SALADIN NEWSIssue 4, 2017 - Fall Edition - Saladin Shriners - Grand Rapids, MI

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16 - The Saladin News

One Last Photo...

Saladin Shrine233 East Fulton St.Suite 102Grand Rapids, MI 49503

MWBro. Joshua Woodwyk, Grand Master of Masons in Michigan, was created a Saladin Shriner by the hand of the Imperial Potentate, his lady and his children on the stage at the Imperial Session this past July. Saladin welcomes MWBro. Josh to its ranks.

Join Saladin for First Friday Celebrations

Please make plans to join us for one of our monthly fellowships remaining in 2017. The events are always well attended by a mix of Shri-ners and ladies from across our Temple mem-bership. Each month a different member of the Divan serves as host. Food and refreshments are provided. Potential Masons and Shriners are also invited to meet Saladin Shriners and their ladies in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The remaining fellowships for the year are 10/6 (Host Jon Duley), 11/3 (Host Jeff Gooder), 12/1 (Host Jonathan Clifford).

Monthly social gatherings hosted by Divan members continue to grow in popularity in 2017. Fellowships scheduled for October, November and December.

Shriners, their ladies, and guests enjoy the August Friday fellow-ship hosted by High Priest and Prophet Dale Kramer. More than 50 attended the event and they were treated to Jimmy Buffet music, fine food and refreshment. The fellowships happen the first Friday of ev-ery month and run from 5:30 to 10pm in the Shrine Club Room on the 6th floor of the Grand Rapids Masonic Temple.

Many of you know that I have spent the last two years serving as Temple Recorder and as a Trustee of Shriners Hospitals for Children on what is referred to in the Shrine fraternity as the ‘Joint Boards’ composed of the Imperial Officers and those of us serving as Trustees. I stepped down from the Trustees position in June and have spent the last two months catching up on my Saladin Shrine responsibilities and personal life. To say you keep busy on the Joint Boards would be an understatement.

The experience gave me an opportunity to see our fra-ternity and philanthropy as very few get to see it. I imag-ine it must be a bit like being a Grand Lodge Officer, just multiply everything by a factor of 100 or maybe a 1,000 in terms of the number of members, dollars, problems and politics. At the same time the great possibilities, oppor-tunities, and ideas are magnified by those same numbers. It was without a doubt the most fulfilling experience I’ve ever had in my life. I came away from it with a new way of looking at not only the Shrine fraternity and philanthropy, but at the entire Masonic movement.

How has my perspective changed? I’m not so hung up on things I might have once seen as important or critical. In some ways I think things in Masonry are much more dire than most of us are willing to even let on to ourselves. That being said I think we are part of something in Sala-din that has the potential to move past the negative trends we see in the fraternity. That movement, however, cannot be measured in traditional ways we’ve used in the past or

even with an eye towards preserving what we think we still have in the Shrine and the fraternity. I ask myself of-ten, do I love the core of what we are enough to shed some of its outer trappings in order to preserve what it is at its heart? So that it can become something new? Something that will survive? Everytime I ask that question I find myself answering yes.

In terms of the future, what does this mean you can

Greetings Nobles,

Summer is behind us and the parade season is com-ing to an end. It is a great time to visit a Blue Lodge and keep your eye out for any potential new Shrine candidates. The black camel has continued to come and take too many fine Nobles on their final trip across the hot sands of the desert to the celestial Oasis. They will be missed but certainly not forgotten. Much has changed since I first was elected to become an officer in the Saladin Divan. Change is never easy and only time will tell if any particular change will result in a positive outcome. However, change is as inevitable as death and taxes.Hopefully it is a little more fun. Our organization both

on a local level and a national level, has continued to shrink. If success is only defined by membership num-bers, we would be judged as a failure. However, mem-bership numbers alone do not determine the capability and the success of an organization. Having a member that places value and importance in being a Shriner is far more valuable than having twice as many members that are ‘members’ in name only. The way Nobles place value and importance on the Shrine can take on many different forms. Each member has their own way they see the fraternity and their own way of being involved. Each is important and vital to Saladin’s success. The long term trend of shrinking fraternal organizations, both Masonic and non-Masonic, will not likely be reversed. However, if we offer opportunities and an experience to our members and potential members that they value, we will remain a strong and successful or-ganization. The secret to the success of the Shrine over the years is simple. We need to have fun with our fellow Nobles, make a positive impact on the community with our philanthropy and enjoy the fellowship that can only come with being a Shriner.To all Nobles of Saladin Shriners, thank you for being

a Shriner and for each and every way you value being a member and for the importance you place on being part of our great fraternity.

Illustrious Sir Jonathan D. CliffordPotentateSaladin Shriners

From the Potentate...2 - The Saladin News - News for Shriners Buy your Potentate’s Ball tickets at www.saladinshrine.com - 15

Jonathan Clifford - Potentate 2017

2017 Calendar of Illustrious Sir CliffordSeptember 23rd – Stated Meeting - 1 pm

October 14th – Potentate’s BallDecember 2nd – Temple Elections - 1 pm

All Events Held at the Grand Rapids Masonic Temple.Lunch will be served at noon before each Stated Meeting. Fellowships with refreshments will follow every meeting.

Scarab Shriners selling raffle tickets at Moslem Shriners Summer Sportsman’s Raffle in Southfield, MI.

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From the Recorder...

With Imperial First Ceremonial Master Kenny Craven of Omar Shriners and then Imperial Potentate Chris Smith of Wahabi Shriners at a Shriners Hospitals for Children - Houston event earlier this year.

expect from me? I plan continue to provide my input to our Divan’s strategic planning process. I also promise to think and communicate with you more deliberately about the future. You will see me spend my time split between the immedi-ate duties I have as your Recorder and taking up efforts that I believe will change things. Efforts that will be aimed at preserving the core of who we are, the essence of what we love about the Craft, but not neces-sarily traditional approaches to our problems. Thats not to say those have been ineffective for Masonry in the past, but rather that we need to think beyond them. Thank you for being a Saladin Shriner.

Shriners - An organization of brothers - 314 - Saladin News - News for Shriners

This summer has been amazing. I’ve had the chance to do some travel-ing around our jurisdiction and meet some amazing Shriners and their families. I’ve been able to be in a few parades, attend several club meet-ings, and share in fellowship with many new Shriner friends. I also had the opportunity to attend my fourth Imperial Session. This year’s session was in Daytona Beach, Florida, and it reminded me of how wonderful our fraternity and philanthropy really are.

Now, however, it’s time to focus on the last part of the year. Summer has come to a close as Labor Day has already passed us by. Kids are back in school, and the leaves are in mid-transition. Football season is in full swing, and before you know it, we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends. That means that it’s time to look forward to our last few Saladin events for year. The Fall Stated Meeting is just a few days away,

our Sinatra themed 2017 Potentate’s Ball, “A Night with Frank,” is coming up quickly on October 14th, and the Annual Elections and the 4th quarter Stated Meeting will be on December 2nd.

As you know, your Divan has been working hard on developing a Sala-din Strategic Plan in order to guide our decision-making process as we plan for the future. Members of your Divan will be presenting the Saladin Strategic Plan at the September 23rd Stated Meeting. It is very important that you attend that meeting so you can see the work that’s been done to lay the tracks for an improved Shrine experience. We will be talking about our developed mission and vision; values and beliefs; strategies, and timelines. We are very excited to roll this out to you as many hours have been put into developing this plan.

Finally, as we look forward to 2018, we are in the beginning phases of planning the 2018 Saladin Of-ficers Installation which will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 2PM at the Grand Rapids Masonic Temple. We will be bringing back the entire experience with a formal introduc-tion, music, ceremony, dinner, and

fellowship. 2018 will also bring the Annual Saladin Valentine’s Dinner, a Spring Ceremonial, a Jimmy Buffet themed boat party on Lake Michigan, and many other exciting events. It promises to be a great year, so be sure to not miss out!

If there’s anything I, or any of the Saladin Divan officers, can do for you or your family, please let us know. We love hearing from you in positive ways that help move Saladin forward.

Chief Rabban discusses Strategic Plan Presentation

Jonathan Duley, Chief Rabban 2017

Chief Rabban encourages everyone to attend September 23rd meeting for strategic presentation

Left: Chief Rab-ban Jon Duley with Imperial Sir Gary Begenske, Imperial Potentate of Shriners International.Right: Jon with High Priest and Prophet Dale Kramer at The Who concert in July at the Van Andel arena in Grand Rapids, MI.

Temple Studies Lodge Membership in its JurisdictionLodge Name & Number

St. Joseph Valley No. 4Peninsular No. 10Battle Creek No. 12St. Albans No. 20Kalamazoo-Anchor No. 22Three Rivers-Mount Hermon No. 24Paw Paw-Lawton No. 25Humanity No. 29Grand Rapids No. 34Siloam No. 35Western Star No. 39Meridian Sun Eagle No. 49Hastings No. 52Climax-Prairie No. 59Buchanan No. 68Colon No. 73Greenville No. 96St Johns-Ovid No. 105St. Peters No. 106Allegan No. 111Schoolcraft No. 118Rising Sun No. 119Charlotte No. 120Mendon No. 137Grand Haven No. 139Muskegon No. 140Star of the Lake No. 158Coloma No. 162Big Rapids No. 171Tuscan-Mt. Gilead No. 178Grand Ledge No. 179Unity No. 191Dutcher No. 193Montague-Whitehall No. 198Oceana Wigton Benona No. 200Bedford No. 207Athens No. 220Bloomingdale-Hudson No. 221Traverse City No. 222Volinia-Marcellus No. 227Manistee No. 228Lisbon-Crescent No. 229Charles E. Collins Sr. No. 231Elsie No. 238Three Oaks No. 239Rockford No. 246Stanton Star No. 250East Bay No. 264Mattawan No. 268Crystal No. 270Elk Rapids No. 275Charlevoix No. 282Vandalia No. 290Lake Shore No. 298Pere Marquette No. 299Carson City No. 306Evart No. 320Kalamo No. 327Saugatuck No. 328Howard City No. 329*1)

Clam Lake No. 331Sparta No. 334Portage-Brady No. 340

Lodge Name & NumberDoric No. 342Petoskey No. 344Hickory No. 345Hesperia-Arcana No. 346Manton No. 347Belding-Ionia No. 355Wacousta-DeWitt No. 359Edmore No. 360Lou B. Winsor No. 363Potterville No. 367Luther - Lakes No. 370Harbor Springs No. 378R C Hatheway No. 387Boyne City No. 391Bellaire No. 398Lake City No. 408York No. 410Mulliken No. 412Central Lake No. 426St. Joseph No. 437Brookfield No. 439Pellston No. 440Benzie Area No. 444Dimondale No. 449Six Lakes No. 454Trufant No. 456James E. Dillon No. 466Onekama No. 497Ira A. Beck No. 503Fidelity No. 513Empire No. 597

2013 #s175115134831329780631775045112915253737010755421032913728811507212774111997730827412059421076139118914797105567853647486561296248386664

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Change2321341523716415745190341021722132291823288221418122611111517984219820840241417313166186

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%Sal14.474.2610.007.3521.1011.1112.500.0014.060.00consol30.119.898.160.004.762.941.117.550.002.82consol17.6510.0010.2613.9314.0616.196.674.303.4525.338.337.049.5220.003.4511.439.181.8914.297.224.880.0014.2927.840.007.695.453.338.3322.3337.7417.242.170.002.701.7220.693.5710.0011.8410.26

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Consolidated

Consolidated

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KEY2013 #s - Baseline data collected in 20138/13/17 - Most recent data taken from Grand LodgeChange - Difference between first two columns. Negative numbers shown in red signify decrease in membershipSalMem - number of Saladin members with primary mem-bership in lodge.%Sal - % of lodge members who are members of Saladin. Total given is the average percentage of Shriners in lodges.NOTES1) Historical data for Howard City #329 was not available2) Some positive changes are a result of mergers (ex. Charle-voix #282 (Boyne City #391), Paw Paw-Lawton #25 (Rising Sun #119). Others are due to growth (ex. Grand Rapids #34)3)Does not include members assigned to Grand Master Lodge #7004) Current Saladin membership is 835. The remaining 96 members (835-739) are members of Lodge 700, MI lodges outside our jurisdiction or other Grand Lodges outside MI.5) Saladin studies the membership in temples in our juris-diction every six months. 6) Five highest percentages of Shrine membership are: Vandalia #290 - 37.74%, Meridian Sun Eagle #49 - 30.11%, Rockford #246 - 27.84%, Unity #191- 25.33, St. Joseph #437 - 25.29%

Congratulations Billy King - Shriner of the Year - 134 - Saladin News - News for Shriners

With the year over half through, and the eclipse of the sun behind us, it seems that we have been running at a fast pace through 2017.

