Scimitar March 2016

Scimitar
The
Volume 17 Issue 180
March 2016
The Rhode Island Shriners Newsletter
“The Only Thing That Is Constant Is Change -”
― Heraclitus
Nobles,
Change is inevitable! Under the leadership of Illustrious Sir Glenn E. Medeiros Sr. and
his Divan, I’ve been tasked with taking the Scimitar in a new direction. To save money,
we’re scaling the publication down to 8 black & white pages but returning to a monthly
periodical. The goal is to produce a valuable communication tool which keeps us informed
of events going on in and around the Rhode Island Shrine. The Potentates message is
the first thing I read. What better source than starting at the top. A little insight from
the Recorder is the next order of business. The Unit articles are a big hit and we need to
continue showcasing them. Remember, it’s not just the unit members that are reading the
columns but new Shriners trying to decide which unit to join. I’m asking every unit to
contribute to the Scimitar. It doesn’t have to be a long piece. It could just be an upcoming
event that your unit is holding or an outside event you participated in recently. Send in your
photos!! Of course, our social events will be listed for your convenience. We’re even trying
some new ideas. If you have some thoughts you’d like to share with your Brother Nobles,
submit them (as in “letter to the editor”). What’s going on at the Grand Lodge is another
item you can find here.
The plan, initially, is to distribute to just Shriners, not solicit ads, and keep it simple.
As the newsletter gets its footing, we can expand the number of pages, maybe add color…
anything is possible. It will take a few months to “work out the kinks”, so bear with me. I’m
asking that you get your submissions to me by the first week of the month for the following
months issue. Let me know what you think and any suggestions you have for improvment.
I can be reached at [email protected] or 401-487-4750. Oh...by the way, after this
issue, the Potentate’s message will be on the cover.
Yours in the Craft,
Bob O’Brien
Past Potentate
Potentate's Message
starting Friday, February 26th. I have to tell you that Chef Chris
has been outdoing himself with the food, nowhere in town will
you get the quality or quantity of food than on a Friday night at the
Temple. Please make every effort to come on a Friday night and
get reconnected with some old and new friends. The dues cards are
still coming in from Tampa so please be patient they are having
some glitches in the new system, as a matter of fact I just received
mine the 3rd week of February. With anything new comes some
glitches and hiccups so I ask that you please give us some latitude
with all the new things this year, some we implemented and some
beyond our control. Fraternally we need some help Nobles, we
need to boost membership and need it quickly so we can continue
to be a force in Shrinedom in the Northeast. If all of us can just
bring in 1 or 2 new Nobles a year we will be ok in the future. I
know you all are probably sick of hearing us make the previous
statement but it’s a problem world wide and we as your divan are
doing our best and could really use your help. We have some old
successful events planned again this year and some new ones as
well so stay tuned to the news letter for more information. It was
brought to my attention that we have not previously published
the names of the Mega Raffle winners in the past but will do so
starting in the next issue. Tickets are still available at the Temple.
Our Adult Easter Egg hunt on March 25th sold out in one week.
WOW, incredible work people. The Chinese Chop Stick Auction
will be held on Friday May 20th from 6 to10 pm and is growing
into a big event so purchase your tickets quickly for a fun night of
food and prizes. In closing, thank you all for a GREAT 2015 year
as Potentate and let’s hope for the same success in 2016, as always
any questions or concerns please contact me on my cell phone or
home phone or email.
Fraternally yours,
Glenn E. Medeiros Sr.
Hello Nobles and Ladies all,
well here we are in the year
2016 already and with so many
changes upon us. I would first
and foremost like to thank the
nobles who elected me to a
second term and to wish all the
Divan a safe and healthy year
throughout all your travels for
the Mystic Shrine. As you can
tell by now some changes in the
Scimitar have been made. We
will be making every effort to
bring you back to a monthly news
letter with the help of Illustrious
Robert J. O’Brien, thank you Illustrious Sir. To all the unit heads
and to their authors, please get your articles to Illustrious O’Brien
no later then the first week of the month so it can be published in
the upcoming issue. If you have any questions please contact me
or Illustrious O’Brien to clarifiy any problem you may be having.
