New Funster Rig

Yesterday, the Funsters unveiled their new rig at the parade. The horses on the carousel were all repainted and redone along with many other upgrades and refinishes. There are still some items to be finished but it is parade ready and really looked good on the street..A big thank you goes out to Virgil Neal and his crew who got the work done to help the Funsters revamp their rig and give it a new fresh look.

Springfield Parade

The day was hot but the turnout from Antioch and the spectators on the side was huge. Today, I rode with Fred Brooks who proved he really does own a Jaguar. The rest of the Divan present rode in Dave Heizer's car. All our Military Veterans wore a red white and blue ribbon today to designate them as a Veteran.

Unfortunately, Springfield chose not to have an announcer spot for the parade so while Doug Boyd was ready the parade committee decided not to have a review stand. The other part of the day which was kind of tricky was avoiding the many road construction areas and dealing with the changing landscape of Springfield due to the new Hospital.

The Springfield Shrine Club put on a great afterglow and had many helpers.

Shiloh Church Memorial Service

For several years the Legion of Honor for the Shrine has participate in a ceremony to honor our veterans on Memorial Day Weekend. Today Dave Heizer, Jerry Jamieson, Ben Hardin and several other Nobles along with myself and the Legion of Honor represented Antioch in the annual service. We presented the flags for each branch of the military and I posted the wreath after we posted the U.S. colors. A couple of members of the Photographers were also there to capture the event and provide me with a couple of pictures for the BLOG.

Sir Buzzington

While this is not directly Shrine related, it is to some extent as we have a new addition to our family in Sir Buzzington or Buzz for short. It is our new beagle puppy who will be on the sidelines at the parades to cheer us on. And so as not to be outdone he will be a dog with his own BLOG...though he isn't real good with the computer right now.    http://sirbuzzington.blogspot.com/



I look cute as a bee....right?

  

Memorial Day Weekend

While stopping by the Shine this morning it was obvious to see that everyone is gearing up for the Memorial Day Holiday weekend. Please take time to thank a veteran this weekend or attend a service for those who defend your right to freedom on a daily basis.

And don't forget to join us in Springfield on Monday for the Memorial Day Parade. Please pay attention to the information about the parade route and how to get to the Shrine Club for the afterglow as there has been (and continues to be) lots of construction in Springfield and how you "used to" go to get to the parade or the afterglow may be different this year.

Old Bill Johnson from Springfield

Yesterday, Bill took a nasty fall coming into the Shrine Temple for the Ambassadors meeting. Despite the fall he stayed for the meeting. Since a few have been asking about Bill's condition, he informed me today that he is very sore and will be down for a few days but that in general he is okay.

Ambassadors Meeting

Well Bill Johnson is one tough old bird! Today when I got to Antioch the Firetruck was there and an ambulance was close behind following into the parking lot. I looked down to the other end of the lot and there sat Bill with a neck brace on and blood everywhere. He had unfortunately fallen, and being on blood thinners, had a hard time getting the bleeding to stop. But he is a trouper and refused to go to the hospital but came into the Ambassadors Meeting. A despite looking more like bad bad Leroy Brown the baddest man in town with a couple of pieces gone, the distributed the minutes, took utterance and participated in the meeting. We covered upcoming events, handed out Murder Mystery Night ticket for the Ambassadors to sell, and discussed upcoming training for the Ambassadors.

Monthly Unit & Club Meeting

Every month the leaders of the Units and Clubs get together to share information, dates, and get information to be passed out to the Nobles within their Clubs or Units. We also discuss Parades and important changes happening at the Shrine. It is also important that every Club or Unit is represented so their opinions can be heard. We are currently working to tweak the method of running these meetings to ensure participation is maximized. It was also great to hear about the Blessing of The Bikes event which several from the Shrine attended and collected $131 for the Shrine Hospitals.

Miamisburg Parade

 

Well ... today was the first parade of the year and all indications were that we had one of the largest total turnouts from the Shrine in a few years (and that comment was coming from the Mayor of Miamisburg and Past Potente Dick Church Jr. who has been participating with this parade for more than 25 years). The Marching Patrol seemed to be back in force, the Classic Cars had a huge turnout and a few units which hadn't been out for several parades last year were again back out today. We also had several of our new Shriner's who joined in the past month parading with us and at least half a dozen who hadn't been back for years, who decided to join us to see for themselves, What's the Buzz About? The Divan was a real hit with the crowd on their new quads after the Potentate and Past Potentates in two fantastic looking vehicles which Dave Heizer is letting us use this year. And now for the most amazing part of all...I didn't hear about any vehicles breaking down along the parade route (ok work with me here and if there was one don't tell me). The ladies were also a hit in their new parade outfits especially as they road through town before the parade in our yellow and black VW bug with the top down....though I'm not sure what to think about the men standing alone the side yelling out "there go five hot chicks in yellow". The afterglow was also a big success with a really nice group there to help us celebrate Bob Wagner's 60th Birthday.