Sadly, we have lost several brothers who were great friends and active mem-bers of our Shrine. Losing a noble always makes me stop and think about the fu-ture of Saladin. I reminisce about when I joined over thirty years ago when the clubs I belonged to always encouraged members to participate in temple activi-ties. It seemed we would have eight or ten new Shriners and prospects at every temple event and eighty to one hundred nobles and their wives in attendance.

The Stated Meetings and Ceremoni-als give us a chance to get to know our brothers and see old friends. Let’s bring the brotherhood back into the Shrine. Let’s go beyond your club and unit meetings and attend our Temple events.

Let’s support the Temple by committing to regular attendance. Let’s participate enthusiastically.

Now that we have a three year lease, your Divan is working on plans for remodeling our new facility on the sixth floor at the Grand Rapids Masonic Cen-ter. Nobles, this is an exciting time for Saladin as we establish our new home. At our Stated Meeting the Divan will present our strategic plan focusing on a new era for the nobility, incorporating growth and sustainability.

On a lighter side, our summer activi-ties and parades are about over for the year. Many or our clubs have exciting events planned for the fall. The Scarabs in Grand Rapids are planning a Meat Fest III after the September 23rd Stated Meeting. All are invited. Attendance at our first Friday of the month socials is growing. Join us – you’ll love it – great food, great conversation, great fun! Our Potentate’s Ball is on October 14th. Tick-ets are still available. Call 616-942-1570. “A Night with Frank” promises to be a fabulous evening. We hope you’ll come.

Honor the Past andEmbrace the Future,

Harry H. Jones Assistant Rabban

Assistant Rabban Excited About Saladin’s Next Steps

Our 2017 Assistant Rabban, Noble Harry Jones, and his lady Lyn

Remembering the past he looks forward to what the future holds for Saladin

ALLEGAN-OTTAWA SHRINE CLUB President: Doug Murr (616) 399-6023

email: rohomurr@charter.netBATTLE CREEK SHRINE CLUB

President: Mark Waterman (269) 832-4487 email: h2ox2612@yahoo.comBERRIEN COUNTY SHRINE CLUB

President: Robert Kilburn (269) 539-0086 email: kilburn621@gmail.comCARAVAN SHRINE CLUB

President: Ron Redner (616) 813-8171 email: ronngrtoo@gmail.comCASS COUNTY SHRINE CLUB

President: Larry Sharp (269) 476-1031 email: none reportedEATON COUNTY SHRINE CLUB

President: John Thiel (517) 541-9634 email: thieldb@wowway.comFOREST COUNTY SHRINE CLUB

President: None Reported (000) 000-0000 email: None ReportedKALAMAZOO SHRINE CLUB

President: Leo Thielman (269) 598-9865 email: leosue@charter.netLAKELAND SHRINE CLUB

President: John Barnette (231) 598-0850 email: none reportedMUSKEGON SHRINE CLUB

President: Gary Doig (231) 730-4608 email: grdoig@aol.comNILES SHRINE CLUB

President: George Beaumont (269) 683-7673 email: none reported

NORTHWEST SHRINE CLUB President: John Schmalzried (231) 675-7501

email: jackpats@charter.netPAUL BUNYAN SHRINE CLUB

President: Don Gondzar (231) 269-3752 email: none reportedSCARAB SHRINE CLUB

President: Matt Sinkovich (616) 460-2490 email: matt_sinkovich@yahoo.comSOUTH HAVEN SHRINE CLUB

President: Jerry Kerbis (269) 214-2004 email: gfkerbis@aol.comSTURGIS SHRINE CLUB

President: Eric Eishen (269) 289-2322 email: none reported TRAVERSE CITY SHRINE CLUB

President: Roger Hubbell (231) 275-3811 email: rogerhubbell@charter.net 45TH PARALELL MERRYMAKERS (CLOWNS)

President: Patrick Rajewski (231) 675-0798 email: prajewski@hotmail.comBERRIEN COUNTY MINI BIKE PATROL

President: None Reported (000) 000-0000 email: none reportedCAMELS MILK PURVEYORS (BEER BREWING)

President: Ben Wright (616) 540-9505 email: wrightbd@gmail.comCLOWNS - GRAND RAPIDS

President: Greg Kiander (616) 540-2116 email: gkiander@comcast.netCLOWNS - KALAMAZOO

President: James Peek (269) 365-0116 email: none reported

CLOWNS - MUSKEGON President: None Reported (000) 000-0000

email: none reportedCOLOR GUARD

President: Richard Allen, PP (231) 832-5795 email: none reportedDIRECTORS STAFF (2ND SECTION)

President: Roger Hekstra (616) 262-1987 email: rog-oh@comcast.netLEGION OF HONOR

President: Harry Jones (616) 293-2588 email: harryjones2grar.comMINI 50S - EATON COUNTY

President: none reported (000) 000-0000 email: none reportedMINI 500S - PAUL BUNYAN

President: Bill King (231) 824-6742 email: none reportedMINI-TS - BATTLE CREEK

President: Jon Carpenter (269) 207-7513 email: john.bjhyd@gmail.comRITUALISTIC CAST

President: Eric Russell (616) 866-0725 email: ericrussellmasonic@gmail.comTEMPLE GUARD

President: Richard Higgins, PP (616) 262-9674 email: rt.higgins33@gmail.comNOT A CLUB OR UNIT BUT AFFILIATEDCOURT #11 - ROYAL ORDER OF JESTERS

President: Rick Williams (616) 719-9146 email: rchrdiw@aol.com CABIRI #105

President: none reported (000) 000-0000

2017 Roster of Saladin Clubs and Units

Mark Berillo Chairman of the Board of Governors, SHC - Chicago

Shriners Hospitals for Children® August 2017

Orthopaedics Plastic Surgery/Cleft Lip and Palate Rehabilitation/Spinal Cord Injury

Two-year-old Liam is enjoying a new ride thanks to the Go Baby Go ride-on car program for patients at the Chicago Shriners Hospital. The cars are specially engineered for kids like Liam whose legs work differently than typical children. “It was very exciting. It’s going to give him a little more independence which is what he’s been looking for,” his mother Amber Garr said. The family from suburban Chicago picked up Liam’s red VW convertible before a recent speech therapy appointment. In August 2016, when Liam was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy, his pediatrician suggested bringing him to the MDA clinic at Shriners Hospital. Liam and his half-brother, Morgan, began seeing Kenneth Silver, M.D., and the MDA team in December of 2016. Morgan’s mother, Samantha McDaniel, explains, “The Shriners Hospitals team is so great, so attentive and willing to help with what we need.” Through their care team at Shriners Hospital, the family learned about the Go Baby Go program, which helps children with special needs be able to move independently through battery operated ride-on toy vehicles. Ann Flanagan, the co-director of rehabilitation services at the Shriners Hospital in Chicago, is the coordinator of the program. “Kids want to be outside, have fun, be mobile and be a kid. And sometimes kids with certain conditions can’t operate a typical car,” she said. The Go Baby Go cars are bought from retail stores and fitted with special controls to help kids with mobility challenges in their legs be able to drive them independently. The cars use a large red push button mounted on the steering wheel to accelerate. The cars and other modifications are provided thanks to the Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Engineering Center at Marquette University. Ph.D. researcher Ben McHenry customizes each vehicle. “We’ve done Fisher Price ride on cars, a lightening McQueen car, a Frozen convertible and a Frozen jeep,“ he said. Go Baby Go is funded through an anonymous donor at Marquette. Vehicles are also provided to families at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

Dr. McHenry works with physical therapists at the hospital sites to decide how to modify each vehicle. When Liam’s brother Morgan, just a year-and-a-half-old saw his Frozen vehicle, it had special piping attached to the back which functions as a support. “He has less trunk support so it looks like they made a back support for his vehicle so I’m excited about that,” his mother said. Flanagan said the program can be used for therapy and has other long term benefits for kids besides just giving them freedom to play. “These cars can be a first step to helping children learn about their environment. They may be a first step towards teaching a child to navigate a power wheelchair for example.”

Go Baby Go Program Helps Kids with Disabilities Get Moving

Liam and his family pick up his modified ride-on toy car.

12 - Saladin News - News for Shriners Buy your Potentate’s Ball tickets at www.saladinshrine.com - 5

Noble Jack Moeller Donates Memorabilia to the TempleSpecial thanks to Jack Moeller for

his second batch of donated Temple Memorabilia. The Temple is always looking for past editions of the Sala-din News, old club - unit - temple paperwork, and any other items of memorabilia you would like to con-tribute.

In this latest batch of goodies, Jack

provided the Temple with several editions of the Saladin News going back into the 1970s as well as several Imperial Session programs.

If you have old fezzes or other memorabilia, please contact the Re-corder so we can arrange to get them from you. Thanks again Jack, we look forward to more stuff from you!

Greetings Nobles,

Wow, summer 2017 is going by fast which means fall is approaching. But before the warm weather leaves there will hopefully be nice weather for the many events on the Saladin calendar. Check the temple and clubs calen-dars and you will see events such as Parades, Bar B-Q, and a River Boat Cruise just to name a few. A special thank you to the Battle Creek Shrine Club Mini “T”s who trusted me behind the wheel of one of their cars. I even got to do some high-speed maneuvers on the parade route.

Lady Carol and I had the honor of representing the Nobility at the 2017 Imperial Session. Thank you for sending us. It was a great experience. There were a lot of good takeaways that I will use to better serve you. I encourage clubs, units and individual Noble’s to plan on attending the 2018 Imperial Session. If you’re not a del-egate, stuck in the legislative sessions, there are many events and competi-tions individuals and clubs can watch or participate in. Our new Imperial Potentate has made it his focus and ours on recruitment. If our fraternity is to continue and thrive we must all bring in new members. As a whole we have a goal to create 12,000 new Shriners. Lets start by trying to find men who we can bring into our Blue

Lodges and introduce them to the Shrine as they are earning their de-grees. If we work smart and together we will achieve our goals.

