Scimitar The Volume 18 Issue 2 The Rhode Island Shriners Newsletter Greetings, I am humbled and honored to have earned your support to serve as Potentate of the Rhode Island Shriners. I am proud to be a Shriner and have a place my family is accepted and welcomed while we conduct the business of the Shrine. My son has grown up here before your eyes. My ultimate Masonic achievement will be to have him become a Mason and ultimately a Shriner. Time moves swiftly, and that event may be here before we know it. Thank you for making this an important part of Peter s life. I would like to thank Illustrious Andrew Hencler for appointing me to this progressive line. Thank you for the confidence you have shown in me. I hope I will make you proud. I am the eternal optimist when it comes to the future of our organization as a whole, but with particular regard towards membership. In my young Masonic career I have been blessed to be part of some great teams in the Blue Lodges. When men of like character assemble and enjoy their relations while in the cause in which they are engaged there is nothing that cannot be accomplished. Being part of those teams gives me the confidence to lead our Shrine Center. I am also thankful to those who have served multiple terms in leadership positions to allow myself and other officers to learn in our progression towards leadership in our respective Masonic Bodies. David Goldberg, Jack Lawson, Brad Ripley, Charles Bradley at the Blue Lodge Level as an individual. William Bill Hall, Frank DiMascio and Glenn Medeiros here at our Shrine Center. Thank you. In preparation for this year, I was able to renew and create relationships, while engaging with Nobles about thoughts and ideas for our Shrine Center. I would like to have more time listen to more our Nobles, but particularly our older Nobles. This is something I have always cherished. They are a wealth of knowledge. One Noble is good enough to remind me that as Potentate you re Queen for the Day. Humility and Purpose should be your guide. The whole build up to serving as Potentate will be something I will look back on fondly. I am proud to be part of this Board of Directors and leaders of our Shrine Center. I am confident in the team assembled that we will continue to move this Shrine Center forward. We have and will continue to work as a group in regards to our Shrine Center with one ultimate goal; our success. Tough decisions will continue to come before our Divan and our organization as a whole. This group will meet these challenges with confidence and resolve. With a focus on our Masonic foundation, we have implemented a 3-2-1 step process. Focus on the number Three. Ever remembering we are Master Masons. Men of good character and morals. That does not change when we walk through the doors of One Rhodes Place. Our 3 or more Campaign. Never forgetting our Masonic foundation. Every time 3 or More Masons get together throw a $1 per person in to a bucket at the bar, unit rooms etc. This will help fund promotions of the Shrine and promotional items related to membership. This will make membership almost self-funded. This voluntary, but your participation will help our Shrine growth. Focus on the Number Two. I would like every unit to have two fundraisers. Most units are in need of big ticket items. Vehicles, uniforms, etc. Shrine leadership will assist your unit with any fundraising. Think outside of the box and Temple. I would ask every Noble to attend two parades, two stated meetings, and support two fundraisers. Supporting a fundraiser does not mean you have to physically be here. Raffle tickets are a hands off event. Of course we much rather have you join us. Continued on page 2
The SCIMITAR is published monthly by the Rhode Island Shriners One Rhodes Place, Cranston, Rhode Island 02905. Editor-in-Chief Robert O Brien, P.P. RHODE ISLAND SHRINERS One Rhodes Place, Cranston, R I 02905 Toll free 1-888-A CHILD 5 Web Site: www.rishriners.com Telephone: (401) 467-7100 Office Extensions: Potentate/CEO, Domenic DiStefano...#14 Recorder, Paul Healy...#16 Secretary, Pat Deitch...#10 Treasurer, Walter Phaneuf...#15 Bookkeeper, Elaine Williams...#18 Sales, Hillary Williamson...#13 Bar...#11 Kitchen...#12 Patrick Gordon...#17 Chef Chris...#19 Charities (Sue Bowering)...#21 Charities (Leon Knudsen)...#25 ELECTED OFFICERS 2017 Potentate...Domenic DiStefano Chief Rabban...Donald Williamson Assistant Rabban... Frank DiMascio P.P. High Priest & Prophet...Robert St. Jean Oriental Guide...Alan Kinsley Treasurer...Walter Phaneuf Recorder...Paul Healy APPOINTED OFFICERS 2016 First Ceremonial Master...James Conway Jr. Marshall...Norman Messinger Captain of the Guard...David Bradley Chief Director...Robert Chase Military Aide...Stephen Kemp Chief Aide...Michael Barboza Membership Chariman...Clark Cate P.P. Continued from page 1 Focus on the Number One. Nobles, your participation makes the difference. You, as that individual Noble can make the difference if you unit will attend a parade and win the parade attendance award at the end of the year? You, as that individual Noble can turn a slow Monday night at the bar into a night were other Nobles