Friday Night Bites Goes Mexican

Tonight, I don't think we could have packed more into one night. We had a Mexican Friday Night Bites Party sponsored by the Quetzalcoatl Club where over 100 enjoyed the fun of the evening. There was lots of Mexican food and fellowship and I almost caught 2 of the ladies getting ready to dance on the tables to the signing worm in a glass (okay don't ask you had to be there to understand). Next we were able to bring two new members into the Shrine, one of which I really had to pity as he knows and works with Scott Lipps. After that we went to the basement and brought three new members into the Quetzalcoatl Club.  What could be better....well then I got an email from a member who just joined the Shrine. He indicated he has around six new candidates which he would like to signup to join the Shrine. All this and the first parade of the year is tomorrow ...in my home town!

Four New Nobles

Tonight we did a short form ceremonial on four new Nobles. In addition, I heard 3 more who were coming down tonight couldn't make it but will be at Antioch Friday for a short form at the Friday Night Bites. What a great problem...more work for the Divan. Ok.... Maybe there are some in the Divan who want even more of a challenge so I challenge you to give us more work by signing up more new members. As a side note, one of the new Nobles, Randy Clark, I signed up. Randy is a Past State Master Councilor for DeMolay, Past District Deputy Grand Master and 33rd. He is also a minister and is moving to a new church in Huber Heights next month and I'm proud to call him my friend.

Circus Meeting

Yes.... We did just finish up the 2012 circus but we are already in full swing for the 2013 circus. Right now we are discussing what worked this past year and what we could have done a little better. We are also trying to see if there are some ways of improving profits margins while still keeping the value on the items we are providing at a high level. We also finalized the circus bucks items available for 2012 and I think there is something for everyone in the catalogue.

Divan Meeting 5/15

Well I doubt if we could have packed more into one meeting in a shorter period of time. First and foremost of importance is that we have an issue with the air conditioning on the first floor/basement for which we have declared as an emergency situation. We will be addressing this immediately and more information will be coming out as soon as possible. We also discussed many building related items to help enhance the functionality and improve security.  In additon, we also covered several parade related questions, hospital related items, and methods to enhance our financial situation. The bottom line ... while it is not necessarily the most glamorous items, they are all items to help make the day to day functioning of Antioch Shrine work more smoothly and seamlessly.

New Tranportation Director

Yesterday I met with Bob Barnhart to discuss the position as the new Transportation Director for Antioch Shrine for the Shrine Hospitals. For the past 16 years Howard Bailey has been the backbone of this program serving as it's Director. Due to the health of his wife and his own advancing years, he has decided to step down from the job but will be helping Bob to transition into the new position. Howard has shown his dedication to Antioch and the Shrine Hospital's through his tireless efforts over the years and to you Howard we say, THANK YOU.

As I discussed with Bob yesterday, the Hospital Transportation area is getting ready to enter a new era at Antioch as there have been many new changes introduced in the long term direction of the program. As part of this change, the Divan will be working with Bob as the new Director to transition Antioch to be part of this new method of serving those who are patients at our Hospitals and their families.

Get Together of Shriners

Today, well over 100 Nobles from Dayton, Cincinnati, and Columbus got together to enjoy lunch and some bad jokes as the annual tri-club ROJ meeting was held. We have been doing this event for around the past four years and every year it rotates between the clubs with this year again being Dayton's turn to host. Bob Davis served as the Chairman for the event.

MIddletown Car Show

Well after packing up today from the Potentates Ball (we were all up real early today and exercising briskly before the final pack up and a healthy breakfast... sure .... please email me if you believe that as I have some business ventures I would like to have you invest in!), we got ready to head to Middletown for the Annual Middletown Car Show. This year Middletown Shrine Club decided to pull out all the stops, step up the event by adding inflatable’s for the kids to play on, extra live bands, and may other new added treats. The only problem, someone forgot to tell the weather man it wasn’t supposed to rain.

After getting a sunburn yesterday while setting up for the event and under perfect conditions, today the weather offered little relief. While the crowds and entry participation was down due to the weather, Middletown Shrine Club had planned for all situations and they still think they will be able to make a good profit for the Shrine Hospitals from the event.