Between this edition and last the Black Camel has called on our Tem-ple taking home some beloved mem-bers of our craft and the Shrine, they will be missed.

After I started this article we lost a long time Mason and Shriner Noble Clifford “Bobo” Pfaff. Last year at age 92 Nobel Pfaff completed the Grand Haven Parade to the cheers and smiles of Grand Haven residents receiving a special acknowledge-

ment from the reviewing stand. I think “Bobo” was in his element and couldn’t have been happier; it was a real honor and privilege to have clowned with him and the Muskegon Shrine Club.

I hope to see you at the Stated Meeting 23rd of September and at the Scarab Meat Feast III, which will follow.

Fraternally,

Dale KramerHigh Priest and Prophet

High Priest and Prophet Honored to Represent Saladin

Saladin High Priest and Prophet Dale Kramer parading in the Hastings Summerfest in Hasting, MI with the Battle Creek Mini-T Patrol

Saladin Shriners Election of OfficersDecember 2, 2017- Grand Rapids Masonic Temple - 1:00 pm

The Bylaws of Shriners International States:325.11 Election Regulations.

(a) Electioneering. A candidate for an elected office in a Shrine temple may print, publish and circulate during the year he is seeking the elected office, a résumé consisting of his educational background, his vocational history, and his Masonic and Shrine record. Except as provided in the prior sentence, the printing, publication, circulating or distribution of resolutions, letters, tele-grams, tickets, email or other devices, by a unit, club, Noble, or group of Nobles, suggesting, recommending, opposing, or contain-ing the names of proposed candidates for office in the temple is prohibited. (b) Expenditures Prohibited. The expenditure of money for gifts, favors, or entertainment on behalf of a candidate for elected office is prohibited. (c) Violation. For any violation of (a) or (b), the Imperial Potentate may suspend any offending Noble, and he may declare the election of the officers void and order a new election. (d) Notice. At least one week prior to the annual meeting or any election, the temple Recorder shall mail to each member a notice thereof containing this section.

Alex receives life-changing care for conditions at ShrinersAmy and Danny of Palmdale, Cali-

fornia, adopted their son Alex from Russia when he was 8 years old. Alex was born with arthrogryposis, which is characterized by multiple joint con-tractures (stiff joints).

Alex’s arms and legs were both severely contracted. He was unable to move his fingers or elbows, and his feet were very curved. Alex was in constant pain and his ability to move was greatly reduced by the condi-tion. The family already had some involvement with Shriners Hospitals for Children — Los Angeles and its expert care in pediatric orthopaedics, before they adopted Alex.

Their 18-year-old son, Ryan, re-ceived care for osteogenesis imperfec-ta at the hospital and they had been very pleased with his treatment. Dur-ing one of Ryan’s hospital visits, Amy was able to make an appointment for Alex with Kathryn Doughty, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon. After a careful examination, Dr. Doughty offered Alex, then 11 years old, three possible options for the care of his feet.

His first option was to take no ac-

tion. The second option was to per-form surgery to attempt to straighten Alex’s feet, but that approach would not alleviate his pain. The third op-tion was to amputate both legs at the knee and fit Alex with prostheses. Alex chose option three. “My goal as an orthopaedic surgeon is to help people live their lives as actively as possible,” said Dr. Doughty. “Alex’s amazing self-confidence and motiva-tion convinced me to explore what may seem like an extreme option.”

Staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children always work to provide care that is in the best interest of the pa-tients, taking their concerns and goals into consideration. So, over several months, Dr. Doughty consulted with other surgeons, caseworkers, pros-thetists and Alex’s family to discuss Alex’s decision for amputation. Every-one agreed that an elective amputa-tion was the best long-term option for him.

Alex’s double leg amputation finally relieved his pain. His strength and balance also improved remark-ably with the use of the prostheses

and occupational therapy he received from the Los Angeles Shriners Hospi-tal. “He has so much more indepen-dence,” said Amy. “Alex doesn’t think there is anything in this world he can’t do.” Today, Alex is 15 years old and able to walk on his own. He spends his free time zooming around on his skateboard and playing outside with his dog and horses.

6 - Saladin News - News for Shriners “I’ve never been in a hospital where I felt so much love” - Shriners Patient - 11

Some Services Include...

Low Back Decompression for sciatica

Massage Therapy

Cold Laser Treatments

Posture Medic™ Brace

“Our goal is not only to alleviate pain, but more importantly inspire and

educate our patients to become Active participants in their own well being.”

SALADIN NEWSGrand Rapids, MI

4 ISSUES A YEAR PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF SALADIN SHRINERS

233 East Fulton St, Suite 102Grand Rapids, MI 49503

PH:(616) 942-1570 FAX:(616) 942-6374Hours: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Mon-Friday

www.saladinshrine.com

For Information concerning Shriners Hospitals for Children, call

1-800-237-5055or

(616) 942-1570 (ask for Judy)All articles or comments should be directed to the Editor - Recorder@saladinshrine.com

If you would like to provide a photo for our “Around the Temple” section, please contact the Editor for desired photo specifications.

Jonathan Clifford, PotentateCell (616) 929-0115jonathan.d.clifford@gmail.com

Jonathan Duley, Chief RabbanCell (616) 893-1071jlduley@yahoo.com

Harry Jones, Asst RabbanCell (616) 293-2588harryjones@grar.com

Dale Kramer, High PriestCell (616) 293-2441kramerdale@yahoo.com

Jeff Gooder, Oriental Guide Cell (616) 450-6690jeffgooder@gmail.com

Ryan Powers, TreasurerCell (616) 822-7616ryanjackpowers@yahoo.com

Rick Williams, RecorderCell (616) 719-9146recorder@saladinshrine.comSara Kopec, Administrativeskopec@saladinshrine.comJudy Williams, Childcarejudy.williams@saladinshrine.com

NEWS from page 2

GREG from Page 7can be cruel. Comments were made. He complained of back pain, but it didn’t stop him from being active and attend-ing school functions.”

As he grew, Greg had periodic checks of his scoliosis curve with his doctor. But then a growth spurt in late junior high made his curve dramati-cally worse. “He developed sort of a hunchback,” Shari said. The severe spine curve began to impact Greg’s breathing by restricting the internal space for his lungs. Greg has always played hockey and volleyball but his scoliosis made it difficult to even participate in gym class. “My curve didn’t really get bad until eighth grade. I didn’t really notice but people would point it out,” Greg said. “I would make jokes about being the Hunchback of Notre Dame, it was kind of me coping, joking about it got me through it.”

Referred to Shriners HospitalGreg was under the care of a physi-

cian at another Chicago hospital and

scheduled for surgery, but the doc-tor referred him to Shriners Hospital to obtain halo spine traction. In halo traction, a weighted rope is hung from a metal halo that is surgically attached to a patient’s skull. This treatment can stretch a patient’s spine, helping it straighten and in some cases may reduce the amount of surgical spine correction that is needed. “I set a new hospital record for the amount of weight on my halo traction,” Greg said. “My curve was pretty intense so I knew surgery would happen at some point.”

Greg spent 40 days in the hospital in halo traction and underwent spinal fusion surgery. Pediatric spine sur-geons Purnendu Gupta, M.D. and Kim Hammerberg, M.D., treated Greg in the hospital.

The combination of treatment and surgery reduced Greg’s curve dra-matically. His spine curve went from 95 degrees to 40 degrees.

During his care, Greg was also among the early patients to use the EOS low dose radiation technology offered

at the Chicago Shriners Hospital. He said the 30 second X-ray is much more convenient than older machines. “In other x-rays I had to stand 10 minutes getting images retaken.”

Today Greg, age 16, is standing taller and his posture is much better. “My chest is more prominent. I have new posture now. I’m like a completely different person.” He looks forward to attending high school and focusing on things other than his spine curve.

“My advice to other parents is to seek treatment as soon as they can,” Shari said. “Seek a second opinion from doctors that are experts in this field. I’ve lived in Chicago more than half my life. I was aware of Shriners Hospi-tal but never knew they specialized in spine care for children.”

Shriners Hospitals for Children now offers a free app, an educational tool to help parents check their child’s spine for possible signs of scoliosis. The SpineScreen app is available for free on the App Store and GooglePlay.

Past Potentate of Moslem Shriners Elected at ImperialLarry Leib, Past Potentate of Moslem Shriners and long-

time friend and supporter of Saladin Shriners, was elected to the position of Imperial Outer Guard of Shriners Interna-tional during the Shriners’ 2017 Imperial Session – held in Daytona Beach, Florida, July 9 – July 13.

Leib’s Masonic memberships include Zion Lodge No.1, F. and A.M. of Michigan; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Val-ley of Detroit; Monroe Chapter No.1, Royal Arch Masons of Michigan; Monroe Council No.1, Royal and Select Masons of Michigan; Detroit Commandery No.1, Grand Command-ery of Michigan (Commander 2012-2013, Most Outstanding Commandery, 2012); and York Rite College No. 1, Detroit.

Leib served as the Potentate of his temple, Moslem Shriners, in 2015, and on the Divan from 2010 to 2015. He served as General Counsel for Moslem Shriners from 2002 to 2008, and from 2010 to 2013; and as General Counsel for the Moslem Shrine Circus from 2002 to 2013. He has also served as General Counsel to the Executive Committee of the Michigan State Fair of hich Moslem Shriners is an owner. Additionally, he is a Life Member of Moslem Shriners’ Di-rectors Staff and Clown Units.

Leib is a third generation attorney who began his legal career at Leib, Leib and Kramer P.C. in 1994, and was a

partner with the firm until 2004 when he left to start his own firm, the Law Offices of Lawrence J. Leib, a general practice litigation firm. While he practices in the litigation field, Leib also has a unique specialty in long-term strategic planning for nonprofits, philanthropies and charities.

Leib’s lady is Debbie Binder, and he has two children, Caitlin Leib, age 15, and Jenner Leib, age 13.

LtoR: Mike Zelmanski, Chairman Detroit Shriners Sportman Raffle, Imp. Sir Larry Leib, Imperial Outer Guard of Shriners International, Art Brdak, Potentate of Moslem Shriners

Save the Date!

2018 Annual Meeting and Installation

will be

January 6, 2018@

Grand Rapids Masonic Temple

Shriners Hospitals for Children - Love to the Rescue - 7Petition for Initiation and Membership

Saladin Shriners

To The Potentate, Officers and Nobles of Saladin Shriners, Situated in the City of Grand Rapids, State of Michigan. I, the undersigned, hereby declare that I am a Master Mason in ________________________________ Lodge

No. ________ Located at _________________________________________________(city) _______________ (state)which meets the recognition standards of the Conference of Grand Masters in North America, Interamerican Masonic Confederation or the World Conference of Grand Lodges. Furthermore, I have resided at my current address for not less than 6 months, as required by the Bylaws of Shriners International. I hereby make application to become a Noble of the Order and a member of your temple. If granted membership, I promise to conform to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Shriners International and the Bylaws and Ceremonies of your temple.

