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It is with a heavy heart that I submit my second message for 2009 since we have suffered the loss of our Chief Rabban, Noble
David Singer. David had many plans for the future of Luxor Shriners and I believe his wish would be for us to carry on and
do what we do best, care for the children. My message was written before David's passing and I have chosen to leave it
as it was. With that being said, Lady Karen and I would like to extend our deepest sympathy to Lady Ilana and we would like
to invite her to be our special guest at all events hosted by Luxor this year and into the future.
How quickly
the time flies, it seems like only a week ago that I was being Installed as the Potentate of Luxor Shriners and now the first
third of the year has passed. I have to say though, what a wonderful feeling it is to be your Potentate!
Many of
you may already know that Live, Love and Laugh is our motto for the year. We started the year on a high note with many laughs
and great memories from the Installation and Banquet. We hope to have many more laughs and make more memories before the year
is over and hopefully into the future.
I would first like to say that, thanks to the hard work and dedication of
our Treasurer, Noble Gordon Thorne, and your Executive, our Shrine Centre is in good shape. As you all know North America
and the rest of the world is suffering the serious consequences of a global recession. The Shrine is not immune to these consequences
and will, thus, be forced to make some serious decisions about the future of its 22 Hospitals. Some closures and cutbacks
may be required in order for the Shrine to continue to maintain the quality of care that is presently offered to children
and their families. Difficult decisions will have to be made at this year's Imperial Session. The votes will not be easy
as all of the hospitals are held near and dear to the hearts of each and every Noble of the Shrine, especially those close
to the affected hospitals.
Our endowment fund is presently at 5.1 billion, down from 8.2. We are using approximately
2 million dollars per day from that fund to operate the present hospital infrastructure, this is obviously not sustainable
so, change is inevitable. Nothing stays the same forever and a good business changes with the times. The Shrine is a business
with the voice of many and your representatives will take your concerns forward to this year's Imperial Session. Please
feel free to contact any one of your reps to the Imperial to voice your opinions or concerns, or to ask questions. This year's
Imperial Session is sure to be a passionate and emotionally charged one.
On a more positive note lets return to
the good things going on with Luxor!
Transportation is now under the direction of our new Provincial Co-Chairmen
and a Chairman from each shrine club. I understand that things are falling into place nicely and I, on behalf of the Nobles
of Luxor and the children, would like to thank all of those who have accepted posts for the ensuing year. I would be remiss
in failing to mention the work of Ill. Sir Blaine Calhoun and Lady Carolyn through out the years. It is a rare and wonderful
thing for a group, such as Luxor, to have dedicated individuals in their midst and I would like to thank you both, on behalf
of all of Luxor and the children, for all of your love and dedication.
Membership and fundraising, our two biggest
challenges, and the life blood of our fraternity: Membership, beginning in May, will be the special project of our new Chairman,
Noble Wayne Fox. It is every Noble's responsibility to aid in the growth of our fraternity, however, Noble Fox brings
a great knowledge of our Masonic Fraternity and a wonderful outlook for the future of the Shrine. He has agreed to assist
and guide each and every one of us in helping our numbers grow. This is not a one man job so when you meet Noble Fox ask what
you can do to help.
Fundraising has been given a boost this year with the new pricing of the Fezeroo ticket. I
look forward to hearing the final outcome on this one. As I always say, fundraising is how we “feed the monster”.
If we don't raise money we don't help children. The Clubs and Units need all the help and support they can get from
the Nobility so get in touch with your local clubs and see what you can do to help. Noble Scott Magee is heading up our paper
sale once again. If anyone has articles or pictures to put in the paper please send them on to him.
Lady Karen
and I, with others from the Nobility, have enjoyed some wonderful hospitality at the visitations so far in 2009. We have been
very busy but are enjoying every minute of it.
In closing I would like to extend an invitation to all to attend
the Spring Ceremonial Celebrations. Lets bring in our new Candidates with a bang. We have a great program lined up with good
items to bid on at the Casino Night and lots of laughs to be had. Lady Karen has wonderful entertainment for the Ladies with
Shanklin Road, an all girl group sure to bring cheer to the crowd. All units should be hyped for the parade. Attendees of
the banquet on Saturday night will bear witness to a twelve year old, grade 7 student reading her English essay which, in
turn, will be the introduction of our special guest who will make you all walk away proud to be a Shriner or a Shrine Lady.
Later that evening we will enjoy the music of DJ “Party Machine”, who has promised some of those fun games that
we all enjoyed at the Installation! Hope to see you there.
Remember our Motto, Live---Love---Laugh (It will drive
everyone crazy wondering what you're up
to!)
YITF
Ill. Sir L. Barry Mabey
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Donations to the Luxor Patient Transportation Fund can be made by
calling Norma at 506-652-2832.
Membership Dues can be paid
by Visa or Mastercard by calling Norma at 506-652-2832.
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