By the time you read this I would have already been to Aleppo’s
Potentate’s ball in Danvers Massachusetts, Lady Kerrie and I were
accompanied by Chief Rabban Dominic DiStefano accompanied
by Lady Karielyn also Noble Robert St Jean and Lady Deb
along with Noble Tim Culhane and Lady Anne Mohrmann. As
always we rocked the house and represented Rhode Island. Lady
Kerrie and I would have already traveled to Sahib Temple with
Most Worshipful Raymond Hassell and Lady Lynn to make
presentations to the 50 year Masons. A big thank you to Noble Jim
Marszalek and Lady Cheryl for their hospitality in their beautiful
home and the wonderful tour guide abilities they possess. Thank
you to our snowbirds for such a warm and I repeat warm welcome
again. Well the Queen of Hearts was won a few weeks ago by
Noble Jim Neary of the Legion of Honor and a new one will be
From the Recorder's Desk
Dues cards!!! A very hot topic right now. I received mine the last week of January. We here at the office have no
control of this issue. All mailing of dues cards is from Imperial. This is also not a criticism of their efforts. This is the initial
stage of the program and has not been without some start-up problems. I also would encourage you not to call the Tampa
office as this will not help to have the cards mailed out. As the dust settles I am sure this will become a more efficient method
of dues payment in the future.
I would take this opportunity to encourage all Nobles to plan on attending the Queen of Hearts Raffles. Hopefully
this endeavor will turn into one of our better fund raising efforts. This can only happen if you participate. The Kitchen
has devised some unique menu items that change frequently and are reasonably priced. The ticket sales start @ 6:00PM
and end just before 8:00 PM, the prize increases every week until there is a winner. Please come and enjoy an evening of
inexpensive fun while supporting the efforts of your Shrine Center. Please also bring a friend or neighbor to participate in
the fun together.
If there are any questions concerning membership or events, please feel free to contact the Office @ 467-7100.
Fraternally yours,
Paul M. Healy / Recorder
March 2016
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RI Shriners
Chief Rabban's Ramblings
Hello All,
We are full swing into 2016. Are you ready for parade
season? It will be here before you know it. Noble Norm Messinger
is reaching out to the community and setting dates as we speak.
The Clown Unit and Motor Corps have invites to Pawtucket
March 5, Newport March 12, West Warwick March 13 and
Providence March 19. Any Noble is welcome to join us. Drivers
are always needed. Come share the joy of an early parade
opportunity and the “warm” atmosphere of a St Patrick’s Parade. I have had the pleasure to accompany Illustrious
Glenn and Lady Kerrie to Aleppo Shrine Potentate Visitation in
February. I view this as an opportunity to continue relationships
with Northeast Shrine counterparts, but also to learn. My first
visitation was in 2009 to Pyramid Shriners and we haven’t
stopped since. If any Noble and Lady would like to join us,
please let me know. Upcoming Visits included Sphinx April
9, Melha April 16, and Mt Sinai/Cairo May 21. Again this is a
great opportunity to learn and reaffirm our purpose as Shriners.
Friday March 25 is the Adult Only Easter Egg Hunt. This
event sold out in roughly a week. Help is still needed to stuff eggs
over the next few weeks and to work the event on Friday March
25. While tickets are no longer available, I urge you to “work”
the event. The Chaos of 400 Adults searching for Easter Eggs
in the Dark is enjoyment in itself. This is one of many “Game
Changing” events that our Shrine produced over the years. Director’s Staff Bingo will be held on Friday March 11, Friday April
8 and Sunday May 15. Please come and support the Director’s Staff. Circus Season is also approaching. While we don’t have
a physical connection any more, there are still two Shrine
Circuses nearby. I am organizing trips to Aleppo Shrine
Circus on the weekend of April 23 and Melha Shrine Circus
on April 30 . Please join Karielyn, Peter and myself. Tenth Annual
Reading is Music to our Ears
Silent Auction and Raffle
Children’s Dyslexia Center of RI
Friday Nights at the Shrine are back. All we are
missing is you. $5 meals and raffles are just the beginning of
the activities being held. We are working on more to add. The
opportunity is there. Will you take advantage of it ? Below is a list of upcoming events: Saturday, March 5 – Pawt. St Patrick Parade Friday, March 11 – Director’s Bingo Saturday, March 12 – Newport St Patrick’s Sunday, March 13 – WW St Patrick Parade
Sunday, March 13 – Past Pote’s Fundraiser Saturday, March 19 – Prov. St Patrick Parade. Friday, March 25 – Adult Easter Egg Hunt
Friday, April 8 – Director’s Bingo Saturday, April 9 – Sphinx Pote’s Reception Friday, April 16 – Melha Pote’s Reception Saturday, April 30 – Melha Shrine Circus
Sunday, May 15 – Director’s Bingo
Friday, May 20 – Chopstick Auction May 21 Cairo/ Mt Sinai Visitation Monday, May 23 Grand Lodge Annual Communication 9am
Saturday, August 6 – Shrine Maple Sugar Bowl.