might come out and join you to catch up on good times? You, as that individual may have time during the day to promote our organization to the community? You, as that individual Noble may have a talent, relationship or knowledge to get a campaign off the ground? The possibilities are endless here but it all starts with you, the one individual Noble. I hope you will support this 3-2-1 thought process. Upcoming Events: Thursday, February 2 Shrine Presentation Morning Star 7pm Sunday, February 5 Super Bowl Party 4pm $30 per person includes meal and square February 17-18 Shrine Getaway Weekend, Cape Point $100 includes Hospitality Suite February 28, 2017 Rhode Island Shriners Fat Tuesday Event March 1, 2017 Take-out Fish and Chip, Ash Wednesday Friday, March 17 Rhode Island Shriners St. Patrick s Party Sunday, April 1 Learning Center Fundraiser Sign up Lists will be available every Wednesday night between 6pm and 8pm. I will leave you with these thoughts. Do you get the most out of your membership? It is not about cheap drinks or meals. Honestly, do you get the most out of your Shrine membership? Please think about this long and hard. Are you engaged with your unit? When was the last time you attended an event or a parade? Questions could be endless. If you are not getting the most out of your membership, I would like to talk with you. Warm and Fraternal Regards, Domenic J. DiStefano Potentate Rhode Island Shriners 2017 If you can t wait for your copy of The Scimitar to arrive by mail, go to http://rishriners.com and download the PDF on the first of the month! 2
Shrine Ladies The Rhode Island Shrine Ladies Activity Group would like to say Thank You to everyone who supported this year s Fez-tival of Trees. It was our most successful yet. Whether you put up a tree, bought our raffle tickets, had breakfast with Santa, gave a monetary donation or donated a gift, worked the event or visited the event, we truly appreciate all the support we received to further our goal of raising funds to support the. We wish you all a wonderful holiday season. Thanks, Kerrie Medeiros Nobles, Shriners Village is a great Shrine resource and a wealth of information. The Shiners International Protocol has been updated. General Order No. 1 Series 2016 2017 is now available. If you haven t registered yet, do it NOW. All you need is your membership number and an interest to learn all things Shrine!!! www.shrinersvillage.com * Friday February 17 and Saturday February 18 Cape Point Hotel 476 Main St West Yarmouth, MA 02673 3
Congratulations To the 2017 Elected and Appointed Officers: Potentate 2017 Ill. Sir Domenic DiStefano Chief Rabban Donald Williamson Asssitant Rabban Franceso DiMascio P.P. High Priest and Prophet Robert St Jean Oriental Guide Alan Kinsley Treasurer Walter Phaneuf Recorder Paul Healy 1st Ceremonial Master James Conway Jr. Marshall Norman Messinger Captain of the Guard David Bradley Military Aide Stephen Kemp Chief Director Robert Chase Asst Treasurer Bryan Martin Chief Steward Robert Correia (Sue) Aide Joe Andrade Aide Don Thornton Aide James Demarais Aide Robert Robertson Aide/Membership David Malone Membership Chariman Clark Cate P.P. Membership Glenn E. Mederios P.P. Plan Now to Attend the 2017 Imperial Session The 143rd Imperial Session of Shriners International will be here before we know it. The 2017 edition of the fraternity s biggest and most important event of the year will be taking place in Daytona Beach, Florida, from July 9 through July 13, and will be jampacked with plenty of fun activities to enjoy. The following are just a few of the special events planned for you during Imperial Session: Saturday July 8 6 p.m. Pub Crawl, down the iconic Main Street, Daytona Beach 7 p.m. Music and Fireworks, Bandshell on the Beach Sponsored by the city of Daytona Beach Sunday July 9: Opening Day 8 a.m. Shrine Motor Corp Competition, Daytona International Speedway 8 a.m. Golf Tournament - $65 per person LPGA International Golf Course 9 a.m. Walk, Ride or Drive for Love at Daytona International Speedway A $25 Donation to Shriners Hospitals for Children, per person Walk to Victory Lane or drive your car or motor bike on the Daytona Speedway 1 p.m. Imperial Church Service, Peabody Theatre Auditorium 3 p.m. Imperial Session Public Opening, Ocean Center Arena Hall 6 p.m. Live Music, Bandshell on the Beach Monday July 10 8 a.m. Shriners Motorcycle Ride - $25 per person The first 100 participants will have a police escort and receive an event T-shirt. Ride down Daytona s famous Main Street and along the Atlantic Ocean 6 p.m. Ballyhoo, Clock Tower near the Boardwalk Open to all Shriner Musical units 6 p.m. Cigar Smoke Out - $50 per person A great goodie bag, live music, entertainment In reserve section of Bandshell on the Beach Tuesday July 11 10 a.m. Ladies Luncheon, Daytona Beach Hilton Grand Ballroom 7 p.m. Imperial Parade, proceeding down Atlantic Ave. (A1A) toward The Ocean Center ending with a fireworks display near the Boardwalk area including live music at Bandshell on the Beach Wednesday July 12 8:30 a.m. Pageant for incoming Imperial Potentate, The Ocean Center Arena Hall 1:30 p.m. Public Relations Report and Patient Success Story 7 p.m. Shriners evening concert, Ocean Center Arena Hall More information can be found on the website, imperial2017.com. Please visit the event schedule on the website for a full list of activities. 4
