be February 20th. Again it’s open to all Shriners or not. Grab a visitor and come out for a low key good time!!
The Potentate’s Ball is February 22nd at the Temple. Theme is 80’s but the big issue is just come. Our new Potentate said come in anything, just be there. Got a band and food. Should be a good time.
As I said last month we need to keep up with our new members. If they get lost they will leave. Please give them a call and be sure they come to our next event. Super Bowl a good start!!
Last but not least I wish Potentate Will Bogart and Lady Angela all the good luck we can gather during their upcoming year. Off to a good start!! GOOD LUCK.
Sincerely,
Calvin Carlton PP Recorder
Let me speak of the FEZtival of Trees to start with. It was held again Dec. 7&8 at the Bridwell AG Center. We had a total of 6 trees displayed with a spectrum of gifts, from tools, to bicycles, games, Mary Kay items, United gift cards, toys and sport balls of all kinds. Each tree had $500.00 worth of retail under each tree for a $2 raffle ticket the Tree, decorations, and gifts could be won. It was larger with more people than last year. We made more money than last year but are still waiting on a couple of bills to reach the final numbers. Thanks to Potentate Bill and Lady Cathy for their vision on this fundraiser as well as all the Nobles that was able to attend.
I want to say that the Temple was really in the Christmas glow. It looks good. Thanks to all the people that came to help decorate. Judy and I were out of town and couldn’t pitch in on this one. So… good job to all. We all will be taking it down on Dec 28th at 10am. If you can help, please come lend a hand on this as well. Again thanks to Nobles and Ladies on this one.
Happy Hour will be Dec 19th at the Temple. This will be our last time to form up before the Christmas Holliday. Take some time and let’s get to together for the Christmas and New Year Holliday. Potentate Bill will be buying birthday drinks.
I have said this before we need to keep in touch with the new Nobles. We need to get them involved in some unit or even get a new one started. We have some ideas for additional units but are looking for ideas on something that would spark some interest. Just speak out and let us know..
If you missed the meeting last night, we did have a noble step into the O.G. role. Lawrence Bennett will take that role on starting Jan 2025. We all wish Noble Bennett a successful upcoming year.
I have one last item. I need to thank Potentate Bill Hammack and his Lady Cathy for their commitment and support of Maskat Shrine Temple. They have really tried to be proactive and bring some fresh ideas for fundraisers and activities.
The year has gone fast and we all need to thank ya’ll again. Good Year !!!
Sincerely,
PP and Recorder
Calvin Carlton
I first would like to welcome Cathy back to the office. Have missed her and am glad she is healing up even with Greg caring for her. Yea Cathy!!
We have a fundraising event coming up. The Feztival of Trees December 7th and 8th at the Bridwell Ag Center. Last year the temple cleared over $1100.00 and fully anticipate this year to be bigger and better. This is not an event that requires a lot of manpower BUT we need at least 4-5 Nobles at the event while it’s open. We would be selling the tickets for $2 each. It’s a very easy sell. If drawn the consumer would win the tree, all decorations, and gifts under that tree. Call Potentate Bill to volunteer.
As on our schedule, we will be decorating the Temple for Christmas on November 23rd at 10 AM. We will need some folks at the Temple for a couple of hours to knock this out. With a small group it just doesn’t take long. Hope to see you there. Questions call Cathy in office or Jody Miller.
Joey V. made a good point last night about new members. We, as Shriners, need to reach out and call new members to simply invite them to any gathering or special event. It’s our job to keep their interest in the Shrine. Cathy will have any contact information needed. Please reach out !!
Another shout out to Noble Ed Hall. As of yesterday he is in the hospital with pneumonia. I trust Big Ed will be home by the time this reaches everyone. My best wishes to you Ed and Pam.
We have Happy hour at the Temple on December 19th. Come out and visit with all before Christmas. Last item: We need an Oriental Guide for 2025. We have gone through this every year. It’s not as expensive as you have been led to believe. As far as time there is just a couple of meetings out of town to attend. While here we do split up as much as needed. I ask that we have an interested Noble to step up. Just ask any Divan member or call the office for needed information.
Yours in Faith
PP and Recorder
Calvin Carlton
I’m back, with some limited restriction. It seems like forever. Last night was our Stated Meeting and it was great to see the Nobles that
attended. 37 in total but several were from out of town with one Noble that has not been to a meeting in years, Thomas Hopson. It was
good to visit with him and Thomas please come back. Would love to finish our visit. While on this Jimmy Oakley drove in from Dallas to
receive his service award of 50 years. It’s always good to see Jimmy. Thanks to all and welcome to our new member, Thomas Hendler.
Due to a lot of cancellations we have had to postpone our Fall Ceremonial. We will try again this Spring to get it on the calendar.
October 19th is our Maskat Rib Cook. This is headed by Terry Martin and his boy Friday Mark Patterson. Looks like we are going to have a good one. Lots of ribs sold. This is always a good fund raiser and fun to participate in the cooking itself. More after the fact.
We are having our Calendar meeting on October 24. All unit heads need to be there to put your activities on the books. Again this will be over by the time you get this Wildcat, I’m just catching up.
October 26th is the Halloween Party at the Temple. We haven’t had one in quite a while. There will be music, food, and a costume contest. Grab your girl and come to the Shrine for a scary good time. $30 a couple that includes all the above !!