Castleton State College Thursday, September 22- 24 Fredericton, NB –
NESA Fall Field Days Regards, Domenic J DiStefano Chief Rabban Rhode Island Shriners Saturday, April 2, 2016, Imperial Room, One Rhodes Place, Cranston, RI
5:00 to 7:00 silent auction, raffles, and cocktails (cash bar)
7:00 dinner, 8:15 dessert and announcement of auction and raffle winners
Music throughout the evening by Bo-Dee’s Circle of Music
Tickets $30 each available now at the Children’s Dyslexia Center of RI
or at dyslexiari.org (PayPal link on event page)
Questions? 401.781.7953 ~ [email protected]
2016 Newest Members of the Board of Governors
of Springfield Hospital
Four Shriners became Voting members on the board effective 1/1/16. They are Gary
Surprenant (Melha Shrine Center), and Glenn Medeiros (RI Shrine Center), who
were previously Associate members of the Boards, and new members Craig Kazin
(Melha Shrine Center) and John Edwards (Ziyara Shrine Center). They will serve a
term of 3 years and are eligible to serve an additional two more terms, totaling 9 years.
Also appointed to the Board, by their respective Shrine Center’s Potentates, as new
Associate members for a one year term are: Chris Roberts (Ziyara Shrine Center),
Lou Sherman (RI Shrine Center), Richard Quindley (Bektash Shrine Center),
Dwight Jemison (Kalurah Shrine Center) and Jason Freeman (Melha Shrine Center).
March 2016
3
RI Shriners
News from the Grand Lodge of RI
The SCIMITAR
is published monthly
by the Rhode Island Shriners
One Rhodes Place,
Cranston, Rhode Island 02905.
Editor-in-Chief
Robert O’Brien
Please join St. Andrew’s Lodge #39 A.F. & A.M. in
honoring MWGM Raymond Eric Hassell at his
testimonial dinner to be held on Saturday, April 16th at
Crystal Lake Golf Club. The easiest way to buy tickets
is to visit the secure website at www.GMTestimonial.
com. Dinner is $35 per person and you have a choice of
stuffed chicken breast, prime rib or a vegetarian dinner.
Last year’s event sold out early so be sure not to miss
out. Deadline for tickets is April 6th.
RHODE ISLAND SHRINERS
One Rhodes Place, Cranston, R I 02905
Toll free 1-888-A CHILD 5
Web Site: www.rishriners.com
Telephone: (401) 467-7100
Office Extensions:
Potentate/CEO, Glenn Medeiros, Sr................#14
Recorder, Paul Healy .....................................#16
Secretary, Pat Deitch ......................................#10
Treasurer, Bryan Martin..................................#15
Bookkeeper, Elaine Williams..........................#18
Sales, Hillary Williamson................................#13
Bar..................................................................#11
Kitchen............................................................#12
Patrick Gordon................................................#17
Chef Chris.......................................................#19
Charities (Leon)..............................................#25
Important Dates:
Tuesday 3/8/16 7:30 PM
Grand Master’s Visitation
to Overseas Lodge #40 (Metro District)
Tuesday 4/5/16 7:30 PM
Grand Master’s Visitation
to Harmony Lodge #9 (Central District)
ELECTED OFFICERS 2016
Potentate...........................Glenn E. Medeiros Sr.
Chief Rabban........................Domenic DiStefano
Assistant Rabban..........................Louis Sherman
High Priest & Prophet...........Donald Williamson
Oriental Guide..............................Robert St. Jean
Treasurer.........................................Bryan Martin
Recorder..............................................Paul Healy
APPOINTED OFFICERS 2016
First Ceremonial Master........Christopher Dilorio
Second Ceremonial Master.......Timothy Culhane
Marshall.................................Norman Messinger
Captain of the Guard......................David Bradley
Chief Director..................................Robert Chase
Personal Aide..............................Frank DiMascio
Chief Aide.................................Michael Barboza
Public Relations Chairman..................Clark Cate
Rhode Island Rainbow Girls
www.RIRainbowGirls.org
The Rhode Island Grand Assembly is a proud member of the
International Order of the Rainbow for Girls – a non-profit youth
group that teaches girls what matters most – leadership, confidence,
and citizenship.