Rhode Island Shrine-Masonic Florida Luncheon Sahib Shrine-Sarasota February 24,2017 Sahib Shrine Center, 600 N. Beneva Rd.,Sarasota, Fl. 34232 Tel. (941) 366-4449 LUNCHEON MENU Pot Roast of Beef or Butter Crumb Tilapia News from the Grand Lodge of RI Official Visitation Schedule: M W Grand Master Stephen T. McGuire Thursday, February. 2, 2017 Mt. Vernon Lodge Friday, March 10, 2017 Manchester Lodge Tuesday, March 14, 2017 Franklin Lodge Tuesday, March 28, 2017 Collegivm Lvminosvm Tuesday, April 11, 2017 Washington Lodge Entrees will include:- Tossed Salad, Herb Roasted Red Potatoes, Vegetable,Bread & Butter, Dessert,Coffee and Iced Tea. Cost $ 23.00 per person, including tax and gratuity. Checks made out to: Sahib Shrine Please mail reservations to: Joseph B. Brearley 33004 Pennbrooke Parkway Leesburg, Fl. 34748 ALL MASONS, SHRINERS,their LADIES and GUESTS WELCOME. Please Join us!! We expect to have the Grand Master of Masons in Rhode Island, Most Worshipful Stephen T. McGuire and Potentate of Rhode Island Shriners, Illustrious Domenic DiStefano attending. From the Editor Nobles, Its a new year, new slate of officers, new goals and aspirations! We need your help. The Scimitar has been back to a monthly newsletter for the past 11 months and we need your continued contributions to keep it timely and informative. If the Officers and Units head could keep the rest of us informed, we can be a more efficient fraternity and keep us all on the same page. Lets help make this a valuable communication tool. You don t need to be a wordsmith. Just let us know whats going on. Even if its nothing more than a function, date and time. We ll do the rest. The Scimitar is only as good as the information provided. Email me your submissions by the 10th of the month and keep us informed. Bob O Brien, P.P. bob.obrien@gmail.com News from Springfield Hospital Rubini Pathy M.D., FRCSC, is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Shriners Hospitals for Children Springfield. Prior to medical school, Dr. Pathy completed her Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, and enjoyed working as a physical therapist for five years in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Pathy completed medical school at the University of Toronto, Canada and Orthopedic Surgery Residency at McMaster University, Canada. She completed fellowships in pediatric orthopedic surgery at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, and British Columbia Children s Hospital in Vancouver, Canada. Dr. Pathy s areas of subspecialty interest are neuromuscular disorders, gait analysis, hip disorders, foot and ankle disorders, lower extremity deformity and trauma. Credentials: Medical Degree, University of Toronto, Canada Orthopedic Surgery Residency, McMaster University, Canada Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery Fellowship, British Columbia Children s Hospital, Vancouver, Canada Rubini Pathy M.D., FRCSC 5
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Grand Master s Visitation to Mt. Vernon Shrine Presentation @ Morningstar Lodge 7PM Super Bowl 4:00 pm Divan Meeting w/ Unit Heads 6:30 pm Ladies Luncheon 11:30 am Aleppo Shrine Visitation Aleppo Shrine Visitation Legion of Honor Director s Staff 7:00 pm RI Shrine Get-a-Way Weekend Temple Guard 11:00 am RI Shrine Get-a-Way Weekend Artisan s/ Motor Corps Clown Unit 9:30 am Fat Tuesday Event Legion of Honor Ash Wednesday Take out Fish & Chips Ladies Luncheon 11:30 am Director s Staff Bingo to benefit the Chidren s Dyslexia Center. 6:00 pm NESA Mid Winter Meeting Ottawa, ON Grand Master s Visitation Manchester Lodge NESA Mid Winter Meeting Director s Staff 7:00 pm Grand Master s Visitation Franklin Lodge St Patrick s Day Party Temple Guard 11:00 am Artisan s/ Motor Corps Clown Unit 9:30 am 7
The Rhode Island Shriners SUPERBOWL PARTY BUFFET MENU Chicken Wings With Assorted Dipping Sauces New England Patriots VS Build-your-own Nachos & Tacos Grilled Pizzas Assorted Toppings RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED By Feb. 1, 2017 Atlanta Falcons 401.467.7100 Sunday, FEB. 5, 2017 Doors open at 5:00 pm ~ CASH BAR ARRANGEMENT (Beverage Specials!) Buffet served 6:00 pm ~ 8:00 pm $30.00 per person THE IMPERIAL ROOM One Rhodes Place ~ Cranston, Rhode Island
The SCIMITAR Rhode Island Shriners One Rhodes Place Cranston, R I 02905 Up-Coming Events: Thursday, February 2 Shrine Presentation Morning Star Lodge Sunday, February 5 Shrine Super Bowl Party $30 Friday, February 10 Aleppo Pote s Reception February 17-18 RI Shrine Getaway Weekend Friday Cape Point Hotel Cape Cod. $100 per night includes hospitality room. Saturday, February 18 PR Night at P Bruins February 28, 2017 Fat Tuesday March 9-12 NESA Mid Winter Meeting Ottawa, ON Friday March 17 Shrine St Patrick s Party One Rhodes Place Sunday April 1 Children s Dyslexia Center Fundraiser Friday April 7 Adult Easter Egg Hunt Don t Forget The Hearts Friday Nights 6-8 pm