Have you previously applied for admission to any temple of the Order? q Yes q No

If yes, what temple?_______________________________________________ When?_____________________________________________

Were you ever a DeMolay? q Yes q No

If yes, what Chapter? (name and location) ________________________________________________________________________________

Profession / Occupation ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Employer______________________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________________

Birthplace______________________________________________________ Date of Birth ________________________________________

Residence _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________________ Email________________________________________________________

Business __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________________ Email________________________________________________________

Mailing address - Please use qResidence qBusiness

Name of Spouse / Lady _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Date _________________, 20______ Signature ___________________________________________________________________________

Print Full Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Recommended By:

Noble________________________________________________________ Member No. ________________________________________

Noble________________________________________________________ Member No. ________________________________________

Fez Size_________________________ Method of payment__________________________________________________________________

Creation Fee With Fez - $290 / Creation Fee with Candidate or Club providing Fez - $150

Number and Street County City State Zip

233 East Fulton St, Suite 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49503www.saladinshrine.com - (616) 942-1570

Number and Street County City State Zip

Jonathan CliffordPotentate 2017

Scoliosis doesn’t stop Chicago Shriners Hospital PatientIt is a special back-to-school this

year for Greg, a high school student from suburban Chicago. Greg returns to classes almost 7 inches taller than when he finished school last spring! That extreme growth is not just due to his genes. He’s taller because of the in-tensive scoliosis treatment he received over the 2017 summer at Shriners Hos-pitals for Children — Chicago.

Greg has a severe form of scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of his spine that can restrict movement and in some cases lead to severe medical complica-tion. In scoliosis, some bones of the spine may also rotate slightly, causing the person’s waist or shoulders to ap-

pear uneven.Diagnosed as a child

Greg’s curvy journey began with the Adam’s Forward Bend Test when he was a young child. Greg had a fam-ily history of scoliosis so his parents knew he may be at higher risk. He was diagnosed with an abnormal curve and at age 6 he began wearing a brace. This device can help some children avoid developing a worse curve as they grow. “I outgrew the brace fairly quickly and I didn’t like to wear it,” Greg said. “The spine curve did affect Gregory’s child-hood,” Shari, Greg’s mother said. “Kids

Saladin Transpo: 2,600 hours and $44K since Jan 1

Babbitt, JamesBathe, KerryBihlmeyer, ThomasBoughner, RobertBriggs, WilliamCulp, DouglasDawson, MichaelDeHaan, JudyDeHaan, RobertDorn, RogerFenrich, ArnoldFlannery, RaymondFlynn, RobertFrost, Mert**George, ThomasGrandy, KeithHively, StanleyHutch, GeorgeIkerd, DavidKeyser, JohnKiefer, JamesKonneck, CharlesLight, RobertMeyer, Augie

41221272621021945618610116

1618268

1,273680325920

2,693715

2136679

4,132934582

3,1153239

3,0151748

9522,8061,5503,927

574605

1,444

7814.0048.0020.7511.7527.5074.5021.0069.7522.50

115.5030.0037.0098.0079.0073.0055.0048.0076.7546.25

143.7513.5014.0045.75

ScarabCassLakeland/Paul BunyanKalamazooKalamazooCassBattle CreekKalamazooKalamazooAllegan/OttawaBattle CreekMuskegonLakeland/Paul BunyanKalamazooMuskegonLakeland/Paul BunyanNilesMuskegonKalamazooBerrienScarabCassLakeland/Paul BunyanBerrien

Mundy, IanMurr, DouglasNostrant, GaryReith, DeeParsell, LewPeek, JamesPeek, SandraPerry, LanaPerry, NeilReith, DeeRooze, MichaelRuble, DavidRussell, RodneySchultz, JaniceSchultz, ThomasScramling, GarySiewert, ThomasSmith, RoyThielman, LeoVanKampen, TomVanSlyke, RayWalker, WilliamWaterman, MarkWilliams, James

12104141124119117111341674

251679

6,4601201

3931557

386674

1,3391177

4,3993783

665438

49921167

214387

10301601

5715,0542,7112,823

9.5022.50

191.0033.5010.7539.50

9.0013.0025.7537.00

196.00108.25

12.7510.00

153.0037.50

8.0012.0035.5043.0014.00

159.5077.2587.00

NilesAllegan/OttawaLakeland/Paul BunyanNilesAllegan/OttawaKalamazooKalamazooEatonEatonNilesCaravanBattle CreekEatonMuskegonMuskegonLakeland/Paul BunyanBerrienBattle CreekKalamazooScarabMuskegonLakeland/Paul BunyanBattle CreekLakeland/Paul Bunyan

January 1st to August 30th - Driver’s Trip SummaryDriver No. of Trips Mileage Hours Club Driver No. of Trips Mileage Hours Club

Totals# of Trips: 93*

Total Miles: 83,882Total Hours: 2,608.5

Driver Supported TripsFuel: $ 4,275.86Tolls: $ 924.30Lodging: $ 1,582.03Cab Fare: $ 161.00Food: $ 4,483.85Total: $11,427.04

Self Drive TripsFuel: $5,737.02Tolls: $ 895.80Food: $3,850.00Lodging: $ 689.27Total: $11,172.09

Saladin Childcare ReportFrom the Saladin Shriners Children’s Trust

Jonathan Clifford, PresidentJonathan Duley, Vice-President

Ryan Powers, TreasurerRick Williams, Secretary

Harry Jones, TrusteeDale Kramer, TrusteeJeff Gooder, Trustee

Gerry Kerbis, Childcare Chairman

Additional ExpensesVehicle Maint: $4,953.48Van Rentals: $ 550.95Mileage-Club Van$1,294.50 Driver Recog $3,023.39Vehicle Licenses $1,099.25Conf. Travel $1,461.45Van Insurance: $9,870.48Total: $22,253.50

Drivers completed trips to Chicago and CincinattiSelf Drives to Chicago, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Salt Lake City

Shriners Hospitals for Children provides specialty care for children up to age 18 with or-thopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the

families’ ability to pay. All care and services are delivered in a family-centered environment.

See Greg Page 11

*-Last issue the #of trips reported was 104, it should have been 52**-In Memory of Mert Frost - a dedicated Shrine driver who has gone to his reward.

8 - Saladin News - News for Shriners No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child - 9

Every year, Shriners Hospitals for Children selects two National Patient Ambassadors to represent the health care system’s patients. The ambas-sadors spend the year telling their stories of perseverance in the face of adversity and the ways Shriners Hospitals for Children has made a dramat-ic, life-changing difference in their lives. The new national patient ambas-sadors were introduced during the premiere of their documentary called Free to be Me as part of Shriners International’s annual convention, known as Imperial Session.

Here are just a few highlights of their amazing stories:

Isabella RoseFrom birth, Isabella had difficulty feeding and sleeping. Her parents,

Roselyne and Tim, went from doctor to doctor seeking answers, but no one could identify a cause. As she grew, her parents became convinced that something was seriously wrong. Isabella’s speech sounded like she was whistling and she had ear and sinus infections constantly.

Searching for answersFor five years, Roselyne and Tim sought answers for their little girl, but

continued to be unable to obtain even a cause or a diagnosis. Some profes-sionals thought Isabella was cognitively impaired; others thought she was deaf. One day a family friend in the Chicago area heard about the issues Isabella was facing and suggested the family apply for treatment for Isabella at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago. The family did not know at the time that their friend Dick Anderson was a member of Medinah Shriners and, at the time, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Shriners Hospital in Chicago. Anderson was glad to be of help. He has said that helping Isabella and her family find the help they needed was life-changing, and that he wished all the Shriners understood the impact they can have

on the health care system’s patients and families.At their first appointment, an interdisciplinary team of professionals assessed

Isabella and, within minutes, provided a diagnosis. Isabella had a submucous cleft palate, a form of cleft palate that is not easily identifiable, as the palate is covered by a thin membrane. “It felt like the whole world came down on us; we finally knew the diagnosis,” said Roselyne. Isabella was scheduled for surgery to repair the cleft and subsequently received speech therapy for two years.

Finding her own voiceIsabella, now 14, lives in Florida with her family. She has gone from struggling to

be understood to becoming a gifted vocalist, and hopes to perform professionally one day. Isabella volunteers at a local veterinary hospital, pet sits and babysits. She enjoys painting, poetry and outdoor activities. She also actively seeks ways to give back to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Shriners Hospitals for Children announces 2017-2018 National

Patient Ambassadors in Daytona Beach

Emily MellishEmily’s mother, Joy, did not experience significant issues during pregnancy, but

moments after Emily was born, that changed. Emily was rushed by ambulance to a hospital in a larger city only hours after birth, and spent her first two weeks in the NICU, where doctors gave her a complete assessment.

Emily was born with spina bifida, as well as severe scoliosis (missing eight ribs on her left side) a leg-length discrepancy, additional orthopaedic conditions, bladder and kidney problems and other issues. When she was 6 weeks old, Emily had sur-gery to close the defect over her spinal cord. The following day, a long list of serious complications began, keeping her in the hospital for 28 days. During this time, the Mellishes learned about Shriners Hospitals for Children from a close friend. “It was comforting to know that even before I needed to worry about a place to take her orthopaedically, that someone had come forward and said there was a place where Emily would be taken care of,” said Joy.

Finding the right teamEmily was first seen at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Erie when she was approximately 6 months old. There,

she has undergone several surgeries. Other surgeries, including a VEPTR (vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib) procedure, which stabilizes the spinal curve and levels growth, were done through a collaboration between Shriners Hospitals for Children and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Emily has also been seen at Shriners Hospitals for Chil-dren — Philadelphia, where external fixators were used to straighten Emily’s leg at the knee, and increase leg length.

After this, she was able to ride a bicycle for the very first time. Emily always amazes her doctors with her “no limits” attitude.

Giving back with Beads for NeedsToday, Emily is an energetic and sociable 11-year-old. She loves dancing, swimming, painting pottery and public

speaking. In 2012, she started Beads for Needs, a foundation dedicated to raising funds for Shriners Hospitals for Chil-dren through bracelet and photograph print sales, and has raised more than $80,000 for Shriners Hospitals for Children – Erie. Without Shriners Hospitals for Children, Emily would not be Emily, she would be forced into a box,” said Joy. “With Shriners Hospitals there are no limits to what she can do.”

2017-2018 National Patient Ambassadors Emily Melish (L) and Isabella Rose (R)

Shriners Hospitals produces app for Scoliosis screeningShriners Hospitals for Children’s Spine-

Screen app allows you to perform a pre-liminary spine check on your child, in the comfort and privacy of your own home. And, the app is easy to use! You simply move your smartphone along your child’s spine and the app detects any abnormal curves.

With the SpineScreen app, you can: -Learn the signs of scoliosis and treatment options available -Perform a preliminary spine check on your child at home -Schedule calendar reminders for annual screenings

As this is strictly an initial check, it should be followed up by a doctor’s ex-

amination to determine if your child has scoliosis. If your child does have scoliosis, Shriners Hospitals for Children may be able to help.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a trusted leader in scoliosis care, with com-prehensive scoliosis treatment options available at 20 of its locations in North America.

Use this QR code for links to the Scoliosis App in the App Store or on Google Play.