Last but not least, it’s time to announce any noble running for O.G. I don’t plan on preaching to anyone but we need this position filled. The view is nice on the sideline but people have to help our Temple move forward. Ask any Divan member if you have questions !!
Yours in Faith,
PP and Recorder
Calvin Carlton
Recorder P.P. Calvin Carlton is still recovering from knee surgery – and from po9ssibly getting out and overdoing it a little bit!! He appreciates all the well wishes and can’t wait to be back. Calvin is looking forward to seeing everyone at the October meetings.
Being dark, things have been a little slower. It’s been a welcome change for a little down time.
Let’s mention some activities upcoming in September:
Wed.4th — Unit Council and Divan meeting starting 6:30
Tue. 10 — Stated meeting, dinner 6:30 Meeting 7:30
Thur. 19th — Happy Hour and Birthday Party at the Temple 5:30
Last — Provost Guard will have their Fall Invitational in Tyler TX.
Sept. 26-28. Good Luck to all in their competition.
We received a check from Foundation Auto for their 2024 sponsorship. Thanks goes out to Brad Rodgers and the team at Foundation for their involvement in our Fraternity and our mission.
Looking at the Wildcat advertisers I noticed several NEW ads. It’s good to see that interest. Nobles please support these people and their business. Tell them you read their ads in our Wildcat. It will make a difference.
Again, I will be out for knee surgery during our next Unit Council/ Divan and Stated Meetings. Will see all as soon as possible.
Sincerely,
Calvin Carlton PP, Recorder
Well it’s been a while. I have seen several Nobles during the dark period and you just don’t realize how much you miss the camaraderie of
our fraternity with limited contact. As I am writing this we are still over a month away from our next stated meeting on September 10th. I am looking forward to seeing you guys and continuing your studies on “The World According To: (Calvin).
A good showing was able to attend TSA the first week in June held in San Angelo. Suez did a good job of putting this event together. Meetings were interesting and Food and Entertainment was spot on. There was some big news: Jerry Gant is stepping down from COB and Greg “Snake” McEwen also stepping down. Two HUGE surprises !! More on this later.
As soon as we returned the Oil Bowl week started. It was very busy as usual but, all the pieces came together and looked like it was well organized. I understand I worry too much about all of this, we have a group of Nobles and Ladies that always come together to make all events look seamless. Big thank you to Yoshi, Sherry Landrum, the Divan, and all Nobles and their Ladies, if I tried to thank all as
I should someone would be omitted and I don’t want that. Please accept my heartfelt Thank YOU to all. Couldn’t do this without the help.
Our Potentate and Lady has continued the Happy Hour this summer while dark as a chance to see all. We will again have our August Happy Hour on the 15th of the month. Please come we always have snacks and birthday cake.
Imperial was also held in Reno, Nevada, the first week of July. Several Nobles and Ladies attended. Potentate Hammack will have more in his article I’m sure.
Last, I went to Dr. today for my knee and will require surgery. This is scheduled for the 3rd of September. If all holds I will certainly miss September stated meeting. Nothing life threatening but may be held up for several weeks.
Sincerely,
Calvin Carlton PP, Recorder
The Maskat Shrine Golf Tournament was May 3rd and it was a success as usual. Good crowd, good weather, good food, and a good time had by all. Gordy and Ed Hall put on a great tournament with good prizes for all. The rain held back until after we finished and was heading home. As reported we raised $5,324.00 after all expenses. Everyone walked away with something. Good Job to all !!
The next day we went to “Bing’s at the River” for a Picnic and 4-wheelin to the River. Joey had a Path cut from picnic area to the river. There was several 4-wheelers there to trek around the grounds. Still a little wet but we went down to get muddy. Joey brought his cooker and treated all to Hot Dogs and Hamburgers and chips. If you missed this, you simply missed a very good time. I have heard this will happen again next year so do your self a favor and don’t miss it twice.
On April 6th we had a Texas High Tea at the Temple. Jerry and Bev Sloan supplied the dishes again, set tables, and decorated the ballroom (see Wildcat for Pictures). It was a full function again and finished raising the money for cleaning the tank / pond at the Hatton Road land. Good Job again to all that helped and those that attended. It was a success also.
April 13th Potentate Hammack had a Past Potentate’s dinner at the Temple. It was open to all Nobles and guests as well. We had 90 total people attending. I thought this was a good idea and went very well as proved by the number of people attending. There was was also patient ambassadors there to speak. Again if you missed this you missed a real tug at the heart story from them. If you get this chance again I would urge you not to miss it. Good idea from our Potentate and his Lady.
TSA is coming quick. If you haven’t please make plans to go. The Temple is paying 1/2 of the Noble registration this year. We would like to make a good showing.
Last item is the Oil Bowl. Yoshi is on point, calls are coming in, and Sherry is securing meals. Life looks good so far. We need to secure the ads for the Program and get them to Billy and Bev for a timely printing. We will be back at Memorial Stadium this year. Nobles please purchase your tickets and wear the Fez in the stands for exposure. Last big special event of the year. Let’s put on a good show but we are in need of help. If you have some time please call Cathy at the office. We have time frames and slots for anyone that can help us with this huge special event.
Thanks,
Calvin Carlton PP, Recorder