SahidaSahida

Al Shamal ShrinersEdmonton, Alberta, Canada

Volume 26, No. 2May 2009

Meetings and Events

May 22 - 23, 2009Spring CeremonialAthabasca, Alberta

Monday, June 1, 2009Stated Business Meeting - 5:30 p.m.

General MeetingZem Zem - 6:00 p.m.

Dinner - 7:00 p.m.Meeting - 8:00 p.m.

June 3 - 7, 2009PNSA - Billings, Montana

Wednesday, June 10, 2009Circus / Auction Appreciation Evening

More details to follow

June 12 - 13, 2009Grand Lodge - Camrose, Alberta

Saturday, June 27, 2009BBQ, Dance & Bonfire

Shrine Centre

July 5 - 9, 2009Imperial - San Antonio, Texas

Sunday, July 12, 2009Family Picnic

Shrine Centre - 1:00 p.m.

August 7, 2009Member Fun Night

Shrine Centre - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009Potentate’s Golf Tournament

Belvedere Golf and Country Club

Monday, September 8, 2009Stated Business Meeting - 5:30 p.m.

General MeetingZem Zem - 6:00 p.m.

Dinner - 7:00 p.m.Meeting - 8:00 p.m.

Friday, September 18, 2009Ladies Night

Shrine Centre - 6:00 p.m. Master Warrant Officer Adrian Birch and Emma Birchwith Potentate Barry Gogal

POTENTATE’S MESSAGECan you imagine, one quarter of the yearhas already gone. What an exciting time ithas been for Al Shamal Shriners, Ladies andthe Masonic Family! We said we were goingto make some positive, fun changes thisyear and the support we have beenprovided has been outstanding.

We had a record attendance for ourFebruary meeting which was devoted toproviding information to our members andto set out the program for the year. Werescheduled our Valentine’s Dinner Auctionto a Mother’s Day Dinner Auction, which willtake place on May 7th, 2009 at the ShawConference Centre. I had to change it dueto the early date set in February whichunfortunately didn’t give our membersenough time after Christmas to make thefunction the success required.

Our March 2nd meeting, again was a record attendance, with a stated business meetingfollowed by a Masonic Family Evening which included all concordant bodies of thefraternity. We had the Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Alberta Most WorshipfulBrother John Hart and Lady Marilyn, Miss International Job’s Daughter, MeganSemaniuk, Alberta Demolay Association Master Councillor, Neil Blue and myselfspeaking after dinner with respect to our Masonic Family involvement. What a success!

At our stated business meeting in March our Nobility approved the purchase of a 15passenger van, which has been approved by the Alberta Gaming Commission. Weintend on using the van in the promotion of the Shrine and Masonic Family in parades,children and community involvement. We will be having Masons, Job’s Daughters andDemolay members with us in the community parades this year throughout NorthernAlberta. We must all take our message to the communities and the public to show whatthe World’s Greatest Fraternity and Philanthropy is all about! This is an area that Ibelieve is long overdue.

We had an outstanding Circus on March 20th, 21st and 22nd. Record attendances,record novelty sales and over 400 volunteers. Thank you to everyone for making thisevent so successful. We continued with our tribute to and support for the MasonicFamily by having everyone involved in making this event the success it was. We willprovide the final details when we get them.

On April 6th we had our monthly meeting paying tribute to Nobel Bill Trofimuk Emeritus.This meeting set another record attendance for the month. What an outstandingmember of Al Shamal and the entire community! There were 13 organizationsrepresented to express their gratitude for this gentleman’s efforts and help.

Make sure you are all there for our May 4th meeting as we will be having it jointly withthe Daughters of the Nile. It will be great.

As I mentioned our Mothers Day Dinner Auction is May 7th. We need your HELP withticket sales and merchandise.

Get ready for our Spring Ceremonial in Athabasca on May 22nd and 23rd. We arehoping for 40 to 50 candidates. Noble Noel Gauthier and Lady Isabel will be

recognized as the great Shrine family that they are. Register ASAPbefore we get over booked. It will be the best ever with yourinvolvement!

I would like to thank you all. Over and out for now and I look forward toyour continued support.

