Let me start by thanking a few people that stepped in and covered my area during the last meetmg: John Priddis, Dooby Fox and, of course, Greg Stockton. I am sure there were others that I am unaware of or have forgotten. If so, thank you as well. It took about a week to heal from something that usually takes a couple of days. Another one of the joys of old age creeping up. Just like when I retired–one day you are running the place, and the next day you are replaced. The world keeps turning. Anyway thanks again to all.
We just finished one of the more popular events for the ladies–the High Tea. Once again, Jerry and Bev Sloan, with the help of a handful of Very Willing Ladies, had the tables looking like a picture from Southern Living. Your team of volunteers really set that event apart from anything we usually try to put on. The food was First Class in both presentation and quality. Greg, Griffin, and Jimmy Bames are the wagon bosses of that train, and it was moving forward all day long!! Jerry lined up the servers who were clad in bow ties, white shirts, and black pants, with a towel draped over their arms. Very impressive bunch when lined up as well as serving all the tables full of ladies. The proceeds this year will go to Shrine Texas Hospitals for Children in Galveston. Still working on the expenses and income for a good bottom line–more later.
The Rib Cook is our next fund raising event. October 25th will be the cooking and pickup date. These are the famous Terry Martin and crew ribs. At $25 per slab, it is quite a deal at today’s pricing. We will spend more on the ribs and make it up on paying the crew much less (if possible). There are a few slabs remaining. I am sure we will sell out this week. Hope everyone ordered some. Again more on this next month.
At our next Stated Meeting, we will draw for the guns Jerry and his team have been selling. Not sure about the number of tickets sold at this point, but it is safe to say it is a money maker. There should be several thousand dollars to place into our maintenance fund for the Temple building. I want to thank Jerry Sloan for this idea and getting the ball rolling on this fundraiser. May we all have the energy Jerry has when we gain a few more years.
Our next gathering is Unit Council/Divan meeting. This meeting will be November 5th, 6-ishpm in the Oasis. Food will be supplied to spark conversation. All other libations will be sold at our usual discount (full retail). Come out and be a part of this epic conversation.
Speaking of units, should anyone have an idea of a new unit they would like to see us involved in, please come by and let someone know. We need good and bad ideas, don’t be scared.
Speaking of new ideas, Joel took it upon himself to call the last 20 new members before the Stated Meeting to make sure they knew we wanted and needed them there. It worked. We need to stay in touch with everyone to remind them of any meeting or special event. Joel may be calling for some help on this. Thank you my friend! You are committed and very special. AND I don’t mean short bus special!!
Our next Stated Meeting will be November 11th at the Temple. Please write it down on your calendar, grab another Shriner– come early and stay late. We will have dinner, cooked by the cooking unit, at 6:30pm. All you want for $10. Meeting will start at 7:30pm. Hope to see a lot of you guys there.
FYI —Maskat Shrine Temple will be closed for the Thanksgiving Holiday on November 26 and 27 and reopen on December 1.