After the Antioch Shrine Legion of Honor posted the colors to start the event and Kevin Sweeney offered up a prayer, I was invited to give a few words but they could not compare to the inspiration all present had to feel from a little 12 year girl who has spent most of her life in and out of the Shriner’s Hospitals. While her family was given little hope when she was born and while she endured many operations over the years to address issues, if she had not told you about her connection with Shriner’s Hospital and her challenges in life you wouldn’t have know as she appears as healthy and active as any 12 year old. It is what makes me PROUD TO BE A SHRINER.

Potentates Ball

THANK YOU to all who helped out and those who attended the Potentates Ball this year. I think all who attended definitely got the Gone With The Wind theme feel for the evening. I was especially excited to see how many got into the theme of the evening and came in period outfits which continued to add to the "feel" for the evening. I was humbled by the great attendance of those present to stand Honor Guard from MY units/clubs of the Greeters and Past Masters. As those who have attended our events at Antioch this year have probably should have noticed, I really enjoy making sure the whole evening matches the theme and gives each of us just a small opportunity to forget about anything else in the outside world and to step into a whole different place. WORK HARD, PLAY HARD, BEE HAPPY…..I think that is a good motto to live life by.....

MIA Yearbook and Other Administrivia

I have started to hear that Nobles are starting to receive their Shine Yearbooks (and I actually received mine). I would say that if you do not receive it by the end of the month, contact the office and we will get a list together of those who have not yet received the booklet and discuss it with the publisher.

In addition, if you are doing an event and have a question about insurance, please contact the office as soon as you have a concern. Unfortunately, answers are not always quick to come when dealing with insurance and we may check multiple sources to try to get the best deal if it involves something which is not already on the base policy.

We are planning a short form on May 16th to bring in a couple of candidates who want to parade with a unit but could not make the April 28th Ceremonial. We are also looking at a couple of "special" ceremonies to bring in candidates in Larry Weller's Memory in the South (Waynesville area) and one in Earl Dawson's Memory in the North (Sidney/Lima area).

We will also be holding our first meeting to start work on the Circus for next year....

Lots of Activity

Tonight, it was really a lively place at Antioch as we had several groups who were meeting and the temple was packed. I was only able to stay for a few minutes due to another commitment but I saw the Greeters in the Parking Lot manning the Dragon’s parking; talked with the 4 Wheelers, Motor Corps, Brass Band and Classic Cars; and then the best encounter was actually in the parking lot. When I was leaving the temple I noticed a new Noble from the April 28th Ceremonial and his wife coming in the temple so I stopped to talk with them. They indicated they were shopping around for a unit which they thought would match what they were looking for to get involved. How great it is to have new Nobles actively searching out Units and Clubs with which to get involved!  

Dancing With The Shriner's - Last Class

Well ....I'll get to find out Saturday at the Potentate's Ball if I graduate from dancing class. We had our final warm up this evening before the big day. I'm just glad Larry Cornett told the dance classes with us as it will make it more difficult for him to capture the dancing of the evening in pictures (though my elation was quickly dashed when he told me that another photographer will be capturing the images). I guess if it gets too back I can ditch my Gone With The Wind outfit for an Elvis Tribute Night.....okay that would just be going from bad to worse....

But on a positive note...the Hospitality Room will be open from 2-4 Saturday before the Potentates Ball!

Ohio Shrine

Yesterday was the Ohio Shrine meeting and while unfortunately the Divan members were either out of town or attending graduations, PP Ill Sir Tom Schoff agreed to step up and represent us. We had around a total of 14 Nobles and ladies present to watch our own PP Ill Sir Gary Blackford be installed as the 1VP of the Ohio Shrine Association. Congratulations Gary!

Dragons Game

Energy, excitement and enthusiasm... Too bad what we have at Antioch didn't translate last night to the Dragons! While the Dragons weren't scoring, there wasn't a lack of cheering from the Dragons Lair as we were out in force. I think those in attendance made their own fun to overcome the Dragons loss.

All this last night came after I attended one more "last minute" follow up meeting for the Potes Ball and a spirited pre-game party several attended at Antioch.

Behind the Scenes

While this BLOG gives you a glimpse into the things going on at the Shrine.....today, I will give you a glimpse at some of the items the Potentate gets to handle in a day (and today was slower than most!)...