Barry GogalPotentate, Al Shamal Shriners“Catching Children’s Dreams”

“Sahida” a warm and friendly greeting

ELECTED DIVANPotentate Ill. Sir Barry Gogal

Chief Rabban Noble Jim TempletonAssistant Rabban Noble Armand Nesdoly

High Priest and Prophet Noble Bob ThachukOriental Guide Noble Larry Howard

Treasurer Noble Gary WillisRecorder Noble Ian Skogstad

APPOINTED DIVANDirector General Ill. Sir Doug Grant

Assistant Director General Ill. Sir Jack WattMarshal Noble Barrie Miller

Dir. Of Unif. Units Noble Mahlon WeirChaplain Noble Art Jones

Dir. Rit. Cast Noble Bob Cameron1st Ceremonial Master Noble Jim Forbes2nd Ceremonial Master Noble Bill MartinCaptain of the Guard Noble Ken Williams

Outer Guard Noble Chuck Smit

SHRINE CLUB PRESIDENTSAl-Wa Noble William Crone

Battle River Noble Rick ForsterEdson Noble Brad Becker

Ft. McMurray Noble Wally WattsGrande Prairie Noble Rod Barrand

Membership ChairmanNoble Neville Bush

Legal Counsel Noble Bob MathesonNoble Iain Cameron

Auditor Noble Chris Cameron

Al Shamal Shriners

14510 142 Street

Edmonton AB T6V 1H9

Telephone: (780) 482-6065

Fax: (780) 488-4728

WEB Site http://www.alshamalshriners.org

e-mail shriners@telusplanet.net

Editor Noble Bob Cameron

e-mail bob_nina@telus.net

Photographer Noble Dale Christensen

Phone (780) 476-8492

e-mail daleac@telus.net

Public Relations Chairman Noble Randy Moore

Hospital Chairman Noble Darwin Harrison

Soccer Chairman Noble Godon Harris

This publication is devoted to promoting the bestinterests of Al Shamal Shriners in particular and of the

A.A.O.N.M.S. in general together with those of theMasonic Fraternity and all Affiliated Orders.

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RECORDER’SRAMBLINGSThe 2009 Circus is now history. This year’sattendance and novelty sales wereexcellent. I want to again thank everyonewho assisted in the bank during the circus.The final results will be released once theremainder of outstanding expenses havebeen received.

To the nobles who have not paid their 2009 dues, pleaseforward your payment as soon as possible. The Temple relieson these dues to keep our organization going forward.

Our centre is quite busy with hall rentals and available dates areslim pickings however, should you wish to reserve a date for ameeting or whatever, please contact Denise Buhay at the office.Please don’t make the assumption that the date will beavailable, we need to know ahead of time who will be in thefacility.

The vehicle insurance pink cards are in. Please arrange forsomeone from your unit to pick them up at the Shrine Centre.

Join us for lunch on Fridays for a great lunch and greatfellowship.

Ian Skogstad.

ROSTER UPDATESPlease check the website for themost up to date information at

www.alshamalshriners.org

SHRINERS ACTIVE INMASONIC LODGESDuring the last 14 months I have visited over 40 Masonic Lodgesin Northern Alberta introducing the Brethren to the Shrine and inparticular Al Shamal Temple. While visiting these Lodges thetwo frequent comments I have heard is: a person joins masonrystrictly to get into the Shrine and also once in the Shrine, a Nobleneglects his Lodge. I emphasize during my Shrine presentationto the Lodges how I believe this to be a myth.

In fact during my travels I have found just the contrary where thekey personnel in our Masonic Lodges; i.e. the Secretary and theTreasurer are frequently also Nobles in the Shrine. The bestexample of this is my home Lodge, Gratton-Connaught #144 inIrma. Our Lodge is not big in regards to numbers but of ouractive members, over 80% are Shriners, which is well in excess ofthe published facts that 24% of Masons are Shriners. And yes,our long standing Secretary and Treasurer are both Nobles!

We are very proud of the various positions that are being held,have been held and positions to be held by our smallmembership. We have a serving District Deputy Grand Master inNoble Bob Cameron, a serving Grand District Superintendent,Royal Arch Mason in Noble Chuck Powell, soon to be MostExcellent Companion, Royal Arch Mason in Noble RichardGlasgow and also soon to be Grand Senior Deacon, GrandLodge of Alberta in the writer, Noble Illustrious Sir Doug Sharkeyas well as five Past District Deputy Grand Masters.