Masonic Youth Foundation
www.RIMYF.org
Web Sites of Interest
Rhode Island York Rite Family
www.YorkRite.com/ri
Grand Masonic Lodge for the State Of Rhode Island
and Providence Plantations
www.rimasons.org
Scottish Rite Valley of Providence
www.RIScottishRite.org
Rhode Island DeMolay Boys
www.RIDeMolay.org
DeMolay was started in 1919, and since that time over 4 million
young men have joined. Today there are about 1500 chapters,
located in the United States, Canada and sixteen other countries.
March 2016
Rhode Island Shriners
www.RIShriners.com
Courtesy of the web site of The Grand Masonic Lodge for the
State Of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.
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RI Shriners
March 2016
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
1
Fri
2
3
7
8
Divan
6:30 pm
St. Patrick’s
Day Parade- 13
W. Warwick
Past
Potentates
Fundraiser
9
Legion of
Honor
7:30 pm
15
Director’s
Staff
7:30 pm
21
16
27
28
17
23
29
5
18
24
Artisan’s/
Motor Corps
7:30 pm
30
12
St. Patrick’s
Day ParadeNewport
St. Patrick’s
Day Parade-19
Providence
Queen of
Hearts-6:00 pm Temple Guard
11:00 am
St. Patrick’s
Day Dinner
Oriental Band
7:30 pm
22
11
Queen of
Hearts-6:00 pm
Director’s Staff
Bingo
Oriental Band
7:30 pm
Clown
Unit
9:30 am
10
Oriental Band
7:30 pm
14
20
Ladies
Luncheon
11:30 am
4
St. Patrick’s
Day ParadeQueen of
Pawtucket
Hearts-6:00 pm
Oriental Band
7:30 pm
6
Sat
25
26
Adult Only
Easter Egg
Hunt
31
Oriental Band
7:30 pm
Easter Sunday
Brunch
April 2016
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
Oriental Band
7:30 pm
3
Sphinx
Visitation
10
17
Divan
6:30 pm
Legion of
Honor
7:30 pm
4
5
6
11
18
Director’s
Staff
7:30 pm
12
13
7
19
20
25
26
27
Oriental Band
7:30 pm
5
8
Queen of
Hearts-6:00 pm
Sphinx
Visitation
14
Melha
Visitation
15
Queen of
Hearts-6:00 pm
21
Artisan’s/
Motor Corps
7:30 pm
28
9
Sphinx
Visitation
Director’s Staff
Bingo
Oriental Band
7:30 pm
Oriental Band
7:30 pm
24
March 2016
Dyslexia
Queen of
Center’s
Hearts-6:00 pm
Fundraiser
Oriental Band
7:30 pm
Melha
Visitation
Clown
Unit
9:30 am
Ladies
Luncheon
11:30 am
2
22
Temple
Guard
11:00 am
16
Melha
Visitation
23
Passover
No Queen of
Hearts
29
30
Queen of
Hearts-6:00 pm
RI Shriners
Treasurer's Thoughts
As your Treasurer, I get to see what money comes into the Fraternity and the bills that have to be paid. As you can guess, our
bills are more than our membership can support. So we ask the question, why are the members not supporting the Fraternity and why
are masons reluctant in joining?
I don’t think there is any one answer to that question. When I have conversations with members most of the time they mention the
closing of the restaurant as a major cause. In our geographical area we have the Tri City Elks Club and the Pawtuxet Athletic Club which
are doing very well and they do not have restaurants. A lot of our members belong to both of them. What do they offer that we do not?
I would like to present to you the following article that was published by RW Glenn Carlson in the Rhode Island Freemasons
Facebook Group. This may shed some light on our problem.
This is a paraphrased version of an article that has been around for a long time, proper credit cannot be given to the original person who
wrote it because it was not on the page. However, this is just food for thought Brethren…
Freemasonry and Disharmony:
When there is disharmony (expressed or unexpressed) in a group, the group becomes polarized or divided. History has shown that
many people who are unhappy with this lack of unity will stay away, diminishing attendance and leaving the divided group to play out
their mental, emotional and sometimes physical upsets.