• Meeting with the Membership Chairman to discuss future ceremonials, dues collection, restorations and new members
• Potentates Ball planning (following up on about 10 different items all dealing with different folks)
• Information distribution for Ohio Shrine
• Communications distribution to specific Clubs and Units
• Making at least 10 calls to resolve various questions and concerns from Nobles, Units and Clubs
• Sending out thank you notices

Following up on these items:

1. Building cooling concerns
2. Financial questions about the budget
3. Insurance waiver's for clubs/units at events
4. By-law changes for multiple clubs/units
5. Club and Unit Parade requests
6. Reporting questions from Tampa
7. On the "MIA" Yearbook
8. Following up on the legal implications of a couple of items
9. Sales for Dayton Dragons tickets
10. Various items for Friday Night Bites in May through August with the various groups sponsoring the evening (along with Aides and Divan Reps) to make sure plans are progressing
11. Imperial and GLSA meetings

And I'm sure I missed a few for today but that should give you an idea. But despite all these "to do's" on a daily basis, it is all worth it when you think about the fact that you are getting an opportunity every day to make a difference in some child's life through our support for the Shriner's  Hospitals.

Where did the Spring go?

Well we didn't have much of a winter and the spring really didn't act much like spring and now it feels like we are already into summer, but then who is complaining! We are planning the "change over" soon from heat to cooling on the first floor/basement. It can mean only one thing....parade season is rapidly approaching and our first parade is just a couple of weeks away in Miamisburg on May 19th (see the Crier for details).

As a side note, my daughter was finally released from her ankle surgery to start doing some minor jogging/rehab type work this past week. So needless to say, she was going to do just little more than jogging (wonder where she gets her drive to compete from???), so we went to watch her compete at a track meet. The first folks I saw when I arrived were Shriner's and their wives helping out the school with the collection of can goods for the needy. While they weren't "officially" there for the Shrine, it makes me proud to know we are out in the community doing things to help others ... even in our daily lives. (oh and by the way if you wondered she did tie her personal best and win the meet in the Pole Vault, helping her team to set a new school relay record ... despite being in so much pain she could hardly move after warm-ups... thank goodness for Bio Freeze).

Meetings, Meetings, Meetings

Today was a day of meetings but then sometimes meetings are the necessary evil when trying to make sure things are running according to plan.

We started out the day with a Building Corp Meeting where we discussed many improvements which the Building Corp is making to keep the building functioning and looking nice. While the items we discussed might not be too glamorous: working to fix up the lobby, men's and women's restrooms in the basement, and having the ballroom floor completely stripped down and redone; they are all items which when completed will makes every Nobles time at 107 E. First Street a little more enjoyable.

Next we met to discuss some rearranging of storage rooms at the temple so we can prepared the upstairs to house a photo studio to assist in creating a rental package at the building. We hope this can increase our rental attractiveness.

After that was some final Potentates Ball items in regards to seating, scripts for the activities of the evening and ensuring that all goes according to plan that evening to make it as enjoyable as possible for all in attendance.

Later in the evening we held our Divan meeting where we covered a number of items in relationship to improving the parade flow, cost cutting ideas, improving safety within the building, and planning for upcoming events.

A busy day of meetings but all well worth it when you consider the potential rewards for each noble of Antioch.

Shrine Circus Wrap Up 2012 Meeting

Tonight we learned some important lessons.

• Never tell the Divan: "it won't work or it can't be done"
• Success doesn't just happen
• Individual efforts aren't enough
• Always learn from your failures and never settle for okay
• Wine isn't the only thing which takes a while to be just right
• It takes a team to accomplish SUPERSPECTACULAROUS results (ok....don't bother looking this word up in the dictionary)
• It is REALLY FUN TO CELEBRATE!!!!!!!

And when all was said and done this year working with UD arena, Hanneford Circus, Krogers, and the many Nobles and their ladies: Antioch was able to enjoy a 10 year high on Circus profits or nearly 3 times last year.

To say THANK YOU for all the hard work and effort would not be enough .... so this year we handed out bonus checks to those groups who went above and beyond in their assistance to the circus and this unbelievable profit from all the extra effort and changes which took a "leap of faith" to embrace.

But the bottom line is ....the extra profit will help us to ensure the continued existence of Antioch and many of the Clubs and Units. It will also give all of us the little extra added incentive to work a little harder for our "other" purpose … that of helping out the kids at the Shrine Hospitals.

 

Can you say WOW!!!