On a recent visit in April to Beaver Lodge in Castor I noticedthere were a total of nine visitors. Of these visitors, eight of themwere Shriners and 6 of them were wearing the blue apron ofeither a District Deputy Grand Master or a Past District DeputyGrand Master. This is another example of an active Mason beinga Shrine Mason. To the person that says “the only reason aperson wants to join the Masonic Lodge is so he can become aShriner”, well, all I can say is “BRING HIM ON” because we willmake him an active Mason.

I am proud to be a Shriner, however, I am prouder to be an activeShrine Mason!

Doug Sharkey, Past PotentateAl Shamal Membership Committee

2009 Shrine Masonic NightIllustrious Sir Barry with Miss International Job’s Daughter

Megan Semaniuk, M.W. Bro. John Hart and Master Councillor Neil Blue

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HOSPITAL SICK & VISITINGCOMMITTEE

Please Contact the Shrine Centre Office or Noble BillTrofimuk if you have knowledge of any Noble sick orhospitalized.

Chairman Emeritus Noble Bill Trofimuk . . . . . 466-7971Co-Chairman Noble Dr. Herbert DeloRey . . . 482-8924Noble Walter Bouillon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 425-9469Ill. Sir Ari Hoeksema . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 421-7776Noble John Fraser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 478-4984Noble Clayton Elliott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459-8006Noble Bob Coates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 962-4963Noble Bill Hite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 459-6131Noble Frank Dove . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 455-2244Noble John Pratt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 436-7651Noble Bill Harrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 456-1612Noble Fred Such . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 430-7936Noble Bob Disler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469-7188

The following long term members would appreciate avisit from their Masonic or Shrine Brothers.

Noble Alex Doull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alberta HospitalNoble Bob Heron . . . . . . . . . . . Kipnes Veterans CentreNoble Howard Cowan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jubilee LodgeNoble Dr. Danny Scragg . . . . . Kipnes Veterans Centre

Here are our departed Nobles who have made the GreatPilgrimage across searing desert sands to the cool Oasis ofEternal Life. These gentle men were our Friends andBrethren and the void created by their leaving causes anache in our hearts that will not soon go away.

In Memoriam

#556 Noble Robert Tredger July 9, 2007#67 Ill. Sir Bill Boone March 30, 2009#1206 Noble James Dudley April 10, 2009#118 Noble Ernie Clark April 25, 2009#54 Noble Norm McIver, P.G.M. May 4, 2009

CUSTOM WHEELCHAIR PROJECTHow one of these . . .

Becomes one of these . . .

Little Victorya is challenged by a number of medical conditions. She requires a specially designedwheelchair to enable her to be mobile. These types of chairs are custom-made and are veryexpensive. Your donations of lowly drink can pull-tabs are converted into chairs like the oneVictorya is riding in today. When you drop off pull tabs at our Shrine Centre, they are channelledthrough the Stony Plain Legion where eventually they are converted into the cash needed toconstruct specialized wheelchairs.

In a letter from 10-year old Victorya, she states, “I would like to thank everyone for their love and support to make my lifeeasier and make my dreams even closer to reach.” If you are able, please help this worthwhile project by dropping your pulltabs off at the Al Shamal Shrine office.

Noble Mahlon Weir

OBTAINED ANEW

MEMBER?

HAVE

YOU

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Yes!Yes!I WANT TO BE A BOOSTER!Show your support for our award winning

publication and become a Booster. For only $25.00your name(s) will appear in every issue.

YES enclosed is my cheque, VISA, MASTERCARD

Card No.:Expiry Date:

Signature:

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Proceeds from this Booster column will help to offset thecosts of printing and mailing the SAHIDA. Make

your cheque for $25.00 payable to Al Shamal Shriners,14510 - 142nd Street, Edmonton, AB T6V 1H9.

