Nobles, Illustrious Sirs, Ladies and Friends of Bektash
What a busy month we had in March. The Divan has been hard at work attending seminars. First Ceremonial Master, Peter Raven and his Lady Stacey came back from the Membership Seminar with great new ideas for keeping members engaged. Our Recorder and Treasurer, Ill. P.P. Brison and Ill. P.P. Hebert attended the joint Treasurer’s and Recorders seminar and our Oriental Guide and Assistant Rabban attended their respective trainings in Tampa. The entire Divan is energized and ready to get to work.
The annual St. Patricks Day dinner returned this year to Portsmouth Shrine Club. Ill. Daneault P.P. and Lady Ellie did a great job. It was great to see this event return home to Portsmouth and I hope to see this continue to grow.
We had our first Stated Meeting of the year. Potluck dinner from the Ladies was exceptional. A great big thank you to our ladies for all your support. While the Nobles conducted our work, the ladies worked on baskets for the upcoming EggStravaganza.
It is really nice to see so many new Nobles and their ladies at the meeting.
We kicked off the Northeast Shrine Association 2023 Mid-Winter- Bektash. It was great to see so many of our Bektash Nobles attend. Visiting Imperial officers received were, Imperial First Ceremonial Master, Ill. Sir, Mark Hartz and Imperial High Priest and Prophet, Ill Sir Kevin Costello. We had a full house with visiting Nobles and Ill. Sirs visiting from around the Northeast. Hospitality was great and all enjoyed the fellowship throughout the weekend. A special thanks to all the Bektash volunteers who came out to help in the kitchen serving the meals. I look forward to the larger Fall Field Days in August. This time, Ladies and family are welcome to attend.
As our Recorder mentioned in our Stated meeting, we are looking to beef up our available pool of drivers to transport patients and their families to and from the Hospitals or to the Manchester Airport. This is one of the most direct ways you can support what we do. This is what we do. I can say that it is a rewarding experience to help a family in need and get them the care that we provide. Bektash covers the entire state of NH. It would be nice to see a larger geographical pool of Nobles to be able to call on when in need. Please contact the office if you are interested in fezzing up and being a direct part of the magic of the Shriners Hospitals.
Easter EggStravaganza is upon us. The committee has worked hard and made a lot of plans to make this year a success. This is our second year after fully taking this event over from Concord TV. The committee has exciting special entertainers donating time for the kids.
A big thank you to Mr. Aaron and to Queen Elsa of Princess Parties by Kayla who have graciously donated their time to the Shrine and our cause.
Paul M Little
Potentate 2023