I felt like a proud papa who just had a new kid this morning at our Antioch Shrine Ceremonial (And sorry if I ramble today a little like a proud new parent...). YOU, the Nobles of Antioch Shrine, have come through again! We had Antioch Shrine noble representatives from Grand Lodge PGM Neil Smalley and Terry Posey along with current DDGM's Scott Sowder and Paul Weglage, PGHP Jerry Crawford from Grand Chapter, PGIMs Beecher Vaughn and Bobby Campbell from Grand Council, and PGC Burch Zehner from Grand Commandery to represent the York Rite of which was the honoree for this Ceremonial. As far as petitions for the Ceremonial ...drum roll please. we had 51 petitions turned in to join Antioch Shrine. And the good part is that I heard from at least eight who just joined today who already have petitions in hand to be filled out by their friends. (They said they would have had their friends join with them today but wanted to get to sign their friends petition).

In addition, I spoke to three other current nobles today who said they have a total of around 5-7 more petitions (filled out with money) to turn in but were waiting since they knew their candidates could not make the Ceremonial today. I told them don't ... wait turn them in and we will schedule a special short form ceremonial.  So if you have any petitions you are holding on to who couldn't make it today ... turn them in. We are looking to do a short form prior to the first parade as we have already heard at least one who could not make it today wants but wants to be in the parade in a unit on May 19th. OH WHAT FUN IT IS!!! .... to be charges with the "extra" job of finding dates to bring in more members to the Shrine.

I also spoke to the First Lady, Pam (we have so many Pam's it is hard to keep track of them all), and she wanted to thank the ladies of the Divan for helping out with the program for the ladies this morning. Pam told me last night she was sweating it out as they had 20 ladies bags prepared (due to indications from the return RSVP postcards they sent out) and they needed all 20 bags this morning. In addition, several of the ladies who came with their nobles today also indicated they would like to have one of the new "ladies of nobles" packages the Divan ladies created.

Oh and as a side note, I heard today a renewed effort will start this next week on restorations and retention for those not current in paying their dues. We have already over 40 restorations returned and at least 20 more requested by former nobles so I would expect them to be coming back in soon. Congrats to Dave Heizer (even if he did use a lame excuse that he had to go to the hospital this morning just to get out of some work) and the whole membership committee on a job well done and ....

THANK YOU NOBLES FOR KEEPING YOUR DIVAN MEMBERS WORKING!

P.S. Thank you to the Legion of Honor, Brass Band, Directors Staff, Photographers, Past Masters, Indy Cars, and John "the taskmaster" Bull for helping out today.

Ceremonial Tomorrow - 4/28

I'm really looking forward to the Ceremonial tomorrow morning and hoping that we surpass that 50 candidates total (some we already know can't make it but already have their petitions in). I got a note this afternoon which said the Valley of Dayton Scottish Rite had 50 candidates in their Spring Class. I've been saying all along that if we work at it we can be just as successful at getting large numbers of candidate to join...but it takes work. No matter what the total...my hats off to the Nobles for all their hard work to this point!

York Rite College

Tonight, I attended the annual meeting for the York Rite College which is a Masonic invitation only organization recognizing leaders from the York Rite. I was able to confirm several who were invited to attend Saturday as representatives for the York Rite, will be present at our Ceremonial Saturday. I even got to put in a pitch for those who don't belong to the Shrine to consider joining on Saturday!

Every opportunity we get as Shriners, we need to take to possibly share the Shrine experience with a potential new Noble. Don't keep the fun all to yourself!

Preparing For A Big Day

I spoke with several Divan members today and all indications are that it should be a big day for bringing in new members at Antioch. I'm hoping by Saturday to have the number of new nobles to over 50.
We are also excited on the close to that same number of suspended nobles who have indicated they wish to be restored to membership.
I congratulate all nobles who are working hard to share the Shrine experience with as many as possible.

Together We Can "Get The Buzz" For Membership.

Roy Combs Funeral/Memorial Service

Tonight,  many Masons and Nobles participate in a series of  memorial events (including the Masonic Funeral Service and the Scottish Rite Ring Service)  to mark the life of Roy Combs. In addition, there were military tributes and personal tributes to Roy's life. While the events ended up being a little longer than some of our members could stand up, they ended up being a nice tribute for a great Noble of Antioch Shrine...Roy Combs. Our condolences go out to Roy's wife, brother and the whole Combs family during this difficult time.

Friday Night Bites - Baseball Night 4/20

Last night at Antioch several families came down with their kids and got pictures with Heater from the Dragons and there were several give-aways during the evening. The food was the perfect baseball fair and we even got one new petition on the evening. Don't forget to get your tickets for the Dragons game soon for $14 each from the office at Antioch for the game May 4th.
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