SAHIDA SUPPORTERS�

AFINDSEN, Lorne & AnneASHTON, Rene & MarieBAJC, FrankBARNSLEY, Howard& WallieBARTON, John & CarolBELL, Alan & AliceBEMBRIDGE, Stan & MargBENGTSON, Oscar & OliveBENNETT, EdwardCAMERON, BobCHOMIN, Glenn & JenDEAN, ShirleyEDGAR, Jim & JessieFLOTTEN, HermanFORBES, Jim & CarolFUHR, Carl & EllenGOGAL, Barry & LindaGOW, BillFULFORD, Ken & PatriciaHOGLE, Bruce & Gail

JOHNSTON, GraceKOCH, Murray & KareyLEDIG, Michael & DelorisMcBURNEY, Doug & JayMcCUAIG, John & DorothyMcDONALD, SharonMORTER, Mort & JeanMUDGE, Larry & MaryNYROOS, Ray & DoreenPEDDEN, Bernice M.OSTROM, ErnestSEARS, Gordon & LenoreSHUMILAK, Rick & BevSKOGSTAD, Ian & SandySMITH, BobSMITH, DougTEMPLETON, Jim & LaurieTHACHUK, Bob & PatWEIR, Mahlon & Eva

$25.00

PONOKA FIRETRUCK UNITOn the 23rdof January our Unit hosted ourAfter Christmas Party. It was well attendedby our members and included Illustrious Sir

Barry Gogal and his Lady, Linda, as well as the Divan and theirLadies. We want to thank everyone for making the eveningsuch a success.

Since the inception of the Ponoka Fire Truck Unit, Noble BobRoss and his Lady Doreen have presented a miniature Fire Truckto the incoming Fire Chief. I want to thank them for continuingwith this tradition and also for honouring me with my ownpersonal truck.

Our real Fire Truck has four (4) new tires to get us safely to all ourevents this year. We are also getting an overhaul of our starter.Noble Eric Ostergard has volunteered to get this done and we allknow that it will be his son whowill responsible for doing themechanical work! The Ponoka Fire Department also donated aRed Beacon and all we need now is for a volunteer to stepforward and mount the Beacon.

We have decided to change our After Christmas Party to a Start-Up Party and it will be held on the 22ndof April 2009. TheClosing Party and installation of the new Steering Party with ourLadies will be on the 28th of October 2009 in Ponoka. We willannounce the exact location at a later date.

Noble Phil Derksen, Fire ChiefPonoka Fire Truck Unit

SILVER WINGSThe Silver Wings enjoyed a fun evening on Feb. 7th - theirValentines get together at Biffs Lounge - with a live auction anda pool tournament along with a great meal put on by Tony andstaff. Our Circus outing went very well with 3 riders on Friday, 4at both shows on Saturday and 3 on Sunday. We thoroughlyenjoyed working booth 5 and want to thank our volunteers for alltheir help running the booth. Are focus is now on April 24th asSilver Wings host T.G.I.F. and we look forward to the Leducparade ..... clear for take off .....

Wingers

VINTAGE CARSVintage Cars have 8 members and 13 cars. We are planning togo to Red Deer and meet the Vintage Car Boys from Calgary,have Coffee and then drive home. We will keep you posted if wego to their Show and Shrine in June.

That’s all for now.

Phil Derksen & Bob Ross

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LADIESAUXILIARYThe circus was a great success this year, our

thanks to all who contributed their time and energy especiallyMary McHargue who organized the Ladies Auxiliary booth, andLaverne Chartrand who organized the lost and found.

Our Fashion Show and Tea is early this year so you can findout what the best dressed ladies will be wearing for summer2009. Baskets have been prepared for the raffle, tablecenter pieces lovingly designed, delicious food made, comeand enjoy. Tickets for the event on April 25th, from 1 to 3pm, are only $15 and include entry for the door prize. Pleasetalk to Carol - 780-425-9469.

The Garage Sale last year was so successful another lady hasagreed to host it at 745 Estate Drive, Sherwood Park fromJune 18th to 20th. Items may be dropped off there from June15th to 17th.

A quick reminder for our members, it’s that time of year again –please pay your $10 annual dues to Joy Leskewich and she willgive you a new membership contact book.

Shriners ladies who are interested in having fun and contributingto the welfare of the Children in the Shriners Hospitals arewelcome to come to a general meeting on the 2nd Wednesdayof the month at 1:30pm or to meet with one of the groups at7pm the first Tuesday or 1pm the first Wednesday of the month.