8 - Saladin News - News for Shriners No man stands so tall as when he stoops to help a child - 9

Every year, Shriners Hospitals for Children selects two National Patient Ambassadors to represent the health care system’s patients. The ambas-sadors spend the year telling their stories of perseverance in the face of adversity and the ways Shriners Hospitals for Children has made a dramat-ic, life-changing difference in their lives. The new national patient ambas-sadors were introduced during the premiere of their documentary called Free to be Me as part of Shriners International’s annual convention, known as Imperial Session.

Here are just a few highlights of their amazing stories:

Isabella RoseFrom birth, Isabella had difficulty feeding and sleeping. Her parents,

Roselyne and Tim, went from doctor to doctor seeking answers, but no one could identify a cause. As she grew, her parents became convinced that something was seriously wrong. Isabella’s speech sounded like she was whistling and she had ear and sinus infections constantly.

Searching for answersFor five years, Roselyne and Tim sought answers for their little girl, but

continued to be unable to obtain even a cause or a diagnosis. Some profes-sionals thought Isabella was cognitively impaired; others thought she was deaf. One day a family friend in the Chicago area heard about the issues Isabella was facing and suggested the family apply for treatment for Isabella at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Chicago. The family did not know at the time that their friend Dick Anderson was a member of Medinah Shriners and, at the time, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Shriners Hospital in Chicago. Anderson was glad to be of help. He has said that helping Isabella and her family find the help they needed was life-changing, and that he wished all the Shriners understood the impact they can have

on the health care system’s patients and families.At their first appointment, an interdisciplinary team of professionals assessed

Isabella and, within minutes, provided a diagnosis. Isabella had a submucous cleft palate, a form of cleft palate that is not easily identifiable, as the palate is covered by a thin membrane. “It felt like the whole world came down on us; we finally knew the diagnosis,” said Roselyne. Isabella was scheduled for surgery to repair the cleft and subsequently received speech therapy for two years.

Finding her own voiceIsabella, now 14, lives in Florida with her family. She has gone from struggling to

be understood to becoming a gifted vocalist, and hopes to perform professionally one day. Isabella volunteers at a local veterinary hospital, pet sits and babysits. She enjoys painting, poetry and outdoor activities. She also actively seeks ways to give back to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Shriners Hospitals for Children announces 2017-2018 National

Patient Ambassadors in Daytona Beach

Emily MellishEmily’s mother, Joy, did not experience significant issues during pregnancy, but

moments after Emily was born, that changed. Emily was rushed by ambulance to a hospital in a larger city only hours after birth, and spent her first two weeks in the NICU, where doctors gave her a complete assessment.

Emily was born with spina bifida, as well as severe scoliosis (missing eight ribs on her left side) a leg-length discrepancy, additional orthopaedic conditions, bladder and kidney problems and other issues. When she was 6 weeks old, Emily had sur-gery to close the defect over her spinal cord. The following day, a long list of serious complications began, keeping her in the hospital for 28 days. During this time, the Mellishes learned about Shriners Hospitals for Children from a close friend. “It was comforting to know that even before I needed to worry about a place to take her orthopaedically, that someone had come forward and said there was a place where Emily would be taken care of,” said Joy.

Finding the right teamEmily was first seen at Shriners Hospitals for Children — Erie when she was approximately 6 months old. There,

she has undergone several surgeries. Other surgeries, including a VEPTR (vertical expandable prosthetic titanium rib) procedure, which stabilizes the spinal curve and levels growth, were done through a collaboration between Shriners Hospitals for Children and Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Emily has also been seen at Shriners Hospitals for Chil-dren — Philadelphia, where external fixators were used to straighten Emily’s leg at the knee, and increase leg length.

After this, she was able to ride a bicycle for the very first time. Emily always amazes her doctors with her “no limits” attitude.

Giving back with Beads for NeedsToday, Emily is an energetic and sociable 11-year-old. She loves dancing, swimming, painting pottery and public

speaking. In 2012, she started Beads for Needs, a foundation dedicated to raising funds for Shriners Hospitals for Chil-dren through bracelet and photograph print sales, and has raised more than $80,000 for Shriners Hospitals for Children – Erie. Without Shriners Hospitals for Children, Emily would not be Emily, she would be forced into a box,” said Joy. “With Shriners Hospitals there are no limits to what she can do.”

2017-2018 National Patient Ambassadors Emily Melish (L) and Isabella Rose (R)

Shriners Hospitals produces app for Scoliosis screeningShriners Hospitals for Children’s Spine-

Screen app allows you to perform a pre-liminary spine check on your child, in the comfort and privacy of your own home. And, the app is easy to use! You simply move your smartphone along your child’s spine and the app detects any abnormal curves.

With the SpineScreen app, you can: -Learn the signs of scoliosis and treatment options available -Perform a preliminary spine check on your child at home -Schedule calendar reminders for annual screenings

As this is strictly an initial check, it should be followed up by a doctor’s ex-

amination to determine if your child has scoliosis. If your child does have scoliosis, Shriners Hospitals for Children may be able to help.

Shriners Hospitals for Children is a trusted leader in scoliosis care, with com-prehensive scoliosis treatment options available at 20 of its locations in North America.

Use this QR code for links to the Scoliosis App in the App Store or on Google Play.

Shriners Hospitals for Children - Love to the Rescue - 7Petition for Initiation and Membership

Saladin Shriners

To The Potentate, Officers and Nobles of Saladin Shriners, Situated in the City of Grand Rapids, State of Michigan. I, the undersigned, hereby declare that I am a Master Mason in ________________________________ Lodge

No. ________ Located at _________________________________________________(city) _______________ (state)which meets the recognition standards of the Conference of Grand Masters in North America, Interamerican Masonic Confederation or the World Conference of Grand Lodges. Furthermore, I have resided at my current address for not less than 6 months, as required by the Bylaws of Shriners International. I hereby make application to become a Noble of the Order and a member of your temple. If granted membership, I promise to conform to the Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws of Shriners International and the Bylaws and Ceremonies of your temple.

Have you previously applied for admission to any temple of the Order? q Yes q No

If yes, what temple?_______________________________________________ When?_____________________________________________

Were you ever a DeMolay? q Yes q No

If yes, what Chapter? (name and location) ________________________________________________________________________________

Profession / Occupation ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Employer______________________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________________

Birthplace______________________________________________________ Date of Birth ________________________________________

Residence _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________________ Email________________________________________________________

Business __________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________________ Email________________________________________________________

Mailing address - Please use qResidence qBusiness

Name of Spouse / Lady _______________________________________________________________________________________________

Date _________________, 20______ Signature ___________________________________________________________________________

Print Full Name __________________________________________________________________________________________________

Recommended By:

Noble________________________________________________________ Member No. ________________________________________

Noble________________________________________________________ Member No. ________________________________________

Fez Size_________________________ Method of payment__________________________________________________________________

Creation Fee With Fez - $290 / Creation Fee with Candidate or Club providing Fez - $150

Number and Street County City State Zip

233 East Fulton St, Suite 102, Grand Rapids, MI 49503www.saladinshrine.com - (616) 942-1570

Number and Street County City State Zip

Jonathan CliffordPotentate 2017

Scoliosis doesn’t stop Chicago Shriners Hospital PatientIt is a special back-to-school this

year for Greg, a high school student from suburban Chicago. Greg returns to classes almost 7 inches taller than when he finished school last spring! That extreme growth is not just due to his genes. He’s taller because of the in-tensive scoliosis treatment he received over the 2017 summer at Shriners Hos-pitals for Children — Chicago.

Greg has a severe form of scoliosis, an abnormal curvature of his spine that can restrict movement and in some cases lead to severe medical complica-tion. In scoliosis, some bones of the spine may also rotate slightly, causing the person’s waist or shoulders to ap-

pear uneven.Diagnosed as a child

Greg’s curvy journey began with the Adam’s Forward Bend Test when he was a young child. Greg had a fam-ily history of scoliosis so his parents knew he may be at higher risk. He was diagnosed with an abnormal curve and at age 6 he began wearing a brace. This device can help some children avoid developing a worse curve as they grow. “I outgrew the brace fairly quickly and I didn’t like to wear it,” Greg said. “The spine curve did affect Gregory’s child-hood,” Shari, Greg’s mother said. “Kids

Saladin Transpo: 2,600 hours and $44K since Jan 1

Babbitt, JamesBathe, KerryBihlmeyer, ThomasBoughner, RobertBriggs, WilliamCulp, DouglasDawson, MichaelDeHaan, JudyDeHaan, RobertDorn, RogerFenrich, ArnoldFlannery, RaymondFlynn, RobertFrost, Mert**George, ThomasGrandy, KeithHively, StanleyHutch, GeorgeIkerd, DavidKeyser, JohnKiefer, JamesKonneck, CharlesLight, RobertMeyer, Augie

41221272621021945618610116

1618268

1,273680325920

2,693715

2136679

4,132934582

3,1153239

3,0151748

9522,8061,5503,927

574605

1,444

7814.0048.0020.7511.7527.5074.5021.0069.7522.50

115.5030.0037.0098.0079.0073.0055.0048.0076.7546.25

143.7513.5014.0045.75

ScarabCassLakeland/Paul BunyanKalamazooKalamazooCassBattle CreekKalamazooKalamazooAllegan/OttawaBattle CreekMuskegonLakeland/Paul BunyanKalamazooMuskegonLakeland/Paul BunyanNilesMuskegonKalamazooBerrienScarabCassLakeland/Paul BunyanBerrien

Mundy, IanMurr, DouglasNostrant, GaryReith, DeeParsell, LewPeek, JamesPeek, SandraPerry, LanaPerry, NeilReith, DeeRooze, MichaelRuble, DavidRussell, RodneySchultz, JaniceSchultz, ThomasScramling, GarySiewert, ThomasSmith, RoyThielman, LeoVanKampen, TomVanSlyke, RayWalker, WilliamWaterman, MarkWilliams, James

12104141124119117111341674

251679

6,4601201

3931557

386674

1,3391177

4,3993783

665438

49921167

214387

10301601

5715,0542,7112,823

9.5022.50

191.0033.5010.7539.50

9.0013.0025.7537.00

196.00108.25

12.7510.00

153.0037.50

8.0012.0035.5043.0014.00

159.5077.2587.00

NilesAllegan/OttawaLakeland/Paul BunyanNilesAllegan/OttawaKalamazooKalamazooEatonEatonNilesCaravanBattle CreekEatonMuskegonMuskegonLakeland/Paul BunyanBerrienBattle CreekKalamazooScarabMuskegonLakeland/Paul BunyanBattle CreekLakeland/Paul Bunyan

January 1st to August 30th - Driver’s Trip SummaryDriver No. of Trips Mileage Hours Club Driver No. of Trips Mileage Hours Club

Totals# of Trips: 93*

Total Miles: 83,882Total Hours: 2,608.5

Driver Supported TripsFuel: $ 4,275.86Tolls: $ 924.30Lodging: $ 1,582.03Cab Fare: $ 161.00Food: $ 4,483.85Total: $11,427.04

Self Drive TripsFuel: $5,737.02Tolls: $ 895.80Food: $3,850.00Lodging: $ 689.27Total: $11,172.09

Saladin Childcare ReportFrom the Saladin Shriners Children’s Trust

Jonathan Clifford, PresidentJonathan Duley, Vice-President

Ryan Powers, TreasurerRick Williams, Secretary

Harry Jones, TrusteeDale Kramer, TrusteeJeff Gooder, Trustee

Gerry Kerbis, Childcare Chairman

Additional ExpensesVehicle Maint: $4,953.48Van Rentals: $ 550.95Mileage-Club Van$1,294.50 Driver Recog $3,023.39Vehicle Licenses $1,099.25Conf. Travel $1,461.45Van Insurance: $9,870.48Total: $22,253.50

Drivers completed trips to Chicago and CincinattiSelf Drives to Chicago, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and Salt Lake City

Shriners Hospitals for Children provides specialty care for children up to age 18 with or-thopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate, regardless of the

families’ ability to pay. All care and services are delivered in a family-centered environment.