So, disharmony:
(1) Reduces the numbers of the group as well as the feelings of brotherly love. Webster’s defines strength as: “Force, as
measured in numbers--effective numbers of any body or organization.”
(2) Reduces brotherly love to an alarming agree so that feelings of being right (no matter how hurtful) can be vented.
(3) Puts charity into a free fall. Polarized feelings lead to frustration and anger. Anger has a way of clouding the truth –
sometimes on purpose, sometimes because of the powerful feelings which anger brings forth.
(4) Like rain on a fire, drowns the Light of Freemasonry’s three basic tenets – Brotherly love, Relief and Truth.
When the basic tenets are put on the back burner:
(1) More members leave the group
(2) Dues and donations diminish
(3) The group begins to operate on its financial reserves without replenishing them.
Watching the financial deteriorate as well as ignoring the basic tenets leads to:
(1) Membership and attendance decreases
(2) There are fewer members to choose for officers
(3) Thus the skill level of officers, dedicated as they may be, directly affect the group they lead.
(4) Seeing this and reacting to it, more members leave.
So, we have a minimum of new members, minimized attendance at meetings, financial reserves noticeably diminishing and people in
office not trained for their positions.
Can the group recover by overthrowing anger and impatience?
Yes, they can.
Can the group recover from this self-imposed stranglehold? Yes, they can.
Will the group put the basic tenets back on the throne of their hearts? Maybe…it all depends on how much damage their imprudence
has caused.
How can they re-establish stability? How can harmony be regained? How can the sick open the door to strength?
The decline was fast. The speed with which they travel the road back to health will be directly proportional to their desire for
harmony (who can best work and best agree).
If they desire harmony, the basic tenets will outdistance the emotional force of their self-created polarization.
In other words, Brotherly Love, Charity and Truth will prevail.
Noble Bryan Martin
March 2016
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RI Shriners
PLEASE JOIN US FOR OUR ANNUAL
Easter Sunday
BRUNCH
Sunday, March 27, 2016
10:30 am ~ 2:30 pm ~ Last seating at 1:30 pm
Delicious Brunch Menu
Adults: $22.99
Children (6 – 10 years): $12.99
BREAKFAST STATION
Scrambled Eggs ~ Bacon ~ Sausage ~ Breakfast Potatoes
Assorted Breakfast Pastries ~ Fresh Fruit Salad
French Toast & Belgian Waffles
Served with Assorted Sauces & Toppings
SALAD STATION
Assorted Greens, Toppings, & Dressings
Assorted Breads & Rolls
CARVING STATION
Virginia Baked Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze
20% Service Charge & 8% Taxes are NOT included
RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED,
and must be received by March 20, 2016
(Space permitting). A $50.00 non-refundable deposit is
required for parties of 4 or more. All major credit cards
accepted. Please make checks payable to The RI Shriners.
401.467.7102 ~ www.rishriners.com
BUFFET STATION
Baked Stuffed Breast of Chicken
Spinach, Boursin Cheese, Wild Rice Pilaf
Roasted Cod with Shrimp & Scallop Newburg Sauce
Tri-color Cheese Tortellini with Tomato Basil Vodka Cream Sauce
Maple Glazed Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Butternut Squash & Apples
Glazed Carrots
DESSERT STATION
Assorted Miniature Dessert Pastries
Coffee, Decaffeinated Coffee, Tea, & Assorted Juices
THE IMPERIAL ROOM
One Rhodes Place ~ Cranston, RI 02905
March 2016
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RI Shriners
RHODE ISLAND SHRINERS
One Rhodes Place
Cranston, R I 02905
Legends & Lies
Up-Coming Events:
The Rhode Island Shriners’ Past Potentates Association
Sunday, March 13, 2016
1:00 pm Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres ~ 2:30 pm Show Time
Complimentary Hors d’oeuvres, Wine, & Soda
St. Patrick’s Day
Thursday, March 17, 2016
Featuring the music of Susan McCleod, Orchestra of One, 5:30 pm ~ 9:00 pm
DELICIOUS BUFFET
Tickets are just $22.00 each, and INCLUDE Buffet, Tax, & Tip! All are welcome!
All major credit cards accepted!
TICKET DEADLINE: March 10, 2016
401.467.7102
Save the Date:
Friday, May 20th
6th ANNUAL CHINESE NIGHT & CHOPSTICK AUCTION
Don’t Forget
The Queen of Hearts
Friday Nights
6-8 pm