AL AMIRA TEMPLEDAUGHTERS OF THE NILECongratulations to the Al Amira Temple 2009-10

Officers who were installed on March 15 and atthe April Stated Session:

Pat and Bob Thachuk, Wendy and Chris Batty

Queen Patricia ThachukPrincess Royal Hilary Alexander

Princess Tirzah Barbara ThompsonPrincess Badoura Victoria ScottPrincess Recorder Diana NesdolyPrincess Banker Frances PeacockPrincess Marshal Tami Curnew

Princess Chaplain Sharon McDonaldLady of the Keys Princess Patricia FulfordLady of Gates Princess Leona JamiesonPrincess Musician PQ Donna Kramer

Ladies in Waiting:Princess Nydia Margaret Blue

Princess Zulieka Anastasia BoydPrincess Zenobia Rosemary Townsend

Princess Zora Margaret ElliottPrincess Zuliema Judy Davis

Attendants:Princess LaVerne ChartrandPrincess Karen Tomlinson

Other Appointments:Canadian Flag Bearer Pr. Judy JacobsAmerican Flag Bearer Pr. Marion OlyenTemple Flag Bearer Pr. Tammy Muise

Lady of the Gong Princess Grace Johnston

MASTERMASON

MASTERMASON

MASTERMASON

SHRINERSHRINERSHRINER

JOYS OFBEING AN EDITORGetting out a publication is no picnicIf we print jokes, people say we are silly;If we don’t, we are too serious.If we stick close to the office,We ought to be around hustling material:If we go out,We should be on the job in the office.If we don’t print contributions, we don’t appreciate genius;And if we do, the paper is filled with junk!If we edit the other fellow’s write-up, we’re too critical;If we don’t we’re asleep.If we clip items from other papers, we are too lazy;If we don’t we’re stuck with our own stuff!Now, likely as not, some will say we swiped this from anothermagazine!*

*We Did!

Editor’s Pen

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TLC UNITAs we quickly approach the start of thenew parade year many TLC members arestarting to work on their riding units toget them ready for the road. Oil and filterchanges, gas treatments, polish andchrome cleaner are all being used to

make sure that everything works and looks its best. Of course,we are always on the look out for new ways to add flashinglights and sirens so that there is no doubt in anyone’s mind thatthe TLC is approaching.

On the membership front, if all goes well we hope to have at leastone new riding member this summer. Rumour also has it that oneof our current members will be unveiling a shiny new souped-up unitto fill out our fleet. Hopefully it will be ready to join us for PNSA inBillings where we plan to have a number of units on parade.

At the recent Shrine Circus we had up to five riding unitsavailable, and road worthy, for the opening of eachperformance. They were joined by our four legged mascotDacota who proved to be a great hit with the children. Onbehalf of Dacota a big thank you goes to Noble Trevor Mortonwho dog-sat and acted as handler for the openings while NobleBlair Hart filled out the Fez Head Fred costume. Special thanksalso go out to our Chief, Noble Neville Bush, and his entire crewin the Novelty Room who worked so hard to ensure that all of thenovelty items were unpacked, inspected and made ready for saleto our Circus guests. While it was a lot of work, it was also a lotof fun. Another very special thank you goes to Nobles Doug andCurtis Magas and their entire team at Table 1. They all did awonderful job of coordinating the delivery of stock to the salestables and the running of their own table at the main entrance.It was a toss up as to who had the bigger smiles, the volunteersor the children coming to the Circus.

Lastly, while you are thinking about it and it’s fresh in your minds,grab a calendar and mark off the 26th of September. That’s thedate for the TLC’s PyrogyFest 09 being held at the ShrineCenter. We hope to have advance tickets available and oncethey are we will let you know. Be sure to get yours early.

ARAB PATROLThe Arab Patrol members kept themselves quitebusy at the circus this year. We took overattempting to control the floor for the animal ridesand that was a task in itself. There must be anattraction to elephants as it seemed like everyone

wanted to have their children ride on the one lone elephant,regardless of the length of the line-up! However, we were up to thetask and enjoyed our new responsibility.