See Greg Page 11

*-Last issue the #of trips reported was 104, it should have been 52**-In Memory of Mert Frost - a dedicated Shrine driver who has gone to his reward.

6 - Saladin News - News for Shriners “I’ve never been in a hospital where I felt so much love” - Shriners Patient - 11

Some Services Include...

Low Back Decompression for sciatica

Massage Therapy

Cold Laser Treatments

Posture Medic™ Brace

“Our goal is not only to alleviate pain, but more importantly inspire and

educate our patients to become Active participants in their own well being.”

SALADIN NEWSGrand Rapids, MI

4 ISSUES A YEAR PUBLISHED IN THE INTEREST OF SALADIN SHRINERS

233 East Fulton St, Suite 102Grand Rapids, MI 49503

PH:(616) 942-1570 FAX:(616) 942-6374Hours: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, Mon-Friday

www.saladinshrine.com

For Information concerning Shriners Hospitals for Children, call

1-800-237-5055or

(616) 942-1570 (ask for Judy)All articles or comments should be directed to the Editor - Recorder@saladinshrine.com

If you would like to provide a photo for our “Around the Temple” section, please contact the Editor for desired photo specifications.

Jonathan Clifford, PotentateCell (616) 929-0115jonathan.d.clifford@gmail.com

Jonathan Duley, Chief RabbanCell (616) 893-1071jlduley@yahoo.com

Harry Jones, Asst RabbanCell (616) 293-2588harryjones@grar.com

Dale Kramer, High PriestCell (616) 293-2441kramerdale@yahoo.com

Jeff Gooder, Oriental Guide Cell (616) 450-6690jeffgooder@gmail.com

Ryan Powers, TreasurerCell (616) 822-7616ryanjackpowers@yahoo.com

Rick Williams, RecorderCell (616) 719-9146recorder@saladinshrine.comSara Kopec, Administrativeskopec@saladinshrine.comJudy Williams, Childcarejudy.williams@saladinshrine.com

NEWS from page 2

GREG from Page 7can be cruel. Comments were made. He complained of back pain, but it didn’t stop him from being active and attend-ing school functions.”

As he grew, Greg had periodic checks of his scoliosis curve with his doctor. But then a growth spurt in late junior high made his curve dramati-cally worse. “He developed sort of a hunchback,” Shari said. The severe spine curve began to impact Greg’s breathing by restricting the internal space for his lungs. Greg has always played hockey and volleyball but his scoliosis made it difficult to even participate in gym class. “My curve didn’t really get bad until eighth grade. I didn’t really notice but people would point it out,” Greg said. “I would make jokes about being the Hunchback of Notre Dame, it was kind of me coping, joking about it got me through it.”

Referred to Shriners HospitalGreg was under the care of a physi-

cian at another Chicago hospital and

scheduled for surgery, but the doc-tor referred him to Shriners Hospital to obtain halo spine traction. In halo traction, a weighted rope is hung from a metal halo that is surgically attached to a patient’s skull. This treatment can stretch a patient’s spine, helping it straighten and in some cases may reduce the amount of surgical spine correction that is needed. “I set a new hospital record for the amount of weight on my halo traction,” Greg said. “My curve was pretty intense so I knew surgery would happen at some point.”

Greg spent 40 days in the hospital in halo traction and underwent spinal fusion surgery. Pediatric spine sur-geons Purnendu Gupta, M.D. and Kim Hammerberg, M.D., treated Greg in the hospital.

The combination of treatment and surgery reduced Greg’s curve dra-matically. His spine curve went from 95 degrees to 40 degrees.

During his care, Greg was also among the early patients to use the EOS low dose radiation technology offered

at the Chicago Shriners Hospital. He said the 30 second X-ray is much more convenient than older machines. “In other x-rays I had to stand 10 minutes getting images retaken.”

Today Greg, age 16, is standing taller and his posture is much better. “My chest is more prominent. I have new posture now. I’m like a completely different person.” He looks forward to attending high school and focusing on things other than his spine curve.

“My advice to other parents is to seek treatment as soon as they can,” Shari said. “Seek a second opinion from doctors that are experts in this field. I’ve lived in Chicago more than half my life. I was aware of Shriners Hospi-tal but never knew they specialized in spine care for children.”

Shriners Hospitals for Children now offers a free app, an educational tool to help parents check their child’s spine for possible signs of scoliosis. The SpineScreen app is available for free on the App Store and GooglePlay.

Past Potentate of Moslem Shriners Elected at ImperialLarry Leib, Past Potentate of Moslem Shriners and long-

time friend and supporter of Saladin Shriners, was elected to the position of Imperial Outer Guard of Shriners Interna-tional during the Shriners’ 2017 Imperial Session – held in Daytona Beach, Florida, July 9 – July 13.

Leib’s Masonic memberships include Zion Lodge No.1, F. and A.M. of Michigan; Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Val-ley of Detroit; Monroe Chapter No.1, Royal Arch Masons of Michigan; Monroe Council No.1, Royal and Select Masons of Michigan; Detroit Commandery No.1, Grand Command-ery of Michigan (Commander 2012-2013, Most Outstanding Commandery, 2012); and York Rite College No. 1, Detroit.

Leib served as the Potentate of his temple, Moslem Shriners, in 2015, and on the Divan from 2010 to 2015. He served as General Counsel for Moslem Shriners from 2002 to 2008, and from 2010 to 2013; and as General Counsel for the Moslem Shrine Circus from 2002 to 2013. He has also served as General Counsel to the Executive Committee of the Michigan State Fair of hich Moslem Shriners is an owner. Additionally, he is a Life Member of Moslem Shriners’ Di-rectors Staff and Clown Units.

Leib is a third generation attorney who began his legal career at Leib, Leib and Kramer P.C. in 1994, and was a

partner with the firm until 2004 when he left to start his own firm, the Law Offices of Lawrence J. Leib, a general practice litigation firm. While he practices in the litigation field, Leib also has a unique specialty in long-term strategic planning for nonprofits, philanthropies and charities.

Leib’s lady is Debbie Binder, and he has two children, Caitlin Leib, age 15, and Jenner Leib, age 13.

LtoR: Mike Zelmanski, Chairman Detroit Shriners Sportman Raffle, Imp. Sir Larry Leib, Imperial Outer Guard of Shriners International, Art Brdak, Potentate of Moslem Shriners

Save the Date!

2018 Annual Meeting and Installation

will be

January 6, 2018@

Grand Rapids Masonic Temple

12 - Saladin News - News for Shriners Buy your Potentate’s Ball tickets at www.saladinshrine.com - 5

Noble Jack Moeller Donates Memorabilia to the TempleSpecial thanks to Jack Moeller for

his second batch of donated Temple Memorabilia. The Temple is always looking for past editions of the Sala-din News, old club - unit - temple paperwork, and any other items of memorabilia you would like to con-tribute.

In this latest batch of goodies, Jack

provided the Temple with several editions of the Saladin News going back into the 1970s as well as several Imperial Session programs.

If you have old fezzes or other memorabilia, please contact the Re-corder so we can arrange to get them from you. Thanks again Jack, we look forward to more stuff from you!

Greetings Nobles,

Wow, summer 2017 is going by fast which means fall is approaching. But before the warm weather leaves there will hopefully be nice weather for the many events on the Saladin calendar. Check the temple and clubs calen-dars and you will see events such as Parades, Bar B-Q, and a River Boat Cruise just to name a few. A special thank you to the Battle Creek Shrine Club Mini “T”s who trusted me behind the wheel of one of their cars. I even got to do some high-speed maneuvers on the parade route.

Lady Carol and I had the honor of representing the Nobility at the 2017 Imperial Session. Thank you for sending us. It was a great experience. There were a lot of good takeaways that I will use to better serve you. I encourage clubs, units and individual Noble’s to plan on attending the 2018 Imperial Session. If you’re not a del-egate, stuck in the legislative sessions, there are many events and competi-tions individuals and clubs can watch or participate in. Our new Imperial Potentate has made it his focus and ours on recruitment. If our fraternity is to continue and thrive we must all bring in new members. As a whole we have a goal to create 12,000 new Shriners. Lets start by trying to find men who we can bring into our Blue

Lodges and introduce them to the Shrine as they are earning their de-grees. If we work smart and together we will achieve our goals.

Between this edition and last the Black Camel has called on our Tem-ple taking home some beloved mem-bers of our craft and the Shrine, they will be missed.

After I started this article we lost a long time Mason and Shriner Noble Clifford “Bobo” Pfaff. Last year at age 92 Nobel Pfaff completed the Grand Haven Parade to the cheers and smiles of Grand Haven residents receiving a special acknowledge-

ment from the reviewing stand. I think “Bobo” was in his element and couldn’t have been happier; it was a real honor and privilege to have clowned with him and the Muskegon Shrine Club.

I hope to see you at the Stated Meeting 23rd of September and at the Scarab Meat Feast III, which will follow.

Fraternally,

Dale KramerHigh Priest and Prophet

High Priest and Prophet Honored to Represent Saladin

Saladin High Priest and Prophet Dale Kramer parading in the Hastings Summerfest in Hasting, MI with the Battle Creek Mini-T Patrol

Saladin Shriners Election of OfficersDecember 2, 2017- Grand Rapids Masonic Temple - 1:00 pm

The Bylaws of Shriners International States:325.11 Election Regulations.

(a) Electioneering. A candidate for an elected office in a Shrine temple may print, publish and circulate during the year he is seeking the elected office, a résumé consisting of his educational background, his vocational history, and his Masonic and Shrine record. Except as provided in the prior sentence, the printing, publication, circulating or distribution of resolutions, letters, tele-grams, tickets, email or other devices, by a unit, club, Noble, or group of Nobles, suggesting, recommending, opposing, or contain-ing the names of proposed candidates for office in the temple is prohibited. (b) Expenditures Prohibited. The expenditure of money for gifts, favors, or entertainment on behalf of a candidate for elected office is prohibited. (c) Violation. For any violation of (a) or (b), the Imperial Potentate may suspend any offending Noble, and he may declare the election of the officers void and order a new election. (d) Notice. At least one week prior to the annual meeting or any election, the temple Recorder shall mail to each member a notice thereof containing this section.

Alex receives life-changing care for conditions at ShrinersAmy and Danny of Palmdale, Cali-

fornia, adopted their son Alex from Russia when he was 8 years old. Alex was born with arthrogryposis, which is characterized by multiple joint con-tractures (stiff joints).

Alex’s arms and legs were both severely contracted. He was unable to move his fingers or elbows, and his feet were very curved. Alex was in constant pain and his ability to move was greatly reduced by the condi-tion. The family already had some involvement with Shriners Hospitals for Children — Los Angeles and its expert care in pediatric orthopaedics, before they adopted Alex.

