As you read this article March madness will have come and gone, as has the winter and snow (at least we hope it has!)
March has had everyone on their toes. The Membership Committee headed by PP John Archer and PP Charlie Brown has held successful rush parties, set standards for top line signers, and moved forward with giant steps with the process of replacing ourselves. Be sure to keep your eyes and ears open to find a man who shows an interest in and/or who has the qualities to become an amazing Shriner.
St Patrick’s Day was a success as the Fife and Drum Unit hit it out of the ballpark again! Thanks, guys, for your hard work. Having said that, the Khartum Pipes from Winnipeg also treated us to some enormous fun playing their bagpipes! Thanks again for helping us celebrate the day!
The Circus Committee is in full swing, making sure our Shrine Circus will be a great success, just as it has been in the past. Thank you, Larry Miller and Aaron Neiman, for your leadership on that committee. We encourage all Nobles and Ladies to come out to the performances and lend your support. This year the Circus runs from April 19–22, so please add those dates to your calendars. Thanks in advance for your help! The Divan will make trips to Chamberlain and Mitchell during their circuses prior to and following ours, supporting them in their efforts!
The Orthopedic Clinic in Brookings and Sioux Falls went off without a hitch. Thanks to Paul Buriak for his leadership. This is Paul’s first year heading this large and very worthy endeavor and he did it well. A big THANKS goes out to Roger Risty, who took Paul under his wing and showed him the ropes!
This is coming up quickly, so don’t forget the free screening clinic on Saturday, April 14, at Orthopedic Institute at 7:30 a.m. If there is someone you know who has a child who might benefit from the work we Shriners do, please inform them of this opportunity for their child to become a Shrine Patient and receive the help they not only need, but definitely deserve! We all want to strive to make sure “the best-kept secret” doesn’t remain a secret and that people know what Shriners offer for their children!
Giving back at Grand Falls Casino is a new way to have people donate to our Transportation Fund. They offered this to the public, if they donated $10 to the El Riad Transportation Fund, they would receive $10 in free slot play. This opportunity ran from March 1–31. A big thanks to Todd and Stacie Long for arranging this!
Let’s continue to push forward to celebrate our membership, El Riad Temple, and — most importantly – our Shrine patients!
In closing, remember to HAVE FUN AND INSPIRE SOMEONE each and every day!
Maury “Big Moe” Richard
2018 Potentate, El Riad Shrine