How should a Noble celebrate his 85thbirthday? Well in the caseof our own Pat BROWN, how about working a bingo? On the 16thof April, the bingo caller at Castledown’s Bingo suspended playand lead everyone in singing “Happy Birthday” to Pat and sharingin his birthday cake! It was quite a surprise for Pat and shortly aftercutting the cake, he was back doing his job but he certainly waswearing a big grin on his face for the remainder of the afternoon!

What are you doing for Mother’s Day this May 10th? Have youconsidered attending the Arab Patrol Mother’s Day Brunch at theShrine Centre? We hope to see you there and tickets are availableat the Shrine office.

Jim Templeton, Noel Gauthier, Pat Brown,Bob Cameron and Mahlon Weir

Celebrating Pat Brown’s 85th Birthday

for next issueCOPY AND PICTURES

July 15, 2009

LADIESWITHOUTSHRINERSThese Ladies are asking forassistance with everyone saving theirCampbell’s Labels. They are usedfor the Campbell’s Labels forEducation program. Please contactMarjorie Rudolph for furtherinformation at 998-4239.

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A SHORT HISTORYThis is an article that was written by the late Noble Bill Caine whowas President of the Edmonton Shrine Club in 1966. He was ablyassisted by Noble Dan Widney who was at that time Captain ofthe Arab Patrol and Chairman of the Edmonton Uniformed Units.Noble Dan Widney is still active today and is a prominent andwell known member of the Patrol Arabs. This short history hasbeen published two times, first in the Koran of Al Azhar Templein 1966 and again in June of 1982 in the Edmonton Shrine ClubsNewslitter. So, it is timely to again, some 27 years later, to informour newer Shrine / Masons about some of Norther AlbertaShrinedoms past history.

The Edmonton Shrine Club, from a modest beginning in the year1916, has progressed to what we like to believe is one of themost active Clubs in Western Canada.

In 1916 there were about 40 members of the Shrine living in theCity of Edmonton and, with the blessings of Al Azhar Temple,they formed themselves into a Club, to be known as theEdmonton Shrine Club. This active group used to meet eachmonth and for many years met at the premises of the EdmontonClub. Their big event each year was the Edmonton Shrine ClubBall held at the Macdonald Hotel on March 17, and we areinformed that this was always a well attended affair, with peopleclamoring for tickets to this grand event.

During the depression years, through a lack of finances commonto most everyone, the Edmonton Shrine Club had to curtail itsactivities, but it continued to meet each month, although themembership attendance at these meetings suffered somewhat.

In the year 1932 one of the original members of the EdmontonShrine Club was elevated to the highest office in the Temple, thatof Illustrious Potentate, this members being our own Noble JoeReed, who had joined the Shrine in 1912.

In 1938, another Edmonton Shrine Club Noble, this being NobleArchie West, served as Illustrious Potentate of Al Azhar Temple,followed by Noble H.R. Milner, who held the high office in 1944.

Up until this time, while the Club had been very active, they hadnot been able to secure enough candidates to make aCeremonial financially possible, all Candidates being processedthrough the Temple at Calgary. In 1946, through a concertedeffort by all of the Club, Edmonton was able to hold its ownCeremonial, with 39 Candidates crossing the hot sands of thedesert. Since that date, Edmonton has been able to holdCeremonials at regular intervals.

In 1955, Dr. W.A. Henry of Lacombe, Alberta, and a member ofthe Edmonton Shrine Club, became the fourth IllustriousPotentate. Illustrious Sir Jim Long was the fifth Potentate of theAl Azhar Temple to be elected from the Edmonton Club in 1958.

By 1951 the Club had grown in sufficient numbers to the pointwhere it was felt that we could possibly form one or twoMarching Units, and out of this was born the Oriental Band andthe Arab Patrol. Today, we have 75 members active in theOriental Band and a total of 65 members in the Patrol Band,Flags and Marching Units.

As the years progressed, more Units were formed and we nowsupport a Greeter Unit comprised of 25 Nobles, the DirectorsStaff with a membership of 30 Nobles, the Patrol Arabs with a

membership of 25 and a Clown Unit of 30 Nobles, the MotorPatrol with 30 Nobles and Pipes and Drums with 35. Our totalClub membership as at December 31, 1981, was 575 Nobles,and in order to keep all these Nobles active and interested weneeded to expand.