Their 18-year-old son, Ryan, re-ceived care for osteogenesis imperfec-ta at the hospital and they had been very pleased with his treatment. Dur-ing one of Ryan’s hospital visits, Amy was able to make an appointment for Alex with Kathryn Doughty, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon. After a careful examination, Dr. Doughty offered Alex, then 11 years old, three possible options for the care of his feet.

His first option was to take no ac-

tion. The second option was to per-form surgery to attempt to straighten Alex’s feet, but that approach would not alleviate his pain. The third op-tion was to amputate both legs at the knee and fit Alex with prostheses. Alex chose option three. “My goal as an orthopaedic surgeon is to help people live their lives as actively as possible,” said Dr. Doughty. “Alex’s amazing self-confidence and motiva-tion convinced me to explore what may seem like an extreme option.”

Staff at Shriners Hospitals for Children always work to provide care that is in the best interest of the pa-tients, taking their concerns and goals into consideration. So, over several months, Dr. Doughty consulted with other surgeons, caseworkers, pros-thetists and Alex’s family to discuss Alex’s decision for amputation. Every-one agreed that an elective amputa-tion was the best long-term option for him.

Alex’s double leg amputation finally relieved his pain. His strength and balance also improved remark-ably with the use of the prostheses

and occupational therapy he received from the Los Angeles Shriners Hospi-tal. “He has so much more indepen-dence,” said Amy. “Alex doesn’t think there is anything in this world he can’t do.” Today, Alex is 15 years old and able to walk on his own. He spends his free time zooming around on his skateboard and playing outside with his dog and horses.

Congratulations Billy King - Shriner of the Year - 134 - Saladin News - News for Shriners

With the year over half through, and the eclipse of the sun behind us, it seems that we have been running at a fast pace through 2017.

Sadly, we have lost several brothers who were great friends and active mem-bers of our Shrine. Losing a noble always makes me stop and think about the fu-ture of Saladin. I reminisce about when I joined over thirty years ago when the clubs I belonged to always encouraged members to participate in temple activi-ties. It seemed we would have eight or ten new Shriners and prospects at every temple event and eighty to one hundred nobles and their wives in attendance.

The Stated Meetings and Ceremoni-als give us a chance to get to know our brothers and see old friends. Let’s bring the brotherhood back into the Shrine. Let’s go beyond your club and unit meetings and attend our Temple events.

Let’s support the Temple by committing to regular attendance. Let’s participate enthusiastically.

Now that we have a three year lease, your Divan is working on plans for remodeling our new facility on the sixth floor at the Grand Rapids Masonic Cen-ter. Nobles, this is an exciting time for Saladin as we establish our new home. At our Stated Meeting the Divan will present our strategic plan focusing on a new era for the nobility, incorporating growth and sustainability.

On a lighter side, our summer activi-ties and parades are about over for the year. Many or our clubs have exciting events planned for the fall. The Scarabs in Grand Rapids are planning a Meat Fest III after the September 23rd Stated Meeting. All are invited. Attendance at our first Friday of the month socials is growing. Join us – you’ll love it – great food, great conversation, great fun! Our Potentate’s Ball is on October 14th. Tick-ets are still available. Call 616-942-1570. “A Night with Frank” promises to be a fabulous evening. We hope you’ll come.

Honor the Past andEmbrace the Future,

Harry H. Jones Assistant Rabban

Assistant Rabban Excited About Saladin’s Next Steps

Our 2017 Assistant Rabban, Noble Harry Jones, and his lady Lyn

Remembering the past he looks forward to what the future holds for Saladin

ALLEGAN-OTTAWA SHRINE CLUB President: Doug Murr (616) 399-6023

email: rohomurr@charter.netBATTLE CREEK SHRINE CLUB

President: Mark Waterman (269) 832-4487 email: h2ox2612@yahoo.comBERRIEN COUNTY SHRINE CLUB

President: Robert Kilburn (269) 539-0086 email: kilburn621@gmail.comCARAVAN SHRINE CLUB

President: Ron Redner (616) 813-8171 email: ronngrtoo@gmail.comCASS COUNTY SHRINE CLUB

President: Larry Sharp (269) 476-1031 email: none reportedEATON COUNTY SHRINE CLUB

President: John Thiel (517) 541-9634 email: thieldb@wowway.comFOREST COUNTY SHRINE CLUB

President: None Reported (000) 000-0000 email: None ReportedKALAMAZOO SHRINE CLUB

President: Leo Thielman (269) 598-9865 email: leosue@charter.netLAKELAND SHRINE CLUB

President: John Barnette (231) 598-0850 email: none reportedMUSKEGON SHRINE CLUB

President: Gary Doig (231) 730-4608 email: grdoig@aol.comNILES SHRINE CLUB

President: George Beaumont (269) 683-7673 email: none reported

NORTHWEST SHRINE CLUB President: John Schmalzried (231) 675-7501

email: jackpats@charter.netPAUL BUNYAN SHRINE CLUB

President: Don Gondzar (231) 269-3752 email: none reportedSCARAB SHRINE CLUB

President: Matt Sinkovich (616) 460-2490 email: matt_sinkovich@yahoo.comSOUTH HAVEN SHRINE CLUB

President: Jerry Kerbis (269) 214-2004 email: gfkerbis@aol.comSTURGIS SHRINE CLUB

President: Eric Eishen (269) 289-2322 email: none reported TRAVERSE CITY SHRINE CLUB

President: Roger Hubbell (231) 275-3811 email: rogerhubbell@charter.net 45TH PARALELL MERRYMAKERS (CLOWNS)

President: Patrick Rajewski (231) 675-0798 email: prajewski@hotmail.comBERRIEN COUNTY MINI BIKE PATROL

President: None Reported (000) 000-0000 email: none reportedCAMELS MILK PURVEYORS (BEER BREWING)

President: Ben Wright (616) 540-9505 email: wrightbd@gmail.comCLOWNS - GRAND RAPIDS

President: Greg Kiander (616) 540-2116 email: gkiander@comcast.netCLOWNS - KALAMAZOO

President: James Peek (269) 365-0116 email: none reported

CLOWNS - MUSKEGON President: None Reported (000) 000-0000

email: none reportedCOLOR GUARD

President: Richard Allen, PP (231) 832-5795 email: none reportedDIRECTORS STAFF (2ND SECTION)

President: Roger Hekstra (616) 262-1987 email: rog-oh@comcast.netLEGION OF HONOR

President: Harry Jones (616) 293-2588 email: harryjones2grar.comMINI 50S - EATON COUNTY

President: none reported (000) 000-0000 email: none reportedMINI 500S - PAUL BUNYAN

President: Bill King (231) 824-6742 email: none reportedMINI-TS - BATTLE CREEK

President: Jon Carpenter (269) 207-7513 email: john.bjhyd@gmail.comRITUALISTIC CAST

President: Eric Russell (616) 866-0725 email: ericrussellmasonic@gmail.comTEMPLE GUARD

President: Richard Higgins, PP (616) 262-9674 email: rt.higgins33@gmail.comNOT A CLUB OR UNIT BUT AFFILIATEDCOURT #11 - ROYAL ORDER OF JESTERS

President: Rick Williams (616) 719-9146 email: rchrdiw@aol.com CABIRI #105

President: none reported (000) 000-0000

2017 Roster of Saladin Clubs and Units

Mark Berillo Chairman of the Board of Governors, SHC - Chicago

Shriners Hospitals for Children® August 2017

Orthopaedics Plastic Surgery/Cleft Lip and Palate Rehabilitation/Spinal Cord Injury

Two-year-old Liam is enjoying a new ride thanks to the Go Baby Go ride-on car program for patients at the Chicago Shriners Hospital. The cars are specially engineered for kids like Liam whose legs work differently than typical children. “It was very exciting. It’s going to give him a little more independence which is what he’s been looking for,” his mother Amber Garr said. The family from suburban Chicago picked up Liam’s red VW convertible before a recent speech therapy appointment. In August 2016, when Liam was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy, his pediatrician suggested bringing him to the MDA clinic at Shriners Hospital. Liam and his half-brother, Morgan, began seeing Kenneth Silver, M.D., and the MDA team in December of 2016. Morgan’s mother, Samantha McDaniel, explains, “The Shriners Hospitals team is so great, so attentive and willing to help with what we need.” Through their care team at Shriners Hospital, the family learned about the Go Baby Go program, which helps children with special needs be able to move independently through battery operated ride-on toy vehicles. Ann Flanagan, the co-director of rehabilitation services at the Shriners Hospital in Chicago, is the coordinator of the program. “Kids want to be outside, have fun, be mobile and be a kid. And sometimes kids with certain conditions can’t operate a typical car,” she said. The Go Baby Go cars are bought from retail stores and fitted with special controls to help kids with mobility challenges in their legs be able to drive them independently. The cars use a large red push button mounted on the steering wheel to accelerate. The cars and other modifications are provided thanks to the Orthopedic & Rehabilitation Engineering Center at Marquette University. Ph.D. researcher Ben McHenry customizes each vehicle. “We’ve done Fisher Price ride on cars, a lightening McQueen car, a Frozen convertible and a Frozen jeep,“ he said. Go Baby Go is funded through an anonymous donor at Marquette. Vehicles are also provided to families at Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin.

Dr. McHenry works with physical therapists at the hospital sites to decide how to modify each vehicle. When Liam’s brother Morgan, just a year-and-a-half-old saw his Frozen vehicle, it had special piping attached to the back which functions as a support. “He has less trunk support so it looks like they made a back support for his vehicle so I’m excited about that,” his mother said. Flanagan said the program can be used for therapy and has other long term benefits for kids besides just giving them freedom to play. “These cars can be a first step to helping children learn about their environment. They may be a first step towards teaching a child to navigate a power wheelchair for example.”

Go Baby Go Program Helps Kids with Disabilities Get Moving

Liam and his family pick up his modified ride-on toy car.

Shriners - An organization of brothers - 314 - Saladin News - News for Shriners

This summer has been amazing. I’ve had the chance to do some travel-ing around our jurisdiction and meet some amazing Shriners and their families. I’ve been able to be in a few parades, attend several club meet-ings, and share in fellowship with many new Shriner friends. I also had the opportunity to attend my fourth Imperial Session. This year’s session was in Daytona Beach, Florida, and it reminded me of how wonderful our fraternity and philanthropy really are.

Now, however, it’s time to focus on the last part of the year. Summer has come to a close as Labor Day has already passed us by. Kids are back in school, and the leaves are in mid-transition. Football season is in full swing, and before you know it, we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving with family and friends. That means that it’s time to look forward to our last few Saladin events for year. The Fall Stated Meeting is just a few days away,

our Sinatra themed 2017 Potentate’s Ball, “A Night with Frank,” is coming up quickly on October 14th, and the Annual Elections and the 4th quarter Stated Meeting will be on December 2nd.

As you know, your Divan has been working hard on developing a Sala-din Strategic Plan in order to guide our decision-making process as we plan for the future. Members of your Divan will be presenting the Saladin Strategic Plan at the September 23rd Stated Meeting. It is very important that you attend that meeting so you can see the work that’s been done to lay the tracks for an improved Shrine experience. We will be talking about our developed mission and vision; values and beliefs; strategies, and timelines. We are very excited to roll this out to you as many hours have been put into developing this plan.