In 1961 the Oriental Band and the Marching Units travelled toMiami, Florida, where they completed in the Marching Displaysat the Imperial Sessions of the Shrine. The Edmonton andCalgary units were joined for this occasion and we were fortunateenough to win first place for Al Azhar Temple, competing againstother Shrine Temples from all across the United States andCanada. We were most proud of this accomplishment as PastIllustrious Potentate M. Porter from Al Azhar Temple was beinginstalled as Imperial Potentate on this occasion.

In the year 1966, we saw yet another member of the EdmontonShrine Club holding the office of Potentate of Al Azhar Temple,in the person of Illustrious Potentate Noble Al Ernst, he was oneof the original members of the Edmonton Marching Unit.

In the late seventies and early eighties we find that theEdmonton Shrine Club seemingly taking a much more activepart in the operation of the Temple, in 1977 Illustrious Sir BryceVan Dusen, in 1980 Illustrious Sir Glenn Treacy and in 1982Illustrious Sir Cy Ward, all of these Nobles, Past Presidents of theEdmonton Shrine Clubs and all very excellent Potentates.

We look forward to the future with keen anticipation. We areproud of the accomplishments of the past, and feel that we arejust starting to grow to that stature which will be ours in the yearsto come.

P.S. Note that in almost 70 years 1916 – 1985 only nine Noblesfrom the Edmonton Shrine Club ever became Potentate ofAl Azhar Shriners.

KANSfor KIDS

PLEASE BRING YOUR EMPTY

RECYCLABLE BEVERAGE

CONTAINERS TO THE SHRINE

CENTER. ALL PROCEEDS TO

LOCAL SHRINE ACTIVITIES AND

PROJECTS.

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CLOWNSJohn “Teez” Fraser, Jack “Jjoops” Peacockand Bob “Tacky” Thachukrecently returnedfrom Atlanta, Georgia after attending theInternational Shrine Clown Association 2009Mid-Winter meeting and competitions.After just missing tornado warnings with hailthe size of baseballs and rain coming downin buckets they settled in for some stiffcompetition. Although their competitionsuccess was not great, they enjoyed the

comraderyof other 60 or so clowns registered and the competitionitself by entering in all categories with the exception of the unitskit. Teez placed in the top 5 for Auguste out of 14 competing.Tacky, the farmer was so popular that he was invited to take partin a Unit Skit with five other clowns. Jjoops was a real trouper andmanaged to keep the pace clowning and socializing. There weretwo highlights on the awards evening: 1) Our three clowns, Teez,Jjoops and Tacky took 1st place for the 3-5 Man Skit with our“Little Echo” skit, and 2) Teez received a Finalist Award for 2008ISCA Clown of the Year.

After another successful year of clowning for the young and oldat various functions we are looking forward to another busy yearof parades and other events.

As usual our clowns were in full form for the annual circus justcompleted in Edmonton. Our meet and greet with the adultsand children prior to, at intermission and following the circus wasvery much appreciated by both the Young and old in attendance.We had many positive comments regarding our “Water Cooler”skit this year and look forward to performing again next year.

~ MEMORIAM~

ILL. SIR BILL BOONEBOONE, William (Bill)September 25, 1938 - March30, 2009 William (Bill) Booneof St. Albert, passed awayMonday after a valiant battlewith cancer. Bill leaves tomournhis spouse of thirty-nine years,Jean; sons, Ronald (Debbie),Howard (Jan), and daughterCynthia (Scott); and ninegrandchildren, Denise, Ryan,Codie, Bradley, Courtney,

Melanie (Brad), Brandon, Krysta and Dawson; and onegreat-grandchild, Daylan. He also leaves behind sixbrothers and sisters, Sylvia Bugden, Rita (Terry)Poulton and Ernest (Linda), of Newfoundland; ShirleyGrandy of Ft. McMurray; June (Stephan) Cooper andAndrew (Teri) of Calgary. Predeceased by parentsErnest and Julia Boone, his son Philip ColemanBoone, and brother Thomas "Boyd". Bill was born inClarke's Beach, Newfoundland. At the age of 18 hejoined the R.C.A.F. as a Communications Technicianand retired as a Warrant Officer in the CanadianForces after 25 years of loyal service. During hismilitary career he served in Europe and with theUnited Nations in the Middle East. After hisretirement he enjoyed raising rainbow trout forstocking dugouts throughout Alberta. Bill wasactively involved in many organizations; BalmoralLodge, Past Master; Capital City Chapter R.A.M. FirstPrincipal; Preceptory #46 K.T., Preceptor and PastProvincial Prior for Alberta; Zohar Council (CrypticRite) Past Thrice Illustrious Master and current GrandInspector General; York Rite College, Past Governor;Taylor Conclave #5, Member Red Cross ofConstantine; Past Potentate of Al Shamal Shriners.He was also a member of the Arab Patrol and MotorCorps Units. We will always remember Bill for hisgregarious personality, his unique sense of humour,his love for family and friends, masonic and shrinerassociates. Rest in peace Bill, you will be sorelymissed. A Celebration of Bill's Life was held onSaturday, April 4, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Al ShamalShrine Centre, 14510 - 142 Street, Edmonton, AB.Memorial tributes in Bill's honour may be madedirectly to the Patient Financial Assistance Fund, c/oThe Cross Cancer Clinic, 11560 University AvenueEdmonton, Alberta, T6G 1Z2. Foster and McGarvey~ St. Albert Funeral Home ~, 9 Muir Drive, St. Albert,Alberta. 780-458-2222

Teez, Tacky and Jjoops

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Shriners International Positions Itselffor Membership Growth

When people think of the Shrinersorganization, they may think of tradition and the trappings of a136-year-old fraternity. “Modern” and “contemporary” aren’t words that come readily to mind in describing the Shriners – at least it hasn’t been the case in the past.

In the last year and a half, a national marketing and branding campaign has brought a new awareness of Shriners Hospitals for Children, the official philanthropy of Shriners International, to millions of people. Now it is the fraternity’s turn. Shriners of North America, henceforth known as Shriners International, is embarking on an effort to update its look and image, and the media and general public are taking notice.

Recently, the Chicago News-Tribune noted the contemporary approach the organization is using to appeal to younger audiences, citing the Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open, theLas Vegas stop on the PGA TOUR. The tournament garnered extensive coverage from major media outlets, including Fox News, CNN and Entertainment Tonight, as well as People, In Style and Las Vegas Golf magazines. Shriners International is now utilizing the iconic fez as its logo (replacing the scimitar, star and crescent, which has been used since 1872) to modernize the look of materials, and is developing strategies to encourage younger members to join the organization. The latter includes partnering with college fraternities to educate members about Shriners International. In addition,

temples (chapters) are offering more family-oriented activities. Local Shriners are also being encouraged to create interest groups, or “units,” that appeal to younger members. A unique example is the “Wild Fez” Unit from Maskat Shriners in Wichita Falls, Texas. Members of this group, who are mostly in their 20s and 30s, raise money for their temple by organizing an annual concert they call “ShrineFest.” Units like the Wild Fezzes are growing increasingly popular and help the public learn more about the Shriners fraternity. These groups also help keep younger members involved in the organization and their communities.

The fraternity has also established a presence within several social media sites in an effort to engage younger members and potential members. Currently, the fraternity

manages a MySpace page at myspace.com/shrinershq and can be found on Twitter at twitter.com/shriners. Participation in other sites, such as Flickr, is in the works. The decision to rename the fraternity Shriners International was made to more clearly reflect the worldwide reach and relevance of the Shriners organization, especially with members in several countries hoping to create new Shriners temples in the near future. While the fraternity is taking on a new look and attitude, the mission of its philanthropy remains the same: to continue to support Shriners Hospitals for Children.

For information about joiningAl Shamal Shriners

• Visit www.alshamalshriners.org• Email shriners@telus.net• Call 780-482-6065

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AL SHAMAL’SMEMBERSHIP

TGIF

AL SHAMAL’SMEMBERSHIP

TGIFWHEN: On the 4th Friday of the month

June 26, 2009

TIME: 6:00 p.m.

Dinner, snacks and bar serviceare available at a reasonable price

WHERE: Al Shamal Shrine Centre

Open to everybody

NO ADMISSION CHARGE

Nobles, Ladies, Masons& Our Friends