Finally, as we look forward to 2018, we are in the beginning phases of planning the 2018 Saladin Of-ficers Installation which will be held on Saturday, January 6th at 2PM at the Grand Rapids Masonic Temple. We will be bringing back the entire experience with a formal introduc-tion, music, ceremony, dinner, and

fellowship. 2018 will also bring the Annual Saladin Valentine’s Dinner, a Spring Ceremonial, a Jimmy Buffet themed boat party on Lake Michigan, and many other exciting events. It promises to be a great year, so be sure to not miss out!

If there’s anything I, or any of the Saladin Divan officers, can do for you or your family, please let us know. We love hearing from you in positive ways that help move Saladin forward.

Chief Rabban discusses Strategic Plan Presentation

Jonathan Duley, Chief Rabban 2017

Chief Rabban encourages everyone to attend September 23rd meeting for strategic presentation

Left: Chief Rab-ban Jon Duley with Imperial Sir Gary Begenske, Imperial Potentate of Shriners International.Right: Jon with High Priest and Prophet Dale Kramer at The Who concert in July at the Van Andel arena in Grand Rapids, MI.

Temple Studies Lodge Membership in its JurisdictionLodge Name & Number

St. Joseph Valley No. 4Peninsular No. 10Battle Creek No. 12St. Albans No. 20Kalamazoo-Anchor No. 22Three Rivers-Mount Hermon No. 24Paw Paw-Lawton No. 25Humanity No. 29Grand Rapids No. 34Siloam No. 35Western Star No. 39Meridian Sun Eagle No. 49Hastings No. 52Climax-Prairie No. 59Buchanan No. 68Colon No. 73Greenville No. 96St Johns-Ovid No. 105St. Peters No. 106Allegan No. 111Schoolcraft No. 118Rising Sun No. 119Charlotte No. 120Mendon No. 137Grand Haven No. 139Muskegon No. 140Star of the Lake No. 158Coloma No. 162Big Rapids No. 171Tuscan-Mt. Gilead No. 178Grand Ledge No. 179Unity No. 191Dutcher No. 193Montague-Whitehall No. 198Oceana Wigton Benona No. 200Bedford No. 207Athens No. 220Bloomingdale-Hudson No. 221Traverse City No. 222Volinia-Marcellus No. 227Manistee No. 228Lisbon-Crescent No. 229Charles E. Collins Sr. No. 231Elsie No. 238Three Oaks No. 239Rockford No. 246Stanton Star No. 250East Bay No. 264Mattawan No. 268Crystal No. 270Elk Rapids No. 275Charlevoix No. 282Vandalia No. 290Lake Shore No. 298Pere Marquette No. 299Carson City No. 306Evart No. 320Kalamo No. 327Saugatuck No. 328Howard City No. 329*1)

Clam Lake No. 331Sparta No. 334Portage-Brady No. 340

Lodge Name & NumberDoric No. 342Petoskey No. 344Hickory No. 345Hesperia-Arcana No. 346Manton No. 347Belding-Ionia No. 355Wacousta-DeWitt No. 359Edmore No. 360Lou B. Winsor No. 363Potterville No. 367Luther - Lakes No. 370Harbor Springs No. 378R C Hatheway No. 387Boyne City No. 391Bellaire No. 398Lake City No. 408York No. 410Mulliken No. 412Central Lake No. 426St. Joseph No. 437Brookfield No. 439Pellston No. 440Benzie Area No. 444Dimondale No. 449Six Lakes No. 454Trufant No. 456James E. Dillon No. 466Onekama No. 497Ira A. Beck No. 503Fidelity No. 513Empire No. 597

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%Sal24.906.4519.155.565.889.180.003.8515.733.5713.040.001.79consol18.0618.9920.275.5615.1525.2913.047.5911.110.000.000.009.430.0012.509.6220.69 9.62

Consolidated

Consolidated

Consolidated

KEY2013 #s - Baseline data collected in 20138/13/17 - Most recent data taken from Grand LodgeChange - Difference between first two columns. Negative numbers shown in red signify decrease in membershipSalMem - number of Saladin members with primary mem-bership in lodge.%Sal - % of lodge members who are members of Saladin. Total given is the average percentage of Shriners in lodges.NOTES1) Historical data for Howard City #329 was not available2) Some positive changes are a result of mergers (ex. Charle-voix #282 (Boyne City #391), Paw Paw-Lawton #25 (Rising Sun #119). Others are due to growth (ex. Grand Rapids #34)3)Does not include members assigned to Grand Master Lodge #7004) Current Saladin membership is 835. The remaining 96 members (835-739) are members of Lodge 700, MI lodges outside our jurisdiction or other Grand Lodges outside MI.5) Saladin studies the membership in temples in our juris-diction every six months. 6) Five highest percentages of Shrine membership are: Vandalia #290 - 37.74%, Meridian Sun Eagle #49 - 30.11%, Rockford #246 - 27.84%, Unity #191- 25.33, St. Joseph #437 - 25.29%

Many of you know that I have spent the last two years serving as Temple Recorder and as a Trustee of Shriners Hospitals for Children on what is referred to in the Shrine fraternity as the ‘Joint Boards’ composed of the Imperial Officers and those of us serving as Trustees. I stepped down from the Trustees position in June and have spent the last two months catching up on my Saladin Shrine responsibilities and personal life. To say you keep busy on the Joint Boards would be an understatement.

The experience gave me an opportunity to see our fra-ternity and philanthropy as very few get to see it. I imag-ine it must be a bit like being a Grand Lodge Officer, just multiply everything by a factor of 100 or maybe a 1,000 in terms of the number of members, dollars, problems and politics. At the same time the great possibilities, oppor-tunities, and ideas are magnified by those same numbers. It was without a doubt the most fulfilling experience I’ve ever had in my life. I came away from it with a new way of looking at not only the Shrine fraternity and philanthropy, but at the entire Masonic movement.

How has my perspective changed? I’m not so hung up on things I might have once seen as important or critical. In some ways I think things in Masonry are much more dire than most of us are willing to even let on to ourselves. That being said I think we are part of something in Sala-din that has the potential to move past the negative trends we see in the fraternity. That movement, however, cannot be measured in traditional ways we’ve used in the past or

even with an eye towards preserving what we think we still have in the Shrine and the fraternity. I ask myself of-ten, do I love the core of what we are enough to shed some of its outer trappings in order to preserve what it is at its heart? So that it can become something new? Something that will survive? Everytime I ask that question I find myself answering yes.

In terms of the future, what does this mean you can

Greetings Nobles,

Summer is behind us and the parade season is com-ing to an end. It is a great time to visit a Blue Lodge and keep your eye out for any potential new Shrine candidates. The black camel has continued to come and take too many fine Nobles on their final trip across the hot sands of the desert to the celestial Oasis. They will be missed but certainly not forgotten. Much has changed since I first was elected to become an officer in the Saladin Divan. Change is never easy and only time will tell if any particular change will result in a positive outcome. However, change is as inevitable as death and taxes.Hopefully it is a little more fun. Our organization both

on a local level and a national level, has continued to shrink. If success is only defined by membership num-bers, we would be judged as a failure. However, mem-bership numbers alone do not determine the capability and the success of an organization. Having a member that places value and importance in being a Shriner is far more valuable than having twice as many members that are ‘members’ in name only. The way Nobles place value and importance on the Shrine can take on many different forms. Each member has their own way they see the fraternity and their own way of being involved. Each is important and vital to Saladin’s success. The long term trend of shrinking fraternal organizations, both Masonic and non-Masonic, will not likely be reversed. However, if we offer opportunities and an experience to our members and potential members that they value, we will remain a strong and successful or-ganization. The secret to the success of the Shrine over the years is simple. We need to have fun with our fellow Nobles, make a positive impact on the community with our philanthropy and enjoy the fellowship that can only come with being a Shriner.To all Nobles of Saladin Shriners, thank you for being

a Shriner and for each and every way you value being a member and for the importance you place on being part of our great fraternity.

Illustrious Sir Jonathan D. CliffordPotentateSaladin Shriners

From the Potentate...2 - The Saladin News - News for Shriners Buy your Potentate’s Ball tickets at www.saladinshrine.com - 15

Jonathan Clifford - Potentate 2017

2017 Calendar of Illustrious Sir CliffordSeptember 23rd – Stated Meeting - 1 pm

October 14th – Potentate’s BallDecember 2nd – Temple Elections - 1 pm

All Events Held at the Grand Rapids Masonic Temple.Lunch will be served at noon before each Stated Meeting. Fellowships with refreshments will follow every meeting.

Scarab Shriners selling raffle tickets at Moslem Shriners Summer Sportsman’s Raffle in Southfield, MI.

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Year-To-Date885

835

13

5

1

1

14

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55

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6

50

-5.6%

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2016920

885

9

5

0

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14

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35

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35

-3.8%

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5 years ago1,119

1,043

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2

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51

25

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76

-6.8%

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From the Recorder...

With Imperial First Ceremonial Master Kenny Craven of Omar Shriners and then Imperial Potentate Chris Smith of Wahabi Shriners at a Shriners Hospitals for Children - Houston event earlier this year.

expect from me? I plan continue to provide my input to our Divan’s strategic planning process. I also promise to think and communicate with you more deliberately about the future. You will see me spend my time split between the immedi-ate duties I have as your Recorder and taking up efforts that I believe will change things. Efforts that will be aimed at preserving the core of who we are, the essence of what we love about the Craft, but not neces-sarily traditional approaches to our problems. Thats not to say those have been ineffective for Masonry in the past, but rather that we need to think beyond them. Thank you for being a Saladin Shriner.

SALADIN NEWSIssue 4, 2017 - Fall Edition - Saladin Shriners - Grand Rapids, MI

Non-ProfitU.S. Postage

PAIDGrand Rapids, MI Permit

No. 638

Return Service Requested

16 - The Saladin News

One Last Photo...

Saladin Shrine233 East Fulton St.Suite 102Grand Rapids, MI 49503

MWBro. Joshua Woodwyk, Grand Master of Masons in Michigan, was created a Saladin Shriner by the hand of the Imperial Potentate, his lady and his children on the stage at the Imperial Session this past July. Saladin welcomes MWBro. Josh to its ranks.

Join Saladin for First Friday Celebrations

Please make plans to join us for one of our monthly fellowships remaining in 2017. The events are always well attended by a mix of Shri-ners and ladies from across our Temple mem-bership. Each month a different member of the Divan serves as host. Food and refreshments are provided. Potential Masons and Shriners are also invited to meet Saladin Shriners and their ladies in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

The remaining fellowships for the year are 10/6 (Host Jon Duley), 11/3 (Host Jeff Gooder), 12/1 (Host Jonathan Clifford).

Monthly social gatherings hosted by Divan members continue to grow in popularity in 2017. Fellowships scheduled for October, November and December.

Shriners, their ladies, and guests enjoy the August Friday fellow-ship hosted by High Priest and Prophet Dale Kramer. More than 50 attended the event and they were treated to Jimmy Buffet music, fine food and refreshment. The fellowships happen the first Friday of ev-ery month and run from 5:30 to 10pm in the Shrine Club Room on the 6th floor of the Grand Rapids Masonic Temple.